A teenage boy who murdered a man in a case of mistaken identity in Preston has today (Wednesday, November 30) been jailed.
Joshua Boardman (pictured), 17, of Holman Street, Preston, was sentenced to life with a minimum term of 14 years and seven months at Preston Crown Court for the murder of Hiwa Ali-Khani earlier this year.
Police were called around 6.25pm on July 8 to Raikes Road after a report of an assault.
Emergency services attended and found Mr Ali-Khani, 27, from Preston, with a stab wound to the chest.
He was treated by paramedics and taken to Royal Preston Hospital but sadly later died. A post-mortem examination gave a
cause of death as a stab wound to the chest.
Police made a number of arrests, launching a murder inquiry.
Detectives discovered Mr Ali-Khani (pictured below) had been sat in his car, a black Audi, when he was approached by Boardman.
He believed Mr Ali-Khani was another man, who he suspected was sending messages to one of his friends, a teenage girl.
Boardman got into the car and started to argue with Mr Ali-Khani, before both got out and the confrontation continued on the street.
During the confrontation he stabbed Mr Ali-Khani to the elbow, leg and chest and he collapsed.
Boardman was arrested that evening close to the scene and later charged with murder.
He pleaded guilty to the offence, as well as possession of a bladed article and was handed a life sentence. He must serve a minimum of 14 years and seven months.
Restrictions around reporting Boardman’s identity were lifted by the judge at court.
Det Ch Insp Mark Haworth-Oates, of Lancashire Police’s Force Major Investigation Team, said: “Mr Ali-Khani’s death was shocking, tragic and wholly avoidable – he was simply going about his normal daily life when he was attacked for no reason, in
a case of mistaken identity.
“The man who Boardman intended to attack was sat nearby in his own vehicle – he witnessed the stabbing and went to the aid of the victim. Although he didn’t realise it at the time, he was watching what could have been his own murder, unfold before him.
“Once again this investigation shows the devastating impact that knife crime has. The incident lasted for less than a minute, but the consequences are felt far and wide.
Mr Ali-Khani’s family will never get over losing him – a pain which is even more acute given that he had done absolutely nothing wrong. The family and friends of Boardman have also had their lives changed – all a consequence of the decision that he made to take a knife onto the street and carry out an attack.
“Thankfully, the evidence in the case was overwhelming and he pleaded guilty, which at least spares Mr Ali-Khani’s family the ordeal of listening to upsetting and distressing evidence at trial.
“We welcome the sentence handed down at court today. It will understandably never be enough for Mr Ali-Khani’s family, they have lost their loved one in the most appalling of circumstances and now have to live with that void in their lives. Our thoughts remain with them at this very sad and difficult time.”
The family of Mr Ali-Khani would like to
make the following statement;
“Hiwa was a decent person, with a good personality and he believed that everyone was good. He was a very optimistic person and had lots of plans and desires for the future. He was hoping to get married, and he was telling us about the names that he would like to give to his children.
“Hiwa’s murder not only shocked us but damaged our lives forever. He was an innocent person who was killed in a very brutal way. His murderer not only buried Hiwa’s beautiful wishes and aspirations but the laughs, happiness, and beauty of our lives with it.”
A dangerous pervert who raped a woman while she slept has been given a sentence totalling 14 years.
After committing the vile offence, Ashley Iddon, 29,
then bombarded his victim with messages, some blaming her for his actions.
After we arrested him Iddon admitted what he had done to work colleagues, telling one ‘she made me do it’.
Iddon, of Well Orchard, Bamber Bridge, pleaded guilty to rape when he appeared in the dock at Preston Crown Court on the day he was due to stand trial.
Yesterday (December 5) Judge Heather Lloyd deemed Iddon to pose a significant risk to women and sentenced him to 11 years custody, with a three-year extended licence period. He was ordered to sign the Sex Offenders Register for life. An indefinite restraining order was also imposed.
Following sentence, the victim stated she was pleased she could finally
move on from this and believed that Iddon has received the sentence he deserved. She said the whole thing has caused her distress for a number of years, so it is comforting for her to know it is finally over. She said her and her family can now live comfortably knowing Iddon is finally in prison.
DC Rebecca Pugh, of South CID, said: “Iddon is a dangerous man who has warped and appalling attitudes towards women. That is demonstrated by his attempts to justify his abhorrent actions to work colleagues by blaming the victim.
“I am pleased with the sentence handed down by the court which reflects the seriousness of Iddon’s offending. Even after he is released, Iddon will continue to be
monitored by the relevant authorities.
“We are committed to protecting women and girls from all forms of abuse and violence. I hope this case and its outcome will encourage other victims to come forward, knowing they will be listened to and believed and that we will do everything in our power to put their abuser before the courts.”
The final of the first ever Lancashire Choir of the Year competition saw impeccable performances by some of the best singers from across the county, writes Danielle Thompson.
Dressed to the nines, all of the choirs gave the performance of a lifetime when they took to the stage at the Charter Theatre in Preston, each performing not one but two show-stopping numbers live on the night.
Compere Tim Uffindell stirred the crowd of singers, VIP guests, friends, family members and the judges into a frenzy with his opening performance of Isn't it Funny and his introduction of each of the very varied and talented choirs.
Tim Choir of the Year Starting off strong, Rossendale Male Voice Choir gave a rousing rendition of Drunken Sailor – along with humorous choreography, followed by a more lingering number, Softly as I Leave You.
Aughton Male Voice Choir followed with polished, traditional Hunker Down then an energetic Bohemian Rhapsody, before the very enthusiastic, talented Lancaster Royal Grammar School Choir gave a new spin to Teddy Bear's Picnic, and an unforgettable rendition of Cantique de Jean Racine.
The all-female lineup of the Red Rosettes Show Chorus performed Strike Up the Band and Feed the Birds
and this completely different range of notes stood out as a different feel on a night of very varied and deeply talented groups.
The Blackpool Male Voice Choir, who boast Alfie Boe as a patron, gave an effortless performance of Bohemian Rhapsody and Nessun Dorma and Clitheroe Parish Church Amateur Operatic Dramatic Society (CPCAODS) - show choir rounded off the night in show-stopping style with You'll Never Walk Alone/ Climb Ev'ry Mountain and the soul-searching You Will Be Found.
Each of the performances brought a very different feel to the event, with some of the songs very lively and energetic, some more traditional and some with surprises – see https://www. lancashire.gov.uk/choir-ofthe-year/winners/ The judging panel consisted of Jeff Borradaile, choral director and teacher; Jane Irwin professional soloist; Tyndale Thomas, songwriter and arranger; and County Councillor Phillippa Williamson, leader of Lancashire County Council.
Various category winners were announced at the end of the evening, including the People's Choice award as voted for by the public, with that honour going to Royal Grammar School Choir – received to rapturous applause.
After much anticipation, Rossendale Male
Voice Choir was named the winner in an explosive round of applause, with the award presented by County Councillor Peter Buckley, Lancashire County Council's cabinet member for community and cultural services.
Leaning Choir of the Year In addition to the trophy, the choir have been awarded a recording contract and a trip into the Lancaster recording studio in early 2023!
Choir chairman Mike Black said: "What can I say on this wonderful achievement but, 'well done.'
"Every last man in this choir has worked hard to
deliver that performance on the big stage. We now know what it takes to pick up a trophy, so let’s go for the next one.”
He thanked the musical team by adding, “To Matthew and Liz: it’s hard to express the gratitude which I think every member of the choir feels towards you both for the patience and effort you have shown in bringing us to this point. Thank you doesn’t seem enough, but it will have to do for now. We couldn’t have achieved this without the two of you.”
Just 24 hours after the win they performed again at the Christmas lights switch-on
in Rawtenstall and then a busy run up to Christmas.
Booking forms to take part in next year’s competition will be opened after
Easter 2023.
For the full list of winners, visit: https://www.lancashire.gov.uk/choir-of-theyear/winners/
A man has admitted killing Stephen Macro in Padiham.
Our officers were called to Coronation Avenue at 10.33am on November 25, last year, to reports of a sudden death.
Emergency services have attended and sadly found 57-year-old Stephen
(pictured below right) deceased inside a property.
A Home Office post mortem examination concluded that Stephen died as a result of multiple abdominal injuries and a scalp injuries.
Wayne Dawson (pictured above right), 57, of Burnley Road, Padiham, was arrested at the scene and later charged with murder.
He appeared before a judge at Preston Crown Court yesterday (November 30) and pleaded guilty to manslaughter. That plea was deemed acceptable by the prosecution and the police following a comprehensive review of the evidence available.
Dawson was remanded into custody to be sentenced on February 28.
DCI Allen Davies, of the Force Major Investigation Team, said: “First and
foremost my thoughts remain with Stephens’s family at this time.
“Stephen died as a result of senseless violence inflicted by Wayne Dawson, a man who is very much old enough to know better. One of the very tragic aspects of this case is that Stephen had taken Wayne in as a lodger and that kindness was repaid with appalling and cowardly violence.
