Three people including a pair of brothers have been jailed, with four more given suspended sentences, for their parts in the handling and sale of in excess of £1m worth of stolen machinery.
A total of 46 plant machines were stolen mainly from across the North West between 2015 and 2018, and were then sold on to a gang who operated out of an industrial unit in Nelson, where the stolen goods were modified to hide their original identification numbers.
The gang in Nelson then sold the machines on to buyers across Europe, and in some cases as far away as Australia.
The machines were valued between £8,000 and £105,000 each, with the total value thought to be approxi-
mately £1.3m.
Those who went on to purchase the machines believed they were buying from legitimate businesses and only became aware they had bought stolen goods when the equipment was seized as part of the police investigation.
Two buyers lost multiples machines each and in victim impact statements described how they suffered significant financial losses and anxiety about the loss of their professional reputations.
The members of the gang each played different roles, but all appeared at Preston Crown Court today (March 7th) to be sentenced. They are:
Max Wynn, 34, of Plymouth Grove, Wigan – eight and a half years in prison
Karl Langley, 44, of
Nelson Road, Burnley – two years in prison, suspended for 18 months
• Alex Grice, 33, of Brunshaw Road, Burnley –five years and 11 months in prison
• Richard Wynn, 47, of Ravenoak Lane, Burnley – eight and a half years in prison
• Craig Douglas, 41, of ADDRESS – 18 months in prison, suspended for 18 months
• Gavin Mellor, 53, of Hope Street, Burnley – two years in prison, suspended for 18 months
• Ian Mellor, 72, of Clwyd Street, Ruthin – 10 months in prison, suspended for 18 months
The investigation was launched after a victim, who had a digger stolen from him, noticed that an identical vehicle was being sold from the unit in Nelson. Officers attended the unit and although the digger had been moved on, they found Max Wynn and Alex Grice in the act of cloning another stolen machine.
The stolen digger was later tracked down with another two stolen vehicles in the Clayton le Moors area.
Max Wynn
The court heard that Max Wynn was the “driving force” behind the operation. He was the director of the company that bought and sold on the stolen machines and his name was on the lease of the industrial unit in Nelson. This is where the work was carried out to get rid of any identification numbers on the stolen machines.
In total he is believed to be connected to the handling and sale of all 46 machines.
The money from the sales was then laundered, being transferred to his friends, family and associates. He also spent some of it on himself and used it to buy further stolen items.
Paperwork revealed that he charged all of his customers VAT but never submitted a tax return, instead pocketing the extra money himself.
He initially pleaded not guilty to the counts put to him, but on November 16th 2022 admitted conspiracy to
handle stolen goods, entering a money laundering arrangements and converting criminal property.
Karl Langley
Karl Langley was closely connected to Max Wynn, as shown by phone records and his frequent visits to the industrial unit in Nelson. The value of machines he is thought to have been involved with totals £50,000
On November 22nd he pleaded guilty to three counts of handling stolen goods.
Alex Grice
Alex Grice had a variety of roles in the conspiracy and was a highly-trusted employee of Max Wynn. He received a fee or commission for every machine he helped to hide the identity of.
On November 16th he pleaded guilty to conspiracy to handle stolen goods.
Richard Wynn
Richard Wynn is the brother of Max Wynn and was frequently hands-on with the operation, transporting and delivering machines to customers. He sometimes dealt with prospective purchasers and helped facilitate the money laundering part of the operation.
In November he pleaded not guilty to conspiracy to handle stolen goods but was found guilty at trial on December 13th 2022.
Craig Douglas
Craig Douglas was a “handler” for the sale of one specific machine, valued at around £80,000. He carried out work on it to try and make the sale appear more legitimate, by removing livery from it and replacing it with his own.
In November 2022 he pleaded guilty to handling stolen goods.
Gavin Mellor
Gavin Mellor assisted Max Wynn with the purchase of companies which were used to make the sale of machines appear more legitimate.
The money laundering aspect of the operation was described in court as being “sophisticated”, with significant planning, with the laundering conducted over a long period of time.
Gavin pleaded not guilty to the counts put to him, but in
November pleaded guilty to entering into a money laundering arrangement.
Ian Mellor
Ian Mellor, the father of Gavin Mellor, also laundered money from stolen machines with the express purpose of giving large amounts of cash back to Max Wynn.
It is clear that Ian was aware of the purpose of the operation from the outset, given that his online banking payment references contained the identity of stolen machines.
He also laundered money through a convoluted layer of ‘shell’ companies. Whilst the companies he used appeared legitimate, they carried out no or minimal trade, whilst providing an excellent cover for the laundering process. One of the men who bought several of the stolen machines, believing he was buying from a legitimate company, said: “I have been trading in the plant/machinery business for over 20 years and my business has been built on trust and goodwill. Immediately on receiving the information from the police I have felt like my good name has been tarnished, and help-
less to do anything about it.”
He added that he has been worried about financial difficulties, saying: “I have lost confidence in doing business, worrying how other businesses now view me.”
PC Neil Goodison, of Lancashire Police, said: “We linked the high-value thefts of plant machinery to Max Wynn, and our investigation then led us to the other six men, and the industrial unit in Nelson.
“In total we uncovered a conspiracy involving more than a million pounds worth of equipment, which was stolen from innocent victims and – via Max Wynn and his gang – then modified to hide its identification and sold on to further innocent victims.
“The group’s audacity was staggering, with stolen machinery sold on to unsuspecting buyers locally and as far away as Spain, Sweden and even Australia.
“We welcome these sentences and hope they serve as a warning that we take criminal activity like this very seriously. We will not stand for our rural communities being targeted in this way, leaving innocent people suffering financially and mentally.”
Lancashire county councillors, Fylde borough councillors, the MP for Fylde, and representatives of the Lancashire Enterprise Partnership met at the site of the M55 to Heyhouses Link Road this week for a progress update on its construction.
The road is being built to improve access between Lytham St Annes and the M55, relieve congestion on smaller local roads, and support the commercial viability of local housing and business development sites.
It is being funded thanks to contributions from the Department for Transport, National Highways, the Lancashire Enterprise Partnership (LEP), Lancashire County Council, Fylde Borough Council, funds secured from local development, with the support of Mark Menzies MP.
The project is still on schedule with the aim of the road being open for traffic at the end of this year.
The first phase to carry out earthworks and construct drainage is making good progress, with Lancashire County Council's highways team due to start on site in the spring to begin building the top layers of the road.
The main activities currently underway are the installation of two new culverts that will support the new road over the existing drainage watercourses of Moss Sluice and Branch Drain. These are much larger structures than the ones they replace and include mammal shelves which will allow animals that move along the margins of the watercourses to safely pass under the new road.
Work has been ongoing since construction began in June 2021 to ensure the moss ground which the road is built upon is settled by preloading it with stone. This work is nearing completion with only around 400m left to cover. This will allow the
final section of drainage to be finished and the verges and embankments to be covered with topsoil.
The earthworks at the southern end of the scheme have been paused over winter while the ground is saturated but are due to resume soon.
The site will become a hive of activity over the coming months as work gets underway to construct the road surface, install streetlights, utility ducting and crossing facilities for pedestrians, cyclists and horse riders. Once the road is open to traffic, work will continue to complete landscape planting, and turn the existing Wild Lane which runs alongside into a shared route for pedestrians, cyclists and horse riders.
County Councillor Rupert Swarbrick, Lancashire County Council cabinet member for highways and transport,
said: "The link road will make a real difference to travel in this area, particularly by ensuring the local road network can support future development and does not become too congested.
"The ground conditions in this area are quite challenging which makes it all the more pleasing that the work is progressing well and on schedule.
"It's an interesting and exciting time to visit the site with some of the larger drainage structures being installed, and the road beginning to really take shape as preparations are underway for the final phase of work to construct the upper layers of road over the coming months."
Councillor Karen Buckley, Fylde Council leader, said: "Being on site it was apparent how much preparation work has been completed
and just how necessary it is given the poor ground conditions of this moss land.
"The substantial drainage works are vital to protect the infrastructure which needs to be secure to take the amount of traffic to and from the motorway. I cannot wait for the road to open and seeing it take shape today brings to life this much needed project."
Debbie Francis OBE, chair of the Lancashire Enterprise Partnership, said: "Backed by £5.79m of funding from the LEP’s Getting Building Fund, the M55 Heyhouses Link Road will boost the regional economy, creating more employment opportunities in and around the Fylde Coast. Once completed, it will also improve connectivity to Blackpool Airport’s Enterprise Zone, bringing additional benefits to local businesses and communi-
ties."
Mark Menzies, Member of Parliament for Fylde, said: "Congestion between Lytham St Annes and the M55 is a major issue, particularly with our growing population. Fylde has long been crying out for investment to alleviate this problem. I look forward to the road opening and serving residents and visitors for
decades to come.
"Since I was elected in 2010 it has been my priority to get this road funded and built. I have been really impressed with how quickly the project has progressed in recent months. The road’s outline is now clearly visible and it is hugely exciting to see the project become a reality."
A dangerous criminal who went on an arson spree in Blackburn has been jailed following our investigation.
Callum Southworth,22, committed all the offences in the space of just over an hour on April 22, last year.
Police were contacted by the fire service at 12.41am to reports three wheelie had been set alight in a short space of time, behind JYSK, at the back of Pizza Hut and in the doorway of a business in Mayson Street.
The wheelie bin belonging to a cash and carry on Dickens Street was also set on fire at 12.50am. That incident was captured on CCTV and shows Southworth, who was wearing pants with a reflective stripe at top of leg, attempt to set fire to the bin. When that failed, he set fire to items in the bin and walked away.
At 1.12am we were
contacted again by the fire service who reported that they had come across a fire in Higher Audley Street. In this incident a trampoline in the garden of a property had been set alight and a pushchair had been placed up to the back door and set alight. There were adults and children in the property at the time, with the youngest being just three years old.
At 1.39am the fire service re-contacted us to say they were attending a house fire in Cambridge Street. In this incident, the wheelie bin had been set on fire outside the front of the property, close to the front door. This caused both ground floor windows to smash and the front door to catch fire. Firefighters forced entry to the property and got the lone female out. She was taken to hospital with smoke inhalation. The utility boxes on the front of the property
were also damaged, leaving the victim with no gas or electricity.
Firefighters confirmed they saw the same male – now known to be Southworth – at the scene of that incident and in close vicinity of another one. They described the man as being white, around 5ft 8ins, with a black eye on his left eye. He was wearing a grey hoody and black pants.
At 1.48am a resident in Merchants Landing called to report that someone had posted a lit ballot paper through her letterbox, however this had failed to set fire to the property. PC Christopher Hamil attended the scene and viewed the victim’s CCTV footage, and identified the suspect to be Southworth.
PC Hamil located Southworth on Bennington Street wearing the same clothing as seen on the CCTV footage and described by firefighters
in Cambridge Street. Southworth, of no fixed address, pleaded guilty to arson being reckless as to whether life was endangered, two arsons and one attempted arson.
Earlier this week he was sentenced to four and a half years custody, with a twoyear extended licence period after a judge at Preston Crown Court deemed him to be a dangerous offender. DC Adele Hassall, of Blackburn CID, said: “Southworth’s reckless actions could have easily resulted in somebody losing their life. His appalling offending quickly escalated from setting fires to wheelie bins outside businesses to then targeting residential properties with people inside.
Southworth committed his offending at times when his victims were likely to be asleep and if the fires had
quickly spread they may not have been able to react.
“I welcome the sentence handed down to him and
hope he uses his time in prison to reflect on his disgraceful behaviour.”
A man who carried out two assaults on the same victim - using a knuckle duster in the second attack - has been jailed.
Lee Green assaulted the man twice in the space of four days in Burnley.
As part of our investigation, a facial injury expert from the National Crime Agency was asked to study the injuries sustained by the victim in the second assault.
His report concluded that the injuries could only have been caused by a knuckle duster type weapon.
Green, 35, of Berridge Avenue, Burnley, pleaded guilty to section 20 wounding, a section 39 assault and possession of an offensive weapon in a public place.
He was jailed for 27 months by a judge at Preston Crown Court, his guilty pleas having been entered on the day he had been due to stand trial.
The assaults happened in August 2021, the first outside Burnley Football Club on August 7 where the victim had taken his two children to watch a friendly match. He had come out of the shop when Green saw him and started shouted abuse. Green then pushed the man in the face, causing reddening.
On August 10, the victim was walking his dog in Lockyer Avenue Park when Green approached him.
After shouting abuse, Green was seen to reach in his pocket and take out a metal object.
Green ran towards his victim and struck him in the face with the object in his right hand, immediately causing two open wounds above and below his eye.
