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Issue. 209 - February/March 2022 0115 6972677 | www.wilcopmedia.co.uk | sales@wilcopmedia.co.uk
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Lancashire County Council pays tribute to the Man Jailed For Queen as she marks 70 years on the throne Manslaughter
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Easter Fun For Families
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SEE PAGE 25...
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Millions being invested in children’s mental
health in Lancashire and South Cumbria Health leaders in Lancashire and South Cumbria have been awarded an additional £10.7m investment to improve children’s mental health and emotional wellbeing.
The announcement comes ahead of Children’s Mental Health Week (7-13 February 2022) when landmarks across the region will be lit green to demonstrate the importance of children and young people’s mental health. Over the past three years, health and care partners have been working together to develop the THRIVE model of care which looks to prevent poor mental health and wellbeing, as well as supporting young people as soon as they start to experience difficulties. NHS organisations, local authorities, education, the police, and representatives from the voluntary, community, faith, and social enterprise sector (VCFSE) have been working with parents, carers and young people to redesign services for children and young people aged 0-19. Samantha Mortimer, Associate Director of Clinical Transformation for children and young people’s mental health and emotional wellbeing, said: “Since 2018 we’ve held a number of design workshops and we are extremely grateful to the young people and their parents and carers who have given their time to share their experiences of using services. Their open and honest input has helped to identify how we need to work differently to improve children and young people’s mental health. “Through these workshops we’ve developed our delivery model aligned to the principles of THRIVE where there is a focus on the needs of the child or young person, rather than a diagnosis. “As part of Children’s Mental Health Week, we wanted to highlight our commitment to improving the mental health and wellbeing of our young people across Lancashire and South Cumbria. What better way to do that than lighting up some of our most significant local landmarks, such as Blackpool Tower, County Hall in Preston, parts of Royal Preston Hospital and Ashton Memorial in Lancaster, for all to see.” County Councillor Cosima Towneley, Lancashire County Council's cabinet member for children and families, said: "We welcome the
£10.7m investment made by the Government. "Children need to be supported through periods of crisis to emerge stronger and more resilient for life. We are working closely with the NHS to tackle this issue. "Lighting up County Hall is a small outward signal to all residents of Lancashire that mental health is important, should not be hidden under a bushel and no one need suffer unnecessarily in silence. "If you have concerns over children in your care, please take advantage of this week to speak together and with our professional partners." The £10.7million investment is part of a government commitment to support health providers to offer quality mental health services for children and young people. It will be used to deliver a whole scale transformation programme across Lancashire and South Cumbria over the next three years based upon the THRIVE principles. This will reduce waiting times, improve experience and quality of care, and make sure young people receive consistent levels of care wherever they live in the region. There will also be a focus on developing crisis care and making sure there is support for young people at any time of the day or night, reducing the need for young people to be admitted to hospital. The investment will support the recruitment of more primary mental health workers who are trained and experienced in working within the community to promote positive
mental health and wellbeing, giving advice and support at an early stage. Plans are also in place to implement locality based Initial Response Services (IRS) across Lancashire and South Cumbria. This will mean all mental health referrals for adults and children will be received through one front door, either by self-referral, a single telephone number or email address. Finally, as part of the government commitment to make sure three million pupils nationally receive mental health support in schools by 2023, we will see more Mental Health Support Teams (MHSTs) across Lancashire and South Cumbria over the three years. To mark the start of Children’s Mental Health Week, young people on the Fylde Coast suggested landmarks should be lit green and the following monuments will be taking part on Monday 7 February: • County Hall, Preston • The ‘Wonder Wall’ at Royal Preston Hospital • Sharoe Green Unit, Royal Preston Hospital • Kendal Town Hall Clock, Kendal • Ashton Memorial, Lancaster • Dalton Castle, Dalton • Hoad Monument, Furness • Barrow Town Hall, Barrow • Winter Gardens, Morecambe • Blackpool Tower, Blackpool • Lytham Windmill, Lytham St Annes • Marine Hall, Fleetwood • Chorley Town Hall
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Judges' Lodgings museum awarded further £15k for 'Facing the Past' project A collaborative project that will see some of Lancaster's 'runaway slaves' memorialised in Judges' Lodgings museum has been awarded £15,000 to support school workshops, teacher training and a young people's exhibition.
slave trade. "This is a fantastic collaborative project and we're looking forward to working more closely with Lancaster Black History Group, Lancaster University and UCLan." Through collaborative art projects, 'Facing the Past' aims to reflect, reveal, and redress omissions in our Judges’ Lodgings, which is collective memory of the role Lancaster played in the transrun by Lancashire County Council Museum Service, is atlantic slave trade and of the enslaved people who came one of the first recipients of through or stayed in the city. the Association of IndeThese were developed pendent Museums (AIM) New Stories New Audiences in response to protestors funding, part of the National spray-painting the words 'slave trader' across an 18th Lottery Heritage Fund, for century monument to the its 'Facing the Past' project. The museum will work with Rawlinson family, which stands outside Lancaster PriLancaster University, the ory Church, during the 2020 Institute for Black Atlantic Research at the University of Black Lives Matter protests. This prompted Priory Central Lancashire and LanChurch, Judges' Lodgings, caster Black History group. The additional funding will Lancaster Black History Group and other local enable Judges’ Lodgings to partners to come together deliver schools workshops, to look at how they could with children’s work being better memorialise enslaved displayed at the museum, Africans and raise awareness and run creative learning of Lancaster's role in the slave sessions about the fine art and furniture collections on trade. Geraldine Onek, chair display. It will also include of Lancaster Black History Continuing Professional Group, said: "For more than a Development training to year Lancaster Black Histosupport teachers to deliver ry Group (LBHG) has been this complex subject in the working collaboratively with classroom. It is part of a wider project, various local organisations which includes commission- to explore the family trees of several key slave trading ing a series of new portraits families. of enslaved Africans based "Profits from the slavery on historical descriptions business in the West Indies of slaves in Lancaster that and the Americas helped feature in the University of Glasgow's Runaway Slaves in shape Lancaster, while slave Britain database. These por- traders and their descendants dominated political life here. traits will then be displayed "Some of the historical opposite existing portraits of research does exist, though people whose families were much hasn’t been fully exinvolved in the slave trade. plored. LBHG's aim is to exCounty Councillor Peter Buckley, Lancashire County plore this history and connect the missing pieces to tell the Council’s cabinet member for community and cultural stories that need to be told. "Through education we can services, said: "This project fight racism, and by working will provide high quality together to face the past, we cultural experiences for young people in the city and can build a better future." Following the incident a reminder of Lancaster's with the Rawlinson family troubled history with the
monument in 2020, it was proposed to create an artistic response to the portraits of slave merchant families from Lancaster. During these discussions, Alan Rice, Professor of English and American Studies at UCLan, stressed how valuable it would be to have representations of those enslaved by the merchant families in Lancaster, who often lived anonymous lives in the city. Prof Rice said: “It is wonderful that this will now come to fruition based on some of the lives unearthed by myself and local researchers from Lancaster Black History Group, and moreover that workshops with schools will mean that school children's artistic responses will also be displayed. "I am thrilled to see this project reserve the funding it deserves.” Judges’ Lodgings also recently secured £55,000 in grant funding to explore the story of Lancaster's famous furniture making firm of Gillows and the city's troubled history with slavery. The partnership project will completely redevelop the Gillows Gallery and produce some new commissions of enslaved Africans, on-site. Imogen Tyler, Professor of Sociology at Lancaster University, says the AIM-funded project will "enrich" public understanding of the Gillows collection and the furni-
ture-making trade that was an integral part of Lancaster's history in the 18th and 19th century. Prof Tyler said: "This project will bring a new generation of visitors to the Judges’ Lodgings museum by telling new global and human stories about this industry, including the stories of the indigenous people and enslaved Africans forced to labour in Caribbean rainforests cutting down huge mahogany trees, the sailors who shipped this exotic cargo into Lancaster’s St George’s Quay, and the apprentices and skilled craftsmen employed in the town’s furniture workshops.”
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Woman summonsed to court
Families invited to join the half-term
connected to Aya Hachem murder fun at Clitheroe Castle Museum
A woman has been summonsed to appear at court by detectives investigating the murder of Aya Hachem in Blackburn.
killed on Sunday, May 17th
Cally Bainbridge was on
through her body and was
Thursday, February 10th served with a postal requisition to appear at court to face a charge of Conspiracy to Pervert the Course of Justice. Bainbridge, 30, of Moss Road, Stretford, Manchester, is due to appear before
as she walked by Quick Shine Car Wash, King Street and was struck by a stray bullet shot from a passing Toyota Avensis. The bullet went embedded in a telegraph pole. She had been walking to buy food for her family to eat
when they broke their Rama- an act tending and intended to pervert course of public dan fast that evening. Eight people were last year jailed for a total of more
Blackburn Magistrates’ Court than 200 years following a on February 24th. trial for their involvement Law student Aya, 19, was
burn was charged with doing
in the murder of Aya and the attempted murder of Pacha Khan, the intended target of the shooting. Last week Zahraa Satia, 26, of Oxford Close, Black-
justice on May 19th 2020.
She has been bailed to appear before Blackburn Magistrates’ Court on February 24th. And last month two men were arrested and charged with her murder and the attempted murder of Mr Khan. Lewis Otway, 41, of Clitheroe Road, Manchester and Suhayl Suleman, 37, of Shear Brow, Blackburn are due to stand trial in October.
Clitheroe Castle Museum is calling all dino hunters to come and take part in some roarsome activities over the half-term holidays. February is going to be a dino-mite month at the museum, which is run by Lancashire County Council museum service, with lots of fun planned for the whole family, including free outdoor tours of Clitheroe Castle. Children will get to do some ptera-iffic crafts, dinosaur activity sheets and search for dinosaurs hiding in the museum. Youngsters also have the chance to name Clitheroe Castle Museum's latest addition to its Geology Gallery – a friendly Iguanodon. Just enter the #NameTheDinosaur competition for a chance to win and collect your dinosaur sticker. The winning name will be drawn at the start of March. Adventurers will put their skills to the test during a dino hunt around the museum, with the winner receiving a goody bag of souvenirs from the museum's shop. Children will also get the chance to decorate their own ceramic dinosaur money box or keyring. So, why not dress up in your best dinosaur outfit, explore the museum, take a dinosaur selfie and join in the fun. Claire Sutton, museum manager said: "It's going to be a great month with lots to see
and do in the museum. "Our Name the Dinosaur competition has been very popular so far and we are looking forward to a half-term full of family fun." A number of free outdoor tours of Clitheroe Castle, one of the smallest surviving Norman Keeps in England, are also due to take place on 13 and 20 February. Sitting on top of its limestone mound Clitheroe Castle has dominated the local skyline for over 800 years. Tours are free but places are limited so please telephone, e-mail or pop into the museum shop to pre-book your place. Tour times are 11.30am and 2pm. County Councillor Peter Buckley, Lancashire County Council's cabinet member for community and cultural services, said: "Our museums are great places to visit for young and old alike. "They’re interesting, educational, and constantly evolving. “Do get involved with all of the fun activities taking place over half-term and have a 'monster' time at Clitheroe Castle Museum." Clitheroe Castle Museum would love to see your photos on Twitter or Facebook. Simply tag in Lancashire Museums @Lancsmusuems #ClitheroeCastle #NameTheDinosaur
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Man jailed for manslaughter
A MAN has been sentenced to jail for killing Ishrat Ahmed in Nelson. Mohammed Malik, 58, was cleared last month of Mrs Ahmed’s murder after a jury found him not guilty but he had already admitted her manslaughter. He had also admitted wounding her husband Afaq but the jury also cleared him of attempted murder. Malik attacked Ishrat and Afaq Ahmed with an axe in the doorway of their home in Nelson in July last year.
