Lancashire Now 113

FREE Issue. 113 - 06-12-2019 0115 6972677 | www.wilcopmedia.co.uk | sales@wilcopmedia.co.uk

Inside this issue: St Helens | Christmas | sports and more...

Mary’s a winner

Making Invisible Disabilities Visible

after losing 15 stone!

A woman is celebrating after losing half their body weight in September this year and winning a golden slimming award.

Mary Barnes, from Colne had lost a life-changing 13st 11.5lb to win Slimming World’s ‘Club 50’ Award – which has been special-created this year to celebrate the company’s 50th birthday – and is awarded to those members who have lost an incredible 50% of their starting weight.

Mary, who’s had gone from 27st 9.5lb to 13st 11.5lb, says: “I’ve been overweight for longer than I care to admit . I’m so proud and happy to win this award, especially in such a monumental year for Slimming World.

see page 2..

Pledge your support for domestic abuse campaign see page 5..

see page 6&7..

Former teacher jailed for abuse A FORMER teacher has been jailed for more than 17 years after admitting sexual abuse against girls.

Geoffrey Openshaw, now 73, was employed by the local authority as a PE teacher at Darwen Vale High School (DVHS) between 1972 and 1989.

His five victims were all girls and the abuse spanned three decades between the 1970s and 1990s. Some of the abuse took place at the school.

During the course of his offending he wrote letters to his victims, bought them presents and took them on excursions, even though at the time he was married with two young children.

Openshaw, of Out Rawcliffe, near Preston, admitted 14 counts of indecent assault and one of sexual intercourse with a girl under 13 earlier this year.

He was sentenced at Preston Crown Court today (Tuesday, December 3rd) to 17 years

and three months with a one year extended licence.

He will be on the Sex Offenders’ Register for life.

Lesley Connor, of Lancashire Constabulary’s Operation Fervent Team, said: “Openshaw abused his position to groom and abuse his victims over a long period of time and I would to pay tribute to them for the incredible courage they have shown to come forward and speak about what they have been through. Bringing

Openshaw to justice would not have been possible without them.

“I would urge anyone who has been a victim of sexual abuse, no matter how historic or who the alleged abuser was to come forward and report it to us safe in the knowledge that we will investigate professional and sensitively.”

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Disabilities Visible Blackburn with Darwen Leisure Services are supporting a campaign “Not Every Disability is Visible” Crohn’s & Colitis UK launched the campaign around the stigma and misunderstanding that surround invisible disabilities.

People are often subjected to discrimination just for trying to use the accessible toilet they urgently need.

New signs have been added to accessible toilets and changing facilities at the Leisure Centres which also has the aim of raising awareness with staff and members of the public.

Kathryn Boyes, who works for Blackburn with Darwen Council as an activity instructor in the re:fresh Motivate programme, spoke to us about the importance of the campaign. Kathryn has been using a stoma bag for just over a year after been diagnosed with ulcerative colitis three years ago. She said: I’ve been challenged by people when I’ve been using disabled facilities, because they don’t necessarily understand that my disability is not visible.” Kathryn added: I had been ill for over

7 years and the last 12 months have been so much better but being challenged when using disabled facilities can be quite distressing. I try to be honest with people and have even shown my stoma bag to a person who asked me why I was using the disabled toilets. Attitudes are changing though and hopefully this campaign is another step towards raising awareness of hidden disabilities.” Dominic Harrison, Director of Public

Health and Wellbeing at Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council, said: Providing public facilities that positively include people with hidden disabilities is really important. It allows everyone in the community to participate equally.

This is critically important in venues such as leisure centres because we know that improving our general health by increasing the amount of physical activity we

undertake is one of the best ways to manage a long term health condition as it increases our resilience to mental and physical challenges.

I am very proud of the leadership our services are taking on this issue” With over 50% of people living with Crohn’s or Colitis having been challenged or discriminated against just for trying to access the accessible toilet facilities they urgently require, the “Not Every Disability is Visible” campaign is tackling this stigma by encouraging the installation of new accessible toilet signage. The campaign is hoping to roll out to all businesses across the UK with the new signage making the invisible, visible

Canopy Update at Preston Markets Following the major capital investment scheme that was agreed by Council on 22 August 2019 to improve the conditions in the Market Hall, a prototype section of the proposed canopy design has been temporarily installed.

This prototype will be part of the overall project which will sit above the internal walkways between the stalls.

This will improve the environment throughout the year and ensure it

is a more comfortable for customers and traders.

The overall structure will be fabricated of steel frames, infilled with clear panels, in order to maintain the visual appearance of the underside of the original 1875 canopy.

Timescales for this project are currently being planned with our tenants, but it is the Council's intention to start as soon as possible.

Neil Fairhurst, Deputy Chief Executive and Director of Customer Services at Preston City Council said: "This is another step forward for the improvements agreed at Council for the Market Hall.

Preston Markets is full of excellent products - freshly

made food and drinks, accessories, produce, fresh meat and an amazing selection of cheese - and we need Prestonians to support these local businesses and enjoy what Preston Markets has to offer especially over the upcoming festive period."

Sam Livesey, Chairman of the Traders Association at Preston Markets said: "This prototype is a good first step in the Council's solution to the current conditions in the Market Hall. The traders will be working with the council to decide an installation plan that will cause the least disruption, while installing the new canopies as quickly as possible. People of Preston, shop local this Christmas and

pick up your delicious festive food and presents from the amazing traders at Preston Markets."

Further Information When the timescales for the canopies' installation have been agreed, these will be released, including the designs.

The aim of the walkway canopies is to retain the heat already generated in the Market Hall, rather than introduce additional heat sources.

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£200k final piece of jigsaw

approved for Blackburn’s Blakey Moor

New lighting and re-surfacing work have been approved to enhance the redevelopment of Blackburn’s historic Blakey Moor.

The Council has approved the £200,000 additional funding from the Local Transport Plan Fund, to finalise the works for the surrounding

Jubilee Square. The works will cover re-surfacing and street lighting pieces to help enhance the Blakey Moor National Lottery Heritage Fund initiative.

The wider project aims to bring back into use the historic terrace and reinvigorate the cultural,

leisure and evening economy around King George’s Hall.

Cllr Phil Riley, Executive Member for Regeneration, said: This is an important piece of the jigsaw in terms of delivering this key development. Improving the leisure economy is one of

the driving forces behind the regeneration of Blakey Moor. Attractive new public spaces are part of the new offer and they are fundamental to the whole project around that part of the town. King George’s Hall and the new cinema will be at the heart of the leisure economy and Blakey Moor is a key part of connecting it all together.

The work is expected to complete by December 2020.

New tenant announced for One Cathedral Square Blackburn with Darwen Council is delighted to announce the latest tenant to its flagship town centre offices, One Cathedral Square.

Modern multi-service law firm, AWH Solicitors, will take up letting of the first floor in the Piazza Square-based building in Blackburn’s Cathedral Quarter.

Around 40 staff will move into the new premises on January 2nd 2020 and will be immediately ready to service clients from the new location. AWH’s vision is to be the leading personal legal services provider in the North West. Services offered include: personal injury; family and employment law; conveyancing; wills, probate and trusts; criminal litigation; road traffic law; civil litigation and mental health law.

The company’s head office is in Manchester and the move to Blackburn with Darwen is part of a major expansion with plans to open more offices in key locations in the North West of England, servicing clients across the

country. The firm expects that the move will also create around 25 new jobs over the forthcoming year.

Martin Kelly, Blackburn with Darwen Council’s Director of Growth and Development, said: This is fantastic news and I warmly welcome AWH Solicitors to One Cathedral Square, which is an impressive base and location for any business.

AWH’s decision to invest in Blackburn is a clear demonstration of business confidence in our town centre.

I look forward to seeing the firm flourish in its new location and create further employment opportunities down the line.

Abdul W. Hussain, Managing Director of AWH Solicitors, said: We are delighted to make this move to Blackburn with Darwen and the grade A facilities at One Cathedral Square.

Our main aim is to improve as many people’s lives as possible with our services and will always consider our clients’ needs with every decision we make. To that end the central location is perfect for our clients, who often prefer to speak to their solicitor in person.

We also want to attract the best and brightest individuals to join our company and I’m confident that, in our new town centre location, we will have a good chance of doing that with the great facilities and transport connections.

For more information visit AWH Solicitors online or call 0844 414 0667

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Schools joined-up for writing inspiration Pupils from two local primary schools got some inspiration to write spooky stories during a day spent together at Turton Tower.

The historic 16th century building was the setting for the first Schools Linking day between St Cuthbert’s RC Primary School in Darwen and St Michael with St John CE Primary School in Blackburn.

Year 4 classes from both schools are taking part in the Schools Linking programme, funded through Blackburn with Darwen’s social integration programme, Our Community, Our Future.

Schools Linking is all about giving schools in different parts of the borough opportunities to meet up and collaborate on learning activities that explore themes around identity and belonging.

At their creative writing inspiration day last week, pupils enjoyed exploring rooms at Turton Tower and listening to tales of spooky goings-on there.

Getting to know you activities

in pairs encouraged the eight and nine year olds to think about their identity, which helped them create characters for their own short stories.

Tamzin Royale, Year 4 teacher at St Michael with St John’s, said: The children were a little nervous before we arrived as they didn’t know what to expect. The set-up of the day helped the children immensely by starting with a shared experience of the mystery tales. This enabled them to have conversations with their new friends when they got into partners.

Our children were disappointed when the day ended, but are excited to meet up with their St Cuthbert’s friends again in the spring term.

Levi Wolfenden, Year 4 teacher at St Cuthbert’s, said: The children really engaged with the whole experience and quickly got to know their new friends. Meeting in a neutral environment was a big help in breaking the ice. Looking around the building together was a good way to start our first linking

day. It’s been a fantastic experience for my class.