He suffered a fractured eye socket and damage to facial muscles, with him having to attend several hospital appointments.
The knuckle duster was never found. However, Dr Hugo Haines, a facial injuries expert from the NCA, concluded that the injuries could have only been caused by a knuckle duster-type weapon.
Det Con Gemma Anderson of Lancashire Police, said: “A challenge we faced in this case was not being able to retrieve the weapon used.
“Undeterred by that, we carried out an expeditious investigation, with Dr Haines providing his expert professional opinion. “The victim has expressed his gratitude for the effort and time we put into the investigation, which resulted in him being able to move on in his life without living in fear of the defendant Lee Green.”
Lancashire is set to benefit from £600,000 to boost its number of electric vehicle charge points.
The move has come as part of a £56million investment for increasing electric vehicle (EV) charge points across the country that is expected to help see up to 2,400 extra EV charge points installed in the short term, and to help local councils deliver tens of thousands more in the long term.
The funding will expand three pilots already taking place across the country. It also helps sixteen local councils across England, including Lancashire, to support electric vehicle charge point rollout. This will deliver a more comprehensive and reliable network of charge points for drivers.
In Lancashire, the money will be used to trial solutions that will help people who do not have access to off-street parking, including testing charging points integrated into street lighting columns and pavement cable channels which have the potential to allow charging at home, hiding the cable under the pavement. The results of the trial will help shape the council's long-term electric vehicle charging plans.
Although precise locations have not yet been identified, Lancashire County Council is considering future demand for charging infrastructure and identifying where different types of charging need are in Lancashire.
Lancashire County Council will be working closely with district councils and partners to help identify suitable locations for the pilot over the next few months.
The council already installed 150 charging points across Lancashire to increase take-up of electric vehicles, reduce emissions and improve air quality.
Lancashire County Councillor Shaun Turner, cabinet member for environment and climate change, said: "We welcome the announcement of vital funding for the provision of Electric Vehicle charge points in
Lancashire.
"This new funding will help provide more options and solutions to help increase the uptake of electric vehicles, reduce emissions and improve air quality and help us to maintain our wholehearted commitment to reducing carbon emissions across Lancashire through adopting creative solutions and new technology.
"This will enable us to look at practical solutions for the roll out of Electric Vehicle charging points across Lancashire, and I look forward to building on this in future as the transition to EVs continues.
"Climate change presents a huge challenge, and this forms part of our overall strategy to tackle this important issue and play our part in decarbonising the economy."
The Making Homes from Houses scheme is a collaboration between Preston City Council, Homes England and partners, Community Gateway Association. It turns long term empty dwellings into homes, transforming them through renovation and refurbishment.
So far, thirty properties in Preston have already been refurbished and returned to family homes as part of the project, having been empty for a total of 112 years. Twenty more empty dwellings are currently being renovated or in the process of legal completion, in readiness to receive the same attention.
Councillor David Borrow, Cabinet member for planning and regulation, at Preston City Council, said, “I’m delighted this priority project is receiving the recog-
nition it deserves, following its success in Preston in the last few years. I’d like to send my thanks to the officers involved for their hard work and dedication to the scheme, alongside those at our partner agencies.
“Empty properties can have a negative impact on communities. By bringing empty homes back into use, an area’s appearance can be greatly improved and boost people's confidence in their neighbourhood.”
Councillor Jennifer Mein, Cabinet member for health and wellbeing at Preston City Council, added,
“This is a brilliant and innovative scheme. There is currently a shortage of satisfactory affordable housing across the country, not just Preston. Your empty property could be a new home for a
person in housing need, a young family looking for their first home or an older person looking to downsize.
“Re-using your empty property could also save you money. Keeping a property empty can cost almost £8,000 a year. If there’s an empty property near you, get in touch with the council to see what can be done.”
Stephen Galbraith, Development Manager at Community Gateway Association, said,
“Through this partnership we have been able to refurbish homes that have been left empty into much-needed affordable homes for those with the greatest housing need. By bringing these rundown homes up to scratch, not only are we improving the appearance of our neighbourhoods, but we are also
helping to combat anti-social behaviour.
“We look forward to continuing our excellent working relationship with Preston City Council to deliver many more homes.”
So far, £820,000 has been invested by the Council, using S106 developer contributions, with a total of £3.9m being spent to deliver the thirty affordable rented homes.
Council committed funds are now at £1.6m, which is expected to result in a total of £9.3m of investment and an estimated 52 new affordable rented homes altogether. Once refurbished, these properties are made available to people in housing need who are either homeless or on the housing waiting list and eligible for such properties.
A tribute has been paid to a doting father who died following a serious road traffic collision in Burnley over the weekend.
Police officers attended Brown Street at 1.50am on Saturday (March 11) following reports a Volkswagen Golf had been involved in a collision with a wall. It is not thought that any other vehicle was involved.
The driver of the VW Golf, who we can now name as 30-year-old Jakir Islam from Burnley, suffered a number of serious injuries and was taken from the scene via ambulance to Royal Blackburn Hospital where he was sadly pronounced deceased. In a tribute, Mr Islam’s family said: “Jakir. Loved by everyone. A doting father. A loving husband. A protective brother. The best son. Always one to make everyone laugh, an infectious smile, the biggest heart and humblest soul.
“The life of one we love is never lost. Its influence goes on through all the lives it ever touched. We will shower you with love through the three beautiful children you left behind.
“You are forever gone. But we will keep you alive in our hearts and homes. “We are lost without you. Gone but never forgotten. We look forward to reuniting with you in heaven.”
There were three passengers in the vehicle at the time of the collision, two men aged 20 and 19 who were sat in the rear of the vehicle received serious injuries and are currently receiving treatment at hospital, and a 20-year-old man who was sat in the front passenger seat received minor injuries.
Sgt Steve Hardman, of the force’s serious collision investigation unit, said “This collision has led to a man losing his life and my thoughts remain with Jakir’s loved ones at this extremely difficult time.
“We are continuing to work to establish the full circumstances of what led to the collision. I would ask any witnesses or anybody with CCTV, dashcam or mobile phone footage which would assist our enquiries to contact the police as soon as possible.”
A man who sexually exploited two women through aggressive controlling and coercive behaviour has been jailed following our comprehensive investigation into his abusive behaviour.
A third victim was also put through years of hell at the hands of Lewis Radcliffe.
Radcliffe, 43, met his first victim on a dating site.
At first everything was good but then Radcliffe began heavily criticising everything she did, lowering her confidence until she had none left.
He controlled her movements, money and behaviour and demeaned her into sexual exploitive situations for his gain and stole from her.
He was physically abusive, verbally threatening and left her a shell of what she was before she met him.
The second woman he met, also online, found herself a similar abusive situation with Radcliffe. In one call he stated that “he could make her and her family disappear if she didn’t do want he asked” and also told her “screw this up and
A third victim who had been in an on and off relationship with Lewis for five years, was subject to prolonged physical and mental abuse.
He demeaned her, striped her of all confidence, threatened her with death and his own death if she ever reported him to the police.
He threatened to kill her sons and subjected her to horrific ongoing abuse.
Radcliffe, formerly of Knutsford Avenue, Stockport, but now of no fixed address, appeared at Preston Crown Court earlier this week and pleaded guilty to engaging in coercive and controlling behaviour and burglary. He was jailed for 55 months. A 10-year restraining order was also imposed.
In a statement to the court, the first victim wrote: “I am now a shell of the person I was. I am no longer me. Radcliffe has broken me down bit by bit during our time together until I was that weak. I felt as though I was trapped and couldn’t get out. It will stay with me forever what he has done to me, and I
won’t get over it.”
In her statement to the court, the second victim wrote: “This incident with Lewis Radcliffe has left with sleepless nights due to the threats he made towards my family.
I constantly have nightmares that he has found my family and harmed them and then once I've woken from the nightmares, I find I can't return to sleeping due constantly thinking about it."
In her statement to the court, the third victim wrote: “It has taken a lot, for me to report this to the police and engage in the investigation however I didn't want this to happen to anyone else. Even though I know at the moment that Lewis is locked up I still feel fearful in Blackpool. I have even decided to move out of the area to try and protect myself and move forward.
“Before I met him, I was working, I had a home that I loved and a life that I enjoyed; Radcliffe has taken all of that away from me.
“Radcliffe would constantly call me while I was at work, he would threaten to show up and smash the place up if
I didn’t talk to him or didn’t answer so eventually it made my life seem easier to just walk out of my job.
“He has also damaged my relationships with my family and put them through years of hell as well as myself. They believed that I would end up dead because of him, my mum still panics if she cannot get hold of me because she immediately thinks I’ve gone back to him or that he has hurt me, even though he has been in prison for over a year. He used my family to control me, telling me he would kill my sons to keep me behaving.”
DS Jen Mills, Modern Slavery Human Trafficking Co-Ordinator for Lancashire Police, said: “Radcliffe is an individual who poses a danger to women through his abhorrent attitude and controlling and coercive behaviour towards them.
“The behaviour Radcliffe engaged in towards the three victims in this case was truly appalling, treating them as commodities who were there to serve his every need. The ongoing impact that his
behaviour has on these three women is truly immense. The three women have shown immense bravery and with their support and the support of the CPS we have been able to prosecute a very dangerous man.
“If you or anybody you know is in an abusive relationship, I would strongly urge you
to contact the police, knowing you will be listened to, believed and that we will do everything in our power to put the perpetrator before the courts.”
Report it online via https:// doitonline.lancashire.police. uk/ or call 101. In an emergency always call 999.
The King has appointed his first High Sheriff of Lancashire to be sworn in later this month.
David Taylor CBE DL, who has an outstanding record of working in important institutions over his forty years in the county, is currently Chairman of the University of Central Lancashire and Deputy Chairman of Preston North End.
The incoming High Sheriff of Lancashire said: “It is a great honour to be appointed High Sheriff of Lancashire, a position that dates back over a millennia.
"I am proud to add my name to the list of outstanding occupants of the role. In my time as High Sheriff I will work closely with the Police and emergency services sup-
porting the work they do to keep the people of our county safe.
"I will also work closely with and support community groups and the voluntary sector throughout the county. These groups help to sustain our diverse county and cohesion between our communities."
Mr Taylor has served as both a Director and Chairman of the Lancashire Enterprise Partnership and been one of the leading exponents of urban regeneration in the country.
Spanning his impressive career in business locally and nationally, he was a Director of the Manchester Commonwealth Games and the Olympic Development Authority, which delivered the London
A RAPIST who attacked a teenage schoolgirl has been jailed.
James Eastwood, who was 16 at the time, raped the teenager after meeting her in an alleyway near a supermarket in Bamber Bridge in June 2019.
While on bail he then went on to sexually assault two other teenage girls in May last year.
Eastwood, now 20, formerly of Brindle Road, Bamber Bridge, was jailed for eight years with an extended licence of eight
years. He was also given a lifetime Sexual Harm Prevention Order, a lifetime restraining order and will be on the sex offenders’ register for life. He was classed as a dangerous offender.
He was also sentenced for possession of indecent images of children found on his phone.
The judge, who praised the quality of the police investigation, had to sentence Eastwood as if he were a juvenile given the delay in the case reaching court because of the Covid pandemic.
2012 Games.
The historic role of High Sheriff dates back over 1,000 years and is personally appointed annually by
the reigning monarch. Their role is to be HM The King's representative in the county, overseeing all matters relating to the Judiciary and
the maintenance of law and order.
The office of High Sheriff is held for one year. It is purely voluntary and does
not receive any salary or expenses.
Mr Taylor will take over from Martin Ainscough DL of Parbold Hall.
Detectives investigating a robbery in Blackburn have made an arrest.
Police were called to Beardwood Fold to reports a car had collided with a white van, before the male occupants of the car had assaulted and robbed the driver of the van.
Det Con Laura Thornley, of the south rape team, said: “Eastwood is a dangerous sexual predator and I welcome the sentence. I would like to praise the victims in this case for having the courage to go through the court process and to see their attacker imprisoned.
“I hope that this sentence
gives others the confidence to come forward and report rape and sexual abuse offences to us confident in the knowledge that we will investigate with sensitivity, tenacity and professionalism and that we will do all we can to get justice for victims and put offenders behind bars.”
The suspects, who were wearing masks, are reported to have been carrying weapons.
A man from Burnley has been arrested as part of our enquiries and remains in custody at this time.
DI Charles Stewart, of Blackburn CID, said: “I know incidents of this nature cause the community some concern and I am also aware there is a video of the latter part of this incident circulating on social
media.
