Lancashire Now 105

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FREE Issue. 105 - June 2019 0115 6972677 | www.wilcopmedia.co.uk | sales@wilcopmedia.co.uk

Inside this issue: st helens | care | what’s on

Supplement inside

FREE Issue. 105 - June 2019 0115 6972677 | www.wilcopmedia.co.uk | sales@wilcopmedia.co.uk

Inside this issue: St Helens | Care | what’s on

What's behind the mask?

See Page 17..

Supplement inside

Volunteers needed

see page 3..

ÂŁ10,000 refurbishment

see page 6..

Blackpool Armed Forces Week Raises

the Flag in 2019

see page 10..

National

Festival of Making

see page 44..

Domestic abuse can be happening right under our noses with victims suffering in silence or simply not knowing that they are victims.

In a world where photos are constantly posted on social media, GMP are encouraging friends, family and colleagues to look beyond the lens, the filters and the emojis to find out if the person they love and care for needs help.

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Bestselling author climbs Pendle Hill as new Quaker walk is developed Novelist Tracy Chevalier, author of worldwide bestseller Girl with a Pearl Earring visited Pendle and the Ribble Valley last week to climb Pendle Hill and explore the area’s Quaker connections.

The historical novelist, who was born in Washington DC, followed in the footsteps of George Fox who climbed the hill in 1652 and had a compelling vision which led him to found the Quaker movement.

Her visit will form the basis of a new Quaker walk highlighting the area’s unique history and landscape.

Tracy Chevalier came to Wycoller in 2016 when she was the Creative Partner for the Charlotte Brontë 200th and saw Pendle Hill in the distance.

She pledged to return to climb it and said: “You don't understand the power of the place until you come and witness it yourself."

Pendle Council has teamed up with Ribble Valley Borough Council, Mid Pennine Arts and the Pendle Hill Partnership to create a new short film of Tracy Chevalier’s visit to climb Pendle Hill. And the team is also developing a new Quaker walk to help others enjoy an area which is a place of world wide pilgrimage.

Tracy, who has attended Quaker meetings for over 40 years, climbed the iconic hill with her friend Amy Peck, an archivist from Brooklyn, New York.

Amy is visiting the our area for the first time. Tracy said: “Amy told me she wanted to see something dramatic. “And what could be better than Pendle Hill! It’s a stunning back drop to so much important history.”

Wendy Hampton, the Clerk of Clitheroe Quakers who also works for the Quakers nationally, joined the group to advise on George Fox’s religious journey of 1652.

The walk included a spring which is now called Fox’s Well where the visionary took refreshment and which he describes in a journal where he captured his experiences.

Sarah Lee, from Pendle Council's Communications Team said:

“We’ve wanted to share our area’s Quaker connections for a long time and this true story still has deep resonance today.

“It’s a wonderful walk for anyone wanting to explore an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and an absorbing history of dissent going back over hundreds of years,” she added.

Nick Hunt, Director of Mid Pennine Arts which is leading a new Pendle Radicals project for the new National Lottery Heritage Funded Pendle Hill Partnership said: “George Fox is one of the first and the most famous in a long line of non-conformists associated with the Pendle Hill area.

“We’ll be developing a Radicals Trail this year to connect people and places under this theme and the new Quaker walk will link perfectly to that.

“Tracy Chevalier’s visit leads the way in putting Pendle Hill’s history of radical thinkers on the map as we bring our powerful heritage to light,” he added.

Tom Pridmore, Tourism Officer for the Ribble Valley said: “We’re keen to share our beautiful area in a way

which will have a low impact on our countryside and rural communities.

“It will benefit our rural economy and neighbouring towns and give people locally, nationally and internationally a really memorable experience,” he stated.

“The Ribble Valley and Pendle have a growing reputation as a beautiful and unspoilt area to walk in, with many award winning country pubs, some of them Michelin starred.

“When George Fox climbed Pendle Hill in 1652 the first thing he did was to walk down to the picturesque village of Downham and convert the local inn keeper,” he explained.

Tom added: “The new Quaker walk ends in the pub, at the acclaimed Assheton Arms where people can look back and drink up the stunning views of Pendle Hill!” n his journal, in 1652 George Fox wrote about his vision: “As we traveled we came near a very great hill, called Pendle Hill, and I was moved of the Lord to go up to the top of it; which I did with difficulty, it was so very steep and high.

“When I was come to the top,

I saw the sea bordering upon Lancashire. From the top of this hill the Lord let me see in what places he had a great people to be gathered.

“As I went down, I found a spring of water in the side of the hill, with which I refreshed myself, having eaten or drunk but little for several days before… At night we came to an inn, and declared truth to the man of the house.”

The film In Brontë Footsteps was commissioned by Pendle Council to mark her earlier visit and was created by Clitheroe film maker Graham Kay. It can be seen on Vimeo https://vimeo.com/182411306 Tracy Chevalier’s novels include The Last Runaway about the Underground Railroad which is set in the 1850s. It depicts Quakers who, following their strong belief in equality, helped escaped slaves to find their freedom in a dangerous journey using ‘safe’ houses from the US to Canada.

Pendle Radicals, led by Mid Pennine Arts, is an exploration of Pendle Hill’s heritage of radical thinkers, non-conformists and changemakers. Unfolding over four years, the project is built around a team of volunteer researchers and will evolve from research investigations through creative interpretation to celebration events. http://midpenninearts.org.uk/programmes/ pendle-radicals/ The Pendle Radicals is a project of the Pendle Hill Landscape Partnership, an ambitious four year programme of activity based around the heritage and landscape of Pendle Hill, led by the Forest of Bowland AONB and supported by the National Lottery Heritage Fund. https:// pendlehillproject.com/

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Volunteers needed to ‘make’ borough’s biggest event the best yet!

Organisers behind the award-winning National Festival of Making are looking for volunteers to pitch in and help make it the best year yet!

From lending a hand at one of the many workshops to acting as a tour guide and gathering feedback, there’s lots of different ways that volunteers can get involved over the weekend of June 15 and 16.

The festival, the biggest event in Blackburn’s calendar, stretches right across the town centre, Cathedral Quarter and beyond. There’s everything from have-a-go workshops to food stalls, international performance, art exhibits, markets, music and more. Last year, more than 100 volunteers helped 40,000 visitors enjoy the weekend and with the 2019 event promising to be even bigger, brighter and bolder, it’s all hands on deck.

Martin Eden, Director of Environment at Blackburn with Darwen Council, which sponsors the event, said: The National Festival of Making is a fantastic event with a packed programme of events. A huge amount of work goes into organising it each year and volunteers play a really important part in making sure the weekend is a huge success.

People can help in lots of different ways and they can commit to just a couple of hours over the weekend or volunteer across the two full days.

It’s a really good experience and we offer full training, will help with the cost of travel expenses and there’s a free lunch up for grabs for all those who sign-up.

The volunteers, known as Festival Makers, will be invited to a training session and will

be given a National Festival of Making t-shirt. There’s the chance to meet new people, have fun, learn about making and get hands-on experience of being involved in a festival.

Martin Eden added: The National Festival of Making is putting Blackburn on the map and provides

a big boost for the local economy.

By volunteering, there’s the chance to get involved in something really special in the borough – it’s a fantastic opportunity to give something back.

The event has scooped three top awards, including Best Non-Music Festival at the UK Festival Awards 2018. Volunteers must be aged 16 and older. To find out more about the

festival, volunteering and to sign-up to be involved, visit: www. festivalofmaking. co.uk/about/volunteer

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Page 4.

Team With Quality Training!

Great teams need a great foundation, investing in your team is investing in your business and your customers.

Training is a fantastic way of ensuring your team have the right skills and knowledge to deliver an outstanding service.

Paisley Training and Consultancy is a local training provider and consultancy company covering the North West.

The company was set up by Mark Tierney and Tracey Highland who deliver all the training and consultancy services themselves.

We believe in delivering exceptional training that is focussed on meeting the development needs of your team.

Having experience of managing services means that we understand the needs of services and clients. We want to share our experience and

our passion for providing high quality services for clients.

Mark has particular expertise in Deaf awareness and British Sign Language as he has worked in Deaf services for over ten years. Mark has managed a range of care services including residential

care and domiciliary care and has been a Registered Manager.

Tracey has over twenty years management experience gained in the housing, care and charity sectors. Tracey has considerable experience and expertise in managing

safeguarding having been a safeguarding lead and has been delivering safeguarding training for ten years.

Your team needs the knowledge and expertise to deliver a high quality service; we deliver innovative training sessions so why not allocate

someone from your team to become a Safeguarding Champion or an exceptional Activities Co-ordinator. Join one of our open courses in Bolton, St Helens, Kirkham or Kendal.

You may prefer to have courses delivered in your

workplace on topics such as Safeguarding, Management Team Development or Care Quality Commission (CQC) Compliance.

Check out our website for a full list of training or contact us to discuss your requirements.

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LABC awards for two Wyre contractors

Two local construction companies have been highly commended at the LABC Building Excellence Awards for a building project in Wyre.

The commendations were awarded to K Wood Builders and R English Joinery and Construction Limited, for the best individual new home category.

LABC (Local Authority Building Control)

represents all local authority building control teams in England and Wales. The awards are open to projects where the building control work has been carried out by a local authority building control team. Both companies used Wyre Council’s Building Control team for a development on Breck Road in Poulton.

Kirk Wood, owner of K Wood Builders comments, "Receiving the Highly Commended award for Best Individual New Home at the LABC Awards came as quite the surprise. In this highly competitive industry, to be recognised was a real thrill and meant a great deal to us.

“We have always found working alongside Wyre

Council building control straightforward and extremely beneficial. They've always been there to offer help and advice, both over the phone and on site. We very much look forward to working with them on future projects."

Maria Blundy, Head of Built Environment at Wyre Council comments, “The LABC awards are different to many other awards in the construction industry. They are not all about looks and design, they focus on quality and standards, although many winners including this project in Wyre incorporate both. They look at how well buildings are put together from start to finish and the skills of those who design and construct them. We are very proud of everyone involved – they are paving the way ahead for the industry.”

Wyre Council was pleased to have five shortlisted finalists this year who were carefully selected from the many schemes they have been involved with during the year.

The other finalists were: Best Extension or alteration

category - Hewitt Bros Construction, WBD Architects and Clair Higginson for Dovestone Drive Poulton.

Best individual new home category Elite Joinery services and Carter-Zub Building Consultancy Ltd for a new dwelling Little Poulton Lane.

Best small housing development category- GST Developments for Hillberry close Thornton Cleveleys.

LABC residential construction professional of the year, Chris

Johnston, Redrow Homes Lancashire. Wyre Council building control is a publicly accountable and independent service. The team works with builders across the borough to ensure projects meet building regulations standards, providing preapplication advice through to a comprehensive on-site service. To find out more visit www.wyre.gov.uk/ buildingcontrol or call 01253 887251.

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Vital community asset in Gorton benefits from £10,000 refurbishment A focal point for the community in Gorton has been given a new lease of life thanks to a five-figure restoration project.

For nearly 40 years the Gorton Community Centre has grown to become a lynchpin for East Manchester Residents.

Supporting pensioners to new mums, the staff of the centre have been able to help generations of Mancunians from the cradle to their twilight years.

A community grocer has also been established at the centre, providing cheap and healthy food to residents for a fraction of the retail price.

But after four decades the centre had declined into a state of disrepair and ran the risk of no longer being fit for purpose. However, as a result of its partnership work with Manchester City Council and its commitment to corporate social responsibility, construction giant Kier were able to step in to help the community centre.

During April they carried out a full, and completely free refurbishment of the centre which would have ordinarily cost more than £10,000.

On April 12 after a hectic week the keys were handed back over to the centre’s

management, who were ready to get back into the busy dayto-day business of running a vibrant community hub.

Councillor Nigel Murphy, Deputy Leader of Manchester City Council said: “Strong communities contribute to a stronger Manchester and places such as the Gorton Community Centre are where life long bonds of friendship and solidarity are made.

“Over the decades Manchester has changed immeasurably but one thing which has remained constant is the spirit of its residents. The work which goes on at the community centre whether it is classes for our older citizens, drop in sessions for new mums, or even somewhere to have a cup of tea and a chat is so

important in building a sense of pride in the community.

“It would be fair to say that over the decades the Gorton Community Centre had seen better days. But, thanks to the time, money and effort of Kier the centre is now fit for the 21st century and a place all residents can be proud of.

“Corporate Social Responsibility is something Manchester City Council takes very seriously, and we are pleased that Kier have been an enthusiastic partner throughout this project.

As well as covering the costs of this refurbishment, apprentices have also been taken on by Kier to help them develop, and learn core skills needed for future employment.”

Kier’s Regional Director Garry Bowker said: “We’re a Manchester-based company and as a result of that, we like to get involved in community projects. Social value is big on our agenda. We’ve made a commitment to support the local community in Gorton and it’s nice to see everybody here today. It’s clearly a very well used centre and long may it continue.”

Healthy-eating fast food Sales E: sales@wilcopmedia.co.uk | T: 0115 6972677

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restaurant opens in Wigan town centre A new business offering healthy meals, snacks and shakes to-go for those keen to shed some pounds ahead of the summer months will open this weekend.

Health Hut North West, based on Market St in Wigan town centre, is preparing for its official opening on Saturday 4th May following support from Wigan Council’s invest in Wigan team. The healthy eatery is predominantly a take-out service but does have limited seating available.

Darren Maxfield and Ben Moore from Orrell and Pemberton respectively, have always had aspirations of running their own business and last year, they made their dream a reality.

After the duo contacted the council, they successfully applied for £2,000 from the authority’s Business Booster pot and were put in touch with the Business Growth

Hub who also offered start-up business support. Speaking of this partnership working, Darren said: “Contacting the Invest in Wigan Team was one of the best decisions we made.

The support we have had from them has been instrumental in getting us to the position where we are today. We cannot thank Wigan Council enough for believing in our idea and supporting us every step of the way.”

The launch will have live music, free food samples and guest appearances from the world of Super League.

Darren added: “We are really looking forward to the opening and are very proud to open our business in our home town.

“We have always had an interest in health and nutrition.

Our aim is to provide high quality food that is healthy and good value. We are committed to establishing ourselves as a

business with a good reputation making the healthy option the easy option.” Health Hut NW is now one of almost 400 companies now signed up to Wigan Council’s Deal for Business, which is a relationship between the council and local businesses to work together to build a stronger borough.

In return for local business people working with the community and supporting council initiatives, the council can provide financial support, training guidance and help with the legalities of running a company.

Tricia Evans, economic development service manager at Wigan Council said: “It’s our job to inspire people to step out of their comfort zone and help them create a business that is relevant, sustainable and most importantly, successful. “Developing skills in local people, inspiring young people from the borough to think about a range of careers and encouraging people to work and invest in Wigan Borough are key priorities for us. “We look forward to continuing to support Health Hut on their journey and strive to help even more people make their ambition a reality.”

To find out what support your business could benefit from, contact the Invest in Wigan Team by emailing business@wigan.gov.uk or calling 01942 489190.

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A derelict piece of land at the edge of Holt House playing fields in Colne is being transformed into a pocket park.

Kieron Roberts, Pendle Council’s Green Spaces Manager said:

“We’re one of almost 200 places in the country to win government funding to create a fantastic new green space for our community.”

Pendle Council teamed up with Colne and Nelson Rugby Club to make the successful

bid and won £23,500 towards the project.

The national initiative aims to create green spaces near to towns for local people to enjoy for relaxation, exercise, play and socialising.

Pocket parks are designed to

play a part in tackling health issues such as obesity and social isolation by bringing people in the community together to learn new skills and enjoy physical activities.

Pendle Council has invested £5,000 into the project which is called the Holt House Activity Garden.

Chris Buck, Chairman of Colne and Nelson Rugby Club said: “We’ve been pleased to get involved in this new park which is next to our rugby pitches.

“The rugby club has donated £500 to this worthwhile project which encourages people to get active and enjoy

quality time near to home.

“We are hoping to install more pieces of trim trail equipment around the larger playing field in the future,” he added.

Pendle’s Environmental Action Group is helping to prepare the site and the pocket park should be finished in July.

Kieron said: “It’s a small site but will have a big impact.

“It’s on two levels and we’ve worked with Pendle Leisure Trust to include specialist low mobility fitness equipment for a green gym and fitness trail which will have ten pieces of equipment to suit all ages and levels of ability.