“While nothing will ever bring Stephen back, at least his family know that the man responsible for his death has now been convicted and will be sentenced in due course.”
Following Stephen’s death, his family said in a tribute: “He was very well known, always out walking Murphy, his dog.
“Stephen was always talkative and friendly. He was very popular.”
Parents in Lancashire are being warned not to use dangerous baby feeding pillows being sold online - as there is a 'high risk' of infants choking, overheating or developing
pneumonia.
The government's Office for Product Safety and Standards has issued an urgent 'safety alert' and warned that "this category of products will always be dangerous due to their design and intended use and can never be made safe.
"Consumers should immediately stop using these products and dispose of them safely," the warning added.
The warning comes after months of behind-thescenes work to have this product pulled from sale by Lancashire County Council's Trading Standards team.
Trading Standards reported the issue to the Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS), the national product safety regulator, as a ‘nationally significant, novel or contentious’ issue and had the product pulled from retailers including Amazon and Wish.
Consultant paediatrician Dr Nicola Bamford said that the pillow product, which
keeps the bottle's teat lodged in the baby's mouth, could be fatal – and reinforced the message that 'any sort of prop feeding is dangerous' as well as 'neglectful.'
She said: "These products pose a high risk of choking, aspiration pneumonia and overheating in babies. All of these put the baby at an increased risk of death, which is the worst possible outcome.
"Prop feeding is also neglectful of a baby’s emotional needs as it encourages feeding without parental support. Any sort of prop feeding is considered dangerous for your baby.
"Never use a prop for the bottle or leave your baby alone with a bottle as there
is a risk they might choke. If you own this product, dispose of it immediately."
Cllr Michael Green, cabinet member for health and wellbeing, welcomed the announcement.
He said: "I urge people to share this message far and wide as parents across Lancashire could have bought these without realising how dangerous they could be.
"I'd like to thank our team for all of their hard work and I am glad that it has been recognised by the government as a product that people need to dispose of.
"Please put your child's safety first and ensure no new parents that you know have bought one of these."
Lancashire County Council is asking people to make sure they're ready for winter, and to keep a check on vulnerable members of their community, as the first cold snap of the season arrives.
A spell of low temperatures is forecast for at least the next week, with overnight frosts and the possibility of some wintry showers.
The county council's gritting teams have already treated the roads a number of times this winter, and are well-prepared for any sustained severe weather with around 22,000 tonnes of salt in stock.
People are also being reminded that all libraries in Lancashire have been designated as warm and welcome spaces where people can find a warm drink, a space to sit, free computers and Wi-Fi, charging points for digital equipment, events and activities and help from staff to find further informa-
tion about what support is available.
County Councillor Rupert Swarbrick, Lancashire County Council cabinet member for highways and transport, said: "Our highways teams are expecting to be busy over the coming days with the freezing overnight temperatures forecast, and I'd ask everyone to make sure they're ready to cope if we do get any sustained severe weather over the coming months.
"This first real cold spell is a good reminder to all of us to make sure that we're prepared – whether that's checking your vehicle by stocking up on screen wash and de-icer, or buying salt from a DIY store to treat any paths around your home.
"Our highways teams will be busy gritting the main routes whenever a freeze is forecast, but please remember that we don't treat every
road, and that even roads which have been gritted can remain icy so it's important to be alert to the conditions and drive carefully."
Lancashire County Council has a fleet of 45 frontline gritters which can treat the 2,500km of the county council's priority road network within around four hours, but may take longer in severe weather. There are also 2,600 grit bins and salt piles throughout the county which have been restocked in the lead-up to winter to help add traction where needed.
People who live on or near a gritting route are asked to park considerately and leave room for the gritters to get past, as poor parking often causes problems and can lead to routes not being fully treated.
County Councillor Michael Green, cabinet member for health and wellbeing, added: "Please also keep a
check on any friends, relatives and neighbours who may be more vulnerable during cold weather.
"When it’s cold and icy some people find it more difficult to get out for essential tasks such as doing their food shopping or picking up a prescription, and may even find it difficult to keep warm.
"Keeping warm is vital to staying well, and help and advice is available for anyone who needs it. Please
help to spread the word that people can come to any of our libraries to feel warm and welcome, and speak to our staff who can signpost to further support."
The county council has established a warm spaces charter to provide residents with a clear understanding of what they can always expect when they enter a warm space in Lancashire, and is working with voluntary, community, and faith organisations, and parish
and town councils to set up more warm spaces across Lancashire.
You can find out more about warm spaces at lancashire.gov.uk/costofliving. You can find out more about gritting in Lancashire, including which roads are gritted, and what you can do to prepare at lancashire.gov.uk/winter.
You can also get the latest gritting updates and winter weather advice by searching #LancsWinter on Twitter.
The family of a man who was killed in a collision in Accrington have paid tribute to him.
At around 10.05pm on Saturday (December 10th) it was reported that a BMW 118 had collided with a tree
on Royds Avenue, Accrington.
Emergency services attended and found a man with multiple injuries. Sadly, he was pronounced dead a short time later.
He has now been named
as Tom Culshaw (pictured), 28, of Great Harwood.
In tribute, his family have described him as: “A loving father, son, brother, uncle and friend to so many. The absolute life and soul of every part of his life. Words
will never describe how much Tom will be missed.”
Two people – a man aged 24 and from Blackburn and a man aged 42, from Accrington - were arrested at the scene on suspicion of death by dangerous driving. They have both been bailed, pending further enquiries, until March 10th 2023.
Two more people have since been arrested. They are a 25-year-old man from Clitheroe, arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving and a 41-year-old man from Blackburn, arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender.
The 25-year-old man remains in custody. The 41-year-old man has since been bailed until March 11th 2023.
We are appealing for information about the collision. Sgt Martin Wilcock, of the Lancashire Roads Policing Team, said: “First and foremost our thoughts are with
the family and friends of Mr Culshaw. This is a truly awful time for them and we send them our deepest condolences.
“An investigation is now underway to establish what happened. We are appealing for information from anybody who may have seen the collision, or who
has dashcam, CCTV or doorbell footage showing the collision or the BMW in the moments before it happened.
“Whatever information you have, please get in touch.”
“Anybody with information is asked to contact 101, quoting log 1533 of December 10.
New plans which aim to improve road safety and keep traffic moving at key locations across the county have been approved at today's Cabinet meeting (Thursday, December 1).
The initiative - which will see Lancashire County Council given new powers to stop drivers attempting dangerous manoeuvres including driving the wrong way down one-way streets – is set to be rolled out next summer.
As well as helping to prevent accidents, it is hoped that this will also help reduce congestion.
The council plans to initially introduce the powers at four locations: Charnley Street, Preston; Ringway/Bow Lane junction, in Preston; Hyndburn Road (McDonalds) in Accrington and Morecambe Road (Aldi) in Lancaster.
The offences targeted include:
• turning left, right or making u-turns when instructed not to do so
• driving the wrong way up one-way streets
• entering yellow box junctions when the exit is not clear
• driving where/when motor vehicles are
prohibited Automatic Number Plate Recognition technology will be used to identify drivers.
A six week consultation was held for road users and pedestrians to share their feedback on the plans, which ran until Sunday, November 27.
County Councillor Charlie Edwards, cabinet member for highways and transport, said:
"I carefully read through the respondents' comments and I am pleased to see that the majority of these support what we hope to achieve. It's a priority for us to keep our roads safe, keep traffic moving and do what we can to minimise emissions.
"We will issue first-offence drivers a warning letter to ensure that people understand the scheme, which is very much focused on
putting safety first, as well as dealing with traffic delays.
"We are hoping that if this initiative is successful, it could be rolled out at other locations across the county which suffer from a poor safety record. Any additional sites would each undertake the same consultation process before it was rolled out to them in the future."
People are being urged to make the most of new and improved evening and weekend bus services which have been launched across a number of key Lancashire routes this week.
The extra journeys have been introduced on a number of routes which are already popular during the daytime, but evening and weekend connections were limited or non-existent. The investment is the first phase of a £34m programme to make buses the best travel option for more people.
The major funding boost from the Department for Transport follows a successful joint bid by Lancashire County Council, Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council and local bus operators to support their Bus
Service Improvement Plans (BSIP).
The improvements are as follows:
• Buses now run every hour during the evening on Service 22 connecting Clitheroe and Blackburn operating until around 11pm from Monday to Saturday, with some extra services on Sundays extending until around 6.30pm.
• New hourly evening journeys on the coastal Service 5 route linking Overton and Carnforth via Heysham and Morecambe on Monday to Saturday.
• New evening journeys on Service 42 which links Lancaster and Blackpool via Garstang and Poulton-le-Fylde, operating
every 90 minutes from Monday to Saturday.
• Service 2 from Chorley to Blackburn previously had limited evening services linking Chorley and Abbey Village, but these will now be extended across the whole route linking through to Blackburn on Monday to Saturday. Sunday daytime services also extend across the whole route.
