Lancashire Now 229

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Issue. 229 - October 2023 0115 6972679 | www.deviltreemedia.co.uk | sales@deviltreemedia.co.uk

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PRESTON PARKS TENNIS COURTS OFFICIALLY REOPENED FOLLOWING RENOVATION

See page 7 for full story......

Page 2.

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Two former healthcare professionals found guilty of unlawfully drugging patients Two former healthcare professionals who unlawfully drugged patients at a Blackpool hospital and bragged about it to others, have been convicted.

Catherine Hudson, 54, of Coriander Close, Blackpool and Charlotte Wilmot, 48, of Bowland Crescent, Blackpool were found guilty of multiple offences following a trial at Preston Crown Court.

Hudson, who worked on the stroke unit at Blackpool Victoria Hospital as a senior nurse, was found to have needlessly sedated patients between 2017 and 2018 with Wilmot, an assistant practitioner, encouraging her to do so. Both committed the acts for their own amusement, out of spite for the patients and to have an easy shift.

Hudson sedated patients, including Aileen Scott who is from Glasgow but was on holiday in Blackpool, with complete disregard to the consequence. Experts provided evidence during the trial, describing the risk of administrating non-prescribed sedatives to patients, particularly those who are elderly and vulnerable, as being potentially life threatening. Hudson and Wilmot knew the risks but simply did not care.

needed sedating ‘to high heaven’ with Hudson boasting to others about sedating another patient to ‘within an inch of her life’.

Hudson messaged her daughter to tell her that she would sedate one ‘nightmare’ patient as soon as she did her nightly drugs round laughing that he ‘sleeps like a baby’.

As enquiries continued into the ill-treatment of patients, the investigation found significant theft of medications and prescription-only drugs.

Hudson stole Omeprazole and Mebeverine, a medication for stomach cramps and she conspired with others to steal Zopiclone, a sedative medication. She conspired to steal other drugs with Wilmot.

Hudson and Wilmot admitted conspiring to steal, with Hudson admitting a further offence of perverting the course of justice.

Following a trial, Hudson was found guilty of three counts of ill treatment and one count of conspiracy to ill treat and Wilmot found guilty of conspiracy to ill treat and encouraging Hudson to sedate a patient.

Both will be sentenced at a later date.

Det Ch Insp Jill Johnston, of Lancashire Police, said: “Hudson and Wilmot ill treated the

Catherine Hudson Aileen Scott So lax were the restrictions of prescription only drugs on the stroke unit, staff would help themselves and self-medicate or steal drugs to supply to others. Drugs such as Zopiclone were stolen and used to drug patients.

Police launched an investigation in November 2018 after a student nurse raised concerns about the treatment of patients on the stroke unit. The whistle blower nurse had been working with Hudson when she saw her give non prescribed Zopiclone to a patient. When the nurse questioned Hudson, she was told not to worry about it as the patient was not for resuscitation and would not be ‘opened up’ if she died.

A number of staff members were arrested during the course of the investigation and their mobile devices seized. A review of their messages revealed a significant number of exchanges describing patients and their families in the most derogatory and cruellest terms. Laughing about harm that the patients had come to whilst on the unit and bragging about how they had drugged them.

In one message, Wilmot said a patient

very people who they were supposed to care for. This was a complete abuse of their position of trust – trust that the victims and their families had, expecting them to be looked after and made to feel safe. The reality was sadly quite the opposite.

“Hudson and Wilmot treated the patients without care or compassion, laughing when they came to harm and drugging them to keep them quiet so that they could have an easy shift.

“The risks associated with these callous acts were obvious – inappropriately sedating elderly stroke patients could lead to added health complications and even death. They were both fully aware of the risks, which makes their behaviour even harder to comprehend.

“Everyone should be safe in hospital, should receive the care they need and be treated with dignity and respect. Sadly, our enquiries uncovered the actions of a nurse who was prepared to commit systematic and calculated offending, all whilst portraying herself as a role model nurse. This could not be further

from the truth.

“This has been a detailed and thorough investigation that has impacted on many patients and their families. I would like to pass on my thanks to the victims and their families, for the way that they have supported this investi-

gation and conducted themselves throughout this trial, listening to some distressing and despicable evidence.

“I am pleased that justice has been served and that Hudson and Wilmot will never be allowed to work in the care profession again.”

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Page 3.

Jail sentences for trio who operated drugs supply line

A wannabe kingpin who exploited vulnerable people into selling heroin and crack cocaine has been jailed.

Police launched Operation Picasso to take down the Pablo Line, which was run by defendant Amir Shah (pictured centre) The evidence our officers gathered proved Shah conspired with codefendants Pavol Kantor (pictured right) and Shaun Dowd (pictured left) to supply Class A drugs between August 2021 and February 2022.

On September 2, 2021, we stopped a man and a woman in Colne who were found to be in possession of heroin and crack cocaine. When searching their home we found more drugs and a burner phone which showed they were being controlled by “Pablo”, aka Amir Shah. The drugs seized were valued at £910.

On November 4, 2021, two men were pursued by officers in a stolen car from Manchester, which they abandoned in Lancashire. While getting out of the car they were seen to discard mobile phones and a quantity of heroin and crack cocaine. The phones were examined and found to have ‘Pablo New’ and “The Real Pablo” in their contacts. Those phones were shown to have been in contact with a number attributed to Shah.

On November 18, 2021, Dowd was

stopped driving a Volkswagen Passat and found to be in possession of heroin and a mobile phone. While Dowd was being searched his phone was constantly ringing, with PK popping up on the screen. Evidence proved PK was Pavel Kantor – a drug dealer for the Pablo Line.

Shah was arrested at a property in Colne on December 9, 2021, with a mobile phone and iPad seized.

On February 17, 2022, a warrant was obtained for Kantor’s house in Colne. We found heroin, crack cocaine and a burner phone.

Enquiries revealed that three burner phones attributed to the Pablo Line had been in Shah’s possession throughout the length of the conspiracy.

Following consultation with the Crown Prosecution Service, the three defendants were charged with conspiring to supply crack cocaine and heroin – offences they subsequently pleaded guilty to.

At Preston Crown Court yesterday (October 10) they were sentenced to the following: Amir Shah, 26, of Blackburn Road, Great Harwood – six years custody.

Pavol Kantor, 22, Windsor Street, Colne – three years custody.

Shaun Dowd, 38, of Harper Street, Barnoldswick – two years and six months

custody.

DC Georgina Green, of the East Target Crime Team, said: “Shah exploited some of the most vulnerable members of society for his own pure greed. He behaved like a drugs king pin and thought he was above the law. The hard work and dedication of my colleagues has resulted in Shah’s drugs empire being shattered and a spell in custody for him and his codefendants.”

Operation Picasso comes under the banner of Operation Warrior, which is our response to tackling serious and organised crime in Lancashire and delivering on Police and Crime Commissioner Andrew Snowden's Fighting Crime Plan priority of disrupting and dismantling organised crime.

Mr Snowden said: “It's important that we send a clear message to criminals that police are coming to get you, and this is another great example of the work officers do, every single day, to disrupt and dismantle organised crime gangs and put them behind bars.

"It's what Op Warrior is all

about, taking the fight to criminals that blight our communities, delivering on my Fighting Crime Plan and seeing even more arrests, more asset seizures and more drugs off our streets. Results like this, which will directly make Lancashire safer, are what the public want to see and deliver on a top priority in my Fighting Crime Plan.

"I would encourage anyone to report suspicious activity, or any information that might help in bringing criminals to justice. We continue to go after more and make sure those involved in organised crime feel the full force of the law and have their day in court."

Page 4.

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Preston's £45m+ Animate leisure complex gets put on tenterhooks Preston's Animate leisure complex, one of six major projects planned under the Harris Quarter Towns Fund Investment Programme, is to pay homage to the City's history and culture of the Harris Quarter.

Maple Grove, the developers delivering the Preston City Council project, has commissioned a local artist to create a pattern for Animate's metal façade cladding, which wraps the top third of the new leisure complex, forming a key feature in its design.

Bonnie Craig, who has recently completed glass artwork for the University of Central Lancashire's student centre, was appointed to the project and took her inspiration from Animate's location, which is Tenterfield Street. Its name comes from the tenter fields, where outdoor frames held the woven fabric as part of the production process.

The stretched fabric was held in place by tenterhooks, and the shape of these hooks was employed throughout the cladding design.

Bonnie Craig commented on her final design. She said: "When asked to create designs that explored the area around the Animate site, I was intrigued by the interesting shape and name of Tenterfield Street, as well as the art-deco style design of Lancastria House on one corner of the street.

"I developed a simple shape based on the tenterhook and the street itself. The motif repeats over the metal panels in a grid pattern inspired by the windows, interior wall panels and stonework used in Lancastria House and aims to explore the idea of tension - created in both the tenter frames and the meaning of 'on tenterhooks' - and resolution/visual balance."

Preston was awarded £20.9m from the Government's national Towns Fund initiative in March 2021, and the Harris Quarter is a unique part of the city centre undergoing a £200m investment programme to transform its historic buildings, sites and public realm into a diverse culture,

leisure and employment offering.

Almost fully pre-let, Animate will provide an eight-screen cinema, 16lane bowling alley with gaming zone, five family restaurant units, a street food hub, public realm, a competitive socialising unit

and 164-space undercroft car park, with national leisure brands including Hollywood Bowl, ARC Cinemas, Zizzi, Cosmo, Las Iguanas and Loungers already signed up as tenants.

Councillor Matthew Brown, leader of Preston City Council, added: "I was delighted to hear Bonnie who previously worked with our university was commissioned to do this work which recognises our architectural and industrial past.

"A big part of what we want to achieve is to make Preston a unique and creative place for all to experience.

Our council delivering Animate on behalf of the City ensures we build local resilience and artists like Bonnie and locally based people and businesses participate in the process of development."

Chair of Preston's Towns Fund Strategic Board, John Chesworth concluded: "The Tenterhook design is a sympathetic and welcome acknowledgement of Preston's industrial heritage and the part Lancashire played in building an economy that was incredibly important to the country's prosperity.

"While it's important to recognise our heritage, we must now look to the future and build a Preston known as an attractive place to invest, visit, live and work in."

Further information

Towns Fund - Town Deals On 27 July 2019, the Prime Minister announced that the Towns Fund would support an initial 101 places across England to develop Town Deal proposals, to drive economic regeneration and deliver long-term economic and productivity growth.

See further details of the announcement.

Preston's City Investment Plan is a 15-year vision for Preston, setting out Preston's long-term objectives and strategy to transform the City, targeting resources and aligning public and private sector investments to respond to needs and capitalise on opportunities for positive change. For more information visit Invest Preston - Preston City Investment Plan.

Preston City Council actively applies and prioritises the principles of Community Wealth Building wherever applicable and appropriate. Community Wealth Building is an approach which aims to ensure the economic system builds wealth and prosperity for everyone.

Harris Quarter Towns Fund Investment Programme Projects included in Preston's £200 million Harris Quarter Towns Fund Investment Programme are: Animate - £45m multiuse entertainment and leisure complex anchored by a state-of-the-art cinema and bowling venue next to Preston Markets

Educate Preston -The creation of a new Careers and Employment, Information, Advice and Guidance Hub in the Harris Quarter.