Young pupil Noorulain from St Michael & St John CE Primary School commented: I feel happy because we got to play with each other and learn new things and talk to different people. Turton Tower is a great place to have fun with other people. They told us interesting stories.

Hear from more pupils from St Cuthbert’s RC Primary School and St Michael with St John CE Primary School talking about their feelings before and after their Schools Linking experience, in this short video.

The pupils will meet several times throughout the academic year for activities that aim to help build bridges between children from different cultural backgrounds. In between visits, the schools will send each other pieces of work the pupils have created for their new friends.

St Cuthbert’s RC Primary School and St Michael with St John CE Primary School aren’t the only primary

schools meeting up for the first time this term. A total of 54 schools across the borough are taking part in the Schools Linking programme during this academic year, supported by national charity The Linking Network. The borough’s social integration programme, Our Community, Our Future, is funding the Schools Linking activities, to help more pupils from diverse backgrounds have opportunities to learn together and form friendships. Jayne Ivory, Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council’s Director of Children’s

Services & Education, said: It’s so important that children growing up in different parts of Blackburn with Darwen have chances to come into contact to learn from one another, to explore different cultures and religions, and to make friends. Schools Linking activities are a really fun and engaging way to do this, while being relevant to the curriculum and supporting other work pupils are doing in class. Schools Linking has been nationally recognised as contributing to how schools can support their pupils’ spiritual, moral, social

and cultural development.

I’m really pleased that we can offer the programme to Blackburn with Darwen schools, and that so many are taking part this year. Schools that haven’t already signed up to the Schools Linking programme can still get involved. Teachers can get in touch with Sharifa Valli in Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council’s Children’s Services on 01254 666462 or sharifa.valli@blackburn. gov.uk, or Ismail Hasham in the Social Integration team (01254 585577 or ismail. hasham@blackburn.gov.uk.

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Pledge your support for domestic abuse campaign

Pictured, left to right, at Turf Moor showing their support for the White Ribbon campaign against domestic violence are Paul France, deputy CEO, Burnley FC in the Community; Richard Brown, Burnley Council community safety officer; Michael Colquhoun, head of young people’s services, BFCitC; and Abby Turner, head of health and wellbeing, Burnley FCitC.

Organisations in Burnley are encouraging young men to wear the White Ribbon - in a bid to raise awareness of physical and mental abuse.

Burnley Council is among the local organisations supporting 16 days of action as part of an international

campaign established by men to end all forms of male violence against women and girls.

This year's event aims to encourage young men and boys in particular to show their support.

Partners including Burnley Council

and Burnley FC in the Community met at Turf Moor to show their support for the campaign and highlight the ongoing work that takes place throughout the year.

Venues across Lancashire, including Burnley Central Library, will be displaying a

large White Ribbon to show support and visitors can pick up a badge and sign a pledge to help to make people aware of this important campaign.

Burnley Council community safety officer Richard Brown said: “The White Ribbon campaign aims to highlight the issues around domestic abuse and to encourage men never to commit, condone or stay silent about any form of violence or abuse against women and girls.

"The campaign this year is focusing particularly on young men aged 14 to 18 and we'd encourage them to visit the White Ribbon website to find out more."

"Abuse comes in many forms and can be physical or mental.

It's important that you contact someone who can help as soon as possible, so you can get the support you need.

Always call the emergency services if you think you are in immediate danger."

Michael Colquhoun, head of young people’s services at Burnley FC in the Community, said: “We are again pleased to support the

White Ribbon campaign. We hope that by supporting this campaign, we can help to reduce incidents of domestic abuse and to ultimately raise awareness of the issue itself”.

Now in its 14th year in the UK,White Ribbon Campaign UK is part of a global movement to put a stop to male violence against women and girls, with the aim to educate, raise awareness and to engage men and boys in these issues.

Each year the campaign urges as many men and boys as possible to wear a white ribbon, supportersof the campaign are asked to pledge never to commit, condone, or remain silent about men's violence against women and girls in all its forms.

Although the focus of this campaign is ending male violence against women and girls, it is in no way intended to undermine the work that is needed to support all victims of domestic violence and there is a recognition that violence against men and boys is just as important an issue to deal with. Women

and girls are also encouraged to show support for the White Ribbon campaign and can do this by wearing a ribbon or becoming champions.

Lancashire became the first White Ribbon County in the country in 2016. Across the county,between April 2018 and March 2019, there were more than 24,000 police incidents involving men abusing women. Two women are killed every week in England and Wales by their current or former partner.

For more information about the campaign visit: http:// www.whiteribbon.org.uk.

You can also become an ambassador for the White Ribbon Campaign at http:// www.whiteribbon.org.uk/ ambassadorsor a White Ribbon Champion at http:// www.whiteribbon.org.uk/ champions If you or someone you know is suffering from domestic abuse and needs support, contact Lancashire Victim Services via their website https:// lancashirevictimservices. org/victims/victim-domesticabuse/orcall 0303 323 0085.

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Mary’s a winner after losing 15 stone!

A woman is celebrating after losing half their body weight in September this year and winning a golden slimming award.

Mary Barnes, from Colne had lost a life-changing 13st 11.5lb to win Slimming World’s ‘Club 50’ Award – which has been specialcreated this year to celebrate the company’s 50th birthday – and is awarded to those members who have lost an incredible 50% of their starting weight. Mary, who’s had gone from 27st 9.5lb to 13st 11.5lb, says: “I’ve been overweight for longer than I care to admit . I’m so proud and happy to win this award, especially in such a monumental year for Slimming World. It just gets better as we come closer to the end of this special year I feel like a new woman since losing weight – in fact, I look so different that people who I haven’t seen for a while often can’t believe I’m the same person. For me though it’s the change on the inside that’s been the greatest – I’m happier, healthier and much more confident now.”

The 58-year-old joined the Monday group, which is run by Gwen Mortimer, on

2nd July 2018. Mary says: “My weight impacted on so many aspects of my life, from struggling to catch my breath, high blood pressure, finding clothes to fit let alone that I liked, to not being able to do simple everyday tasks without feeling tired and exhausted. Before I lost weight, I hated having my photo taken and whenever I saw pictures of myself, I didn’t feel like my smile was real – yet now I’m beaming!”

After retiring at Christmas in 2017 and being ill throughout Christmas and into the New Year, in fact most of January, with flu, pneumonia and being hospitalised with whooping cough, suffering with cracked ribs Mary was advised to seek help with her weight. Her lungs constantly filling up struggling to catch her breath and high blood pressure meant that she had to finally accept that she was obese but didn’t really know how much she did actually weight. Mary took a further six months to decided to join her local Slimming World group at St Johns Methodist Church, Colne. She says: “Walking through those doors was one of the hardest things I’ve ever done, I was

embarrassed about my size and scared that I might be the biggest person there I had an image of what a slimming club was like judgmental, and full of thin people.

I needn’t have worried though, everyone there was so friendly especially my Consultant Gwen, I went along with my daughter Carrie who wanted to join and took my husband Roy as well for moral support, I was so relieved when I found out that my weight was confidential between me and her – I’d had visions of having to tell everyone how much I weighed!

“Since then I’ve made so many friends at the group and I honestly don’t think I could have done it without their support each week.

They helped me with recipes and tips and if I was ever struggling, they were always there to build me up and remind me why I’d wanted to lose weight in the first place and how far I’d come since first stepping through the doors. And it was so rewarding to support other members who needed a boost too.” Mary followed the club’s Food Optimising eating plan and swapped junk food and the love of cake and not wasting anything for fantastic healthy meals finding a love of cooking and preparing meals from scratch fish, chicken, salads vegetables fruit all good things that have made such a massive difference to the way she and her family eat. She says: “People think slimming means going hungry, eating nothing but salad or obsessively counting every calorie you eat, but it’s not like that at all at Slimming World. I love food and it’s never once felt like I was on ‘a diet’ – in fact, people are always surprised at how much food I have on my plate and can’t believe I’m losing weight eating so much without ever feeling hungry.

“I still enjoy all my favourite meals like full English breakfasts and roast dinners, but I’ve learned how to make small changes like using lean

Sales E: sales@wilcopmedia.co.uk | T: 0115 6972677 meat or cooking with low calorie spray instead of oil or butter. It fits in so well with the rest of my family and we can all eat the same meals. I know that I haven’t ‘gone on a diet’, this is a change that I’ve made for life and I have the tools I need to stay like this forever. My smile is definitely real now!”

Today Mary’s lost a total of 15st and went from size 36 dress to a size 16 dress. She’s also more active nowadays and regularly walks between 7 and 14 miles at least 3 or 4 times a week and loves helping out on her youngest daughters farm herding the cattle and being involved with family life. Gwen Mortimer, who runs the St Johns Colne Slimming World group, says: “The changes we’ve seen in Mary are incredible.

I hope her success will inspire other people who’d like to lose weight by forming new lifestyle habits and as a result, become happier and healthier to come and join us. There’s a warm welcome waiting at Slimming World and, just think, if you start today you could soon feel like a completely new person, just like Mary her confidence and zest for life is so inspiring and motivating.” The Colne group meets every Monday at 5:00pm or 7:00pm, Tuesday at 9:30am and Saturday at 8:30am or 10:30am at St Johns Methodist Church Colne. To join call Gwen Mortimer on 07783414157 or pop along.

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Businesses back town centre improvement district proposals Town centre businesses in Burnley have backed ambitious plans to create a Business Improvement District (BID).

Businesses voted in favour of the proposals that could see a £1 million investment in the town centre over the next five years in a ballot held during the past month.

Almost three-quarters (71%) of the town centre business voted in favour, representing 77% of ratetable value, giving a strong mandate for a first-time BID. BIDs are business-led partnerships which are created to deliver additional projects and services to benefit businesses in an area for a limited period, usually five years.

A small levy is charged to all businesses in that area to fund the initiatives, typically between one to two per cent of a business’s rateable value.