“I just want to reassure the public that this is very much being treated as an isolated incident. Although we have made an arrest our enquiries are ongoing, and we have a dedicated team of officers assigned to this case. With that in mind, I would ask for any witnesses or anybody with CCTV, mobile phone or dashcam footage which could assist our investigation to contact the police as soon as possible. We would be particularly keen to hear from anybody who captured a white Vauxhall Vivaro or a white Audi A4 in and around the Beardwood area before and after the incident took place.”
Delegates from Stuttgart, Germany, paid a visit to St Helens as part of a town twinning partnership celebrating its 75th anniversary. Representing Stuttgart Council, Peter Pätzold, Andrea Klett-Eininger and Dr. Frédéric Stephan made the trip which saw the group:
• Meet senior councillors and officers at St Helens Town Hall
• Attend Saints vs Leeds and the Borough of Culture launch event at the World of Glass
• Go on a heritage trail walk of the town centre led by Ian Rimmer of St Helens Rotary Club
• Join the Mayor of St Helens, Cllr Sue Murphy, in officially starting off the St Helens 10k
• Visit the Dream sculpture
• Spend an afternoon in Liverpool, visiting the museums and taking a trip on the ferry
Peter Pätzold, who is the deputy mayor of Stuttgart, also planted a cherry tree in Vera Page Park by the worker's memorial.
St Helens' relationship with Stuttgart dates back to 1948, just a few years after World War II and is believed to be the oldest twinning partnership in Europe. As a leading manufacturer of glass at the time, St Helens
was able to support the rebuilding of Stuttgart, parts of which had been destroyed or damaged by bombing during the war.
Ever since, the two have enjoyed regular twinning visits, with this year marking 75 years.
Commenting on his first time in St Helens and the importance of the town twinning partnership, Peter said: "For us, it's a very important partnership. 75 years, directly after the Second World War - enemies becoming friends.
"It was amazing weekend, attending my first rugby game which was a very good atmosphere despite the result, and having the honour to plant a tree here."
Councillor Anthony Burns, St Helens Borough Council's Cabinet Member for Wellbeing, Communities and Culture, said: "Twinning partnerships are a productive way of fostering long-term friendships between people from different countries, opening opportunities to share ideas and good practice, and of course to celebrate what makes each of us unique.
"It was a pleasure to welcome and host our friends from Stuttgart on what was an action-packed weekend for the town, with rugby league world champions, Saints, kicking off their season at home; the launch of
our year as Borough of Culture, and the tenth St Helens 10k run, which is always a special occasion. Here's to the next 75 years."
Mayor of the Liverpool City region Steve Rotheram said:
"What I love about Borough of Culture is the way that it empowers our local areas to showcase their own unique blend of culture - and celebrating their own links with the world, like those St Helens have built with
"We are lucky to be home to a community of creative and talented individuals who make our area one of the most exciting, vibrant places to live. It is because of their contributions that I can say with confidence that the Liverpool City Region is the UK's cultural capital. I can't wait to see what this year has in store for St Helens - watch this space!"
The award-winning Bluestone Brewing Company was founded during 2013. Simon, Kerry and Amy (founders) have grown the business forward, to the thriving micro brewery it is today, with an increased workforce to produce alcoholic beverages to a high standard and also to accommodate increased order quantities. Tyriet is a working family farm and the team ensure that all of the bi-products from the brewing operations are utilised on the farm, including going to animal feeds, which contribute to the eco-friendly practices of this company. From energy-saving light bulbs, to solar panels, plus a zero-waste brewing process and so much more (as detailed on their excellent website), the Bluestone Brewing Company can be justifiably proud of their achievements.
BLUESTONE BEDROCK BLONDE
(4.0% vol) Blonde Ale.
Hops: Hallertau, Saaz. Good, straw-coloured, easy-drinking beer. Ideal for social occasions.
BLUESTONE STONE COLD
(4.2% vol) Pale Ale. Hops: Simcoe, Mosiac, Very appealing, with citrusy and fruity overtones. BLUESTONE THE BOTANIST (4.4% vol) Hemp Infused Lager. Hops: Huell melon, Mandarina Bavaria. The Finola Hemp Seed for this excellent beer is grown in Pembrokeshire. Fruity and malty for the aroma and the palate’s sensation.
BLUESTONE ROCKETEER (4.6% vol)
Best Bitter. Hops: Bramling Cross, Challenger, Fuggle. This traditional bitter ale I found to be full-bodied, with a very good mouthfeel, having flavour of malts forward. BLUESTONE SAINT CROIX (5.6% vol) New England IPA. Hops: Idaho 7, El Dorado, Citra. A splendid, hazy beer, with a good aroma of tropical fruits. BLUESTONE THE OATY WAY (6.0% vol) Oak Porter. Hops: Amarillo. Oaty and smooth. Richly flavoured, evoking thoughts of cocoa and coffee.
Other beer productions include Moonstone,
Preseli Pils, and Stardust – an Imperial Stout (9.0% vol), twelve packs, plus mixed box and gluten-free bundles. For more details, including information about their taproom, on-site shop, live music events and merchandise, please contact and/or visit the website. Online ordering is easy and products are dispatched quickly and efficiently. I found the beers to have great taste and excellent presentation, from the environmentally sustainable Bluestone Brewing Company. Highly recommended.
Bluestone Brewing Company, Tyriet, Cilgwyn, Newport, Pembrokeshire SA42 0QW, Wales. Tel: 01239 820 833. E-mail; brew@ bluestonebrewing.co.uk www.bluestonebrewing.co.uk
Join us and the Easter Bunny on our Egg Hunt, try to find seven coloured eggs hidden around our Mill Grounds and exchange for a candy floss treat.
Also take part in our Easter Anagram Hunt for a chance to win a £50 Smyths Toy Superstore voucher.
All entrants also get a try at our Golden Egg Lucky Dip to be in with a chance of winning a boxed Easter Egg.
A donation from ticket sales from this event will be made
to East Lancashire Hospice. East Lancashire Hospice & Rosemere Cancer Foundation will also be running charity tombola's and games on the mill grounds on both days.
Easter Egg Hunt – £2.50 Each no pre booking necessary –drop in event
FREE Kids In-store vouchers
All Participants in our Events with will receive a Discount Voucher for Half Price Entry
into Bubbles Play Centre, 50p off a Kids Hot Box Meal in The Hungry Tackler and 50p off any cone, tub or
Saturday 1 April 2023 - 10am to 3pm
Explore Brockholes, find the markers, complete the challenge and have fun together! Brought to you in partnership with British Orienteering, Xplorer is the perfect outdoor activity to get the whole family outside in
the fresh air together! There are certificates for those completing the challenge along with an Easter sweet treat!
There are 2 courses available:
Challenge 1
The markers you need to find are located on or next to surfaced paths and the route is pram friendly. The markers are in number order and form a circular route and is perfect for those who are new to Brockholes or to orienteering or visiting with younger children. The markers are Easter themed.
Challenge 2
This course represents more of a challenge and you will need to use your navigation skills to track down the markers located across the reserve! Not suitable for prams. The markers are themed around plants & flowers.
You can decide on which course you do on the day
sundae in Scoops Ice Cream Parlour (terms & conditions apply).
Mothers Day generally catches us unaware. It doesn’t have a set day, it is on the fourth Sunday of Lent or three weeks before Easter Sunday. If that means nothing to you, it is either in March or the start of April and is always on a Sunday. Google is your friend here!
Just like Valentines Day, the shops will be full of Mothers Day gifts. Special teddies, plastic crowns and fake flowers don’t make mums feel that loved. ‘I love mum’ mugs, unless hand painted, would not fit in well with vintage Denby. What mums really want is some time to relax and possibly a hand made card.
Facebook groups came up with some great ideas for things mums really do want.
Things mums really want
candles
cupcakes
sewing things
books
seeds
bulbs
gardening things
cooking things
flowers
colouring books for grown ups
colouring pens/pencils
Plants are a really popular idea with lots of mums.
Welsh Mum Christy said “I’d love a new potted plant for the bathroom – something that will live a long time, doesn’t require much maintenance and will help clean the air. Cut flowers are pretty, but a potted plant is simple and sustainable.”
Alison suggests a packet of seeds and her website The Mindful Gardener is full of ideas on how to use them.
Time without
It makes me feel like a terrible mum to say it, but one of the best Mothers Days I had when my son was an exhausting toddler was an “I’m not a Mother Day”. His dad took him off for the whole day and I remember the bliss of going to the loo on my own for once.
Sarah from the Mummy’s Whine Club said a morning in bed with a good book would be ideal. “If a cuppa and a pancake was delivered too that would be a bonus.”
Vicky from Cosy Crochet loves the idea of a lie in and breakfast in bed too.
Latte Lindsay from would love some “Peace and quiet! My kids are always fighting, screaming and just being plain loud! I would love them to sit with a colouring book for an hour or two ????“
Beth from Twinderelmo has twins so doubly deserves “A hot uninterrupted bubble bath (why does everyone need the toilet when you go in?!)”
Emma Reed would like “Sleep, quiet time and perhaps a nice massage somewhere. Just some serene time.”
Andrea from www.mothertonguenotes.com says “A day off. No kids. No husband.” would be an ideal Mothers Day gift.
Gemma from www. mummyswaisted.co.uk wants “Sleeeeeeeeeeep! It’s all I’ve wanted for the last five years ????”
“a day without bickering is nice”
Tasks done by others A break from doing everyday chores is really popular with lots of mums.
“time is a nice gift. A meal made by my kids (and cleaned up after) would be the best gift
“all I want is time to sleep
and not have to prepare dinner now and then.”
Kate from www.everafterwithkids.com would like “Someone else to cook the dinner!”
The Growing Mum Victoria wants “A cleaning fairy ???? Failing that, child-free time to productively tidy and declutter.”
Simple things
Jacqueline from Just Add Ginger would like “A cup of hot coffee that I can drink at a leisurely pace and a family day together where using phones is banned!”
Carly from Mummy and the Chunks likes the simple things in life too. “Honestly just some nice handmade cards or pictures from the kids. I love their proud little faces when they hand over something they have made especially for you!”
The Ad-Lib Mummy Kathryn would like “ A lie in and a nice day out somewhere simple… If we weren’t in the middle.of a snowstorm I’d have loved a picnic or similar… Maybe we’ll have an indoors tea party instead!”
And Justine from Lil Jem and Baby E has a simple request I really relate to. “A hot drink. Not cold. Not lukewarm. Not tepid. Not forgotten about and found again two days later. Hot! ????“
Time with people
As my son got older I started to cherish time with him more, recent Mothers Days have been spent eating out using special offers or going to the cinema. Kaya from Earning by the Sea summed this up by calling it “Presence over presents”
Taking time to go somewhere or do something as a family can be a wonderful present. How about:
a walk in the country
Vicky from Vicky Myers
Creations would like a walk on the beach with no moans!
a local treasure hunt (Groupon often have deals for these)
afternoon tea a picnic (indoors or out)
Gypsy Soul Gina has a lovely idea with “A nice country walk with the family followed by a roast dinner in
a pub with open fires (and red wine of course)”
Gifts to others
If you don’t want to give or receive but others are insistent ask them to buy supplies for refuges, donate to food banks or to the animal rescue instead.
What do mums really want for Mothers Day?
The one thing that stands out in all the ideas for Mothers Day presents is the need for time to recharge. Mums don’t need stuff they will never use. They might love a handmade card but they would prefer a decent nap, someone else cooking or a day without a tantrum more than anything else.
Where is Hebden Bridge? Happy Valley filming location explained - what other shows and movies are shot there
BBC crime drama Happy Valley was filmed at Hebden Bridge in West Yorkshire. Other productions filmed there include Peterloo, and Death Comes to Pemberly
The final episode of Happy Valley, which National World gave 4.5 stars and called ‘the perfect summation of the show’ landed on
Sunday. The series is likely the most wellknown and most popular production to be filmed at Hebden Bridge.
The series, which first aired in 2014 and returned for two more seasons in 2016 and on New Year’s Day 2023 was filmed on location at the market town, but is far from the only production to have been filmed there. Landmarks from the town, which will be well-known to locals, have popped up
across several major films and TV shows over the last several decades - these are the biggest productions that have filmed at Hebden Bridge.
Where is Hebden Bridge?
Hebden Bridge is a market town in the Calder Valley in West Yorkshire, eight miles west of Halifax. The town has a population of around 4,500 but has seen an influx in tourism since the town featured as the backdrop to crime drama Happy Valley. Happy Valley was filmed at Hebden Bridge in West Yorkshire
Happy Valley was filmed at Hebden Bridge in West Yorkshire
What shows and films have been filmed at Hebden Bridge?