Renewal of Harris Quarter Assets - Investment to support the redevelopment of publicly-owned buildings in the Harris Quarter to support new cultural and community uses, including Amounderness House.

Illuminate and Integrate A project to deliver improved pedestrian and cycleway infrastructure, street lighting and other public realm improvements within the Harris Quarter.

Preston Youth Zone - The development of Preston Youth Zone as a state-of-theart facility for young people in Preston aged eight to 19. #HarrisYourPlace - The refurbishment of the Grade I listed Harris Museum, Art Gallery & Library, enhancing and protecting the building for future generations.

Preston Pop Ups - £1m pop-up programme of events bringing together new temporary event space, artworks and improvements to public realm infrastructure, aimed at boosting visitor activity in the Harris Quarter.

For more information about the Harris Quarter Towns Fund Investment Programme and other key city centre projects visit Invest Preston - Preston City Centre investment and development projects, strategies and plans.

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Page 5.

Two Zero scaleup service delivers strong growth for female leaders in Lancashire A unique service designed to help female entrepreneurs with the specific challenges women face in preparing for rapid business growth has driven strong turnover growth among participating firms, while prompting many to target new markets and launch new products.

Women Scaling Up was launched last year

by Two Zero, Lancashire County Council’s scaleup support service, in response to a landmark report commissioned by Boost; Lancashire’s Business Growth Hub, about the barriers faced by women leading businesses in Lancashire.

The 12 women on the programme, which began in September 2022, received six months of support, including strategic planning, profiling, boardroom masterclasses on key aspects of scaleup, executive coaching and a resilience retreat.

An independent report on the success of the programme commissioned by Two Zero showed an average 63 per cent growth in turnover among businesses taking part.

The report also highlighted that half of the participants have introduced new products to market since joining the programme. In addition, four of the 12 businesses were entering new markets by the time the programme ended in early 2023.

One of those who has launched a new product since taking part in the programme is Suzi Wynne, managing director of Wynne Business, a retail sales consultancy that provides professional sales development and marketing support for SMEs looking to launch products into multiple retailers.

She recently launched Good Intent Gifts, a new venture designed to provide artisan gift packs for retailers, corporate and online customers. Good Intent Gifts enables smaller niche producers and local brands to collaborate within a gift pack to give customers something different from the usual alcohol and chocolate.

The website’s first gift product ‘Lancashire Gift Pack’, containing locally produced food and drink products, was unveiled shortly after Suzi completed the Women Scaling Up programme.

She said: “I set up Wynne Business to help SMEs launch their products into retailers. I have always provided a consultancy service, so my new venture is the first time I have dipped into selling products.

“I see it not only as providing an innovative gift, but also, for some of the brands included in the gift boxes, it provides a new route to market.

“Taking part in the Women Scaling Up programme provided real insight for me. Being among my female peers was instrumental in keeping me on track and believing in myself to stick with the idea.

They helped me sort out the ‘what ifs’ along the way and were very encouraging.”

Delivered by Role, a Lancashire business growth consultancy, Women Scaling Up included tailored coaching and peer group

sessions designed to build participants’ resilience and leadership skills.

Suzi added: “The Challenging Coaching module delivered by Katy Mason was particularly helpful. I work with SMEs and provide strategic sales planning and also sales coaching, so I found her guidance extremely valuable to improve how I structure sessions and brief the client before delivery.”

Suzi will be launching into new retailers over the coming months and has secured several new corporate clients for Christmas gifting.

Lisa Sourbutts, founder and managing director of CUBE HR, also participated in the Women Scaling Up programme. Cube HR provides businesses with specialist employment law and HR services and has grown its turnover by 27 per cent since Lisa participated in the programme.

Lisa said: “My greatest takeaway was the importance of accountability. I have now set up a board that includes an external advisor who attends our monthly board meetings.

“I have met some phenomenal businesswomen through the programme that I have called upon to sound out new ideas for the business. I’ve also joined several netwalks since the programme ended and we really enjoy the positive support we share.”

Amin Vepari, programme manager, Two Zero, said: “The Growing Women, Growing Lancashire report shone a light on the challenges faced by women in leadership roles and provided a set of recommendations to improve the business landscape for female business leaders in Lancashire.

“The Women Scaling Up programme was a direct response to this report.

“There is still a huge amount of work to be done both nationally and within Lancashire to ensure female business leaders have the same opportunities as their male counterparts.

However, the feedback and outcomes of the Women Scaling Up programme highlight

that as a county we are making progress in ensuring our business community supports everyone in achieving their ambitions.”

The Women Scaling Up programme is two thirds funded by Lancashire County

Council through Two Zero. Two Zero is a business support service for scaleup business leaders in Lancashire, its mission is to help Lancashire’s scaleup leaders learn, grow their business 20 per cent and create jobs.

Page 6.

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Two women arrested after a rise in courier fraud across East Lancashire

Two women have been arrested and investigations are now underway following eight reports of courier fraud in East Lancashire which have occurred this month alone.

You may remember that earlier this week we told you about several instances of this type of fraud in East Lancashire. Since then, we have sadly been made aware of further incidents, with victims having been defrauded of a total of almost £100,000 worth of cash or other items.

We are taking this extremely seriously and yesterday evening (Wednesday, October 12th) a 26-year-old woman from West Bromwich was stopped on the M6 and arrested on suspicion of fraud by false representation.

This arrest relates to three incidents where it was reported that someone posed as a police officer and told victims they need to withdraw cash from their accounts and hand it to a courier for safekeeping.

The woman remains in custody.

A second woman, 25, was arrested in Hull today (Thursday, October 12) on suspicion of fraud by false representation. She is currently in custody.

The incidents reported to us have happened across Darwen, Blackburn, Accrington and Oswaldtwistle.

All victims have reported being phoned up by someone claiming to be a police officer at Lancashire Constabulary. The caller has then given a false name and collar number, before asking them to assist with an investigation, or telling them that their card had been used fraudulently

and they need to withdraw a substantial amount of cash and have it changed into Euros.

In total £96,500 has been scammed out of vulnerable victims, in Sterling and Euros and high-value items. While a large amount of this was handed over to the scammers, thankfully some of the victims’ loved ones intervened and advised the victims not to hand anything over.

Across the various incidents several names of police officers were given, along with collar numbers: Detective Martin Rose (48522 and 522) DC Brian Gosling (5244) DC Hama Long (70315) DC John Matthews (5581) None of these names and collar numbers coupled together belong to anyone in our force.

There also may be other incidents, which haven’t been reported to us, where a different name or collar number, or no name and collar number, have been provided.

Our enquiries into all of the incidents – and whether they may be linked - are very much ongoing.

We are now asking people all across Lancashire to be vigilant when it comes to courier fraud, and want to share some advice on how to prevent it: Remember that the police, or your bank will NEVER ask you to assist with an investigation

over the phone, withdraw or transfer money or buy high value items.

Make sure you verify who you are talking to. Clear the line, and phone us on 101 from a different phone, or wait at least two minutes to contact us, or a trusted person.

If you have been a victim of fraud, contact your bank on their genuine number to secure your finances.

If you ever have any concerns, ring 101 or contact Action Fraud.

Temporary Det Ch Insp Mark Riley, of Lancashire Constabulary’s Economic Crime Unit said: “These callous and cruel scammers have preyed on some of the most vulnerable people in Lancashire.

“Our enquiries are very much ongoing, and we now have two people in custody.

“We are now appealing to you, the public, to spread the word about courier fraud and what it looks like. If you and others know how to protect yourselves from it, you make it far harder for these frauds to work.

“If you believe that you, or someone you know may have been a victim of courier fraud, or you have any information about these recent incidents, we now urge you to get in touch. You can call 101 or report it through Action Fraud UK - Action Fraud.”

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Page 7.

Preston parks tennis courts officially reopened following renovation Park tennis courts in Preston have officially reopened following a £243,000 renovation, managed by the LTA, and funded by the UK Government and LTA Tennis Foundation and Preston City Council.

Tennis courts in Moor Park, Haslam Park and Ashton Park, are those to have benefited from this investment. Moor Park hosted a ceremony attended by the Mayor of Preston, Cllr Yakub Patel; Cabinet member, Cllr Freddie Bailey; along with representatives from the LTA and delivery partner, We Do Tennis on Saturday 30 September. There was an opportunity for people from the local community to pick up a racket and get on court for a range of free tennis sessions.

Through the Parks Tennis Project, the LTA is delivering the biggest ever investment in parks tennis facilities across Britain, which has been used to transform eleven courts across the local area, providing a significant boost to sporting facilities.

The courts have undergone extensive work to ensure viability for years to come, including resurfacing and repainting works, new fencing and nets and the introduction of gate access technology. This nationwide programme of investment is seeing thousands of existing park tennis courts in poor or unplayable condition brought back to life for the benefit of communities across the country, providing vital opportunities for children and adults to get active.

As well as weekly free park tennis sessions, with equipment provided, the new courts will host Local Tennis Leagues, giving people the opportunity to get involved in friendly and social local competitions.

All courts will be available to book via the LTA website. New booking systems and gate access technology means it is now easier to get on court by booking in advance to guarantee availability.

The income from the small fees charged will ensure that the courts are maintained at their new high standard for years to come.

The LTA, Preston City Council and We Do Tennis CIC will work together to ensure free park tennis sessions are available on the courts providing regular opportunities for anyone to pick up a racket and play.

Councillor Freddie Bailey, Cabinet member for environment and community safety at Preston City Council, said: "We enjoyed a fantastic event on Saturday with families playing tennis on the refurbished courts, despite the rain!

"We have a great partnership with the LTA, sharing an ambition to encourage more people to take up tennis and to be more active, all in the beautiful surroundings of our Green Flag parks.

"Thanks to everyone involved in organising a successful event and to everyone who attended the tennis sessions; we hope it was

enjoyed by one and all."

Councillor Jennifer Mein, Cabinet member for health and wellbeing at Preston City Council, added: "I'm delighted around 250 people have already booked to play on our newly refurbished tennis courts in Preston.

"Park tennis courts are vital in providing opportunities for children and adults to play sports, delivering significant physical and mental health and wellbeing benefits to participants.

"Accessible facilities in parks are particularly critical to opening up the sport to those from lower socio-economic backgrounds and women and girls."

Julie Porter, Chief Operating Officer at the LTA, said: "After months of hard work, we're delighted to see park tennis courts across Preston City Council officially back open to the public, and in better shape than ever.

"Public tennis courts are such vital facilities for getting active and we want as many people as possible, of all ages and abilities, to pick up a racket and enjoy playing tennis.

Thanks to this investment the sport will be opened up to more players, for years to come."

Stuart Andrew MP, Sports Minister, added: "We are committed to levelling up access to sport which is so important for the nation's physical and mental health.

"The Government and the LTA are working together to deliver thousands of refurbished courts across Great Britain, supported by £30 million of investment including in Preston.

"These improved tennis facilities will pro- ties to get active and potentially become the vide the local community with fun opportuni- next Andy Murray or Emma Raducanu."

Page 8.