“Pendle Leisure Trust will use the new pocket park for some of the fitness sessions they run for those with mobility problems, including GP referrals to help people recovering from injuries or illness,” he explained.

Raised beds for growing vegetables and herbs will be an important community aspect to the park, too.

Pendle’s Goodlife Project will teach local people growing skills and will help with ongoing weeding and maintenance.

Plans for the pocket park also include a wildflower meadow and colourful flower garden with decorative shrubs and hedging to complete the design.

Some local residents at the new housing development Campion Green next to the site are part of a new volunteer group which will run volunteer days to look after the park.

Keith Turbitt for Campion Green Residents group said: “As well as being a space where people can relax and enjoy some quiet time or a chat with their neighbours, we’ll be encouraging people to take an active part in their park.

“And I’m sure it will soon be enjoyed by people who use Holt House playing fields and Alkincoats Park too,” he added.

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Councillor Anne Kelly has been aoppinted Mayor of Burnley 2019/20.

Here she introduces herself and some details about her background and plans for her year in office.

My name is Anne Kelly and I am the Mayor of Burnley for 2019/20.

I was born in Heywood, near Bury, but moved to Briercliffe as a small child and have lived here ever since.

I attended secondary school in Colne before moving on to

Nelson and Colne College.

I must have enjoyed education because I subsequently qualified as a teacher and taught at St James Primary School and then Briercliffe Primary School for more than 25 years, as well as doing supply teaching in schools all over the borough.

I have been a Briercliffe parish councillor for almost 30 years and a borough councillor for 12 years, representing Briercliffe.

I’ve been married to John for

44 years and I’m very pleased that he’s agreed to act as my Consort.

We have three children – Jill, Martin and Richard - and five grandchildren.

Together we have pledged to promote our borough and raise money for our chosen charity ELHT and Me to provide diagnostic scanners at Burnley General Hospital for early cancer detection.

We also plan to make a donation to Burnley’s Talking Newspapers.

Children choose the winners

of the Fantastic Book Awards 2019 The winners of the 14th annual Fantastic Book Awards have been chosen by young readers in Lancashire.

Pupils aged nine to eleven from 157 schools across the county have read six books from a list of 30, during the autumn and spring terms.

The children voted for their favourite at the end of the spring term and the winners were announced at ceremonies held in five primary schools: Emma Carroll – Letters from the Lighthouse Tom Fletcher – The Creakers Dave Lowe – The Incredible Dadventure Adam Stower – King Koo Sharon Tregenza – The Jewelled Jaguar The main aim of the

awards, organised by Lancashire County Council's School Library Service, is to support reading for pleasure and enjoyment by introducing newly-published fiction titles to nine to eleven year-old pupils.

Julie Bell, head of libraries, museums, culture and registrars at Lancashire County Council, said: "The awards involve thousands of children from primary schools across Lancashire avidly reading and then discussing books. They then get the chance to vote on the books that they like the best at the end of the spring term.

"This is a fun way to engage with our children to encourage them to read and importantly help us to maintain the county's high levels of literacy.

"We particularly like the books to be read in a book club, so that the pupils can share their thoughts with each other in a relaxed setting.

"I'm delighted the Fantastic Book Awards have enjoyed another successful year, and that more children have been encouraged to discover the pleasure of a good book."

The five primary schools where ceremonies were held are: Deepdale Community Primary School, Preston Flakefleet Primary School, Fleetwood Bradley Primary School, Nelson Rosewood Primary School, Burnley Ashleigh Primary School, Darwen

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Blackpool Armed Forces Week Raises the Flag in 2019 Blackpool’s Armed Forces Week is back with an uplifting programme of events and entertainment to honour the nation’s military personnel of the past, present and future.

Armed Forces Week is Blackpool’s opportunity to say thank you to our heroes.

Since 2006, we have been celebrating the event annually, and it now forms an integral part of VisitBlackpool’s events calendar.

From 24–30 June, Blackpool will come together to welcome serving military personnel, veterans and cadets, with a wide range of activities designed for them and their families, as well as the many thousands of people visiting the resort.

Here are some of the events!

Armed Forces Week Flag Raising Ceremony 24 June 2019 (10:00) Blackpool Armed Forces Week officially begins with the raising of the Armed

Forces Day Flag above the Town Hall. Free to attend so please come and join us.

Music for Heroes 24 June 2019 (18:00) Blackpool says thank you to the Armed Forces with this musical extravaganza in Blackpool’s Grand Theatre.

The theatre will host a night of free music, comedy and live performance with a full programme of entertainment.

To get your free tickets now, book online or in person at the Blackpool Grand Theatre, or at the VisitBlackpool Tourist Information Centre on the Promenade. Please note a booking fee of £2 applies to all tickets.

Viva Vegas Variety Cabaret Showtime Afternoon 25 June 2019 (12:00) Join us at Viva, Blackpool’s very own Vegas show venue for an afternoon of entertainment and variety followed by a quiz and bingo! Serving personnel and

veterans get 25% off ticket prices – discounts apply so check for details. To claim the offer, quote AFW2019 when booking. To book, please call the Viva Box Office on 01253 297297 or call in!

Armed Forces Week Afternoon Tea Dance 26 June 2019 (10:00 – 17:00) The Mighty Wurlitzer will play at an Armed Forces themed afternoon tea dance in the magnificent surroundings of Blackpool’s famous Tower Ballroom. Entry to the Blackpool Tower Ballroom is £9.95 and entry with Afternoon Tea is £17.00.

Tickets are available from The Blackpool Tower Box Office and the event is open to all.

National Armed Forces Day 29 June 2019 (10:00 – 16:00) Enjoy a full day of entertainment at Blackpool’s Stanley Park to celebrate Armed Forces Day. A number of vintage and modern day military vehicles

will form a static display in the Italian Gardens, including the Lytham St Anne’s Spitfire Ground Display Team.

A Royal Navy Wildcat Helicopter from 815 Naval Air Squadron will be in attendance, and you can cheer on local military cadet forces as they battle it out for the Armed Forces Week trophy in a series of challenges!

Come and see what other stands and displays are on offer including military associations, local military cadet units, decommissioned military items for all to view, with fun and games for all the family!

Armed Forces Day Military Concert 29 June 2019 (19:30) Armed Forces Day is brought to a rousing finale with a full, live concert by the Band & Corps of Drums of The Royal Regiment of Fusiliers (Lancashire) at the Norbreck Castle Hotel. Tickets are free, and are available from the Norbreck Castle Hotel and VisitBlackpool Tourist Information Centre.

Sunday Morning Service and Parade 30 June 2019 (From 10:30) Blackpool comes together to honour and unite Britain’s Armed Forces past, present and future.

Attending the service will be veteran’s associations, cadets, serving military as

Credit VisitBlackpool

well as their friends, families and associates. Everyone is welcome to the service of appreciation that takes place within the grounds of Blackpool grade II listed War Memorial on Blackpool Promenade next to North Pier.

In addition to these events, the hugely popular “Going to the Flicks” event returns to the Odeon Cinema throughout the week, as local schoolchildren take part in the project to see a specially commissioned education film to show what happened in Blackpool during WWI and WWII. Current serving tri-service military personnel and veterans will bein attendance to participate in a Q&A. On 27 June, Coral Island will play host, offering veterans and their families this generous invitation to dine out and enjoy a free carvery.

Tickets are free but advance booking is essential. Proof of service required (MOD 90 or Veterans Badge, subject to availability). A £5.00 per person deposit is required and fully refundable upon arrival.

Bookings are open from

10/06/2019 on 01253 922182.

On 28 June, the Service of Dedication at the Fylde Memorial Arboretum will take place to commemorate our Armed Forces and veterans while the evening sees what many veterans consider the highlight of the week, the Grand Gala Dinner at the Norbreck Castle Hotel.

Following the formalities there will be a raffle and then entertainment from a top-class cabaret line-up and band.

Tickets are £19.75 per person and to book, call 01253 352341.

The week ends with the annual Blackpool Taxi Pull on 30 June at the Blackpool Cenotaph on Blackpool Promenade near North Pier.

The event sees local cabbies show off their strength to raise money for Armed Forces charities.

Following this a barbeque will be held at the Guards Club for serving personnel and veterans of the Fylde Coast post service and parade. Admission to the Guards Club is free, with 50% discount on food for all uniformed regular service personnel.

Councillor Simon Blackburn, Leader of Blackpool Council, said: “Armed Forces Week is back for 2019 for another week-long of activities and events to celebrate our Armed Forces past, present and future.

“We invite visitors and residents alike to join in the celebrations for this annual event which gets bigger and better each year.”

The full programme for Armed Forces Week, and more details about individual events, news and tickets, go to www.visitblackpool. com/armedforces

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Man charged after Waterfoot shooting

A man has been charged following a shooting in Waterfoot.

Police were called around 5.40pm on May 14 to Burnley Road East after a man in his 30s suffered a gunshot wound to his foot.

He was taken to hospital for treatment and is recovering.

Four people were arrested by police in connection with the incident.

Connor Goodwin, 23, of no fixed address, was later charged with inflicting grievous bodily harm without intent, possessing a shotgun without a certificate and production of a Class B drug.

He was remanded to appear at Preston Magistrates’ Court on May 18.

A 32-year-old man and a 40-year-old man arrested on suspicion of attempted murder and cannabis cultivation were bailed to June 11.

A 39-year-old woman arrested on suspicion of grievous bodily harm was released under investigation pending further enquiries.

Community Volunteer Awards shortlist announced!

The people and organisations in the running for Community Volunteer Awards have been announced.

The shortlist includes kindhearted neighbours who look out for others, individuals who help bring people from diverse communities together, and those who go out of their way to help keep our neighbourhoods clean and smart.

The Community Volunteer Awards are a collaboration between Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council and Community CVS. They bring together the CVS’s Volunteer Awards, and the Council’s Good Neighbour Awards for the first time in 2019.

Residents of Blackburn with Darwen were asked to nominate the people who they think make a positive difference to life in their local communities, as well as businesses and organisations that contribute through volunteering too.

Around 300 nominations were received for the Community Volunteer Awards.

A diverse judging panel made up of people from right across the borough met to sift through them all in late April. Blackburn MP Kate Hollern joined Council Leader Councillor Mohammed Khan, Executive Councillor Phil Riley and Chief Executive Denise Park.

Euro Garages, main sponsor of the Community Volunteer Awards, was represented on the judging panel by Head of Learning & Human Resources Jo Shepherd. Garth Hodgkinson, Chief Executive of Community CVS, took part in shortlisting too, alongside representatives of Blackburn College, Blackburn Rovers FC and Age UK. In total, over 60 individuals and groups have been shortlisted across 13 categories including the Grass Roots Community Action Award, Health and Wellbeing Award, and Volunteer of the Year.

To see who’s shortlisted in all 13 categories visit http:// www.communitycvs.org.uk/ volunteer/volunteer-awards/.

D e n i s e

Park, Chief Executive of Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council, was on the shortlisting panel. She said: “Going through the nominations for the Community Volunteer Awards was such an uplifting experience! It highlighted just how many good souls we have across the Blackburn with Darwen community, and the good work that happens to make our borough one that offers support to those that need it. Volunteering is an incredibly rewarding activity, and it’s right that we recognise those people of all ages who

give their time, energy and expertise freely to make our borough a better place.”

The winners of the 2019 Community Volunteer Awards will be revealed at a special awards evening in King George’s Hall on Monday 10 June. All the shortlisted volunteers and organisations have been invited to attend.

Garth Hodgkinson, Chief Executive of Community CVS, added: “Our Community Volunteer Awards event is always a highlight in our annual calendar, as we bring together volunteers from right across the borough. It’s a true celebration of all that they achieve through their volunteering, from the good neighbours who perhaps don’t see the help they give to others as volunteering, to the Blackburn with Darwen businesses that encourage their staff to give their time to a good cause.”

Cabinet decides future of transport information centres Lancashire County Council will work to support the transfer of two transport information centres (TICs) to community rail groups, while a further two centres will be closed.

A report to the council's cabinet on Thursday 16 May outlined the results of a consultation which resulted in expressions of interest from third parties to take over operation of the information centres.

It recommended supporting the transfer of the service at Carnforth Railway Station to Leeds-Morecambe Line, and supporting the transfer of the service at Clitheroe Interchange to Community Rail Lancashire (Clitheroe).

The report outlined that an assessment of expressions of interest received from these groups found they had put forward comprehensive and sustainable proposals with strong evidence of community benefit in the way services could be developed in the future.

An expression of interest had also been received from a commercial organisation for all the centres, however this was assessed as lacking evidence to support the overall business case or community benefit to support a transfer.

A further expression of interest received from an individual for Nelson transport information centre was assessed as lacking information about how the service could be sustained, and sought incentives requiring continued financial support from the council.

The cabinet agreed proposals to cease the services provided by the council at all four information centres, including one at Preston Bus Station, in line with previous cabinet resolutions, but to support the transition of the current operations to the two community rail partnership groups for Carnforth and Clitheroe TICs. The report outlined that there could be no 'transfer of service' in the truest sense because the council's agreement with a

train operator to retail tickets, and leases for space within premises, would need to be negotiated by the third parties themselves.

Closure of the TICs means that some of the staff currently providing the service may be made redundant if not redeployed.

It is the intention of the groups interested in providing services at Carnforth and Clitheroe to be in a position to take over the service within three to six months, and anticipated that the council will maintain services during this time.

The saving agreed by Full Council in February 2018 to be delivered by closing the centres was £156,000.

The delivery of the saving has been delayed while expressions of interest were considered. The exact timescales for delivery of the saving will depend upon when the sites are closed or transferred, however this will be managed within the public transport budget.

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The Fire Within Festival explodes in Wigan!

A historically vacant area in a Greater Manchester shopping centre that was transformed into a hub of culture over the weekend saw an increased footfall of more than 2,000 people.

The upper floor of The Galleries shopping centre in Wigan town centre was completely re-imagined as part of Wigan Council’s

launch of #TheFireWithin – a new manifesto outlining the borough’s focus on arts and culture over the next five years. On Saturday 11th May, 11am-4pm, six vacant units in The Galleries were opened to the public once more and were

completely transformed from shells to bright, vibrant and open rooms with interactive displays, performances and exhibitions. Footfall figures show an increase of more than 2,000 people in comparison to the previous Saturday.

Wigan Council hosted the event in partnership with cultural organisations and internationally renowned artists Al Holmes and Al Taylor, who also live in the borough.

The social event is in line with the local authority’s plans to revitalise the shopping centre, connect new audiences to culture, showcase talent and create exciting, diverse units for the town centre.

Chief executive of the council, Alison McKenzie-Folan said: “On behalf of the council I’d like to thank everybody who came to #TheFireWithin Festival at the weekend.

“We worked really closely with Al and Al plus a range of different cultural organisations to host a fresh, creative and ground-breaking event to inspire people to engage with arts and culture in our town.

“It’s been a great success and we now look forward to the next five years where we will explore the five themes outlined in our borough-wide manifesto, which was created in partnership with local people.

“Culture is a driver in reducing social isolation and in improving health and wellbeing. Increasing cultural activity, seeking investment and putting resource into cultural activity is a key priority for us. “This work will help to position Wigan

Borough as a culturally thriving district in the North West and will provide fantastic economic benefits as we know that culture plays a big part in regenerating areas. “We do have a significant cultural offer in Wigan Borough but now The Fire Within has officially launched, we have something much more inclusive that will inspire residents and visitors alike to choose our town over cities like Manchester and Liverpool.

“And it’s already happening.

Artists and groups are heading to our borough because we’re ready to be bold and ambitious.”

The event saw a headline performance from local band, LYNCHS, and further performances from WigLe Dance, singer Zack Carpenter, poet Louise Fazackerley, Wigan’s 50-piece orchestra, soundscape artist Overload and many more.

There were also a range of works open for viewing from the council’s archived items to local artist creations.

Some of the works included a taxidermy display, a simulated total eclipse and a world exclusive exhibition of Theodore Major’s paintings that were created in the final year of his life surrounded by coal slagheaps.