• An extra evening journey has been added to the timetable of Service 119 which operates between Chorley and Astley Village.
County Councillor Rupert Swarbrick, cabinet member for highways and transport, said: "Our aim is to get more people using buses by making them a more attractive
and convenient option, and the funding we've received for our Bus Service Improvement Plan gives us the chance to make some really significant improvements.
"We'll be investing over £34m in our bus network and public transport infrastructure over the next 3 years, with the extra services introduced this week being just the start.
"These buses are already very well used and operate on a commercial basis during the daytime from Monday to Saturday. Introducing later evening and additional Sunday journeys extends the option of using the bus to people who want to travel at these times, whether they work late shifts, are visiting friends, or going out for an evening's entertainment.
"We'll be working closely with operators to build passenger numbers with the aim of making these services commercially sustainable over the long term, and I'd encourage everyone to support them."
Bus Minister, Richard Holden, added: "People up and down the country deserve a clean, reliable and affordable public transport
system. That’s why we’ve provided Lancashire County Council with £34 million to boost its bus services.
"New evening and weekend services are great for local passengers, who will now benefit from new routes and more frequent services to make the most of the fantastic work, business and leisure opportunities
Lancashire has to offer."
A £2.29m investment proposal for an Advanced Digital Skills Academy in Nelson has been given the green light by the Government.
The flagship project within the Nelson Town Deal has been established to help tackle Lancashire’s digital skills shortfall.
Developed in conjunction with the Nelson and Colne College Group, the Advanced Digital Skills Academy will play a vital part in promoting sustainable growth, transforming the town and providing new opportunities for local people.
Councillor Nadeem Ahmed, Leader of Pendle Borough Council, said:
“This huge funding pot for the Digital Skills Academy represents a big step forward towards future-proofing our town.
“Helping to push approval for the new Academy over the line is the county-wide digital skills gap that has grown at a time when demand among employers for
digitally-skilled employees has never been higher.”
The Academy aims to integrate world-class teaching, innovation, and business acumen at Nelson and Colne College and create a new town centre learning hub to provide digital skills training for adult learners.
“This project demonstrates the strength of partnerships forged through the Nelson Town Deal and of our shared commitment to upskilling our communities and retaining talent.
“The funding will be used to create a college hub for the project by refurbishing parts of the existing college building to create over 100 new teaching spaces with access to state-of-the-art equipment.
“This redevelopment will create a new learning environment to support the delivery of our digital T-Level courses, alongside our wider digital curriculum.
“And it will provide access to facilities for all learners wanting to improve their
digital skills, including 200 high-spec PCs to be housed within the Academy itself.”
Upskilling and retraining opportunities will be offered at a range of levels from beginners to more advanced.
The project aims to improve people’s employability chances and to offer higher level courses designed to meet the specific digital skills demands of regional employers.
The hub element in Nelson town centre will also include a business space to facilitate interaction between learners and employers and a specific workspace for start-up businesses.
Stephen Barnes, Chair of the Nelson Town Deal Board, said:
“As the college campus is located outside the town centre, a key objective of the Academy and the town centre hub is to work in tandem, creating a strong connection between the college and the centre of Nelson.
“The new Advanced
Digital Skills Academy is also designed to establish a link between local employers and learners as well as supporting a more vibrant
town centre.
“Learners and participating businesses will get enormous benefit from this project which will also help
to rejuvenate the town centre with increased footfall to support the businesses there.”
Four Pendle residents have just been issued with fines totalling over £2,400 for littering and dumping household waste on Nelson’s back streets.
Pendle Council was successful in bringing prosecutions against the four at Burnley Magistrates’ Court, with all offences proven in the absence of the offenders.
Tomas Vikas, of Fulham Street, Nelson, was fined £440 for fly tipping and littering his back street with bags of rubbish.
He also has to pay £295 costs, £96 compensation and a £44 victim surcharge.
Helen Wyld, who lives in Wickworth Street, Nelson, was also fined £440 for the same offences on her back street and must also pay £290.27 costs, £72 compensation, and a £44 victim surcharge.
Stela Adrianan Lakatos, a resident of Whitehall Street, Nelson, was fined £220 for fly tipping and littering her back street with bags of household waste on 27th April. She must pay costs of £134.
On the same date, Darius Sorin Pop, also of Whitehall Street, Nelson, was found guilty of the same offences and was fined £220 and ordered to pay costs of £134.
Councillor Nadeem Ahmed, Leader of Pendle Borough Council, said: “These latest four prosecutions reinforce our message that we take a tough line with people who dump waste and litter on Pendle’s streets.
“We each have a responsibility to our neighbours and to Pendle to keep our areas clean and tidy.
“There is no excuse for littering on this scale!
“We provide wheelie bins for
everyday waste and recycling, bulky waste collections for bigger items with details on our website: www.pendle. gov.uk/bulkywaste
“Pendle people can also take unwanted items to Household Waste Recycling Centres in Barnoldswick and Burnley.”
David Walker, Environmental Services Manager, added:
“Dumping household waste on back streets can also obstruct walkways and attract rats and foxes.
“Please help by only putting your bin out on your collection day and do not litter the pavement with additional bags between collections.
“Anyone who does dump litter and rubbish risks a very unwelcome fine,” he warned.
A man has been given a 15-year sentence following our investigation into an aggravated burglary in Rishton.
At 9.20pm on November 10, 2019, defendant Rebecca Brazendale knocked on the door of a property in Talbot Street and asked the victim if her son was in the property.
The victim – a man in his 30s – said no and was then prevented from closing the front door.
He was then hit to the head with an axe. As he tried to grab that weapon, he was struck to the forehead and left shoulder with a hammer.
Three men – including the defendant Jamie Robertson – have then entered the property.
While two of the men - still to be identified - went upstairs, Robertson, who was armed with the axe, grabbed the victim and shoved him into the living room.
Robertson told the victim to sit down and not move, before demanding money from him.
He escaped with £40 in cash but left his baseball cap at the scene.
Forensic investigators managed to link the cap back to Robertson via his DNA.
Brazendale, 52, and Robertson, 33, were later arrested on suspicion of aggravated burglary.
Robertson denied being responsible for the offence, while Brazendale admitted to knocking on the door but denied committing the offence of aggravated burglary.
Earlier this year both defendants appeared at Preston Crown Court. Robertson pleaded guilty to aggravated burglary, while Brazendale admitted burglary.
Last week Robertson, of Skye Crescent, Blackburn, was jailed for 11 and a half years, with an extended licence period of
three years and six months after he was deemed to be dangerous. An indefinite restraining order was also imposed.
Brazendale, of Hermitage Street, Rishton, was given a 12 month sentence, suspended for one year. She must complete 25 rehabilitation activity requirement days.
DC Jo Billington, of East CID, said “The level of violence used in this appalling pre-planned attack was absolutely shocking and could have easily resulted in the victim losing his life. Remarkably he was only left with injuries to his head which required stitches.
“What is equally as appalling is that this offence was committed while there was a small child in the house.
“We will not tolerate violence of this kind on the streets of East Lancashire, and we will use all the resources at our disposal to bring the perpetrators to justice – no
matter how long it takes.”
If you are the victim of a crime report it online https://doitonline.lancashire. police.uk/ or call 101. If a crime is in progress always call 999.
As winter begins to bite across the country, St Helens Borough Council's highways maintenance team have come in for praise after dealing with the current cold snap to keep the local road network running safely.
Since Monday last week, the team has carried out a number of gritting operations, with more scheduled when needed - resulting in more than 450 tonnes of rock salt laid along the borough's primary routes which includes bus routes, emergency service areas, as well as roads on significant hills and known trouble spots. From now until the first week in April
2023, the council could carry out as many as 90 gritting runs across seven of its key routes, covering nearly 40 per cent of its 780km carriageway network.
Once the priority network of roads is clear, action may then be taken on minor routes in the event of extreme and prolonged icy conditions - while grit bins in residential areas will also be refilled by the council.
In addition to their normal day duties, the winter gritting team work around the clock - monitoring weather patterns and use specialised data collected from the borough's road sensors to know when gritting is needed and how much is required
to keep the borough's roads open, based on the best evidence available.
St Helens Council's Cabinet Member for Environment and Transport, Councillor Andy Bowden, said: "Our winter maintenance team deserve a huge amount of credit for the exceptional job they do every year, working all hours and in very challenging conditions to ensure our highways are safe for road users. "Sadly, it is not possible to cover our entire road network - therefore we always advise residents and businesses across the borough to plan journeys accordingly, utilising the main arterial routes wherever possible."
For more information on the winter maintenance programme, including a list of roads that are gritted in your area and where you can find your nearest grit bin, visit: www.sthelens.gov.uk/gritting
Once again, professional Pantomime is returning to The Old Courts this Christmas. "Oh Yes It Is!"