Happy Valley
The show that put Hebden Bridge on the map, BBC crime drama Happy Valley was filmed at the West Yorkshire location for each season. Since the show first aired in 2014, tourism to the town has increased as fans of the show flock there.
The series, which came to a dramatic conclusion last week, follows police sergeant Catherine Cawood on her beat in the Calder Valley, where she takes on serious murder cases.
Peterloo
The 2018 historical drama starring Rory Kinnear tells the story of the 1819 Peterloo Massacre in which British forces attacked a peaceful pro-democracy rally in Manchester, killing 18 and injuring hundreds.
Despite recalling one of the most significant moments in Manchester’s history, the film was not shot in the city. Scenes of workers completing drills before marching were shot at Hebden Bridge, and Shibden Hall in Halifax also features in the film. Other filming locations included Lincolnshire, Kent, and London.
Death Comes to Pemberley
BBC period drama, based on characters from Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice, follows Elizabeth and Darcy, six years into their marriage as they prepare for their annual ball - when a murder puts the celebrations on hold.
The series, which stars Matthew Rhys and Anna
Maxwell Martin as well as Happy Valley villain James Norton, was filmed at several Yorkshire and Derbyshire locations including Hardcastle Crags at Hebden Bridge, Castle Howard in York, and Chatsworth House.
Nicholas Nickleby
2002 Charles Dickens film adaptation Nicholas Nickleby, starring a young Charlie Hunnam and Jamie Bell, follows a young man’s efforts to save his family and friends from his uncle’s abuse.
Gibson Mill in Hebden Bridge stands in for Dotheby Hall, the brutal Yorkshire school of Dickens’ novel. Other scenes were also shot on location at Hardcastle Crags, with further shooting taking place at locations across London and Cambridgeshire.
Swallows and Amazons
The 2016 family drama film, starring Kelly Macdonald and Andrew Scott, about four children who sail to their own island where they start a war with a group of rival children.
Heptonstall, Hebden Bridge features as the backdrop to the Rio carnival scenes, as well as the scenes where the children go shopping. Other Yorkshire filming locations for the film include Leeds, Bradford, and Harrogate.
Fanny and Elvis
This late ‘90s comedy starring Kerry Fox and Ray Winstone follows a Yorkshire writer, Kate, who finds out that she is running out of time to have children on the same day that her husband leaves her.
Kate looks for a lodger and finds the homeless car dealer Dave (Winstone), who she comes to believe may be the answer to her pregnancy problem. The movie was filmed across God’s Own County, with locations including Hebden Bridge and Ilkley, Bradford.
Britain may once have been considered a nation of shopkeepers, but big brands and high rents have since turned us into a land of ailing, identikit high streets. So it's all the more delightful to stroll through somewhere like Hebden Bridge, the Yorkshire town that's having a bit of a moment.
It's the BBC's hit crime drama Happy Valley that has put Hebden Bridge in the spotlight (the third and final series recently coming to a close). But the series has merely shone a light on a town that’s been thriving long before its TV fame.
With its period buildings, strong sense of community and one-of-a-kind shops and cafés, even the briefest of strolls is sufficient to see that it's chock-full of character. And for that, Hebden Bridge owes particular thanks to its unconventional residents.
To understand the town’s
full story is to dig back to the 19th century and the days of the Industrial Revolution, when Hebden Bridge grew up the sides of the Calder Valley. The river created an obvious trading route through the Pennines, and water-powered textile mills meant towns and villages along along the waterway flourished (Hebden Bridge was nicknamed “Trouser Town”, no less).
But in the post-war period, textile weaving collapsed. Manufacturing closed down, mills were demolished and the town – like so many others in the region – fell on hard times.
It's at this point that the town's evolution took an unconventional twist. Drawn in by its handsome buildings and proximity to the countryside, hippies began moving to Hebden Bridge in the 1970s, taking over the town's dilapidated mills and cottages,
preserving them from further decay.
Their numbers presented a critical mass that began to change the town's culture from working class to a little bit weird. Hebden Bridge became synonymous with alternative lifestyles, drawing creative types and, intriguingly, lesbians, whose population here is proportionally higher than anywhere else in Britain.
Also keeping it interesting is the fact that most businesses are independent, with barely a chain store in sight. Though shops selling crystals and incense hark back to the town’s hippie roots, for the most part the retail scene is more contemporary.
It's a sentiment echoed by Joanne Gas, whose Dragonfly boutique sells fashions from British, French and Danish brands. "It's the shops, bars and pubs that keep that quirky legacy alive,"
she said. "You'll find stuff in Hebden Bridge that you won't see everywhere else. And there's so much to do in town and around."
She's not wrong. After exploring the centre, I took a stroll along the canal before following a cobbled lane to the hilltop village of Heptonstall. Other trails lead through riverside woodlands or up to the heather-clad tops of the Pennines.
And should the rain stop
play, I could have happily spent an afternoon in the White Lion, a renovated coaching inn (doubles from £120, B&B) or caught a movie at the Picture House –independent and not-for-profit, of course.
As I prepared to set off, I paused at the station café before catching my train.
With its great selection of local crafts and irreverent greetings cards for sale – and set within a Victorian build-
ing packed with yesteryear charm – it’s like a microcosm of Hebden Bridge itself. "There's an insult for every occasion," said the owner, Lisa.
I told her that it feels very much in step with the town's unorthodox past. "We certainly owe a lot to the people who've moved here over the years. And anyway," she added, "being different is better than being ordinary."
The drama set in the Calder Valley has used a number of locations across Halifax and the wider West Yorkshire area as a backdrop during its third series.
Here’s a list of locations that have featured in the third and final series of Happy Valley:
Happy Valley filming locations: 17 streets,
cafes and towns used in the third and final series of BBC drama
1. Dramatic car fight
THAT dramatic car scene between Tommy Lee Royce and the Knezevic's gang ended in the rolling fields above Luddenden, near Halifax.
Knezevic gang members Ivan and Matija finally got their comeuppance in the last episode when the police raided their house on Ripon Street in Halifax and arrested them. In the plot of the show the house should have been located in Queensbury but the Halifax street was used. Picture: BBC
2. Police raid house
Knezevic gang members Ivan and Matija finally got their comeuppance in the last episode when the police raided their house on Ripon Street in Halifax and arrested them. In the plot of the show the house should have been located in Queensbury but the Halifax street was used.
3. Catherine's house
Catherine's house has been a staple location for all three series of Happy Valley. The Hebden Bridge house is located around Hangingroyd Lane and Cleveland Place.
4. Holdsworth House
In episode 5, Catherine's ex-husband Richard had a meeting with Halifax mafia member Darius Knezevic at Holdsworth House but when he arrived he discovered the meeting had been cancelled. Holdsworth
House is located in Holmfield and has been used to film a number of different TV shows over the years including Last Tango in Halifax.
5. Reservoir
In the penultimate episode Tommy Lee Royce could be seen cycling past Ovenden Moor Wind Farm to Warley Moor Reservoir, up above Wainstalls, Halifax after escaping from court.
6. Hiding house
After making his escape from court, Tommy Lee Royce went to hide out at house in Highroad Well off Gibbet Street in episode
5. 7. Waiting spot
Ivan was seen waiting for fellow gang enforcer Matija on the corner of Winding Road and Cross Street, in Halifax
8. Country road
Ivan and Matija fled the scene of a police raid at the start of episode 4 and were seen driving down Paw Lane, Queensbury, turning onto Corporal Lane.
9. Ryburn Valley High School
Making a return to our screens after being used in series two, Ryburn Valley High School, Sowerby Bridge is the school that Ryan attends in series three. The outside, inside and playing fields have been used in the show.
10. Tuel Lane, Sowerby Bridge
Another location frequently used across the three series, the first episode of the current
series saw officers having an issue with someone on Tuel Lane in Sowerby Bridge.
11. New police station
The old Halifax swimming pool was made into the new police station used in the third series of Happy Valley. The characters used to work at a police station that was located in Sowerby Bridge.
12. Baitings Dam
A body was found in Baitings Dam during episode one. The real Baitings Dam is located near Ripponden but these scenes were filmed at Buck Park Quarry, Denholme.
13. The Hepworth’s House
New characters mean a new location and scenes in Rob and Joanna Hepworth’s house were filmed at Stones Drive in Ripponden.
14. Cafe
Renamed as Bell Street Kitchen for the show, Joanna and Faisal had another meeting in episode two at the Shay Cafe on Hunger Hill in Halifax.
15. Prison
Tommy Lee Royce is locked up in Sheffield prison in the third series of Happy Valley. Scenes for the inside of the prison were filmed at Shrewsbury Prison.
16. Cafe
Locations in Wakefield and Halifax were used to film scenes during the trip to Sheffield prison. Bolton was used for the dramatic conversation between sisters Catherine and Clare at a cafe.
17. Inside the police station
The outside of the police station may be the old Halifax swimming baths but the inside is filmed at Dean Clough, Halifax in F Mill
18. Neil and Clare’s house
Neil and Clare’s house, that we’ve seen in episodes 3 and 4, is located on Hangingroyd Road in Hebden Bridge.
19. Street fight
The dramatic climax of episode 3 was filmed at Bath Place, Boothtown, even though in the Happy Valley universe it took place in Queensbury.
20. Ann and Daniel’s house
Ann and Daniels house isn’t located in Calderdale, it’s over the border in Bradford. Upper Headley Hall, a grade I-listed Elizabethan hall, in Thornton was used as the location for the couple’s house.
21. Leeds Court Scenes at Greater Leeds Crown Court were actually filmed at the former magistrates court in Bolton.
22. Newsagent Deansgate One Stop Shop in Bolton was used as Rico’s Newsagent, where Tommy Lee Royce changed into his cycling disguise at the end of episode four.
23. Elland flats
The flats around Brooksbank Gardens in Elland have been used throughout the series and are located behind the pharmacy where Faisal works.
24. Hebden Bridge Train Station
Many viewers will have spotted that Ryan went to Leeds to see Tommy Lee Royce from the real Hebden Bridge Train Station.
25. Leeds station
The real Leeds station was used to film the scenes when Ryan gets off the train in Leeds.
26. School
Faisal’s daughters, Maira and Anisha, were dropped off at school in episode three. This was filmed at Rishworth School.
27. Nisa Local
The Nisa Local on Crown Street in Hebden Bridge made an appearance in episode four.
28. Police station
In episode 4, Catherine and Ann had a number of conversations outside the police station, filmed at the back of the old Halifax swimming baths
29. Family home
Like the Hepworth family, pharmacist Faisal and his family live in Ripponden, on Stones Drive.
30. Thornton
Clare could be seen walking down a cobbled street in Thornton in episode four.
31. Leeds
Tommy Lee Royce could be seen riding down Vicar Lane in Leeds at the end of episode four, having just escaped custody.
32. Wainstalls
According to Screen Yorkshire, Cold Edge Road / Withens Road in Wainstalls was used for a number of car driving and drone scenes, including at the start of episode one.
33. Brooksbank Pharmacy
Scenes for Brooksbank Pharmacy were filmed on Albert Street in Elland. The location made its first appearance in episode one of series three.
34. Huddersfield pharmacy
The Piazza Centre in Huddersfield is home to the second location of Brooksbank Pharmacy and first appeared in episode two.
35. Greenhead Park
A tense conversation took place between Joanna and Faisal in episode two with Greenhead Park in Huddersfield as the backdrop.
36. From Sheffield back to Halifax Clare and Catherine parked on the streets of Sheffield in episode two, but the location
was actually Ackroyd Place near Broad Street Plaza in Halifax
37. Eight Sixteen At The Engine Room
Eight Sixteen At The Engine Room at Dean Clough was used as a location in episode one.
38. Knead, Halifax
Knead Pizzeria & Bar, which is located in Halifax town centre, popped up in episode two as a dramatic conversation took place
Recycle Vinyl started buying
Record collections and selling them online 2 and a half years ago on Discogs market place, within 6 months we were in the top 40 sellers of Vinyl in the UK on that platform, so after a year we set up our own website and app, the App has now had
over 11000 downloads and reaches customers from all around the world!
We have been open by appointment for the past couple of years from our 4 units located in an old mill but have now decided to open a shop. We spent a long time trying find the perfect location
even looking at moving to Manchester or Leeds but we eventually found the perfect spot for us close to home in Elland above a Post Office which is perfect for our online business!
We have spent the past year working on creating the perfect Record Shop experience for our customers, and starting from 4th March 2023 we will be open every Saturday and aim to keep the
shop stock levels at about 20,000 Dance Music Records available at all times!
We are only opening on Saturdays 10am - 6pm as we are too busy during midweek with online sales to open
then, however we are going to make the one day a week count by having live DJ's in store once a month and those DJ sets will be recorded and played back in the shop on the other Saturdays!