Ishrat, 52, suffered serious head injuries and died later in hospital. Afaq was also taken to hospital suffering serious brain injuries but has since recovered.
were ongoing disputes between the pair, of which Mr Malik was aware. Following the attack Malik drove back to his home address where he was arrested a short time later. The weapon was subsequently found
manslaughter and 32 months concurrent for the wounding. Detective Chief Inspector Allen Davies, of the Force Major Investigation Team, said: “Ishrat Ahmed was killed in the most brutal fashion and her husband seriously injured at the hands of Mohammed Malik, who had driven to their home address armed with an axe and who proceeded to carry out an attack of savage ferocity. “My thoughts today remain with the Ahmed family who have behaved with incredible dignity through this court process. I hope that today’s sentence gives them some sense that justice has been served and that they can continue with their lives.”
Ishrat and Afaq Ahmed
Mohammed Malik
Mr Malik had driven to the Roberts Street house looking for the Ahmed’s son Wasim who had been married to one of Malik’s daughters. The couple had split acrimoniously and there
by police hidden in the back garden. Malik, 58, of Heights Road, Nelson, was today (Friday, Feb 11th) at Preston Crown Court jailed for a total of 13 years. He received 13 years for the
Ishrat Ahmed
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Lancashire County Council pays tribute to the
Queen as she marks 70 years on the throne
Lancashire County Council is paying tribute to Her Majesty The Queen, who celebrates 70 years on the throne this Sunday 6 February. Celebrations will be taking place throughout 2022, with a focal point on the extended bank holiday, from Thursday 2 to Sunday 5 June. Communities are being encouraged to come together and celebrate this historic milestone with street parties and bonfire beacons throughout the UK. County Councillor Cosima Towneley, Lancashire County Council's Cabinet Member for Children and Families, remembers the Silver Jubilee in 1977 as a child aged nine. Cllr Towneley said: "It was terribly exciting as my father had recently been made Lord Lieutenant of Lancashire and there was a lot of activity as fund raising committees sprang into life with all sorts of events planned and, of course, a Royal visit. "As the Queen's representative, my father met her Majesty at Lancaster and he remembers the drive to Preston, which was lined by Lancastrian well-wishers. I believe it was a stupendous welcome – it was thought a mil-
lion people lined the route. "My youngest sister and I were still at primary school so a lot of the bustle went over our heads, but it was the first major challenge of my father's tenure as Lord Lieutenant and there were constant comings and goings between our home and County Hall. Brian Hill was a name much mentioned." Cllr Towneley still has several mementos from the Silver Jubilee celebrations. One of her favourites, recently found tucked away in a draw, is a tabard and selection of badges used by participants of the Red Rose Relay, which saw numerous groups relaying down England from Lancaster to Windsor, where they were met by the Queen. "It was an incredible undertaking organised by my mother and a raft of others," Cllr Towneley said. "Canoeists, ramblers, runners, cyclists, riders, able and disabled groups joined to relay north to south passing through Duchy of Lancaster properties on their way.
"My brother and older sisters were all involved in one way or another and I remember being quite jealous as my younger sister and I were considered too young to join our mother and the riders. It was such an adventure. "I wonder if there is anyone out there who remembers taking part. It would be wonderful to make contact and put together a memory of the
"I hope she enjoys her Platinum as much as she enjoyed her Silver Jubilee." County Councillor Barrie Yates, Chairman of Lancashire County Council, has urged the people of Lancashire to celebrate the Queen's historic reign during the Platinum Jubilee bank holiday in June. Cllr Yates said: "Her Majesty The Queen has dedicated her entire life to service. To spend 70 of those years as the monarch is truly remarkable and is a feat that I expect will never be repeated. "The Queen is an inspiration to millions event." across the globe, and it is only right that we Cllr Towneley added: "The Queen has a very celebrate her momentous achievements this special relationship with Lancashire, one of summer to show our appreciation." her titles being Duke of Lancaster. To find out how you can get involved "I hope we will do her Platinum Jubilee year in the Platinum Jubilee celebrations, visproud and duly honour the 70 years of duty it: https://platinumjubilee.gov.uk/get-inand dedication Her Majesty has unstintingly volved-with-the-platinum-jubilee/ given to the nation.
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Public Health annual report revealed
The health and wellbeing of Lancashire's residents have been revealed in a new report.
• The percentage of people who "often or always" felt lonely during the pandemic The county council's Public in Lancashire was reported to be 6.1%. Health Annual Report for For certain districts 2021/22, produced by Dr Sakthi Karunanithi, analyses this figure was as high as 13.5%. the issues affecting people's Some positive wellbeing and explains the issues outlined in the health inequalities between report include: different communities. • Lancashire's It also highlights the effects carbon emissions of the coronavirus pandemic reduced by more than 32% on people's lives and livebetween 2005 and 2019. lihoods. Some of the main findings of the report include: • Health assessments and reviews with new mothers and • Life expectancy has decreased overall during the last babies continued throughout two years. Males living in the the pandemic, with thousands being assessed over the least deprived communities last two years. live 10.3 years longer than • There is huge potential to those in the most deprived. increase Lancashire's econThe gap is 7.8 years for omy by an estimated £8.2bn females. and improvements in produc• The overall health and wellbeing of children in Lan- tivity could help achieve this. The report will be considcashire is worse than England ered by the county counwhen comparing local data cil's cabinet on Thursday 3 with national averages.
February. County Councillor Michael Green, cabinet member for health and wellbeing, said: "We welcome the hard work of our director of public health and Lancashire's public health team in producing this vital report. "It gives us a good idea of the key issues and challenges we need to address and highlights the importance of tackling the health inequalities we face. "The findings and recommendations provide a good
basis for the county council and its partners to work together to take action. We are determined to do everything we can to improve the health and wellbeing of Lancashire residents. “The Health and Wellbeing Board welcomed the annual report at its meeting last week, which I chaired, and Cabinet will now consider the report for approval." Dr Sakthi Karunanithi, director of public health, said: "Covid 19 has had a major impact on our lives and live-
lihoods over the last two years. "You can see its effects from the figures in the report, particularly the health inequalities between different communities and the toll the pandemic has taken on people's mental wellbeing. However, there is hope to improve the situation. "Research by the World Health Organisation tells us that economic, social and environmental factors have a major effect on our health and wellbeing. "The report and its recom-
mendations highlight the importance of our ongoing work to tackle climate change and develop a thriving, inclusive economy. It sets out how we can improve outcomes and reduce inequalities. “Continuing our response to the threat of coronavirus is crucial. However, we will continue to work closely and innovatively with our partners to recover key public health outcomes and help Lancashire residents to thrive through better life chances." To read a copy of the Public Health Annual report, search for agenda item 14 on our cabinet web page
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DRINKS: SOME FAVOURITE GINS The basic flavour of gin is from juniper berries. History dictates that the production of gin goes back to the Middle Ages. Different styles and flavours of gins are a personal choice, for many gin connoisseurs, with London Dry and numerous flavoured gins being amongst the choices available. Cocktails, with gin included in the ingredients, are extremely popular, too. Whitley Neill productions moved to the City of London Distillery in 2020. The City of London distillery brought gin distilling back to the City during 2012, after an absence of nearly 200 years. It is the only distillery in the heart of the City of London. Today, visitors can observe the production process, enjoy a drink at the bar and even take part
in the gin school experience. LONDON DRY GIN (43% vol. Original. Botanicals: Juniper, Coriander Seed, Cassia Bark, Orris Root, Angelica Root, Sweet Orange, Lemon,
Cape Gooseberry, Baobab). I found this to have an interesting, enticing bouquet and excellent flavour, with the palate’s continued enjoyment following on from the soft, smooth mouthfeel. The label
states that this production is inspired by the captivating flavours of South Africa. I fully agree. BLOOD ORANGE GIN (43% vol. Botanicals: Juniper, Coriander Seed, Cassia Bark, Orris Root, Angelica Root, Liquorice, Sweet Orange, Lemon, Sicilian Orange). This gin has the extract of sanguine Sicilian blood oranges, to give it the splendid, citrusy overtone. RHUBARB & GINGER GIN (43% vol. Botanicals: Juniper, Coriander Seed, Cassia Bark, Orris Root, Angelica Root, Liquorice, Sweet Orange, Lemon, Rhubarb, Ginger). Certainly, English country garden and with real ginger to tantalise the taste buds and palate – excellent. RASPBERRY GIN (43% vol. Botanicals: Juniper, Cori-
ander Seed, Cassia Bark, Orris Root, Angelica Root, Liquorice, Sweet Orange, Lemon, Raspberry). The Scottish raspberries make a great enhancement to this production. Sweet, and again smooth, a true, flavoured gin person’s delight. Other productions, in the Whitley Neill range of gins, include Quince Gin, Aloe & Cucumber Gin, Blackberry Gin, Pink Grapefruit Gin, Connoisseur’s Cut and several more. These gins are widely
Written by Trevor Langley available and very popular. The Whitley Neill gins offer something for all gin lovers. Great on their own, with a tonic or as part of a cocktail concoction. For more information www.whitleyneill. com
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Man who almost died from COVID-19 receives vaccination at home thanks to new service
A disabled former oil rigger who almost died from COVID-19 has now been protected from the disease, thanks to the vaccinations at home service in Lancashire. Peter Rigby, 61, spent weeks in intensive care having caught the disease last autumn. He has now received a first dose of the Pfizer vaccine from the comfort of his living room. The NHS in Lancashire and South Cumbria has launched the vaccinations at home service as it looks to offer a jab to as many people as possible across the region. Mr Rigby, of Mountbatten Close in Preston, said: “I got COVID-19 when it first came and it didn’t really affect me too badly. I thought seeing as I’d had it and was fine I was one of the lucky ones. “But then when the new variant came round in October I got it again. Everything
ached and for a week I couldn’t eat, I just had the odd sip of water. “I ended up calling an ambulance and was in ICU at Royal Preston Hospital for four-anda-half weeks.” The grandfather-of-three, who is in a wheelchair having lost his leg due to a blood clot eight years ago, was seriously ill in hospital and suffered delirium and hallucinations while hospital staff worked hard to keep him alive. He said: “On one occasion I thought the nurse was trying to steal my credit card it was that bad. I was so ill I just didn’t know where I was or what was going on.” During his time in hospital, his oxygen levels were so low he was required to wear a special hood device called a high flow oxygen delivery system at all times, except for when he was eating or drinking. He said: “I was told it was
fifty-fifty whether I would survive.” Thankfully, Mr Rigby made a full recovery, and once he was discharged from hospital, he reconsidered his decision not to have a vaccine. He said: “I decided at this point that I really didn’t want to have COVID-19 again. But I didn’t know if I could get a vaccine after just having the disease or how long I would have to wait. I rang up to see what I could do and they told me I could have the vaccine at home, which was really good. “To leave the house I have to put on my prosthetic leg, and because I have been ill I have lost weight so it doesn’t fit properly at the moment and so it can become very painful. I was worried I would have to go and stand in a queue somewhere, and who knows? I may not have ended up going to my appointment.