The Festive season is almost upon us and there’s nothing like a good old pantomime to get you and the family in the Christmas spirit before ‘IT’S BEHIND YOU’ until the next year! Forget a lamp full of wishes, The Old Courts will make all your panto dreams come true! Following the incredible success of Cinderella in 2021, Pendle productions have been invited back to The Old Courts, this time with their spectacular fun family pantomime – Aladdin!
Aladdin is an awfully big adventure with iconic characters for children of all ages. With slapstick comedy provided by Wishee Washee, the Emperor, and Dame Widow Twanky you are sure to be laughing right through to Christmas
and beyond. Come with us on the ride of a lifetime and get ready for a magical two hours. It’s a warm welcome for this classic British Christmas tradition, with catchy songs, wicked dance routines, a superb set & charming costumes, and the wickedest baddie you have ever seen in Abanazar, you are sure to cheering Aladdin all the way as he leaves his mother’s laundry, finds the magic lamp, and rescues his princess.
The Old Courts Arts Centre is situated in Wigan town centre, a significant part of what they do centres around live events. Gigs, dance shows, theatre shows, exhibitions, film screenings, sector conferences, audience events and seminars provide artists and the public with the maximum number of entry points to the arts. The Old Courts is a multipurpose venue with lots of differ-
ent spaces. Nestled within the charming building is an intimate, professional 150 seat theatre which is quite the hidden gem, with a friendly staff who are fully equipped to welcome families this Christmas.
Aladdin will run from 3rd December –
23rd December
The Old Courts, Gerrard Winstanley House, Crawford Street, Wigan, WN1, 1NA
Ticket Link
https://www.theoldcourts.com/shows/ pantomime-aladdin/
Are you cooking Christmas dinner this year? Does it have you panicking already? Are you waking in the middle of the night worried you may overcook your sprouts? Are you trembling at the thought that your turkey might not defrost in time? Have you had a bad Christmas Dinner experience in the past and don’t want a repeat? Don’t worry – help is at hand! Here is a guide to making cooking your Christmas Dinner easy peasy!
How to cook perfect roast turkey - the stress free way!
1. Make a plan Write down everything you plan to make for your Christmas dinner. Don’t forget:
• the turkey (and/or vegetarian alternative)
• roast potatoes
• roast parsnips
• brussels sprouts
• red cabbage
• other vegetables
• sauces: gravy, cranberry sauce, bread sauce, etc.
• stuffing
• sausages/pigs in blankets
• Christmas pudding (and/or alternative desserts)
Decide what time you want to have your Christmas dinner and what needs to be done for each dish. Then work backwards to ensure everything will be cooked by then.
2. Have a practice run Once you have a plan, have a practice run. Either cook the whole dinner from start to finish, or if you don’t want to go to the effort of
doing all of it, just practice the bits you are most worried about.
A practice dinner will also help you test out your time plan to make sure it’s doable and it will make you feel a whole lot less stressed about the big day! (Tip – if you want to have a full run through but don’t want to go to the expense of buying a big turkey, roast a large chicken instead!)
3. Enlist help Don’t do it alone!
Even if your family/guests are not much use in the kitchen, you can always rope them in to do the easy bits… serve the drinks, chop the carrots, prep the sprouts, assemble the canapés, lay the table…there’s plenty others can do.
And one job you can (and definitely should) delegate is the washing up!!
4. Simplify! Simplify! Simplify!
Do you really need 3 different meats, 5 different sauces and 17 different vegetables?
As a nation we do seem to go a bit mad on Christmas Day and create a lot more work than we really need to for one meal that gets wolfed down in a matter of minutes.
Work out what is really essential and forget about the rest. There is so much more to Christmas than a big, fancy meal no one can finish!
5. Cook for the number of people who are actually coming I am as guilty of this one as the next person! How
many of us have catered for a small army when actually there are only 6 people sitting round the table? Think carefully about how many people are actually coming and how much they will actually eat.
As a good rule of thumb each adult will eat 500g turkey (less if it’s a crown or a breast joint) 250g roast potatoes and 250g of all the other vegetables combined.
Children typically don’t eat much on Christmas day, being far too excited and having already stuffed themselves silly with chocolate.
6. Get ahead
There is so much that can be done a day or two ahead of time: stuffing can be prepared, sprouts can be peeled, carrots can be chopped, the gravy and
other sauces can be made, you can even partially roast the potatoes and other veg-
etables and finish them off on the day. Doing as much as you can the day before
will ensure your cooking the Christmas dinner is much less stressful.
One dish I always like to get ahead with is the braised red cabbage – you can make it the day before and it fills the house with delicious Christmassy aromas. Then it just takes a few minutes to reheat the next day and tastes just as good (if not better!).
7. Cheat You don’t have to make it all! These days absolutely everything can be bought ready-made or at least ready-prepared – so pick and choose what is most important to you that you actually cook from scratch. The rest can be bought from the supermarket.
I always make the turkey (though sometimes it’s duck), the roast potatoes and the
veg from scratch but buy in the bread sauce, cranberry sauce and the Christmas pudding.
I also make sure I always buy ready peeled sprouts and baby carrots – which can be cooked whole without any prep needed at all!
For many it’s the stress of cooking a turkey that causes the most angst. Why not do something different this year? Something you know you are good at making and will make for a great show stopping Christmas Lunch with a whole lot less stress.
Maybe beef, lamb, duck or even a really good quality organic chicken (which will easily knock the socks off a cheap, badly-cooked turkey).
9.
Avoid that awful feeling on Christmas Day when you realise you have forgotten something vital for the Christmas Dinner and ALL THE SHOPS ARE SHUT!!!
Make yourself a really good shopping list with everything you could possibly need on it and that definitely won’t happen.
As in recent years, the Royal Welsh Agricultural Society has again made a donation to Builth Wells Town Council towards the Christmas lights in the town, continuing the close relationship between the two organisations and the local community.
Each year, the Christmas light display is put up in readiness for the Royal Welsh Winter Fair which is typically held at the end of November/early December. The colourful display gives a warm festive welcome to the thousands of Winter Fair visitors and the many people who live, work and pass through the town during the run-up to Christmas. The Winter Fair took place last week and many enjoyed the
event and the merry atmosphere the town provided.
As a mark of appreciation, the Royal Welsh Agricultural Society is delighted to contribute £350 to the Town Council to help towards the cost of maintaining, erecting and purchasing new lights. RWAS Chief Executive Aled Rhys Jones recently met with Town Mayor, Councillor Alan Waller, to officially
present the cheque.
Aled Rhys Jones, said, “The relationship between the Society and the town of Builth Wells is vitally important and we are pleased to continue our ongoing support towards the Christmas lights display. We are grateful to the Town Council for the festive atmosphere the Christmas lights create for our Winter Fair and showground
visitors."
Builth Wells Town Council would like to thank the RWAS for their continued support of the town’s Christmas lights, which look fantastic each year. The generous donation is gratefully received and will be used towards maintenance and any repair work needed to keep the light display running.
Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service (FRS) opened their fire station doors this week and hosted two Christmas lunches for two of Cumbria County Council's Care Homes.
Residents of Cumbria Care’s Richmond Park in Workington visited the crew at Workington Community Fire Station and residents of Cumbria Care’s Burnrigg Court in Carlisle visited Carlisle East Community Fire Station.
Staff from Cumbria FRS teamed up to make the lunch and decorate the fire stations to make the events as special as possible for the elderly residents.
Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service’s Assistant Chief Fire Officer, Rick Ogden, said: “This Christmas, we wanted to spread some festive joy to those who live within local care homes to our stations. Both lunches were a great
opportunity to spend time with the residents and cook a festive spread for them.
“This was the first time some of the residents have taken a trip outside of the care home since before the Covid pandemic, so it was really nice to be able to do this for them. We hope to carry on this tradition each year across our stations for
our local communities.
“We even got to help celebrate one gentleman’s 91 birthday at the Carlisle event!”
A big thank you to Cranstons Butchers for sponsoring and providing the food, Tesco Carlisle for decorations and Cumbria Community Transport for the minibus.
15-24 December | Tickets £10 | Theatre | Age Guidance 2-7 yrs
Sorry! Christmas is Cancelled… Katie Saves the Day!!! is a festive family theatre show being performed at Brewery Arts throughout this festive season!
The show is about friendship and forgiveness, brought to life by Topsy Turvy Theatre with fabulous hand-crafted puppetry, dynamic storytelling, original music, and stunning scenery.
Written for children aged 2-7 and their families, the story follows a tenacious little girl named Katie who wants to help Father Christmas after she learns that thieves have broken into his grotto and stolen all of the
presents.
Katie is determined to save the day by hitching a ride on a magical bird to The North Pole. She navigates a snowy landscape and solves clues in a mysterious advent calendar along the way that lead her closer to the truth.
Topsy Turvy Theatre is a Makaton-friendly production company, and the cast have integrated Makaton throughout the performance to ensure accessibility for all children.
