Lancashire Now 224

Man jailed for life for murder of Aya Hachem

A MAN has today been jailed for life for the murder of Blackburn law student Aya Hachem.

Nineteen-year-old Aya was shot dead at 3pm on Sunday, May 17th 2020 whilst walking along King Street, Blackburn.

Aya was shot by Zamir Raja who was sitting in the back of a Toyota Avensis being driven by Anthony Ennis. Zamir Raja was a hitman brought in to do a job. He fired two shots from the car which was being driven past Quickshine Tyres. Zamir Raja’s intended target was Pachah Khan: he was the proprietor of Quickshine Tyres. Zamir Raja’s first shot hit one of the windows of Quickshine Tyres: the second hit Aya Hachem.

The shooting was the culmination of a long-running feud between Feroz Suleman, the owner of RI Tyres, and Pachah Khan, the owner of Quickshine Tyres

Aya had no connection to either Pachah Khan, his business at Quickshine Tyres, to Zamir Raja or anyone else in this case: she was going about her lawful everyday business. She was just out shopping for food for her family.

Eight people were sentenced in August 2021 (details below) after they were convicted of roles in the shooting.

And in March another man was found guilty of both the murder of Aya Hachem and the attempted murder of Pachah Khan.

Louis Otway was involved in organising and arranging the shooting on 17th May 2020. He was the link between Ayaz Hussain in Blackburn on one hand, and “his boys” the gunman (Zamir Raja) and driver (Anthony Ennis) on the other.

A second man, Suhayl Suleman, 38, of Shear Brow, Blackburn, was found not guilty after the trial of both murder and attempted murder.

Otway, 42, of Clitheroe Road, Manchester, was sentenced at Preston Crown Court today (Friday, May 5th) to life with a minimum term of 32 years before he can apply for parole.

Det Insp Ian Moore, of the Force Major Investigation Team, said: “Aya Hachem was a young woman whose life – so full of promise – was brutally and tragically cut short on that May afternoon and my thoughts today are first and foremost with her family and loved ones.

“Lewis Otway played a key role in organising the plot to kill Pachah Khan, the bungled execution of which resulted in Aya’s murder, and I welcome today’s sentence which reflects the gravity of this horrendous crime and goes along with those found guilty and sentenced last year.

“I hope that this offers Aya’s family some sense that we have achieved justice for her and that this shows that Lancashire Constabulary will never give up in our tenacious approach to putting those who commit these atrocious crimes before the courts.

In a statement Aya’s family said: “We thank God for the justice that has been served today.

To our dear beautiful angel in heaven, we know you are in a better and more beautiful place. God chose you from amongst many and blessed you with martyrdom.

We are so proud of you and we miss you so much – our lives are difficult without you. This is Gods decree and praise be to God for this. You will remain in our hearts forever.

You loved life and despite all the struggles and barriers that we faced in this country it did not stop you contributing to your community and Charites including the Children’s Society and fundraising at Salford University where you were studying to become a barrister.

God chose you as an Angel in his heaven. Heaven is yours and may God give us the patience after your murder. We love you.

We thank Detective Inspector Ian Moore

and his team of dedicated police officers who worked so hard to build a strong case against the defendant who has been sentenced today. Also, to the Crown Prosecution Service, represented by Mr Cray KC, from the first moments of Aya’s murder until the last moments of the trial.

We also thank Mr Justice Jacobs, who managed the court proceedings with confidence and wisdom.

We offer thanks to the jury for their time and effort to listen for 12 weeks and to distinguish truth from falsehood, lies and honesty.

Special thanks to the ARC Centre and the wider community of Blackburn including the many families that have offered their support in this difficult time.”

Previously sentenced: Feroz Suleman, 40, of Shear Brow, Blackburn was sentenced to 34 years. He instigated and organised the hit.

Zamir Raja, 33, of Davyhulme Road, Stretford, Manchester was given 34 years. He was responsible for sourcing and transporting the firearm used in the shooting, as well as firing the shots.

Anthony Ennis, 31, of Grasmere Court, Partington was sentenced to 33 years. He drove the Avensis carrying the gunman during the shooting.

Ayaz Hussain, 35, of Calgary Avenue, Blackburn was given 32 years. He was the link between the Lancashire offenders and Zamir Raja and Anthony Ennis, based in Manchester. He played a key role in organising and orchestrating the shooting and was in company of Abubakr Satia when petrol was bought to burn out the Avensis, however, this did not go ahead.

Abubakr Satia, 32, of Oxford Close, Black-

the Avensis used in the shooting and was also was involved in buying petrol afterwards to burn out the car.

Kashif Manzoor, 26, of Shakeshaft Street, Blackburn was given 27 years. He ensured the Avensis used to transport the shooter was running on the day of the incident.

Uthman Satia, 29, of St Hubert’s Road, Great Harwood was sentenced to 28 years. He helped to transport the gunman and driver to and from the Avensis on Wellington Road as the front seat passenger of the car being driven by his girlfriend, Judy Chapman.

Judy Chapman, 26, of St Hubert’s Road, Great Harwood was found not guilty of Aya’s murder but was convicted of her manslaughter. She was also found not guilty of the attempted murder of Pacha Khan.

Crowdfund Lancashire to welcome new applications

An exciting funding initiative that's empowering communities to back the culture and sport projects that matter the most to them will be welcoming new applications this month.

New applications can be submitted for round 2 of Crowdfund Lancashire between 16 May and 18 July 2023.

Crowdfund Lancashire is a relatively new scheme developed by Lancashire County Council, working in partnership with Spacehive, the UK’s leading civic crowdfunding platform.

Through the £500,000 Lancashire Culture & Sport Fund, Crowdfund Lancashire allows the county council to support grassroot projects through crowdfunding.

Organisations can apply for up to £20,000 to boost projects towards their funding target. Parish and Town Councils can apply for up to £5,000, while individuals and businesses could get £1,500 towards their live crowdfunding campaigns.

Following the first round of funding applications, a considerable number are now fully funded, which include the funding pledge from Lancashire County Council.

Tarleton Cricket Club raised £13,967 through their crowdfunding campaign to fund a much-needed refurbishment of the club's grounds.

Mike Webster said: "Tarle-

ton Cricket Club is a vibrant community organisation that provides cricket and social events for people of all ages and abilities.

"We are particularly proud of the number of women and junior players that are now part of the club. The increased usage of our facilities meant that we were faced with making a large investment to continue with our activities.

"The crowdfunding project meant that we were encouraged to raise the much-needed amount and can now plan to undertake the work. The help from the team at Lancashire County Council has been invaluable and guided us successfully through the process."

Elsewhere, Rossendale Badminton league raised £2,063 to expand their junior coaching at The Adrenaline Centre. The club particularly want to target girls to the practice as the senior league has a shortage of female players, with a view to encourage individual clubs to 'adopt' young players.

The project also aims to organise a local Junior tournament, at grassroots level, to help promote the sport within Rossendale.

Claire Banfield said: "Haslingden has had a long heritage of world class badminton players, such as Peter Wood and Susan Whittaker.

"The funding we received to promote junior badminton

in the Rossendale valley at The Adrenaline Centre was vital to keep this growing from strength to strength."

In Wyre, a project that is helping to improve people's health and wellbeing through dance has successfully crowdfunded £16,409 to enable it to continue this popular provision.

LPM Dance, an artist-led, not-for-profit organisation with charitable aims led by artists George Adams and Helen Gould have been running dance classes in the area since the first Covid lockdown.

Their successful Crowdfund Lancashire campaign, Keep Wyre Grooving, will help fund the programme for a

further 12 months. Keep Wyre Grooving

LPM Dance runs weekly dance classes in Wyre

Helen said: "Our weekly classes have shown to make a real difference to the health and wellbeing of the communities who come to dance with us each week, the majority of whom live with disabilities and long-term health conditions.

"With funding coming to an end, it looked as if these sessions would be coming to an end.

"Fortunately, the success of our Crowdfund Lancashire campaign has secured funding for 12 months of activity that will enable our programme to continue and importantly, will provide more opportunities for people to take part across the wider district."

Lancashire County Council and Spacehive will hold an online launch event on Tuesday 16 May. Anyone interested in learning more about Crowdfund Lancashire is welcome to attend.

Two workshops to discuss potential project ideas will be held on Wednesday, 31 May

and Thursday, 15 June.

To register for the launch event and/or one of our workshops, visit www.eventbrite. com and search for 'Crowdfund Lancashire'.

County Councillor Peter Buckley, cabinet member for cultural services, said: "We have been absolutely delighted by the response we've had to Crowdfund Lancashire so far.

“Over two dozen projects have already met their funding target with ideas and activities that which will greatly benefit their local communities.”

"Ultimately, this has been developed to support culture and sport projects in the community with the aim of

improving people's health and well-being and cultural experience.

"We are confident the projects that are now fully funded will deliver this and are now looking forward to see what else people put forward during this next round of funding.

"If you have a culture or sport project that needs funding then please attend our launch event or one of our workshops to find out how you can launch your own crowdfunding campaign."

To find out more about Crowdfund Lancashire and to see what other projects you can pledge to, visit https:// www.spacehive.com/movement/lancashire

The Preston Tattoo Expo

3rd - 4th June 2023 is the second ‘ Preston Tattoo EXPO’

Following on from last year’s highly successful tattoo convention, this year’s event is set to be even bigger and better.

Held at the iconic Preston North End Stadium, this event will play host to 125 top tattoo artists from around the U.K. and Europe.

Some artists are taking walk ups on both days. So this is your chance of being tattooed by multi award winning artists who are normally booked up for several months ahead. Save yourself the travel and time by jumping the queue and booking in direct with some of the country’s favourite artists.

Keeping you entertained

On Saturday the 3rd while you’re listening to live music or the tunes put out by DJ Jammie (one of the DJ’s from DOWNLOAD Festival), you can get your chops around traditional wood fired pizzas and gourmet burgers. There are bars selling alcohol and refreshments all day, or if day time drinking isn’t for you, Jonah’s Coffee are on hand serving a variety of rich, tasty coffees and delicious hot chocolate. Doors close approximately 7pm.

On Sunday the 4th, it all starts again at 10am, with competition amongst artist being at fever pitch as they perfect their tattoos in the hope of qualifying for the prestigious Best of show Award. With the outright winner scooping over £3,500 in cash and prizes. Judging on both days start at about 5pm. So

make sure you stay around to see who wins in 18 hotly contested categories.