Temporary closure – Whitworth Library Whitworth Library will close from 1pm on Saturday 19 February for improvement work to make the building more energy efficient. Improvements will include installing new windows, which means the building will need to be closed for safety reasons while the work takes place. The essential work is expected to take around two weeks. Customers can use any other Lancashire library and online services while the improvements are being made. Rawtenstall and Bacup libraries are the nearest alternatives for Whitworth customers. The library management system ensures no items are due to be returned while the work is taking place. Overdue charges will be waived from 21 Feb until the reopening date. County Councillor Peter Buckley, cabinet member for community and cultural services, said: "This work is essential to improve the windows and make Whitworth Library more energy efficient. "Unfortunately, we have to close the building while the work takes place for safety reasons. We expect the work to take at least two weeks and will post the opening date on our library web page as soon as it's confirmed.
“So to be able to have someone come to the house to give me the vaccine was a life-saver. They told me they couldn’t give me a specific appointment on the phone. Someone would call round in the next couple of weeks. “They came, did the injection, sat with me for a few minutes to check I was okay, and then off they went. It was so quick and easy. It really is a fantastic service. And if it didn’t exist, I may not have got a vaccine at all.” Jane Scattergood, chief nurse and senior responsible officer for Lancashire and South Cumbria, said: “Peter’s story just goes to show how important it is for people to get vaccinated. And for us to now be able to offer vaccines to people in their home means it is more accessible than ever.
“We have set up this new service to open up the availability of vaccines to yet more people across our area. “There are still people out there who have not come forward for a COVID-19 vaccine or a booster, and we know for some people this is because they do not want to leave their house. “It is essential everyone has access to a vaccine, no matter where they are, and I would implore people across Lancashire and South Cumbria to
get their vaccine. “If you need us to come to you, we will.” In order to book a vaccine at home, visit www. healthierlsc.co.uk/vacathome or call 0300 7906856 between 10am and 8pm, Monday to Sunday. For more information on the vaccination programme in Lancashire and South Cumbria, visit www. healthierlsc.co.uk/getmyjab
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Funding agreed to save Lune Valley buses Vital bus services linking villages in the Lune Valley have been saved following a decision by Lancashire County Council to continue to fund them.
in the area, and this week Lancashire County Council announced that it will fund a new set of routes and timetables for the Lune Valley to be operated in partnership with Kirby Lonsdale Coach Hire from 4 April. Service 80/81 links LanService 81/82 will operate caster, Hornby, and Kirkby from Monday to Saturday Lonsdale and Ingleton via during the day with services villages in the Lune Valley generally every hour between from Monday to Saturday. Lancaster and Kirkby LonsThe bus is the only public dale via Halton (Low Road), transport serving a number Caton, Brookhouse and of these rural villages and Hornby. Alternate journeys used by significant numbers every two hours will then opof students to get to school. erate via Wray, Wennington, Until 1 January this year Melling and Tunstall (as Serthe service was operated commercially by Stagecoach, vice 81) or via Gressingham, Arkholme & Whittington (as however following the comService 82). pany's decision to withdraw To meet demand from the route, Lancashire County students attending LancasCouncil and North Yorkshire County Council stepped in to ter City Centre's secondary temporarily fund the service schools and Kirkby Lonsdale Queen Elizabeth School, until April. there will be extra morning This gave time for officers and afternoon journeys on to look at options for conschool days, extending to the solidating the bus network
schools as required. The county council's existing Sunday and Bank Holiday Lune Valley Services 81A and 81B, between Lancaster and Kirkby Lonsdale, will be renumbered 81 and 82, to tie in with the Monday to Saturday services and simplify the numbering on the routes. These journeys will continue to serve the Beaumont area of Lancaster between the city centre and Halton. These services will continue to run every hour between Lancaster and Hornby extending two-hourly on either side of the River Lune. County Councillor Charlie Edwards, Lancashire County Council cabinet member for highways and transport, said: "The bus is virtually the only public transport option for many people throughout the Lune Valley to access education, get to work, and reach family and friends and other vital services, and I'm very
glad to be able to secure the future of these services. "Losing their bus would have a very significant impact on everyone who currently relies upon it, and we simply can't allow this to happen. "We've thought very carefully about how best to reorganise services in this area to ensure we can support them in a sustainable way and are I'm very grateful to Kirby Lonsdale Coach Hire for working so closely with us to coordinate these routes with their bus services across the wider area into North Yorkshire and ensure the best outcome for passengers." Matthew Sutton, Director at Kirkby Lonsdale Coach Hire, said: "We are pleased
to extend our long-standing partnerships with both Lancashire County Council and North Yorkshire County Council in providing bus services throughout the Lune Valley and the wider community." Kirkby Lonsdale Coach Hire will continue to operate their existing through routes from the Lune Valley Services for onward travel to Ingleton, Settle and Skipton,
which operate in partnership with North Yorkshire County Council. The times will be revised to fit around the new Lune Valley services. As part of their partnership with North Yorkshire County Council, Kirkby Lonsdale Coach Hire will be introducing a further extension to the Lune Valley services to maintain a bus service through to Bentham and Ingleton.
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Appeal following serious sexual assault in Preston Police are appealing for information to identify a number of witnesses we believe can help detectives investigating a serious sexual assault in Preston.
On January 7 it was reported a 17-year-girl from Preston had been attacked by a man in Glovers Court. The girl reported the incident to police and is receiving ongoing support from trained officers. A man has been arrested in connection with the investigation and enquiries are ongoing. Following further investigation we want to identify three people as witnesses, as well a driver who may have information for police. Police would like to speak to the two men pictured (left), as well as the woman (right). They were stood close to Review bar between 11pm and 11.40pm on January 7 and are believed to have spoken to the victim. Detectives are also keen to speak to the driver of a car who stopped in Glovers Court after midnight on January 8. The driver stopped because the car door of a vehicle was open, blocking the road and they may be able to assist us. Det Con Sharon Clowes, of Preston CID, said: “We have a number of witnesses we want to identify who we believe could provide key
information as part of our investigation. “I must stress they are not suspected of any crime but could help with our enquiries regarding what took place that night. “I would encourage the people described to
come forward and contact police. If you are one of the people pictured, or can help, please come forward.” Anyone with information can contact police on 101 or email 8597@lancashire.police.uk
quoting log 0066 of January 8. A 19-year-old man from Blackburn was arrested on suspicion of rape and has been released under investigation pending further enquiries.
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IRLAM LIVE 2022 returns for it’s sixth
year at Prince’s Park - Manchester!
IRLAM LIVE 2022 is back for it’s sixth year. Four days over the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee weekend – Thursday 2nd June, Friday 3rd June, Saturday 4th June and Sunday 5th June 2022 at Manchester’s – Prince’s Park looks set to be it’s biggest year yet! Four great days – one awesome festival. Headliners for
the main stage is Heather Small, Hue & Cry, Nadine Coyle, N-Trance, Abz from 5ive, Ben from Phats and Small and lots, lots more. It all kicks off on Thursday 2nd June with ‘Cool Britannia’. This is the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee day, where we have a full day of fun for the whole family including a host of the UK’s finest tribute bands. Queen (of course) will headline Thursday’s main
stage with lots of flag wavthis year include Bananarama ing, and we have one of the and The Feeling. Also playing best with Real Magic Queen.
Also playing the main stage is Revival Abba, Aladinsane (Bowie), Take Off That, LMX (Little Mix) and Tony Lewis as Robbie Williams. Lots of things happening off stage too, including a fantastic model making workshop from the Oscar-winning Aardman Animations, the team behind Wallace & Gromit, Chicken Run, Shaun the Sheep, Morph and Creature Comforts. Friday 3rd June is ‘Totally Tributes’. Friday generally has an indie feel. We have the UK’s leading Oasis tribute band NOASIS headlining the main stage for the second time. Also playing is Runaway Killers, Ultimate Stone Roses, Bob Marley Experience, Small Weller and Amy Winehouse Alive. And once again lots of things happen-
ing off stage too. The dinosaurs are coming to town, with Chomp the UK’s largest
T.Rex making a terrifying walkabout. Saturday 4th June sees Banarama headlining the main stage with a great lineup playing throughout the day. N-Trance, Brutus Gold’s Love Train, Abz Love from 5ive and Ben from Phats & Small will also make a welcomed return. Manchester Ska Foundation and Scratch completes the line-up. Sunday 5th June – Playing the main stage are The Feeling, Heather Small, Nadine Coyle from Girls Aloud, Hue & Cry and Doctor and the Medics will play for the first
time since 2017. The Grassroots Stage is back for 2022 with ten handpicked unsigned local bands and singers. It’s a real thrill for us to give the local bands the opportunity to play the Irlam Live Music Festival. As well as everything on the main stage, there is lots going on off-stage too. There is a funfair, Princesses and Superhero walkabouts, Bubbleologist, Street Ping-
response to this year’s event has been positively overwhelming and just confirms that Irlam Live is now firmly on the Summer festival map for an unmissable weekend
of incredible live music and entertainment for all ages”. A festival you don’t want to miss! Tickets for Irlam Live 2022 are available from - https:// irlamlive.co.uk/tickets/ Gates open at noon, first band 2pm. Pong, a fab DJ workshop and James & Dobby are back with their awesome pop-up silent discos. A spokesperson said, “We’re excited that Irlam Live 2022 is returning and attracting big names that brings so much enjoyment to many of us. The
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AT ONE WITH NATURE
Yorkshire-born Anita Bowerman has been a professional artist for more than 25 years, having drawn on her experience gained as an Accessories buyer for Liberty, London. She is based at The Dove Tree Art Gallery and Studio in central Harrogate, Yorkshire.
is a great admirer of Monet and his contemporaries.
You will usually find Anita out in all weathers, paintThe vivid colours in fashion ing nature with nature in were an inspiration and her Yorkshire, using twigs, moss work evolved to encompass and leaves. As Artist-in-Resoriginal paintings, stainidence, 2018-2019, at RHS less-steel wall art, hand-craftGarden Harlow Carr, Harroed paper-cut pictures, prints, gate, she created a series of 12 greetings cards and gifts. She monthly paintings.