Residents and shoppers were excited to see a buzz in the shopping centre, describing the event as ‘fantastic’ and explaining how they are ‘happy to see the shops so full and empty spaces being used for something so different.’ A number of highprofile movers and shakers in the cultural world have

also expressed their support for the event and the council's plan for the future. Sacha Lord, night time economy advisor for Greater Manchester came to the event. Afterwards he tweeted: “The Fire Within is fantastic. Go and support it. You can spend hours there and it’s free! Extra bonus the car park was free on a Saturday (others take note). Huge congrats.”

Stuart Maconie, Wiganer, broadcast presenter and journalist also attended. He tweeted: “This by Al and Al is the most inspirational and exciting thing to do with my home town in decades, go and find out more at The Galleries, Wigan.” Darren Henley OBE, chief executive of Arts Council England took to The Fire Within’s brand new emoji stage at the beginning of the event and spoke to attendees.

He said “I love the sense of ambition the sense of possibility and opportunity. Looking at some of the plans for the town centre, I thought, this is going to be brilliant, and then coming in here [The Galleries] and hearing all of the stories and all of the things you’re planning is absolutely brilliant.” He concluded by saying: “The Arts Council will support this borough.

We want to invest in Wigan.”

Al and Al, who managed the event and all of the performances said: “This has been an intense, immense and amazing process. We’ve worked really closely with the council to host this event and although we have led on installations across the world, this has to be one of the best installation teams we have worked with.

“The process of making this show happen has been a dream and we have worked with people who have gone above and beyond their usual day job to make this happen. Everybody is an artist, including the taskforce who have been involved in this work and the council employees who have built the staging and transformed the space.”

The cultural manifesto was created following extensive consultation with residents through The Deal 2030 survey where local people had their say on what they want to see in the borough’s future.

The survey outcomes were clear in that residents wanted to take part in more social and cultural activities locally and they wanted to celebrate the borough’s heritage.

helen cartmell botanical magic There’s a real sense of calm when you walk into Helen Cartmell’s shop.

Whether it’s the trickling water from the fountain, the glow from the salt lamps, or the scent of incense mixed with the gentle aroma of candles, a wave of relaxation washes over you and you can’t help but feel happy. ‘Everything in the shop is designed to uplift the soul. It’s all ethically sourced and natural,’ said Helen, who opened the store of her

namesake eight months ago.

The former freelance florist wanted to combine her two passions, floristry and yoga, into one business for a totally holistic experience.

So, as well as the beautiful bouquets, Helen creates, her signature range which often includes hydrangeas, peonies, roses and freesia.

She also hires out local halls

to teach yoga classes and stocks a range of inspirational gifts and homewear. ‘They’re all different branches of me; I didn’t want it just to be flowers. I’ve got a passion for the holistic side of things and have loved yoga since my early 20s. ‘Nowadays, people are looking for prevention rather than a cure, so items like my salt lamps and crystals have been really popular.

Quite a few therapists around Longridge use them so their clients have been coming here to get their own.’ www.facebook.com/HelenCartmell-Botanical-Magic-275869515798495

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What's behind the mask?

Domestic abuse can be happening right under our noses with victims suffering in silence or simply not knowing that they are victims.

In a world where photos are constantly posted on social media, GMP are encouraging friends, family and colleagues to look beyond the lens, the filters and the emojis to find out if the person they love and care for needs help.

Domestic abuse includes coercive and controlling behaviour, financial and emotional abuse as well as violence and can affect anybody, regardless of gender, age, race, sexuality or social background. It is not acceptable in any circumstance.

Detective Superintendent Gwyn Dodd from Greater Manchester Police said: 'We want to encourage victims, friends and family to report domestic abuse and put an end to it.

We are here to help and want victims or those with concerns to know they can turn to us. Domestic abuse has potentially devastating consequences and it’s important people are aware of how to spot the signs. Trust your instincts, if something doesn’t feel right it might not be. If you can tell that they are being controlled, are in a violent relationship or are being stopped from meeting friends and family report it.

We know that one in three women will be a victim of abuse in their lifetime, as will one in six men. This is a sad statistic which highlights the scale of the problem across Greater Manchester. Always dial 999 where there is a threat to someone’s life or a crime in progress. By encouraging reporting we can reduce the number of incidents of domestic abuse and save lives.' It’s never easy to come to terms with knowing that someone is suffering. While every domestic abuse case is different, there may be telltale signs that indicate abuse is taking place.

These include: Injuries: Bruising, cuts or injuries or walking stiffly or appears sore. These injuries may come with explanations that don’t fit with the description.

Excuses: The victim may excuse their injuries by claiming they are clumsy or gives the same explanation each time.

Stress: Displays physical symptoms related to stress, other anxiety disorders or depression, such as panic attacks, feelings of isolation and an inability to cope. They may even talk about suicide attempts or self-harming.

Absent from work: Often off work, takes time off without notice or is frequently late.

Personality changes: You

may notice personality changes when the victim is around their partner, appears to ‘walk on eggshells’, may be jumpy or nervous.

Low self-esteem: Low selfesteem or lack of confidence regarding their relationship or life in general and may seem sad, cry or be depressed.

Lack of opportunity to communicate independently: Perhaps their partner talks over them, or for them. Their partner may appear controlling or regularly belittle the victim.

Self blame: May take the blame for anything that happens, whether it’s at work, with the kids or with friends.

They may blame themselves for the abuse.

Lack of money: Never seems to have any money because their partner is withholding money to control them.

Stops socialising: Makes excuses for not going out with friends, or suddenly pulls out of social meets at the last minute.

Partner displays irrational behavior: Their partner is jealous, irrational or possessive. Their partner may accuse them of having affairs, flirting or may read their emails, check their phone or constantly phone to check up on them.

Unwanted pregnancy/ termination: Pregnancy often triggers the start of domestic

abuse. A individual may be unhappy at being pregnant, not wish to continue with the pregnancy, or be forced into having a termination.

Substance abuse: May use alcohol or drugs to cope or even prescribed drugs such as tranquillisers or antidepressants.

Damage to property: There may be damage to the home or even harm to pets. Unwilling to give out personal details – may not give friends and colleagues their address or telephone number and may insist that they contact you, so that you don’t turn up on their doorstep.

H o n o u r Based Abuse ( H B A ) includes

2019 Afternoon Tea

Award Finalists Revealed

The MacDonald Leeming House hotel in Cumbria will be competing with some of the country’s top hotels for the title of Afternoon Tea Of The Year 2019 on Friday 14th June at Westminster Boating Base in London.

Some of the finest hotels and restaurants from around the UK will take part in the awards, which recognise the best in afternoon tea service and creativity. This years awards are sponsored

by Tipiak, which is a food

Forced Marriage, Honour Based Violence and Female Genital Mutilation are harmful practices which we know affects not just the most vulnerable people of society but also those who we would ordinarily believe to be empowered enough to come forward and seek help but unfortunately don’t.

The concept of dishonour exists in all walks of minority communities including Asian, African, Middle Eastern and European societies. The victim can be male or female

2019 FINALISTS Macdonald Leeming House Cumbria My Chelsea Hotel Chelsea, London Polurrian On The Lizard Cornwall Crewe Hall Cheshire St.Ermin's Hotel Westminster, London Pennyhill Park Hotel & Spa Surrey Bedford Lodge Hotel & Spa Suffolk Grassington House North Yorkshire

made further vulnerable because they are a child. Other vulnerabilities can be mental health, learning difficulties or physical disabilities that the globe of perpetrators can exploit.

A victim may be a UK citizen, a foreign national or a probationary spouse unable to speak English.

Report it: Call us on 101, or, if it's an emergency, if you think someone's life is in danger, call 999. You can also call the Domestic Abuse Helpline on 0161 636 75 25.

COMO The Halkin Belgravia, London London Hilton Park Lane Mayfair, London Sheraton Grand Mayfair, London InterContinental London - The O2 East Greenwich, London Nobu Hotel London Shoreditch Hackney, London Thornton Hall Hotel & Spa Wirral Hotel Cafe Royal Soho, London W Hotel Leicester Square, London

company that manufactures prepared food products, frozen ready-meals, mini appetizers and pastries products, grocery products and crusty bread products.

The Afternoon Tea Awards will judge the entire customer experience, from arrival to departure, with a strong emphasis on food, tea and service. Chefs will be judged on their flair and creativity with their afternoon tea menus combined with high levels of service.

Why not try The MacDonald Leeming House Afternoon Tea for yourself with a Treat These 16 shortlisted hotel teams will compete at the live final on Friday 14 & Sleep special offer. With their specially June 2019 and will be required to utilise their flair and creativity to prepare selected afternoon tea breaks, you’ll enjoy the their Signature Afternoon Tea for our panel of industry judges. Each team will great British tradition of Afternoon Tea and be judged on the ingredients used, overall presentation, flavour profile, theatre overnight accommodation of serve, originality and drinks pairing.

On arrival settle in to enjoy delicate finger There will be four awards presented on the day; sandwiches, homemade scones, and a selection • Best Tasting Afternoon Tea of sweet treats, washed down with freshly • Most Innovative Afternoon Tea brewed tea and coffee.

• Best Presented Afternoon Tea You can book direct with the hotel on 0344 • Overall Winner – who will also take home the £1,000 prize 879 9142

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Cumbria and the Lake District

Cumbria is home to the English Lake District and is a predominantly rural county, considered one of the most beautiful regions of the UK. Cumbria includes the whole of the Lake District, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, also known as The Lakes or Lakeland, the Eden Valley, the North Pennines, the Furness Peninsula, and part of the Yorkshire Dales.

Windermere lake, at 10.5 miles long, one mile wide and 220 feet deep, is the largest natural lake in both the Lake District and in England, and is fed by numerous rivers.

Strictly speaking, Windermere lake is just called Winder”mere”, with “mere” meaning a lake that is broad in relation to its depth.

However here, to avoid confusion with Windermere Village, we refer to it as Windermere lake.

The long thin lake itself forms the central spine of the Windermere lake area of the Lake District. This area is also known as the South Lakes.

Bowness-on-Windermere is Lakeland’s most popular holiday resort. An excellent centre for boating activities,

it has over 10,000 boats registered. Until March 2005 Windermere was the only lake in the Lake District without a speed limit. A 10 mph limit has now been imposed.

Steamers and launches operate from Bowness Bay to Waterhead at Ambleside, and Lakeside at the southern end.

At the southern end of the lake is Lakeside Pier, and Lakeside Station of the Lakeside and Haverthwaite Railway.

Another popular attraction here is the Aquarium of the Lakes.

The only car ferry takes around 10 minutes to cross the centre of Windermere lake.

It runs from Ferry Nab, just south of Bowness, to Ferry House at Far Sawrey and operates all year round.

The lake is today one of the prime destinations for water sports in the Lake District.

Several marinas and Sailing and Windsurfing Centres are to be found on the shores.

You will also find a large selection of Adventure Activity companies, guides and instructors for all abilities based around the lake. Details of these can be found in our Activities Section. Arthur Ransome based his book ‘Swallows and Amazons’ partly on Windermere lake and partly on nearby Coniston Water. There’s a superb range of places to stay in the South Lakes, from camping

and hostels to luxury spa hotels and holiday cottages.

Private hotels and b&b’s are plentiful in the area. Yurts and shepherd’s huts are at Low Wray, near Ambleside, and Rydal. Wherever you choose to stay you will find a great selection of excellent attractions to visit nearby.

And for the adventurous, the outdoor activity industry in the Windermere lake area offers almost every imaginable opportunity.

Bowness-onWindermere is on the east shore and the busiest tourist

destination in the Lake District. Ambleside, at the northern tip of the lake, is also very popular with visitors.

Newby Bridge at the south end of the lake is slightly less well known and consequently a little quieter. However it also has plenty of accommodation and attractions. It is connected to the lake cruises route via a short journey on the steam railway. Other popular visitor destinations around Windermere lake are the delightful Coniston, Rydal & Grasmere villages. These

all have their own smaller lakes of the same names.

Hawkshead, Sawrey and Troutbeck and the majestic Langdales are all close by.

Visitor Centres in the Lake District & Cumbria BrockholeThe Lake District National Park Visitor Centre Brockhole, situated between Ambleside and Windermere, is the Lake District National Park Authority Visitor Centre. It is set in 30 acres of magnificent terraced gardens and grounds stretching down to the shore of Windermere

lake, with splendid views of the surrounding countryside.

The grounds at Brockhole are now home to a large range of outdoor activities and boats and bikes can also be hired. Or you can just relax and enjoy the historic house, grounds and visitor facilities. You can also arrive at Brockhole by water.

Whinlatter Forest :Cockermouth / Keswick / Braithwaite / Lorton Whinlatter is England’s only mountain forest. Planting first started after the first world war to combat the timber shortage. Whinlatter

Forest has had considerable investment in order to turn it into a recreational resource with many waymarked woodland paths.

The Visitor Centre is the ideal place to start a visit. In the centre you will find a seasonal DVD & a live Red Squirrel Camera, which are both shown on screens.

Also when the Ospreys return there is a live camera link showing the nest and all the activity that takes place in it.

This tends to replace the live Red Squirrel camera. During the season there are Osprey staff and volunteers who will answer any questions about Ospreys.

There are also Osprey and Red Squirrel Interpretation Panels.

There is also a book and gift shop and a very popular restaurant. The shop sells a guide to the forest, showing the fourteen miles of road suitable for walkers and cyclists, as well as many other paths for walkers.

Whinlatter Forest Park is home to the longest purposebuilt mountain bike trail in the Lake District. The Altura Trail

puts the mountain back into biking and has been built for experienced riders with good off road skills and a higher level of fitness and stamina.

For children there is a adventure forest playground, and junior trails that start and end at the visitor centre.

There are also Go Ape Tree Top Adventure and Go Ape Forest Segway at Whinlatter.

Grizedale Forest Visitor Centre Set deep in the heart of the Grizedale Forest, between the lakes of Coniston Water and Windermere, is the Grizedale V i s i t o r Centre.

The Visitor C e n t r e facilities include a new exhibition space with a full program throughout the year, gift shop, tearoom, adventure playground and picnic

tables and is a good starting point for superb forest walks.

7 cross country and downhill mountain bike trails are free to use either with your own bike or hired bikes. There is mountain bike hire at the start of the trails.

There are also Segway treks, Tree Top Junior, Ziptrekking and Tree Top Adventure. For details of walking and forest trails in Grizedale and a free download for Grizedale Walking Map see the Lake District Forests and Forest Trails page. The shop in the

Visitor Centre also sells a guide to the forest, showing the many miles of track suitable for walkers and cyclists, as well as many other paths for walkers.

The Rheged Centre Named after the Ancient Kingdom of the Dark Ages, Rheged is one of the largest visitor attraction ever to open in Cumbria.

Rheged is an all weather, all year round visitor centre of national importance. Situated in Britain’s largest grass covered building, Rheged’s centrepiece is a six storey high cinema screen, the biggest 3D cinema screen in the northwest, featuring a dramatic journey back in time through 2,000 years of Cumbria’s history and mystery as well as selected films of interest. Rheged provides an inspiring choice for group visits, an exceptional educational resource and a refreshingly different venue for corporate hospitality, product launches and conferences.

There are a selection of cafes offering fresh food with a distinct Cumbrian flavour made using the best local ingredients, including lamb and beef from Rheged’s farm.

9 individual shops within Rheged aim to include the best of the region, its activities, crafts people and food producers, and offer a varied collection of gift ideas both from Cumbria and further afield.

For families, there is an indoor and good outdoor play area and a varied programme of really quite good and imaginative children’s events throughout the school holidays from Mad Science to children’s theatre and hands on workshops

Finalists announced for 2019 Lakeland Book of the Year The finalists for the landmark 35th Lakeland Book of the Year have been unveiled and it’s been yet another fantastic year for Cumbria’s literary heritage. The longlist for one of the most prestigious literary awards outside London, the Hunter Davies Lakeland Book of the Year, has been released and the competition’s expert judges now have the difficult task of selecting the final shortlist, six category winners and the overall 2019 winner.

Highlighting almost every aspect of the county, including the history of the land and its people, the huge range of poetry it inspires, and the countless outdoor activities available, the longlist of 20 fabulous books has been selected by author, columnist and founder of the competition Hunter Davies OBE, broadcaster, ex-Gardener’s Question Time host and Cumbria Tourism Chairman Eric Robson and BBC newscaster and author Fiona Armstrong. The authors will be on tenterhooks until the winners are unveiled at

this year’s charity luncheon, held at the Castle Green Hotel, Kendal on Tuesday 16 July.