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Skelmersdale teenager jailed for crossbow attack A teenager who stabbed another boy in the eye with a crossbow, inflicting serious injuries, has been sentenced to seven years and nine months in custody.

James Moreton confronted his victim on a footbridge in Skelmersdale and after punching and kicking him in the face, then jabbed the crossbow into his left eye.

Initially, the victim – who was aged 18 – didn’t think he had been seriously injured.

However, he ended up in intensive care and had to be put in an induced coma for six days after contracting meningitis and suffering fractures to his skull and orbital bone.

Moreton, 18, formerly of Fairstead, Skelmersdale, was 17 at the time of the attack in January this year.

After being arrested and charged, he was remanded in custody. While on remand, Moreton tried to get his victim to drop the charges. The victim was contacted by an associate of Moreton, who made threats and offered money.

Moreton pleaded guilty to section 18 wounding with intent, possession of an offensive weapon and attempting to pervert the course of justice and threats to commit damage against an ex-partner for an unrelated offence again whilst also on remand.

At Preston Crown Court on Wednesday, Moreton was given a custodial sentence of seven years and nine months.

Judge Richard Archer deemed him a dangerous offender which attracted an extended sentence. He will have to serve two thirds of the sentence before being eligible for release.

Detective Sergent Lee Jamieson of Lancashire Police said: “The sentence given to Moreton should serve as a deterrent to criminals who use high levels of violence against innocent members of the public.

“Moreton not only went out and committed this violent offence, but while on remand facilitated a course of conduct to try and bribe the victim and threaten him with violence to drop the charges and to threaten to have someone’s house damaged.”

Two women arrested after a rise in courier fraud across East Lancashire Two women have been arrested and investigations are now underway following eight reports of courier fraud in East Lancashire which have occurred this month alone.

You may remember that earlier this week we told you about several instances of this type of fraud in East Lancashire. Since then, we have sadly been made aware of further incidents, with victims having been defrauded of a total of almost £100,000 worth of cash or other items.

We are taking this extremely seriously and yesterday evening (Wednesday, October 12th) a 26-year-old woman from West Bromwich was stopped on the M6 and arrested on suspicion of fraud by false representation.

This arrest relates to three incidents where it was reported that someone posed as a police officer and told victims they need to withdraw cash from their accounts and hand it to a courier for safekeeping.

The woman remains in custody.

A second woman, 25, was arrested in Hull today (Thursday, October 12) on suspicion of fraud by false representation. She is currently in custody.

The incidents reported to us have happened across Darwen, Blackburn, Accrington and Oswaldtwistle.

All victims have reported being phoned up by someone claiming to be a police officer at Lancashire Constabulary. The caller has then given a false name and collar number, before asking them to assist with an investigation, or telling them that their card had been used fraudulently and they need to withdraw a substantial amount of cash and have it changed into Euros.

In total £96,500 has been scammed out of vulnerable victims, in Sterling and Euros and high-value items. While a large amount of this was handed over to the scammers, thankfully some of the victims’ loved ones intervened and advised the victims not to hand anything over.

Across the various incidents several names of police officers were given, along with

collar numbers: Detective Martin Rose (48522 and 522) DC Brian Gosling (5244) DC Hama Long (70315) DC John Matthews (5581) None of these names and collar numbers coupled together belong to anyone in our force. There also may be other incidents, which haven’t been reported to us, where a different name or collar number, or no name and collar number, have been provided.

Our enquiries into all of the incidents – and whether they may be linked - are very much ongoing.

We are now asking people all across Lancashire to be vigilant when it comes to courier fraud, and want to share some advice on how to prevent it: Remember that the police, or your bank will NEVER ask you to assist with an investigation over the phone, withdraw or transfer money or buy high value items.

Make sure you verify who you are talking to. Clear the line, and phone us on 101 from a different phone, or wait at least two minutes to contact us, or a trusted person.

If you have been a victim of fraud, contact your bank on their genuine number to secure your finances.

If you ever have any concerns, ring 101 or contact Action Fraud.

Temporary Det Ch Insp Mark Riley, of Lancashire Constabulary’s Economic Crime Unit said: “These callous and cruel scammers have preyed on some of the most vulnerable people in Lancashire.

“Our enquiries are very much ongoing, and we now have two people in custody.

“We are now appealing to you, the public, to spread the word about courier fraud and what it looks like. If you and others know how to protect yourselves from it, you make it far harder for these frauds to work.

“If you believe that you, or someone you know may have been a victim of courier fraud, or you have any information about these recent incidents, we now urge you to get in touch. You can call 101 or report it through Action Fraud UK - Action Fraud.”

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Page 9.

Page 10.

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Explore Helmshore Mills and Queen Street Mill for free as part of British Textile Biennial 2023 Local residents and visitors to Lancashire can visit two of our heritage museums for free until Sunday 29 October 2023 as part of the British Textile Biennial 2023.

They can also enjoy extended opening with extra days and more time to explore, enjoy a coffee and take home a souvenir of your visit.

Lancashire County Council museums – Queen Street Mill and Helmshore Mills are supporting British Textile Biennial 2023 and hosting four art exhibitions within these unique settings.

Funded by Arts Council England and a range of partners the British Textile Biennial was first established in 2019. It throws a spotlight on the nation’s creativity, innovation, and expression in textiles against the backdrop of the impressive infrastructure of the cotton industry in Pennine Lancashire.

Queen Street Mill in Harle Syke in Burnley is a Grade 1 Listed weaving mill, built in 1894. An accredited museum with a nationally designated collection including insitu textile machinery with two Lancashire boilers, an operating steam engine and over 300 Lancashire looms.

Helmshore Mills in the village of Helmshore in Rossendale is a scheduled monument dated back to 1789. Also an accredited museum housing Lancashire's designated textile machinery collections.

This unique site consists of two historic working mills.

Higher Mill, a wool-fulling mill with waterwheel and Whitaker Mill, a cotton spinning mill with a working mule spinning machine.

The 2023 British Textile Biennial looks at the environmental and human costs of the textile industry at the service of fast fashion over the last

two centuries and explores possible alternatives.

In artist commissions, public conversations and international collaborations, BTB23 asks if the creation of cloth can be a regenerative act – regenerating nature and people.

In addition, Queen Street Mill is also hosting a free workshop on 15 October 2023 with the Cottonopolis Collective and day focused on historic weaving including a talk and workshop on 19 October.

County Councillor Peter

Buckley, cabinet member for Community and Cultural Services, said: "Queen Street Mill and Helmshore Mills are important local heritage assets and provide a glimpse into our industrial past.

"Our textile mills helped shape Lancashire as we see it

today and I would encourage all residents and visitors to take advantage of this offer and come and see them for yourself."

For more information visit: www.lancashire.gov.uk/ museums

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Page 11.

Voting for 'People's Choice Award' opens for Lancashire Choir of the Year 2023 People now have the chance to vote for their favourite choir as part of this year's Lancashire Choir of the Year.

A panel of experienced musicians whittled down the entries to come up with a final shortlist of six, with voting live from today (Monday, October 9).

The public are now being asked to vote in the popular 'People's Choice Award' category.

This year's six finalists are: • Blackburn People's Choir • The Capricorn Singers • Clitheroe Parish Church Amateur Operatic Dramatic Society - Show Choir • Nelson Civic Ladies' Choir • Valley Aloud Community Choir • Whitworth Community Choir They will all perform live at a special celebration event at Lancaster University's Great Hall on Wednesday 29 November, 2023.

Different category winners will be announced on the night, culminating with

crowning of the winner of Lancashire Choir of Year 2022.

County Councillor Peter Buckley, Lancashire County Council's cabinet member for community and cultural services, said: "Last year we

launched this competition as a way to celebrate the abundance of singing talent that we have in choirs across Lancashire.

"Once again, the high quality of every performance gave our experienced

judging panel a very tricky job in trying to whittle these stunning entries down to six, which was no mean feat!

These exceptional singers will now perform at the live celebration event at Lancaster University's Great Hall.

"I'd like to say a huge thank you to everyone who entered this year's competition.

Unfortunately, not every choir could make the final shortlist but there was a very high standard this year and if you were unsuccessful, I'd

strongly encourage you to reapply next time."

For more information about the competition and to cast your vote, go to https:// www.lancashire.gov.uk/ choir-of-the-year/

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Former councillor presented with Honorary Alderman status Former councillor Susie Charles has been officially presented with Honorary Alderman status at a meeting of the county council.

Susie Charles was honoured at full council yesterday where she picked up her official certificate, although the title was officially conferred in February alongside five other ex councillors.

The distinguished title can be given to any former county councillor who, in the opinion of the council, provided eminent services whilst serving the people of Lancashire.

Being made an Honorary Alderman is the highest recognition of excellent service that the county council can give its former councillors.

Susie Charles served between 2005 and 2021, during which time she was Cabinet Member for Children, Young People and Schools, before becoming the

council's 51st Chairman.

Susie was also a Lancaster City councillor from 1999 to 2019, serving as Mayor in 2014/15.

Susie was born in Malaya whilst her father was seconded from the 4th Queen's Own Hussars to fight in the Malayan Emergency, and the family lived in various places in Malaya and Singapore until her father was posted to England when she was eight.

She was educated in Dorset and worked in Barcelona and London, where she met her late husband, Richard.

Together they led a slightly nomadic existence, moving around England as Richard built up a successful business in the food industry.

Susie's Lancashire roots come from her mother (Mary, nee Sandeman, who originally came from the Lancaster village of Ellel) On receiving the award, and Susie, Richard and their Susie said: "It's a real honour three children (two boys and to receive such a prestigious a girl) moved there in 1997.

award.

"It was a privilege to serve the people of Lancashire

for so many years, and this award really rounds off what was a great part of my life

which I will always look back on fondly."

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New campaign encourages potential adopters to maintain adoptees' sense of identity To mark National Adoption Week, Adoption Lancashire and Blackpool is supporting You Can Adopt as they highlight the positive impact adoption has had on individuals’ lives, and the strides made to put children and their sense of identity at the heart of the adoption journey.

In celebration of how much adoption has changed through the decades, a powerful set of portraits captured by adoptee and royal, fashion and portrait photographer Philip Sinden has been released. The portraits show striking imagery of eight different people who were adopted between the 1960s-2010s to bring to life how adoption has shaped their lives and identity.

The portraits have been released alongside a short film captured during the photo shoot, which aims to challenge misconceptions about what adoption looks like today.

Historically, adoption was often seen as secretive and hidden, with little information and support provided to help adopted people to understand their history. However, it is now considered vital that adopted people have a good understanding of their history, to help form a positive sense of identity.

In Lancashire, there is still a huge need for more people to come forward to adopt, with a 23% decline in the proportion of children leaving care via adoption over the last five years across the county. The adoption process has changed significantly over the years; it is simpler and quicker, with more support than ever available now.

The campaign highlights individuals who grew up with an adopted family, including

Luke, who was adopted with his younger brother, while his three older siblings were adopted by another family.

His adoptive parents supported direct contact which allowed a strong sibling bond.

Luke had a life storybook and memory box which was helpful for him to learn about his background. This open line of communication allowed Luke to explore his past and feel proud of his journey into adoption.

Victoria Gent, Chair of Adoption Lancashire and Blackpool said: "It's really important for adopted people to grow up with a strong sense of identity and connection to

their history that shape who they are.