At Castle Howard in July 2020, she masterminded an art installation for Yorkshire Cancer Research for their campaign Give It Some Welly, featuring 191 stainless steel boots hanging from a tree in the grounds. Her other projects include being the first Official Artist for the Tour de Yorkshire, creating a stainless-steel
sculpture for the President of the UCI (Union Cycliste Internationale) and a 1.5m wide stainless-steel sculpture
of antique cutlery at Virgin Money, Sheffield. Anita has become known worldwide since forging a
partnership nearly five years ago with Amanda Owen, the Yorkshire Shepherdess. Anita contacted Amanda with an idea for a charity collaboration. She teamed up with the iconic figure, her husband Clive and their nine children for a Christmas card design in aid of the Yorkshire Air Ambulance. They have since
appeared regularly on Anita’s best-selling cards. The pair have gone on to speak at RHS Garden Harlow Carr Flower Show in Harrogate, as they champion a love of nature and work together at charity events. Anita and Amanda released a china mug and limited-edition print featuring The Hay Meadows at Amanda’s Ravenseat Farm. Such was
its popularity, a second mug and print – New Beginnings – Spring, at Ravenseat Farm has been released. Original art and limited edition prints are available from: The Dove Tree Art Gallery and Studio, Back Granville Road, Harrogate, HG1 1AB. Telephone 07760 157046 www. Anitabowerman.co.uk
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LAKE DISTRICT WALKS
The Lake District is one huge adventure playground, providing gentle countryside ambles and more serious high level challenges. Whichever path you take, you’ll have much more fun if you plan properly beforehand. PLAY IT SAFE Decide your route carefully and make sure you have enough time to get back in daylight. Darkness can quickly descend, so it’s also a good idea to pack a torch, just in case. Before you leave, tell someone where you’re going and when you expect to
return. THINK OF OTHERS When planning your day, bear in mind your own capabilities and those of all the others in your group. During your work, be prepared to cut it short if conditions become too difficult or a member of your party begins to struggle. WEAR THE RIGHT GEAR Take appropriate clothing, equipment, food and drink and a first aid kit. Boots, warm, windproof, waterproof clothing, a hat and gloves and
some spare warm clothes plus a rucksac are all essential. Regardless of the season. BEWARE THE WATER If you’re thinking of going for a paddle, be careful, many tarns and lakes shelve deeply, and the water’s chilly even in high summer. FOLLOW THE COUNTRYSIDE CODE • Be safe, plan ahead and follow any signs • Leave gates and property as you find them • Protect plants and animals, and take your litter home.
• Keep dogs under close control • Consider other people CHECK THE WEATHER! The Lake District weather can change rapidly and conditions on the tops can be very different from those in the valleys. So check out the forecast in advance by calling the Lake District National Park Authority’s Weatherline service on 0844 846 2444 IN AN EMERGENCY Ring the police and give a description of the incident and it’s location. Keep injured or exhausted people safe and warm until help reaches you.
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STEEL FELL, CALF CRAG, GIBSON KNOTT AND HELM CRAG Route details Difficulty: Moderate (map & compass skills/remote/ indistinct paths) Time: 3 hour 59 mins Distance: 8. miles (14km) Ascent: 710 metres Dog issues: You may encounter cattle. OS Explorer map OL7 The English Lakes South Eastern Area
Steel Fell and Helm Crag are two iconic fells overlooking Grasmere that guard either end of this walk. Having climbed Steel Fell, the next 5.0km (3.1 miles) of undulating ridge doesn’t drop below 350m until the col of Bracken Hause just before the rather marvelous Helm Crag. Whilst navigating this walk on a fine day is reasonably straight forward, in mist and poor visibility it would be a very different proposition. The ridges between Steel Fell and Calf Crag, and then to Helm Crag are at times wide and the path not always clearly defined. Both are boggy, with many small knolls to skirt, and accurate map and compass work would be required. The start point is Grasmere village where there are a number of pay and display car parks dotted throughout. 1. From the centre of Grasmere take the lane towards Allan Bank, just after the cattle grid bear right onto the new permissive path, go through the kissing gate to come out on Easedale Road. This bypasses the narrow and twisty section of Easedale Road. Cross Goody Bridge, and just afterwards turn right signposted to Thorny How. Continue to the end of the road and turn left. At Ghyll Foot Farm cross the stone bridge and bear left along the private road to Helmside.
There is a public footpath sign hiding on the wall beside the telegraph pole. Follow the road to the cottages at the end and bear left to go through the gate with the small footpath marker. This is a National Trust area called Greenburn. 2. Bear right and climb along side the wall to your right. The path goes through a number of sheep pastures. There is a gate or two, otherwise there are just open gaps in the wall. The path is largely grass slopes, a little steep in places otherwise there are no difficulties. Bear left at the first cairn which is adorned with bits of old metal fence post, to the summit cairn of Steel Fell just 70m (77 yards) on. 3. Continue over the summit and descend alongside the fence to your right. When the fence bears off right, you bear left and continue down towards the tarns. The ground is very boggy, and probably so even in dry conditions. Here the path is indistinct, keep left and with Calf Crag in sight it is simply a case of finding the best route through the bog. Climb to the rocky summit of Calf Crag. 4. Turn left from the summit cairn and drop down mainly grass through rocky crags. Turn right to cross an area of peat hags above Pike of Carrs. Continue on the path. Keep left. Beware of being drawn to the right down the fell side, remain on the ridge as best as possible. There are many small knolls on the ridge, the main path, such as it is, skirts some of them. A faint path can be found going over the tops. Gibson Knott appears at the
point when you’ve probably had enough of little rocky knolls! It is reasonably distinct complete with a small cairn on a rocky platform. 5. Continue past the cairn, and drop down to the col with Helm Crag. Continue ahead and climb the zigzag path. At the top bear left to the Howitzer. The true summit is the top of the rock, a good climb up. Continue along the summit ridge to the Lion and Lamb 300m (330 yards) further along. 6. From the Lion and Lamb, continue south east, bear right on the path through High Raven Crag. At the bottom on the small plateau bear right at the post, as the grass path straight ahead ends above crags. Follow the signs and obvious landscaping to control erosion. Bear left to continue on the path. At the wall turn right and descend with the wall on your left. Steep stone steps drop down remarkably quickly and easily. At the bottom by a wall bear right, and then left into the lane. At the junction of paths turn left signposted Grasmere. Bear right through the gate and drop down to the road. Turn left. Follow Easedale Road back to Grasmere village.
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Lake District Ranked As Highest-Placed UK Destination On Lonely Planet’s ‘Top 500 Ultimate
The prestigious international travel guide has ranked hundreds of what it calls “unmissable global travel experiences”, with the National Park sitting at number 40 – the highest of the UK’s 34 recommendations, with Hadrian’s Wall listed as the UK’s 13th most essential destination.
Described as “the definitive wish-list of the 500 most thrilling, memorable and interesting travel experiences in the world – ranked in order of brilliance”, with almost half of the guide’s recommendations being outdoors or wildlife experiences, its authors say the list reflects “a growing desire from travellers to experience the natural world”.
Managing Director of Cumbria Tourism, Gill Haigh, says, “We’re thrilled to see that both of Cumbria’s World Heritage Sites have made this amazing list, with The Lake District topping the UK’s tally of 34 ‘must visit’ destinations, alongside the equally important Hadrian’s Wall. As one of the world’s most-trusted travel guides, Lonely Planet’s acknowledgement of both of Cumbria’s World Heritage Sites speaks volumes for the region and is also a timely boost for our #theperfect placetobe recovery campaign, which we launched to help the entire tourism and hospitality sector get back on its feet after a very difficult 2020. “Our wide open spaces
provide the perfect environment for a visit based around relaxation, health and wellbeing, while our culture and arts sectors are among the best in the world thanks to famous writers with a Lake District connection such as Beatrix Potter and William Wordsworth. As the Lake District is also the home of England’s deepest lake and highest mountain, opportunities for adventure are endless, and we also boast the highest number of Michelin stars anywhere north of London – making Cumbria a true food-lover’s paradise. “Of course, there’s so much more to Cumbria than just The Lake District and Hadrian’s Wall. The whole county is a fantastic all-year-round destination
with more than 100 miles of stunning coastline, the city of Carlisle, England’s highest town of Alston, and towns and villages wrapped around Morecambe Bay, just to name a few other highlights which makes Cumbria #theperfectplacetobe. At a time when awareness of our visitor-offer is more important than ever, we can’t understate the value of Lonely Planet’s recognition highly enough.” Last year, Lonely Planet ambassador and ‘Trailblazer’ Chloe Gunning highlighted the county as one of her favourite places to visit thanks to a successful partnership with Cumbria Tourism. Better known to her online
community as ‘Wanderlust Chloe’, she spent three days travelling by foot and eBike in the Eden Valley as part of the organisation’s sustainable travel campaign. Commenting on Cumbria’s double-inclusion on Lonely Planet’s list, Chloe says, “It’s no surprise to see the Lake District as the highest placed destination in the UK. It has it
all. Beautiful landscapes, lots of great activities and a top food scene too. I’ve adored my trips to the region, and when people ask me where to visit in the UK, it’s one of the places I recommend most of all. I can’t wait to visit again soon!” For more information about visiting the Lake District, Cumbria, visit: www.visitlakedistrict.com
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Easter holidays fun for families
Entertaining the children during the Easter break is not always the easiest thing to do. If you are at home this Easter, you may want some tips on things the children can do that will keep them occupied and having fun. Our ideas will not break the bank and are a great alternative for indoor fun especially if the weather is not in your favour. Use up odd socks by making an Easter bunny sock puppet. Use buttons or cut out pieces of paper or card for eyes and a nose and hey presto! You have all you need to create your own Easter bunny puppet show. Make Easter cards. You can use scraps of paper, old birthday and Christmas cards, magazines etc. Have an evening abroad! Choose a country, say Italy for example. Spend the afternoon making Italian flag placemats and table decorations. Look up on the internet how to say a few Italian words like hello, goodbye, please and thank you. Get the kids involved making an Italian dinner like pizza or pasta and enjoy. There are so many countries to choose from it’s a great way to encourage the children to experiment with new foods and languages. Make use of your local library. I t’s free to join and you can borrow multiple books at a time. For a small fee you can also borrow DVD’s and music CD’s. Make a pasta picture. A small pot of glue and a bag of dried pasta shapes can be bought very cheaply and can produce amazingly creative results. Have a picnic. Prepare your lunch, lay down a blanket and enjoy your day out. If it is raining or cold, you can have an indoor picnic instead! Memory Minute Place ten small household items on a tray or table, cover with a tea-towel. For example, a button, keys, a cotton bud, a fork etc. Show the items for about thirty seconds then re-cover. Each child has a minute to write down as many items as they can. Smaller children can reel them off and you can write them for them. The best memory wins. Bat and Ball keepy-uppy Use a soft indoor friendly ball, sponge balls are ideal. Each child takes turns with the bat to see how many taps they can keep the ball in the air. Precision Roll Find a long clear space on the floor. Place a tin from the cupboard at one end of the room, kids at the other. Each child has one
chance to roll the ball as near to the tin as possible. Use a tape measure to record the distance for each child, closest wins. Egg Collage give each child a piece of paper and draw a big egg shape outline on it. With a pot of paste and scraps of material or ribbon they can make their own creative picture. For ribbon scraps raid your wardrobe and snip off all those ribbon hangers in the shoulders of tops and jumpers that often don’t seem to serve a purpose and usually end up getting in the way. Have a small prize for the best one or the best one in each age group so everyone gets to be a winner. Mini egg challenge Make up a small race track or obstacle course on the floor or table. Give each child four chocolate mini eggs of the same colour and a straw. Let each one have a turn at blowing down the straw to guide each egg in turn to the end of the course. You could use your watch to time how long it takes for all their eggs to get “home”. To make it even more of a challenge you could tie their hands behind their backs with a scarf so they are not tempted to use them to cheat. Easter decorations Use paints or felt tips to decorate some eggs (you can use hard boiled or blow some if you prefer). To do these, make small holes each end and then blow the contents into a bowl - you can use this for scrambled eggs or omelettes for tea. As it’s a good idea to rinse the eggs out and leave them to dry you might like to do this the day before the planned activity. Keep the egg box to stand them in and it’s also useful to put them in when they are drying off after being decorated. Suggest faces with glasses, hair, beards, etc. or zig-zag patterns or just let the children’s imaginations run riot. When they’re done they can be used on a plate as a decoration - perhaps with a couple of chicks on top (these are really cheap to buy in card shops or similar or make your own with yellow wool) or you could get a small twiggy branch from the garden or elsewhere and stand it in a vase and hang your eggs on with cotton or ribbon. Jokes most children love telling jokes (often the same one over and over again, and it’s not always funny!) Sit down with them and think up words to do with Easter - eggs, bunnies, lambs, chicks, etc., - and see if they can make up jokes or rhymes. Here’s a few to get you started: How does the Easter bunny stay fit?