Our shop features 4 listening posts so you can try before you buy and a coffee machine to keep you going as it will easily take you at least a day to go through what we have in store!
Calderdale Terraces have been offering short term holiday lets in Hebden Bridge for over 12 years . The original home backs on to the lane in which “Catherine’s conservatory” is located, featured often in the Happy Valley series.
The house was inherited by Paul Murphy, whose widow grandmother Alma Bancroft, along with her two daughters Edna and Jane moved to in 1940, in those rented. Jane moved to Coventry in 1942 and met Paul’s father, Edna stayed in the home after Alma’s passing in 1950 and eventually purchased the home for a few hundred pounds as a sitting tenant in 1965, Edna never married and generously left Paul and his family the house in 2009.
Paul has been visiting Hebden Bridge since the 1950’s and his family decided to keep the home as a family vacation spot in their beloved Hebden Bridge, a place that holds many cherished memories for Paul’s family. The home was upgraded and with new plumbing / new electrical wiring, new heating system and kitchen extension. Initially the home was intended as vacation home but extended family, friends and local neighbours who had family to visit approached Paul to rent them the home.
Over the years the home has been promoted on
several short term holiday let platforms. Based on the ever increasing success Paul along with family members purchased a second home just 3 doors away in the same terraces of homes. The home was totally remodeled and upgraded to a high standard based on the experience of the initial property.
The homes have been upgraded using the service of Alison Grant a highly regarded local architect and R Waring a Hebden Bridge building contractor both located in the community.
Both homes were rented for costume changes , makeup, and a spot to enjoy a brew and biscuit by the cast and crew.
The attached photograph which has been widely reproduced, even by the BBC, was taken by the “Calderdale Terraces Concierge” and “housekeeper extraordinaire” Joanne Gibson, who maintains the homes to a very high standard and ensure all house rules are followed using good old “North Country Tact” and withering stares … as in her role in Happy Valley .. Joanne was featured in the scene in earlier series when Tommy Lee tells his son that he is his father, Joanne was the assistant in the door of Oasis store who gave the Oscar performing scary glare, which her husband Mark and her 4 adult children assure me has been perfected over many years !!!
But where to begin?
Well, the north east of Wales has plenty of history and is home to North Wale's only World Heritage Site. The coastal regions like Colwyn Bay and Conwy have excellent beaches and family attractions. You’ll find adventure in the mountains of Snowdonia & stunning locations along the Llyn Peninsula. Picture this. An abandoned
quarry, once the world’s largest, turned into the world’s fastest zip zone.
Or how about the world’s first manmade surf lagoon delivering consistent two metre waves.
You can even scale to Britain’s lowest point, deep beneath the mountain's of Snowdonia.
With all this, it’s no surprise that North Wales has a growing reputation as being the adventure capital of the UK. Underground, on ground or above ground, be prepared for an unforgettable adventure in North Wales. But it’s not all about flying through the air. There are plenty of things to do in North Wales snd Betws-yCoed for example that don't require a helmet or wetsuit. The region has an incredibly rich and eventful history &
heritage – which has to be explored.
Medieval castles dominate historic towns, historical structures can be seen across the region & you can even explore a 4,000 year-old mine!
For a compre hensive look at the regions history, be sure to visit North Wales’ intriguing
museums. For families, North Wales and Llandudno in particular has a great array of attractions. Adventure parks provide an array of things to do in North Wales including roller coasters, slides and experiences. For a day of discovery, head to one of the regions zoos & aquariums – here, the kids can
be introduced to animals from all over the world. With so much going on, you might forget to take it all in so why not make your stay a bit longer? Whether you are looking for seaside hotels, traditional bed and breakfasts, quirky glamping and campsites, family friendly holiday and carvan parks
or just basic self catering accommodation, all needs and tastes are catered for in North Wales!
And in terms of dining out, Don’t worry. With a wide variety of excellent restaurants, pubs and bars to choose from, you can be certain your stay in North Wales will be a fantastic one!
There are over 600 castles in Wales and it is said to have more castles per square mile than anywhere else in the world. Here are the top 5 castles to visit in North Wales:
Built in the 1280 by Edward I, Caernarfon is the largest castle in the area and does not disappoint. Having included all the
castles are happy with round towers, not Caernarfon! Polygonal towers were the order of the day, with the Eagle Tower being the most impressive of these. You will also note the colour-coded stones carefully arranged in bands. The site of this great castle wasn’t chosen by accident. It had previously been the location of a Norman motte and bailey castle and before that a Roman fort stood nearby. The lure of water and easy access to the sea made the banks of the River Seiont an ideal spot for Edward’s monster in masonry. Edward wasn’t one to miss an opportunity to tighten his grip even further on the native population. The birth of his son, the first English Prince of Wales, in the castle in 1284, was a perfect device to stamp his supremacy.
St George, the castle is amongst the finest surviving medieval fortifications in Britain. In a word, exceptional. You can’t fault it, from
weren’t needed. The rock base was enough security in itself.
Some say it is the most magnificent of Edward I’s Welsh fortresses. To get the full picture, head for the battlements. Breathtaking views across mountains and sea. If the outside impresses (and it will), wait until you go in. With an outer ward containing a great hall, chambers and kitchen, and a more secluded inner ward with private chambers and a royal chapel, it is very easy to imagine how Conwy functioned when the royal entourage were in town.
mod cons for its day like toilets, running water and glass in the windows, this vast building is spectatuclar. A brute of a fortress. Caernarfon Castle’s pumped-up appearance is unashamedly muscle-bound and intimidating. Picking a fight with this massive structure would have been a daunting prospect. By throwing his weight around in stone, King Edward I created what is surely one of the most impressive of Wales’s castles. Worthy of World Heritage status no less. Most
In 1969, the investiture of the current Prince of Wales, HRH Prince Charles took place here. Whilst you’re visiting this formidable fortress, don’t miss the opportunity to see the Royal Welch Fusiliers Museum, which is housed in two of the castle’s towers.
CONWY CASTLE
Conwy Castle entrance is truly impressive with two fortified gateways and made up of eight enormous towers. The great hall, private chambers and kitchen can still be seen on visiting which gives you a real sense of what it would have been like back in the day.
Built for Edward I, by Master James of
the grandeur of its high towers and curtain walls to its excellent state of preservation. An estimated £15,000 was spent building the castle, the largest sum Edward spent in such a short time on any of his Welsh castles between 1277 and 1307. Money well spent.
Two barbicans (fortified gateways), eight massive towers and a great bow-shaped hall all sit within its distinctive elongated shape, due in part to the narrow rocky outcrop on which the castle stands. You won’t find Edward’s concentric ‘walls within walls’ here. They
Harlech castle is built on what is said to be the oldest rock in the world. It was impenatrable in its day due to its location. Originally it would have been white as it was painted in limestone. The new visitors centre is a wealth
of further infomation.‘Men of Harlech.’ The nation’s unofficial anthem, loved by rugby fans and regimental bands alike, is said to describe the siege which took P.T.O
place here during the War of the Roses, wherein a handful of men held out against a besieging army of thousands. Edward’s tried and tested ‘walls within walls’ model was put together in super-fast time between 1283 and 1295 by an army of nearly a thousand skilled craftsmen and labourers.
Edward liked to use only the best masons from Savoy and England’s finest carpenters and blacksmiths. At the time this was one of the cheapest of Edward’s castles. A snip at a mere £8,190.
The structure, overseen by Master of the King’s Works, James of St George, boasts two rings of walls and towers, with an immensely strong east gatehouse. It was impregnable from almost every angle. Its secret weapon was a 200-foot (61m) long stairway which still leads from the castle to the cliff base. Access via the stairway to the sea and crucial supplies kept the castle’s besieged inhabitants fed and watered. When it was first built, a channel would have connected the castle and the sea. You could have sailed a boat up to the moat. Seven hundred years later, the sea has receded and you could say the castle appears almost stranded, waiting for the tide to turn once more.
The newly installed ‘floating’ bridge at Harlech Castle makes access to the castle
truly available for all. The bridge connects the castle with the brand new visitor centre in the former Castle Hotel building.
This was the last of Edward I’s castles and he unfortunatly never saw it complete.
extraordinary height, was forced to focus his attention elsewhere and the rest is, quite literally, history…
Technically perfect and constructed according to an ingenious ‘walls within walls’ plan, Beaumaris Castle was the 13th-century hi-tech equivalent of a spaceship landing unceremoniously on Anglesey today. You can usually complain if a neighbour’s extension plans are a bit on the large side. Seven centuries ago the problem was resolved rather differently. The population of Llanfaes was forcibly moved 12 miles (19km) away to Newborough to make way for Edward’s new castle.
Built originally by Llywelyn the Great, this very Welsh of princes included a very English style of gatehouse. Edward I’s forces took the castle some 50 years later, undertook their own improve-ments and remodelled a tower for stone-throwing engines. Not as much fun for those at the bottom as it sounds for those at the top!
Owain Glyn Dŵr sealed Criccieth’s fate when his troops captured and burnt the castle in the early years of the 15th century.
It is said to be one of the most beautiful of his castles. In terms of design and finish, the castle was super high-tech for its time with the ‘walls within walls’ features. Dare we say it, an absolute cracker of a castle with classic proportions and perfect symmetry. The last hurrah of Edward I’s massive building programme in north Wales… just a shame he never got round to finishing it! With finances stretched to the limit and the Scots now increasingly effective in their resistance to the English monarch, his vicelike grip on Wales was beginning to slip. Edward or ‘Longshanks’, on account of his
This castle was built by Llywelyn the Great. The twin tower gate house would have been inimidating for visitors and due to its position, the castle was always in high demand and changed hands on a number of occassions. Steeped in lots of history, its a very interesting site to visit.
What a picture, what a view! Perched on a headland with the sea as its constant bedfellow. Its twin-towered gatehouse intimidates prospective attackers. So badly did the native Welsh princes and English monarchs want it, that it changed hands more often than a relay baton.
This was to be the last major Welsh rebellion against the English. Criccieth Castle may also have given the name to the town rather than the other way round. Its suggested origins are ‘crug caeth’ – ‘crug’ (hill in Welsh), ‘caith’ (captives) – the name given to the jail on the hill, a function once held by the castle. Buy an ice-cream, there’s a lot of history to digest.
Two new books will be promoted at this year’s Wonderwool Wales, the award-winning show that celebrates all
that’s great about Welsh wool and natural fibres.
Ria Burns, who designs and makes sustainable knitwear in Bristol, has chosen to launch
her new book, Dyeing Yarn Naturally, published by the Crowood Press, at the 17th show, which will be held at the
Royal Welsh Showground in Builth Wells on April 22 and 23.
Meanwhile, TOFT founder
Kerry Lord’s latest publication, Alexandra’s Garden: Flowers, which features patterns to make 30 crochet flowers and will be launched at the end of March, will be promoted at Wonderwool Wales.
Ria makes small batch, artisanal clothes from local, traceable wool. She hand dyes her garments with homegrown and foraged native plants, handmaking each piece to create a locally made, long-lasting and unique product that works with, not against, the environment.
The knitwear is designed for longevity and Ria takes pride in showcasing the natural hues and qualities of British wool as a soft, warm, and durable textile.
‘Dyeing Yarn Naturally’ is a step-by-step guide to the process of dyeing yarn naturally from start to finish. This practical book explains the basics of how to colour yarn successful-
ly with plant-based dyes.
It starts with a detailed account of how to source materials and equipment, then moves onto how to prepare yarn and finally how to dye.
Packed with advice and illustrated with inspiring photos, this guide will launch readers on a sustainable and creative journey that explores and celebrates the dyeing potential of everyday plants.
“Wonderwool Wales will be the book’s first official outing after publication, so I think it technically counts as the launch, which is very exciting,” said Ria whose website is at https://www.riaburns.co.uk/ .
Kelly’s much-anticipated book, ‘Alexandra’s Garden: Flowers’, celebrates TOFT’s 30 favourite flowers, travelling through the four seasons of the garden.
Flowers range from the first snowdrop shoots pushing through the frost to the delicate
and intricate petals of the alstroemeria and on to the fantastical displays of the dahlia. Accompanied by stunning floral photography, readers will also find pages of handy tips and tricks, sewing up instructions and guides for tension, basic stitches and much more.
TOFT is a British craft company based in the rural Warwickshire village of the same name, which is home of the Edward's Menagerie and Alexandra's Garden collections of crochet animals and flowers by Kerry.
Bringing traditional crafts and contemporary designs together using luxury materials, the business specialises in beginner knit and crochet kits and has a wide range of pattern books and British wool. Everything is sold online at https://www.toftuk.com/ to customers worldwide.