To keep you entertained, the music goes on, as well as dance from Carol May’s dance academy dancers demonstrating some of the dance talent that Preston has to offer. And if rhythm and colour gets your feet and hips moving, you can have a dance yourself to the sound of the World Wise Samba Drummers.

To keep the children occupied there’s face painting and specific creative activities designed for the youngsters.

Exciting, affordable and engaging

You will see the show is created to give local people a fun packed, affordable weekend. There are a variety of ticket options, and everybody is welcome.

Here’s something different and exciting

At about 1pm on Saturday and Sunday, judging will take place for the Best Guest’s Healed Tattoo.

These tattoos will be entered by you the public. To enter the competition costs only £5 per tattoo and there will be two styles covered in the Healed Category, Black and Grey and Colour. If you’re super proud of a tattoo

you already have, here’s your chance to get some serious recognition by grabbing the Best Healed Tattoo award as well as winning all the entry fee cash and an exclusive ‘My tattoo won at Preston’ T-shirt.

You’re welcome to enter on both days especially if you have more than one amazing tattoo!

The organisers, are local Preston people and their aim is to create an annual event that

local businesses, including tattoo artists, musicians, dancers, painters and food and drink suppliers, will enjoy participating in. And that the people of their city and surrounding area will be proud to call the event their own ‘Preston Tattoo EXPO’.

Book your tickets online at: www.crocartmasters.co.uk

See you on the 3rd and 4th June at Preston North End Football Stadium. Parking Free.

New investment prospectus shows why Lancashire is THE place to do business

A new prospectus which demonstrates why Lancashire is THE place to do business will be unveiled at a major trade show tomorrow (Tue).

The prospectus, 'Invest in Lancashire – A place for growth', is the first major project to be completed under the Lancashire 2050 banner, the ground-breaking agreement backed by the county's 15 local authorities.

Each council has signed up to the Lancashire 2050 Framework to ensure they are aligned on key county-wide issues such as economic prosperity, skills and employment, transport and infrastructure, environment and climate, and housing.

The prospectus highlights the potential for future investment in the county, already the home of 55,000 businesses, supporting 640,000 jobs and a regional economy of £33.3billion.

It also details some of the exciting opportunities currently available across the county, including shovel-ready schemes with the connectivity and amenities required to enable all types of development to progress at pace and at scale.

It will be officially launched at the UK's Real Estate and Infrastructure Forum (UKREiiF) event in Leeds, which runs from tomorrow until Thursday and brings together more than 6,000 delegates from the public sector, business investors, funders, developers, housebuilders and Government.

A delegation from Lancashire, including representatives from Lancashire County Council, Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council, Preston City Council, Burnley Borough Council and the University of Central Lancashire, will unveil the prospectus while also promoting everything the county has to offer, while Blackpool Council will also exhibit its own investment prospectus.

Councillor Phillippa Williamson, leader of

Lancashire County Council and Chair of Lancashire Leaders, said: "Lancashire has a really proud record as a place to do business.

"We are a friendly, hardworking county right at the heart of the highest density of advanced engineering and manufacturing jobs in the UK.

"Lancashire is also on a high-growth economic trajectory, with innovation, net zero and advanced technology at its core.

"This new prospectus highlights the many opportunities available right across the county.

"These include everything from the anticipated regeneration of Morecambe thanks to the greenlit £100million Eden Project Morecambe, the world leading hub of innovation at Samlesbury Enterprise Zone and transformational plans for Burnley, including a new Canalside University Campus for UCLan, which is set to cater for 6,000 students.

"It really underlines our determination to significantly accelerate Lancashire's economic growth, helping to generate thousands of new high-value jobs, and become a trailblazer in tech, low carbon, digital and other in-demand and globalised industries."

Simon Lawrence, Director of Growth & Regeneration at Lancashire County Council, said: "I'm really looking forward to being part of the Lancashire delegation to UKREiiF and speaking at some breakout sessions.

"The county has so much to offer for both businesses and investors, and this is a great opportunity for us to showcase what we are all about.

"We really want to hear from anyone who is interested in finding out just what Lancashire can offer them. Come and see us at stand K34 if you are attending and pick up a copy of our prospectus."

Councillor Phil Riley, Leader of Blackburn with Darwen Council, said: “Blackburn with

Darwen is really on the up – carving out a strong reputation as a place to invest and do business.

“We’ll be heading to UKREiiF ready to showcase our £1bn vision for the future, which has the potential to make us one of the most important economic centres in the North.

“That vision includes our £250m Blackburn Town Centre Masterplan – the largest town centre regeneration scheme of its type in the region – plus the £100m Darwen Town Deal with a new AMRC Additive Manufacturing Accelerator – the first-of-its-kind for the UK.

“There’s a huge sense of momentum in Blackburn with Darwen and we’re looking forward to meeting with investors who want to be part of our story.”

Leader of Chorley Borough Council Cllr Alistair Bradley, speaking on behalf of the county''s district and borough councils, said: “It’s really important we are showcasing what Lancashire has to offer and there is something different in each part of the county.

"This is a really exciting time for Lancashire and the investment we are making is going to set us up as the best place to do business in the country.

“I look forward to seeing the reaction of at the trade show and it is an early example of how working together we can do more for the residents of Lancashire.”

Professor Graham Baldwin, Vice-Chancel-

lor of the University of Central Lancashire, said: "As the third largest university in the North West and the largest provider of graduate-level qualifications in Lancashire, we are proud to contribute so significantly towards the economic prosperity of the region.

"We are fully committed to collaborating on investment opportunities and to supporting businesses of all sizes to locate, innovate and thrive in Lancashire."'

Cllr Mark Smith, from Blackpool Council, added: “We have a £2 billion growth and prosperity programme taking place in Blackpool right now, and as a result there are plenty of opportunities for people to invest here, whether that is in the 10 hectares of unlocked commercial land at Blackpool Airport Enterprise Zone, or the opportunities becoming available as our Talbot Gateway and Blackpool Central developments progress.

“We have a real connected business ecosystem across Blackpool and the rest of Lancashire, and this puts us in a strong position to tell our story of growth together, which in turn can mean a growing local economy, resulting in more, better paid jobs for our local residents.

“Taking our investment programme to UK REiiF enables us to tell our investment story to thousands of potential investors or developers, and really sell the benefits of doing business in Blackpool. Alongside Lancashire, we will be available at stand K30.”

The search for Lancashire Artist of the Year 2023 begins now

A new competition that will showcase the most beautiful scenery in Lancashire by the best artists around is launching today.

The search has now begun to find the Lancashire Artist of the Year, whether that be the county’s best landscape artists or an unknown talent.

We want to see landscape paintings, sketches, collages, lino prints or even embroideries depicting your favourite Lancashire view in spring, summer, autumn or winter.

The finalists and the winner's artworks will be collated and printed in our first Lancashire Artist of the Year 2024 calendar, which will be sold across the county in libraries, museums and our archives.

Proceeds from the sale of the calendars will go towards activities to support Lancashire Care Leavers.

Artists have until June 19 to

submit their entries.

Our judging panel will pick their favourites from each season and create a shortlist. The shortlisted artworks will then go forward to an online public vote.

The artwork with the most votes will become the overall winner, featuring on the calendar cover, with the artist who created it winning the title of Lancashire Artist of the Year 2023.

Preston artist Norman Long will be part of the judging panel who will be reviewing entries and is excited to see the art that will be produced by the people of Lancashire.

Norman said: "I am honoured to be invited as a selector for the new Lancashire Artist of the Year Award.

"The practice of painting our local environment is becoming increasingly popular, encouraged by social media and outdoor painting events

such as those held in Longridge, Padiham, Blackburn and Clitheroe.

"Amongst the work submitted, I will be looking for a genuine engagement with the subject, something which is

hard to achieve through taking a quick snap. Even taking the time to sketch on-site can connect you to a place more firmly, leading to a more personal interpretation."

County Councillor Peter Buckley, cabinet member for cultural services at Lancashire County Council, said: "We are blessed in Lancashire with some of the most

stunning scenery in the whole of the UK.

"With this competition, we want to shine a light on that while also celebrating the rich pool of artistic talent out there.

"We also want this competition to be inclusive and will welcome entries from people of all walks of life and abilities.

"We're excited to have an established local artist like Norman on board but ultimately it will be the public who have their final say and crown the Lancashire Artist of the Year 2023."

To find out more about the competition, and to read the full terms and conditions, go to lancashire.gov.uk/artistoftheyear

Fines for illegal sale of e-cigarette to 13-year-old in sting operation

A thirteen-year-old was illegally sold an e-cigarette by staff at a Leyland store during a sting operation by Lancashire County Council's Trading Standards Team.

E-cigarettes, commonly known as vapes, contain nicotine, and can only be sold to over-18s.

Trading Standards officers sent the teenager into J&C Bargain Stores, on Leyland Road in August last year to see if they would sell her an e-cigarette. She was served without staff challenging her to prove how old she was.

A few weeks later, officers carried out an inspection at the shop which resulted in the seizure of more than 300 vapes, all of which were incorrectly labelled or had tanks containing more than the maximum permitted 2ml of nicotine liquid.

Magistrates heard that the assistant who made the sale, Ian Whittle, 30, confessed that he had made a mistake by not asking the underage buyer to provide proof of age such as a passport or driving licence. Azeem Patel, 32, the owner of the shop, admitted that he was responsible for the

actions of his employees.

The court was told that Azeem Patel has previous convictions for selling a vape to a 14-year-old boy in February 2022 and for selling improperly labelled tobacco products between 2016 and 2019.

Both men were ordered to pay fines and costs: owner Azeem Patel of £1,328; and employee Ian Whittle of £496.61.

Magistrates also ordered the forfeiture and destruction of 302 offending e-cigarettes.

Nicholas McNamara, prosecutor for Trading Standards said: "We are stepping up checks on shops suspected of selling illicit and unregulated vapes and doubling down on shops who are prepared to sell these highly addictive products to children."

Healthcare assistant jailed for sexual assaults

A man who sexually assaulted five women while working at a Lancashire hospital has today (Thursday, May 4) been jailed.

Hernando Puno, 52, of Onslow Road, Blackpool, was sentenced at Burnley Crown Court.