EGGS-ercise or HARE-robics! Why shouldn’t you tell an Easter egg a joke? It might crack up! What kind of books do bunnies like? Ones with hoppy endings! You might want to get baking, use this recipe below to make Easter nest cakes which are of course very yummy! 225g/8oz chocolate, broken into pieces 50g/2oz butter
2tbsp golden syrup 75g/3oz cornflakes or shredded wheat 36 mini chocolate eggs Line a twelve-hole cake tin with cake cases. Melt the chocolate pieces, butter and syrup in a glass bowl over a pan of simmering water Remove bowl from heat and stir in cornflakes or shredded wheat Divide between the cake cases Place three mini eggs on top of each cake and chill for one hour.
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What mums really want for Mothers day 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.
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Wondering what to do this February half term? It may be cold outside but there’s lots of halfterm fun happening this February, making entertaining the kids a piece of Chorley cake! Check out what’s on offer across the Chorley area…
outdoor activities. Leave them with Rock and River’s experienced fully qualified instructors to have the time of their lives. If you want another adrenalin rush, days out at Go Ape Holiday adventures If your children are all about Rivington, are about living life a little having a great time and getting active during the school more adventurousholidays, check out Rock and ly, having fun with friends and family River in Mawdesley. Their and getting in touch holiday activity programme with your inner Tarzan aaais a great opportunity for awaa-awaa! young people to experience With breath-taking scenery, challenging, adventurous amazing tree-top obstacles activities, make new friends and return to school healthier and awesome zip-lines (one of which will take you across and more confident. Every day is unique as chil- a bay in the reservoir!), you’re sure to have a great day out dren try each of the exciting
your Valentine which you can take home with you on the day. Age suitability from 4 plus. Wednesday 15 February – Build an amazing Batman inspired LEGO creation with our unique Bricks 4 Kidz – Northern West Yorkshire experience at Botany Bay. The timeless fun of LEGO® Bricks is sure that you won’t forget. in sessions so no-pre booking to be a crowd pleaser for boys Let’s get crafty necessary. and girls from pre-school to Make and build memories Tuesday 14 February – Share pre-teen. Age suitability from this February with Botany the love this Valentine’s day 18 months plus. Bay’s FREE exciting themed and choose from 100’s of Thursday 16 February – workshops using Lego bricks, different colours and shapes Junk Box Model Making with beads and boxes. All activof beads to create a beautiful The Creation Station Merities run from 10am – 1pm beaded jewellery piece with seyside, Southport. In this daily during half term as drop Mrs Bead – a perfect gift for
workshop turn boring boxes and unwanted junk into mini masterpieces such as robots, cars, creatures and other imaginative creations. You can take your masterpiece home with you. Age suitability from 18 months plus. Travel back in time Bring your children to a half term, Tudor fun day at Hoghton Tower. You will be greeted by residents of Hoghton Tower from times gone by and be whisked away on an age appropriate, interactive tour of the state rooms. Learn about curing the Kings evil, perhaps receive a Knighthood, find out about Tudor costume, grooming and cleaning, learn about Tudor potions and charms to fend off disease and illness.
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It may be cold outside but there’s lots of halfterm fun happening this February, making entertaining the kids a piece of Chorley cake! Check out what’s on offer across the Chorley area…
alin rush, days out at Go Ape Rivington, are about living life a little more adventurously, having fun with friends and family and getting in touch with your inner Tarzan aaaawaa-awaa! Holiday adventures If your children are all about With breath-taking scenery, amazing having a great time and getting active during the school tree-top obstacles holidays, check out Rock and and awesome ziplines (one of which River in Mawdesley. Their will take you across a holiday activity programme bay in the reservoir!), is a great opportunity for you’re sure to have a great day young people to experience out that you won’t forget. challenging, adventurous Let’s get crafty activities, make new friends and return to school healthier Make and build memories this February with Botany and more confident. Every day is unique as chil- Bay’s FREE exciting themed workshops using Lego bricks, dren try each of the exciting beads and boxes. All activoutdoor activities. Leave ities run from 10am – 1pm them with Rock and River’s daily during half term as drop experienced fully qualified in sessions so no-pre booking instructors to have the time necessary. of their lives. Tuesday 14 February – Share If you want another adren-
the love this Valentine’s day and choose from 100’s of different colours and shapes of beads to create a beautiful beaded jewellery piece with Mrs Bead – a perfect gift for your Valentine which you can take home with you on the day. Age suitability from 4 plus. Wednesday 15 February – Build an amazing Batman inspired LEGO creation with
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Wellness is front of mind at the heart of Preston’s Docklands Times are changing at one of the UK’s best Industrial Railways. With wellness at the front of all our minds, Ribble Steam Railway and Museum (RSR&M) has a much-needed treat in store. Made possible by the National Lottery Heritage Culture Recovery Fund of £208K and the organisation’s new vision, both volunteers and visitors will start to notice some major changes at RSR&M, all designed to inspire, entertain, and inform, far and wide. A huge outdoor art mural is being painted by local artist Gavin Renshaw, our cafe is being renovated to allow for self-service to aid social distancing, we have a platform extension, new our-door spaces and a community wellness project.
to reach out to share our love of industrial railways and rich tradition of preservation in new ways that reflect the times we live in. We are gradually encouraging volunteers back safely, so they can help us to re-open in accordance with government guidelines.” – Dave Watkins (Chairman of RSR&M) “Having been with the organization since 2016, I’ve seen a massive cultural shift, and have seen how our community is changing. I never would have thought we would be looking at a wellness project but it just shows the growth the organisation has gone through. The National Lottery Heritage Fund grant has definitely helped. It has allowed us to bring new staff in and engage with our community in ways we have never been capable to do before. It’s amazing to be a part of this feel-good change at Ribble Steam Railway and Museum.”– Maisy Davies (Front of House Manager RSR&M)
Picture: 2021, Timeline Art Mural painted by local artist Gavin Renshaw. “We have been bringing new life to our railway at a time when we appreciate people have been suffering, often at home away from loved ones. Our stunning open-air art mural will blow the cobwebs away, and an origami-inspired wellness project will start to take form in the coming months. This reimagines how our railway collections can offer wellbeing and bring hope for all ages. This includes designing new outdoor and online spaces where we can safely gather together and reconnect. A place where volunteers and visitors can share their journey and form a community, sharing thoughts and feelings about their lives during a pandemic. We want
Picture: (DATE), first locomotive (Gradwell) sister locomotive to St Monans in our museum. This is pictured on the Whittingham Hospital Railway line with the railway station pictured in the far right. “Extensive research has been made to build upon our existing displays. The St. Monan’s locomotive and Whittingham Hospital
displays will bring focus on the history of mental health treatment in England, linking to our new aims to increase education on wellness and wellbeing in our collection. A new interactive exhibit on our Travelling Post Office (TPO) carriage will highlight the importance of communication and reaching out to others through writing. Future articles and information will adopt a more inclusive, transformative, and empathetic understanding of our collection and how it relates to the world around us. The result will be informative and exciting descriptions of Preston’s local history that facilitates a reflective and thought-provoking experience for our visitors.” – Adam Robinson (Research and Interpretation Assistant RSR&M) Ribble Steam Railway and Museum offers a memorable experience of Lancashire’s world-famous industrial heritage in the heart of Preston’s historic docklands. The museum houses one of the biggest industrial locomotive collections in the country, detailing the history of Preston docks, and the story of the first electric trains. Preston, close to the
docks, had a key role in designing and building trains that were exported both nationally and internationally. Ribble Steam Railway and Museum makes an exciting day out and provides a full sensory experience of a working railway. Discover the history of Preston’s docks, then hop aboard a steam or diesel train to travel the railway’s 1.5-mile Dock and Riverside Line. The railway uncovers a hidden part of the city as the line passes Preston Marina and ventures over its impressive swing bridge. Ribble Steam Railway Chain Caul Road Preston PR2 2PD RSR&M Facebook Page RSR&M Twitter Page RSR&M Instagram Page https://ribblesteam.org.uk
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Artisan Market returns this February Burnley is welcoming back the Artisan Market which returned to the town on Saturday 5th February.
Independent Street’s Lisa Cowley, who oversees event delivery, can’t wait for the first Burnley Artisan Market of 2022 and believes everyone is in for a treat. Organised by Independent Street in part“We’ve been working hard behind the nership with Burnley Business Improvement District (BID) and Burnley Council, the event scenes to make this year’s events even bigger ran from September to December last year for and better than the ones that took place before Christmas and we’re now counting down an initial trial period. the days until Saturday 5th February. Due to its success however the decision “We’ll have gorgeous food and drink, handwas taken to bring it back for 2022 and run it crafted items galore, beautiful pieces for the for the whole year following a brief hiatus in home and garden, treats for pets and on top January. of all that, fabulous live music. The event is Many of the traders who appeared at the all about shining a spotlight on highly skilled markets in 2021 will return and they will entrepreneurs and creatives from the region also be joined by a raft of new independent businesses who are looking forward to show- so if you love shopping local and supporting casing their creations to the people of Burnley independent businesses then make sure you come along!” and East Lancashire. 2022 Burnley Artisan Market produce
2022 Burnley Artisan Market Gin
GREAT BOOST FOR BUSINESSES Burnley BID Project Manager Andrew Dean is delighted that the Artisan Market is back in Burnley for 2022 and hopes people from the local area and beyond come to discover everything that the market, and the town as a whole, has to offer. “The markets proved really popular last year and played an important role in bringing people into the town centre from miles around. People who visited also went on to explore the wider town centre which was a great boost for businesses. “There really is something for everyone at the market so please come and take a look and also have a wander around Burnley while you’re here. There are so many gems waiting to be uncovered.” 2022 Burnley Artisan Market Jewellery Burnley Artisan Market Stall FIRST SATURDAY OF EACH MONTH The Artisan Market will be located on St James’s Street near to Charter Walk and will run from 10am-4pm. After February’s event, it will take place on the first Saturday of each month following up to and including December. For more information, including footage and images from the markets held in 2021, please
visit our Burnley Artisan Market page. And if you are a local community group, musician or artisan and are interested in taking part in the Burnley Artisan Market, please head to the Independent Street website:
https://independentstreetevents.co.uk/ contact-us/
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Ktwo’s Roadeo Compact And Push Trailer Increases Capacity By 40%! Ktwo, one of the biggest British manufacturers of farming machinery, has manufactured the Roadeo Compact and Push Trailer which is being hailed the next generation of trailer.