Setting up a BID empowers businesses to undertake activities, projects and services that will make a town

centre more economically vibrant, increase footfall and support the creation of a safer, cleaner and greener town centre. Debbie Hernon, Charter Walk shopping centre manager, said: “The BID will give businesses a greater say in how Burnley town centre is managed and promoted, working closely with the council and other partners to make Burnley a more attractive and vibrant place to shop and visit.”

Kate Ingram, Burnley Council’s strategic head of economy and growth, said: “This is great news and represents a major change in how the town centre is managed, attracting more visitors and new businesses.

It will help build on the wider regeneration of the town centre and the ongoing work to build a brighter future for Burnley.” Richard Ellison, at the Country House Gallery in St James Street, said: “I’m pleased to see the support from town centre businesses

for backing the business-led £1 million investment over the next five years for the Burnley town centre BID. “The BID promises a great opportunity for a new way to deliver a range of projects and improvements across the town centre, and reconnect it with new consumers from a range of demographics to create a thriving town centre for the future.”

The Burnley Town Centre BID will start in April 2020 and concentrate on three main themes: • Create a Modern, Vibrant and Connected town centre, including a dedicated year-round programme of marketing and promotional campaigns to attract more shoppers and visitors; organise more events to bring people into the town centre; and a “Shop Local, Stay Local” programme to encourage people to shop locally.

• Create a Better Burnley for Business by encouraging the growth of independent businesses, providing business support and working more closely with town centre businesses to create new investment opportunities and tackle barriers to growth.

• Create a Responsive and Pro-active Burnley by tackling anti-social behaviour and crime and creating a safer and more secure town centre, day and night.

Further details on the BID plans for the future are available at www.burnleybid.co.uk

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Pendle Council signs New contact centre declaration to promote healthy weight

Pendle Council has signed a local government declaration to promote healthy weight across the borough through improved food and drink provision.

Childhood obesity is a growing concern in Pendle with 22.2% of children aged 10-11 classified as obese.

This is the second highest figure in Pennine Lancashire.

And as Pendle is one of the 20% most deprived areas in England it’s significantly associated with overweight and obesity.

By signing the declaration, Pendle Council’s Chief Executive and Leader have demonstrated the Council’s commitment to tackling this

important issue and improving the health and wellbeing of local people and staff.

The Local Government Declaration on Healthy Weight includes a number of pledges that the Council will meet to help people make better choices.

These include: • Working with the local food and drink sector to encourage them to offer healthier food and drink options • Increasing access to fresh drinking water in Council buildings • Removing marketing by the food and drink industry near schools • Ensuring food and drinks served at public events include healthy options.

The Council will also develop a package of incentives to encourage food businesses in Pendle to take up the Pennine

Lancashire Recipes for Health scheme. Councillor Mohammed Iqbal, Leader of Pendle Council, said: “It’s so important that we make it easier for people, young and old, to make the right choices when it comes to choosing food and drink. “We want to make the healthy option the easy option which very often isn’t the case.

“By signing this declaration we’re making a commitment to doing all we can, including developing and implementing policies, which promote healthy weight. “It builds on work already underway in Pendle to encourage people to ditch junk food and move more!” Dean Langton, Chief Executive, added: “Pendle is part of a Trailblazer area to tackle childhood obesity and we’re also involved in a Sport England pilot which aims to increase physical activity.

“These two national programmes dovetail well, bringing healthy weight to the fore.”

Contact Burnley has moved from its former offices on the corner of Parker Lane and Red Lion Street to new offices, just 50 yards along Parker Lane.

The contact centre houses staff that deal with inquiries from the public, as well as issues such as benefits claims and council services.

The council’s main switchboard is also based there. The new offices are also in Parker Lane, opposite the gable end of the Central Library, and were formerly

used by the council’s revenues and benefits staff.

Before the council took it over the building was used

by Burnley Building Society and then the National and Provincial Building Society.

The move is part of wider rationalisation of council accommodation which will lead to savings. Councillor Margaret Lishman, the council’s executive member for resources and performance management, said: “The new contact centre is across the road from the

existing offices and remains in the town centre, easily accessible and continuing to provide the same faceto-face service. “Although the council is promoting digital transformation and the increasing use of online services, it is important that we maintain a face-to-face service for residents who need it.”

The council is in discussions with the building’s owner to secure a new user once the council surrenders its lease in December of this year.

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Hope that £250K bid is ‘towering’ success for Darwen Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council has applied for £250,000 from the National Lottery Heritage Fund to repair and restore Darwen Tower.

The council has worked in partnership with residents and local groups, including Darwen Rotary, to submit

the ‘strong’ application and a decision is now due within weeks.

As part of the bid, a new educational video, created

by Darwen-based Northern Heart Films, has also been released.

It documents the history of the tower – opened in 1898 to celebrate Q u e e n Vi c t o r i a ’s Diamond Jubilee and also the freedom for D a r r e n e r ’s to ‘roam’ the moors.

Councillor D a v e Smith, who represents the Darwen West ward, said: “Darwen Tower is the proud symbol of our town and no matter where you travel, as soon as you see it;

you know you’re home.

“The Council has invested in putting together a really strong funding bid for the renovation work to the tower with the help of groups and individuals from right across Darwen.

“We all want the same thing, to see the tower protected and enjoyed for future generations to come.

“The new film is a brilliant way of celebrating its history and ensuring its legacy continues to run right through the DNA of our town’s youngsters – the tower’s future guardians.”

The script was written by local theatre group ‘Beggars Belief’ – with support from local historian, Harold Heys – and all of the actors are from the town. John Jacklin from Darwen Rotary said: “We have now raised more than £68,000 which demonstrates the strong sense of feeling to save our tower. “As part of the bid, we undertook a survey and a vast majority of the respondents said that the tower really does represent home. “The funding would

be used to repair the tower and also create a legacy – educating future generations and providing virtual tours.”

‘The Freeing of the Moors’ tells the tale of rich landowner, Rev. William Arthur Duckworth stopping walkers, looking to escape the smog of the mills in the town, from enjoying the moorland.

In protest, mill manager, William Thomas Ashton, drove his horse through the barricades and joiner, John Oldman, organised many

mass trespasses. When served with a writ to appear before court in London, Mr Oldman walked to Bolton, sold his pocket watch and travelled on the mail train to get there in time. After pleading his case, the judge granted Darrener’s freedom of the moors. Mr Jacklin added: “The video is a ready-made history lesson and has already been sent out to 50 schools as part of a new educational pack.

“We’ve got a really strong bid, which will hopefully be boosted by the fantastic

fundraising efforts, but its fate is now very much in the hands of the adjudicators.”

The bid has three priorities – to repair the tower to ensure it stays open to the public, improve the paths and physical access to the landmark and a new engagement programme including virtual tours.

Letters of support have been sent from the town’s MP, WEC, Herbert Parkinson and the Rotary.

The decision is due around the beginning of December.

Leisure venues seek private sector experience

Some of Rossendale’s best known leisure and tourism venues are seeking experienced business people willing to join their boards as unpaid non-executive directors to share their knowledge and experience.

Guy Darragh, Economic Development Manager, said: We have some outstanding

visitor venues in the borough and their continued growth is really important to our aspirations to grow the Visit Rossendale and Adrenaline Valley brand and continue the increase in trips to the borough.

In order to do this some of our venues would benefit from experienced business

directors joining the boards and offering vital private sector experience.

It is likely that a two hour-permonth commitment would be required as a minimum.

If you are interested in this opportunity please email: guydarragh@rossendalebc. gov.uk

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Taxi drivers meet with Police and Council in wake of incidents A multi-agency meeting was held last night to address concerns around attacks on taxis.

Several incidents over recent weeks have seen taxis and other vehicles damaged in areas of Blackburn by youths throwing stones and rocks at vehicles.

Lancashire Police, and officers from Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council’s Licensing team and Community Safety Partnership were at the meeting to discuss concerns and look at ways to work together to tackle the problem.

Geographic Inspector Martyn Holt told the meeting that Police patrols have been stepped up in the hotspot areas. He said they are carrying out ongoing undercover operations to identity perpetrators and have been visiting schools to warn pupils of the dangers and appeal for information.

He said one 14-year-old had been questioned and further inquiries are currently ongoing.

Inspector Holt said: We know that this is a problem across Lancashire and indeed other parts of the country.

We believe it is young people causing mischief and that needs to stop before somebody is seriously harmed. We are not here to criminalise the young, but we need to protect the public.

There is ongoing anti-social behaviour in parts of town and your customers will be feeling it home as well as you are doing.

This is a priority for us and we are doing everything we can as a partnership with the local authority, to use the expertise of youth outreach to engage and educate young people.

We are also deploying decoy cars with CCTV to act as a deterrent and to help us to identify the people responsible so we can take appropriate action.

Drivers staged a blockade on Accrington Road last week in a bid and to stand-up against the dangerous behaviour.

Around 30 drivers and operators attended the

meeting and said some attacks have been so severe that they have caused thousands of pounds worth of damage and are lucky to not have seriously injured the driver or passengers.

Saghier Hussain, from Blackburn’s Private Hire Association, was at the meeting to represent 280 drivers.

He said: We are thankful that this is being taken seriously because we don’t want somebody to be seriously injured, we have a duty to put the safety of our passengers first.

Having a rock thrown through a window could kill someone. We need to work together with the Police and Council. Drivers can help by reporting any incidents to the Police so they can take appropriate action.

A special communication group is being set-up between the Police and taxi drivers to be able to share information between each other and to keep drivers updated on key action and activity.

Martin Eden, Blackburn with

Darwen Council’s Director of Environment and Operations, said: What has been happening is totally unacceptable and is quite frankly disgraceful behaviour.

Anyone going out to earn a living does not deserve to be attacked and withstand the financial burden of having to repair their vehicles.

The people carrying out these mindless acts need to think, what they are doing

could seriously injure or kill someone. We are sending a clear message that criminal damage and attacks of this nature are shameful and we will be doing everything we can to support the Police and drivers.