This year’s supported cause is Growing Well, a farmbased mental health charity near Kendal.

Following the luncheon, prizes will be awarded by the judges, accompanied by their reviews and entertaining comments regarding this year’s entries.

As well as the ultimate accolade of the Hunter Davies Lakeland Book of the Year 2019, the six additional prizes on offer are: • The Striding Edge Productions Prize for Guides & Places • The Latitude Press Prize for Illustration & Presentation • The Zeffirellis Prize for People & Business • The Bookends Prize for Arts & Literature • The Bill Rollinson Prize for Landscape & Tradition • The Gilpin Hotel Group Prize for Poetry & Fiction Tickets for the luncheon are available for £30 and can be purchased from Cumbria Tourism by visiting www.

lakelandbookoftheyear.co.uk.

The awards are again this year in partnership with James Cropper PLC, based at Burneside Mills, a fitting association with virtually all the UK’s hard-backed books printed on paper produced in this Cumbrian factory. The Lakeland Book of the Year is generously supported by the Cumbria Community Foundation and the Hunter Davies Fund, whose support allows the continued celebration of the county’s literary prowess.

2019 Lakeland Book of the Year Longlist: 70 Sonnets by Stephen Matthews Bruffam: Henry, first Lord Brougham & Vaux 1778-1868

by David Crackenthorpe Climbing Skiddaw: A History and an Anthology by Stephen Matthews The Corpse Roads of Cumbria

by Alan Cleaver & Lesley Park Dalston: The Story of a Cumberland Parish by David Wilcock The Debatable Land: The

Lost World Between Scotland and England by Graham Robb Derwentwater: In the Lap of the Gods by Ian Hall Feather Bed & Shive of Cheese: Names in the Landscape of Finsthwaite, Lakeside, Stott Park & Ealinghearth by Sophia Martin, Pat Jones & Liz Kingston Gin, Cake & Rucksacks

by Beth Pipe & Karen Guttridge Lakelanders: Stories and Poems about Living in a Lake District Valley by Andrea Meanwell The Little Book of Cumbria by David Ramshaw Making Their Mark: Learning to Read and Write in 19th-century Cumberland by Jane Platt Morph by Jill Clough Over the Hill at 60 Something by Barry Holmes The Puppet Show by M.W. Craven Running the Red Line

by Julie Carter The Stopping Places: A Journey Through Gypsy Britain by Damian Le Bas This Place I Know: An Anthology of Cumbrian Poetry

by Various Contributors

Wordsworth’s Gardens and Flowers: The Spirt of Paradise

by Peter Dale & Brandon C. Yen You Just Can’t Bottle It by Angela Frances Bell

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Tullie House Museum and Art Gallery Be astounded by the spectacular Fantastic Fairground Factory Exhibition at Tullie House this Summer.

Cabaret Mechanical Theatre presents the Fantastic Fairground Factory at Tullie House Museum, a brand-new exhibition exploring the secrets of the fairground with interactive exhibits designed to bemuse, baffle and bewilder. This summer the Fantastic Fairground Factory exhibition brings all the fun of the fair to Tullie House with automata and interactive games to inspire and amaze.

Families can explore the well-loved characters and sideshows found at the fairground with a collection of beautiful and amusing automata and awe-inspiring optical illusions. Then get hands-on and discover the science of the sideshow with a shadow puppet theatre, helterskelter marble run and traditional fairground games in a fun-filled exhibition for all ages to enjoy. Fantastic Fairground Factory opens on Saturday 29 June and runs throughout the summer holidays until Sunday 6 October. The exhibition will feature 30 stunning, intricate and interactive automata inspired by the fairground, created by renowned and international artists.

Large scale interactives will provide visitors with a better understanding of the secrets and science behind the art of automata. Tullie House are looking forward to hosting another Cabaret Mechanical Theatre exhibition after the success of Mechanical Circus, an interactive exhibition of historical and contemporary automata which attracted over 12,000 visitors when it was on show at the Museum in 2014.

Sarah Alexander of Cabaret Mechanical Theatre explained “We are delighted to be returning to Tullie House with this exciting new exhibition.

Automata from our collection made by 13 different artists, including Paul Spooner, Ron Fuller and Peter Markey, will be brought to life in a fairground atmosphere, with clever illusions, a chance to test a fairground ride, create a mechanical shadow puppet show and use gears and pulleys to reveal your future on our new Wheel of Fortune. A wonderful collision of art, science and fun!”

The exhibition includes some fairground favourites:

Discover the wonders of gravity with an interactive helter-skelter marble run.

Baffle the senses with optical illusions and the Hall of Mirrors.

Discover characters and tell stories with a mechanical shadow puppet theatre.

Get a glimpse into the future and have a go on the Wheel of Fortune.

Impress with games of skill to test reflexes and nerves of steel.

Charli Summers, Programme Manager at Tullie House Museum and Art Gallery said: “We are thrilled to be working with Cabaret Mechanical Theatre again following 2014’s Mechanical Circus exhibition. The automata and interactive games really make art, science and engineering fun and accessible for our family audiences. We are looking forward to an exciting summer” Opening weekend Saturday 29 June First look at the Fantastic Fairground Factory exhibition Drop-in craft sessions between 1pm-4pm Bookable, Junk Modelling Automata workshop** Sunday 30 June Fun fairground games for the whole family* Bookable, Junk Modelling Automata workshop** Spectacular performances from Euphoric Circus performers Fairground amusements in the museum gardens including face painting.

Throughout the summer holidays there will be family craft drop-ins between 1.00pm – 4.00pm, every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday.

Relaxed craft sessions are bookable between 11.00am – 12.00pm, every Tuesday during the summer holidays, for those who may feel

overwhelmed during our usual drop-ins.

The Tullie House learning team have provided several bookable automata workshops for children. See the Tullie House website for more details.

Admissions Free admission to the exhibition and family drop-ins for Annual Ticket holders and accompanying children. A day ticket is available at £6.50 for adults and £3 per child. *There will be an additional charge for some activities on Sunday 30 June. **The automata workshops will cost £10 per child, booking is essential. Call the Box Office on: 01228 618700 Don’t let the kids have all the fun; Tullie House is hosting two after-hours events for adult visitors, starting with life drawing in the gallery on Tuesday 2 July, a fun and welcoming drawing experience inspired by the exhibition, with music and drinks to get your creativity flowing. The event will run from 7.00pm until 9.00pm and tickets are £10 (£8 for students).

On Friday 20 September you can explore the dark side of the fairground with a special late opening of the exhibition.

With music, live performances and creative interventions inspired by sinister sideshows, freaky fairground rides and disorientating illusions. The event will run from 7.00pm until late and tickets are £10 (£8 for students).

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On Windermere lake Windermere, at 10.5 miles long, one mile wide and 220 feet deep, is the largest natural lake in both the Lake District and in England, and is fed by numerous rivers.

The long thin lake itself forms the central spine of the Windermere area of the Lake District. This area is also known as the South Lakes.

Looking north from the foot of Windermere lake, with Fell Foot Park right, and Lakeside Pier left.

On Windermere lake Bowness-on-Windermere is Lakeland’s most

popular holiday resort. An excellent centre for boating activities, it has over 10,000 boats registered.

Steamers and launches operate from Bowness Bay to Waterhead at Ambleside, and Lakeside at the southern end.

At the southern end of the lake is Lakeside Pier, and Lakeside Station of the Lakeside and Haverthwaite Railway.

Another popular attraction here is the Aquarium of the Lakes.

The only car ferry takes around 10 minutes to cross the centre of Windermere lake.

It runs from Ferry Nab, just south of Bowness, to Ferry

House at Far Sawrey and operates all year round.

The lake is today one of the prime destinations for water sports in the Lake District.

Several marinas and Sailing and Windsurfing Centres are to be found on the shores.

You will also find a large selection of Adventure Activity companies, guides and instructors for all abilities based around the lake. Details of these can be found in our Activities Section.

Arthur Ransome based his book ‘Swallows and Amazons’ partly on Windermere and partly on nearby Coniston Water.

Summer Evening Buffet Cruises return for the summer season The sound of cool jazz will make a triumphant return to the warm South Lakeland evenings next week, during the first Summer Evening Buffet Cruise of the year by Windermere Lake Cruises.

The first Summer Evening Buffet Cruise of the season on Saturday 1 June will be followed by further regular events every week until the end of August, with the musical backdrop once again provided by lake legends, ‘Trickle Charge’.

Each 2 ½ hour cruise will not only be accompanied by a witty repertoire and selection of mainstream jazz and tasteful pop, but freshly prepared food, served in a relaxed atmosphere.

Setting sail at 7pm, each Summer Evening Buffet Cruise will cover the entire length of the lake, treating passengers onboard the ‘steamers’ MVs Teal and Swan to the perfect way to enjoy the summer holiday season.

But don’t take our word for it; One passenger wrote on

TripAdvisor, “Wow. We have just returned from a fantastic evening cruise on Windermere. What a beautiful evening. The food was excellent, fresh and tasty and there was plenty to eat.

Service on the boat was also very friendly and professional.

Well worth the money and a fantastic night out.”

Buffet Cruises sail every Saturday from 1 June until 24 August; and every Wednesday from 3 July until 28 August.

All cruises depart at 7pm from Bowness Pier 1.

Tickets must be booked in advance and can be purchased online here https://www.

windermere-lakecruises. co.uk/cruises-fares/buffetcruise or by calling 015394 43360. All prices include the full lake cruise, live band, two-course buffet and tea & coffee.

Local Resident Card holders (who live in LA or CA postcodes) can get a 20% discount on any Summer Evening Buffet Cruises up until Wednesday 17 July inclusive.

Alcoholic drinks are also available for purchase from the fully licenced bar, while well-behaved dogs with an appreciation for good rhythms are also welcome onboard.

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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.

The Langdale Pikes: Pavey Ark, Thunacar Knott, Pike of Stickle, Harrison Stickle Route details Difficulty: Moderate (map & compass skills/remote/ indistinct paths) Time: 3 hour 16 mins Distance: 5.6 miles (9.1km) Ascent: 869 metres Dog issues: includes stiles or other dog obstacles.

OS Explorer map OL6 The English Lakes South Western Area

Seen from the surrounding hills Pike of Stickle is an instantly identifiable lump on the high ground above Langdale. Up close it’s impressive. Jack’s Rake on Pavey Ark is avoided by using an excellent path up the gully on the east ridge. Which paradoxically Wainwright called the North Rake. He also didn’t think much of it!

Its a good long clamber well within the capabilities of any walker. A circuit of the Langdale Pikes has to be high on any walker’s agenda.

1. Starting in Langdale from the New Dungeon Ghyll National Trust car park alongside Sticklebarn Tavern, head up to the back of the car park past the information boards and shelter.

Turn right through the gate, then left through the next.

Cross the grass to the bottom

of the Stickle Ghyll path.

Now the climbing begins.

Continue on the path, it’s a mixture of stone pitched path, and rough boulders. Climb the stile, there is a lift up dog gate here. Shortly after the stile is a footbridge, cross it to the other bank. Continue now on the east bank. The west bank is not such an easy path, and has a stile without a dog bypass.

Follow the pitched path, occasionally there are some lumps of rock that require a bit of clambering over.

Allow yourself to be guided by the path to cross the ghyll again back to the east bank by way of some very large stepping stones. It’s a good idea to note this crossing as it’s not so obvious on the return journey. Turn right and continue climbing, it’s not far now to the tarn.

2. At the tarn turn right and cross the outfall. Follow the path round the bank, bear left at the junction of paths to Blea Rigg, and cross the peaty boggy patch by the stream?

Now leave the tarn shore and bear right alongside Bright Beck. Cross the beck on a path climbing to the bottom of Pavey Ark’s east ridge.

Wainwright calls this route North Rake.

The path is steep and rough,

but there are no difficulties.

Rounding a rocky outcrop bear left and continue climbing on the obvious path.

Cross a short plateau and continue climbing the gully ahead. Lots of cairns mark the way although not so many are needed really. It looks much worse than it is. At the top of the gully bear left to find the summit on the other side of the broken down wall.

3. There is an intermittent path to Thunacar Knott that starts just off the summit of Pavey Ark, bear left towards Harrison Stickle for approx 50m (55 yards), then bear right. In fine weather it is not problematic, in mist the only way is to take a bearing from the map, roughly WNW. Along the way are a few boggy bits. The summit cairn is the northern most.

4. With Pike of Stickle now in view across Harrison Combe another intermittent path may be found from near the southern cairn heading initially to just right of the Pike. Care will be required for the combe is a morass of soft squidgy bog as is typical of such high gently sloping ground. There are some inviting looking ramps on the Pike when viewed from afar, but beware as it may end with a precarious move required.

Most straight forward ascent seems to be to bear left just above the base and climb alongside a gully to the summit of Pike of Stickle.

5. Drop down from the Pike by the route of ascent.

Turn right, across

the head of the gully, and keep right on the path. Bear up right to climb onto the ridge to Loft Crag. The last bit to the rocky knoll is an easy scramble with many variations.

6. Between Loft Crag and Harrison Stickle lies the small top of Thorn Crag. Continue over the summit of Loft Crag, towards a subsidiary cairn further along the ridge, before reaching it turn left down an easy but otherwise loose scree path. Bear right and climb to the small cairn of Thorn Crag summit.

7. Continuing over the summit down the other side a little to another cairn has some good views of Dungeon Ghyll and a path to Pike How. Bear left off

Loft Crag, to cross the head of Dungeon Ghyll, keep left to the cairn at the foot of the steep slopes up to Harrison Stickle and the junction of paths. Turn right onto the rough path. It soon becomes stone pitched, though breaks in places. An occasional cairn confirms the way ahead. A few rocky steps will need to be scaled, some quite energetic, but more of a delightful clamber than a scramble. Bear left to the summit cairn of Harrison Stickle, which is the most northerly of the pair.

8. From the Harrison Stickle summit, return to the col between the two summit knolls and drop right initially on grass overlooking Stickle

Tarn. Bear left onto the rough path taking a descending traverse.

At the large cairn bear right and drop down firstly on rough terraces of rock marked with cairns, and then pitch path. Follow this to the Tarn.

9. Cross the dam, but not the outfall, and bear right to drop down the path on the west bank.

After 200m (220 yards) bear left and cross the ghyll by the large stepping stones.

Continue down on the east bank. Reaching the stile cross it to continue down to the footbridge again.

Cross the footbridge and bear left to return to the car park, or the Sticklebarn Tavern!

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Stickle Tarn trail Tarn Hows Circular Walk

The steep path from the Sticklebarn pub follows Stickle Ghyll all the way up the valley side giving plenty of excuses to take a breather and wonder at the dramatic waterfalls and rock pools cut into mountainside and the striking views across the valley towards Lingmoor.

Route Details Difficulty : Challenging Time : 2 hours Distance : 1.9 miles (3km) Terrain : Steep, well defined, stone pitched path with some short easy scrambling sections Starting Point : Stickle Ghyll Car Park OS Explorer Map OL6 1. Leave from the top end of the car park and head through a wooden gate behind Sticklebarn. You'll then pass between some stone walls on the left and a bird feeding station to the right.

The stone walls are part of the remains of a fulling mill which was built here in 1453 to clean and felt wool.

The mill would have been powered by water wheel using water diverted from Stickle Ghyll (you can still see a

channel further up the path on the left which would have provided water).

2. The trail very quickly heads uphill along a well defined path. An enormous amount of work has been done over the years repairing this much used path. The majority of the route is constructed using a technique called stone pitching.

3. The trail continues onwards and inevitably upwards. The scenery is dramatic so take every opportunity to pause, catch your breath and take in the views.

4. After a while you'll approach a wooden footbridge over the stream. This is the location of the Stickle Ghyll hydro-electric scheme that is helping the National Trust in its aim to become a greener organisation.

5.

Once you're over the footbridge you'll start to gain height fairly rapidly as the path becomes

steeper and, in places, turns into short scrambles over rocky outcrops. Eventually, as the top ridge comes into view you'll cross back over the stream on to its left side.

6. A few minutes later as you come over the final rise, you'll see the rewarding sight of Stickle Tarn below the stunning backdrop of Harrison Stickle and Pavey Ark. These summits together with Pike O' Stickle once formed part of the outer rim of a massive volcano.