increases capacity through compaction and reduces costs by increasing the volume each trailer can take by up to 40%. The Roadeo Compact and Push Trailer’s success is also based on its safety and reliability. The chassis and running gear have been designed It’s been designed to to provide maximum increase capacity by stability with the very compacting its contents which can achieve up to an best of on-and-off road additional 40% per trailer. handling characteristics as The Roadeo Compact and demanded by today’s highspeed tractors. It is fitted Push Trailer is unique with high specification in its design because axles and brakes to ensure it doesn’t tip to empty that the trailer can stop it’s produce, instead it safely in all conditions. compacts and pushes ‘’Our Roadeo Compact its contents out. This
and Push Trailers are already being used by farmers and contractors in the UK and worldwide.’’ Explains Robbie Polson, Ktwo Managing Director. ‘’We regularly get praise for their time and cost saving benefits to farming. The increased capacity and emptying speeds reduce fleet running costs dramatically.’’ The traditional tipping trailer is likely to be replaced by the safer and cost saving pusher design in the future. For more information on Ktwo and The Roadeo Compact and Push Trailer, visit: www.ktwo.co.uk
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Planning For Your Wedding Day 2022 As couples plan for their big day for 2022 now is the time to get into shape. and start organizing for what will be the best day of their lives. For the bride, you can’t start earlier enough. You want to arrive at the alter looking vibrant with health and beauty, so what better excuse do you need to invest a little bit of time, money and energy in getting you there? Whether it is planning a few pampering trips to some spas or joining a gym, not only can you trim your figure, you’ll do wonders for your complexion and overall energy levels. Shopping for the wedding dress is probably the part of the wedding plans you are looking forward to more than any other aspect. The majority
of bridal gowns bought in the UK are classed as ‘off the peg.’ You try on a sample of the gown in the shop; they take your measurements and order the most appropriate size for you which is then delivered to the shop for alterations to fit your exact shape and size. Don’t panic, there may be a huge amount to do but here is a handy checklist with some of the main points to take into consideration in the build up to the big day! 12 months before… Choose a wedding date Decide on a budget Make a list of guests and decide on numbers Book your Church/Ceremony location. Book your reception venue/caterers. Choose your Bridesmaids, Ushers and Best Man. Start looking for The photographer Dress!. Choose and book your 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!
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How To Get An Upgrade On Your Honeymoon! Getting married isn’t just about going on honeymoon, but it sure is an exciting plus to the whole shebang! But how do you go about milking the special occasion for all its worth? Everyone loves an upgrade and if you can’t get one when you’re going on your honeymoon then when can you? It’s the perfect opportunity to be pampered and spoiled, especially after all the stress of the wedding planning is over. Calling first class! There are so many moments where you might be able to wangle an upgrade when you go on honeymoon. The first is the flight. This is a lot easier to accomplish if you haven’t booked a package deal through a high street travel agency. If you’ve booked flights and accommodation separately then turning up at the airport in your finest clobber, rather
than like a scruff bag (albeit a very comfy one), is a great way to find yourself boosted up to First or Business class. This is an important fact to consider as the area you want to be moved into is usually full of very well-heeled people. The next step is to arrive at the airport early. This gives you the best opportunity of nabbing any last-minute upgrades. Don’t forget to check again when you reach the gate in case an upgrade has become available since you checked-in. Another hot tip for making it more likely to receive an upgrade is to fly on a Saturday as this is when business travellers are usually at home, meaning you have less competition. Tell the world you’re here for your honeymoon Once you’ve made it to your honeymoon destination the next step towards
getting an upgrade is to tell everyone that you’re on your honeymoon! It’s important to do this at the right time though. Telling businesses that you’re going on your honeymoon when you make the booking tends to hike the prices up. So, you’re better off waiting until you hit the runway to mention that you’re newly-weds on honeymoon. If you’re staying in a hotel then mention at check-in that you’re on your honeymoon and ask if there are any honeymoon suites available for you to upgrade to or if there is anything they can do for you to help make your honeymoon more memorable. Then as you go about making your precious memories whilst you are away, you need to keep speaking up. Tell everyone you meet that you’re there on your honeymoon. You never know,
it might lead to a couple of free glasses of champagne over dinner at any of the restaurants you might visit! The same can be said for any activities, excursions or day trips that you intend to do whilst you’re away.
Live like an A-lister Of course, before you even get to this stage you need to decide on where to go! If you’re at a loss for ideas, other than knowing that you want the A-list treatment, then take a leaf out of @
RocknRollBride’s book. She says that ‘If you’re looking to really go all out on your honeymoon, to have a once in a lifetime experience and to truly live it up like a rock star, then the Maldives has to be top of your list.’
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Meet Katharine Martin
I am a single Mother of two wonderful children. Formally, my life was all horses and competing, having competed for GB in 1995 at the Junior European Three Day Event Championships in Gotland, coming home with Individual Gold! And now, joyously, my life briefly consists of this...
Northern Equine Events is now running in its third season. Set up in October 2019, NEE runs many competitions throughout the year. During the Winter months at Greenlands Equestrian Centre, Carlisle. I run an unaffiliated Winter Arena Eventing Series, which is a points league but also the top three placings in each class qualify for the Northern Equine Events Winter Arena Eventing Championships, which is a pretty unique competition! I am hoping to take this model nationally and make it a most desirable winter/spring competition series, with the added attraction of trade stands for Spring shopping, and spectators at the National Championships. I am in the process of finding a major Sponsor for this series, I hope to be able to reveal this soon! Huge support and regular Sponsorship comes from Helm Photography and Borderland Store. During the summer months, I have been running Competitons at Dalston Green, a fabulous venue on behalf of Jamie and Jude Rickerby.
from Intro tests to Elementary tests, and ’normal’ Showjumping too, with heights of jumps ranging from 60cm to 110cm, with Teams and Individuals qualifying for the National Championships.
onto the course, I had to jump on it….
I have a fabulous Sponsor, Kevin, from Cumbria Plantation Shutters, who has hand crafted all of my obstacles for use in the teaching clinics and competitions that I will run. I also run NSEA qualifiers for ‘Eventer’s Chal- Teaching clinics are already proving popular and my area is increasing in size rapidly lenge’, for which there is an NSEA National Championships at Hicksted in October. This consists of show jumps and cross country jumps - much like my Arena Eventing tracks. Jumping with Style is another very popular competition with the pupils, and this is where style and harmony prevail over penalties, the culmination of which determines the winners! I have a Jumping with Style and Show Jumping Competition running at Northcote Stud on the 16th Feb during half term, sponWorking Equitation comes in three main sored by Sedbergh School. I would love to see sections; the first phase is the Dressage more Lancashire schools competing there! phase. Here the competitors will perform set movements in a dressage arena, to highlight NSEA events are either qualifiers for the various National Championships, or they are their horses cadence, strength, straightness, run as a points league - there are many prizes obedience, submission, balance and harmony to be had, and above all, they are fun compe- with the rider. They then move onto the ’Ease of Handling’ section, which incorporates the titions, where pupils can compete and learn obstacles. The competitors will complete the as a team, whilst riding for their school. Its a series I’m quite passionate about supporting! set course of obstacles and accumulate marks for how they complete the obstacles. Next, I have two NSEA competitions running in April, one at Belsay Horse Trials in June and a they compete another round of obstacles, this time at speed. They will be given time One Day Event at Dalston Green in September. I hope to add Grassroots competitions to penalties for any inaccuracies at the obstacles. the diary throughout the year and potentially I am learning so much running these clinics, a new venue too. Please keep your eyes on my but the main thing that stands out is how correct training is rewarded by being able Northern Equine Events FB page. to complete the obstacles without anxiety and with patience and accuracy. I hope to be able to organise Scottish and Northern Teams to compete at Regional Competitions and maybe some pupils might be selected for the National Team to compete at the World Championships!?!? (I am currently growing myself a horse with which to be able to compete in future years.)
I am Katharine Martin Equine Tuition as my day job... I teach privately and in groups, for flat work with a classical influence; pole work and show jumping; I have a passion also for safe Cross Country riding; Side Saddle; and most excitingly, now Working Equitation. Northern Equine Events also runs affiliated competitions for the National Schools Eques- Working Equitation is very popular abroad, trian Association (NSEA) all year round. The and only recently came to the UK under the guidance of Georgia Shone. Working EquitaNSEA competitions are for pupils of School tion is a new discipline in the North of Engor College age, where they compete for their land - it has been down south for a number School/College as a Team or Individually. There are many competitions available to the of years, but only recently have Instructors been invited to train and qualify as a Working pupils and cater for all abilities and ages! We start at Grassroots level in Dressage and Show Equitation Instructor, which I have done and am one of only a handful of instructors in the Jumping where pupils can be assisted in the north. I fell in love with Working Equitation arena, either on a lead rein or someone inspiring with vocal encouragement! There are the moment I saw it, so when I stumbled across the Facebook post inviting Instructors ’normal’ Dressage competitions too, ranging
Speaker. I’m not sure they have been this far north before!! The lecture demo will include riders (Guinea Pigs) from the British Development Squad and maybe me in the novice spot!! We can then see the professionals in action the next day during Cumbria’s inaugural Working Equitation Competition - which will be open to everyone, not just the elite.