We are monitoring CCTV and using all the necessary powers at our disposal to make those responsible accountable.

Inspector Holt appealed for the drivers to assist by

reporting all incidents to the Police as he told the meeting that even if there wasn’t an immediate response, all reports are logged and help to identify patterns and better target Police resources.

He also called on taxi operators and drivers, if safe to do so, to send in any photographic evidence to help trace those responsible.

Anyone with any information can ring 101 or Crimestoppers on: 0800 555 111

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care scheme scoops award A Darwen housing scheme designed to support people over 50 with care needs has won a building industry award.

Riverside Heights, a partnership between Together Housing Group and Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council, was named as Best Social or Affordable New Housing Development at Local Authority Building Control’s Building Excellence Awards.

In addition to 85 selfcontained apartments, the development features a restaurant and hair and beauty salon which are open to the wider community.

All apartments at the development have now been filled with a waiting list for future applicants. There is a strict assessment criteria for applications, which includes

an assessment of social care and housing needs.

Sue Lewis, Head of Supported Housing at Together Housing, said: Riverside Heights is designed to bridge the gap for people struggling to live on their own and residential care. The service is flexible and responsive, so residents can continue to be supported as their needs change.

We are delighted that the scheme, which offers residents privacy and independence alongside tailored support services, has been independently recognised as an example of best practice.

Sayyed Osman, Director of Adults and Prevention at Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council, said: The innovative housing development at Riverside Heights extends the range of

housing and care options for older people in the borough.

It offers residents the reassurance of extra support being on hand if needed, helping people to maintain their independence for longer, as well as providing a wide range of modern facilities on site.

The panel of expert judges said: The judges were in agreement that Riverside Heights is a stand-out example of top-quality specialised housing with care for the elderly. This scheme is truly part of the community with a restaurant open to local people and a stepped-up care provision for those who need it so they do not have to move.

LABC Chief Executive, Paul Everall, said: Our building excellence awards are an opportunity for the industry

to celebrate good practice.

Our winners demonstrate how positive working relationships with local council building control teams achieve high quality,

sustainable buildings. Our awards are unique because they recognise how this cooperation improves building standards and professionalism across

the industry. To apply for Riverside Heights contact Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council’s Adult Services team on 01254 587547.

TAXI DRIVER APPEAL DISMISSED A taxi driver was ordered to pay costs of £3848 when his appeal against a decision by Hyndburn Borough Council to revoke his private hire driver’s licence was dismissed at Blackburn Magistrates Court.

Nasar Perwez aged 41 of Worcester Road Blackburn had his Private Hire drivers licence revoked by the Council’s Licensing Judicial Committee on the 30 October 2018 following a complaint from a member of the public that Mr Perwez had refused to carry his assistance dog in the front of his private hire vehicle. In October 2018, he was booked to carry a passenger and guide dog. On arriving at the passenger’s house, he loaded some articles into the boot, but then insisted the guide dog ride on its own in the rear of his vehicle, despite the passenger explaining that the dog was trained to sit at his

feet in the front passenger footwell. Mr Perwez then unloaded the articles and left them on the side of the road, causing difficulty for the passenger who could not see them, and who was helped to retrieve them by his 92 year old mother. The magistrates heard how the refusal to carry the guide dog where it had been trained to travel meant that both the dog and owner would become distressed, and that the refusal had affected the passenger’s confidence in travelling.

The magistrates found that when giving evidence Mr Perwez had been inconsistent in his recall of the incident and that oral evidence given in court varied from the evidence that he had given whilst being interviewed by licensing officers. They determined that the decision of the Council that Mr Perwez is not a fit and proper person to hold a private hire driver’s

licence was correct.

Cllr Melissa Fisher, Chair of the Licensing Judicial Committee, said that the decision of the magistrates has vindicated the action taken by the Council. She said. ‘Hyndburn Borough Council take customer safety very seriously and will always fully investigate any complaints received and take any appropriate action up to and including revocation of a licence in order to ensure that members of the public can have confidence when getting into a vehicle licensed by this Council. The Council will always do everything we can to ensure that people who use our licensed vehicles are not discriminated against in any way and the actions of the driver in this particular incident were totally unacceptable.’ James Button of James Button and Co. Solicitors acted for Hyndburn Borough Council.

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Are you ‘mouthaware’? Know what to look out for in Mouth Cancer Action Month What signs and symptoms to look out for, how you can reduce the risks and the importance of regular checkups at the dentist in protecting against this life-threatening disease.

Sue Forster, Director of Public Health for St Helens Council said: “Mouth cancer

does not have the public awareness that other forms of cancer does; yet shockingly it claims more lives every year than testicular and cervical cancer combined. We need to change this.

“Regular attendance at a dentist to receive dental examinations, where the

whole mouth is checked including the cheeks, lips, tongue and gums, is vital”.

Organised by the Oral Health Foundation, Mouth Cancer Action Month aims to reduce the amount of lives lost to mouth cancer by ensuring we are all aware of the symptoms and causes of the disease.

Symptoms to look out for are mouth ulcers which do not heal within three weeks, red and white patches in the mouth, and unusual lumps or swellings. If you notice any of these, please make an appointment with your dentist as soon as possible.

Chief Executive of the Oral Health Foundation, Dr Nigel Carter OBE explains: “Mouth cancer is one of the UK’s fastest increasing cancers, with cases up by almost 40 per cent in the last decade alone. With around 8,300 Brits diagnosed with mouth cancer last year, the disease is one of the UK’s fastest increasing cancers,

with cases rising by a third in the last decade alone. Public awareness remains vital to combatting the disease and through us all being ‘mouthaware’ and spotting mouth cancer early enough, we are giving everyone the

best possible chance to be successfully treated and have a good quality of life.”

To find out more information about mouth cancer and Mouth Cancer Action Month, please visit www. mouthcancer.org

Count down to Christmas with St Helens Libraries' literary advent calendar With Christmas just a few weeks away and families ready to begin the advent countdown St Helens Libraries are offering residents an advent calendar with a difference on social media.

There are no chocolates here - let’s face it, there’s already enough chocolate to go round at Christmas. Instead, there are 24 days of fantastic book recommendations behind each door, all available to borrow through local libraries and their digital eBook, eAudioBook and BorrowBox services.

Beginning on Sunday 1 December on St Helens Council’s Facebook page and the Library Service’s Twitter channel, residents will find a series of good read suggestions, from fiction to autobiographies and

books for children. Follow the advent calendar on Facebook at www.facebook. com/sthelenscouncil, on Twitter at www.twitter.com/ STHLibraries, or on the Library Service’s Instagram page www.instagram. com/sthlibrariesandarts.

Look out for the hashtag #STHLibsAdvent.

You can reserve your copy online by visiting w w w. s t h e l e n s . g o v. u k / librarycatalogue and collect from your nearest library or download the BorrowBox app to get books direct to your mobile device.

And one lucky person will win a bumper bundle of books to kick-start 2020.

With each book reveal on the advent calendar, an alphabet letter will be revealed. Collect all 24 letters and unscramble

them to find a well-known Christmas song.

Email your answer along with your name, address and library card number to libraries@sthelens.gov.uk by midnight on Sunday 12 January 2020 to be entered into the book bundle prize draw.

Don’t worry if you’re not a member of St Helens Library Service, just call in to your nearest library with a piece of ID showing your name and address to join for free.

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Help give young care leavers a Christmas to remember Could you bring Christmas to life for a young person in need of support?

Any donations are welcome for the campaign to create a Christmas to remember for young people who have been in care.

The Christmas appeal for care leavers helps transform the festive time for young people who may not have anyone to buy them a gift.

People like Seth Moore and Becky Slater both benefitted from the appeal last year, which brought them together with businesses and residents who kindly gave something for them through the St Helens Ambassadors programme.

Seth, aged 21, said: “Without this support Christmas would be really bland with no decorations and just being on my own so it’s nice to connect with others. It’s like having a big family. Without it there’s not much you can buy, especially if you’ve just come out of college and

don’t have a job so It’s nice to have a bit extra. “It makes a huge difference to know kind people have donated, it made me really happy to find out people actually care and I’m really grateful to the people who helped out last year and it would be really nice if they could help out again and get more people to help out.”

The hampers are personalised to each young person’s own likes and offers the chance for them to have Christmas presents that so many people take for granted.

Becky, aged 20, added: “I got Creamfields tickets, my favourite aftershave, some vouchers and a food hamper which I found very considerate because over the Christmas period you struggle for money so the food hamper was very helpful.

“Me and my sister also both helped pack the gift boxes and hampers for the young children and it just makes you feel that it brings people closer together and that made

me happy because there are some children who might spend it alone or without their family and we’re given that opportunity to bring us all together means quite a lot.”

They are also invited along to a Christmas dinner where

they can enjoy festive fun in a relaxed atmosphere.

Members of the public and businesses are encouraged to help out by donating whatever they can to help make a young care leaver’s Christmas one to celebrate.

There are 135 young people who will benefit from the hampers this year so every donation is vital.

All donations are needed

by Monday 9th December so that they can be packed and distributed so please

get in touch to make your donation quickly to transform Christmas for young people who need our support.

To find out more about donations email lucyparker@ sthelens.gov.uk or call 01744 671810.

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Explore the hidden secrets of Lancaster Town Hall this Christmas Lancaster Town Hall will be opening its doors again this Christmas for a special guided tour followed by afternoon tea with the mayor.

On Wednesday, December 18, you’ll be able to enjoy exploring parts of this fine Edwardian Grade II* listed building which are normally out of bounds to the public.

The tour is a must-do for all Lancastrians and everyone interested in architecture, fine furniture and local history.

Highlights include a visit to the imposing Council

Chamber where you will be able to take a seat in the grand mayor’s chair and the opulent Mayor’s Parlour with its fine collection of civic silver, Gillow furniture and fascinating centrifugal table.