Police launched an investigation into Puno’s offending in March 2021 when he was arrested on suspicion of sexually assaulting a colleague at Blackpool Victoria Hospital. This led to further victims coming forward and reporting sexual assaults from between 2014 and 2020. Puno and the victims were working as health care assistants at the hospital.

Puno was later charged with a series of sexual assaults. He pleaded not guilty but following a trial was convicted on eight counts.

He was sentenced to nine months in prison.

Det Ch Insp Jill Johnston, of Lancashire Police, said: “Today’s sentence is for those victims who came forward, showing tremendous bravery in confronting their attacker.

“Puno is a predatory individual, who targeted younger female healthcare assistants. He dismissed the behaviour as a ‘bit of fun’ accepting no responsibility for the way that he made his victims feel, claiming during the trial that he didn’t care whether his victims consented to his actions.

“Lancashire Constabulary remains committed to investigating offences of this nature, no matter how historic, and no matter what the role, position and status of the alleged offender. Sexual harassment and sexual assaults must not be tolerated in the workplace. Everyone should be able to come to work in the safe knowledge that they are not going to be subjected to this disgusting conduct.

“We would encourage anyone who has been a victim of a sexual offence to come forward safe in the knowledge that they will be treated sensitively and professionally.

“We welcome the sentence handed down at court and hope it serves as a warning to others who commit such crimes.”

Blackpool pervert jailed

A convicted paedophile who downloaded thousands of indecent images of children and even travelled to Italy to holiday to meet a young family has been jailed.

Matthew Monaghan, 42, of Brighton Avenue, Blackpool, was arrested after officers carried out a routine check of his electronic devices following a previous conviction for possession of indecent images of children.

During the check, which took place last May, officers found 790 images classed as category A - the very worst type - as well as 420 category B, 3,926 category C and a further 748 prohibited images.

During the investigation officers also found Monaghan had befriended a couple in Italy, who had two young children, and had travelled to Italy to stay with them for three months. He used this connection to obtain indecent images of their children.

On his return to the UK he continued to contact the children with voice messages.

The family had no idea Monaghan had previous convictions and was banned from contact with children.

He appeared at Preston Crown Court on Wednesday (May 3rd) to be sentenced for 11 offences in total, comprised of three counts of making indecent images of children, one count of possession of prohibited images of children and seven counts of breach of a Sexual Harm Prevention Order.

In total he was sentenced to 46 months in prison.

DC Mark Southwell, of the Management of Sexual or Violent Offenders team, said:

"Monaghan has a clear sexual interest in young boys, as was evident right from the start of our investigation.

"He poses a serious risk and has shown that he has no problem deceiving people in order to create chances to offend.

"He is now behind bars where he belongs.

"We will not stand for vulnerable members of our communities being targeted by abusers like Monaghan and as always would urge anybody with information about this type of activity to contact the Police and tell us what they know."

Lancashire Constabulary commemorates the coronation

Lancashire Constabulary commemorates the coronation of His Royal Highness King Charles III and Queen Consort.

Chief Constable Chris Rowley sends his congratulations and pledges to support and serve the king from Lancashire Constabulary.

The constabulary is also issuing advice ahead of the bank holiday, to ensure the public celebrate safely and have a memorable weekend.

The public is asked to stay vigilant and

look after each other, reporting anything suspicious whilst out and about to Counter Terrorism Police at https://act.campaign. gov.uk/

Bank holiday weekends are always periods of enhanced demand for forces, so the public are also asked to be mindful that Lancashire Constabulary phone lines will likely be extra busy. Please help call operators out by only calling 999 if there is a genuine emergency. Otherwise, you can contact the police on 101 or report online.

Chorley business Dreamtex sets sights on Europe expansion with help from Two Zero

A Lancashire supplier of children’s bedding products which works with brands including Xbox, Bluey, Jurassic World, Gabby’s Dollhouse and Disney is in the process of expanding into European markets, with the help of a Lancashire County Council-funded scaleup programme.

Dreamtex, which employs 11 people at its Chorley base, agrees licences for its products with a wide range of children’s brands, which are then manufactured abroad and delivered to retailers including Amazon, Asda, Sainsbury’s and Argos. The company is taking part in Two Zero’s Scaleup Leaders Network, which works with the owners and managers of fast-growing businesses in Lancashire through a combination of coaching and peer sessions, helping them to learn from other businesses on the programme.

Dreamtex is led by owners

Anthony Duckworth, Andrew Downie and Jo Duckworth who are currently in the process of making the company’s products available in European countries through strategic partnerships.

Anthony Duckworth said:

“We are looking at growth in Europe and being part of the Scaleup Leaders Network has helped to improve our knowledge of how best to do that. One of the masterclasses we attended had a session specifically on expansion through partnerships.

“Using strategic partners means we potentially need to sign just one licensing agreement for a whole region. We are currently working with companies in the Nordics, France and Germany and are in the process of securing a number of new licences.”

Two Zero is a business support service for scaleup business leaders in Lancashire.

Led by Lancashire County Council, its mission is to help

Lancashire’s scaleup leaders learn, grow their business 20 per cent and create jobs.

The Scaleup Leaders Network is being delivered by strategic business growth consultancy Cube Thinking.

Dreamtex currently has a turnover of around £6m which its owners expect to grow organically over the coming years. As well as expanding its international presence, the company is also growing its product range and is currently developing a range of new products including hooded ponchos, coverless duvets and blankets.

Jo Duckworth added: “The Scaleup Leaders Network also allows us to meet with other business leaders and learn from their experiences and knowledge. It helps to understand how other businesses are working through specific challenges and opportunities. Another area we’ve received support with

is sustainability – which is a core value of Dreamtex.”

The company is currently assessing its scope 1 and scope 2 carbon emissions so it can implement a carbon reduction programme by the autumn and Dreamtex has already started reducing its carbon footprint through new product developments.

Last year saw the launch of Dreamtex Earth, the company’s in-house sustainability project, featuring Better Cotton Initiative sourced

cotton for popular brands

Bluey, Xbox and Among Us in retailers such as Next, Asda, Tesco and Argos. The business is also taking steps to reduce and remove single use plastic across all ranges.

County Councillor Aidy Riggott, cabinet member for economic development and growth, Lancashire County Council, said: “Lancashire County Council’s Two Zero scaleup service has a real track record of helping companies grow faster, returning

wealth to the county and creating jobs.

“However, it also makes me hugely proud when we can see the effects of our business support services having an impact globally.

“Dreamtex’s international growth, twinned with its commitment to reduce its carbon footprint is a great example of how companies from our county are leading the sustainability agenda on the international stage.”

Lancashire Constabulary publishes Annual Report

Preventing and fighting crime, keeping our communities safe and putting victims at the heart of everything we do are the commitments made today by Lancashire Constabulary’s Deputy Chief Constable.

DCC Sacha Hatchett made the pledges as she reflected on the constabulary’s performance over the last 12 months and looked forward to some significant changes in the next six months.

Some of the highlights featured in the force's Annual Report included over 4,000 fewer victims of crime, a ‘good’ report from His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire and Rescue Services (HMICFRS), the launch of Op Warrior targeting serious and organised crime, the introduction of specialist Rape Investigation Teams and a commitment to visit every victim of residential burglary as part of Op Defender. We have also seen drops in anti-social behaviour of 20 per cent, a reduction in robbery of 18 per cent and a fall in road casualties of 8.5 per cent.

We also exceeded our uplift goal with more than 600 additional police officers joining Lancashire Constabulary within the last 4 years, exceeding their target to recruit 509 additional officers set by the government.

Looking ahead over the next six months we will be introducing our Target Operating Model (TOM) - our policing model that will put the resources in the right place so they can effectively respond to call for service,

investigate crime and focus on victim needs.

DCC Hatchett said: “Fewer victims of crime, taking the fight to criminals through Op Warrior and making sure we visit every victim of residential burglary are all things I’m really proud to say we have delivered over the last year but it’s important to look forward and improve.

“We are introducing a new operating model and we want to ensure that every victim of crime can speak to an officer even if they don’t need to see someone. We recognise that in times of austerity all forces had to make difficult decisions around savings, looking at where they could best place officers to solve crime and safeguard the vulnerable and Lancashire Constabulary was no different.

“The uplift and the additional officers supported by the Police and Crime Commissioner has enabled us look at how we can get even better at responding to police incidents and emergencies whilst really focusing on how we reduce crime, harm and anti-social behaviour, putting victims and our communities at the heart of what we do.

“Listening to the community through Lancashire Talking and to our own fantastic officers and staff who day in day out interact with our communities in Lancashire, the changes we are introducing has very much come about from that feedback."

The TOM includes changes to Response, local policing, custody, investigations, roads

policing, and crime recording.

DCC Hatchett added: “For example, we are disestablishing the current unarmed ‘Tac Ops’ model and we will have a dedicated Roads Policing Unit and a Roads Crime Team aimed at keeping our communities safe and denying criminals the use of our roads.

“We have tested this model, and you will have seen some fantastic cash and drug seizures from people who think it is ok to use our roads to facilitate their criminal activity. The message is clear, it is not ok. It is also not ok to drive whilst under the influence of drink or drugs and our roads policing officers who must attend serious and fatal collisions know only too well how this can devastate families who lose their loved ones in such circumstances.

“We have also implemented dedicated Rape Investigation Teams and we will be expanding the teams and their remit to cover Rape and Serious Sexual Offences (RASSO) in the coming months. This ensures staff with the appropriate training own these often-complex investigations and look after victims who are traumatised by this type of crime.

“There are changes to the Response model which will mean we have a more efficient

way of responding to calls for service and investigating crime. This will support all our staff and particularly our new recruits to get the basics right and provide the best opportunity for us to get justice for victims of crime. We are also increasing the number of neighbourhood task teams to better enhance rural crime investigation and our response to neighbourhood crime and ASB.

“We have been working on getting these changes right and we are starting to introduce them to our communities over the next few months.”

For more information about the Annual Report, go to; www.lancashire.police.uk/aboutus/our-performance/annual-reports-and-plans

DRINKS: WHITE WINE TO WHISKY – IRRESISTIBLE!

White wines are very popular and also excellent to accompany many foods, such as fish and white meat dishes. Personal preferences say a lot and there are no fixed rules which state that a certain wine must go with a particular food choice.