"It's also essential to highlight how much progress has been made in the past decades on the amount of support both adopters and adoptees get, it's simply not a line in the sand once a child has been adopted and we pride ourselves on the support that we offer at all stages of the adoption process.

"If you think you could provide a loving and safe home for a child or sibling group and maintain their sense of identity while they grow, please get in contact with our friendly team."

To view all of the imagery captured by

Philip Sinden and the accompanying video, visit the You Can Adopt Website: www.youcanadopt.co.uk Anybody in Lancashire with a loving home can adopt with the service, as the team welcomes people from all backgrounds. If you could offer a child a safe home, Adoption Lancashire and Blackpool would love to hear from you at the next adoption information evening on October 18 at County Hall from 6pm.

Find out more about adoption by booking a visit to one of the upcoming information evenings at adoptionlancashireblackpool.org.uk

Let's Get Brushing campaign aims to start as early as possible Families with young children are being urged to begin brushing their teeth with a fluoride toothpaste, twice a day, from as early as possible as part of a new campaign.

Lancashire County Council Public Health's new 'Let's Get Lancashire Brushing' campaign is focussing on under-twos living in Preston, Burnley, Pendle, Hyndburn and Morecambe.

Featuring its 'healthy heroes,' the campaign aims to share 'top tips' for helping families to look after their child's teeth.

These include: • It's never too early for parents to start brushing your child's teeth. They can even begin brushing their gums before their first tooth has appeared as it is a helpful way to care for a child's teeth and gums and continue this as they grow up • Brush toddlers' teeth twice a day, for two minutes each time with a fluoride toothpaste • From the age of 12 months, make the switch from a bottle to give drinks in an open or free-flow lidded cup

• Plain, non-sweetened milk (not flavoured or milkshakes) or plain, still water is safe to drink in-between meals • If children enjoy fruit juices and/or dried fruit, they should have them at mealtimes only as they have lots of natural sugars and are acidic, which are bad for teeth • At night-time, after your child has brushed their teeth, only let them have water to drink as milk has natural sugar in it too County Councillor Michael Green, cabinet member for Health and Wellbeing said: "Let's Get Lancashire Brushing is a vital campaign, as taking care of your children's teeth is essential for them to eat, drink, smile, talk, sing - and even shout, as well as protecting them from tooth decay!

"As part of the campaign, we are providing free toothcare packs. The packs have a toothbrush and toothpaste, along with a top tips leaflet - everything you need to start your child on their toothbrushing

journey. Ask at your local Family Hub if you would like one or with Lancashire Healthy

Young People and Families Service who provide them at their visits."

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Are you ready to journey to hell?

The notorious Journey to Hell returns this Halloween, with brand new scare zones and newly added, never-before-seen scare experiences throughout October.

Here’s what you can expect: Twisted Tunnels Unveiling the underground terrors of 1920s Blackpool Pleasure Beach.

Step into the eerie world of a new scare zone with a twist. Among the dark corners and hidden alcoves sinister figures lurk. A sudden glimpse of a knife, a chilling whisper in your ear, or an unexpected presence remind you of the constant presence of danger.

The Ghost Train Vault of Shadows The world’s first Ghost Train at Blackpool Pleasure Beach is steeped in history and legend and billed as one of the world’s most haunted rides.

Guests commonly report seeing ghostly apparitions such as a wailing bride or hearing footsteps from the floors above. Staff often refuse to go in the ride alone, commenting that they feel as if they are being watched or that figures within the ride have come alive.

Pasaje Del Terror Pasaje Del Terror is a unique, interactive Possessed – The Legend of the Cursed horror show, celebrating 25 years of taking River Caves willing victims beyond the limits of fear.

For decades the River Caves has been thrillNow, with more surprises than ever, guests ing guests. But there is a more macabre tale are dared to brave the UK’s longest running to tell… in the dead of night, when the lights scare attraction. are extinguished, the hypnotic patter of a The event will also give guests the opritualistic drumbeat begins to echo throughportunity to experience their favourite rides out the many caverns of the River Caves. Do with a difference, including Dark ICON and not be mesmerised by the hypnotic resonance CaroLoco Dodgems, as well as the option to of the drum. add Pasaje Del Terror to their Journey to Hell Experience.

Carnevil The realm where life and death dance in The spooktacular fun doesn’t stop there… macabre harmony. The Day of the Dead Carnevil Scare Zone is a thrilling fusion of Journey to Hell left you with chills down tradition and terror that honours the spirits of your spine? Unwind in Dante’s Inferno! the departed.

Unlike the depths of hell, our Horseshoe bar will be hosting a Halloween themed after Impossible Freak House party.

Eerie circus music and ominous sounds play Join us if you dare from 10pm on Friday in the background, setting the tone for what’s 27th October for an evening of devilish to come. drinks, complete with a DJ and live (or dead) Throughout the maze, you’ll encounter music. frightening, menacing clown faces and Entry is £10 on top of a Journey To Hell creepy circus performers that create a sinister ticket and includes 1 hellish alcoholic cockcarnival atmosphere. These elements contrib- tail drink! ute to a sense of foreboding.

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Unique Christmas Gift Ideas for Children and the 'Hard to Shop For' The holiday season is upon us, and it’s time to embrace the magic of Christmas. As we prepare to deck the halls and indulge in festive treats, the tradition of gift-giving is central to the celebrations.

Finding the perfect gift for children and those who seemingly have everything can be a challenge, but worry not! In the heart of the North West of England, we’ve curated a list of unique and thoughtful Christmas gift ideas to make your shopping experience a breeze.

Gifts for Children Personalized Storybooks What better way to spark a child’s imagination than by placing them at the center of their very own adventure?

Personalized storybooks, where your child becomes the hero of the tale, are a fantastic choice. Local bookshops, like Liverpool’s iconic “News From Nowhere,” offer these customized gems that will transport your little one to a magical world filled with

endless possibilities. It’s not just a gift; it’s a portal to a world of imagination.

Art and Craft Kits Encourage creativity in children with art and craft kits.

From pottery to painting, the North West boasts a plethora of art stores like Manchester’s Fred Aldous, where you can find a wide range of kits that cater to various age groups. These gifts provide an opportunity for kids to explore their artistic talents while having loads of fun.

It’s the perfect way to foster their creative spirit and keep them engaged during the winter holidays.

Tickets to Kid-Friendly Shows The North West is a hub for fantastic family entertainment. Consider gifting tickets to a festive pantomime, a thrilling circus performance, local theaters and the arts or a visit to the Blackpool during these challenging Tower Circus. Not only will times, which is a gift in itself. your child enjoy the show, but it will also be a cherished Gifts for the ‘Hard to memory for years to come.

Shop For’ Plus, you’ll be supporting Exquisite Hampers For those who seem to have everything, an extravagant hamper filled with locally-sourced delicacies is a charming and practical choice. Head to Cheshire’s Tatton Park Farm Shop or Kendal’s Plumgarths Farm Shop in Cumbria for artisanal cheeses, fine wines, and gourmet treats. These hampers make for delightful and thoughtful gifts. They’re a taste of the region’s culinary delights, a gift that indulges the senses.

Personalized Gifts Add a personal touch to your presents by opting for custom-made items. Manchester’s Northern Quarter is home to a multitude of boutique shops where you can find personalized jewelry, clothing, and accessories.

Whether it’s a monogrammed

leather wallet or a handcrafted necklace, a bespoke gift shows that you’ve put thought into your choice. It’s a gesture that reflects your understanding of their unique style and taste.

Spa and Wellness Vouchers The gift of relaxation is always appreciated. Treat your loved ones to a spa day or wellness retreat at one of the North West’s top establishments, such as the luxurious Titanic Spa in Huddersfield or the tranquil Moddershall Oaks in Staffordshire. It’s a perfect way to unwind and rejuvenate, even for those who have it all. You’re giving the gift of self-care and rejuvenation, a precious gift in today’s fast-paced world.

Charitable Donations Sometimes, the best gift is one that gives back. Make a donation to a charity or cause close to your recipient’s heart. In the North West, numerous charitable organizations are dedicated to helping those in need. By

it’s personalized storybooks for the little ones or bespoke gifts for the ‘hard to shop for,’ this region offers a diverse range of options to make this Christmas truly magical.

So, embrace the festive spirit, support local busiAs the holiday season nesses, and select gifts that approaches, shopping for will warm the hearts of your the perfect gifts need not loved ones during this special be a daunting task, even time of year. Remember, it’s when it comes to children not just about the gifts; it’s or those who appear to have everything. In the North West about the joy of giving and the spirit of togetherness of England, a treasure trove of unique and thoughtful that truly makes the holiday presents awaits. Whether season special. making a donation in their name, you’ll not only be giving a meaningful gift but also contributing to a worthy cause. It’s a gesture of kindness and generosity that can truly make a difference.

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Getting Ready for a Magical Christmas The air is getting crisper, the days are getting shorter, and the twinkling lights are starting to adorn the streets it can only mean one thing: Christmas is just around the corner! In the North West of England, the festive season is a time of joy, celebration, and warm traditions. As we prepare to usher in the most wonderful time of the year, let's explore how you can get ready for a magical Christmas experience in this charming part of the country.

Deck the Halls Choosing the Perfect Christmas Tree A quintessential part of Christmas preparations is selecting the perfect Christmas tree. In the North West, you'll find numerous tree farms offering a wide selection of fresh, locallygrown trees. Whether you prefer the fragrance of a traditional spruce or the low-maintenance charm of a potted fir, there's a tree for every taste. Gather

your loved ones and make a cherished memory out of picking and decorating the tree to kickstart the festivities.

Local Christmas Markets The North West is renowned for its delightful Christmas markets, and you wouldn't want to miss out. From the enchanting Manchester Christmas Markets to the artisanal stalls at Liverpool's St George's Hall, you'll discover unique gifts, scrumptious festive treats, and a warm, festive atmosphere. Be sure to visit the stalls for handcrafted gifts, local delicacies, and, of course, mulled wine to keep the chill at bay.

Festive Family Fun Pantomimes and Shows A trip to the theater during the Christmas season is a must-do in the North West.

Take the family to see a traditional pantomime with larger-than-life characters and interactive

fun. Liverpool's Empire Theatre and Manchester's Opera House are known for their spectacular Christmas performances. It's a fantastic way to engage with the arts and share the magic of storytelling with your loved ones.

savor a delectable Christmas feast. From succulent roast turkeys to mouthwatering puddings, you'll experience a gastronomic delight like no other.

Local Food and Drink Support local producers by incorporating regional Christmas Light Displays specialties into your festive The North West truly comes fare. Visit local markets to life with its dazzling light to purchase cheeses, displays. Enjoy a festive chutneys, and craft ales evening by visiting local light that are sure to elevate your shows, such as Blackpool Christmas dinner. From the Illuminations or Cheshire famed Lancashire Hotpot Oaks' Christmas light to a delicious Cheshire spectacle. These mesmerizing cheeseboard, there's a wide displays will leave you variety of local delights to in awe and infuse your savor. heart with the true spirit of Christmas.