My life is amazing. I’m proud of what I am achieving - largely on my own in terms of organising and turning dreams into realities, but I’m not on my own…I have a fantastic close knit events crew who I lean and rely on, and they always astound me with their professionalism and support. I am also blessed with support from Sponsors, without whom I simply couldn’t run my competitions. There are Sponsorship packages available - if you are interested please get in touch! There is much love within our crew, there is a great atmosphere and this passes through to competitors, who are generally smiley and chatty! I’m not sure I’d change my life if I won the lottery, however, I might do it in the winter months from a huge, heated indoor arena!!!! And maybe have the odd holiday… FB Northern Equine Events FB Katharine Martin Equine Tuition I hope this is useful information, it really is an exciting time right now!! Katharine Martin Photographs with kind permission from Helm Photography
I have already got dates in the diary for three competitions this year, one at Greenlands in March, one at Dalston Green in the summer and one in September (the venue is tbc). In March, I have invited Georgia Shone from The Association of British working Equitation up from East Sussex, to give a LECTURE DEMO MASTERCLASS at Greenlands, Carlisle, with her husband Paulo Santos as a Guest
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REASONS TO TAKE UP HORSE RIDING The COVID-19 pandemic has illustrated how important health and wellbeing is to us all, thereby driving conversations at a national level on how we can improve our health – including overweight and obesity. On 27 July the Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced a new raft of measures to “get the nation fit and healthy, protect themselves against COVID-19 and protect the NHS.” Figures prove that riding can have great health benefits, as well as putting a smile on your face, so here are six reasons why adults should take up the sport. Exercise Being active lifts our mood, reduces stress and anxiety, improves our physical health, and gives us more energy. Megan Hawkins, PR executive for the British Horse So-
ciety (BHS), states the health benefits of riding are proven in a study commissioned on behalf of the BHS. The study found that horse riding meets the intensity level of exercise recommended by government guidelines. “The report found that just half an hour of horse related activity, such as mucking out, is classed as moderate exercise, while trotting exerts more energy than playing badminton,” says Megan. Mental state As well as exercise, spending time with animals is believed to raise levels of the mood-enhancing hormone serotonin, so it’s good for your body, brain and emotions. Megan adds: “The report showed the psychological benefits of interaction with horses, with 80 per cent of participants noticing a
positive change in their mood after riding. “Riders felt more cheerful, relaxed and happy for being active. It was discovered anecdotally that horse riding can play a role in managing negative feelings relating to anxiety and depression.” Showing producer Natalie Reynolds says: “Riding is a well known stress reliever and can also help with confidence issues. “It can be a huge achievement for the novice rider to even contemplate getting on a horse, let alone controlling the animal with their voice and body aids.” Dressage rider Louise Bell says: “A good mental state is really important and riding does have the ability to make you feel better when other things in life are going wrong. However, don’t get on if you’re in a bad mood as your
horse will be able to feel it.” Core strength In order to stay balanced in the saddle you’ll have to learn to use your core muscles. Natalie says: “Riding physically strengthens the body, especially the core. It’s a full body workout and helps to increase our balance and improves our posture. It’s likely that your posture out of the saddle will improve the more regularly you ride.” Louise adds: “Fitness is achieved by riding, but helped more so by working on core strength as that’s your anchor as a rider, especially in dressage. If you’re weak in that area you need to work on it — the body is an amazing thing and is the easiest to train so don’t be afraid to try.” Burning calories out of the saddle Whether you’re mucking out, grooming, pushing
wheelbarrows or carrying buckets you will continue to burn calories once you’re off the horse and back at the yard. Natalie says: “Working with horses is constant physical work, and for people who work in an office environment, it can be a great release for them.”
well make up for the bad ones. If you keep your focus on your realistic Friendly competition goals anything is possiRiding does, if you ble,” says Louise. want it to, have a comNew challenges petitive nature and There are always new getting involved in challenges whether competitions can lead to you’re a newcomer or an new friendships and a experienced rider. desire to do well. Once “There’s always a new you start competing challenge whether it’s you’ll find dedication is working with a certain the key to success. horse’s personality and “Dedication is what finding a solution or you need and there will learning a new skill, be days when things such as show jumping. go wrong, but the days Horses never fail to chalwhen it goes fantastically lenge us,” says Natalie.
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NHS to raise awareness of heart attack symptoms as part of the latest ‘Help Us Help You’ campaign This February, NHS England and NHS Improvement is raising awareness of heart attack symptoms as part of the latest ‘Help Us Help You’ campaign. Heart and circulatory disease, also known as cardiovascular disease, causes a quarter of all deaths in the UK and is one of the largest causes of premature mortality in deprived areas. The NHS is encouraging everybody to recognise the potential signs of a heart attack, so if you or somebody you’re with experiences any symptoms, you know how to access help as quickly as
possible. The early signs of a heart attack can vary and may not
lightheaded or a having a feeling of general unease were also symptoms. In addition, 75% of those surveyed thought a heart attack
always feel severe. The most common symptoms include squeezing across the chest and a feeling of unease. New research reveals that just 41% of those surveyed knew sweating was a sign of a heart attack, and only 27% of people knew feeling weak,
could be referred to as a cardiac arrest, and 46% did not recognise squeezing across the chest as a symptom of heart attacks. It can be easy to dismiss the early signs of a heart attack but it’s never too early to call 999 and describe your symptoms. The faster you act, the better the chance of a positive outcome.
Visit the vaccine bus in Preston to #GetYourJab While Covid has been here for almost two years now, the different variants remind us that we all need to keep doing what we can to stay safe and avoid spreading Covid to each other. A vital step in our fight against the virus is the continuation of rolling-out the NHS Covid-19 vaccination programme. To help with this, another mobile vaccination clinic will be in Preston week commencing 7 February. Available between 10am and 4pm, these convenient locations allow you to walk-in with no appointment required: Tuesday 8 February – Herschell Street (near Cardinal Newman College) Wednesday 9 February – Moor Nook Community Centre, Burholme Road, PR2 6HN Friday 11 February – Imperial Banquet Hall, off Fletcher Road, PR1 5LG Other ways to control the spread of the virus is for everyone to continue to follow the simple steps of washing your hands, using a face covering and making space from each other. The vaccine is our best chance to turn the tide against this awful virus and save lives. A lot of work is going on to tackle false information about the vaccine and remind people throughout our communities that it is safe and thoroughly tested. Adrian Phillips, Chief Executive of Preston
City Council, said: “Thanks to everyone’s hard work and mutual support in regular testing and getting their Covid-19 vaccines when invited. Preston has a very strong and attractive restaurant and hospitality sector with a busy high street and as we all visit bars, cafes, hairdressers and many other businesses it’s important that everyone takes up the offer of a vaccine when it’s their turn. I would encourage everyone who hasn’t already received a vaccine, or who is ready for their second or booster jabs, to visit this mobile clinic in Preston in order to keep ourselves, our families and our communities safe. “These locations add to the options people have to access the vaccine and we are grateful for the support the NHS and these community venues have given to help get this established and ready to increase vaccinations in the city.”
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Love your heart this Valentine’s Day February is here, and so is the celebration of Valentine’s Day and giving our hearts away. Do this but take charge of your own heart and your heart health by making sure it’s a healthy one!
Doctors in Pennine Lancashire want us to use this Valentine's Day to have a serious think about our hearts because keeping your heart healthy is the most important thing you can do, whatever your age. Eating a healthy balanced diet, being more physically active, reducing alcohol and giving up smoking are just some of the steps to take to keep your heart healthy and strong. Dr Muzaffar Pervez, a GP and a clinical lead for Blackburn with Darwen and East Lancashire Clinical Commissioning Groups, said: "With coronavirus still in circulation, many of us have not been able to exercise as much as we would normally though. Anyone of any age
can take steps to keep their heart healthy. Try an online work out, drink a little less alcohol, going for a walk. Even do a dance around your living room, anything really to just get yourself moving and a little more active. “Keeping an eye on your weight and trying to manage your stress levels will also go a long way to help prevent heart disease.” Do you know how healthy your heart really is? You can find out your heart age and steps to keep your heart healthy on the NHS Choices website: www.nhs.uk/conditions/nhshealth-check/check-yourheart-age-tool/ The Heart Age Test tells you your heart age compared to your real age. You’ll also find out: roughly how many years you can add to your heart age by making lifestyle changes, why your blood pressure and cholesterol levels are so important to your heart age and how
to reduce your heart age through diet and exercise. There are certain symptoms you should watch out for too. Chest pains, dizziness and shortness of breath could be signs that something may not be right with your heart. These symptoms along with noticeable palpitations, where your heart feels like it's pounding, fluttering or beating irregularly, could be signs of Atrial Fibrillation (AF). Always remember to call 999 immediately if you or someone else shows signs of having a heart attack or if you are in a life-threatening emergency. If you are concerned about any of these symptoms, call NHS 111 for more advice. It’s a FREE number where you can access confidential health guidance and advice, 24/7, 365 days a year. Get advice about coronavirus and atrial fibrillation from the British Heart Foundation: www.bhf.org.uk/informationsupport/coronavirus-and-you
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The Future is Bright ‘Future is bright’ as Key Stage Teacher Supply combine local offices into a ‘Centre of Excellence’ in Bamber Bridge
Local business success story, Key Stage Teacher Supply has combined its Blackburn, Lancaster and Chorley branches into a new ‘Centre of Excellence’ situated in Bamber Bridge, Preston. Key Stage Teacher Supply is a specialist education recruitment company and part of the Operam Education Group which has a network of offices throughout the North and the Midlands. Chief Executive Officer of Operam Education Group is Eddie Austin, who said the company will maintain the bespoke, intimate working relationship its clients value. “We are delighted to bring the Blackburn, Chorley and Lancaster branches of Key Stage Teacher Supply under one roof at the new Centre of Excellence at Bamber Bridge. “Key Stage Teacher Supply has been a successful part the Operam Education Group for many years with a strong collaborative approach between branches supporting clients and their supply staff workforce. By bringing the branches together in one location in Bamber Bridge, we can further strengthen our regional presence and ability to meet the needs of our stakeholders. “It is also good news for recruitment and supply staff, as we will roll out investment in new hires and training for Key Stage Teacher Supply’s established workforce, alongside the acquisition of other similarly strong regional education supply staff brands.” Eddie says there will be little outward change for Key Stage Teacher Supply’s service users. “Significantly though, we will have an increased ability to meet the needs of our clients and supply staff workforce, offering an expanded talent pool and greater regional coverage.” Jody McDermott, Senior Manager at Key Stage Teacher Supply said, “I have worked for Key Stage Teacher Supply for 15 years and I see this latest move as a great benefit for our service users. It will increase our capacity to meet the needs of schools and colleges to access high quality supply staff
ers in the Lancashire region. Part of our enriched service offer will come with a focused Key Accounts Team and the introduction of our classroom based Tutoring service working in partnership with the Fischer Family Trust and the National Tutoring Programme to narrow the pupil attainment gap.
“This move is great news for our service users in the Lancashire and the North West region.” Eddie Austin CEO The Operam Education Group whilst maintaining the personal relationships we have built over many years. We are proud of our reputation in the region and will continue to strive to deliver the best service possible going forward.” This latest move, in tandem with the growing network of Operam Education Group’s presence in strategic geographical locations is, says CEO Eddie Austin, offering stakeholders greater levels of access to education consultant support, as well as widening opportunities for the group to widen its geographical footprint. “This move is good news for our service us-
“Within the Operam Education Group we have five operating brands that are uniquely positioned across the East Midland’s, Yorkshire, The Northwest, and Lancashire. Having this Midlands to North presence allows us to work with larger and expansive Multi-Academy Trusts, and a regionally mobile workforce. We have good reason to be optimistic about the future success of the venture and believe the future is bright for our workforce and the clients we serve.”