TOFT was launched at Kerry’s parents’ alpaca stud
farm in 2006, originally to produce alpaca yarns. Today, the company sells both alpaca and premium sheep wool yarns and has a global following.
All of TOFT's yarn - whether alpaca or premium wool - is spun in the UK by the best mills in England. The wool itself is of the highest quality, both in terms of the raw fibre the company uses and the workmanship that goes into creating the yarns.
Animal welfare is extremely important to TOFT as well. All wool yarns are museling free and all of the alpaca yarn is from the fleeces of company’s own herd.
In addition to the development of TOFT yarns, Kerry has written a series of best-selling books, including ‘Edward's Menagerie’. During the last weeks of her pregnancy with her son Edward in 2012, she taught herself to crochet and made a toy elephant for her
new baby.
This began the collection of amigurumi animals - there are now more than 200 -which is now a phenomenon in the global craft industry. Edward's Menagerie began as an ebook that was exclusive to TOFT until 2014 when it was turned into a book and appeared on the shelves of bookshops all around the world.
Since then Kerry has designed hundreds more crochet patterns and written more books.
Wonderwool Wales tickets - costing £12 per day or £22 for the weekend - may be purchased online in advance at www.wonderwoolwales.co.uk or at the gate. .
For more information, visit www.wonderwoolwales.co.uk , like Wonderwool Wales Ltd on Facebook or follow on Twitter @wonderwoolwales
The Lake District is one huge adventure playground, providing gentle countryside ambles and more serious high level challenges. Whichever path you take, you’ll have much more fun if you plan properly beforehand.
PLAY IT SAFE
Decide your route carefully and make sure you have enough time to get back in daylight. Darkness can quickly descend, so it’s also a good idea to pack a torch, just in case. Before you leave, tell someone where you’re going and when you expect to return.
THINK OF OTHERS
When planning your day, bear in mind your own capabilities and those of all the others in your group. During your work, be prepared to cut it short if conditions become too difficult or a member of your party begins to struggle.
WEAR THE RIGHT GEAR
Take appropriate clothing, equipment, food and drink and a first aid kit. Boots, warm, windproof, waterproof clothing, a hat and gloves and some spare warm clothes plus a rucksac are all essential. Regardless of the season.
BEWARE THE WATER
If you’re thinking of going for a paddle, be careful, many tarns and lakes shelve deeply, and the water’s chilly even in high summer.
FOLLOW THE COUNTRYSIDE CODE
• Be safe, plan ahead and follow any signs
• Leave gates and property as you find them
• Protect plants and animals, and take your litter home.
• Keep dogs under close control
• Consider other people
CHECK THE WEATHER!
The Lake District weather can change rapidly and conditions on the tops can be very
different from those in the valleys. So check out the forecast in advance by calling the Lake District National Park Authority’s Weatherline service on 0844 846 2444
IN AN EMERGENCY
Ring the police and give a description of the incident and it’s location. Keep injured or exhausted people safe and warm until help reaches you.
Difficulty: Moderate (map & compass skills/remote/indistinct paths)
Time: 3 hour 59 mins
Distance: 8. miles (14km)
Ascent: 710 metres
Dog issues: You may encounter cattle.
OS Explorer map OL7 The English Lakes South Eastern Area
Steel Fell and Helm Crag are two iconic fells overlooking Grasmere that guard either end of this walk. Having climbed Steel Fell, the next 5.0km (3.1 miles) of undulating ridge doesn’t drop below 350m until the col of Bracken Hause just before the rather marvelous Helm Crag. Whilst navigating this walk on a fine day is reasonably straight forward, in mist and poor visibility it would be a very different proposition. The ridges between Steel Fell and Calf Crag, and then to Helm Crag are at times wide and the path not always clearly defined.
Both are boggy, with many small knolls to skirt, and accurate map and compass work would be required. The start point is Grasmere village where there are a number of pay and display car parks dotted throughout.
1. From the centre of Grasmere take the lane towards Allan Bank, just after the cattle grid bear right onto the new permissive path, go through the kissing gate to come out on Easedale Road. This bypasses the narrow and twisty section of Easedale Road.
Cross Goody Bridge, and just afterwards turn right signposted to Thorny How. Continue to the end of the road and turn left. At Ghyll Foot Farm cross the stone bridge and bear left along the private road to Helmside. There is a public footpath sign hiding on the wall beside the telegraph pole.
Follow the road to the cottages at the end and bear left to go through the gate with the small footpath marker. This is a National Trust area called Greenburn.
2. Bear right and climb along side the wall to your right. The path goes through a number of sheep pastures.
There is a gate or two, otherwise there are just open gaps in the wall. The path is largely grass slopes, a little steep in places otherwise there are no difficulties.
Bear left at the first cairn which is adorned with bits of old metal fence post, to the summit cairn of Steel Fell just 70m (77 yards) on.
3. Continue over the summit and descend alongside the fence to your right. When the fence bears off right, you bear left and continue down towards the tarns.
The ground is very boggy, and probably so even in dry conditions. Here the path is indistinct, keep left and with Calf Crag in sight it is simply a case of finding the best route through the bog.
Climb to the rocky summit of Calf Crag.
4. Turn left from the summit cairn and drop down mainly grass through rocky crags. Turn right to cross an area of peat hags above Pike of Carrs. Continue on the path. Keep left. Beware of being
drawn to the right down the fell side, remain on the ridge as best as possible. There are many small knolls on the ridge, the main path, such as it is, skirts some of them. A faint path can be found going over the tops.
Gibson Knott appears at the point when you’ve probably had enough of little rocky knolls! It is reasonably distinct complete with a small cairn on a rocky platform.
5. Continue past the cairn, and drop down to the col with Helm Crag. Continue ahead and climb the zigzag path. At the top bear left to the Howitzer. The true summit is the top of the rock, a good climb up.
Continue along the summit ridge to the Lion and Lamb 300m (330 yards) further along.
6. From the Lion and Lamb, continue south east, bear right on the path through High Raven Crag.
At the bottom on the small plateau bear right at the post, as the grass path straight ahead ends above crags. Follow the signs and obvious landscaping to control erosion. Bear left to continue on the path.
At the wall turn right and descend with the wall on your left. Steep stone steps drop down remarkably quickly and easily.
At the bottom by a wall bear right, and then left into the lane.
At the junction of paths turn left signposted Grasmere.
Bear right through the gate and drop down to the road. Turn left. Follow Easedale Road back to Grasmere village.
It’s easy to see why the World of James Herriot visitor attraction attracts visitors from all over the world. There’s so much to see and do here… It’s not just for fans of the books!
The 1940s home and surgery
Stepping through the famous red door of 23 Kirkgate, Thirsk is to step inside the World of James Herriot, the fully-restored site of his original 1940s home and veterinary practice (known in his books as Skeldale House, Darrowby) set in the heart of stunning Herriot Country.
The dining room and practice office
Explore this magical time-capsule, where the world’s most famous vet and one of the most popular writers of the twentieth century lived,
worked and wrote his much-loved stories based on his experiences as a young veterinary surgeon working among the farming community of North Yorkshire.
cinating ancient and bizarre remedies and the cramped and primitive consulting room that saw the treatment of many a poorly pet – only creatures small were dealt with by Alf in here!
There’s no telling children ‘don’t touch’ in this gallery! Designed to engage children, young and old, the pieces use fun and interaction to educate visitors about farm animals and how they interact with our lives.
The latest addition to the centre’s collection is the original 1938 Austin Seven car, Registration JK 7443.
It appeared in the film “It Shouldn’t Happen to a Vet” with actor John Alderton as James Herriot, when it famously broke down in a river in the Yorkshire Dales.
The home retains many of the original furnishings in the family rooms, frozen in time. The dining room doubled as the practice office, where farmers’ bills were typed up at the desk; the sitting room displays original books and family photos; the basement converted to an air raid shelter during the Second World War; the breakfast room favoured for its relative warmth and the reproduction of a typical farmhouse kitchen.
The original dispensary containing all potions great and small As well as a family home, it was also a busy surgery with a dispensary crammed with fas-
Full of fascinating facts, the gallery gives visitors the opportunity to test their skills, knowledge and reflexes whilst learning how vets work with farmers to keep animals fit and well. Not just for children!
There is one installation that TV viewers particularly will recognise and that’s the ‘not to be missed’ opportunity to place your hand up a cow’s bottom! An essential skill that every vet has to learn, All Creatures Great and Small actor Christopher Timothy famously did his part on several occasions, much to the amusement of the cast, crew and viewing public!
The World of James Herriot houses the largest collection of Herriot memorabilia in the world – from books, posters and letters to ornaments and collectables.
The Memorabilia Room is dedicated to displaying items that were instrumental in James Herriot’s writing career.
Take a close-up look behind the scenes of a reproduced set from the BBC series All Creatures Great and Small and experience the fascinating world of the TV studio and what was involved in the making of the TV program.
There’s an incredible array too of veterinary paraphernalia from Herriot’s time as a young vet – in an era before advances in diagnostics, modern medicine and agricultural machinery. It is the largest collection in the world.
You can be the star of the show! Get in front of the camera and imagine yourself as Christopher Timothy playing James Herriot, Robert Hardy as the eccentric Siegfried Farnon, Peter Davison as Tristan Farnon, or Carol Drinkwater and Lynda Bellingham who both played James’ wife Helen Herriot.
The series was a hugely popular show and had two runs from 1978 to 1980 (based directly on Alf’s books) and 1988 to 1990 (filmed with original scripts). The equipment on display shows just how far technology has moved on in TV and film, the huge cameras, endless cables, the intense heat from the lighting rigs all making life pretty uncomfortable for the actors involved.
The Austin Seven Car from ‘It Shouldn’t Happen to a Vet’
On display is a 4,000 piece archive showcasing veterinary instruments from the past to the modern day. These items chart the history and progress of the profession over the years. Some of the instruments appear primitive but were all designed for a particular purpose, since refined and updated for the modern vet’s practice.
The display reveals the close link with veterinary surgeons and the armed forces, from the days of the mounted cavalry and horses pulling gun carriages and supply wagons in warfare. Even today, ceremonial horses and battle-trained guard and sniffer dogs are the responsibility of the Royal Army Veterinary Corp, formed in 1796.
Much of Alf Wight’s work took place in farms all over North Yorkshire. To the rear of the house you will find the Foldyard and The Farrier exhibits, both with which Alf would have been very well-acquainted.
The Foldyard (described as an enclosure for sheep or cattle) houses a collection of primitive-looking hand tools in everyday use in farms before machinery appeared. In the hands of skilled workers, however, these tools were most effective. The Foldyard provides an authentic setting for visitors to watch an exclusive short film of Alf Wight, his family and friends and the cast of All Creatures Great and Small.
In the Farrier’s Workshop. the role of the farrier, which combines skills of both blacksmith and vet, is brought to life in this interesting exhibit. Before tractors and combine harvesters, farming relied on manual labour and what limited mechanisation existed was driven by horses. Farriers were an integral support to this system until the inevitable march of progress.
World of James Herriot Ltd, 23 Kirkgate, Thirsk, North Yorkshire,YO7 1PL Tel: 01845 524234
The Yorkshire Air Museum has burst back to life celebrating the wonder of Aviation, which we proudly proclaim as Yorkshire’s greatest invention! Did you know that the aeroplane was first invented in our own county?
Museum Director Barbara George explains: “Scarborough born nobleman George Cayley was so inspired by the passenger carrying hot air balloons of the Mongolfier brothers in France that he defined the principles for a ‘flying machine’ in 1799, designing the very first outline of a ‘conventional’ aeroplane with fixed wings, a ‘fuselage’ and using the acts of propulsion and lift as individual functions to make it fly.” This ultimately led to the creation of his full-size glider which, in 1853, made the first man-carrying flight at his family home at Brompton by Sawdon.
The Museum is proud to display the unique replica of this amazing craft
which now takes take centre place in our huge hangar, strikingly mounted on a plinth, along with other iconic Yorkshire designed aircraft, such as the Blackburn Buccaneer, the last of a long line of aircraft from the company founded by Leeds born Robert Blackburn, and, of course, own unique WWII Halifax Mk. III bomber, “Friday the 13th”. This is so named after the most successful Halifax, flying from its Yorkshire base at RAF Lissett near Bridlington.
We know you will be inspired after visiting our wonderful museum, based on an original WWII Bomber Command base, with all the history and heritage of the period.
Enjoy discovering our amazing aircraft collection amongst our extensive, spacious grounds and take a stroll around our woodland nature area. Discover a tranquil, fragrant spot in our ‘Jardin des
Papillons’ or Memorial Rose Gardens and enjoy a family picnic on our lawns.