SAUVIGNON BLANC (12% vol) from South Africa is hugely popular. The Fairtrade production, from the Western Cape, I found to be zesty, with great character, very pleasant on the nose and with an excellent mouthfeel. Grapes for this production are certified as Fairtrade. If a sparkling white wine is required then PROSECCO (11% vol) makes for a much loved choice. I sourced a DOC Brut production, which suited my taste buds splendidly. This Italian delectation has proved to be a winner, in the sparkling section, over many years. The Rosé version of this PROSECCO (11% vol) DOC Brut, with hints of ripe, red fruits is ideal should a little colour (pinkish) be wanted – perhaps at the dining table or when dining al fresco – great! Red wines appeal to numerous people. If I really had to choose, then Merlot or Malbec do seem to be regular selections for many. I located a Fairtrade Organic MALBEC production (13% vol) from Argentina, which ‘ticked all

the boxes’ (for me). With an abundance of juicy, red fruit flavours, this production is a full-bodied wine which delights a good number of red wine lovers and connoisseurs. For a sweet wine SHERRY has a ‘following’ of ‘devotees’. With productions ranging from dry, through medium, to sweet and very sweet, my vote goes to PX Pedro Ximénez (17% vol) from Jerez, Spain. Extremely smooth and sweet, this sherry needs little introduction and is made by Bodegas Lustau. With award-winning sherries, being produced since 1896, this sherry goes down a treat with chocolate desserts and/ or ice cream (Vanilla is my favourite).

If Whisky is preferred (anytime) the SINGLE MALT SCOTCH WHISKY (40% vol) will not disappoint. Matured, using ex-bourbon barrels, this is a smooth and well-balanced whisky.

I located these drinks at a Co-op store, in their ‘IRRESISTIBLE’ range. If Co-op membership is of interest, rewards can be gained on purchases. Web: www.coop.co.uk Co-op supports Fairtrade.

Web: www.infofairtrade.co.uk

Cannabis farm discovered in Preston

Smoother journeys ahead with extra £5.1m for highways

A major new round of improvements to the county's roads has been agreed by Lancashire County Council's cabinet with a focus on fixing and preventing potholes.

The council received a further £5.1m for highways after the Chancellor of the Exchequer announced more money for UK roads in the Spring Budget.

roads before they get too big.

A cannabis grow with around 150 plants has been discovered in Preston. As a result of information from the public, officers gained access to the premises in the Ashton-on-Ribble area, and discovered the grow, along with various equipment including heat lamps.

Evidence was also found that the electricity had been bypassed.

No arrests have been made and enquiries are ongoing.

Operation Warrior is Lancashire Police’s

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.

Operation Warrior targets the individuals and gangs involved in crime, as well as associated issues such as violence and intimidation, large scale drug supply, exploitation and fraud, all of which can cause serious harm to local communities.

A report to the council's cabinet this week outlined full details of how the extra funding will be invested, which brings the highways budget for the year to around £35m.

It includes £522k to prevent potholes on Lancashire's most important strategic routes which receive the most wear and tear from heavy goods vehicles. The surface dressing treatment will help to extend their life by sealing small cracks before they become potholes. £265k is also to be invested in applying the same type of treatment to a number of roads in West Lancashire.

More lengths of road will also be fully resurfaced with £255k being committed to replace worn out sections of A, B and C roads, and £530k to repair roundabouts.

An additional £2.5m has been set aside for a range of work to repair and prevent potholes, which includes mini resurfacing schemes for sections of road where potholes are repeatedly appearing, and 'find and fix' work to tackle emerging potholes on rural

A special £250k treatment is due to be applied to James Towers Way near Preston which opened in 2017. This 'varnish' is designed to protect new roads against the early stages of wear caused by weather and traffic, ensuring the best value for money from the original cost of construction.

A further £250k will be used to repair a vital retaining wall next to a reservoir in Chorley, and an extra £550k committed to replace aging streetlighting columns.

County Councillor Rupert Swarbrick, cabinet member for highways and transport, said: "This is a very busy time for our highways teams as we begin our annual programme of roads maintenance which can only be carried out during the warmer months.

"The extra funding we've received from government is extremely welcome and

means we can carry out essential repairs this summer which would otherwise have to be put off for next year, and prevent potholes which would have had to be fixed in the meantime.

"The end of winter is always the worst time for our roads as the cold and wet weather is what causes most of the damage, however the huge programme of work which is now underway means we'll all be able to enjoy smoother journeys by the end of the summer."

Councillors also approved the addition of £795k of external funding to the highways budget related to the redevelopment of the Samlesbury Enterprise Zone, where recycled asphalt from the site will be used to resurface part of the A682 in Rossendale.

A Scorching Summer Season at Brewery Arts, Kendal

From music, theatre, comedy, blockbuster cinema and brand-new family activities, there's something for everyone at Brewery Arts this summer!

Highlights in the live music programme include the legendary Afrobeat musician Femi Kuti, punk pioneer Jah Wobble, and contemporary folk star Rozi Plain. The South will also perform, bringing the songs and original members of The Beautiful South and The Olllam will play their superb mash-up of Celtic folk and post-rock.

The comedy and spoken word line-up features the hilarious Hal Cruttenden, the monthly open mic night Verbalise, and a special appearance by Crikey Aphrodite a cappella group at Brewery Poets May Reading!

BAFTA Award-winning writer and performer Katie Redford brings her moving production of Tapped to our Theatre, Kitchen Zoo pre-

sents The Tortoise and the Hare, and our annual Summer Showcase returns with performances from our talented Creative Learning groups.

The programme for cinema includes a live stream of the Eurovision Grand Final, and anticipated blockbusters like Barbie, Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny, and Fast X. Independent and international films including The Blue Caftan, Morocco’s official entry for Best International Film at the Academy Awards, Britain's Hidden Fishes which will feature a director Q&A, and A Crack in the Mountain, an insightful documentary covering the challenges of modern-day exploration, will also be shown.

The very best of live theatre, ballet, and opera from across the country will be brought to the Brewery Arts’ Stage on Screen programme.

The likes of National

Theatre’s Fleabag, The Royal Ballet’s Sleeping Beauty, and The Royal Opera’s Il Trovatore will be screened. The new term of Creative Learning boasts a vibrant and diverse selection of new courses, workshops and family activities, delivered by experts. Spend time with loved ones at Family Fridays Pottery and Printmaking, learn a new skill at Embroidery and Fibre Arts for Beginners, or meet the artists behind Shaun The Sheep at Model Making with Aardman Animations. Whether you are planning a memorable night out, visiting the venue for a free exhibition, or connecting with friends in the Bar & Restaurant, you can be guaranteed a warm, friendly welcome.

View Brewery Arts' full event listings at breweryarts.co.uk, or drop into the venue to pick up a new season brochure.

Love your local market

Love your Local Market (LYLM) fortnight begins on Friday 12 May.

Organised by the National Association of British Markets Authority (NAMBA) the two-week long celebration is designed to remind local communities how important it is to support their local markets and to encourage small businesses who are looking to expand, to utilise their local marketplace and become traders themselves. Those who already shop at Preston Markets regularly will be aware of the many benefits of doing so, but for those who would like to know more, here are four

reasons to shop local and enjoy the range of produce that Preston Market traders provide.

1. Keeping your hard-earned money within the local community

When shopping at a supermarket it is difficult to know exactly where your money is going. The profits made by chain stores are unlikely to stay within the communities that shop there.

Choosing to shop at a local market, benefits your local economy directly. Every time you buy from a local business you are investing in their growth and prosperity which not only improves the culture of the area you live in but as they are more likely to live locally, they will in turn spend their money locally, keeping local wealth,

local.

2. Affecting local culture and community

The businesses that reside in any given area can have a knock-on effect to the community, including the value of homes and properties in that area.

Interesting and individual shop fronts, displays and signage help to create character, variety and often have a story that has cultural or historical relevance.

In contrast to this, corporate supermarkets are typically large, purpose built, and not in keeping with the architecture of the area they are built in.

Owners of local businesses live within the communities that they serve and are therefore more invested in the community’s welfare and future.

3. Help the Environment

Supermarkets rely primarily on importing their produce from overseas, this uses up a lot of fuel and resources. The industry emits 17.3 billion tonnes of carbon dioxide each year. They also use lots of single-use plastic as it is cheap and quick to make. At Preston Markets, many traders source local stock, this reduces carbon emissions. The more people within a community decide to shop locally, the more self-sufficient and environmentally friendly that community will become.

4. You can affect what traders sell

When you shop at Preston Markets, you are being served directly by the stall owner who has years of experience and knowledge about their trade. If you would like

something specific such as a certain cut of meat or a unique cheese that you’ve read about online, you can ask them, and they’ll try their best to find it for you. On the other hand, supermarkets tend to stock their shelves throughout the country with uniformity, only making changes due to mass shifts in buying patterns. This takes away from the uniqueness and personal approach, provided by local independ-

ent traders. Thank you

A huge thank you to all who continue to shop local at Preston Markets. If you would like to find out more about Preston Markets traders you can follow @ prestonmarkets on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter. The Love Your Local Market fortnight has now been embraced by more than 24 countries worldwide and is growing every year.

Why Fantasy Island Is The Perfect Place For A Picnic

After spending so much time indoors, it’s fair to say we are all looking for ways to spend more time outside. Going for a picnic is the perfect idea for those wanting to enjoy the great outdoors, bask in the sun and relax with friends and family. Fantasy Island is the ideal spot, and here are just a few reasons why.

Somewhere different

If you’re tired of going to the same parks every day, having a picnic at Fantasy Island is a fantastic change of scenery. If your kids are sick of the same days out in Lincolnshire, our theme park offers an incredible range of spots to enjoy your sandwiches and scones. Whether you want to watch the roller coasters race by or relax on the Island Beach, there are so many places to choose from to enjoy your lunch. With so much to see and do, you will never be bored again.

Food stalls

If you’ve forgotten your sandwiches at home (or you don’t trust your own cooking!) we have an enormous range of food stalls offering incredible meals, snacks and desserts. Choose from over 40 eateries for delicious pizza, Chinese, fish and chips and so much more. This is perfect for fussy eaters, anyone with allergies or dietary requirements or simply for families who can never agree on where to eat! With so many options, you’re sure to find something to suit every taste. No queuing or booking needed

Since everyone is keen to get out and about these days, finding a place to set up and enjoy a picnic is getting harder and harder. At Fantasy Island, you’ve no need to waste time by queuing or booking in advance. Although we recommend you buy wristbands online if you are planning to enjoy the rides, if you just want to come in and enjoy the atmosphere, you don’t need to book or wait in line.