7. Stick around for a while and enjoy the peace and tranquillity of Stickle Tarn.

It's a great spot to dangle your bare feet in the water before retracing your steps back down the same path to your start point.

Route details Difficulty : Easy Time (approx): 1 hour Distance: 2 miles (3.2km) Dog issues: None OS Explorer map OL7 The English Lakes South Eastern Area This walk is very popular all year round.

It begins with a walk through lovely oak woodland where there is a series of small and pretty waterfalls before reaching Tarn Hows, the family favourite water feature in the Lake District.

The walk then weaves on paths close to the tarn on a full circular with more woodland sections interspersed with open fell giving access to views of the whole tarn.

You will be lucky to have this walk to yourself as it is very much loved by many.

1. Start: Tarn Hows Car Park.

From the car park, cross the road and take the left hand fork following the track down to the lake side. Pass through the gate and continue on the track in a clockwise direction around the Tarn.

2. Follow the track as it continues around the Tarn to a point where a path crosses the main route. Continue straight ahead around the tarn and back to the car park if a level surfaced path is required.

Otherwise to extend the walk and take in good views, pass through the gate to the left of the track and proceed uphill to an upper track.

Continue on this track in the direction signposted to Consiton, Hawkshead

and Old Car Park until reaching the Viewing Car Park. Note this extension is unsuitable for mobility scooters and pushchairs.

3. From the car park cross the road and pass through the gate following a footpath across the field, keeping the Tarn to the right hand side.

This path can be muddy in bad weather. An alternative is to follow the road back towards the main car park.

4. Continue on the track as it passes downhill and up again before descending back through a gate into to the main car park.

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Planning a day out?

Discover incredible things to do in North Wales But where to begin?

Well, the north east of Wales has plenty of history and is home to North Wale's only World Heritage Site.

The coastal regions like Colwyn Bay and Conwy have excellent beaches and family attractions.

You’ll find adventure

in the mountains of Snowdonia & stunning locations along the Llyn Peninsula.

Picture this. An abandoned quarry, once the world’s largest, turned into the world’s fastest zip zone. Or how about the world’s first manmade surf lagoon delivering consistent two metre waves. You can even scale to Britain’s lowest point, deep beneath the mountain's of Snowdonia.

With all this, it’s no surprise that North Wales has a growing reputation as being

the adventure capital of the UK. Underground, on ground or above ground, be prepared for an unforgettable adventure in North Wales.

But it’s not all about flying through the air. There are plenty of things to do in North Wales snd Betws-yCoed for example that don't require a helmet or wetsuit.

The region has an incredibly rich and eventful history & heritage – which has to be explored. Medieval castles dominate historic towns, historical structures can be seen across the region & you

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can even explore a 4,000 year-old mine! For a comprehensive look at the regions history, be sure to visit North Wales’ intriguing museums.

For families, North Wales and Llandudno in particular has a great array of attractions.

Adventure parks provide an array of things to do in North Wales including roller coasters, slides and experiences. For a day of discovery, head to one of the regions zoos & aquariums – here, the kids can be introduced to animals from all over the world.

With so much going on, you might forget to take it all in so why not make your stay a bit longer? Whether you are looking for seaside hotels, traditional bed and breakfasts, quirky glamping and campsites, family friendly holiday and carvan parks or just basic self catering accommodation, all needs and tastes are catered for in North Wales!

And in terms of dining out, Don’t worry. With a wide variety of excellent restaurants, pubs and bars to choose from, you can be certain your stay in North Wales will be a fantastic one!

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TOP 5 CASTLES TO VISIT IN NORTH WALES

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: CAERNARFON CASTLE 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 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 bowshaped 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 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.

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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 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 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.

BEAURMARIS CASTLE 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 vice-like grip on Wales was beginning to slip.

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 13th-century hi-tech equivalent of a spaceship landing unceremoniously on Anglesey today. 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.

CRICCIETH 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.

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HITTING THE BEACH?

If you love beaches – then you’ll love North Wales.

With 250 miles of coastline, beaches aren't hard to come by. You'll discover a fantastic variety of diverse beaches in North Wales, with something to suit everyone. North Wales’

coastal resorts were made famous by their fabulous beaches. Colwyn Bay beach, for example, has a longer coastline than Rio’s world famous Copacabana beach – that’s a lot of beach! It’s a consistent feature among the coastal resort beaches – long beaches w h i c h p r o v i d e plenty of space for everyone to enjoy themselves peacefully.

For a day beside the beach with the family, the ever-popular s e a s i d e resorts of Rhyl and Llandudno continue to please. With long beaches there’s plenty of room to enjoy activities whilst the promenades p r o v i d e plenty of entertainment.

If you’re planning a beach break to North Wales, a visit to one of the Llyn’s beaches is an absolute must. Hidden away, the Llyn’s secluded beaches provide the perfect location for a peaceful getaway. Popular resorts like Abersoch provide a much livelier day at the beach, with plenty of things to do including a world-class water sports programme. The Llyn is even home to one of the best beach bars in the world.

Nefyn’s Ty Coch Inn has been voted by users of TripAdvisor as one of top ten beach bars in the world. Being an island certainly has its advantages.

You’re never too far away from a beach when visiting Anglesey. Scattered along the coast, you’ll discover a great array of beaches, from secluded to historic, Anglesey’s beaches are sure to delight and surprise. If you’re a fan of history, then Anglesey’s beaches and coastline will be for you.

Anglesey has a rich maritime history, which is partly thanks to areas of water having a high copper content, which would help clean the boats before an excursion. On Anglesey’s beaches you’ll find an array of historically important buildings including churches and lighthouses.

The best parks in Yorkshire to visit with the family Bolton Abbey Estate 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 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 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 on-site cafe if you’d prefer. Visit: Arthington Road, Bramhope, Leeds, LS16 8BQ – www.leeds.gov. uk Oakwell Hall and Country Park 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, 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

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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

Golden Acre Park

Oakwell Hall and Country Park 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

The search is on for Yorkshire’s Favourite Pub 2019 Publicans across the county are hoping to pull in nominations as well as pints over the coming weeks, as Yorkshire’s Favourite Pub 2019 is launched.

The annual contest, run by Welcome to Yorkshire, is now open to nominations from members of the public - until Thursday 6th June.

The 30 pubs with the most nominations will feature in Welcome to Yorkshire’s Beer and Breweries Trail, and from this list, a panel of expert judges will select the top 10 to be put forward for the public to vote for the overall winner.

A record-breaking number of almost 20,000 votes were received during last year’s competition, which saw the Shibden Mill Inn, Halifax, crowned Yorkshire’s Favourite Pub in front of a crowd at the Welcome to

Yorkshire stand during the Great Yorkshire Show in July.

Peter Dodd, Commercial Director of Welcome to Yorkshire, said: “Competition was incredibly fierce last year, with over 800 pubs in the running for the coveted award - and with so many fantastic pubs across the county, we expect no less this year.

It’s a great opportunity for people to get behind their favourite pubs and vote too, whether it be for their great selection of real ales, fine wines, delicious food

or welcoming atmosphere that brings communities together.”

The competition is open for nominations until Thursday 6th June, before the finalists are announced and go head to head to be named Yorkshire’s Favourite Pub at the Great

Yorkshire Show on Tuesday 9th July.

Nominate your pick for Yorkshire’s Favourite Pub. h t t p s : / / i n d u s t r y. yorkshire.com/ Yorkshire.com/pub

World’s finest heading to Blackpool Air Show!

Some of the world’s finest military and civilian aircraft are heading to Blackpool this summer for two days of fantastic aerial entertainment.

The programme will be headlined by the Breitling Jet Team who will perform over the Blackpool seafront on both days of the free weekend event on Saturday 10 and Sunday 11 August.

The French-based formation team will be joined by the RAF Chinook Display Team, the UK-based AeroSuperBatics Wingwalkers, The Blades Aerobatic Team, a Typhoon, the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight and more!

The Breitling team, comprising six Albatros jets in distinctive dark blue and yellow colours, will be

making their debut at the Air Show and will deliver a jaw-dropping display of formation flying over the famous seafront. They have performed in front of huge audiences all across the globe. Click here for a taster of what to expect this year at Blackpool Air Show.

AeroSuperBatics have been specialists in display flying for over 30 years and operate one of the best-loved civilian air display acts in Europe. They will perform a breath-taking sequence of acrobatic stunts, all whilst strapped to the top wings of the beautiful 1940s Boeing Stearman biplanes.

The Blades Aerobatic Team comprises extremely skilled and highly-experienced pilots with more than 25,000 hours of flying experience between them. Undertaking aerobatic manoeuvres less than four metres apart in perfect formation and at speeds of up to 200mph, the crowds will witness 30 separate aweinspiring manoeuvres in the 15-minute display.

The Calidus Autogyro will join the show for some up close and personal aerobatic fun! Due to their low speed, the Gyro Display is cleared to fly just 50 metres from the crowd.

The military part of the

programme includes the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, featuring a Spitfire, Hurricane and Lancaster Bomber, and the RAF Chinook Display Team which will showcase the huge helicopter’s versatility with a stunning range of manoeuvres.

This year, the awesome Typhoon will be flown by Flt Lt Jim Peterson who has designed a display to demonstrate the aircraft’s immense power and acceleration.

Spectators will see just why the team’s catchphrase is #BringTheNoise!

The programme will begin shortly after 1.30pm on both days, with the best viewing

points on the promenade between North and Central Piers.

To complement the aerial programme, there will be plenty to see and do on the ground with a wide range of stalls, attractions and food concessions in the Air Show Village on the Tower Festival Headland.

Visitors are encouraged to arrive in resort early to avoid any traffic congestion. For regular updates, https://www. visitblackpool.com/thingsto-do/events/blackpoolair-show/ to find out more additions to the programme.

A VisitBlackpool spokesperson said: “The Blackpool Air Show is

always one of the highlights of Blackpool’s summer.

“This year’s line-up of planes and stunt teams looks brilliant and with the Breitling Jet Team making their Blackpool debut, it promises to deliver a fantastic two days of free entertainment for all the family.

“We would encourage people to stay over for the whole weekend and take the opportunity to enjoy everything that Blackpool has to offer.”

For more details on Blackpool’s huge range of shows, events and attractions, to book accommodation or for any other enquiries, please go to www.visitblackpool.com or call 01253 478222.

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It’s that time of the year again when the schools are out and parents find themselves in the position of having to occupy their children without spending a fortune. It can be a challenge especially if the weather is going

against you. so if you are at a loose end and wondering what to do then here is a list of ideas for days out in Lancashire with children.

First on our list of days out is an old favourite, the Zoo. Blackpool Zoo will probably be the closest and houses a

vast array of animals from all over the world. With over 400 species of animals including big cats, elephants, gorillas, birds and reptiles. Blackpool Zoo provides a great day out for everyone no matter the age.

Martin Mere is the Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust centre in Lancashire. It is home to over 100 species of geese, swans, ducks and even flamingos from all over the world.

Recent new editions to Martin Mere include Beavers and otters as well as a brand new adventure playground that is extremely popular with the children. If you are feeling a bit more energetic then why not hire a canoe and explore the surrounding waterways on your own canoe safari.

Martin Mere has a regular programme of guided walks, talks and events so it’s well worth a visit.

The Ribble Steam Railway is a small museum dedicated to the memory of the steam train. Situated at Preston docks it houses a large collection of locomotives and boasts a 3 mile round trip of

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rail track that takes visitors from one end of the docks to the other pulled by fully restored steam locomotives.

With regular special events the Ribble Steam Railway is a popular attraction for children and adults alike.

Another popular choice for parents looking for days out

in Lancashire for children is Bowlands Wild Boar Park which is situated near Chipping, in the heart of the Ribble Valley. The park offers visitors the chance to see and feed deer, goats and llamas.

Kids love the tractor rides, the pedal tractor play area, animal feeding and play areas. Grown

ups will enjoy the scenic walks by the river through the Trough of Bowland.

If the weather is wet and gloomy then you can head to your nearest indoor soft play centre. The kids love them and it gives parents the opportunity to sit, chat and relax with a coffee.

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Lancashire Markets More and more of us go let life rush by in an endless cycle of work, quick shop, eat, bed and repeat. Shopping has become one of the many chores that we carry out on a daily or weekly basis as hectic lifestyles get in the way of allowing ourselves to slowly stroll around one of Lancashire’s famous markets, looking for a bargain and chatting with a knowledgeable local market trader. Why not return to the days where the people whom you buy your goods from become friends who you regularly pop along to see for a chat and advice on anything from politics, sport or which kind of potato to use in a hotpot.

10 Reasons to Visit Your Local Market 1. Market stall holders don’t have the same over head prices as bricks and mortar stores, so you’ll always buy things at a very reasonable price.

2. Great places to spend a few hours wandering around on a sunny weekend. Fun for the whole family.

3. Many markets sell home made food or are located in venues where you can grab a bite to eat. So you can shop and eat! What more could you want?!

4. Learn about Art, craft and design. Kids and adults alike enjoy exploring the creative world of art and design by browsing market stalls and talking to artists and designers.

5. Lots of stall holders are regulars at the markets they attend, so if you fall in love with one of their products, you can always go back and buy it again. Many stall holders also have online stores so you can discover great products that are available online, while still supporting local business.

6. When you buy a product in a department store, you’re never aware of who made it, how it was made and more often than not, all you know is it was probably made in a factory in China. When you buy from the markets, you almost always meet a products’ maker who will gladly tell you how it was

made, what it’s made from and where it was produced.

7. As almost all products you’ll find at art and craft markets are handmade, it’s common to find products made from recycled or upcycled materials, organic ingredients and making processes that are environmentally friendly. Not only will you be supporting local industry but you’ll also be supporting our environment.

8. If you are new to an area or visiting, it’s a great way to meet local characters, eavesdrop on local conversation and find out a little something about what makes the locals tick.

9. If you’re tired of looking at the generic products of Myer, David Jones and other department stores, but still want variety, durability and quality, markets are the place to go.

10. I think this one is the most important. Keep up to date on art and design being created by the people who live in your local community. Buy their products and support local

artists and designers.

LANCASHIRE MARKETS ACCRINGTON MARKET Tel: Market Superintendent 01254 233816 Market Hall, Blackburn Road Open: Monday , Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday 8.30am to 5.00pm Wednesday 8.30am to 1.30pm Sunday Car Boot Market Accrington boasts a seventystall, Victorian Market Hall, built in traditional style in 1868 and which has undergone extensive renovation and redecoration. At the rear of the Market Hall is a traditional Open Market of some one hundred and eighty stalls, most of which are housed under two contemporary concrete and glass 'umbrella' roofs.

BACUP OUTDOOR MARKET Tel: Market Superintendent 01706 873499 on Market Day or 01706 216716 Temple Court, Bacup, Rossendale Open: Wednesday and Saturday 9.00 am - 4.00 pm Also Friday Flea Market 9 am - 3 pm The market at Bacup was

established by the Local Board in 1867. In May 1956 the town market was transferred to its present site at Temple Court. The market has a total of 73 stalls. In June 1997 Temple Court site was refurbished in stone and slate with a total of 24 purpose built units and 36 covered stalls providing a wealth of produce to suit every taste.

BLACKPOOL MARKETS Abingdon Street Market Tel: 01253 291874 Open: all year round Mon-Sat 9.00 am - 5.30 pm, Sundays during illuminations 10.00 am - 4.00 pm Bonney Street Market Tel: 01253 627743 or 07766255410 Open: weekends from MarchMay, Open seven days a week from May Bank Holiday through to the end of the illuminations Bonny Street Market is the largest open air market in Blackpool. It is situated right in the heart of the town's tourist area less than 100 yards from the promenade. With the Market being so close to the Town Centre, there is ample car parking. The market sells

a variety of goods, within its 75 stalls.

BLACKBURN MARKET Tel: 01254 669258 Open: Monday to Saturday 9.00 am - 5.30 pm Those with eye for a bargain will find plenty of opportunity to spot value for money at Blackburn Market. There is a fabulous mixture of fresh food food stalls selling meat, fish and game. Alongside is a new eating area with shared seating so customers can choose.

Fashion, health & beauty, cards and gifts, plus speciality stalls selling latest household goods and technology – its all there.