Mince Pies and Mulled Wine Feasting and Festivities No North West Christmas is complete without a cup of Indulgent Christmas warm, spiced mulled wine Dinners and a plate of freshly baked Christmas is the season of mince pies. This beloved indulgence, and the North tradition will keep you cozy West boasts a plethora of and add that extra touch of fine dining options. Book a magic to your holiday season. table at one of the region's renowned restaurants and Getting ready for a magical

Christmas in the North West is a journey filled with joy, warmth, and cherished memories. Whether you're decorating your Christmas tree, exploring the enchanting markets, attending festive shows, or indulging in delectable local cuisine, there's no shortage of ways to embrace the holiday spirit.

As the North West comes alive with twinkling lights

and the scent of mulled wine fills the air, the season is a celebration of togetherness and a reminder of the magic of Christmas. So, prepare your heart, your home, and your loved ones, for a North West Christmas is truly something special.

Get ready to experience the enchantment and warmth of the holiday season in this delightful region.

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Matlock Bath in the Peak District

Matlock Bath was developed as one of England’s first Bath Illuminations are well worth a visit. The beautiful riverside park is illuminated and filled with stalls and fairground true tourist destinations. It occupies a beautiful position in a limestone gorge on the River Derwent, and boasts attractive riverside gardens and steep wooded hillsides.

Matlock Bath has been a popular tourist attraction since the late 17th Century, when the healing properties of its warm spa waters were first discovered. Access to the area was improved in the 18th Century, and by the 19th Century Matlock Bath was a place for society’s finest to visit.

The town is still a wonderful place to visit, with a long street of shops, cafes, amusement arcades and places of interest, including an aquarium and photographic museum. The riverside walks are great for peaceful, shady strolls, and there is a good children’s playground area to keep younger visitors amused.

Peak District Lead Mining Museum

Located within the Grand Pavilion, the eye-catching pink building at the top of the main street, the Peak District Lead Mining Museum tells the story of the mines and miners of this area. It houses thousands of items from the lead mining industry, as well as hundreds of rock and mineral specimens from around the world. See www.peakdistrictleadminingmuseum.co.uk for more details.

Crich Tramway Village

Matlock Bath Illuminations

Running throughout September and October, the Matlock

It is particularly suited to visitors aged 13 and under. The park is located high on a hill overlooking the town, which adds an extra element of thrill to the rides! Please see www. gulliversfun.co.uk/gullivers-kingdom-matlock-bath for more information.

rides, while brightly-lit and decorated rowing boats parade along the river. On Saturday nights throughout the event there are fabulous firework displays that light up the gorge.

Gulliver’s Kingdom

Matlock Bath is home to this large, family-friendly theme park, which is within walking distance of the town centre.

Located just a short drive outside Matlock Bath, the fabulous Crich Tramway Village is a fabulous place to spend a day, with plenty to keep the whole family happy. It is home to the National Tramway Museum, with more than 60 vintage trams for visitors to admire in airy exhibition halls, and it also features a beautifully recreated period village with a pub, café and olde-worlde shops.

A number of the trams run through the village and can be hailed at historic tram stops. Visitors pay one old penny (original coin included in the admission price) to take unlimited rides for more than a mile into the surrounding countryside, with stunning views of the surrounding Derwent Valley.

There is also a Woodland Walk with a sculpture trail that is perfect for keeping little people interested along the way, as well as a picnic area and a children’s playground. See www. tramway.co.uk for more information.

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PLANNING A DAY OUT?

Discover incredible lowest point, deep beneath the things to do in North mountain's of Snowdonia.

With all this, it’s no surprise Wales But where to begin? that North Wales has a Well, the north east growing reputation as being of Wales has plenty of the adventure capital of the history and is home UK. Underground, on ground to North Wale's only or above ground, be prepared World Heritage Site. for an unforgettable adventure The coastal regions like in North Wales.

Colwyn Bay and Conwy But it’s not all about flying have excellent beaches through the air. and family attractions. There are plenty of things to You’ll find adventure in the mountains of Snowdonia & stunning locations along the Llyn Peninsula.

Picture this. An abandoned quarry, once the world’s largest, turned into the world’s fastest zip zone.

Or how about the world’s first manmade surf lagoon delivering consistent two metre waves.

You can even scale to Britain’s

do in North Wales snd Betwsy-Coed for example that don't require a helmet or wetsuit.

The region has an incredibly rich and eventful history & heritage – which has to be explored.

Medieval castles dominate historic towns, historical structures can be seen across the region & you can even explore a 4,000 year-old mine!

For a compre hensive look at

the regions history, be sure to visit North Wales’ intriguing museums. For families, North Wales and Llandudno in particular has a great array of attractions. Adventure parks provide an array of things to do in North Wales including roller coasters,

slides and experiences. For a day of discovery, head to one of the regions zoos & aquariums – here, the kids can be introduced to animals from all over the world.

With so much going on, you might forget to take it all in so why not make your

stay a bit longer? Whether you are looking for seaside hotels, traditional bed and breakfasts, quirky glamping and campsites, family friendly holiday and carvan parks or just basic self catering accommodation, all needs and tastes are catered for in North

Wales!

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

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World of James Herriot - Explore & Discover It’s easy to see why the World of James Herriot visitor attraction attracts visitors from all over the world. There’s so much to see and do here… It’s not just for fans of the books!

The 1940s home and surgery Stepping through the famous red door of 23

nishings in the family rooms, frozen in time.

The dining room doubled as the practice office, where farmers’ bills were typed up at the desk; the sitting room displays original books and family photos; the basement converted to an air raid shelter during the Second World War; the breakfast room favoured for its relative warmth and the reproduction of a typical farmhouse kitchen.

The original dispensary containing all potions great and small As well as a family home, it was also a busy surgery with a dispensary crammed with fascinating ancient and bizarre remedies and the cramped and primitive consulting room that saw the treatment of many a poorly pet – only creatures small were dealt with by Alf in here!

did his part on several occasions, much to the amusement of the cast, crew and viewing public!

Herriot Memorabilia The World of James Herriot houses the largest collection of Herriot memorabilia in the world – from books, posters and letters to ornaments and collectables.

The Memorabilia Room is dedicated to displaying items that were instrumental in James Herriot’s writing career.

TV Studios Take a close-up look behind the scenes of a reproduced set from the BBC series All Creatures Great and Small and experience the fascinating world of the TV studio and what was involved in the making of the TV Interactive Gallery program.

There’s no telling children ‘don’t touch’ in this You can be the star of the show! Get in Kirkgate, Thirsk is to step inside the World front of the camera and imagine yourself as of James Herriot, the fully-restored site of his gallery! Designed to engage children, young and old, the pieces use fun and interaction to Christopher Timothy playing James Herrioriginal 1940s home and veterinary practice (known in his books as Skeldale House, Dar- educate visitors about farm animals and how ot, Robert Hardy as the eccentric Siegfried they interact with our lives.

Farnon, Peter Davison as Tristan Farnon, or rowby) set in the heart of stunning Herriot Full of fascinating facts, the gallery gives Carol Drinkwater and Lynda Bellingham who Country. visitors the opportunity to test their skills, both played James’ wife Helen Herriot. knowledge and reflexes whilst learning how The series was a hugely popular show and The dining room and practice office had two runs from 1978 to 1980 (based Explore this magical time-capsule, where the vets work with farmers to keep animals fit directly on Alf ’s books) and 1988 to 1990 world’s most famous vet and one of the most and well. Not just for children!

There is one installation that TV viewers (filmed with original scripts). The equipment popular writers of the twentieth century lived, particularly will recognise and that’s the ‘not on display shows just how far technology has worked and wrote his much-loved stories to be missed’ opportunity to place your hand moved on in TV and film, the huge cameras, based on his experiences as a young veterup a cow’s bottom! An essential skill that endless cables, the intense heat from the lightinary surgeon working among the farming every vet has to learn, All Creatures Great and ing rigs all making life pretty uncomfortable community of North Yorkshire. for the actors involved.

Small actor Christopher Timothy famously The home retains many of the original furThe Austin Seven Car from ‘It Shouldn’t Happen to a Vet’ The latest addition to the centre’s collection is the original 1938 Austin Seven car, Registration JK 7443.

It appeared in the film “It Shouldn’t Happen to a Vet” with actor John Alderton as James Herriot, when it famously broke down in a river in the Yorkshire Dales.

Veterinary Science Rooms There’s an incredible array too of veterinary paraphernalia from Herriot’s time as a young vet – in an era before advances in diagnostics, modern medicine and agricultural machinery. It is the largest collection in the world.

On display is a 4,000 piece archive showcas-

ing veterinary instruments from the past to the modern day. These items chart the history

and progress of the profession over the years.

Some of the instruments appear primitive but were all designed for a particular purpose, since refined and updated for the modern vet’s practice.

The display reveals the close link with veterinary surgeons and the armed forces, from the days of the mounted cavalry and horses pulling gun carriages and supply wagons in warfare. Even today, ceremonial horses and battle-trained guard and sniffer dogs are the responsibility of the Royal Army Veterinary Corp, formed in 1796.

Foldyard and The Farrier’s Workshop Much of Alf Wight’s work took place in farms all over North Yorkshire. To the rear of the house you will find the Foldyard and The Farrier exhibits, both with which Alf would have been very well-acquainted.

The Foldyard (described as an enclosure for sheep or cattle) houses a collection of primitive-looking hand tools in everyday use in farms before machinery appeared. In the hands of skilled workers, however, these tools were most effective. The Foldyard provides an authentic setting for visitors to watch an exclusive short film of Alf Wight, his family and friends and the cast of All Creatures Great and Small.

In the Farrier’s Workshop. the role of the farrier, which combines skills of both blacksmith and vet, is brought to life in this interesting exhibit. Before tractors and combine harvesters, farming relied on manual labour and what limited mechanisation existed was driven by horses. Farriers were an integral support to this system until the inevitable march of progress.

World of James Herriot Ltd, 23 Kirkgate, Thirsk, North Yorkshire,YO7 1PL Tel: 01845 524234

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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.

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 The path is largely grass slopes, a little steep knolls! It is reasonably distinct complete with knolls to skirt, and accurate map and in places otherwise there are no difficulties. a small cairn on a rocky platform. compass work would be required. Bear left at the first cairn which is adorned 5. Continue past the cairn, and drop down to The start point is Grasmere village with bits of old metal fence post, to the summit the col with Helm Crag. Continue ahead and climb the zigzag path. At the top bear left to where there are a number of pay cairn of Steel Fell just 70m (77 yards) on. and display car parks dotted 3. Continue over the summit and descend the Howitzer. The true summit is the top of the alongside the fence to your right. When rock, a good climb up. 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 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

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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Exploring the Enchanting Beauty of Cumbria: A Journey Through England's Untouched Gem Nestled in the heart of the North West of England lies a mesmerizing county that captures the essence of natural beauty and tranquility like no other. Cumbria, a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, history buffs, and culture seekers, offers an irresistible invitation to embark on a captivating journey through its stunning landscapes and charming towns. From the majestic peaks of the Lake District to the historic sites steeped in legend, Cumbria promises an unforgettable experience that will leave you yearning for more.