You will also be taken to the city’s Ashton Hall with its magnificent concert organ and fine collection of heraldic art which adorns the vast ceiling and the former Magistrate’s Court Room which has remained relatively untouched since its retirement as a working court

room in 1985. From the dock, visitors will be ‘sent down’ the winding staircase to visit the atmospheric police cells in the basement where notorious double murderer Buck Ruxton was held during committal hearings in 1935.

At the end of the tour, visitors will be welcomed into Mayor’s Parlour where the Mayor of Lancaster will join them for a festive afternoon tea.

Locally roasted Atkinson’s Coffee, Lancaster Blend Tea and Mulled Wine will also

The place to be between Christmas and New Year in the North West The TheraPlate UK Liverpool International Horse Show gets set to offer the perfect entertainment for family and friends with four days of jampacked entertainment, bringing festive fun to the masses, as well as putting on New Year’s Eve entertainment that you will never forget!

The wonderful period between Christmas and New Year when the turkey-crazed madness is dissipating, and the fun of New Year’s Eve is just around the corner is a magical time. For the lucky ones that have managed to secure a few days off, it can often be tricky to work out what to do and the thoughts of traipsing round the Christmas sales is just too much.

Returning for its fifth and most significant year, the TheraPlate UK Liverpool International Horse Show is back for 2019 with a bigger and better line-up than ever before from 28th – 31st December at the M&S Bank Arena Liverpool. Even if you don’t know your Piaffe from your Puissance, the world class showjumping and equestrian sport is not to be missed as the show welcomes

some of the finest horses and riders in the World.

Brand new for 2019, is the high tech, high-energy LED Trial Bike Display which will keep guests on the edge of their seats, as well as the premiere of ‘Magnetism’, an electric performance including equestrian arts, acrobatics, dance and aerial stunts from Frenchman, Gilles Fortier. Added to this is an unmissable selection of food and drink, which offers something for everyone, and for those that really can’t miss an opportunity to spend that Christmas cash, the shopping village will ensure you don’t go home empty handed.

There will be also be live music at each show from ‘The Kings’ who are set to put on a spectacular performance alongside the New Year’s celebrations, culminating in a magnificent indoor firework display as the clocks strike midnight.

A number of firm favourites are returning, including Knockout – Battle of the Sexes and the fast and furious Shetland Pony Grand National, which is a top family favourite and not one to be missed. The Kids

Zone, which will be curated and delivered by ParentFolk, is also back and packed with even more equestrianthemed crafts and activities, including screen printing, temporary tattoo station and a family selfie competition, which is set to be one of the highlights.

Show President, Nina Barbour, comments: “The fact that the Show is returning for its fifth year is testament to what it has to offer, with many visitors coming back time and time again.

We’ve really raised the bar for 2019 having made some very exciting changes and additions. Not only with our exceptional food and drink offer, but also with some show-stopping performances.

We can’t wait to welcome new guests and returning guests back next month.”

The Liverpool International Horse Show returns from the 28th – 31st December and tickets are from £17.70 per person for a family (minimum of 4) – 2 adults and 2 children under 14.

For further information or to book, please visit: https:// www.liverpoolhorseshow. com/

be available. The cost of the tour which lasts for approximately one hour and starts at 1.30pm is £16pp or £19pp (including Mulled Wine). £1 from each booking will be donated to this year’s mayoral charity, Defying Dementia.

Tours can be booked online at www. lancaster.gov.uk/ VICticketbox or via Lancaster Visitor Information Centre – tel. 01524 582394.

Places on the tours are limited so booking in advance is essential.

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Manchester’s Giant Santa Claus is coming to town…

With Manchester’s Zippy Santa still fresh in the memory, the city’s new giant Santa has arrived.

The latest in a long tradition of Giant Santa, this year’s biggest red resident has taken his place on Piccadilly Gardens and his thousands of low energy LED lights have been turned on for the first time. Clocking in at 12 metres high, the new 2.3tonne Santa isn’t just giant in name and is ready to welcome selfieloving visitors to the city through the festive season.

He has joined a new trail of large-scale light sculptures that have already been installed across the city in Piccadilly Gardens and St Peter’s Square, along with a

new crib in St Ann’s Square and a huge LED tree by the Cathedral.

This year’s festive scheme is made from biodegradable sugar cane and recycled aluminium, which means they can be completely recycled at the end of their lifespan.

As a thoroughly modern Santa, he will be back on twitter this year wading into all of the Christmas conversation. Follow him @MCRSanta and keep up with all the festive news. Follow the conversation using #McrChristmas Cllr Pat Karney, Manchester’s Christmas spokesperson, said: “We are Santa’s favourite city, which is why he chooses to come back year after year…

“It’s fantastic to welcome him to Piccadilly Gardens for the first time as the centre piece to our new Christmas lights trail.

“Visit him in his new home from today - it will make all your Christmas wishes come true.”

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Unique Gift Ideas for Someone Who Has Everything We all know someone who simply has it all. When that special person sees something interesting or useful, they go out and buy it, leaving you scrambling for gift ideas when it comes time for special occasions.

Whether it’s a car accessory, the latest tech gadget, or new clothes, people who already have everything don’t leave a lot of choices for wellmeaning gift givers. The trick to getting the perfect presents for the people who have it all is to think up things they wouldn’t purchase on their own – and that can be a challenge.

But even if someone seemingly has everything, you can’t just skip a gift altogether. A low-cost present is still a token of love and appreciation, so try wrapping up some of these surprises.

1. Gift Cards or Certificates Some folks might feel gift cards are a cop-out, but consider this: People who have everything clearly have a picture of what they want, so there’s no shame in getting a gift card or gift certificate for a favorite store or activity.

It shows you’re paying attention to their preferences while acknowledging the fact that they may want to shop for themselves. Whether it’s a gift card to a favorite clothing store or a certificate to a restaurant for your foodie friend, gift cards can actually show a lot of love and thought.

2. Experience If someone already has enough stuff, think beyond items and give an experience instead. When you prepay for an event or experience, your friend or family member gets a fun adventure to remember and possibly gains new skills and memories – all of which are much more valuable than a new iPhone speaker or pair of shoes.

Consider some of these experiences:

out museums, restaurants, and tourist attractions) • Theater tickets • Photography class • Whitewater rafting • Tickets to a gallery opening at a local museum • Wine tasting 3. Prepaid Service There’s something to be said for anticipating a recipient’s need and paying for it. It proves you’re thinking beyond an item, and considering ways to make someone’s life easier.

You could, for instance, pay for a full car valet, or a few hours of housecleaning. If you’re short on cash, you could be the one to give service – babysitting for a friend who hasn’t had a night out in a while, or making a few freezer meals to keep on hand. Sometimes, the best gifts aren’t things, but the willingness to pitch in and lend a hand.

4. Subscription Service One special gift to give those challenging people in your life is a subscription. Whether it’s to a magazine or a beauty sample box, subscription services can suit any budget and offer the recipient something to look forward to all year long.

The majority of these services offer gift subscriptions at a variety of price points, so you can toggle the number of months your recipient receives something to meet your spending preferences.

If you prefer to gift a magazine subscription, choose one • Hot air balloon ride within your • Cooking class r e c i p i e n t ’s • Staycation in your area (you area of can be the escort as you check interest, and

always check for a discount code or discount subscription – in our experience, ordering from a third-party site and not the magazine itself is usually the best bet for savings. You might not know it, but even Amazon offers low-cost subscription options and tons of different magazines to choose from.

5. Membership Consider it the gift that keeps on giving. Gifting a membership means your recipient gets access to certain perks, usually for a year. An ideal gift for friends with kids is a membership to a local children’s museum, but a membership to anything from Theme Parks to Netflix could mean the world to someone with few needs.

Not sure where to start?

Choose a club or association that would mean something to your recipient, and then contact that association to ask if there’s a gift membership available for purchase.

Every time recipients access those membership benefits, they’re going to think of you.

6. Something Personalized When a friend or family

member already has everything, a personal touch might mean the difference between just another gift and something truly meaningful. When you order something that is engraved, embroidered, or otherwise designed specifically for your recipient, you prove that you’ve put a little extra thought and effort into finding the perfect gift. Think about stuff that you can personalize, from a leather journal embossed with your recipient’s name, to a piece of jewellery with an initial.

Those personalized touches mean a lot to someone who already has everything else.

7. Daily Luxury There’s nothing like gifting something that simply makes your recipient’s day a little more comfortable, and some of those little luxuries can be surprisingly inexpensive.

You can find soft blankets at discount stores, which are perfect when gifted with a DVD and a box of popcorn for a night in. You can also gift slipper socks wrapped

with a few fun treats along with a pedicure set.

Think about your recipients and what little luxuries can make their days more comfortable. A down-filled pillow might be your best bet for the nap-obsessed, while your luxury brand-loving friend might appreciate a fragrance sample box. Even a soft scarf could be a sweet gesture for a family member who’s perpetually cold. These little luxuries can be found without spending a fortune and they show that you’re paying attention and want the people in your life to feel both special and comfortable.

8. Charity Donation The idea of donating to charity in lieu of a gift has come a long way in recent years, thanks to services like

GoFundMe and IndieGogo.

There are enough charities and causes out there that you can choose one near and dear to your recipient’s heart. The trick to making a donation really personal is to ask yourself this: What would your friends donate to if they were choosing the organization? A friend who’s passionate about cancer research would probably love a donation to the Cancer Research UK, while a family member might think a donation to the Make-AWish Foundation is sweet.

You can also use crowdfunding sites to find causes that hit closer to home, like giving money for a friend’s medical treatment or gifting a veteran via the Help For Heroes Charity.

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Sleeping Beauty Join us for this year’s sensational family pantomime Sleeping Beauty, starring Sherrie Hewson, Kieran Powell and Friends and Nigel Ellacott in an allnew spectacular production!