BURNLEY MARKET Tel: 01282 477188 Market Square, Burnley Open: Market Hall MondaySaturday 9.00 am – 5.00 pm (Tues 10 am - 3 pm) Open market Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday 9 am - 4 pm The market hall is a large, spacious, modern building creating a bright, light, airy environment for its 119 stalls which, since its completion, has proved extremely popular with shoppers. Adjacent to

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the market hall is the popular traditional open general retail market boasting 144 stalls retailing just about everything you could possibly imagine.

This together with the market hall provides the opportunity for shoppers to browse over 263 stalls and all under one roof.

CLITHEROE MARKET Tel: Market Superintendent 01200 443012 on market days Station Road, Clitheroe Open: Tuesday, Thursday & Saturday 9.00 am – 4.00 pm Flea Market Friday 9.00 am – 4.30 pm Clitheroe's friendly and well established market dates back to the Norman Conquest and can be found in the town centre. The market was rebuilt in 1995 and now provides a modern, high quality and thriving institution and is highly recommended to the discerning shopper in search of good quality and down to earth prices. Clitheroe is set in the rural Ribble Valley - an area of outstanding natural beauty. The town boasts ample provision of cafes, restaurants and shopping facilities with plentiful car parking being

readily available.

COLNE OUTDOOR AND INDOOR MARKETS Tel: 01282 661240 (Adjacent to each other in Market Street) Open: Monday to Saturday 9.00am - 5.00pm. (Tuesday - shops to the front open but restricted opening within the Market Hall).

Open market Wednesdays and Saturdays. Open 9:00am - Closes PM when business slows down.

Colne's friendly and well established market has plenty to offer the shopper in search of good quality and down to earth prices. There are a wide variety of fruit 'n' veg stalls and a lot more besides. There is fresh fish and other seafood while the 'good health' stall stocks just about everything the health-conscious shopper will need.

DARWEN MARKET Tel: Markets Manager 01254 222173 Croft Street, Darwen (Between Union Street & Railway Road) Open: Monday to Saturday from 9.00am til 5.00pm (12.30pm on Tuesdays)

3 Day Market is open every Monday, Friday & Saturday.

Over 130 Stalls under cover.

Amazing Choice, Quality and Value. Many Specialist Stalls including: Arts & Crafts, Collectors and Local Delicacies. FREE Parking.

Everything for the Home, Family & Fashion. Close to Darwen's Tourist Attractions.

Freshest Locally Sourced Produce. Excellent Selection Cafes & Restaurants. All Areas Accessible.

Free Wheelchair Loan.

FLEETWOOD MARKET Tel: 01253 887651 Open: Tues, Thurs, Fri, Sat all year 9 am - 4.30 pm and Bank Holiday Monday Fleetwood market has been located on its present site since 1804. Today Fleetwood's Traditional Market has over 250 stalls in its three indoor heated halls and large outdoor market selling a wide variety of goods from clothes to food and much much more. With thousands of bargains available, the most famous market in the North West is definitely worth a visit. Fleetwood Market is renowned for its variety of

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goods, traditional values and friendliness.

LANCASTER MARKET Tel: Market Superintendent 01524 66627 Market Hall, Common Garden Street Open: Market Hall Monday to Saturday 9 am - 5 pm, except Bank Holidays Lancaster Indoor Market has a wide range of stalls, with everything from fresh fruit and veg, quality meat and fish, haberdashery, bedding, pictures and mirrors, cheese, fashions, smoking requisites, and much more. The market boasts a fine café offering a great menu at really great prices and a relaxed atmosphere, where you can sit and watch the world go by.

Charter Market Open Wednesday and Saturday 9 am - 5 pm Lancaster's Charter Market is a traditional street market, which can be found in the town centre in the shadow of many of Lancaster's finest and historic buildings. The market is operated every Wednesday and Saturday, complemented by a very popular Farmers' Market every 2nd Saturday

in the month. The Farmers' market offers fruit and vegetables, meat and fish, much of it locally grown or organically produced.

Lancaster Smokehouse also often has a stall which always proves very popular. In May, and again in November, Market Square and Market Street are home to a fabulous Continental Market with many fine stalls from France, Germany, Italy, Holland and of course the UK, offering food, drink, gifts, clothes and jewellery, much of it handcrafted. They offer a unique shopping experience and is one which you definitely must experience.

MORECAMBE MARKET Tel: Market Superintendent 01524 414251 Central Drive, Morecambe Open: Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday, Sunday and BH 9 am - 5 pm (4.30 pm in Winter months) Festival Market is situated on Morecambe's promenade and enjoys stunning views over Morecambe Bay towards the Cumbrian Hills. You can see many interesting sights such as the Tern Project,

and Poem Path or you can have your photograph taken with the legendary Eric Morecambe, whose famous statue is situated just a short walk away from the market hall. A traditional covered market with 108 stalls and shops including 2 cafés, there is a wide choice of goods available such as ladies and gents fashion wear, electrical goods, toys and games, bedding and towels, bags and suitcases, videos and DVDs, the list is endless.

NELSON MARKET Tel: Market Manager 01282 661894 The Admiral’s Market Place, Admiral Centre, Leeds Rd, Nelson Outdoor Market, Leeds Road Open: Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday & Saturday 9.00am – 5.15pm, Tuesday 9.00am –3.00pm Outdoor Market, Leeds Road - Fridays from 9.00am until market closure (4.00pm to 5.00pm dependant upon weather and season).

Nelson's indoor Market Hall has everything you would expect from a Lancashire market plus a lot more besides.

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You can pick up a bargain from 'Computer Games' while dad gets his hair cut at the barbers. There are music stalls, jewellers and giftware.

The delicatessen stall is described as 'the Harrods of Pendle.' It is no idle boast.

ORMSKIRK OUTDOOR MARKET Tel: 01695 585105 Aughton Street, Moor Street & Market Way, Ormskirk Open: Thursday and Saturday from 8.00am-4.30pm during March to October and 8.00am-4.00pm November to February.

Ormskirk Market - one of the country's oldest and most traditional street markets gives the town an extra buzz each Thursday and Saturday.

Dating back to 1286 when the monks at nearby Burscough Priory were granted a Royal Charter by Edward 1 to hold a weekly outdoor market, it is still a focal point for locals and visitors alike. With around 100 stalls, set in the pedestrianised area in the heart of the town around the famous Clock Tower, the market attracts

hundreds of bargain hunters each market day. Whatever you're looking for, you'll find it on the market whether its pullovers to pottery or food to furniture.

PADIHAM MARKET Tel: Markets Office 01282 664651 Clitheroe Street, Padiham Open: Wednesday and Friday 9.00 am – 4.30 pm Every Thursday an Antique/ Bric a Brac Market - 9.00 am - 4 pm About three miles west of Burnley is Padiham. Every Wednesday and Friday traders set out their wide variety of goods and wares in the relatively new traditionally designed 50 stall open market.

This gives local shoppers additional outlets from which to buy, suppplementing the local shops on market days, which at the same time, draws visitors to the town.

PRESTON MARKET Tel: Markets Office 01772 906048/257213 Town Centre Open: Market Hall MondaySaturday 8.00 am – 5.30 pm

Outside Market Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday 9 am – 4.00 pm Car Boot/Collectors Market Tuesday and Thursday 8.00 am – 3.00 pm The original market charter was granted to Preston by Henry II in 1179 (this was followed by 12 more up to the reign of Charles II in 1685). The advancement of retailing to satisfy the modern day shopper, along with the advancement of good hygiene standards required a modern market complex. A Market Hall was built in 1972 which accommodates 780 units in possibly the best food hall in the area, plus a further 50 units which offer a miscellany of dry goods.

Also incorporated is an 8 storey car park and shop units.

Under the magnificent listed building the outside market trades on four days a week offering every conceivable item. The market days have been extended to include a Car Boot/Collectors Market on Tuesday and Thursday so that the whole of the markets

complex is used for shopping and trading six days every working week.

R AW T E N S TA L L MARKET Tel: Market Superintendent 01706 217777 Open: Thursday and Saturday 9.00 am – 4.00 pm The selling of produce from stalls has taken place since 1855 at Tup Bridge, where the Market hall now stands in true Victorian splendour.

Rawtenstall suffered a catastrophe when, on the 26 February 1946, eight shops which formed part of the market hall were destroyed by fire. There is now a market hall and outdoor market on the site which provides a wealth of produce which any supermarket would be proud of.

BOLTON MARKET Tel: 01204 336825 Open Tues, Thurs, Fri and Sat 9 am - 5 pm Friday second-hand section and Sunday car boot/flea market 7.30am-3pm Bolton’s main market is located on Ashburner Street,

right in the heart of the town centre. Offering over 300 stalls across an indoor and outdoor location with 17,000 sq ft of fresh food from exotic fruit and veg, Mediterranean delis, locally sourced meats and cheeses to the region’s best outlet for fresh fish.

This lively market features an in-store cookery demonstration kitchen with a programme of regular cooking events and seasonal food tastings to add to the shopping experience.

BURY MARKET Tel: 0161 253 6520 Open: Wed and Fri 9 am 4.30 pm- Sat 9 am - 5 pm Why do hundreds of thousands of satisfied shoppers overwhelmingly visit the leading Market in the North West every week?

For over five hundred years, Bury Market has dominated the consumer retail sector in the area. Over the past thirty years, retail giants have developed in the vicinity, yet Bury Market remains the undisputed champion of the North, attracting 250,000

visitors every week. Quite rightly world famous, Bury Open Market oozes charisma and atmosphere.

The ambience and layout offers visitors the opportunity to seek out and visit every stall.

The range of products and facilities is second to none.

Bury Market is a very large traditional market in a modern setting. It's a unique shopping experience and great day out for Individuals and Groups.

OLDHAM MARKET Tel: 0161 770 4515 Open: Tommyfield Indoor Market Monday - Saturday 9.00am - 5.15pm Tommyfield Outdoor Market Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday 9.00am - 4.30pm Tommyfield Mixed Market Wednesday 9.00am - 3.30pm Tommyfield Car Boot Sale Sunday (not on Bank Holidays or Remembrance Sunday) 6.00am - 12 noon Tommyfield Market Hall is a traditional market with a wide variety of different products.

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Barrow gears up for

the Super Soapbox Challenge

Barrow BID has teamed up with The Super Soapbox Challenge Company Ltd, a professional event organiser, to host a major soapbox race in Barrow-in-Furness town centre later this year. The event takes place on Barrow’s high street on Saturday 29th June and will become an annual event, attracting crowds that have topped 20,000 people in other locations.

The races will take place throughout the day, with the wild and whacky soapbox carts hurtling down a huge ramp to launch themselves down the course. Eddie ‘The Eagle’ Edwards will be starting the event and launching himself down the ramp to set the first time of the day. Prizes will be for the fastest times of the day, but there will also be a number of other prizes including;

‘most innovative cart design’, ‘best turned-out soapbox crew’ and ‘joker of the day’.

Given Barrow’s engineering heritage, it is hoped that the event will attract plenty of well-built carts although entries so far have come from as far away as Manchester. There are two prices for team entry, the first is £400 inc VAT for businesses and companies who will gain significant promotion as part of the event. The second price is £200 inc VAT for; individuals, charities, notfor-profit organisations, emergency services and armed forces, which is an affordable price to provide

access to this prestige event.

As well as the racing itself, culminating in the corkpopping, prize-giving ceremony, there will be a large funfair, live music and lots of food and drink concessions.

If you would like to enter a team in the event visit: www. supersoapboxchallenge. c o . u k / b a r r o w Follow this event and other events in Barrow on Facebook at: www.facebook.com/ visitbarrow

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National Festival of Making’s food and drink line-up set to whet your appetite The National Festival of Making has just revealed its food and drink line-up for 2019 and it’s enough to make your stomach rumble!

Vendors from right across the North West will turn out to Blackburn’s biggest event of the year over the weekend of 15 and 16 June.

With top food and drink being the essential ingredient of any award-winning event, festival organisers have signed up renowned culinary producers to tickle the taste buds of its 40,000 visitors.

From pear drop liqueur to Hanky Panky Pancakes and delicious homemade pies, there’ll be something to suit almost every palate and the Taste Lancashire marquee will be back for a second year too.

The line-up includes: Shirley’s Pies – tasty, homemade, traditional pies Ginger’s Comfort Emporium – piles and piles of decadent puddings Hanky Panky Pancakes – syrup smothered, stacked pancakes Sleazy Tiger – South Indian thalis, street food the way it’s

eaten in Kerala Wah Wahs – deep fried Mexican churros, hot chocolate and spicy treats Pie Mezzanae – the famous Lancashire-baked pies with surprising twists Belgian Waffle Tuk – does what it says on the tin – delicious Belgian waffles!

Chicken Little – crispy, tender chicken pieces served from a cute tuk tuk Burger and Lobster Brothers – doing what they do very well, this is the place for burgers and lobster Deli Delite – festival regulars bringing the spice with their curries and wraps Nasi Lemak Manchester – absolutely irresistible, authentic Malaysian dishes to savour Wignalls Yallo – Rapeseed oil from Standish Hall Farm Batch Gin – multi award winning gin made in Burnley The Bee Centre – honey products from Lancashire bees Bowland Food Hall at Holmes Mill – a selection of what’s on offer regularly at the popular foodie destination Bowland Brewery –

described as ales of outstanding natural beauty, brewed in the picturesque heart of Lancashire Cuckoo Gin – gin made on a farm in Brindle Calyx Drinks – soft drinks made from flowers in Burnley Heritage Kitchen – chutneys, relishes and marmalades made in Bacup Black Powder Gin – gin distilled at Preece Hall Estate, Preston Mr Fitzpatricks – vintage cordials produced in Rossendale Our Paula’s – flavoured butters produced in Chorley Hoyle Bottom Spirits – producing Tinker Brook Gin Nowt Poncy – low sugar/ healthy cooking sauces from Rossendale Panache Natural Flavour Infusions – producing flavour infusions, an ingredient popular with budding and expert mixologists Love Cheesecakes – handcrafted cheesecakes from Poulton Pretzel and Spelt, Bolton – Bavarian goodies and Alpine bakes from Bolton Ripplehead Ices – a traditional ice cream van The festival, sponsored

by Blackburn with Darwen Council, scooped Best NonMusic Festival at the UK Festival Awards as well as Visit Lancashire’s Large Event of the Year.

Stretching right across the town centre, there’s fun for all the family with everything from workshops to a BBC stage, live music, works from national and international artists, a Maker’s Market, street food, performances, tours and talks.

For more information, visit: www. festivalofmaking. co.uk

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LUXOR GROUP REACHES FOR THE SKY

WITH TOWN CENTRE ROOFTOP TERRACE Proposals for 28 large, luxury residential apartments and a first of its kind 11,500 sq ft rooftop terrace at Barrow House have been approved for planning permission today by award winning developer, Luxor Group. Barrow House, which is located on the corner of Claughton Street and Barrow Street in St Helens, was purchased by Luxor Group towards the end of 2018 and details of its transformation into Nicholson Plaza and Nicholson Place have now been announced. The latest project, adjacent to the recently completed Nicholson House development, will spearhead the urban-led regeneration of St Helens’ newest neighbourhood, nestled in the professional quarter of the town centre.

Phase A of this groundbreaking project will be known as Nicholson Plaza.

It will comprise 12 modern one bedroom apartments, with the largest apartment being a sizable 68 sq m. This is set to be completed by summer 2019.

Phase B will be known as Nicholson Place. This will be made up of 14 one bedroom apartments and two spacious two bedroom apartments, which is earmarked for completion at the beginning of 2020. A selection of the apartments in this phase will benefit from breath-taking floor to ceiling windows.

Topping off this landmark development, Luxor Group has detailed plans for a private rooftop terrace, a first of its kind for the borough.

Offering residents 11,500 sq ft of outdoor space to enjoy with unobstructed panoramic views, it will boast landscaped gardens and relaxing seating areas for tenants of both Nicholson Plaza and Nicholson Place.

The 34,500 sq. ft. former office building also includes basement and ground floor commercial space which is fully let by local businesses MD Productions, The Dean Champagne Bar and Restaurant and Laguna Tanning. Paul Nicholson, CEO of Luxor Group, said: “We’re pleased to submit our ambitious plans for Barrow House. This building has a lot of potential which we are keen to unleash. We will be adding to our usual impressive specification with modern touches such as WiFi wall heaters which can be managed from a mobile phone app. The CGI visuals speak for themselves in illustrating our vision for the building.