Open Daily 10:00am to 17:00pm. (Winter 10:00am – 16:00pm)
Admission: £12 Adults, £5 Child (4-17). Family £30 (2A + up to 3 Children.)
Trip Advisor Certificate of Excellence Award.
Blackpool Pleasure Beach is gearing up for another cracking Easter with an egg-stravaganza of fun and egg-citement for the whole family. The famous amusement park is open daily throughout the Easter holidays and its not just the amazing line up of rides for you to enjoy – there are shows and activities taking place each day.
Between Saturday 13th and Monday 22nd April there will be Easter activities taking place each day at FY4, next to the Spectacular Dancing Water Show. The whole area will be filled with egg-citing games, activities and shows. Each day will see six different eggs-clusive
games played and that's no YOKE! There will also be a Live Easter egg-stravaganza with the "HOP 'N' BOP" show featuring Bradley and Bella Beaver. Youngsters can also try their hand at egg decorating and Easter bonnet making with prizes to be won daily and of course lots of Easter Eggs. You wont be able to control your egg-citement.
On Saturday 20th April, Anchor Event and the first Late Night Riding and Fireworks event of the year takes place. Ride into the night on the UK’s tallest coaster, The Big One, check out the twists and turns of ICON at twilight, enjoy a night race on the Grand National or take a night flight into the dusk on Red Arrows Skyforce. From 10pm that night, the skies will be lit up by an amazing fireworks display with a fantastic musical soundtrack.
ust in time for Easter, Blackpool Pleasure Beach has launched two cracking new products which means guests will be scrambling to save £££s on their visit. The Open Dated Wristband means that visitors to Blackpool Pleasure Beach can purchase a wristband for a great online price and then visit on any day of the 2019 season.
When booking, Guests will have the option to purchase a wristband with a specific date or an Open Dated Wristband. Once they purchase the Open Dated Wristband online, they will receive a reference which they can redeem at the Ticket Centre on any day of the season.
The April Pass is the perfect way to experience Blackpool Pleasure Beach over the Easter Holidays. This gives you an unlimited ride wristband every day
until April 28th 2019.
Open Dated Wristbands can be purchased online from Monday 1st April and cost just £30, a saving of £9 on the gate price. April Passes cost just £55 when booked online in advance.
For more information, or to purchase wristbands, please visit www.LittleTouches. com/blackpoolshop
Come and join the team at Pollok House this Easter for a fun-filled family visit. Follow the clues on our Springtime trail to collect your chocolate Easter egg, take part in some crafting activities and enjoy playing lawn games.
Please note, every child attending this event requires an individual ticket.
Arrival to Pollok House
When you arrive, please enter the property via the
main entrance. Once at the property, please look out for signage and follow directions given by our staff. Please observe social distancing from other households and staff, and wear a face covering in the house, if you are able.
One way systems will be in place throughout Pollok House.
Parking
Please enter Pollok Park at the Dumbreck Road entrance,
and be asked to park in the Riverside car park. This is a pay and display car park.
If you are a trust member please collect a parking pass at the admission point to the property, your member sticker will not be recognised by Glasgow city council.
Accessibility Requirements
Please contact Pollok House on 0141 616 6410 for any accessibility requirements
As couples plan for their big day for 2023 now is the time to get into shape. and start organizing for what will be the best day of their lives. For the bride, you can’t start earlier enough.
You want to arrive at the alter looking vibrant with health and beauty, so what better excuse do you need to invest a little bit of time, money and energy in getting you there? Whether it is planning a few pampering trips to some spas or joining a gym, not only can you trim your figure, you’ll do wonders for your complexion and overall energy levels.
Shopping for the wedding dress is probably the part of the wedding plans you
are looking forward to more than any other aspect.
The majority of bridal gowns bought in the UK are classed as ‘off the peg.’
You try on a sample of the gown in the shop; they take your measurements and order the most appropriate size for you which is then delivered to the shop for alterations to fit your exact shape and size.
Don’t panic, there may be a huge amount to do but here is a handy checklist with some of the main points to take into consideration in the build up to the big day!
12 months before…
Choose a wedding date
Decide on a budget
Make a list of guests and decide on numbers
Book your Church/ Ceremony location. Book
your reception venue/ caterers. Choose your Bridesmaids, Ushers and Best Man. Start looking for The Dress!. Choose and book your photographer
8 months before…
Choose bridesmaids’ dresses
Book entertainment
Choose and order your wedding cake
Make an appointment with your chosen florist
6 months before...
Give Notice of Marriage
Purchase or hire menswear
Select your wedding rings
4 months before...
Send out your wedding invitations
Arrange fittings for the wedding dress and menswear
1 month before...
Arrange a final fitting of
your wedding dress your bridesmaids, ushers and best man. Enjoy your hen and stag parties!
2 weeks before...
Confirm the date and time of the rehearsal to the
relevant people
1 week before...
Arrange to collect your wedding dress, bridesmaids dresses and the menswear
Have all your beauty
treatments
Drink plenty of water and have some early nights
Relax and enjoy this time –all your hard work is about to come to completion!
Many women dream about their wedding day from childhood. Not only is it one of the biggest days of a person’s life, it is also likely to be the most romantic. Given the momentous nature of the allimportant wedding, it should therefore come as no surprise that a lot of thought goes into the planning involved.
And one of the most significant aspects of that is the wedding venue. While most people associate a wedding with a church and minister, tying the knot in registry offices has become increasingly popular over the years. Ultimately, however, the decision between church and registry office depends on the individuals in question.
A bride and groom-to-be could think about whether they want a traditional wedding versus modern.
There is nothing more traditional than donning a lavish white wedding dress and walking down a long aisle flanked by scores of family and friends to the tune of Here Comes the Bride. The tradition of having the father
of the bride accompany his daughter and give her away at the altar is one that many dads dream about.
Having bridesmaids at the side of the wife-to-be is another comforting aspect of traditional weddings that is so engrained in our cultural identity. But such strict adherence to tradition is not everyone’s cup of tea — particularly those who are in no way religious.
Ultimately, marriage is a legal contract and what better way to seal that than by having a more official and straightforward ceremony in a registry office?
As opposed to having passages from the bible recited and old religious hymns sung by guests, registry office weddings can incorporate a more modern set up consisting of clear and concise vows - that are not necessarily devoid of romance — along with songs that again, are not strictly religious. At the bones of the comparison between church and registry office is just how lavish you want your wedding to be. For example, at a church there will be room
for more guests, in which case a big and extravagant ceremony is a possibility, but in an official office, only a handful of people can be present. Brides feel more comfortable wearing a fabulous traditional wedding gown in a church, but in a registry office, a smart dress and jacket seems more apt. A church wedding undoubtedly provides men and women — regardless of their religion - with the ultimate fairytale setting that is often considered more romantic and magical. But, on the plus side of the registry office, it can be an awful lot cheaper. There is also less wedding planning and stress involved, meaning that the bride and groom can focus solely on each other and the reasons why they are tying the knot, instead of being distracted by the drama surrounding the spectacle that is their big day.
There is a lot to be said for couples who do not need to profess their love to the world by spending thousands of pounds on an over-the-top ceremony. Clearly all they need is each other.
Choosing who will be standing by your side on your wedding day will need to be taken with some careful thought and discussion with your partner. Your close family and friends will probably be hoping or assuming they will be asked, so choosing who to ask can be a bit of a nightmare, and you may be worried about upsetting someone. The key is to prioritise what is important, you can hopefully create a squad that will please everyone.
The best way to start is to write down a wish list of who you would like to ask to be matron of honour, bridesmaids, best
man, groomsmen, or ushers, think of who would be most suitable to take on the role at your wedding. It may help knowing what responsibilities and duties traditionally expected of the wedding party.
Maid of Honour
The role of maid of honour is usually given to the bride’s sister or best friend. Choose your maid of honour carefully, as the role comes with a lot of responsibility.
It is the maid’s duty to help with any pre wedding arrangements including helping the bride with some of the planning and preparations, accompany her when she shops for her wedding dress and to arrange the hen night. On the day itself, the maid of honour will support you and the bridesmaids
and ensure everything runs smoothly and give you emotional support.
Bridesmaids
You can have two bridesmaids or several, it’s up to you. Traditionally your sisters and closest friends are chosen to be bridesmaids.
A bridesmaid’s duties will include attending wedding dress fittings, rehearsals, looking after the flower girls, and walking down the aisle with you as part of the procession and standing with you at the alter until being seated for the ceremony.
Best Man
A groom will usually ask his brother or best friend to be his best man at his wedding. The best man will have a lot of responsibility, so you really need to think of who will be the best for the job.
The best man will have the task of organising the stag do, help the groom get ready, keep the rings safe, great guests, stand with the groom
at the altar and make a speech at the reception.
Groomsmen and Ushers
At a wedding the groom will have groomsmen who will be by his side just like the bridesmaids are for the bride. You may also wish to have ushers at your wedding. The general rule is that you need one usher for every 50 guests. The role of an usher is
to escort guests to their seats and should traditionally escort ladies on their arm. The ushers will also pass out Order of Service books, hymnals and carry out other duties at the ceremony.
Flower Girls and Page Boys
Flower girls and page boys are usually aged between four and eight years old. The role of the flower girls is to look
pretty and walk down the aisle before the bride and her father. Flower girls sometimes carry baskets, and scatter rose petals along the way. The page boy will walk down the aisle carrying the wedding rings or will enter before the bride with the flower girls, holding hands with one of the flower girls to up the cute factor.
Getting married isn’t just about going on honeymoon, but it sure is an exciting plus to the whole shebang! But how do you go about milking the special occasion for all its worth? Everyone loves an upgrade and if you can’t get one when you’re going on your honeymoon then when can you? It’s the perfect opportunity to be pampered and spoiled, especially after all the stress of the wedding planning is over.
Calling first class!
There are so many moments where you might be able to wangle an upgrade when you go on honeymoon. The first is the flight. This is a lot easier to accomplish if you haven’t booked a package deal through a high street travel agency. If you’ve booked flights and accommodation separately then turning up at the airport in your finest clobber, rather than like a scruff bag (albeit
a very comfy one), is a great way to find yourself boosted up to First or Business class. This is an important fact to consider as the area you want to be moved into is usually full of very well-heeled people. The next step is to arrive at the airport early. This gives you the best opportunity of nabbing any last-minute upgrades.
Don’t forget to check again when you reach the gate in case an upgrade has become available since you checked-in. Another hot tip for making it more likely to receive an upgrade is to fly on a Saturday as this is when business travellers are usually at home, meaning you have less competition. Tell the world you’re here for your honeymoon
Once you’ve made it to your honeymoon destination the next step towards getting an upgrade is to tell everyone
that you’re on your honeymoon! It’s important to do this at the right time though. Telling businesses that you’re going on your honeymoon when you make the booking tends to hike the prices up. So, you’re better off waiting until you hit the runway to mention that you’re newlyweds on honeymoon. If you’re staying in a hotel then mention at check-in that you’re on your honeymoon and ask if there are any honeymoon suites available for you to upgrade to or if there is anything they can do for you to help make your honeymoon more memorable. Then as you go about making your precious memories whilst you are away, you need to keep speaking up.
Tell everyone you meet that you’re there on your honeymoon. You never know, it might lead to a couple of free glasses of champagne over dinner at any of the restaurants you might visit! The same can be said for any activities, excursions or day
trips that you intend to do whilst you’re away. Live like an A-lister Of course, before you even get to this stage you need to decide on where to go!
If you’re at a loss for ideas, other than knowing that you want the A-list treatment,
then take a leaf out of @ RocknRollBride’s book. She says that ‘If you’re looking to really go all out on your honeymoon, to have a once in a lifetime experience and to truly live it up like a rock star, then the Maldives has to be top of your list.’
Without devising and sticking to a realistic budget, many couples struggle to finance the wedding day of their dreams. Buying all the bits and bobs that make a wedding just as fabulous as you are, adds up. Preparing your finances with a contingency fund is recommended, but where do you start when setting aside this essential cash reserve?
We explore below.
What are the benefits of
having a contingency?
A quick online search will reveal the long list of products and services a couple needs to call upon for their wedding day.
Being aware of the wedding costs that could creep up when you least expect them will ensure you are as well prepared as you can be when planning the best day of your life. Hidden costs come in all shapes and sizes; from
the stamps needed to send your save-thedates and invitations, to those lastminute beauty treatments. Your contingency fund is there should you encounter these unexpected expenses. Work out how much you can afford to spend in total, make a list of everything you need to sort then decide how you will divide your wedding budget. Try to make your list as detailed as possible, and ensure that you set aside enough for each item. Recently married friends, wedding magazines and websites are all good sources of advice. How much should we set aside?