Packed with all of the traditional pantomime ingredients North Wales’ audiences have come to

expect, Sleeping Beauty will be spectacularly brought to life with an abundance of jawdropping dance, side-splitting comedy, sensational song and plenty of festive magic. When a beautiful Princess is given a sixteenth birthday present by her evil godmother she is placed under a cruel curse and forced to sleep for 100

years. Can true love survive and the handsome Prince Charming break the spell?

Can the Princess’ friends help save her and who will outwit the evil Enchantress and foil her wicked plans?

With star casting, magic, music, comedy and plenty of concessionary rates available, don’t snooze, make Sleeping

Beauty the pantomime of your dreams and book tickets now.

Pre-show dining package This Christmas we have dining packages available on selected pantomime performances starting from just £27. You can enjoy a meal in our restaurant followed by a performance the magical Sleeping Beauty.

For full details view the menus below, to book contact the box office directly on 01492 872000.

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Christmas Party Night Friday 20th December Make Hetland Hall Hotel the destination for this years Christmas Night out!

Their party nights are now open to book.

Enjoy a delicious 3 course meal and live entertainment

by Destination Anywhere and the Kilted DJ. Accommodation from £90 based on 2 people sharing, single room from £60.

Tickets are £29.50 per person with a £10 deposit taken at the time of booking.

Call the team on 01387 840201 to book or contact us for more information.

Party nights are for over 18’s only!

Deposits are non refundable.

Dumfries and Galloway Sands Christmas Service

Dumfries Sands will be holding their annual Christmas Service will be held on Thursday 19th December, in the Crichton M e m o r i a l C h u r c h , Dumfries.

There will be one main family friendly service which will start at 7.30pm. During the service you will hear some touching poems and readings and of course you will be invited to light a candle before hanging a messages to your baby on the tree.

Christmas is a special time of year but can be particularly difficult for those who have suffered the loss of a baby. Please come along to our service and join with others who know exactly how you feel.

Tea/coffee and shortbread will be served after the service Sands exists to support anyone affected by the death of a baby, the Dumfries and Galloway group can be contacted via their https://www. dg-sands.org/ or by emailing contact@dgsands.org.

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Travelling to the Lake District?

You will receive a friendly welcome at 19 The Wine Bar with it’s newly appointed facelift, formerly known as Burgundy’s to the people of Kendal. This iconic bar is the oldest wine bar in Kendal, now has a new feel and a new

team. Cafe bar by day and wine bar by night. Serving an array of old and new wines, cask ales from £3, a selection of cocktails and their fabulous sharing gin trays.

They also have delicious chees and meat boards available all day and the kitchen officially opens for an array of

freshly made food and simply scrumptious home-baked cakes from 11.30am to 7pm.

The team are putting on events every week including live music every Tuesday night on their beautiful rooftop terrace from 7pm; on the 1st and 3rd week of every month there is an open mic: PLUG & PLAY headed up by Eva Grace.

19 The Wine Bar are also excited to share with you the wonderful talent of Iona Maclean Management, based in London and los Angeles. She will be presenting Open Audition and Actors workshops which will include actors and managers from London who will teach and guide new and/or experienced actors.

There will also be the opportunity to work with their in-house photogropher on headshots and self-tapes.

Trying something new they are also launching “Chitter Chatter” evenings where you can come along and chatter away to practice your French/Spanish in the presence of a teacher and bar staff. It’s hard to retain your ability to

converse when you don’t get the opportunity to practice!

If you are interested in any of the above, please contact the team through their Facebook page: 19 The Wine Bar

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Chester Christmas Market Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs

The Forum Studio Theatre in Chester

A magical Christmas all wrapped up!

Chester Christmas Market will be back in the heart of Chester from until 22nd December. Get the festive feeling this winter spoil yourself at the Chester Christmas Markets.

A handmade, historical, magical experience awaits you with 70 traditional

wooden chalets surrounding the iconic sparkling tree in the heart of the city centre while the CheSTAR points you in the direction of gold, frankincense and myrrh (or glühwein, frankfurters and mince pies!)

Discover unique, locally made produce and with handmade crafts, jewellery, accessories and stocking

Nostalgic family favourites are brought to life as we join the Fairy Godmother on an enchanting journey through dark magical woodlands and enchanting forests.

Be our guest...

Find out who is the fairest of them all in the Dining Room and explore the Beast’s magnificent Library before being whisked away to Aladdin’s golden palace.

Meander through the grand staterooms into a stunning Winter Wonderland where you’ll find Cinderella’s magnificent pumpkin coach and see if the slipper fits!

Guests can follow the sweetie trail through woodland towards the servants quarters where they’ll enter the Witches gingerbread house.

Before you go, be sure to say a fond farewell to our resident fairy godmother who

will have a tasty treat waiting for you!

Christmas Mansion Opening Times • 7- 8 Dec 12 - 4pm • 13 – 15 Dec 12pm – 4pm • 20 – 22 Dec 12pm - 4pm • 27–29 Dec 12pm - 4pm • 31 Dec – 5 Jan 2020 –12pm - 4pm *6 Dec is also Festive Friday - enjoy free car entry from 4pm and later Mansion opening times and festive fun 4pm - 8pm Adults £10, Children £7 (aged 4-15). £7 vehicle park entry charge also applies.

We welcome larger groups at Christmas (over 15 people) who can benefit from a special group discount please contact our Group Bookings on 01625 374 416 if you would like to book for your friends and family.

Written and directed by Peter Swingler OBE Don’t miss Tip Top’s festive family pantomime, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs.

Expect magical twists, fun, laughter and adventure with this laugh a minute production telling the timeless tale of the beautiful Snow White who falls in love with Archie, a poor stable lad.

Guaranteed great fun for all the family, there’s surprises in store for you at every performance plus, of course, the old jokes…and maybe a new one here and there!

Mirror, mirror on the wall, Tip Top’s panto is the fairest of them all! Praise for previous Tip Top pantos: Cinderella: “Not to be missed, this is a 5* show “ “It’s wonderful to fillers, you’re sure to find the see the traditional Christmas perfect presents in Chester, panto still thriving and this we have your Christmas all production ticks all the boxes” “Andrew Rawlinsonwrapped up!

Chester Christmas Market is open seven days a week and is located in the city’s beautiful Town Hall Square opposite Chester Cathedral.

Open: Sunday - Wednesday 10am - 6pm, Thursday, Friday & Saturday 10am - 8pm

A fairytale Christmas Mansion Please note that prices also apply to National Trust members for this special seasonal event

Heath adds extra sparkle and laughs whenever he is on stage” “This show is perfect for little ones…and the adults can join in too” Cast: Snow White Bethan Fflint Archie Ashley Sollars Simple Simon R i c h Roberts. Wicked Queen Josephine McHugh Nurse Kitty Litter Andrew Rawlinson Heath Rabbit Beatrice Sutton / Connor Booth Man in the Mirror Rob Lyon Production Team: Writer/DirectorPeter Swingler OBE Choreographer- Rhian Lyon Musical Director- Ashley Sollars Company Stage ManagerDylan Ward Jones Lighting Designer- Mark Shenton Sound designer-Daniel

McAllister Wardrobe co-ordinator/ ASM- Beatrice Sutton ASM- Connor Booth Tickets from £7 during previews, and from £11 for all other performances.

Further discounts available for groups of 10+ not available online. Please call 01244 341296.

Special term-time schools performances are also onsale.

Tickets are £8 per pupil.

Please call 01244 341296

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Christmas At The Yorkshire Air Museum Did you know in the Christmas Eve of 1944, 200 handcrafted toys were made by the French airmen based at RAF Elvington, York?

First delivered to York Mansion House, then distributed to the sick and needy children in the City of York hospitals and institutions. This was the

result of a flash of inspiration from a French Air Force Lieutenant, Sous Lieutenant Lemarchand, serving in the Mechanics Section with the French Squadron’s based at Elvington, who had seen an L.N.E.R (London & North Eastern Railway) charity Christmas tree whilst passing through York Station. He

decided it would be a fine gesture of goodwill to make some toys for the sick children and was confident his fellow mechanics would agree.

Take a break from your busy Christmas preparations and enjoy a visit to the Museum away from the busy shopping crowds. Throughout the month of December 2019, we

will be bringing a Christmas theme on to the base. Take some time from your busy Christmas preparations and enjoy wartime decorations on the base as well as in some of our main exhibitions.

Visit the French Officers Mess and see how the French airmen who were based here in 1944 celebrated Christmas

in between flying missions over occupied Europe.

Support York Children’s Hospital With The Museum This Christmas, in the spirit of the French Airmen of 1944 who crafted toys, we are supporting the York Hospital Children Ward.

The story of the airmen’s compassion and generosity, far from home and fighting for the freedom of Europe, is a story close to our hearts. When you visit the Museum, you can donate a new toy to the children of York Hospital and enjoy a complime ntary hot chocolate and a mince pie from our NAAFI Restaurant (one free hot drink & mince pie per person donating one toy).

Your donations

will be taken by the Museum team to York Hospital Children’s Ward on 20st December, to be sure that during Santa’s busy time, no children are forgotten.

You can help us spread the word via social media by tagging #yorkshireairmuseum and #yorkhospital in your posts. If you would like to donate a toy, here are some guidelines from our friends at York Hospital as due to the nature of their environment, not every type of toy can be gifted. “Plastic dolls such as Barbie and Action Man, Colouring books and pens, Wipe able hard books, Jigsaws, Wipe able toys such as play telephones, screens and shape boxes” “Please note, sadly we cannot accept anything wooden. We ask that toys are new as they will be used as gifts for the children to take home.” Christmas Opening Hours.

Don’t forget, we are open each day over Christmas, only closing on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Years Day. Once you have opened all of your own gifts and eaten your fill, why not enjoy some fresh air in the grounds of the Museum and avoid those busy Christmas sales just for one day?