Claire Alizon Hills, Artistic Director, said: “At Topsy Turvy Theatre we believe in the cultural significance of children’s theatre and the
profoundly positive impact it can have on their lives; that’s why we create such high-quality theatrical experiences for little people”
Topsy Turvy will commence their run of daily Christmas shows at Brewery Arts from the 15 December. The full dates and times are as follows:
15 & 16 Dec | 1pm 17, 18, 20, 21, 22 and 23 Dec | 2pm 24 Dec | 11am & 2pm
All tickets to Sorry! Christmas is Cancelled… Katie Saves the Day!!! are £10.
Tickets can be purchased from breweryarts.co.uk or by calling 01539 725 133.
Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service crews from Workington and Whitehaven were called to Siddick Ponds in Workington at around 3.45pm on Sunday 11 December to reports of two boys falling through the ice. Working alongside colleagues from Cumbria Police, North West Ambulance Service and assistance from HM Coastguard and their helicopter, Maryport Rescue and voluntary organisation West Cumbria Search & Animal Rescue a thorough search was carried out. Following extensive enquiries by Cumbria Police they were able to identify the boys involved and speak with them, it is believed that one of them partially fell through the ice, however he did not fully enter the water.
Rick Ogden, Assistant Chief Fire Officer for Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service said: “On behalf of all the emergency services, I’m very pleased that the outcome from the incident yesterday was positive and no one was seriously injured or required rescuing. I do however want to take this opportunity to remind people of the dangers of walking out onto ice. With temperatures
set to remain very cold, struggling to get above freezing over the coming days, many ponds and other stretches of water are at risk of freezing. Whilst they may look solid from the surface and tempting to step on, they can be extremely dangerous and very unlikely to hold your weight.
“Parents, please speak to your children to warn them of the potential consequences if someone goes through into the frozen water. Please also keep pets on leads when near frozen water and don’t throw objects onto the ice for them to retrieve.
“If you see anyone in difficultly please call 999 immediately. Reassure them but don’t attempt to rescue them as you could become the next casualty.”
With the festive season upon us, the streets and surrounding areas of Leeds are set to come alive for the busiest time of the year.
Christmas is a season that Leeds celebrates like no other city, with spectacular shows, festive food, and drink, decked out historic houses, cosy tipis, ice-skating and so much more!
See the city sparkle Christmas is one of the most magical times of the year, and Leeds is a city that embraces illumination like no other. So, if you are after a little festive sparkle Leeds’ has got awe inspiring locations, with a little more to offer than just your standard tangled fairy lights.
Christmas illuminations can be found in Roundhay Park, Leeds’ historic houses including Temple Newsam and Lotherton Hall as well as all over the city centre, so why not pick a destination and really get into that festive spirit by enjoying the light displays!
Track down Santa and his elves Don’t tell the little ones, but Santa has more than a few scheduled stops on his calendar this year for Leeds. A visit with Santa is a great way to get the whole family into the Christmas spirit and the Visit Leeds guide includes all of Santa’s itinerary in Leeds over the festive period.
Top destinations for Santa this year include the Merrion Centre, who will be hosting their traditional grotto right on the doorstep of all the festive action in the city centre.
There’re also the historic surroundings of Lotherton Hall, where Mrs Claus can be found after a wander through the sparkling woodland walk. While Abbey House Museum will be saying hello to Father Christmas himself, so wherever you choose, you’re sure to come away with a smile, good cheer and maybe a wrapped gift or two for those kids on the nice list.
After bumping into Santa, it’s now time to explore Leeds and uncover all the festive activities underway. This year sees the return of the ever-popular Ice Cube an outdoor ice rink in the middle of Leeds city centre. After you’ve strapped on your skates and glided around the rink you can pop into the ski themed bar next door for a warming sip of something mulled.
If you’re envious of Santa’s reindeer-eye view of the city and want to experience flying over Leeds in all its festive glory, there are two spectacular rides to fit into your Christmas plans for 2022 offering spectacular views of Leeds – the Wheel of Light and the Starflyer on Millennium Square.
There’s also not one but at least two tipis offering warm fire pits, mulled wine, and plenty of hot chocolate across the city centre, why not go for an explore with friends and family- you can even sort your Christmas shopping at the same time!
Immerse yourself in the magic of music and performance
If there’s one time of year
when catching a show is an absolute must, it’s Christmas! It doesn’t matter whether you’re a fan of the ballet or you’re a panto fanatic, Leeds has shows aplenty that are all guaranteed to get you into the festive spirt.
The iconic Leeds Playhouse will be putting on a pair of heart-warming family favourites, with Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and Stickman both available to festive theatregoers of all ages. While City Varieties is hosting a rock ‘n’ roll pantothat is guaranteed to get your feet tapping.
More classic performances come courtesy of Northern Ballet’s rendition of The Nutcracker at The Grand, and with a sprinkle of magic, Cinderella will be taking to the stage at Leeds very own intimate venue, Carriageworks Theatre.
Leeds has a great reputation as a foodie capital of the north and that only becomes more apparent at Christmas. There are a wealth of restaurants all offering a wide variety of dining and drinking options right across the city, from festive feasts through to street food around a roaring fire.
Christmas markets at Leeds Corn Exchange and Leeds Kirkgate Market are particular highlights, where you can pick up a last-minute present alongside some delicious, sweet treats or a tasty midshop Christmas dinner.
Reckon you can fit all of that into just the one festive period? Probably not without some of Santa’s time saving magic, but it is definitely worth an attempt....
The legendary event has been absent from the Christmas scene for two years because of the Covid pandemic, with last year’s Welsh Government regulations scuppering it with just seven days’
notice.
But this year, the fundraising swim will be back in style as it celebrates its 50th anniversary.
It first took to the water in 1970 with just a handful of people as an out-of-sea-
son publicity stunt.
Over the years it has snowballed into one of Wales’ top festive attractions and is ranked in the top 10 of Britain’s barmiest seasonal swims.
The many thousands of
swimmers and spectators who have enjoyed the silly spectacle over the decades have helped to raise more than £300,000 for charities and good causes.
The most recent swim, in 2019, saw around 800 brave bathers stampede down Tenby’s North Beach into the chilly
water.
And this year the organisers, the Tenby Sea Swimming Association, are hoping for another mega turn-out to mark the golden anniversary.
The fancy dress theme will, of course, be Golden, with prizes on offer for the best costumes.
And after the traditional plunge at 11.30am, swimmers can warm up alongside a blazing bonfire with hot soup and admire their special commemorative medals.
The 50th anniversary Tenby Boxing Day Swim is raising money for the Tenby Memory Café, the Dai
Rees Foundation, Tenby RNLI and the Paul Sartori Foundation.
Swim chairman Chris Osborne said: “After a three year absence and such a near hit in 2021 –called off just one week away – we’re quietly confident that this year we’ll actually be able to run the 50th anniversary, golden swim.
“We expect record crowds and swimmers for this special celebration and hope our event sponsors and local beneficiary causes are suitably supported by individuals’ fundraising sponsors.”
Mead is recognised, widely, as an alcoholic beverage, produced utilising honey, to a great advantage. Meads can incorporate fruits, grains and also spices, plus other ingredients, in their production. An overtone of honey is predominant and Mead can be classed as a medium to sweet wine, in my opinion. The ABV can vary, from quite low to over 20%, in some instances. Mead is known to be an ancient production and has evolved, through centuries, to the very popular beverage it is today.
Award-winning Nidhoggr Company meads are brewed, produced and bottled in York. The city of York has a lot of interesting history, dating back many centuries. Numerous visitors, both from the UK and worldwide origins, find great enjoyment and interest in York. The City Walls and York Minster are amongst numerous places and venues to admire, appreciate and visit. Be it for a day, weekend or longer vacation, there is lots to do and explore, for the whole family. www.visityork.org
NIDHOGGR TRADITIONAL MEAD (17% vol) I found to be – as the name suggests – tradition-
al. The sweet flavour, for the mouth’s pleasures, continues through to the palate’s delight, with an excellent, smooth, extended sensation. NIDHOGGR GINGER MEAD (17% vol) has the ginger element showing through, perfectly. Sweet and warming.
NIDHOGGR ELDERFLOWER MEAD (17% vol) entices with fresh elderflowers, that will surely impress lovers of elderflower flavours, which are very well balanced, in this production. NIDHOGGR RASPBERRY & LEMON MEAD (17% vol) has lemon detected, as well as raspberry, which is a further, extremely popular mead variation, being perfectly blended with sweet honey. If a more citrusy production is required, then the NIDHOGGR LEMON & LIME MEAD (17% vol) will not disappoint. An abundance of citrus flavours, with honey, pleases the nose and then follows on to the mouthfeel, wonderfully.
I found the authentic Nidhoggr meads to have great appeal, with splendid flavours of ingredients, that produce exceptionally smooth beverages. Nid-
hoggr meads are made using ingredients which are sourced locally. Great to include in cocktails, too. The excellent website has all details, including information and dates for forthcoming events – all good for sampling! Tel: 0333 121 6323. E-mail: sales@nidhoggrmead.co.uk www.nidhoggrmead.co.uk
Show how much you care this Christmas with an offbeat gift that shows you know them better than anyone else Stuck for ideas when it comes to Christmas gifts this year?