“The success of Nicholson Lofts and Nicholson House and the continued demand for our product has fuelled our ambition for town centre development and we are

looking to fulfil this gap in the market. We are in discussions to secure other buildings to fulfil our project pipeline and hope that our future plans can come to fruition through our aggressive acquisition programme.

“St Helens Council has been supportive with all of our developments so far and we hope with their backing, we can deliver both of the schemes on time. There is a variety of investment coming into St Helens which is giving it a great buzz and will change the landscape of the local economy for the better.” Paul adds: “We have already secured tenants for all of the commercial units at this mixed use scheme, which shows there is confidence in the town centre for fellow entrepreneurs to invest. We are determined for St Helens’ high street to flourish and providing some more much needed footfall in the town centre can only be a positive step.” The developer has also submitted plans for change of use at Unit 4 Nicholson House (previously part of Keith Park Solicitors which occupies Unit 3) and will now function as the resident’s concierge desk, giving Luxor Group physical high-street presence in the town centre and showing its commitment to both residents and to St Helens town centre.

An animation and full specification of Nicholson Plaza and Nicholson Place can be found at: www.nicholsonwa10.com, where you can also reserve an apartment and see its progress develop with weekly and personal construction updates for the tenant which reserves thie new luxury home.

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Businesses come together to tackle mental health stigma in the workplace A number of businesses in St Helens have come together to improve mental health and wellbeing in the workplace.

Supported by St Helens Council, the ‘St Helens Time to Change Business Group’ is open to companies that are just starting to embed mental health in their workplaces and sees good practice

shared between some of the borough’s biggest businesses and organisation for the benefit of over 2,500 employees.

Thirteen companies to date have joined the group, all of which have signed - or are in the process of signing - a ‘Time to Change pledge’ to demonstrate their commitment to change how they think and

act about mental health in the workplace and make sure that employees who are facing these problems feel supported.

Manufacturing company Knauf Insulation on Stafford Road - which signed the Time Change pledge on World Mental Health Awareness Day in October last year – recently opened its doors to host the

first of the quarterly St Helens Time to Change Business Group’ networking sessions, where representatives from all sorts of industries - from child day care to transport - sat round a table to share innovative ideas on how to boost morale at work.

Lisa Flaherty, HR Director at Knauf, which is signed up to St Helens Council’s Ambassadors scheme to help attract investment into the borough, said: “Since signing the Time to Change pledge, we’ve been running lots of ongoing activities, including training our first-line managers on managing good mental health in the workplace and have recruited employee champions across all areas of the business who act as a point of contact for staff wanting to talk about any issues they may have. “Moving forward, we will continue to progress through these activities, encouraging colleagues to use all the resources available to them – and our ultimate aim is to reduce the stigma around mental health and we really want people to be open and to talk to one another about any problems they may be having.” Co-Op Distribution Centre at Lea Green; Longworth Building Services Ltd based at Haydock Industrial Estate; Portico Nursery Group and food manufacturers, FoodPack, are other businesses involved with the group that are making waves when it comes to addressing mental health among the workforce.

Through St Helens Council’s Business Liaison Officer, Sue Waller, the Co-op have been able to access health services on site including smoke free, physical activity plan, blood

pressure checks and the use of the Wellpoint Kiosk – and have recruited mental health first aiders provided through Manchester College.

Meanwhile, since signing its pledge during Mental Health Awareness Week in May 2018, 10 members of staff - including members of the board - at Longworth have signed up as mental health champions, with many going on to gain qualifications while a simple ‘what p***** you off box’ has gone down well with staff since being introduced in the canteen.

Georgia Hurst - Engagement Officer for Co-Op said: “A priority of ours at Coop Lea Green Distribution Centre is to actively promote health and wellbeing to our colleagues. The support of Sue and the utilisation of the many great services the council has to offer has been the key to our continued success in landing key messages particularly around mental health.”

Longworth’s safety, health, environment and quality (SHEQ) manager, Melissa Fazackerley, said: “We invest in looking after the health and safety of our employees and mental health is a valuable part of that investment.

“I can confidently say we are well on our way to fighting the stigma and becoming an understanding and supportive employer. “ Praising the companies for coming together to take a stand on the stigma of mental health and wellbeing, St Helens Council’s Business Liaison Officer Sue Waller said: “Mental health is an issue businesses can’t afford to ignore so I’m delighted to see many of the borough’s leading organisations stand up and realise how precious health

and wellbeing is by uniting and forming the St Helens Time to Change Business Group’ to help create a healthier and happier workplace for those involved.”

St Helens Council’s incoming portfolio holder for public health, Councillor Anthony Burns, said: “It’s a shame that very few workers tend to open up to their managers or colleagues about how they’re feeling, such is the stigma surrounding mental health. It is therefore very pleasing to see that businesses here in the borough are leading the way in addressing the issue of mental health at work – and a great deal of praise needs to out to Sue whose role underlines the council’s commitment to addressing mental health and well-being. “We all need to take on this responsibility.

If you see someone who maybe going through a tough time, sometimes just to ask if everything is ok may help more than you can know.”

In St Helens, there’s a unique opportunity for organisations to demonstrate their commitment to wellbeing in the workforce through a funded resource providing advice and practical support available, from benchmarking to free health checks.

For more information, including how to get involved with the Time to Change pledge, contact Sue Waller on 01744 676001 or email susanwaller@sthelens.gov.uk A wide range of services are available in St Helens for anyone wanting to talk about their mental health and wellbeing.

For more information, visit: www.sthelens.gov.uk/publichealth-and-wellbeing/stayingwell/mental-health-andwellbeing

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Winners of the 2019 St Helens Chamber Business Awards Revealed The winners of the 2019 St Helens Chamber Business Awards have been revealed at the St Helens Chamber Annual Dinner and Business Awards event which took place Thursday 16th May at the Totally Wicked Stadium.

Sponsored by GPW Recruitment, and supported

by NatWest, Bericote and Lexus Liverpool, the event celebrated the best of St Helens businesses, as well as providing a perfect opportunity to network and be entertained.

300 guests were welcomed to the event by Graham Worsley, Chairman of St Helens Chamber, before being inspired by special guest speaker Paul Sculthorpe MBE. The event also raised money for two local charities, The Steve Prescott Foundation and Willowbrook Hospice, with £6000 being divided between them. Following

the entertainment and a three course evening meal, the Awards were presented.

The winners were as follows: Employer of the Year, sponsored by Wind in the Willow Childcare – 360 Resourcing Export Business of the Year, sponsored by Brendon International – ATG Access Best use of Technology, sponsored by Network Space – Dynamic Vehicle Rental High Growth Business of the Year, sponsored by NatWest – Cheshire Retail NW Ltd Family Business of Year Award, sponsored by Knauf – C E Bettridge & Son Customer Commitment Award, sponsored by Clickworks – Handepay Small Business of the Year, sponsored by Inspired Energy – The Filter Design Company Apprentice of the Year (under 20), sponsored by Helena Homes – Alex McGrath, Inovus Medical

Apprentice of the Year (20 and over), sponsored by Starbank Panel Products – Nicola Walsh from St Helens and Knowsley Teaching Hospitals and Reece Buckley from Liverpool One. Outstanding Commitment to Learning – Molly Hinton-Jones.

Outstanding Commitment to Student Development – BooBoo Technical and Creative Outstanding Commitment to Supporting Young People – Bericote Properties Graham Worsley, Chairman of St Helens Chamber, said: “We have been overwhelmed by the volume and calibre of entries to the Awards this year so the judges really did have a difficult job on their hands, but I believe we have found some truly outstanding winners.

“For me the Awards are about the strength of the businesses and personal stories here in the Borough. They are about bringing those successes to the forefront, and publicising

Pictured (L-R): Conor McGinn MP for St Helens North; Kath Boullen, Chief Executive of St Helens Chamber; Graham Worsley, Chairman of St Helens Chamber; Kate McGinn; Cllr David Baines, Leader of St Helens Council, Cllr Sue Murphy, Deputy Leader of St Helens Council.

all their good work and achievements.

“I’m also delighted that the winners from our Awards will go forward to the national British Chambers of Commerce Awards and I fully expect at least one local business will be shortlisted for the national Awards in

London in November.

“From last year’s awards four Chamber Members successfully went on to become Regional Award Winners and made it through to the national finals, where two were National Runners up. So best of luck to all the winners and we will eagerly

await news of the outcome of the regional round in September.”

For more information about the St Helens Chamber Business Awards visit www.sthelenchamber.com/ businessawards, call 01744 742028 or email events@ sthelenschamber.com

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Lottery funding bid helps Could you help to change a

youngsters get “on yer bike” child’s future by considering fostering?

A Burnley nursery school has been successful in getting National Lottery funding to help encourage their youngster to become more active. Burnley Leisure will help the deliver the project at Taywood Nursery School following a successful bid to the national Awards for All scheme. The funding will be used to improve the outdoor space at the nursery so that the youngsters have space to take part in a Balanceability scheme which helps them to learn to ride a bike. Burnley leisure supported the school’s funding bid and will deliver the scheme. Sarah Darcy, of Burnley Leisure, said: “We recently trialed some Balanceability sessions within the nursery that proved to be a huge success. Balanceability not only teaches children to ride/cycle but also develops general balance skills, hand

eye co ordination, spacial awareness and team work. It teaches skills that will benefit the children for the rest of their lives. “The children enjoyed the sessions and wanted to be able to do more.

Parents were all positive and glad that their children were being able to access bikes through the project and hoped this could be continued. “We also spoke to staff about this project and they are all fully behind developing this within the daily activities in order to promote cycling, fun and develop balance skills.”

Head teacher Gail Murphy said: “We’re really excited to have been successful in our Let’s Ride bid with the National Lottery Awards for All funding. “The children love the sessions. We have targeted our most disadvantaged families or those with children who would benefit

from additional support. We invited parents to join in and they have been surprised how confidently their child has been able to ride already.

“We are investing in bikes and equipment and working with Burnley Leisure to deliver the Balanceability sessions, as well as training our own staff to ensure the project can continue. “We also want to put artificial grass down on a section of the yard in order to make it safer for our children to practice and minimise injuries. We have very limited space indoors so we want to make the most of our outdoor spaces. “We’re also going to link into a recycling scheme run by Burnley Leisure where they will fix old bikes that are left at recycling centres and make them roadworthy. These will be offered to our families as a way of getting more bikes to children at home as well.”

one inspirational Blackburn couple have shared their experiences to help encourage more people to consider giving a child a loving and stable home. At the age of 70, retired caretaker Frank Tomlinson and his wife Bernie, could well be forgiven for wanting to put their feet-up and enjoy a slower-paced retired lifestyle.

But the Tomlinsons say they wouldn’t have it any other way and fostering is one of the “best things they’ve ever done”. Marking the start of Fostering Fortnight, Bernie and Frank are sharing their story to help others consider making a difference to vulnerable children and young people who cannot live with their families.

And whilst becoming ‘empty nest’ foster carers certainly isn’t without its stresses, Bernie says it has quite simply transformed their lives. The inspiring couple are currently caring for a seven-month-old baby, her four-year-old sister and a 15-year-old boy.

I honestly think it’s the best thing we’ve ever done,’ says Bernie, who has four children of her own and 10 grandchildren. ‘It makes us feel young and has definitely brought us closer together as a couple.

Seeing the change in the children is just so rewarding when you get them into a routine you see them thrive.

Bernie said: We had one little lad who wouldn’t come out from behind the settee at first, very quickly he changed and became a lovely, confident little boy because of the support and encouragement we gave him, for some children they’ve just never had that.

For Bernie it was a natural thing to do, having spent her earlier career working as a childminder, she was asked to look after a child in foster care whilst the child’s grandmother continued to work.

I’ve always fancied it and it didn’t take long to convince Frank either, Bernie recalled.

The couple have been fostering for 15 years and have looked after almost 40 babies, toddlers and teenagers.

There’s never a dull moment in this house,” said Frank, who spent 20 years working at Blackburn College. “It definitely keeps you busy, active and your brain working that’s for sure. It was good for our son too, he showed real maturity and empathy and the children related to him as he was closer to their age.

There are many different types of fostering, from providing part time respite care to fulltime fostering arrangements.

Director of Children’s Services Jayne Ivory said: What’s important is not age, but the ability to provide love,

stability and security, as well as having a strong motivation to foster.

There’s a need for all types of foster carers, particularly for teenagers, sibling groups and disabled children but recently we’ve seen an increase the number of babies needing carers. We need to recruit an extra 30 foster carers over the next twelve months.

Jayne added: Foster carers have the capacity to help children who have had a bad start in life overcome their early life traumas, and as such they help improve children’s outcomes in the most significant way.

There are many different types of fostering from longterm fostering, often until a child is 21. Others may prefer the idea of shorter-term care, including short-breaks care, emergency care (where you might get a call in the middle of the night because of a home alone situation) or short-term care (where a single parent might need to go into hospital or someone might be waiting to be adopted).

You can also specialise, for example in, neonatal care, children with disabilities or mother and baby placements.

Approved foster carers receive a generous allowance, full training package and ongoing support is provided with a strong foster carer network to share experiences with.

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Disability Awareness Day Save the date, Sunday 14th July, it’s the 28th annual Disability Awareness Day at Walton Hall Gardens, and it’s set to be a cracker. More than 25,000 visitors are expected to attend this year’s DAD, the world’s largest not-for-profit, voluntary-led, pan-disability exhibition, which will once again be hosted at Walton Hall Gardens. Organisers Warrington Disability Partnership is proud to announce their new joint principal sponsors, Expanse Learning Group and Harry Fairclough Construction.

A huge tented village will house over 220 exhibitors including equipment suppliers; transport; holidays; leisure and employment providers; and support groups and services - is set to attract visitors to travel from all over the UK and beyond.

Inclusive Arts is just one of the highlights, plus a free fully accessible Sports Zone with have-a-go events, and a main arena and children’s rides and entertainment.

Checkout the website for details on the free accessible Park and Ride service, plus a free bus service from Warrington Bus Interchange, British Sign Language (BSL) interpreters, scooter / wheelchair loans.

The big day on Sunday 14th July from 10am to 5pm will be a fitting finale to a week comprising a variety of complementary daytime

and evening events to savour, including Tuesday 9th July 6.15pm – 9.30pm Frogtastic in the Park - Arts Marquee, Walton Gardens: Featuring fantastic Tribute Artists ‘Robbie Williams / UB40 / The 80’s & Swing’ plus special guests including DJ’s from the famous Frogtastic Club Night. Come and enjoy a great evening of Live Music, Dance Floor and Licenced Bar, bring your own food.

Advanced Tickets £6.00 call 07875 142233 or online at www.ldok.net/shop, £8 on the door.

Wednesday 10th July 7pm – 10pm - “Ella’s Summer Time Special” - Arts Marquee, Walton Gardens: The Ella Performance Group, one of the UK’s leading inclusive drama groups will be performing thrilling and entertaining songs from their recent productions. Adult tickets £8.00 and children’s tickets £5.00 from The Ella Team on 01928 713877 or Kate 01925 240064.

Thursday 11th July 6pm- 9.30pm – Children’s Party in the Park - Arts Marquee, Walton Gardens: Warrington Wolves Foundation & Warrington Disability Partnership present a fun filled evening for disabled children/young people, their families and friends. Sports, Arts, Dance, chill out and fun areas. Free admission: Contact Craig 01925 248894.

Friday 12th July. 7.30pm 11.30pm DAD Mega Quiz Night, Charity Auction with Hot Food, Arts Marquee, Walton Gardens: Teams of up to 8 people, hundreds of £'s worth of prizes, fun quiz, great food, licensed bar and a charity auction. Tickets £8.00 (includes hot food). Contact Kate on 01925 240064.

For more details on exhibiting or attending #DAD2019 and our ‘DAD Week’ events, please contact Warrington Disability Partnership on 01925 240064 or visit www. disabilityawarenessday.org.uk

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Helping Hands Homecare Helping Hands is celebrating 30 years in the home care industry with some lovely customers and carers in Warwickshire

Throughout May, Helping Hands Home Care celebrated the company’s 30th birthday.

The family-run company has been providing quality care for three decades and celebrated with the help of two of the company’s longest standing customers.