The Breathtaking Landscapes of the Lake District Cumbria's crown jewel, the Lake District, is an unrivaled paradise for nature lovers. With its awe-inspiring mountains, serene lakes, and picturesque valleys, it has long inspired poets, artists, and adventurers alike. Be prepared to lose yourself in the sublime beauty of destinations such as Windermere, Ullswater, and Derwentwater, where sparkling waters mirror the surrounding majestic fells.

Embark on a hiking expedition to conquer the mighty Scafell Pike, England's highest peak, or wander through enchanting woodland trails that lead to hidden gems like Aira Force and Tarn Hows.

Delving into Rich History and Heritage Beyond its natural wonders, Cumbria boasts

a rich tapestry of history and heritage that begs to be explored. Immerse yourself in the mysteries of medieval castles like Carlisle Castle and Brougham Castle, where tales of battles and sieges come alive. Visit the ancient stone circles of Long Meg and her Daughters or explore the mystical ruins of Furness Abbey. For literary enthusiasts, a pilgrimage to Dove Cottage, the former home of William Wordsworth, provides a glimpse into the mind of one of England's greatest poets.

Quaint Towns and Picturesque Villages Cumbria is dotted with charming towns and villages, each with its own unique character and story. Ambleside, with its quaint streets and delightful tea rooms, serves as a gateway to the Lake District's wonders. The coastal town of Whitehaven invites visitors to uncover its maritime heritage and admire its Georgian architecture. Keswick, nestled beside the shimmering Derwentwater, offers a vibrant blend of culture, outdoor pursuits, and a bustling market scene. Don't miss the opportunity to explore Cartmel, a small village famed for its priory and mouthwatering sticky toffee pudding.

Outdoor Adventures for Every Season Cumbria's natural playground presents endless opportunities for outdoor adventures

throughout the year. In spring and summer, go kayaking or paddleboarding across the region's stunning lakes. Autumn unveils a captivating tapestry of colors, perfect for leisurely walks and cycling amidst the falling leaves. Winter brings a magical transformation, as the fells are adorned with a dusting of snow, providing the ideal setting for thrilling snowboarding, skiing, and even ice climbing.

Cumbria's diverse terrain caters to all skill levels, ensuring that adventure awaits around every corner.

Cumbria, with its mesmerizing landscapes, rich history, and vibrant towns, beckons travelers from near and far to immerse themselves in its boundless beauty. Whether you seek solace in the serenity of nature, indulge in the county's captivating heritage, or simply unwind amidst charming villages, Cumbria promises an unforgettable experience for every visitor. So, embrace the call of the wild and embark on a journey through Cumbria's unt

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Planning For Your Wedding Day 2023

As couples plan for are looking forward to your reception venue/ their big day for 2023 more than any other aspect. caterers. Choose your now is the time to get The majority of bridal Bridesmaids, Ushers and into shape. and start gowns bought in the UK Best Man. Start looking organizing for what are classed as ‘off the peg.’ for The Dress!. Choose and will be the best day You try on a sample of the book your photographer of their lives. For the gown in the shop; they take 8 months before… bridesmaids’ bride, you can’t start your measurements and Choose order the most appropriate dresses 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

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

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

CHURCH VERSUS REGISTRY OFFICE Many women dream about their wedding day from childhood. Not only is it one of the biggest days of a person’s life, it is also likely to be the most romantic. Given the momentous nature of the allimportant wedding, it should therefore come as no surprise that a lot of thought goes into the planning involved.

And one of the most significant aspects of that is the wedding venue.

While most people associate a wedding with a church and minister, tying the knot in registry offices has become increasingly popular over the years.

Ultimately, however, the decision between church and registry office depends on the individuals in question.

A bride and groom-to-be could think about whether they want a traditional wedding versus modern.

There is nothing more traditional than donning a lavish white wedding dress and walking down a long aisle flanked by scores of family and friends to the tune of Here Comes the Bride. The tradition of having the father

of the bride accompany his daughter and give her away at the altar is one that many dads dream about.

Having bridesmaids at the side of the wife-to-be is another comforting aspect of traditional weddings that is so engrained in our cultural identity. But such strict adherence to tradition is not everyone’s cup of tea — particularly those who are in no way religious.

Ultimately, marriage is a legal contract and what better way to seal that than by having a more official and straightforward ceremony in a registry office?

As opposed to having passages from the bible recited and old religious hymns sung by guests, registry office weddings can incorporate a more modern set up consisting of clear and concise vows - that are not necessarily devoid of romance — along with songs that again, are not strictly religious. At the bones of the comparison between church and registry office is just how lavish you want your wedding to be. For example, at a church there will be room

for more guests, in which case a big and extravagant ceremony is a possibility, but in an official office, only a handful of people can be present. Brides feel more comfortable wearing a fabulous traditional wedding gown in a church, but in a registry office, a smart dress and jacket seems more apt. A church wedding undoubtedly provides men and women — regardless of their religion - with the ultimate fairytale setting that is often considered more romantic and magical.

But, on the plus side of the registry office, it can be an awful lot cheaper. There is also less wedding planning and stress involved, meaning that the bride and groom can focus solely on each other and the reasons why they are tying the knot, instead of being distracted by the drama surrounding the spectacle that is their big day.

There is a lot to be said for couples who do not need to profess their love to the world by spending thousands of pounds on an over-the-top ceremony. Clearly all they need is each other.

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 CHOOSE YOUR BRIDAL SQUAD Choosing who will be standing by your side on your wedding day will need to be taken with some careful thought and discussion with your partner.

Your close family and friends will probably be hoping or assuming they will be asked, so choosing who to ask can be a bit of a nightmare, and you may be worried about upsetting someone.

The key is to prioritise what is important, you can hopefully create a squad that will please everyone.

The best way to start is to write down a wish list of who you would like to ask to be matron of honour, bridesmaids, best

man, groomsmen, or ushers, think of who would be most suitable to take on the role at your wedding. It may help knowing what responsibilities and duties traditionally expected of the wedding party.

Maid of Honour The role of maid of honour is usually given to the bride’s sister or best friend. Choose your maid of honour carefully, as the role comes with a lot of responsibility.

It is the maid’s duty to help with any pre wedding arrangements including helping the bride with some of the planning and preparations, accompany her when she shops for her wedding dress and to arrange the hen night. On the day itself, the maid of honour will support you and the bridesmaids

and ensure everything runs smoothly and give you emotional support.

Bridesmaids You can have two bridesmaids or several, it’s up to you.

Traditionally your sisters and closest friends are chosen to be bridesmaids.

A bridesmaid’s duties will include attending wedding dress fittings, rehearsals, looking after the flower girls, and walking down the aisle with you as part of the procession and standing with you at the alter until being seated for the ceremony.

Best Man A groom will usually ask his brother or best friend to be his best man at his wedding.

The best man will have a lot of responsibility, so you really need to think of who will be the best for the job.

The best man will have the task of organising the stag do, help the groom get ready, keep the rings safe, great guests, stand with the groom

at the altar and make a speech at the reception.

Groomsmen and Ushers At a wedding the groom will have groomsmen who will be by his side just like the bridesmaids are for the bride.

You may also wish to have ushers at your wedding.

The general rule is that you need one usher for every 50 guests. The role of an usher is

to escort guests to their seats and should traditionally escort ladies on their arm. The ushers will also pass out Order of Service books, hymnals and carry out other duties at the ceremony.

Flower Girls and Page Boys Flower girls and page boys are usually aged between four and eight years old. The role of the flower girls is to look

pretty and walk down the aisle before the bride and her father. Flower girls sometimes carry baskets, and scatter rose petals along the way.

The page boy will walk down the aisle carrying the wedding rings or will enter before the bride with the flower girls, holding hands with one of the flower girls to up the cute factor.

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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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Don’t bottle things up – get help for your mental health Health leaders are encouraging people with common mental health problems, such as anxiety and depression, to get help from NHS Talking Therapies as part of its latest mental health campaign.

Talking Therapies, formerly known as IAPT (Improving Access to Psychological Therapies), can offer free and confidential support including guided self-help, cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), counselling and group wellbeing workshops.

Last year more than 30,000 people in the region benefited from this type of help – and they didn’t need to see a GP for a referral.

Fleur Carney, director for mental health at Lancashire and South Cumbria Integrated Care Board (ICB), said: “People with common mental health problems, such as anxiety and depression, can self-refer into NHS Talking Therapies. Following a referral, teams will provide screening assessments and psychological interventions by fully-trained and accredited NHS practitioners.”

Dr Jim Hacking, a GP at the Park View Surgery in Milnthorpe and the ICB’s clinical

and care professional lead for mental health, said: “Talking Therapies can be hugely beneficial for people not only with anxiety and depression, but those who may be feeling stressed and struggling to control their worry, or people experiencing feelings of panic or who obsess about certain thoughts.

“In Lancashire and South Cumbria, Talking Therapies can include group sessions, stresscontrol courses, and one-to-one therapy to help people understand what they are going through and build their confidence. We would urge anyone who may be struggling with their mental health to reach out – help is available.”

NHS Talking Therapies became the new name for IAPT (Improving Access to Psychological Therapies) earlier this year, following an extensive engagement process

by NHS England.

Because of this, the names of the services people may have recognised in Lancashire and South Cumbria have changed: • Mindsmatter and First Step is now known

as NHS Lancashire and South Cumbria Talking Therapies • The service offered

by Lancashire Women is now known as NHS East Lancashire Talking Therapies • Blackpool Healthier Minds is now known as NHS Blackpool Talking Therapies For more information or to self-refer to NHS Talking Therapies you can visit the ICB website at: www. lancashireandsouthcumbria. icb.nhs.uk/TalkingTherapies If you or someone you know is having a mental health crisis and need help straight away, you should call the mental health crisis line on 0800

953 0110, or dial 999 if you have harmed yourself.

Happy couple tie the knot on Ward 20 at Royal Preston Hospital Wedding bells rang out on the Enhanced High Care Unit (EHCU) at Royal Preston Hospital last Thursday (October 5), after a patient was tested for suspected cancer following a fall at home.

The happy couple, Paul and Deirdre Holt, who have known each other for 36 years and been together for five, decided to tie the knot in hospital when Paul’s condition deteriorated after being admitted onto the ward.

Paul, who is 66 and lives in Warton, had complained of a bad back before suffering a fall and has since been tested for suspected cancer along with further issues affecting his kidneys, lungs and heart.

After getting permission from Trust Lead Chaplain, Reverand Martin McDonald, the couple quickly got the paperwork signed, and staff on the ward decorated the family room to make the occasion as special as possible for the couple.

Photo of married coupleFollowing the nuptials, Deirdre, 61, said: “It wasn’t looking good. The chaplain came to see Paul and said we could get married, which we had planned – although not like this!

“At first I just thought Paul was confused, but the Chaplain spoke to me and said he could plan it, but I’d have to get a letter from the doctor and go to the Registry Office to get paperwork signed.”

She added: “My friend Jan drove me as I was emotional, and we went to the Registry Office and got everything sorted. Jan also made my bouquet up in the car while she waited for me.”

When Deirdre returned, staff on the ward had prepared the family room, with a table, candle, some heart decorations, hot drinks

and snacks.