After all, you can only buy socks, chocolate or aftershave so many times before they become a bit samey. Even a small twist on a generic gift can show a loved one you care, and that you’ve put thought into choosing something that screams unique.
However, there are so many present options out there it can be difficult to know where to begin – from wacky food and drink gifts to novelty clothing (that you know they'll never wear). But do not fear – we have written this guide to cut through the noise.
Whether you're looking for a present for a partner, friend or family member, our philosophy is the quirkier
the better. With that in mind, we’ve rounded up a selection of the best unique gifts to buy your loved ones for Christmas 2021.
Best unusual Christmas gifts
A 70s-style instant camera with modern Bluetooth connectivity is the best of both worlds.
The OneStep+ allows you to connect to the Polaroid app and access extra effects and features so, no, it’s not quite as analogue as the original –but it looks just as cool.
This game isn’t for the faint of heart. Though it’s described as a ‘card game’, that’s under-selling it. It’s a bonkers card game crossed with dodgeball in the form of squishy toy burritos. It’s stacks of fun, but beware: it could get messy.
For a gift that will outlast
Christmas, consider buying a friend or family member a new hobby.
For the creative minds in your life, this kit includes everything they need to get started with pottery – they'll be making plant pots, candle holders, coasters or minisculptures before you know it.
This stylish at-home set from London and Brighton’s leading karaoke bar would make the perfect gift for someone who likes to belt ballads like Beyoncé. That’s the Boxing Day entertainment sorted.
Part of a series of charity gift cards, this poverty-busting pig makes a donation to Oxfam in your loved one’s name, which enables the charity to set up farming co-operatives and provide training for farmers living in poverty. A thoughtful gift that gives back.
Personalised Marmite
Personalised gifts always go down a treat with tricky-tobuy-for friends and family. You really can find something for everyone, whether it’s personalised PG Tips tea or a monogrammed whiskey glass, but what’s not to love (or loathe, depending on which camp you’re in) about personalised marmite?
The School of Life (cofounded by philosopher Alain de Botton) creates a range of thoughtful gifts, from charming children’s books to an ‘emotional first aid kit’.
We love this pack of Conversation Menus, which consists of curious, thoughtprovoking questions that promise to connect you to others and make every dinner party a delight.
The Big Cheese Making Kit
If you count a ‘turophile’ (that’s a cheese enthusiast to you and I) among your
nearest and dearest, this is a gift worth knowing about.
The Big Cheese kit contains everything you need to create 10 different cheeses across 40 batches, including mozzarella, ricotta, mascarpone, halloumi, feta and paneer.
This pasta maker will allow you to take your tagliatelle to new heights.
It won’t break the bank, either, so it’s a great choice for budding chefs who are dipping their toe into pasta making for the first time.
Another personalised gift that will go down a treat, especially among loved ones who are into interior design. The print is backed with gorgeous Liberty floral fabric and finished with bespoke lettering. It’s completely personalisa-ble, comes framed and is made in England.
As couples plan for their big day for 2023 now is the time to get into shape. and start organizing for what will be the best day of their lives. For the bride, you can’t start earlier enough. You want to arrive at the alter looking vibrant with health and beauty, so what better excuse do you need to invest a little bit of time, money and energy in getting you there? Whether it is planning a few pampering trips to some spas or joining a gym, not only can you trim your figure, you’ll do wonders for your complexion and overall energy levels.
Shopping for the wedding dress is probably the part of the wedding plans you are looking forward to more than any other aspect. The majority of bridal
gowns bought in the UK are classed as ‘off the peg.’ You try on a sample of the gown in the shop; they take your measurements and order the most appropriate size for you which is then delivered to the shop for alterations to fit your exact shape and size.
Don’t panic, there may be a huge amount to do but here is a handy checklist with some of the main points to take into consideration in the build up to the big day!
12 months before… Choose a wedding date Decide on a budget Make a list of guests and decide on numbers
Book your Church/ Ceremony location. Book your reception
venue/caterers. Choose your Bridesmaids, Ushers and Best Man. Start looking for The Dress!. Choose and book your photographer 8 months before… Choose bridesmaids’ dresses Book entertainment Choose and order your wedding cake Make an appointment with your chosen florist 6 months before...
Give Notice of Marriage Purchase or hire menswear Select your wedding rings 4 months before... Send out your wedding invitations
Arrange fittings for the wedding dress and menswear 1 month before...
Arrange a final fitting of
your wedding dress your bridesmaids, ushers and best man. Enjoy your hen and stag parties!
2 weeks before... Confirm the date and time of the rehearsal to the
relevant people 1 week before...
Arrange to collect your wedding dress, bridesmaids dresses and the menswear Have all your beauty
treatments
Drink plenty of water and have some early nights Relax and enjoy this time –all your hard work is about to come to completion!
Modern motorists need new and better road safety solutions. The Be-Seen Screen is designed as a fast and highly effective warning signal for broken down vehicles on busy roads.
Placing the traditional warning triangle 45 metres along the carriageway represents a risk in itself. The BeSeen Screen is a bright and reflective alternative warning sign that can be in place in moments.
By pressing the powerful suction pads to the rear windscreen or boot you can clearly and securely display the distinctive chevrons and ‘broken down’ message. This can provide the vital extra seconds of awareness that prevent accidents.
The Be-Seen Screen is the brainchild of entrepreneur, Richard Edwards, and is
endorsed by a former Senior Policing Area Commander of Thames Valley Police, who knows that the dangers and deaths on our roads need to be radically reduced.
The product has taken three years to perfect and has been extensively tested on a range of vehicles, both indoors and outdoors, at the Millbrook Vehicle Proving Ground in Bedford.
The banner has the same reflectivity as emergency vehicles, day or night, to make other motorists aware of your stranded vehicle. It is suitable for use on cars, vans, caravans, and HGVs.
The Screen uses a micro-prismatic method to
achieve high reflective performance in all light conditions, tested at multiple angles. The lime-yellow and red chevron design is immediately recognisable as a warning.
Importantly, the product’s design means that motorists can have full confidence in its effectiveness at any time because it doesn’t use electronics that can degrade, and an energy source isn’t needed.
More than 100 children in Fleetwood will have a sweeter Christmas thanks to the kind-hearted GP practices in the town.
The Fleetwood Primary Care Network (PCN) – a partnership of the three GP practices in the town – has donated more than 100 advent calendars to the local food bank.
It comes after the Network donated almost 300 Easter eggs earlier this year.
Jordana Collinge, PCN care home coordinator and social prescriber, said she thought it was important to make sure children were able to enjoy a treat at this time of year.
She said: “We did this at Easter after I found out the food bank is only allowed to purchase necessities with its funding, which doesn’t allow for treats. But treats matter so much to children.
“So from then on I knew I wanted to do something at Christmas, especially with the cost of living crisis hitting hard, especially in towns like ours.
“An advent calendar might only be the tiniest drop in the ocean compared to the people needing actual food to get by, but the small things are so important to young children and it might just help shield them from some of the financial hardship at home.
“I have some money left over so will be buying stocking fillers and selection boxes so families using the food bank over Christmas will be able to pick up a little something to put under the tree on Christmas morning.
“We have a great network of generous staff
here in Fleetwood and with the same mindset of wanting to help the local community.”
The Fleetwood Primary Care Network is the partnership of Broadway Medical Centre, Fleetwood Surgery and The Mountview Practice, which brings the practices together to support local people in a collaborative way.
More than 100 children in Fleetwood will have a sweeter Christmas thanks to the kind-hearted GP practices in the town.
The Fleetwood Primary Care Network (PCN) – a partnership of the three GP practices in the town – has donated more than 100 advent calendars to the local food bank.
It comes after the Network donated almost 300 Easter eggs earlier this year.
Jordana Collinge, PCN care home coordinator and social prescriber, said she thought it was important to make sure children were able to enjoy a treat at this time of year.
She said: “We did this at Easter after I found out the food bank is only allowed to purchase necessities with its funding, which doesn’t allow for treats. But treats matter so much to children.
“So from then on I knew I wanted to do something at Christmas, especially with the cost of living crisis hitting hard, especially in towns like ours.
“An advent calendar might only be the tiniest drop in the ocean compared to the people needing actual food to get by, but the small things are so important to young children
and it might just help shield them from some of the financial hardship at home.
“I have some money left over so will be buying stocking fillers and selection boxes so families using the food bank over Christmas will be able to pick up a little something to put under the tree on Christmas morning.
“We have a great network of generous staff
here in Fleetwood and with the same mindset of wanting to help the local community.”
The Fleetwood Primary Care Network is the partnership of Broadway Medical Centre, Fleetwood Surgery and The Mountview Practice, which brings the practices together to support local people in a collaborative way.