Bring your dogs

When we say fun for all the family, we mean ALL the family! Bring your furry family members along for the picnic; as long as they are on a lead, they are more than welcome on site.

With so many reasons to visit, what are you waiting for? Host your next family picnic at Fantasy Island and find out why we are one of the best day trips in the UK!

STEP ABOARD FOR A GREAT DAY OUT

Ahoy there! Welcome aboard the former Royal Yacht of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, just two miles from Edinburgh's city centre. Visit Britannia to make your own memories on this iconic ship with a fun day out for all ages!

A Royal residence for over 40 years, The Royal Yacht Britannia sailed over 1,000,000 nautical miles on 968 state visits with the Royal Family where they entertained prime ministers and presidents. Now a fivestar visitor attraction and Best UK Attraction (Which magazine readers), you can discover across five decks stories of life at sea for both the Royal Family and the 220 Royal Yachtsmen who served on board.

What will I see?

• Britannia’s five decks with your free audio guide

• Feel like the captain of the ship in the Bridge

• Follow in the footsteps of Royalty through the State Apartments

• See The Queen’s favourite room

• Discover below decks in the Crew’s Quarters

• Admire a tour highlight, the gleaming Engine Room

• Take in the Royal Sailing Exhibition

• Enjoy soups, sandwiches, cakes and scones in the Royal Deck Tea Room and admire the stunning waterfront views.

5 Reasons to Visit

1. Best UK Attraction (Which magazine readers)

2. Five decks to explore

3. Complimentary selfled audio guided tour in over 30 languages

4. Children’s version of the audio tour and Cuddly Corgi Treasure Hunt

5. Highly accessible with a visually impaired audio guide, Braille script, ASL and BSL tablets

Did you know?

All the clocks on board remain stopped at 3:01pm

The exact time HM Queen Elizabeth II was piped ashore for the final time during the decommissioning ceremony.

PLANNING A DAY OUT?

Discover incredible things to do in North Wales

But where to begin?

Well, the north east of Wales has plenty of history and is home to North Wale's only World Heritage Site. The coastal regions like Colwyn Bay and Conwy have excellent beaches and family attractions.

You’ll find adventure in the mountains of Snowdonia & stunning locations along the Llyn Peninsula. Picture this. An abandoned

quarry, once the world’s largest, turned into the world’s fastest zip zone.

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

You can even scale to Britain’s lowest point, deep beneath the mountain's of Snowdonia.

With all this, it’s no surprise that North Wales has a growing reputation as being the adventure capital of the UK. Underground, on ground or above ground, be prepared for an unforgettable adventure in North Wales. But it’s not all about flying through the air. There are plenty of things to do in North Wales snd Betws-yCoed for example that don't require a helmet or wetsuit. The region has an incredibly rich and eventful history &

heritage – which has to be explored.

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

For a compre hensive look at the regions history, be sure to visit North Wales’ intriguing

museums. For families, North Wales and Llandudno in particular has a great array of attractions. Adventure parks provide an array of things to do in North Wales including roller coasters, slides and experiences. For a day of discovery, head to one of the regions zoos & aquariums – here, the kids can

be introduced to animals from all over the world. With so much going on, you might forget to take it all in so why not make your stay a bit longer? Whether you are looking for seaside hotels, traditional bed and breakfasts, quirky glamping and campsites, family friendly holiday and carvan parks

or just basic self catering accommodation, all needs and tastes are catered for in North Wales!

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

TOP 5 CASTLES TO VISIT IN NORTH WALES

There are over 600 castles in Wales and it is said to have more castles per square mile than anywhere else in the world. Here are the top 5 castles to visit in North Wales:

CAERNARFON CASTLE

Built in the 1280 by Edward I, Caernarfon is the largest castle in the area and does not disappoint. Having included all the mod cons for its day like toilets, running water and glass in the windows, this vast building is spectatuclar. A brute of a fortress. Caernarfon Castle’s pumped-up appearance is unashamedly muscle-bound and intimidating. Picking a fight with this massive structure would have been a daunting prospect. By throwing his weight around in stone, King

Edward I created what is surely one of the most impressive of Wales’s castles. Worthy of World Heritage status no less. Most

castles are happy with round towers, not Caernarfon! Polygonal towers were the order of the day, with the Eagle Tower being the most impressive of these. You will also note the colour-coded stones carefully arranged in bands. The site of this great castle wasn’t chosen by accident. It had previously been the location of a Norman motte and bailey castle and before that a Roman fort stood nearby. The lure of water and easy access to the sea made the banks of the River Seiont an ideal spot for Edward’s monster in masonry. Edward wasn’t one to miss an opportunity to tighten his grip even further on the native population. The birth of his son, the first English Prince of Wales, in the castle in 1284, was a perfect device to stamp his supremacy. In 1969, the investiture of the current Prince of Wales, HRH Prince Charles took place here. Whilst you’re visiting this formidable fortress, don’t miss the opportunity to see the Royal Welch Fusiliers Museum, which is housed in two of the castle’s towers.

CONWY CASTLE

Conwy Castle entrance is truly impressive with two fortified gateways and made up of eight enormous towers.

The great hall, private chambers and kitchen can still be seen on visiting which gives you a real sense of what it would have been like back in the day. Built for Edward I, by Master James of St George, the castle is amongst the finest surviving medieval fortifications in Britain. In a word, exceptional. You can’t fault it, from the grandeur of its high towers and curtain walls to its excellent state of preservation. An estimated £15,000 was spent building the castle, the largest sum Edward spent in such a short time on any of his Welsh castles between 1277 and 1307. Money well spent.

Two barbicans (fortified gateways), eight massive towers and a great bowshaped hall all sit within its distinctive elongated shape, due in part to the narrow rocky outcrop on which the castle stands. You won’t find Edward’s concentric ‘walls within walls’ here. They weren’t needed. The rock base was enough security in itself.

Some say it is the most magnificent of Edward I’s Welsh fortresses. To get the full picture,

head for the battlements. Breathtaking views across mountains and sea. If the outside impresses (and it will), wait until you go in. With an outer ward containing a great hall, chambers and kitchen, and a more secluded inner ward with private chambers and a royal chapel, it is very easy to imagine how Conwy functioned when the royal entourage were in town.

HARLECH CASTLE

Harlech castle is built on what is said to be the oldest rock in the world. It was impenatrable in its day due to its location. Originally it would have been white as it was painted in limestone. The new visitors centre is a wealth of further infomation.‘Men of Harlech.’ The

nation’s unofficial anthem, loved by rugby fans and regimental bands alike, is said to describe the siege which took P.T.O

place here during the War of the Roses, wherein a handful of men held out against a besieging army of thousands. Edward’s tried and tested ‘walls within walls’ model was put together in super-fast time between 1283 and 1295 by an army of nearly a thousand skilled craftsmen and labourers.

Edward liked to use only the best masons from Savoy and England’s finest carpenters and blacksmiths. At the time this was one of the cheapest of Edward’s castles. A snip at a mere £8,190.

The structure, overseen by Master of the King’s Works, James of St George, boasts two rings of walls and towers, with an immensely strong east gatehouse. It was impregnable from almost every angle. Its secret weapon was a 200-foot (61m) long stairway which still leads from the castle to the cliff base. Access via the stairway to the sea and crucial supplies kept the castle’s besieged inhabitants fed and watered. When it was first built, a channel would have connected the castle and the sea. You could have sailed a boat up to the moat. Seven hundred years later, the sea has receded and you could say the castle appears almost stranded, waiting for the tide to turn once more.

The newly installed ‘floating’ bridge at Harlech Castle makes access to the castle

truly available for all. The bridge connects the castle with the brand new visitor centre in the former Castle Hotel building.

BEAURMARIS CASTLE

This was the last of Edward I’s castles and he unfortunatly never saw it complete.

extraordinary height, was forced to focus his attention elsewhere and the rest is, quite literally, history…

Technically perfect and constructed according to an ingenious ‘walls within walls’ plan, Beaumaris Castle was the 13th-century hi-tech equivalent of a spaceship landing unceremoniously on Anglesey today. You can usually complain if a neighbour’s extension plans are a bit on the large side. Seven centuries ago the problem was resolved rather differently. The population of Llanfaes was forcibly moved 12 miles (19km) away to Newborough to make way for Edward’s new castle.

CRICCIETH CASTLE

Built originally by Llywelyn the Great, this very Welsh of princes included a very English style of gatehouse. Edward I’s forces took the castle some 50 years later, undertook their own improve-ments and remodelled a tower for stone-throwing engines. Not as much fun for those at the bottom as it sounds for those at the top!

Owain Glyn Dŵr sealed Criccieth’s fate when his troops captured and burnt the castle in the early years of the 15th century.

It is said to be one of the most beautiful of his castles. In terms of design and finish, the castle was super high-tech for its time with the ‘walls within walls’ features. Dare we say it, an absolute cracker of a castle with classic proportions and perfect symmetry. The last hurrah of Edward I’s massive building programme in north Wales… just a shame he never got round to finishing it! With finances stretched to the limit and the Scots now increasingly effective in their resistance to the English monarch, his vicelike grip on Wales was beginning to slip. Edward or ‘Longshanks’, on account of his

This castle was built by Llywelyn the Great. The twin tower gate house would have been inimidating for visitors and due to its position, the castle was always in high demand and changed hands on a number of occassions. Steeped in lots of history, its a very interesting site to visit.

What a picture, what a view! Perched on a headland with the sea as its constant bedfellow. Its twin-towered gatehouse intimidates prospective attackers. So badly did the native Welsh princes and English monarchs want it, that it changed hands more often than a relay baton.

This was to be the last major Welsh rebellion against the English. Criccieth Castle may also have given the name to the town rather than the other way round. Its suggested origins are ‘crug caeth’ – ‘crug’ (hill in Welsh), ‘caith’ (captives) – the name given to the jail on the hill, a function once held by the castle. Buy an ice-cream, there’s a lot of history to digest.