Paul, whose condition has since improved, was able to move wards on Tuesday, and added: “The staff were fabulous, I couldn’t even put the ring on the right finger and look at me now!”

Roughly 40 weddings a year take place in the UK’s hospitals, and Amanda Jolly, EHCU Unit Manager, said: “I’ve worked here for 20 years and not seen a wedding on the ward, so it was nice for the staff to be part of someone’s special day, putting some decorations up in the family room. It lifted everyone’s spirits, it was nice to have a celebration on the ward, a joyous occasion.”

Lead Chaplain, Reverend Martin McDonald, added: “It was a real privilege to be able to marry Paul and Deirdre on the Enhanced High Care Ward.

“The ward staff really pulled out all the stops to make it a very special occasion, going above and beyond, showing care and compassion to both Paul and Deirdre.

“Hospital weddings, whilst rare, are always a joy and we wish Paul and Deirdre every blessing.”

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Double national recognition shows Cancer Patients and “Not Cancer” patients all get excellent care at LTH Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, the Cancer Centre for Lancashire and South Cumbria, is proud to have achieved their best ever scores for patient experience, as well as winning at the prestigious HSJ patient safety award for elective recovery – highly commended for patients who are referred on a cancer pathway.

The Rosemere Cancer Centre has always offered excellent patient care for those who are diagnosed and being treated for cancer, and this year the Trust has excelled itself, achieving the most positive results they have ever had in this national survey, published in July. The overall Patient Experience score was a commendable 9/10, and with no scores below the national average, they are leading the way across the four local Trusts.

Anne Tomlinson, Lead Nurse Cancer & End of Life Care said: "I am delighted with the results of the recent National Cancer Patient Experience Survey - it is a testament to the care provided by our staff at the cancer centre here at Lancashire Teaching Hospitals.

“I am particularly proud that we have scored highly with

regards to involving patients' relatives in their care and that the whole healthcare teams work well together. We will continue to work on improving experience and care for our cancer patients."

In addition, Lancashire Teaching Hospitals is also pioneering a dramatically different approach to cancer diagnostics, with their ‘Tell People Quickly That They Don’t have Cancer’ initiative recognised at the HSJ patient safety awards in September.

All patients on a cancer pathway feel at “day zero”, the day of referral, until they receive their results. The HSJ award recognises that the safest way to manage patients is to put them at the centre of their care.

The colorectal team at LTH has recently embedded a new compassionate, patient-centred cancer diagnostic pathway, led by a team of expert nurses, Advanced Care Practitioners (ACPs), who put patients at the centre of decision making from their very first contact in a virtual clinic. This transformation and culture change programme has resulted in the Trust making the largest improvement nationally in 62-day performance targets.

97% of people referred on this colorectal pathway do not have cancer, but their symptoms are worrying. This award-winning pathway not only tells people quickly that they do not have cancer, but also confirms, gives advice and treats other conditions, avoiding the need for a GP to refer back into secondary care. This revolution joins up processes within secondary care and out to primary care, and improves the long waits experienced for those patients who are referred for cancer yet need to be treated for other conditions.

Forensic attention to the detail of patients’ needs, potential frailties and the context of their referral, plus hearing and acting upon their wishes, drives dramatic performance results.

A photo of the award certifaceWithin only 8 weeks the Trust improved from the worst position nationally, halved the size of the patient tracker list (PTL) and reduced the number waiting over 62 days by over 900 people.

Clinical staff are empowered to work in partnership with operational teams to ensure the changes are delivered at pace and are sustainable. This Day Zero approach and methodol-

ogy, incorporating redesigned diagnostic pathways, delivers improvements in faster and earlier diagnosis (stage 1 and 2), obvious improvement in the quality, experience, and outcomes for patients, all with the potential to make significant financial savings through putting patients right at the centre of their care.

The four provider collaborative Trusts are in the process of making this style of cancer diagnostic pathway accessible to all patients across Lancashire and South Cumbria.

Meanwhile, the Rosemere Cancer Education Hub’s biggest event of the year – their third annual cancer conference – was a great success when it was held in late September, with over 300 professionals attending either in person or via a live stream.

Each year, the conference has grown in popularity, with this year’s event in the Woodland Suite at Ribby Hall hosted by Blackpool Teaching Hospitals, with talks from their Trust’s Jessica Jones, Lead Cancer Nurse and Ian Arthur, Lead Cancer Clinician.

The event far exceeded expectations, selling out within ten days of advertising, as over

160 people attended in person, with an additional 175 tuning in to a live stream.

The entire cancer workforce from the region, from all four local Trusts – LTH, Blackpool Teaching Hospitals, East Lancashire NHS Trust and University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay – and primary care are able to access this education event, which, in turn, benefits patients, with all staff across Lancashire and South Cumbria sharing and accessing the same education and updates.

Patient speakers were included on the agenda, as one skin cancer patient and one lung cancer patient told their stories of their diagnosis, while

a number of speakers discussed access to tests and innovations, various pilots and projects, and new developments.

Lyndsay Wiggans, Cancer Education Manager, Lancashire Teaching Hospitals, said: “The annual cancer conference is the biggest event in our calendar, and we are delighted to be able to support this event every year.

It is a fantastic opportunity for the Cancer Workforce across our region to come together and share all of the great things that have been happening across the four hospitals. Staff are able to network with colleagues, share learning and most importantly hear from our patient speakers about their cancer journey.”

Trust appoints new Chief Executive Lancashire Teaching Hospitals is delighted to confirm the appointment of Silas Nicholls as its next substantive Chief Executive.

The appointment comes after a thorough recruitment process involving multiple stakeholders from across the Trust and the wider health and care system at both local and regional level.

Silas will succeed Kevin McGee who left the Trust this month after 38 years in the National Health Service. He will take up his position in early 2024 with a start date to be confirmed soon.

Until Silas joins the Trust, Faith Button will undertake the role as Interim Chief Executive having been Chief Operating Officer for several years.

Silas is currently Chief Executive of Wrightington, Wigan and Leigh NHS

Foundation Trust as well as Chair of the North West Leadership Academy and the CoChair of the System Operational Response Taskforce for Greater Manchester.

Silas’s first Chief Executive post was at University Hospital of South Manchester NHS Foundation Trust (UHSM) in 2016, having joined the organisation two years earlier as Chief Operating Officer. More recently he has been Chief Executive of Southport and Ormskirk Hospitals NHS Trust until joining Wrightington, Wigan and Leigh as Chief Executive Officer in October 2019.

Speaking about the news, Silas said: “I am absolutely delighted to have been appointed as the new Chief Executive at Lancashire Teaching Hospitals.

“The Trust plays a pivotal role in the local health and care system and I’m determined

to ensure the opportunities presented by the New Hospitals Programme help to futureproof services for communities across Lancashire and South Cumbria for generations to come.”

Peter White, Chair at Lancashire Teaching Hospitals, added: “On behalf of the Board, I am pleased to confirm the appointment of Silas Nicholls as our new Chief Executive.

“Silas is a very experienced and respected NHS leader who has held a range of senior executive and CEO positions across the North West for a number of years.

“Being a major trauma centre and tertiary provider of services for the system, this is a fantastic opportunity to shape the future landscape of healthcare provision for the communities we serve and I am absolutely confident that Silas will help us to achieve

this.

“I would also like to put on record my personal thanks to Faith Button who will be in the role of Interim Chief Executive over the coming months and will help guide the Trust through what is sure to be a challenging winter period.”

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Trust midwife Deborah awarded NHS Safeguarding Star

A midwife at Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust has been awarded an NHS Safeguarding Star Award for her work to promote safer sleep for babies.

Deborah Gibbons, Lead Midwife for Safeguarding at the Trust, was awarded the prestigious accolade for her work around Sudden Unexplained Death in Childhood (SUDC), which is the sudden and unexplained death of a child aged 1-18, as well as her work to embed safer sleep assessments across the Trust.

An emotional Deborah – unaware of her nomination - was surprised with the award at the SUDC group by Catherine Randall from NHS England (National Associate Director of Safeguarding), with Elizabeth Radcliffe (Deputy Director of Quality, Regional Safeguarding &

Investigations Lead, (NHS England North West Clinical Directorate) and Jane Jones (Deputy Director for Safeguarding, NHS Lancashire and South Cumbria Integrated Care Board) also present.

She was rewarded for her work around SUDC prevention and championing safer sleep, where she has embedded a safer sleep assessment.

The Lullaby Trust (2018) advises that around 200 babies still die every year as a result of SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome) in the UK, and while there has been a significant reduction in infant deaths, largely due to an increase in evidence-based knowledge and practice, rates within Pan-Lancashire remain high and are consistently higher than the national average, with unsafe sleeping arrangements a feature.

The safer sleep assessment

tool has been built into Badgernet – an electronic medical record and perinatal care service – and is well embedded within maternity and neo natal services. The childrens’ ward - Ward 8, paediatric assessment unit and community outreach commenced the use of the tool in November 2021, and it has been rolled out in the emergency department and urgent care.

The purpose of the safer sleep assessment tool is for staff to discuss with parents and identify where babies and infants sleep, implementing safer infant sleep practices, and informing families of the risks of unsafe practices, including bed-sharing/ co-sleeping; and to ensure consistent advice.

Upon receiving the award, Deborah said: “It was a nice surprise, they made me cry with all the lovely things they

said about me, all the work I have done and my commitment and compassion.

“You can’t do it on your own though, it’s a team effort – the matrons and staff within the Trust have really helped push the safer sleep assessment forward, and our admin.”

Talking about her work, she added: “I’ve led on six Safer

Sleep videos, including when out of routine, as a number of sudden and unexpected deaths have occurred when babies have been on holiday, staying with grandparents etc. We started embedding the safer sleep assessment, and we’re continuing that work along with the ICON (Infant crying is normal, Comforting methods can

help, it’s OK to walk away, Never, ever shake a baby) work we have been doing.

“It’s about making sure we’re giving consistent advice and seeing where babies are sleeping both in the day and at night, giving families the right advice and making sure you advertise and tell parents everything they need to know.”

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Taste of Korea brings culture to Preston A pocket of Preston turned into a slice of East Asia after the University of Central Lancashire (UCLan) celebrated Korea Day. Throughout the event, hundreds of students and staff came together to watch a number of traditional Korean music and dance performances, some of which used native instruments.

A group of students from UCLan’s K-pop Dance Society performed two K-pop dances while the chance to try on traditional Korean dress proved very popular with all ages.

Hangul calligraphy demonstrations attracted large numbers while others took the opportunity to sample Korean paper flipping, shuttlecock kicking and arrow throwing.

Stalls which used Minecraft to experience South Korea’s Gyeongbokgung Palace and allowed visitors to attempt to use Korean chopsticks were also well-liked.

Dr Sojin Lim, MA North Korean Studies and Course Leader and Co-Director of UCLan’s International Institute of Korean Studies, donned a traditional outfit, called a hanbok, to showcase her nation’s traditional outfit.

She said: “We offer the largest Korean

Studies programme in the UK and are globally recognised for being a major centre for Korean studies.

“This fantastic event allowed us to share our culture and heritage with the wider University community, some of whom have never interacted with any Korean culture before.

It was so wonderful to see some many people join in or stop and watch the performances.”