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Rhoobarb & Co Back in 2006 Rachael first arrived in Whitby North Yorkshire with husband James and 12 months old Oliver. James, a physical training instructor in the RAF had just been posted to RAF Fylingdales. It was her third move in five years of marriage and would be the second time Rachael had started a small home-based business as a shellac and acrylics nail technician. In 2007, qualifying as a beauty therapist, Rachael added lashes, brows and skincare to her skill set. Five further moves, including NATO’s strategic headquarters in Belgium, starting and then having to leave her beauty business, Rachael arrived back in Whitby in May 2017 with a new addition, Louie then just 7 years old.

After a year back in Whitby and working from a lovely salon in a spare room at home, an opportunity arose to take on premises in Grape Lane, near the famous Cooke Museum and just across the harbour from the centre of Whitby. It was August 2018.

It was the start of a beautiful Lash and Brow Boutique and to take a very Yorkshire

product as inspiration. It was also the birth of Rhoobarb & Co. The ambition was to develop a new brand not just a new Salon. An ambition to develop a chain of Salons with a difference… the difference for Rachael is to be consistent, to go that extra mile and to offer the ultimate experience to clients whilst educating them along the way using a perfect handful of award winning brands, Image Skincare, English Minerals for makeup, HD Brows for lashes and brows and now including Calgel nail treatments. With husband deployed in Oman and her family miles away, Rachael wasn’t put off. By the end of November 2018 and transformed premises, Rhoobarb & Co was open.

Led by Rachael, Rhoobarb & Co has developed a passion for delivering the best possible service to their customers every time. They take time to understand customer’s requirements. We believe in transparency, empathy with customers a n d education.

At Team Rhoobarb, we are developing staff training strategies that not only include beauty and treatment skills but a

genuine understanding of the issues and difficulties our customers face in discovering their perfect look.

We love what we do. We provide a relaxed and ultimate experience for our customers whilst educating them along the way. We are never satisfied by our customer care and have a thirst to constantly improve. In just 12 months Rhoobarb and Co have been nominated as best newcomer of the year by Image Skin Care and achieved a 5 Start rating from Salon Spy. It’s the start of a journey…

We are Team Rhoobarb. Stop by and visit us.

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Have a Very merry holly jolly

Christmas with bowland food hall Bowland Food Hall is the most wonderful showcase for the very best of Lancashire's food and drink producers.

This modern temple to gastronomic indulgence provides a platform for local producers to sell their

wares in an elegant setting.

Located at the gateway to the pretty rolling countryside of the Ribble Valley and the wilder, more dramatic uplands of the Forest of Bowland - a designated Area of Outstanding Natural

Beauty. This is where much of our vast selection of meat, cheese and dairy products originate - keeping our food miles down in many cases!Proud of Bowland and proud of Lancashire we may be, but parochial we most

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certainly are not! If we can't source what we're looking for locally we get the very best we can from further afield, regionally, nationally and internationally.The Bowland Food Hall is a true celebration of what food and drink can be...of what food and drink should be... a delight for all the senses.

Bowland, Lancashire & beyod Bowland Food Hall was established to create a showcase for high quality local produce. As far as

possible, the meat counter sells only higher welfare, locally sourced, native breed meats. The Forest of Bowland produces some of the finest beef, lamb and pork in Britain and we invest time in getting to know the producers.

The majority of our meat comes from the Ribble or Hodder Valleys and the Forest of Bowland and most producers are based in Lancashire. We work directly with suppliers to source top quality meat, reared locally,

wherever possible.

Bowland Food Hall is proud to work alongside these committed local artisan producers and we are committed to making it easier for our customers to understand the benefits of buying quality local produce and taste the difference for themselves.We are here to help you find the perfect dish for your Christmas TURKEY As a rule of thumb, we recommend 500g of turkey per person, plus 1kg if you want leftovers for Boxing Day butties! So if you’ve got 6 people you would need a 4kg bird. turkey crownBone in breastweight from 2.5-4kg £12.50per kg free range bowland bronze turkeyweight from 4.5-8kg £10.50per kg GOOSNARGHCorn-fed goosefrom 4.5-6kg £12.50 per kg GOOSNARGH Corn-fed Turkey Wholefrom 4.5-8kg £11.50per kg

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boneless turkey breastweight from 1-4kg £14.00 per kg POULTRY Goosnargh Corn-fed caponweight from 3-4kg£6.95 per kg bowland free range geeseweight from 4.5kg£12.50 per kg GOOSNARGH corn-fed chickenFree range Approx 5lb/2.25kg £6.50 per kg BEEF rib of beefFrench trimmed - bone inweight from 1.5kg£21.00per kg Côte de boeufRib eye joint - bone inweight from 1kg£24.00per kg joint of rumpweight from 1kg£19.00per kg rib of beefBoned and rolled weight from 1kg£23.50 per kg chateaubriandweight from 300g£45.00per kg joint of sirloinweight from 1kg£26.50per kg CURED MEATS + SAUSAGE streaky bacon Smoked and unsmoked£10.00 per kg BOWLAND dry cured back

bacon£14.50 per kg cowman’s sausage Plain pork, pork & apple, pork & leek, chipolatas£9.50 per kg COWMAN’S sausage meat stuffing Various flavours Average 450g£4.20 each

BOWLAND smoked baconNatural oak smoke £14.90per kg cured gammon joint Bowland farmhouse cure, weight from 500g £9.90 per kg

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Crafty Vintage Christmas Markets: The Last Drop Village The Last Drop Village Hotel & Spa, Hospital Road, Bromley Cross, Bolton, Great Manchester, BL7 9PZ Crafty Vintage Christmas Markets returns to the spectacular Last Drop Village with an eclectic mix of vintage wares, handmade crafts, art and quirkiness from some of the finest makers,

creators and collectors in the land all with a festive twist of course!

Opening Times Open 8 Dec 2019 Sunday 11:00 - 16:00 Prices Limited free online tickets ÂŁ2 admission Further details at craftyvintage.com

bury market Why do hundreds of thousands of satisfied shoppers 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 thousands of visitors every week.

Quite rightly as the World Famous, Bury 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.

Bury's World F a m o u s Market is open We d n e s d a y s , Fridays and Saturdays, for bargains galore.

Quite simply It is the biggest and best market in the North West!

Located close by the Metro Station and next door to the Mill Gate Shopping Centre, Bury Market has great people and great characters and is fully accessible for disabled visitors.

Bury Market is a big town centre attraction with free

coach parking. From exotic indulgences to everyday necessities you'll find what you are looking for at Bury Market. There is always something to see and do.

Bury Town Centre is a great day out for everyone, so why not come along...

It's a fun way to shop and it's all there waiting for you.

Whilst in Bury you might also like to visit the Rock

Shopping Centre, Bury Art Gallery, The Fusilier Museum or the East Lancs Railway.

Bury Markets Management Bury Markets Management also operate a Market Hall in Radcliffe (Open Tuesday, Friday and Saturday) and a Saturday market in Ramsbottom. They are also responsible for the licensing of other markets and car boots within the borough.

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Kens Story “At the time my sight started to go I’d been in hospital and my wife had just died, everything was going around me. I was more or less at the bottom and didn’t know how far I was going down.”

Ken joined the Royal Air Force in 1949 and served for nine years but, like the vast majority of those we support, lost his sight decades later due to age-related macular degeneration (ARMD).

It’s a sad fact that many of the blind veterans we support suffer from social isolation.

It happens as we get older and our families leave us, and partners pass away.

For people with sight loss, that isolation is all the more painful to bear.

It’s not just about losing other people though, with Ken it was also about being

isolated inside himself. You are unable to carry out tasks such as going to the shops or even pick up a phone to speak to a friendly voice. For those who can’t see, it often leads to losing your self-belief, and – even worse – your sense of belonging.

Ken says: “The first thing Blind Veterans UK did was to arrange for me to visit their training centre down in Brighton for an intro week. It was only when I came back I realised how low I had been.

Perhaps most importantly though, Ken now attends several Blind Veterans UK events and the charity also connected him with one of our volunteers. Liam now visits Ken several times a month. Ken says: “Just having company again did and still does make a huge

difference.” We need to recruit more volunteers such as home visitors like Liam, as well as volunteer drivers and social club helpers. This is crucial in helping to combat the isolation experienced by so many of our veterans like Ken. Blind Veterans UK helps ex-Service men and women of every generation rebuild their lives after sight loss. Since 1915 we’ve provided rehabilitation, training, practical advice and emotional support to tens of thousands of blind veterans.

Together we can help rebuild blind veterans’ lives after sight loss. Away from isolation. Towards a life of fulfilment.

Dog training: it's bye-bye from Ingrid as Emma takes the lead!

Ingrid Grayling, the North West's best-known dog trainer, is relocating to Devon after 25 happy and successful years in Penrith, helping dog owners enjoy a very special relationship with their pets.

She extends a warm thankyou to all her clients for their fantastic support.

But Ingrid's acclaimed skills and techniques will still be available to Cumbria dog owners.

That's because she has trained Emma Bryer to deliver the same high standards of oneto-one learning from which hundreds of local dog owners have benefited.

Ingrid has been based in Crosby Ravensworth for most of the last 25 years, and her reputation as "the dog whisperer" has drawn clients not just locally but also from across the UK. Her skill is being able to work with dogs of all types and temperaments, giving their owners the confidence that their pet will be happy, wellbehaved and obedient to their commands at

all times. Emma, who has completed Ingrid’s ‘Train The Trainer’ dog training course will take the reins, and also being a registered nurse, as Ingrid was before becoming a dog trainer herself, her approach to training will be the same, totally professional with a natural empathy and understanding of both people and dog’s needs.

Of Ingrid’s move to Devon, she says she intends to continue her training business where she will be closer to her daughter and her muchloved grandchild.

Ingrid will also be putting the finishing touches to her Dog training book, which will outline the techniques which she uses to ensure that any breed or age of dog can be "brought to heel" quickly and effectively.