Most suggest a contingency of between 12.5 and 15% of the overall wedding cost. The average wedding in the UK now costs £30,355, which means a minimum contingency of £3,794. This is a significant amount to set aside.
We’d recommend saving as much extra money as you can and earmarking this as your contingency fund. Whatever you can put aside
as a contingency fund, if you don’t use it, it’s extra money towards enjoying your honeymoon – or building your first home together.
How can we start building a contingency fund?
Even couples with a comfortable budget should consider building a contingency. If you can’t save any extra money by cutting back on your monthly outgoings,
as many couples planning weddings cannot – saving your savings is an ideal way to boost your wedding budget and build a contingency fund. For every little discount you receive on a wedding-related service or product, put the amount you saved straight into a savings account. With some hard bargaining, you’ll find you’ll quickly accumulate a sizeable sum.
A potentially life-saving health check aimed at former smokers is coming to Hyndburn after a successful rollout in other parts of Lancashire and South Cumbria.
Starting this month, current or former smokers aged between 55 and 74 will be invited to attend this free check, described as an ‘MOT for your lungs’.
Targeted Lung Health Checks (TLHC) are helping the NHS to spot lung cancer and other issues early when they are easier to treat.
The Lancashire and South Cumbria TLHC programme was launched in April 2021 in Blackburn with Darwen, before expanding to other areas including Blackpool, Burnley and Rossendale. More than 24,500 people have already benefited from
this service, with some receiving life-saving treatment for conditions which may have otherwise gone undiagnosed.
The checks take place in two stages, with a 10-minute consultation with a trained healthcare professional followed by a low-dose CT scan for those identified as being at risk of lung cancer.
Dr John Howells, clinical lead for Targeted Lung Health Checks, said: “I am pleased we will soon be inviting eligible people to take part in the Targeted Lung Health Checks programme in Hyndburn. Thousands of people in other parts of Lancashire have been given valuable peace of mind by taking part in the programme and where we have found potential health issues it
is helping us to treat them sooner.
“Almost 9,500 people will receive an invite to take part in Hyndburn, so if you are contacted by a member of the team offering you a lung health check, please say yes. Early diagnosis saves lives.”
Cllr Miles Parkinson OBE, leader of Hyndburn Council, added: “I am really pleased this fantastic service from the NHS is coming to Hyndburn. Thank you to everyone involved in making it happen. Preventative health checks are so important, and I encourage everyone who is offered an appointment for a lung scan to say yes.” While most people who take part receive a clean bill of health, a small minority require further treatment.
Cathie Bowker, 70, from
Darwen, received treatment for lung cancer after being invited to a check.
Cathie said: “I almost didn’t accept the invite at first because I stopped smoking over 20 years ago but I’m so glad I did. Based on my answers to their questions, I was recommended for a scan which found I had lung cancer. It came as a real shock as I had no symptoms.
“Thankfully it was caught early, and I am now on the mend. I would recommend anyone who is offered a lung health check to take it. It really can save lives.”
Lung cancer rarely presents any symptoms in its early stages, making it much more difficult to detect and treat effectively; this programme is designed to check those most at risk earlier.
The Targeted Lung Health Check programme is currently available in 43 areas of the UK and estimates that it will diagnose around 9,000 early-stage cancers, offering the opportunity for earlier interventions, including curative surgery, which will save
lives. Stop smoking advice will also be offered to support current smokers.
More information on the Targeted Lung Health Check programme is available at: https://lungcheckslsc. co.uk/.
Thousands of people in Lancashire and South Cumbria who have been sent a lifesaving bowel cancer home testing kit are being encouraged to use it and return it.
A new NHS campaign aims to increase uptake of the home testing kit to ensure more people are diagnosed with bowel cancer at the earliest stage when they are nine times more likely to survive.
The latest data shows the proportion of people choosing to participate in bowel screening nationally has increased to 70.3 percent- the highest on record. However, almost a third of people are not returning their test kits
Dr Neil Smith, a GP and cancer director for Lancashire and South Cumbria, said: “Bowel cancer is the fourth most common type of cancer and screening helps to find it before there are any noticeable symptoms and when it is easier to treat.
“The kits we use today are quicker to use than the previous bowel cancer screening home testing kit and people simply need to collect a tiny sample of poo using the plastic stick provided, pop it in the sample bottle, and send it free of charge to the NHS for tests in a laboratory. If you are sent an NHS bowel cancer home test kit, please complete and return it. It could save your life.”
Each month, the NHS posts out more than half a million free Faecal Immunochemical Test (FIT) kits for people to use in the privacy of their homes. The FIT kit detects small amounts of blood in poo - that would not be visible to people - before someone may notice anything is wrong.
People aged 60 to 74 years who are registered with a GP practice and live in England are automatically sent a FIT kit every two years.
Data shows nearly 43,000 people are diag-
nosed with bowel cancer every year in the UK and more than 16,500 people die from it - more than 45 people per day. The chances of surviving bowel cancer are much higher when it is found at an early stage.
Due to increased uptake of the FIT kit, more cancers are now being detected by the NHS than when the previous test was used. The FIT kit also generates fewer false positives and finds more polyps - which can be removed by a colonoscopy and might otherwise develop into cancers.
National clinical director for cancer Prof Peter Johnson said: “Thousands of people in England develop bowel cancer each year, but the chances of surviving it are very good when it is caught early, which is why the NHS is sending out millions of free bowel cancer screening kits for people to use in private, at home, which could potentially save their life.
“We have seen a fantastic response to our previous cancer awareness campaigns, with record levels of people coming forward for cancer checks, and more people starting cancer treatment than in previous years.
“I would urge everyone who is sent a kit to return their test as quickly as they can because this can detect the early signs of bowel cancer and ensure that anyone affected can get treatment for the disease as soon as possible. Don’t die of embarrassment.”
People concerned that they may have missed their invitation or have lost or thrown away their kit can call the free bowel cancer screening helpline for advice on 0800 707 60 60. Information on bowel cancer and the screening programme can be found online at nhs.uk/bowel-screening
The new campaign will focus on breaking down barriers and offering the best possible support to female athletes within the Thunder playing squad.
With funding provided by Hilton, the Club has already begun work to create bespoke education and support packages which will allow the Lancashire Thunder players to fulfil their potential and enjoy playing cricket - whilst easing some of the challenges faced by many female athletes.
Two new Thunder-specific roles have been created following Hilton’s funding which will allow the squad increased access to their own Sports Doctor and a Nutritionist – who both specialise in the health of female athletes.
The Club will also be setting up a number of workshops for the Thunder
squad which will take a focus on health areas specific to female athletes such as the menstrual cycle, bone health, breast health, sports-bra fitting and footwear.
As part of the No Boundaries campaign, Lancashire Cricket will be creating a content series throughout the 2023 season which documents the health journey of the Thunder players and provides an insight into how this has aided their cricket performances out on the field.
Members of the squad will sit down with LancsTV to candidly discuss their own experiences in cricket, the barriers they have faced along the way and how they hope that the work which is being done now can assist the journey of the next generation of female cricketers in the Thunder Academy.
Lancashire Cricket is also set to host a ‘women in sport’
day on Thursday 25 May at Emirates Old Trafford. The day will be headlined by Lancashire Thunder’s match against The Blaze in the Charlotte Edwards Cup as women’s sport is celebrated in the stadium and on the Club’s live stream.
Speaking about the launch of the No Boundaries Campaign, David Thorley, Regional Director of Women’s Cricket for the North West said: “We are thrilled to be able to launch this ground-breaking campaign alongside Hilton – Official Partners of Thunder.
“Hilton’s support of women’s cricket in the region has been game changing for us and we feel that the No Boundaries campaign will provide the groundwork for not only our current squad but for the next generation of players to be able to access resources which will allow
them better understand their own health and how this can help to aid their performances.
“It’s fantastic that the players now have access to their own Sports Doctor and Nutritionist and we are looking forward to putting the workshops in place and continuing to develop this programme – all of which would not be possible without the support we are receiving from Hilton.”
The launch of the No Boundaries campaign follows last week’s announcement that Lancashire Cricket and Hilton had extended their long-standing partnership.
For a second year running, Hilton is sponsoring the Club’s pre-season tour which will see both squads travel to Dubai together and stay at the Conrad Dubai. For the first time, Lancashire Thunder will then embark on a second
leg of the tour to Mumbai, where they will be staying at the Hilton Mumbai International Airport
Gurmej Bahia, vice president, loyalty and marketing, EMEA, Hilton also commented: “We are proud to have worked with Lancashire Cricket to embrace equity and break down some of the barriers in women’s sport.
"Our involvement in the No Boundaries campaign has allowed us to provide invaluable access to services
and support for the Lancashire Thunder team through designated healthcare and wellbeing professionals and a series of workshops.
"We’re believers that where you stay and what you eat truly matter to a great performance – and we’re thrilled for the Thunder squad to experience everything our hotels have to offer while building their confidence during the pre-season tour. We look forward to following their success.”
A planning application for a new high-quality sports facility in the heart of the county has been approved in principle by councillorssubject to any call-in from the Secretary of State.
Led by Lancashire County Council, the proposed development for Lancashire Cricket would bring together elite and community cricket on a site at Farington.
The plans, which were recommended for approval by council officers, were approved by the county council's Development Control Committee at their meeting this week (Wednesday 1 March).
This application will now need to be referred to the Secretary of State for consideration before any planning permission could be granted – this is normal practice when proposals would affect the green belt.
The aim is to establish a new year-round facility, which would host a number of men’s and women’s competitive matches each year, as an alternative to Emirates Old Trafford, and provide a new training base for Lancashire’s men’s and women’s teams, from agegroup to first team. The Club has confirmed that the current out grounds will still be utilised once the new facility has opened.
These proposals have been sensitively and carefully designed so the green setting endures for the long term, and the amenity of neighbouring residents is protected.
New tree planting, landscaping and green spaces will provide an attractive backdrop and provide screening for local properties.
This new facility would be a Centre of Excellence for women’s cricket in the NorthWest, further encouraging the growth of cricket in the region. In addition to providing elite training facilities for the Club, it will also be made available to the local community, including for local cricket clubs and schools.
Andy Anson OBE, Chair at Lancashire Cricket, added: “We are delighted that the application for the cricket facility at Farington has been supported by the planning committee.
“We’ve been working with the county council on this exciting project for some time now and the new development will provide fantastic elite facilities for both our men’s and women’s squads, as well as for recreational cricket and wider community use.
“With the number of international and domestic cricket matches, as well as other events, being held at Emirates Old Trafford, the need for a second ground has become vital. The development will be a first of its kind in domestic cricket and we look forward to seeing work start on the site over the course
of the year. We will keep our Members and supporters updated on its progress. I would like to personally thank the county council for their support.”
The new facilities would help to support additional health and wellbeing opportunities, through active participation in sport and will assist the Lancashire Cricket Foundation in delivering nationwide cricket programmes.
The development would provide training and skills opportunities in addition to creating new jobs during the construction process and within the completed facility.
The project also aims to increase the education and training opportunities for students across varied age groups. The club has an ambition to deliver a Lancashire Cricket experience into 1,000 state schools across the county by 2030.
County Councillor Phillippa Williamson, leader of the county council, said: "This is an exciting time for this fantastic project with the approval of the planning permission in principle for a first-class cricket ground in the heart of Lancashire.
"We're proud to be working with Lancashire Cricket to bring this elite cricket facility to the county. We now await the Secretary of State's decision on this project.
"As well as providing new jobs and a significant boost to our economy creating these fantastic facilities will support recreational cricket as we encourage more people to take part in and enjoy the sport as well as wider community use."
Owned by the county council, the proposed site in Farington is alongside the A582 Farington Road on the west side of Stanifield Lane, and a short distance from the M65 and M6.
Widespread community consultation took place to develop the plans, as well as with local stakeholders and representatives from the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) cricket's national governing body.
Amendments were made to the proposals to address comments made, in particular to minimise the impact on local residents.
The planning application is available to view on the county council’s planning portal. Find out more about the plans at www. lancashire.gov.uk/cricket
Always wanted to score at the Wham Stadium and salute the Clayton End? Well, now is your time!
Following the conclusion of the 2022/23 Sky Bet League One season, Accrington Stanley will be allowing supporters, corporate companies, or even just family and friends to play on the beautiful Whambley turf.
Slots will be available from Sunday 30th April until Saturday 6th May at just £1,000 plus VAT (£46 per person based on 26 players) per slot - with the pitch renovation work then starting on Monday 8th May.
You'll also be able to take out optional extras including post-match food and drink in Coley's.