To commemorate this milestone, Chairman Tim Lee visited Julie and Jean,

two customers who have collectively received care from Helping Hands for nearly 40 years.

Jean, a Helping Hands customer for 23 years, and Julie who has received both live-in and visiting care over the past 16 years was visited

by Tim, Area Manager Joanne Broderick and their respective visiting carers. Mandy Baylis

Customer Julie with her carer Mandy, receiving a thank you card from Helping Hands

has been supporting Julie for the full 16 years that she has been with Helping Hands and said: “It’s been an absolute pleasure looking after Julie all these years. She’s a wonderful lady and we have a great relationship. “Our visits are more like a catch up between old friends than care. I see first-hand the benefit she feels by having someone there

to support her; it means the world to her that she can be independent at home.” Tim Lee said: “We are absolutely thrilled to be celebrating our 30th year and I am so proud that we are now considered one of the nation’s leading providers in home care.” Later this year, the company will open its one hundredth branch, enabling

Chairman Tim, visiting carer Mandy and longstanding customer Julie together in Julie’s home

even more people to remain in the comforts of their own home - regardless of age, disability or geographical area. Tim concluded: “It’s a fantastic achievement and we couldn’t think of a more fitting way to mark this special year by spending time with two of our most loyal customers.”

Helping Hands, now going in to its thirty first year is

able to provide both livein and visiting support across Lancashire, and the management team in the area will be very happy to support you.

For more information on the support that Helping Hands can offer please visit our website: www.helpinghands. co.uk or find your local page on Facebook.

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Secure English Language Tests (SELTs) approved for British Citizenship, Settlement and visa applications.

Trinity provides Secure English Language Tests (SELTs) across the UK. SELTs are taken by people who need to demonstrate their

English language level for the purpose of obtaining British Citizenship, Settlement or a visa for work or study.

The SELTs Trinity offer are:

GESE: Graded Examinations in Spoken English – approved for British Citizenship, Settlement and visa applications

A 6 minute (A1), 7 minute (A2), or 10 minute (B1) one-toone speaking and listening test ISE: Integrated Skills in English – approved for Tier 1, Tier 2 and Tier 4 visa applications. A contemporary four-skills qualification testing reading, writing, speaking and listening For Trinity’s GESE exams, candidates receive provisional results on the same day and certificates are usually sent within 7 days. For Trinity’s ISE exams, results/certificates are usually sent within 21 days. To help prepare for Trinity’s SELTs we have a wide range of free learning resources and sample papers at trinitycollege.com/SELT. Click on an exam level to view sample videos to see what the exam is like, download preparation activities and

Trinity’s exam information booklets which include the language requirements that the examiner is looking for. Organisations in the UK that offer preparation courses for people who want to take a Trinity SELT can also be viewed online.

Trinity has 10 SELT centres across the UK with tests

available up to 7 days a week in Belfast, Birmingham, Cardiff, Glasgow, Leeds, London Croydon, London Hammersmith, London Holborn, Manchester and Peterborough.

Information about the SELTs offered

by Trinity can be found at trinitycollege.com/SELT or call us on 0333 358 3183.

Sara uses ‘good heart’ to spread message of peace & love A Blackburn schoolgirl has reached audiences across the world with her passionate speech ‘If I could change the world’.

Sara Hussain, a pupil at Wensley Fold C of E Primary Academy, Blackburn, wrote the speech for the borough’s annual Public Speaking Cluster Competition for schools.

In her heartfelt address, 11 year old Sara considers what she would say to Manchester Arena bomber Salman Abedi, if she could travel back in time to the night of the attack in

May 2017.

Shared on the academy’s social media channels, Sara’s speech went on to attract the attention of both local and national media. This week she has appeared on BBC Radio Lancashire and on BBC North West Tonight regional news.

The story of Sara’s inspiration for the speech, from her friend who was at the Arianna Grande concert on the night of the Manchester Arena attack, has also featured in national news media, including The Guardian, i News and Huffington Post.

Sara Hussain said: “The reaction was a bit overwhelming at first – I didn’t expect it. I felt a bit nervous about being filmed for television but it was a good experience and I’m proud of myself.”

The video of Sara delivering her message of peace and love has been shared widely on social media and attracted comments from as far afield as Australia.

Sara added: “It’s a bit weird to know that my message has gone that far! I hope it changes people’s

views and attitudes. So many people have watched the video and it’s good to know that people are listening and have heard my message.

Some people might think that because it is coming from an 11 year old girl I can’t make a difference but I can. I hope I change people’s views and attitudes. Words are powerful.”

The Leader of Blackburn

with Darwen Council, Councillor Mohammed Khan, congratulated Sara Hussain on her achievement. He said: “In her speech, Sara talks about having a good heart and a voice that deserves to be heard as she considers how she can make a difference in the world. She has clearly put her good heart to excellent use in this speech by challenging the negative view of Islam

that those Muslims who commit acts of terror perpetuate.

“She’s used her talents for writing and public speaking to speak out with a message of peace and love. The world needs more people like Sara. Well done to her.”

Donna Simpson, head teacher at Wensley Fold C of E Primary School, said the whole academy is “incredibly proud” of Sara. Donna added: “Sara is an amazing citizen. How I wish that there were more people in the world like Sara – what a wonderful world it would be.”

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Man wanted after being Man dies in Scarisbrick collision Police are appealing for information after a man died in a collision in Scarisbrick last night. The emergency services were called at 21:50 on 29 May to reports of a one vehicle collision on Southport Road.

The car – a Volvo V70 – left the road and collided with a wall and a tree before coming to a rest in the garden of a residential property.

The rear seat passenger, a 44 year old man from Sefton, was sadly pronounced dead at the scene.

The front seat passenger, a 43 year old man from Sefton, received fractures to his ribs and sternum and the 26 year old driver from Southport received spinal and rib fractures.

Both injured men remain

in hospital where their conditions are described as serious. The road was closed for around six hours to facilitate collision investigation work.

Sergeant Lee Harris of Lancashire’s Road Policing Unit, said: “A man has died and our thoughts are very much with his family and friends at this incredibly difficult time. They are being supported by specially trained officers.

“We’re working to establish the circumstances of the collision and would ask that anyone who saw the vehicle described in the moments leading up to the collision, or the incident itself, speaks to us as soon as possible.”

Anyone with information should call 101 and quote log number 1482 of 29 May.

convicted of firearms offence Police are appealing for help locating a man who is wanted in relation to a firearms discharge in Haslingden.

Hasriat Omar Khan (pictured), 32, formerly of Moorlands View, Ramsbottom, is wanted in connection with the incident which occurred on May 7th 2017 at around 1.10am, when a firearm was discharged at an address on Beaconsfield Street. Nobody was hurt during the incident.

Following a trial at Preston Crown Court, Khan was convicted of one count of conspiracy to possess a firearm with intent to cause fear of violence on 18 April.

He was convicted in his absence after failing to attend court for the end of the trial.

A warrant was issued for his arrest in respect of this on 11th April 2019.

Lancashire Police haven’t been able to make contact with him since and are asking that anyone who sees him to contact them as soon as possible.

Det Chief Inspector Zoe Russo, from Lancashire’s Force Major Investigation Team, said: “We want to locate Khan as soon as possible so that he can brought to justice, and are urging anybody with information about where he might be to get in touch.

“Khan if you are reading this appeal, do the right thing and attend the nearest police station.”

Khan is described as being Asian, 5ft 9 inches tall, of large build. He has a tattoo of an AK47 on his neck and a tattoo of a rifle on his arm.

He has links to Haslingden, Accrington, Great Harwood

and Bradford. Anybody with information is asked to contact the Police on 101 or email forcecontrolroom@ lancashire.pnn.police.uk, quoting log number 105 of May 7th 2017.

Alternatively, independent charity Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Two other men have been convicted in relation to this incident.

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Sporting star Katie wins Sheraton Trophy Wyre’s outgoing Mayor, Councillor Marge Anderton, has chosen her Sheraton Trophy winner as well welcomed the new Mayor for 2019-2020.

Katie Ramsbottom, 13, from Fleetwood, has received the prestigious Sheraton Trophy for her sporting triumphs and achievements against the odds. Katie lost her father to cancer 15 months ago and has been a tower of strength to her mother supporting her through her loss. Katie took part in a sponsored walk for her father whilst he was very ill and another after he passed away, she also took part in the Trinity Hospice Colour Splash event to raise money for the Hospice. Her

sporting participation and achievements are many, Katie has been playing football since she was 4 years old and is passionate about the sport and participates in all sporting teams at school including the school football mixed teams.

Besides her ability in the sport of football, Katie is a role model for females wanting to participate in mixed teams.

Katie was nominated by her Great Aunt, who commented: “There is so much more to Katie; a young girl consistently trying to do her best to make her father proud as well as love and support her mother.”

She added, “Katie whilst only 12 years old, helped care for her father whilst he was

terminally ill and she made a promise to him that she would always make him proud.”

Katie received the award at a meeting of Full Council on Thursday 16 May from outgoing Mayor, Councillor Marge Anderton. Also at the meeting, the new Mayor of Wyre was sworn in for 2019/2020. Councillor Ann Turner has been invested with the Mayoral chain of office at the meeting and announced that her chosen charities would be RSPCA Blackpool and North Lancashire Branch and the North West Air Ambulance Charity.

The next meeting of full council will be held on 11 July at 7pm at the Civic Centre in Poulton with the public welcome to attend.

Victory Park ‘Pitch Funder’ launched Over the past 12 months (with limited resources) groundsman Ben Kay has worked miracles on the Victory Park pitch, making the most of out-of-date equipment and sheer hard work to produce a pitch everyone associated with Chorley FC can be proud of.

Looking ahead to the new season, and our first campaign in the National League for 29 years, we want to give the playing side of the club the best chance possible on all fronts.

Through the Chorley FC Supporters Trust an appeal has been set up to raise funds to help purchase much-needed equipment, as we look to give Ben the

tools to keep the pitch in pristine condition throughout the season.

Investment required includes: • Ride-On Mower • Trailer • New Cylinder Mower • Pitch Renovation Costs • Contractor Costs • Essential Seed and Fertiliser

The overall costs of readying the Club for National League football are significant and we hope the Magpie Family will really get behind this campaign so Ben can take the Victory Park pitch to the next level.

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ACADEMY WELCOMES YOUNG SHRIMPS

Great Scott!

Academy graduate Scott Wilson has signed his first professional contract at Turf Moor.

Wilson, who has been with the Clarets since 2013, has signed a 12-month deal with the option of a further year.

The defender, 19, has earned an extended stay after completing a three-year scholarship.

The left-sided centre-back was kept on as a scholar last summer and now progresses to the professional ranks after an impressive season in the

Under-23s.

Local lad Wilson, who comes from Lango, also spent a productive spell on work experience at Stalybridge Celtic at the start last season, enjoying a run of first-team games at left-back with the Evo Stik Premier League side.

He returned to Turf Moor in January and was then a regular in Steve Stone’s side as they reached the quarterfinals of the Premier League Cup and the final of the LFA Senior Cup. “I’m delighted. To have been

here for a number of years and then be told I was getting a contract was fantastic,” said Wilson.

“I’ve enjoyed my time through the Academy and being a scholar. Some people see getting a third year as a negative, some as a positive.

“I took it on, did what I needed to do, did my loan spell, which I enjoyed, and then came back and showed what I’m all about.

“I think I came back a bit more mature, knowing how the game works. It was an

A group of talented young footballers have become the latest recruits to Morecambe Football Club’s Academy.

The Under 9s visited Globe Arena this week, to put pen to paper for the coming season.

They will join the club’s flourishing youth academy, which develops young players from Under 8s through to Under 16s; with a view to ultimately creating a pathway for the most talented to progress to scholarships when they leave school. Academy players work with their coaches three times a week and participate in the EFL schoolboy games programme against other academies at weekends. The young recruits were identified via the Club’s scouting network from local

grassroots teams, schools and Morecambe’s own Development Centre. James Dunn, Lead Foundation Phase Coach with the Academy said, “It’s great to invite the new boys to Morecambe Football Club as they begin their footballing journey with us.

“We provide young players with a varied programme covering training, physical conditioning, life skills, futsal and social skills; with a view to developing them not just as players but as young people too.”

For more information on Morecambe FC Academy and Development Centre, visit: www.morecambefc.com/teams/academy

important year, obviously looks to keep developing his Professional Development wanting this contract. I was Under-23 squad following League’s northern group last buzzing at the news and my their fourth-place finish in the season. mum and dad are very proud.

“We’ll see what happens now.

I’ll get pre-season done and then we’ll have chats about what happens next, but I’ll be working harder than ever to do well and make the most of the opportunity I’ve got here.”

Wilson follows Under-23 defensive team-mates Jordan Cropper and Bobby Thomas in signing new deals since the end of the 2018/19 campaign.

Right-back Joel Senior, 19, has also joined the Clarets from Curzon Ashton this summer, while contract offers have been made to Tunde Bayode, Christian N’Guessan and Dan Agyei as Stone

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FLEMING SIGNS NEW DEAL ANDY Fleming has become the second Morecambe player to sign a new deal this week.

The long serving midfielder joined A-Jay Leitch-Smith in signing a new contract after agreeing a one year deal with another year option depending on appearances.

Speaking about Fleming, who joined the Shrimps in 2010 and has made more than 300 appearances for the club, boss Jim Bentley said: “Andy has been a great servant and is highly respected throughout the club and we’re really pleased he’s agreed to stay with us.

“He had a bad injury last season but proved before and after the injury that he is a top class player at this level and was arguably one of our best players when fit.

“He’s fully recovered now after working extremely hard to get back to full fitness and we’re expecting him to have a good season.’’

Fleming, 30, said he was delighted to be extending his stay at the club. He said: “Once the gaffer offered me a new deal there was never any doubt. “I have been here for some years now and have always enjoyed it. Last season was a disappointment on the whole personally because of the injury but that has made me more determined to do well next season.

“I came back towards the end of the year and we did really well. We played some great football and picked up some good results and I’m hoping we carry on that form into the new season.''

T20 fixtures announced for Vitality Blast Lancashire Lightning T20 fixtures in the Vitality Blast have been announced ahead of the upcoming 2019 season.

Glen Chapple’s side, who will once again be boosted by the return of Australian all-rounder James Faulkner next year, will start their Vitality Blast campaign away to Leicestershire at Grace Road on Friday 19 July with the side’s first home game two days later against Durham Jets at Emirates Old Trafford on Sunday 21 July.

The first instalment of the highly anticipated Roses clash between Lancashire Lightning and Yorkshire Vikings takes place at Headingley on Thursday 25 July where the Red Rose will be looking to replicate last year’s victory. The return fixture at Emirates Old Trafford will take place on Friday 9 August.

Lancashire Lightning will be looking to reach a record eighth T20 Blast Finals Day after reaching the semi-final in 2018, before being beaten by the eventual winners Worcestershire Rapids at Edgbaston.

Lancashire Lightning’s Vitality Blast Fixtures

19 July - Leicestershire Foxes vs Lancashire Lightning – Grace Road 21 July - Lancashire Lightning vs Durham Jets – Emirates Old Trafford 25 July - Yorkshire Vikings vs Lancashire Lightning – Headingley 26 July - Lancashire Lightning vs Worcestershire Rapids – Emirates Old Trafford 28 July - Derbyshire Falcons vs Lancashire Lightning – County Ground, Derby 2 August - Durham Jets vs Lancashire Lightning – Emirates Riverside 3 August - Lancashire Lightning vs Notts Outlaws – Emirates Old Trafford

9 August - Lancashire Lightning vs Yorkshire Vikings – Emirates Old Trafford 11 August - Birmingham Bears vs Lancashire Lightning – Edgbaston 14 August - Northants Steelbacks vs Lancashire Lightning – County Ground, Northampton 16 August - Lancashire Lightning vs Birmingham Bears – Emirates Old Trafford 25 August - Worcestershire Rapids vs Lancashire Lightning – New Road 26 August - Lancashire Lightning vs Derbyshire Falcons – Emirates Old Trafford 30 August - Lancashire Lightning vs Leicestershire Falcons - Emirates Old Trafford

Each Edition of the Lancashire Now has a print run of 10,000 copies. Published by Wilcop Media Ltd, Unit 8, The Glade Business Centre, Forum Road, Nottingham. NG5 9RW.

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