The book is due to launch in 2020.

Emma's website is at www. gsgsgsg – or give her a call on 077763 876 465

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Takeaway receives huge fine for breaching food hygiene regulations A Lancaster food takeaway business has been fined £15,000 plus victim surcharge of £170 and £1,553.48 costs for breaching food hygiene regulations after the case was heard by Lancaster Magistrates Court on December 2 2019.

N & S (Lancs) LLP which operates Nice and Spicy, Church St, Lancaster was charged with seven offences under the Food Safety and Hygiene (England) Regulations 2013.

Included within the charges was the sale of an onion bhaji that was considered unsafe and unfit for human consumption. The bhaji was

found to have a 3cm long screw baked inside.

Magistrates heard that food hygiene inspectors from Lancaster City Council visited the premises in January 2019 in response to a food complaint and the inspection confirmed a number of food hygiene offences.

The complaint was in relation to a meal that had been bought from the Nice and Spicy takeaway in Lancaster, in early January 2019. Following delivery of the meal, the customer discovered a metal screw embedded in an onion bhaji and notified the council.

A council environmental health officer carried out an inspection of the premises and found that there was building work being undertaken at the premises and food was not adequately protected from contamination. Open and unlidded ingredients were stored in the dry store goods area which was dusty and dirty and the structure was unfinished. A number of other food hygiene contraventions were found during the visit.

In November 2018 the business had been issued with a written warning after an unannounced inspection revealed similar concerns.

The inspecting officer had

found uncovered food ingredients stored at risk of contamination.

The company did not appear in court and was not represented.

Magistrates agreed to hear the case in its absence and found the company guilty on all seven charges.

The company is a limited liability partnership registered in Oldham but operates the Nice and Spicy takeaway premises on Church Street, Lancaster.

Mark Davies, Director of Communities and the Environment, said: “All food businesses have a fundamental duty to their

customers to operate their businesses in a responsible way to ensure that the food they provide is prepared in hygienic conditions and is fit for human consumption.

“Whilst the vast majority of our food businesses achieve a food hygiene rating of at least 3, and that many of our food businesses have a rating of 4 or 5, where this is not the case and businesses are not able to demonstrate that they are taking steps to improve their practices, the

city council will not hesitate to prosecute.

“I urge anyone thinking of eating out or buying a takeaway to check out the food hygiene rating of the business. You can find out the rating of any food business by visiting www.lancaster. gov.uk/foodsafety”

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call: 0115 6972677

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Lifeguards praised after pool rescue

A big thank you to long-term Salt Ayre customer Geoff Smyth, who came in to the centre recently to thank the team who saved his life in a dramatic pool rescue last month. Geoff, who lives in

Bolton-le-Sands with his wife, Carolyn, was taking a swim after a fitness class in October when he fell ill and dropped to the bottom of the pool. “I went for my swim as usual and I was about half

We are proud to be able to acknowledge our support for people with a wide range of disabilities to mark the International Day of People With Disabilities and EFL Day of Disabilities Rovers and its official charity, Blackburn Rovers Community Trust, are proud to be able to acknowledge our support for people with a wide range of disabilities to mark the International Day of People With Disabilities and EFL Day of Disabilities.

With Tuesday 3rd December set as the date for both the international and leaguewide commemoration of how different organisations and football club charities support people living with disabilities, it is an opportune time to reflect on how both the club and Community Trust provide opportunities to both supporters and the local population. Through its inclusive #OneRovers programme, the club makes steps to meet the EFL’s code of practice with Sliding Doors, disabled supporters’ club parties, accessible toilets and matchday audio headsets that sees the club go above and beyond. The Community Trust engages daily with a wide range of people with

both physical disabilities and learning difficulties, primarily working with children. In a typical week, the Community Trust delivers 19 sessions at 13 primary schools across Lancashire for the benefit of around 250 children, providing ability-appropriate sports programmes that bring a lot of happiness to those taking part. Open access sessions are also based at Ewood Park to allow children with disabilities to play football, with a specific weekly coaching course available to children with Down’s Syndrome, which is unique for this region.

Ahead of the awareness day, the club’s official charity invited its partner schools to take part in a Key Stage Two SEND Festival at Blackburn Youth Zone, giving all the participants a chance to sample sports that they may not have previously encountered, such as wheelchair basketball, dodgeball, deaf football and carpet bowls. Ensuring that it wasn’t all competitive for those with different needs, there were also chances to take part in dance, quizzes and design sessions, with a separate breakout room for any children that needed

a break from the levels of everyone again to Ewood notably with the forthcoming up on Wednesday 18th excitement and exuberance Park soon to continue our Disabled Supporters’ December (6.30pm doors for within the venue. Amy Taylor, positive relationships - most Christmas Party coming a 7pm start). head of primary school education at Blackburn Rovers Community Trust, explained: “Our sessions support children who have requirements related to social emotional mental health as well as specific disability sports at both specialist and mainstream schools, with staff who are qualified in understanding the needs of children with both physical impairments and severe learning disabilities. “Sport offers them a fantastic release and it’s clear to see how much joy our sessions bring to those taking part. “Being able to bring a lot of children together from a variety of local schools for this week’s SEND Festival was a hugely rewarding experience and we were delighted to see how well everyone took to the range of activities that we offered at a great local facility.” Everyone at Blackburn Rovers extends their best wishes to all supporters and people from the local community who engage with our disability specific projects and looks forward to welcoming

Brad Smith, Carolyn Smyth, Roberto Jimenez, Joe Hitchmough, Claudia Russell, Geoff Smyth and Joanna Hurst.

Joe. “It was all a bit of a blur, but I remember diving in and fishing him up and taking him to the side. It was amazing to then see how everyone worked as a team to bring him out and start work on CPR in just a matter of seconds.

“Because of all the training we do it was second nature – you just know what to do and how to do it.” Other members of the lifeguard team, Brad Smith and Joanna Hurst, ably assisted by duty managers Claudia Russell and Roberto Jimenez, brought Geoff onto poolside, performed CPR and ensured his lungs were clear of water, before he

was taken by ambulance to the RLI. After spending a few days in hospital Geoff was released and is now making a recovery, which Salt Ayre will be helping with through the Active Lives team. Stuart Glover, centre manager, added: “Incidents such as this are thankfully rare but the reason why we put so much effort into ensuring all our staff are fully trained in rescue techniques. “Everyone was brilliant, knew what their jobs were and did them brilliantly. That also extends to the wider Salt Ayre team,

way down the pool when I was quickly aware that I wasn’t going very far,” Geoff explained. “I tried to make for the side of the pool and though I had my faculties about me and knew what I wanted to do, my body didn’t follow. “The last thing I remember before waking up in hospital is my feet being at the bottom of the pool and my head was underwater.”

Joe Hitchmough, who had only just started his lifeguard shift, quickly spotted that Geoff was in danger, and dived in to rescue him from the depths of the pool. “My training just kicked in,” said

from the receptionists who called the ambulance, to the centre assistants who waited for the paramedics and directed them to the pool.

In all there were probably 25 people involved and I’m proud of every single one of them.” Despite undergoing a number of tests, doctors have not yet been able to diagnose behind Geoff’s sudden illness in the pool. Whatever the reason, he’s just glad that the Salt Ayre team were there when needed. “Without them I wouldn’t be here today, that’s for sure,” he added.

Rovers mark day of disabilities

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Dyche: City Too Slick

Sean Dyche was philosophical after Manchester City turned in a sparkling performance to run out convincing winners at Turf Moor.

Robbie Brady’s late consolation was the only cheer for the Clarets as a Gabriel Jesus brace and further strikes from Rodri and Riyad Mahrez eased City to victory. And Dyche was left to reflect on an evening where the visitors’ class was on show. He said: “We expect a lot from our group and we don’t take these results

lightly. “We don’t come out of this thinking ‘oh well, it doesn’t matter’.

“It does matter and performances matter and we didn’t perform in the second half at all, but at the end of the day these days can happen.

“Unfortunately, that was probably as good as I’ve seen City this season; certainly in the second half.

“In the first half we tried to keep it tight by changing the formation, partly by design because we have a few injuries we need to take care of. “That does affect you because they are players who

have been playing regularly, but on the other hand I feel we have a competitive group and in the second half they were miles better than us.”

City led at the break thanks to a sublime curling effort from Jesus, who doubled the advantage with another clinical finish five minutes into the second half.

Rodri hammered home the third with an unstoppable rising drive midway through the half and sub Mahrez found the bottom corner late on, before Brady responded with his first goal in two years.

“They started the second half fantastically and we couldn’t get a kick before they scored their second,” added Dyche.

“Once they got to that stage it was difficult, but they kept the ball and were clean with their passing and movement and saw the pictures clearly and we didn’t defensively.

“You have to defend well against these sides, and in addition to playing well, they need to have an off day.

“The opposite happened, but we do know that when a group of£50m players turn up, there is a gap and it showed tonight.

“That happens unfortunately,

particularly in this division and certainly when the big teams turn up.

“We were limited with injuries for the first time this season. Westy didn’t make it with his groin and Barnesy did well because he struggled on Saturday with his groins. “He’s been carrying it for a few weeks, so we’ve had to protect him.

It’s one of those things and we’re a little bit stretched, but sometimes you have to hold your hands up.” Danny Drinkwater started a Premier League game for Burnley for the first time, following his

loan move from Chelsea.

Dyche explained: “It’s a challenge with Danny because we have to get him fit and the only way you can do that is by giving him games.

“You could see tonight he’s not quite truly, deeply, Premier League match fit.

“We are well aware it’s a tough ask, of course, but he’s attempted to do the right things by working hard and shuffling across and working without the ball, which we have to do.”

Each Edition of the Lancashire Now has an estimated readership of 42,500. Published by Wilcop Media Ltd, 92L Rolleston Dr, Arnold, Nottingham, NG5 7JP.