Lancashire and South Cumbria NHS Foundation Trust (LSCFT) is calling on people from across the Preston and the Fylde postcode areas to offer their support to its Wellbeing Helpline and Texting Service, which urgently needs volunteers to ensure it can continue making a real difference people across Lancashire and South Cumbria.
The Trust’s Wellbeing Helpline and Texting Service is manned by a group of fully-trained volunteers who offer a listening, non-judgemental ear and confidential emotional support to callers, who are often in distress.
The helpline was established 26 years ago and aims to support those who are experiencing:
• Mental or emotional
distress
• Loneliness and isolation
• Lack of emotional support
• Worries and concerns about the current cost of living crisis
• Difficulties with their wellbeing or mental health.
• Being in a caring role
• Have no one else to talk too
• And any other situation that impacts on how you people are feeling
Rachel Moseley, Volunteer Admin Co-ordinator & Admin Team Leader at LSCFT, said that demand for the service is increasing but without the crucial work of volunteers, the Wellbeing Helpline and Texting Service could not run.
‘’With more people than ever accessing our service, we urgently need people to come forward and join our amazing team of volunteers.” she said.
“Last year the Wellbeing Helpline and Texting Service received calls from 26473 people from across the region. We can receive calls from people in great distress and, on occasion, people who are at risk of harm or suicide. Our volunteers play a vital role in helping them to get the support they need.
“We’re looking for people from all walks of lives, whether you are a student, business, or recently retired, as long as you are over 18 and can commit to at least one four-hour shift every two weeks then we would love to
hear from you.
“Volunteering is a great way to make a difference in your local community, learn new skills, meet new people, and most importantly make a difference to the lives of others. You don’t need to have any previous experience as full training and support will be provided.”
The service is currently open Monday to Friday, 7pm to 11pm, and Saturday and Sunday, 12pm to midnight and shift supervisors will be on hand to offer help and guidance.
Those interested in volunteering can contact 01253 447900 to request an application pack or visit https://link. edgepilot.com/s/6211c9de/ IDBXDmbvNUeHtDRa_ NWHxg?u=https://www.
lscft.nhs.uk/services/service-finder-z/wellbeing-helpline-and-texting-service
You can find out more about the Wellbeing Helpline and Texting Service on the Lancashire and South Cumbria NHS Trust website
here: https://link.edgepilot. com/s/6211c9de/IDBXDmbvNUeHtDRa_NWHxg?u=https://www.lscft.nhs. uk/services/service-finder-z/ wellbeing-helpline-and-texting-service
People struggling to manage their money this Christmas have been urged to reach out by health leaders in Lancashire and South Cumbria.
The festive period can be stressful for families at the best of times, but potentially even more so this year with the rising cost of living.
People often feel pressured to spend more money than they can afford on elaborate gifts and food during the festive period.
Neil Smith, the mental health multi-agency strategic lead for NHS Lancashire and South Cumbria Integrated Care Board, which plans and buys health services in the region, said: “The rising cost of living is hitting so many people hard right now. We don’t want people to find themselves in a difficult situation after Christmas if they’re spending money they just don’t have.
“Don’t be tempted to buy now and pay lat-
er. You don’t have to spend a fortune to have a Christmas to remember.
“We know being in debt can have a negative effect on people’s mental health and we want to make sure people are seeking help before they reach that point.”
Dealing with money issues can sometimes be off-putting, and many people can feel ashamed. But most money and debt issues can easily be sorted through the help of organisations such as Citizens Advice.
Emma Sylvester, debt services manager at Lancashire West Citizens Advice, said: “If you’re struggling with debt and being able to manage your money, we want to reassure you: you’re not alone and it’s nothing to be ashamed of. You just need to reach out for help.
“In my role as a debt services manager, I have never said to anyone ‘we can’t help you with that’, there’s always a way.”
Visit
The Lancashire Resilience Forum is urging residents to top up their protection against Covid-19 as they prepare to celebrate Christmas with friends and family.
It comes as NHS in the North West is celebrating a double milestone after delivering its two-millionth autumn dose of the Covid-19 vaccine – two years after the vaccination programme launched.
Doreen McKeown, an 81-year-old grandmother from Lancashire, became the first person in the region to get the Covid-19 vaccine outside of a trial when she got her first dose in December 2020.
Since then, more than 17 million vaccines have been given in total across the region, including more than 4.3 million in Lancashire.
The autumn campaign, which started just three months ago, is aimed at boosting the protection of those most vulnerable from becoming seriously unwell with Covid-19.
NHS vaccination services are continuing to offer first, second and autumn booster doses of the vaccine to anyone eligible in the run up to Christmas.
Anyone aged 50 and over, pregnant women, those with weakened immune systems, unpaid carers and frontline
health and social care workers are eligible for an autumn booster dose, as long as it has been three months since their last dose of the vaccine.
Jane Scattergood, senior responsible officer for Lancashire and South Cumbria Covid-19 Vaccination Programme, said: “It has been an incredible journey over the last two years and we couldn’t have done it without our dedicated vaccinators and volunteers.
"The first year of Covid was a dark time, but the vaccine offered us hope – and more than 4.3 million jabs later we brought the virus under control.
“We need to top up our protection, as immunity does wane, and take up the offer of the booster vaccine to protect our loved ones and ourselves.
"You can book your booster at: healthierlsc.co.uk/getmyjab.”
As we head into winter, flu presents further dangers. The flu vaccine is the best protection against getting seriously ill from flu and spreading it to other people.
Dr Sakthi Karunanithi, Director of Public Health for Lancashire County Council, said: "Getting your flu and Covid-19 vaccines are two of the most important things you can do to keep yourself and others around you safe
this winter.
"Covid-19 immunity fades with time so I would encourage everyone eligible to top up your protection with an extra dose of the vaccine ahead of winter.
"The Covid-19 and the flu vaccine can sometimes be given on the same day, but this isn't always possible, so I would encourage everybody to get each vaccination as soon as they can."
The anniversary of the Covid-19 vaccination programme comes as the Lancashire Resilience Forum (LRF), which coordinated the response to the pandemic in Lancashire, stood down its dedicated, multi-agency Covid-19 meetings.
Rose Rouse, chair of the LRF's Recovery Coordination Group and chief executive of Pendle Borough Council, said: "The Covid-19 pandemic has been hugely challenging for Lancashire, but one we have tackled head on.
"As we come to the second anniversary of the first vaccine being delivered, the time is right for us to refocus our efforts and look at the other issues facing our great county.
“I would like to thank all of our partners for helping us get to this point, and our residents who have pulled together through these diffi-
cult
You can book a vaccination appointment at:
healthierlsc.co.uk/getmyjab
times in the true spirit of Lancashire."
If you are looking to add value to your house, why not try out some home improvement upgrades?
Here are two home improvement upgrades that add value…
It can be super exciting to embark on home improvement projects, but it’s even better when the upgrades you opt for add
value to your home. It’s worth bearing in mind, however, that some improvements might be worthwhile to you personally, they may not increase the value of the house to others. In this article, we’ll
sum up our top five ways to add value to your home through improvements which you — and future buyers — will benefit
from. Here are the top home improvement upgrades that add value…
1. Add insulation
In addition to increasing the value of your home, installing energy-saving insulation will also reduce your energy bills as well as ensure you’re minimising your carbon footprint. If you opt to insulate your loft or basement, this is a job that you can easily do yourself with a little bit of time and patience, but if you’re insulating your walls then we recommend you hire a professional to do it right. Another method of insulation is double glazing — double glaze your windows to further lock in warmth and add value to your home.
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.
2.
Next on our list of home improvement upgrades that add value is to upgrade your heating system.
As previously agreed, the 2023 LV= Insurance County Championship format is unchanged from 2022. Across Division One and Division Two, each county will play 14 home and away fixtures with two teams relegated and two teams promoted.
Glen Chapple’s side will kick off the LV= Insurance County Championship with a home fixture against defending champions Surrey at Emirates Old Trafford on Thursday 6 April.
The opening seven rounds are played from Thursday-Sunday on successive weeks. Each county has a week off for rest and recovery during the first five rounds of the season.
The regional women’s domestic season then gets underway on Saturday 22 April, when Paul Shaw’s Thunder host South East Stars at Emirates Old Trafford in the Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy (List A).
The Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy fixture list has doubled in size, with the one group of eight regional teams now playing home
and away fixtures, meaning 14 group fixtures per team.
Following an opening block of six County Championship matches, Lancashire Lightning will begin their T20 campaign at Edgbaston on Saturday 20 May as part of the new Vitality Blast Off event which will see the 2023 edition of the competition launched with a televised doubleheader live on Sky Cricket.
Thunder will then kick off in the Charlotte Edwards Cup when they take on newly established Nottingham-based region, The Blaze, at Emirates Old Trafford on Thursday 25 May. The match forms the first of three doubleheaders during 2023, as Lancashire Lightning playing their opening home Vitality Blast fixture against Leicestershire Foxes on the same day.