Lake District Summer Music Festival - 28 July – 6 August 2023

Dame Evelyn Glennie headlines the 2023 summer music alongside an exciting line-up of classical stars and young talent.

It’s not every festival that can boast UNESCO world heritage site credentials and offer a unique experience away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Yet that’s exactly what Lake District Summer Music (LDSM) have been doing since 1985.

2023 is jam-packed with some of the most exciting artists in classical music, starting with homegrown star Dame Evelyn Glennie in a percussion extravaganza at the Coro, Ulverston.

plenty of contemporary works by Jessie Montgomery, Missy Mazzoli, Esther Swift, Dobrinka Tabakova and others.

A festival for everyone

‘Classical music is something everyone should have the chance to enjoy, that’s why we’ve created a whole series

dence at Ronnie Scott’s) whips up a party frenzy in Kendal. A bright future

Key to LDSM’s DNA is their twin focus on giving a platform to the next generation of exciting young talent with some of the best and brightest gracing the festival in their early careers. This summer is no different, with prize-winning pianists, violinists, guitarists, harpists, cellists, trios and string quartets ready to put on a show.

Concerts, family events, masterclasses, walks & more across Ambleside, Barrow, Coniston, Grange-over-Sands, Grasmere, Hawkshead, Kendal, Kirkby Lonsdale, Ulverston, Windermere

Understandably tickets are selling fast, so don’t miss your chance to experience an amazing summer of music.

Box office: www.ldsm.org.uk | 01539 266200

The Sacconi, Barbican and the firebrand Chiaroscuro String Quartets all take pride of place this summer in a festival inspired by Vienna. Brit-award winning cellist Guy Johnson embarks on a Beethoven pilgrimage while exhilarating music from Schubert to Strauss rings across the lakes. Beyond Vienna, LDSM are also shining a spotlight on new music by female composers in particular, with a world premiere of Revelling and Reckoning by Ailís Ní Riaín and

of family events at Windermere Jetty Museum, Grasmere School and Barrow Dock Museum. Mixing concerts with storytelling, making musical characters with puppets and creating your own folksongs, there’s so much for little musical explorers to get their teeth into.’ - Nick Hardisty (Festival Manager)

And it’s not just music for kids, star jazz pianist Gwilym Simcock gives his own late-night soirees and Classical Kicks (a classical/jazz/folk/rock/fusion ensemble usually in resi-

STEEL FELL, CALF CRAG, GIBSON KNOTT AND HELM CRAG

Route details

Difficulty: Moderate (map & compass skills/remote/indistinct paths)

Time: 3 hour 59 mins

Distance: 8. miles (14km)

Ascent: 710 metres

Dog issues: You may encounter cattle.

OS Explorer map OL7 The English Lakes South Eastern Area

Steel Fell and Helm Crag are two iconic fells overlooking Grasmere that guard either end of this walk. Having climbed Steel Fell, the next 5.0km (3.1 miles) of undulating ridge doesn’t drop below 350m until the col of Bracken Hause just before the rather marvelous Helm Crag. Whilst navigating this walk on a fine day is reasonably straight forward, in mist and poor visibility it would be a very different proposition. The ridges between Steel Fell and Calf Crag, and then to Helm Crag are at times wide and the path not always clearly defined.

Both are boggy, with many small knolls to skirt, and accurate map and compass work would be required. The start point is Grasmere village where there are a number of pay and display car parks dotted throughout.

1. From the centre of Grasmere take the lane towards Allan Bank, just after the cattle grid bear right onto the new permissive path, go through the kissing gate to come out on Easedale Road. This bypasses the narrow and twisty section of Easedale Road. Cross Goody Bridge, and just afterwards turn right signposted to Thorny How. Continue to the end of the road and turn left. At Ghyll Foot Farm cross the stone bridge and bear left along the private road to Helmside. There is a public footpath sign hiding on the wall beside the telegraph pole. Follow the road to the cottages at the end and bear left to go through the gate with the small footpath marker. This is a National Trust area called Greenburn.

2. Bear right and climb along side the wall to your right. The path goes through a number of sheep pastures. There is a gate or two, otherwise there are just open gaps in the wall.

The path is largely grass slopes, a little steep in places otherwise there are no difficulties. Bear left at the first cairn which is adorned with bits of old metal fence post, to the summit cairn of Steel Fell just 70m (77 yards) on.

3. Continue over the summit and descend alongside the fence to your right. When the fence bears off right, you bear left and continue down towards the tarns. The ground is very boggy, and probably so even in dry conditions. Here the path is indistinct, keep left and with Calf Crag in sight it is simply a case of finding the best route through the bog.

Climb to the rocky summit of Calf Crag.

4. Turn left from the summit cairn and drop down mainly grass through rocky crags. Turn right to cross an area of peat hags above Pike of Carrs. Continue on the path. Keep left. Beware of being drawn to the right down the fell side, remain on the ridge as best as possible. There are many small knolls on the ridge, the main path, such as it is, skirts some of them. A faint path can be found going over the tops.

Gibson Knott appears at the point when you’ve probably had enough of little rocky

knolls! It is reasonably distinct complete with a small cairn on a rocky platform.

5. Continue past the cairn, and drop down to the col with Helm Crag. Continue ahead and climb the zigzag path. At the top bear left to the Howitzer. The true summit is the top of the rock, a good climb up.

Continue along the summit ridge to the Lion and Lamb 300m (330 yards) further along.

6. From the Lion and Lamb, continue south east, bear right on the path through High Raven Crag.

At the bottom on the small plateau bear right at the post, as the grass path straight ahead ends above crags. Follow the signs and obvious landscaping to control erosion. Bear left to continue on the path.

At the wall turn right and descend with the wall on your left. Steep stone steps drop down remarkably quickly and easily.

At the bottom by a wall bear right, and then left into the lane.

At the junction of paths turn left signposted Grasmere. Bear right through the gate and drop down to the road. Turn left. Follow Easedale Road back to Grasmere village.

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

worked and wrote his much-loved stories based on his experiences as a young veterinary surgeon working among the farming community of North Yorkshire.

cinating ancient and bizarre remedies and the cramped and primitive consulting room that saw the treatment of many a poorly pet – only creatures small were dealt with by Alf in here!

Interactive Gallery

There’s no telling children ‘don’t touch’ in this gallery! Designed to engage children, young and old, the pieces use fun and interaction to educate visitors about farm animals and how they interact with our lives.

The latest addition to the centre’s collection is the original 1938 Austin Seven car, Registration JK 7443.

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

Veterinary Science Rooms

Stepping through the famous red door of 23 Kirkgate, Thirsk is to step inside the World of James Herriot, the fully-restored site of his original 1940s home and veterinary practice (known in his books as Skeldale House, Darrowby) set in the heart of stunning Herriot Country.

The dining room and practice office

Explore this magical time-capsule, where the world’s most famous vet and one of the most popular writers of the twentieth century lived,

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

The original dispensary containing all potions great and small As well as a family home, it was also a busy surgery with a dispensary crammed with fas-

Full of fascinating facts, the gallery gives visitors the opportunity to test their skills, knowledge and reflexes whilst learning how vets work with farmers to keep animals fit and well. Not just for children!

There is one installation that TV viewers particularly will recognise and that’s the ‘not to be missed’ opportunity to place your hand up a cow’s bottom! An essential skill that every vet has to learn, All Creatures Great and Small actor Christopher Timothy famously did his part on several occasions, much to the amusement of the cast, crew and viewing public!

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

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

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 program.

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

You can be the star of the show! Get in front of the camera and imagine yourself as Christopher Timothy playing James Herriot, Robert Hardy as the eccentric Siegfried Farnon, Peter Davison as Tristan Farnon, or Carol Drinkwater and Lynda Bellingham who both played James’ wife Helen Herriot. The series was a hugely popular show and had two runs from 1978 to 1980 (based directly on Alf’s books) and 1988 to 1990 (filmed with original scripts). The equipment on display shows just how far technology has moved on in TV and film, the huge cameras, endless cables, the intense heat from the lighting rigs all making life pretty uncomfortable for the actors involved.

The Austin Seven Car from ‘It Shouldn’t Happen to a Vet’

On display is a 4,000 piece archive showcasing veterinary instruments from the past to the modern day. These items chart the history and progress of the profession over the years. Some of the instruments appear primitive but were all designed for a particular purpose, since refined and updated for the modern vet’s practice.

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

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

Yorkshire Air Museum

The Yorkshire Air Museum has burst back to life celebrating the wonder of Aviation, which we proudly proclaim as Yorkshire’s greatest invention! Did you know that the aeroplane was first invented in our own county?

Museum Director Barbara George explains: “Scarborough born nobleman George Cayley was so inspired by the passenger carrying hot air balloons of the Mongolfier brothers in France that he defined the principles for a ‘flying machine’ in 1799, designing the very first outline of a ‘conventional’ aeroplane with fixed wings, a ‘fuselage’ and using the acts of propulsion and lift as individual functions to make it fly.” This ultimately led to the creation of his full-size glider which, in 1853, made the first man-carrying flight at his family home at Brompton by Sawdon.

The Museum is proud to display the unique replica of this amazing craft

which now takes take centre place in our huge hangar, strikingly mounted on a plinth, along with other iconic Yorkshire designed aircraft, such as the Blackburn Buccaneer, the last of a long line of aircraft from the company founded by Leeds born Robert Blackburn, and, of course, own unique WWII Halifax Mk. III bomber, “Friday the 13th”. This is so named after the most successful Halifax, flying from its Yorkshire base at RAF Lissett near Bridlington. We know you will be inspired after visiting our wonderful museum, based on an original WWII Bomber Command base, with all the history and heritage of the period. Enjoy discovering our amazing aircraft collection amongst our extensive, spacious grounds and take a stroll around our woodland nature area. Discover a tranquil, fragrant spot in our ‘Jardin des Papillons’ or Memorial Rose

Gardens and enjoy a family picnic on our lawns.

Open Daily 10:00am to 17:00pm. (Winter 10:00am – 16:00pm)

Admission: £12 Adults, £5 Child (4-17). Family £30 (2A + up to 3 Children.) Trip Advisor Certificate of Excellence Award.

Three of Blackpool’s prestigious beaches have been granted Seaside Awards

The national awards, announced by Keep Britain Tidy, have rewarded Blackpool South, Blackpool Central, and Bispham for their high standards of beach management, as well as their nearby facilities and water quality.