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What Can Derwen College Do For You? An ambitious specialist college, with a focus on the future, is welcoming families and carers to find out more about the possibilities they offer to young adults with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). Derwen College, in Shropshire, welcomes both residential and day students to its campus. It is a vibrant and exciting College with a determination to enable young people (aged 16-25) to achieve their goals. Graduates from the award-winning college are proud to contribute to their communities, with many achieving the skills necessary to leave home and secure employment or further training. Students work in the College’s unique on-site, commercial areas, learning work skills, supported by specialist teaching staff. The public-facing commercial areas include a garden centre and gift shop, charity shop,
café, restaurant, training hotel and print shop. Students eventually progress to work placements in the community. A ‘Learning for Life’ pathway supports students who aren’t yet work-ready to develop teamworking, communication and social skills. The college has also launched a bespoke sensory programme, Nurture, for students with Profound and Multiple Learning Disabilities (PMLD). Residential students at Derwen enjoy a unique college campus-style experience, which parents often compare to university life: a busy social life; shared living experiences; and the chance to meet new people and enjoy new experiences away from home, are as vital to students’ learning as preparation for work. Students go on to achieve things that they, and their families, never thought possible. For example, William, a 2021
graduate in Hospitality, is now enrolled on a catering course at his local college. Whilst at Derwen College, William – who has a moderate learning difficulty and communication needs – learnt hospitality skills in the College’s Hotel 751 training hotel and Orangery Restaurant before progressing to work experience at a Premier Inn hotel He says: “I learnt lots of skills at Derwen, like cooking tea, making my bed, and getting a train to my work placement on my own. “I also gained my Bronze and Silver Duke of Edinburgh’s Awards, and took up running. I even did a half marathon for charity in December 2020. “At the moment I am doing a catering course at my local college which is going on excellent. I am hoping to get a job at Premier Inn and move into supported living.” The College looks forward to welcoming potential students to spring and summer Open
Day places (see dates below), which are booking up fast. Derwen College Principal Meryl Green says: “We look forward to welcoming families to show them what student life with us is all about, and meet staff and students to chat about those vital next steps for the future.” www.derwen.ac.uk Open day dates We hope you will be able to join us at one of our Open Days. We look forward to welcoming you to Derwen College and showing you what student life with us is all about. You will get a taste of some of the amazing work that our students do and the facilities they enjoy. You will meet staff and students, and chat about your next steps. Wednesday 23 March Wednesday 15 June Do book your place as soon as you can, as these events fill up fast! Derwen College is ‘A Place of Possibilities’. We work with our young people to support them to achieve what they want to and challenge them to do more. Our students regularly exceed what they and others thought possible. Your college programme can open up a world of exciting opportunities. Come and have a look!
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Simple, fun activities for kids at home
ebay, but be sure to check they’re selling in your local area. Then all you have to do is take your new ride to the park (for little ones) or the open road (for olderr kids). Make your own puzzle! If you’ve got through all the puzzles, mass-orderedduring the various lockdowns over the last year or two, then Activities and ideas don’t worry. A quick search Create your own stickers! on wikihow will explain how Everyone loves stickers. You to turn a family photo, a can get crafty and learn how photo of your favourite pet, to make your own stickers television show or charcters using materials at home. It’s a super easy activity and kids from your favourite book into a DIY puzzle. It’s a great way will be wowed as they turn their very own drawings into to get the kids crafting. Create your own music stickers to cover their bedvideo! room and bits with. TikTok exploded onto the Go for a bike ride! scene during lockdown and Both adults and kids bikes can be bought for good prices now everyone is a star with lip syncing videos going viral on sites like gumtree and
Children take everything in. They love it when you chat, play and read with them, even when they’re too young to understand everything. You can turn almost anything into a game. And every little thing you do together will help set them up nicely for the day they start school.
every day. But you don’t have to join Tik Tok to have your own fun with lip syncing, dancing and miming. Create your own music video and have fun with the whole family, simply using your phone. Get the kids to design the video, including what the lighing will be, what song is going to be sung or mimed, what everyone will wear and what the set will look like. Then use your phone propped up on a surface, to record the video. Send to family and friends to give them a good laugh! Host a family come dine with me! Each week, one member of the family comes up with a menu and cooks a starter, main and desert (little ones can get help with mum and
dad to do the cooking). It’s a great way to get everyone cooking in the kitchen. Older children or adults can help little ones with the choosing of the menu and cooking
(beans on toast anyone?). Build an indoor fort with pillows! With the current weather, maybe a bike ride or a walk isn’t for you. Stay inside and
build a fort from pillows and sofa cushions instead. It’s as simple as it sounds and lets kids creativity go wild as they arrange the living room into a castle or playground.
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Learn The Best Way To Keep Control Of Your Canine Pal In Public Areas You’d think it would be simple to buy a collar and lead for your dog but the choice is phenomenal and can be confusing. If you bring a puppy into your home, your dog should be taught to walk by your side from an early age. In adopting an older dog, finding out what commands they know already is beneficial and you can begin work with them. The easiest way to train your pet is to make it an enjoyable experience for you both, using rewards to get their attention. This takes time, commitment and above all patience. Sessions should be short and frequent. One person may take responsibility for training but in a family/shared house situation everyone needs to be following the same pattern so as not to confuse the dog. There’s no point
in having a ‘no dogs on the furniture’ rule when they are allowed on the sofa by another person! Consistency is key and the lead you chose can be vital too. Training leads, long lengths of lead in varying sizes, are designed to be used whilst training in a confined area eg garden or quiet open fields/ parks. They are there to help with recall and to give you some control whilst working with your dog especially if they are reactive. They are not designed for everyday
use letting your dog walk a distance from you and shouldn’t be confused with retractable leads. The latter are popular and are suitable with some dogs but not all. Dogs soon learn that pulling means the cord extends (this can happen even when the lead is ‘locked’) and are rewarded with more freedom. However, this can extend into lack of control in situations where your dog is several metres away from you doing as they please. There have been instances of severe
injuries caused by the lead cord getting wrapped around animals and people, cutting into skin and even muscle! Your lead is like an antennae to your dog, they can feel through it, and of course, it and a collar should be comfortable and safe. There
is a lot of advice available at RSPCA England & Wales on dog training, including info on how to teach your dog to walk without pulling. We all want our pets to enjoy the freedom of running without restriction. It is crucial however, that your
dog can be recalled when you ask and you shouldn’t become reliant on training aids. The ABTC, Animal behaviour Training Council has a database of registered practitioners if you need help.
Three Home Improvement Upgrades That Add Value If you are looking to add value to your house, why not try out some home improvement upgrades?
Here are three home improvement upgrades that add value… It can be
super exciting to embark on home improvement projects, but it’s even better when the upgrades you opt for add value to your home. It’s worth bearing in mind, however, that some improvements might be worthwhile to you personally,
they may not increase the value of the house to others. In this article, we’ll sum up our top five ways to add value to your home through improvements which you — and future buyers — will benefit from. Here are the top home improvement upgrades that add value…
1. Add insulation In addition to increasing the value of your home, installing energy-saving insulation will also reduce your energy bills as well as ensure you’re minimising your carbon footprint. If you opt to insulate your loft or basement, this is a job that you can easily do yourself with a little bit of time and patience, but if you’re insulating your walls then we recommend you hire a professional to do it right. Another method of insulation is double glazing — double glaze your windows to further lock in warmth and add value to your home. 2. Upgrade your heating system Next on our list of home improvement upgrades that add value is to upgrade your heating system. Adding or upgrading your heating system is a failsafe way to add value to your home. You can do this with a few options, such as replacing windows (or add double glazing if possible, as mentioned in tip #1), seal any drafts around doors and windows or replace a boiler. If your existing boiler is due an upgrade and has passed the point of repair, then it’s a worthwhile investment to get a new boiler installed in your home. 3. Be more energy efficient There’s a number of ways to be more energy efficient and consequently add value to your home, such as updating your lighting to LED bulbs. LED is extremely energy efficient and
uses less heat and electricity for the same light output. If you have a larger budget and are looking for something a little bit substantial, then adding solar panels and turning the sun’s light into free energy at home is a fantastic investment. These are some top home improvement upgrades that add value to your home.
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Evatt: We've A Chance
Ian Evatt praised the character of his side after a stunning comeback at Oxford United gave Wanderers ‘a chance’ of forcing their way into the play-off frame.
Evatt’s men produced another heroic performance to twice cancel out Oxford leads in the first half before Amadou Bakayoko plundered a fantastic late winner. A sixth victory in seven games lifted Wanderers to within eight points of the top six and Evatt insists his side will keep giving it everything to try and bridge the gap. “We’re still a long way off. We’ve still got lots of work to do. There are 15 more games to go,” said the Wanderers’ boss. “I had a points’ total and a target in my head which we’ve shared with the players and that’s one tick. “We need plenty more before we even start to think about it. “For now we have to concentrate on working hard and improving and keeping the group in one piece. “And if we do that we’ve got a chance – but it’s only a chance. “To grasp that opportunity is going to take a lot of hard work, a lot of good results and it’s going to take everybody. “We’re going to have share the responsibility and we’re going to need the fans. They were outstanding today and at home we’re going to need to create an atmosphere and a tough environment for the opposition. “Then, we may have a chance, we may not. We have left it too late but we’re going
to fight tooth and nail to give it our best shot.” The travelling fans were in seventh heaven as Wanderers extended their unbeaten run to seven games to continue to put pressure on the teams above them. Bakayoko made it three goals in four games with the 87th-minute winner after wing-backs Declan John and Marlon Fossey – with his first career goals – had quickly cancelled out Billy Bodin strikes in a high-class encounter. “That was a great advert for League One,” added Evatt, who confirmed Kieran Lee will miss next Tuesday night’s trip to Burton Albion after coming off early with an Achilles tendon problem. Five real, high-quality goals a moment of real brilliance has won us the game – a really good, well-worked team goal and I’m delighted with that. “In the first half in particu-
lar we were excellent. We went punch for punch with a team that’s really dangerous, who score lots of goals and had one home defeat since October. “But we came here full of confidence and are willing to go punch for punch and again the bench has made a difference and we’ve managed to get over the line. “Coming from behind twice was excellent; great spirit, great personality and great character. “We got a lot of late goals to win us games last season towards the end and it’s the same here. “The spirit and togetherness is great to see. A draw would have been a good result but we’re against time and against the clock. “We haven’t got the luxury of drawing any more. We need to try and win as many as we can and I’m thrilled with that today.”
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Lancashire Lightning signs
Tim David for the Vitality Blast
Lancashire Lightning is delighted to announce the overseas signing of Tim David, for the Club’s 2022 Vitality Blast campaign. A batting all-rounder, Tim was born in Singapore and has played 14 T20 Internationals for the National Team, averaging 47 with a strike rate of 159. He has also claimed three wickets with his right arm offspin.
Standing at six foot five inches, Tim is renowned as a powerful and clean ball striker who is currently playing a key role for Multan Sultans at the Pakistan Super League (PSL), lighting up the early stages of the tournament with a 29-ball 71 against Islambad United before striking the second-fastest half-century in PSL history against Peshawar Zalmi. The 25-year-old – who
has also represented Southern Brave in The Hundred, St Lucia in the Caribbean Premier League, the Royal Challengers Bangalore in the Indian Premier League and Hobart Hurricanes in Australia’s Big Bash League – has an impressive T20 record, playing 83 matches, scoring 1,850 runs at a strike rate of 159. Tim enjoyed his first spell in English county
cricket with Surrey last summer – scoring two centuries and a fifty in 10 Royal London Cup matches along with making two Vitality Blast appearances for the Kia Oval outfit. Tim David said: “I am really excited that this opportunity has come about, and I can’t wait to join up with the rest of the Lancashire Lightning squad for the start of the Vitality Blast in
May. “There is such a strong squad at Emirates Old Trafford and hopefully I can contribute with the bat and the ball to help the team go well this summer. “I thoroughly enjoyed my brief spell with Surrey and the Brave in England last year and I am looking forward to building on that experience with the Red Rose.” Head Coach Glen
Chapple added: “Tim fits the profile of player which we have been looking to bring into our T20 squad and his addition will give us more power in the middle order. “His impressive T20 record – both at international level and in various leagues around the world - speaks for itself and we are really looking forward to him joining us in May.”
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