The next doubleheader takes place just two days later - on Saturday 27 May - when Thunder host Sunrisers and Lancashire Lightning take on Notts Outlaws at Emirates Old Trafford.
The third and final doubleheader will take place at Blackpool CC on Wednesday 7 June as Thunder square off against rivals Northern Diamonds and Lancashire Lightning face Worcestershire Rapids.
Two County Championship matches will be played at outgrounds when the Red Rose will welcome Hampshire to Southport & Birkdale CC starting on Sunday 11 June before returning to Blackpool to play Essex, which starts on Monday 10 July.
The eagerly awaited Roses T20s will be played at Headingley on Thursday 1 June and at Emirates Old Trafford on Friday 30 June, with both matches to be broadcast live on Sky Cricket.
The Vitality Blast North Group concludes with a home match against Northants Steelbacks at Emirates Old Trafford on Sunday 2 July. Quarter-Finals will be held on 6-7 July, before Finals Day takes place at Edgbaston on Saturday 15 July.
Lancashire will begin the group stage of the One-Day Cup by hosting Essex Eagles
at Sedbergh School on Tuesday 1 August, before travelling to Scarborough to face Yorkshire two days later.
The final group match will see Lancashire travel to Welbeck to take on Notts Outlaws on Tuesday 22 August with the knockout stages set to begin with Quarter-Finals on Friday 25 August, Semi-Finals on Tuesday 29 August and the Final at Trent Bridge on Saturday 16 September.
Lancashire conclude the County Championship at the Spitfire Ground away to Kent, beginning on Tuesday 26 September.
Director of Cricket Performance Mark Chilton said: “Fixture release day is always an exciting occasion and after the players returned for pre-season training earlier this month, this now marks the next step on the road to the new season and we can begin to plan knowing exactly what lies ahead.
“Opening our County Championship campaign at Emirates Old Trafford against the defending champions is a mouth-watering prospect and a challenge which I know the lads are already looking forward to.
“Last season’s T20 doubleheaders when Lancashire Lightning played alongside Thunder were all thoroughly enjoyable occasions and we are really pleased to have another three in the schedule for 2023 –with two at Emirates Old Trafford followed by a trip to the Blackpool seaside in June.
“We are also looking forward to hosting more women’s matches at Emirates Old Trafford than ever before with Paul Shaw’s Thunder side set to play five matches here during the 2023 season.
“I must thank all three of our outgrounds which we will use next year across both men's and women's cricket – we look forward to taking the game to Blackpool, Southport and Sedbergh which always seem to serve up superb spectacles in front of passionate and knowledgeable cricket crowds.”
LV= Insurance County Championship fixtures
Thursday 6-9 April - Lancashire v Surrey –Emirates Old Trafford
Thursday 13-16 April – Essex v Lancashire
– The Cloud County Ground
Thursday 20-23 April – Somerset v Lancashire – The Cooper Associates County Ground
Thursday 4-7 May – Nottinghamshire v Lancashire – Trent Bridge
Thursday 11-14 May – Lancashire v Somer-
set – Emirates Old Trafford
Sunday 11-14 June – Lancashire v Hampshire – Southport & Birkdale CC
Sunday 25-28 June – Surrey v Lancashire –Kia Oval
Monday 10-13 July – Lancashire v Essex –Blackpool CC
Wednesday 19-22 July – Warwickshire v Lancashire – Edgbaston
Tuesday 25-28 July – Lancashire v Northamptonshire – Emirates Old Trafford
Sunday 3-6 September – Northamptonshire v Lancashire – The County Ground
Sunday 10-13 September – Lancashire v Middlesex – Emirates Old Trafford
Tuesday 19-22 September – Lancashire v Nottinghamshire – Emirates Old Trafford
Tuesday 26-29 September – Kent v Lancashire – The Spitfire Ground Vitality Blast fixtures
Saturday 20 May – Derbyshire Falcons v Lancashire Lightning – Edgbaston
Thursday 25 May – Lancashire Lightning v Leicestershire Foxes – Emirates Old Trafford
Saturday 27 May – Lancashire Lightning v Notts Outlaws – Emirates Old Trafford
Monday 29 May – Birmingham Bears v Lancashire Lightning – Edgbaston
Thursday 1 June – Yorkshire Vikings v Lancashire Lightning – Headingley
Friday 2 June – Durham v Lancashire Lightning – Seat Unique Riverside
Sunday 4 June – Notts Outlaws v Lancashire Lightning – Trent Bridge
Wednesday 7 June – Lancashire Lightning v Worcestershire Rapids – Blackpool CC
Friday 16 June – Northants Steelbacks v Lancashire Lightning – The County Ground
Sunday 18 June – Lancashire Lightning v Durham – Emirates Old Trafford
Tuesday 20 June – Worcestershire Rapids v Lancashire Lightning – New Road
Friday 23 June – Lancashire Lightning vs Derbyshire Falcons – Emirates Old Trafford
Friday 30 June – Lancashire Lightning v Yorkshire Vikings – Emirates Old Trafford
Sunday 2 July – Lancashire Lightning v Northants Steelbacks – Emirates Old Trafford
One-Day Cup fixtures
Tuesday 1 August – Lancashire v Essex
Eagles – Sedbergh School
Thursday 3 August – Yorkshire Vikings v Lancashire – Scarborough
Wednesday 9 August – Lancashire v Kent
Spitfires – Emirates Old Trafford
Friday 11 August – Lancashire v Leicestershire Foxes – Emirates Old Trafford
Tuesday 15 August – Lancashire v Hampshire – Emirates Old Trafford
Thursday 17 August – Surrey v Lancashire – Kia Oval
Sunday 20 August – Middlesex v Lancashire – TBC
Tuesday 22 August – Notts Outlaws v Lancashire – Welbeck CC
Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy fixtures
Saturday 22 April – Thunder v South East Stars – Emirates Old Trafford
Saturday 29 April – Western Storm v Thunder – Sophia Gardens
Monday 1 May – The Blaze v Thunder –Trent Bridge
Saturday 6 May – Thunder v Central Sparks – Emirates Old Trafford
Wednesday 10 May – Thunder v Sunrisers – Sale CC
Sunday 2 July – Central Sparks v Thunder –New Road
Friday 7 July – Thunder v Southern Vipers – Sedbergh School
Thursday 11 July – Northern Diamonds v Thunder – TBC
Saturday 15 July – Sunrisers v Thunder –
The County Ground, Northampton
Saturday 22 July – Thunder v The Blaze –Sedbergh School
Thursday 5 September – South East Stars v Thunder – Guildford
Sunday 10 September – Southern Vipers v Thunder – Arundel
Wednesday 13 September – Thunder v Northern Diamonds – Sale CC
Saturday 16 September – Thunder v Western Storm – Emirates Old Trafford
Charlotte Edwards Cup fixtures
Sunday 21 May – Western Storm v Thunder – Cooper Associates County Ground
Thursday 25 May – Thunder v The Blaze –
Emirates Old Trafford
Saturday 27 May – Thunder v Sunrisers –
Emirates Old Trafford
Monday 29 May – Central Sparks v Thunder – New Road
Wednesday 31 May – Southern Vipers v Thunder – Ageas Bowl
Sunday 4 June – Thunder v South East Stars – Blackpool CC
Wednesday 7 June – Thunder v Northern Diamonds - Blackpool CC
Local people who want to make a difference in their communities are invited to discuss their culture and sport ideas at a free workshop for Crowdfund Lancashire. Through the Lancashire Culture & Sport Fund, Crowdfund Lancashire will give communities a chance to create and support the projects that matter most to them.
The County Council has allocated £500,000 per year to Lancashire Culture & Sport Fund, with organisations able to get for up to £20,000 to boost projects towards their funding target.
Parish and Town Councils can apply for up to £5,000, while individuals and businesses could get £1,500 towards their live crowdfunding campaigns. With pledges starting at £2, there is also an opportunity for everyone across the county to get involved by supporting projects in their local area.
If you are interested in creating a project and being part of Crowdfund Lancashire, join us and Spacehive, the UK’s leading civic crowdfunding platform, at one of two free workshops.
Whether your project is big or small, these workshops will show participants how to run an amazing crowdfunding campaign to secure the funding to help make your idea happen.
The first workshop takes place this Wednesday, on 14 December. A second workshop will take place and Thursday 12 January.
Cllr Peter Buckley, cabinet member for cultural services at Lancashire County Council, said: "The Lancashire Culture & Sport Fund will enable local people to con-
tribute towards improving their communities, contributing as little as £2.
"But first we need to people to bring forward their innovative ideas and let us guide you through how to make an exciting crowdfunding campaign.
"Whether big or small, the more people that get involved in Crowdfund Lancashire, the greater impact we can make together."
To book a place on one of our upcoming workshops and find out more about Crowdfund Lancashire, visit https://www. spacehive.com/movement/lancashire/news