Cllr Jane Hugo, Blackpool Council’s Cabinet Member for Climate Change and Environment, said: “This is great news for local residents and visitors to Blackpool. “So many people work extremely hard to keep our beaches clean as we know how popular and much loved they are. “On behalf of the council I’d like to thank everyone who has played their part and securing this independent seal of approval. From our dedicated Streetscene and Beach Patrol teams, to the many volunteers who litter pick, to every person that does the right thing and disposes of their litter responsibly.”

Blackpool has more than 800 litter bins, including 250 large capacity bins on the Promenade alone. They are emptied daily under normal conditions, and collections are increased whenever there is good weather and high visitor numbers. Reminders are in place to prompt everyone to get rid of their rubbish in the nearest available bin or take it home with them.

Blackpool is part of Turning Tides the

cross-agency partnership working together in north west England to do everything possible to improve the quality of our bathing waters. Through infrastructure, planning, campaigning, volunteering, educating, engaging and hard work, the aim is to make sure everyone enjoys our beaches for generations to come.

The market, which has recently been given a slick and extensive facelift to align with modern 'food hall’-style venues such as those seen in Manchester or Liverpool, will open to the public for the first time at 12pm on Saturday, 27th May. The venue opening will be marked with a live DJ playing 12pm – 6pm, with local musicians Daisy Atkinson and Chris Wilde playing 7pm -10pm.

Upon opening, the Abingdon Street Market food hall, whose entrance is located on Edward Street, will be open from 9am –10pm Monday – Sunday.

Visitors to the newly-opened market will be able to try food samples from the six local independent food vendors joining the market, as well as sampling drinks from one of the venue's two bars or coffee shop as well as enjoying live entertainment for the opening weekend in the spacious open dining area. The new food and drink vendors will be announced over the upcoming week on social media channels, with one vendor being announced each day leading up to the venues opening date.

As well as the variety of locally-focused food and drink vendors, Abingdon Street Market will also open retail units with a range of products, from fresh produce to handmade crafts and gifts later in the year – which new operators Little Blackpool Leisure hope will reinvigorate the town centre as a shopping destination.

Abingdon Street Market will also be available for use as an events space, and the operators hope to use it for community events, live music and charity-led initiatives.

The building was opened in 1862 as

foodies

Blackpool's police station – a detail preserved in the stone-carved 'Police Station' sign above the Abingdon Street entrance - before being converted to an indoor market in 1928.

The contract to operate Abingdon Street Market was awarded to Little Blackpool Leisure, a company run by James Lucas, Andy Shields and Jake Whittington. The team also operates nearby Common Bar & Kitchen and Nook Wine Room and Terrace, which have gained a reputation as some of Blackpool's most popular destinations for food and drink.

Little Blackpool Leisure team said:

We're so excited to finally open the doors to the new version of Abingdon Street Market and get to see this new phase in its long heritage begin. It has been a mainstay of the town centre for many decades now, so finally seeing locals and visiting tourists enjoy the space again will be really special. There's definitely going to be an air of celebration – we're looking forward to enjoying the entertainment and welcoming visitors to the market. To see it come to life and take on that bustling market feel – as it has done for so many years before –will be an honour.

The newly renovated Abingdon Street Market has a much-awaited opening date for

Planning For Your Wedding Day 2023

As couples plan for their big day for 2023 now is the time to get into shape. and start organizing for what will be the best day of their lives. For the bride, you can’t start earlier enough.

You want to arrive at the alter looking vibrant with health and beauty, so what better excuse do you need to invest a little bit of time, money and energy in getting you there? Whether it is planning a few pampering trips to some spas or joining a gym, not only can you trim your figure, you’ll do wonders for your complexion and overall energy levels.

Shopping for the wedding dress is probably the part of the wedding plans you

are looking forward to more than any other aspect.

The majority of bridal gowns bought in the UK are classed as ‘off the peg.’

You try on a sample of the gown in the shop; they take your measurements and order the most appropriate size for you which is then delivered to the shop for alterations to fit your exact shape and size.

Don’t panic, there may be a huge amount to do but here is a handy checklist with some of the main points to take into consideration in the build up to the big day!

12 months before…

Choose a wedding date

Decide on a budget

Make a list of guests and decide on numbers

Book your Church/ Ceremony location. Book

your reception venue/ caterers. Choose your Bridesmaids, Ushers and Best Man. Start looking for The Dress!. Choose and book your photographer

8 months before…

Choose bridesmaids’ dresses

Book entertainment

Choose and order your wedding cake

Make an appointment with your chosen florist

6 months before...

Give Notice of Marriage

Purchase or hire menswear

Select your wedding rings

4 months before...

Send out your wedding invitations

Arrange fittings for the wedding dress and menswear

1 month before...

Arrange a final fitting of

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!

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.

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 newlyweds on honeymoon. If you’re staying in a hotel then mention at check-in that you’re on your honeymoon and ask if there are any honeymoon suites available for you to upgrade to or if there is anything they can do for you to help make your honeymoon more memorable. Then as you go about making your precious memories whilst you are away, you need to keep speaking up.

Tell everyone you meet that you’re there on your honeymoon. You never know, it might lead to a couple of free glasses of champagne over dinner at any of the restaurants you might visit! The same can be said for any activities, excursions or day trips that you intend to do whilst you’re away.

Live like an A-lister

Of course, before you even get to this stage you need to decide on where to go! If you’re at a loss for ideas, other than knowing that you want the A-list treatment, then take a leaf out of @RocknRollBride’s book. She says

that ‘If you’re looking to really go all out on your honeymoon, to have a once in a lifetime experience and to truly live it up like a rock star, then the Maldives has to be top of your list.’

SHOULD WE HAVE A WEDDING CONTINGENCY

Without devising and sticking to a realistic budget, many couples struggle to finance the wedding day of their dreams. Buying all the bits and bobs that make a wedding just as fabulous as you are, adds up. Preparing your finances with a contingency fund is recommended, but where do you start when setting aside this essential cash reserve?

We explore below.

What are the benefits of

having a contingency?

A quick online search will reveal the long list of products and services a couple needs to call upon for their wedding day.

Being aware of the wedding costs that could creep up when you least expect them will ensure you are as well prepared as you can be when planning the best day of your life. Hidden costs come in all shapes and sizes; from

the stamps needed to send your save-thedates and invitations, to those lastminute beauty treatments. Your contingency fund is there should you encounter these unexpected expenses. Work out how much you can afford to spend in total, make a list of everything you need to sort then decide how you will divide your wedding budget. Try to make your list as detailed as possible, and ensure that you set aside enough for each item. Recently married friends, wedding magazines and websites are all good sources of advice. How much should we set aside?

The Wedding Fairy & Friends - A Bridal Boutique With A Difference!

You found the dress of your dreams before you were even engaged. Your hair trial is booked with that amazing stylist you found on Instagram. You searched every shop for the perfect bridesmaid’s outfits, and your flower girls look like little princesses. You’ve thought of everything for you and your bride tribe’s big day looks. Or have you?!

We get calls from ‘brides to be’ every day who hadn’t considered a hair accessory until they sat down at their hair trial. What finishing touch will you choose to really make you sparkle? Other than the Royals amongst us, most of us have never considered wearing a tiara before our wedding day. Nor do we get ready for a night out by carefully placing a vine in our hair. But your wedding day is different - and that’s where we come in!

Born from a mix of four core passionsthe love of accessories and jewellery, the joy a wedding brings, the value of a true personal service, and the simple delight found in beautiful packaging - Fi, our Fairy Godmother, started The Wedding Fairy & Friends 5 years ago to provide a luxury service without a luxury price.

From small beginnings we now help style bride’s biggest days all over the world via our online boutique, our social pages, and in person at our Studio Showroom just outside Chester.

Alongside Fi, who has lovingly curated our stunning selection of hair accessories, jewellery and more, we’ve got the super talented bridal stylist Jess in house to answer any and all questions you may have about what to wear with your chosen hair style.

So whether you’re looking for that statement bridal piece, gifts for your bridesmaids, the perfect jewellery set for Mum, or a super cute headband for your super cute flower girls, we have you covered. All of our sparkle is lovingly hand wrapped whether you buy online or in person, making the perfect gifts for your crew - or just for you!

You’ll find all our goodies at theweddingfairyandfriends.co.uk, but if you’re local or looking for an excuse for a day trip to Chester, we’d love to see you at our studio. You can book your appointment online today.

Happy planning ladies, and lots of loveTeam WFF x x

Most suggest a contingency of between 12.5 and 15% of the overall wedding cost. The average wedding in the UK now costs £30,355, which means a minimum contingency of £3,794. This is a significant amount to set aside.

We’d recommend saving as much extra money as you can and earmarking this as your contingency fund. Whatever you can put aside

as a contingency fund, if you don’t use it, it’s extra money towards enjoying your honeymoon – or building your first home together. How can we start building a contingency fund?

Even couples with a comfortable budget should consider building a contingency. If you can’t save any extra money by cutting back on your monthly outgoings,

as many couples planning weddings cannot – saving your savings is an ideal way to boost your wedding budget and build a contingency fund. For every little discount you receive on a wedding-related service or product, put the amount you saved straight into a savings account. With some hard bargaining, you’ll find you’ll quickly accumulate a sizeable sum.

National award nominations for Lancashire and South Cumbria ICB

Health and social care partners in Lancashire and South Cumbria have been nominated for six national awards.

Lancashire and South Cumbria Integrated Care Board (ICB), which organises health services for the region, has been working in partnership with local authorities to deliver an integrated approach in delivering health

and social care.

This collaborative approach has resulted in six nominations at the HSJ Digital Awards 2023.

The awards recognise outstanding contributions to healthcare and aim to shine a light on the efforts and achievements that individuals and teams across the digital sector deliver on a daily basis.

Asim Patel, chief digital officer for Lancashire and South Cumbria ICB, said: “We’re thrilled to be recognised in this many categories for the HSJ Digital Awards. It’s a great reflection on the team and their dedication to ensuring digital systems improve patient health outcomes.

“Our staff always go above and beyond to improve patient outcomes and quality of service and care – and aligning with the HSJ Digital Awards programme really allows us to share our success as well as everything we’ve learnt through implementing our projects.”