Among the attendees was Livia Faria, an MA student in Intercultural Business Communication. The 28-year-old, from India, who is a K-pop fan, commented: “I happened to be walking through and thought I must

stop and take part as it was so bright and pretty. I’m really please I had the opportunity to try on the traditional Korean outfit, hanbok, which was fantastic, because my friend went to Korea and said it was beautiful so I wanted to see for myself.”

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Two hundred empty school chairs prompt conversation about suicide Talking about suicide can prevent it, so for that reason the University of Central Lancashire (UCLan) and the Mary O’Gara Foundation have set out 200 empty chairs on University Square in Preston, representing 200 schoolchildren who will never get a chance to go to university - raising awareness of this global public health emergency.

Twenty rows of ten empty school chairs, left in one of the most visible and utilised spaces of the university, will serve as a stark reminder on World Mental Health Day, today, for the need to talk about mental health, how we need to look after it, and how important it is to get help if you are struggling.

Papyrus, a charity which works to prevent suicide in young people, say more than 200 teenagers are lost to suicide every year. They work closely with the Mary O’Gara Foundation - a non-profit organisation dedicated to increasing awareness around mental ill-health and suicide prevention for young people.

The Foundation provides fully funded suicide prevention training to education and community institutions working with young people across Lancashire. It was set up by parents Sharon and Paul O’Gara in dedication of their daughter Mary.

Mary was working in the NHS and three months into a Degree Apprenticeship course at UCLan when she very sadly took her own life. To those around her, she was bright, popular, had a good circle of friends and a good job. But she struggled with depression. As the foundation strapline says: ‘Look beyond the smile’.

Although only at UCLan for a short period, Mary was extremely popular with her lecturers and fellow students, and the university has vowed to do all it can to promote the campaign objectives of the Mary O’Gara Foundation.

Paul and Sharon O’Gara said: “Not long after losing Mary to suicide we knew that we needed to do something to ensure other families do not have to go through the same pain.

For that reason, we decided to start the Mary O’Gara Foundation which aims to prevent suicide in young people across Lancashire.

“The Foundation does this by offering and funding suicide prevention training for anyone working with young people in this area, be it schools, colleges, universities and employers who have a duty of care for young people.

“It is vital that there are people in these settings who have the ability and skill set to spot and support a young person who may be in crisis.

“Partnering with UCLan and the amazing support we have received from the staff working with us on this campaign has been a major boost to our Foundation’s aims and has been extremely rewarding.”

As well as highlighting the issue on Uni-

versity Square, UCLan has also introduced a Mental Health Charter and new Mental Health Champion training.

UCLan Head of Student Support and Wellbeing Services, Megan Blissett, said: “At UCLan we have a dedicated team of highly trained and experienced practitioners in mental health and wellbeing support. They deliver one to one and group support online and in person taking both a proactive and reactive approach.

“Positive mental health and wellbeing is central to life on all our campuses. Looking after ourselves and each other is vital to a healthy and successful university experience and is championed by all UCLan staff and students.

“Suicide awareness raising and prevention is a leading priority for UCLan. We’re not afraid to talk about suicide, in fact we actively encourage our university community to have a conversation as we know talking about suicide can save lives.

“As part of World Mental Health Day we have invited the Samaritans and Zero Suicide Alliance and Chasing the Stigma to have a presence on campus to enhance our internal support services. We would urge all staff and students to come along and join the conversation.”

If you, or someone you know, works directly with young people in Lancashire and wants to learn more about The Mary O’Gara Foundations’ Suicide Prevention Training programme, please contact the foundation for details.

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Duane Talks US Roots, His First Call-Up and Family Life There’s a few things you should come to expect when you take a trip to the cinema.

An overpriced selection of treats. Those people who are always talking in the back.

Hopefully a decent film. And a call-up to the US national team.

Okay, one of those doesn’t quite fit – but it was true for Duane Holmes back in 2019 when he went to watch Avengers: Endgame.

Sat down ready to watch one of the highestbilled movies of the year alongside his wife, brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Duane noticed his phone was ringing.

An unknown number from Florida, Duane wondered if his dad – who lives in the US – had a new phone and had moved without telling him.

He thought he’d better take the call, and it’s a good job that he did.

“I answered it and there’s a guy on the other end saying, ‘Hey, it’s Greg Berhalter here from the US men’s national team’,” Duane said, in his best American accent.

“I just thought yeah right, whatever, and hung up. I got another call straight away and again he’s like, ‘Hey Duane, can you hear me? It’s Greg Berhalter. I’ve been in contact with Frank Lampard and you’ve been doing

really well at Derby, so we want to bring you to camp.’

“I really still had that feeling that it might be a joke so I just asked if I could call him back in the morning.

“I ran back into the cinema and told my wife there’s no chance I could sit still and watch the film, so we got some wine and celebrated in the apartment!

“I rung him back the next morning and firstly apologised but I was honestly just too buzzing to speak. It was the most surreal moment I’ve ever had in football.”

An injury scare soon followed – a quad tear which also disrupted his Play-Off campaign with Derby County – and that meant the first few days out in the US were spent with the physios, rather than on the training pitch.

His national team debut did arrive, though, in June 2019 in a friendly against Jamaica as part of their build-up to the Gold Cup. “Again, it was just surreal,” Duane smiled.

“I think that was the first game my dad had ever been to watch me because he lives out in America.

“I flew him from Georgia to Washington, he watched the game and then we played again against Venezuela. For that game we

had the families come out so my wife was there, which was great.

“Then we had a few days with the family before setting off to actually go to camp for the Gold Cup. “We were about three days away from the tournament starting and I remember I got chopped in training by Christian Pulisic and I’ve gone to run and my quad’s just torn again, so I went straight home after that. I missed the Gold Cup by three days.”

If you’re wondering how it is that Duane qualifies to play for the United States, his parents met whilst in Germany, where his mother worked as a nanny and his father in the US Army.

They then moved back to the US and Duane was born in Fort Benning in Georgia, before relocating to Alaska.

However, he would move to England at a young age after his parents separated, and went on to grow up in Wakefield, Yorkshire.

“I still used to go back out there every year when I was in school,” he explained.

“I used to spend my six-week holidays there so I do have a lot of fond memories there.

“My dad lived about an hour away from Atlanta, and then we’d have a couple of days there and then drive four hours to Waynesboro which is the back end of nowhere with dirt tracks and static caravans.

“All my family used to live on the same road. I couldn’t tell you how many cousins there are, there’s probably eight years between six of us and then there’s a few more who didn’t live on that street.

“It was great going back, and obviously everyone being so close in age you just played out all day.

“I did that until I was about 16 when I left school and got a scholarship so I don’t really get chance to go back there. I think I’ve only been back twice since becoming a footballer.

“I keep saying to my wife when our little man gets a bit older, when I can stomach the

nine-hour flight, then we’ll take him.”

At one point before the birth of his son, Thiago – named after the Liverpool midfielder – Duane did actually have a few offers on the table from MLS clubs.

That wasn’t something he and his wife Brooke considered, though, but a return to the US national side is certainly still something the 28-year-old would like to achieve.

He said: “I’d love to go back because I still think I’ve got more to offer.

“I don’t think they’ve seen the best version of me because I was playing with probably one and a half legs, but my focus is on here and if I want to get back in the US team then the best way to do that is to perform here.”

The midfielder took no time at all to settle to life at North End, assisting Will Keane’s leveller against Bristol City on his debut, before then scoring against Salford City in the Carabao Cup. It was his first start in PNE colours against the Ammies and it was only actually the fourth match he’d been able to begin in 2023, due to being sidelined.

The former Scunthorpe United man marked that appearance by opening his account for the club, before wheeling off in celebration – kissing his son’s date of birth on his left wrist and communicating ‘I love you’ in sign language with his right hand.

With his mum also in attendance that night, it was made extra special.

Duane explained: “She sacrificed so much for me when I was little.

“I think she’s missed literally three home games in my career, and I was on loan at Yeovil!

“That’s the sort of dedication she’s shown me so I know how much she was worried about my leg and my injuries and where my head’s at, but it’s nice that I can put that to one side and get back to doing what I do.”

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TIOFFO, VAUGHAN AND WILDGOOSE TAKE PART IN ‘NO ROOM FOR RACISM’ EVENT Burnley FC U18s forwards Ryan Tioffo and Rohan Vaughan, and women’s defender Mikayla Wildgoose were all involved in an event that saw primary school children from across Burnley travel to Turf Moor and take part in activities in collaboration with the Premier League’s ‘No Room for Racism’ campaign.

During the event, the children participated in a range of activities, including antidiscrimination workshops, Kick it Out sessions, a stadium tour and then a Q&A session with Tioffo, Vaughan, Wildgoose and Head of Women’s Football Lola Ogunbote.

Speaking following the event Tioffo, who is currently out injured, said: “I think it’s important for kids at a young age to learn to treat others equally, both in sport and outside of sport.

“I’ve learnt today that Burnley in the Community is very important to the locals, as the kids were very happy to see us today, and hopefully we can do it again soon.

https://media-cdn.incrowdsports. com/203245f8-2e79-448b-b023dcadb286d57e.jpg Fellow U18s forward Vaughan added: “I’ve learnt that it’s so important that kids know from a young age, that football and society has no room for racism.

Women’s defender Wildgoose finished by saying: “I think events like these are really important, as the younger generation can learn what ‘No Room for Racism’ is, and we can explain our knowledge on it so they know the rights and wrongs.

“I’ve learnt that it’s important to share what I know to the younger generation so it’s a good feeling to pass on that knowledge to them.”

Craddock Steps Up

Matt Craddock is to step up from his role in charge of the B Team to act as Wanderers’ interim first-team coach, writes Pete Oliver.

With Sam Hird this week ending his two-and-a-halfyear stay with the Whites to take up a role with the Professional Footballers’ Association, Wanderers’ boss Ian Evatt has supplemented his coaching staff with the elevation of Craddock.

Craddock will now form part of the management setup alongside Evatt, assistant manager Peter Atherton and goalkeeping coach Matt Gilks while Wanderers look to recruit a permanent firstteam coach.

“This is going to be a process and it will take time,” confirmed Evatt. “It’s a really important hire. Whoever it is needs to fit culturally, and they need to provide me with the detail and the information we need to be better.

Image Matt Craddock warm-up “We are always striving for improvements and it isn’t

straightforward. It’s not as easy as picking up the phone to someone I know and them coming in because that’s not necessarily the right thing to do.

“What we want to do is get the best person for Bolton Wanderers, the best person for me and the coaching team and the best person for the players and that is going to be a process.”

Hird, who joined Wanderers from Barrow in July, 2021 to become a key member of Evatt’s backroom staff following the Whites' promotion from League Two, was in the dug-out for the final time last Saturday.

“As I’ve said before, we can’t speak highly enough of Sam and what he’s given us.

He’s been a very good help to me and the players. For now, Matt will step into that role until we find what we think is the right replacement. Matt is included in that as well and and we’ll see how we get on,” Evatt added.

The change of personnel will also see Head of Academy Dave Gardiner deputise for Craddock – Head Coach of the B Team since its introduction in the summer of 2022 – to work alongside player-coach Andrew Tutte with the Whites’ young professionals.

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