The teams have been shortlisted in the

following categories:

Connecting health and social care through digital

Improving out of hospital care through digital Improving urgent and emergency care through digital

Moving towards net zero through digital Digital team of the year

The projects that have been shortlisted include the shared care record and viewer, the digital catalogue, the move to Net Zero and the digital adoption and transformation of regulated care (further information in Notes to Editors).

HSJ editor Alastair McLellan, adds; “On behalf of all my colleagues, it gives me great pleasure to congratulate Lancashire and South Cumbria ICB on being shortlisted. All of the applications represent the ‘very best of the NHS’ and often leave our esteemed panel of judges with an impossible choice.

“We’re all very much looking forward to wel-

coming our finalists to the awards ceremony in June, celebrating their impressive achievements and jointly acknowledging our values of sharing best practice, improving patient outcomes and continuously driving for better service. But we never forget that the award ceremony is not just a celebration within a night, but a platform to recognise the hard work of all our NHS staff, all year round.” The selected winners will be announced during the awards ceremony at Manchester

Funding boost for innovative cancer test in Lancashire and South Cumbria

A potentially lifesaving ‘sponge on a thread’ cancer test will be given to around 800 patients across Lancashire and South Cumbria after funding was granted to further develop the innovative procedure.

The Cytosponge test can be used to help to identify people most at risk of oesophageal (gullet) cancer and a condition known as Barrett’s Oesophagus, which is when normal cells lining the gullet are replaced by abnormal cells, increasing the risk of developing oesophageal cancer.

The NHS Cancer Programme, with the support of Small Business Research Initiative (SBRI) Healthcare, has committed £3.4 million for diagnostic company Cyted to partner with the NHS in three regions - Lancashire and South Cumbria, East of England and Wessex - to deliver the procedure, following an initial investment of £400,000 in Spring 2022.

Approximately 800 patients over the age of 50 with chronic reflux symptoms who have been taking prescribed proton pump inhibitors will be identified at six GP practices in East Lancashire, Lancaster and Barrow-in-Furness to

receive the test from this summer.

Dr Neil Smith, GP and cancer director for Lancashire and South Cumbria, said: “This latest funding will enable us to target a specific group of patients who are deemed to be at greater risk of oesophageal cancer and invite them to have the Cytosponge test. “The test is less invasive and generally more comfortable than having an endoscopy. There is no need for the patient to be sedated and it can be delivered in a nurse-led clinic in about 20 minutes.

“The Cytosponge test involves the patient swallowing a capsule which is attached to a thread. The capsule dissolves after a few minutes to release a sponge that gathers oesophageal cells for laboratory analysis after it is removed.

“We hope this further rollout of the Cytosponge test will enable us to be targeted in our approach and help us identify cancer of the oesophagus sooner and save more lives.”

The Cytosponge test was developed by Professor Rebecca Fitzgerald OBE, a co-founder of Cyted, who are developing early cancer detection tests.

Prof Rebecca Fitzgerald said: “We are excited about

the CYTOPRIME2 Project which will invite individuals who are over 50 years old with chronic reflux symptoms to be tested in their local GP surgery. This will enable us to target those most at risk of cancer and prioritise them for endoscopy.”

Marcel Gehrung, CEO and co-founder at Cyted, said:

“Further expanding our work in the North West of England allows us to bring our test to more people with symptoms that could lead to cancer.

“Early diagnosis and active monitoring are a key part of prevention, and we believe that our technology has the potential to make a real difference in the lives of even more patients and their families.”

SBRI Healthcare is a national award-winning scheme, offering development funding to innovators and entrepreneurs who have disruptive solutions to solve identified healthcare problems in the NHS. It is an NHS England and NHS Improvement initiative, supported by England’s 15 Academic Health Science Networks (AHSNs). This work was commissioned and funded by the NHS Cancer Programme with the support of SBRI Healthcare and the Accelerated Access Collaborative.

Awareness campaign urges people to “act F.A.S.T.” to improve stroke outcomes

May is Stroke Awareness Month in the UK, raising awareness of the symptoms and the importance of acting quickly when you spot one of the signs.

Stroke is one of the leading causes of adult disability in the UK, and two-thirds of people who survive find themselves living with a disability.

The NHS in Lancashire and South Cumbria is aiming to reduce the amount of time between someone having a stroke and arriving at hospital by highlighting stroke as a medical emergency and urging people to call 999 as soon as they notice one of the signs.

Earlier this year, NHS England, in association with the Stroke Association, relaunched the Act F.A.S.T. campaign, which has run for more than a decade, providing a simple test to help people identify the most common signs of a stroke.

You are urged to “Think and Act F.A.S.T.” if you see any single one of these signs of somebody having a stroke:

Face – has their face fallen on one side? Can they smile?

Arms – can they raise both arms and keep them there?

Speech – is their speech slurred?

Time – even if you’re not sure, call 999.

Some other signs that may be due to a stroke or mini stroke include: sudden loss of vision or blurred vision in one or both eyes; sudden weakness or numbness on one side of your body (including in your leg); sudden memory loss or confusion; sudden dizziness, unsteadiness or a sudden fall, especially with any of the other signs.

Catherine Curley, clinical director of Lancashire and South Cumbria Integrated Stroke and Neurorehabilitation Delivery Network, said: “The F.A.S.T. campaign has been very successful in helping people remember the signs of a stroke to look out for and recognise that it requires immediate attention as every minute is vital.

“People aged 50 and upwards are more likely to experience a stroke, and around 100,000 people have strokes each year in the UK. Spotting the signs early can give stroke patients those extra precious minutes, enabling faster access to specialist treatment, which could reduce the long-term effects such as a disability.”

The relaunched F.A.S.T. campaign also includes specific activity targeted at ethnic minorities. Stroke disproportionately affects some groups, with black people being twice as likely to have a stroke than white people. On average, people of Black African, Black Caribbean and South Asian descent in the UK have strokes when they are younger. High blood pressure, diabetes and sickle cell are significant risk factors that can contrib-

ute to increasing the likelihood of having a stroke, and there is a high prevalence of these diseases in Black and South Asian communities. In addition to this, there are often cultural, religious and language barriers preventing these groups from seeking medical advice early.

The web page for the campaign is www.nhs. uk/ActFAST

BELLAMY ON TREASURING CHAMPIONS PARADE MEMORIES

Clarets Assistant Manager reflects on incredible season and celebrations

Assistant Manager Craig Bellamy was keen to treasure the atmosphere at Tuesday's Champions Parade as he praised the squad for their hard work across an incredible Championship winning season.

“It’s been amazing [the town centre celebrations]. Honestly, it’s been so special, and you know the older you get the more you can just relax and enjoy it. I’m not naïve enough to think this happens every year, course it doesn’t, so being able to enjoy it now is way more important. I know I don’t always look like it, but I love every moment of this and to do it with a group like the players - I couldn’t love a group more honestly.

“Staff wise it’s a weird place, you get an environment like a small city, a small town like Burnley, where 20,000 turn up week in week out, and the involvement between us and them it’s always there so to be able to share this as well is just brilliant. I’ve got to be honest this is what it’s about.

“We all work, you see how hard we all go at it, but this is why we do it and to get this has been above and beyond.”

Having enjoyed a successful playing career at clubs including Liverpool, West Ham,

Manchester City and Newcastle United, plus 19 goals in 70 international caps for Wales, Bellamy has been involved in several football parades and team celebrations but was thoroughly enjoying being part of the Clarets success this time as a coach.

“This is rare, it’s not like that elsewhere which is what makes it so unique. You sort of grow into it more and more because every club you’re at is the biggest club - it always is. It’s felt like that more and more as you come along with it and it grabs you, it gets you, you become like with it - it’s weird.

“Last time I was in this league I won it as a player and it just flew by and I keep telling the players just cherish it, remember it and please don’t waste a moment of it. To be able to do it now as a coach is what I’m trying to do now as well and it’s special, it’s beyond special.”

When asked if he would take time out to celebrate the achievement or if he was already planning for next season he replied: “Honestly, I can.

"I think you enjoy it as a coach, it’s a little bit different where you can just sit back and breathe. It’s like this is why you work hard, and this is what you do it for, for these types of moments. To be able to share it with so

many people you see every day, you’ll remember this, and the fans will remember this.

"I’m not being biased, it’s easy to be biased, I think we’ve been probably the best Championship I’ve ever seen and that’s the honest truth. That’s how good I think this group of players, the consistency they’ve shown, it’s been unreal and to watch them do that, week in week out, two games a week because this season’s been like no other because of the World Cup break so there was more emphasis on midweek games - which is fine we had to deal with it like everyone else did. It was the same for everyone else.

To watch their level of consistency, it’s just astounded me. I said to them numerous times, every week I get surprised by you, you just surprise me and I’m in awe of them.

"Honest truth, I wouldn’t get in this team. To be able to be part of them, to be able to share this with them. We’ll share this now for the rest of our lives and the fans will as well, we’re all at this moment because we know what happened last year, we’re fully aware of it, we’ll all enjoy it but it’s the manner that we did it, it was the way we did it and I think that will live with us and the fans forever.”

Weight Management Programme Partners With Places Gym Preston

Preston North End Community and Education Trust [PNECET] is delighted to announce a new partnership with Places Gym Preston in Bamber Bridge, which will benefit participants on the Weight Management programme.

The Weight Management programme aims to halt the continued rise in unhealthy weight prevalence in adults and reverse that trend.

The service consists of an evidence-based, accessible tier two weight management service for adults aged 18 and over, supporting people with a Body Mass Index [BMI] between 30 and 39.9 to lose weight, maintain their weight loss, and improve their knowledge and skills.

PNECET staff offer advice and motivation in relation to diet and behaviour change, promoting increased physical

activity while forming an integral part of the NHS health checks care pathway and wider obesity pathways.

An estimated 16 per cent of adults within the Preston City Council boundary are obese, with 59.8 per cent of those being overweight; equivalent to more than 84,000 people.

The new partnership will see PNECET utilise Places Gym facilities and equipment, enabling participants to get even fitter and lose even more weight.

Grace Birtwell, Health and Wellbeing Co-ordinator at PNECET, said: “We’re very pleased to be partnering with Places Gym Preston to deliver our 12-week Weight Management provision in their facility and we’re looking forward to seeing all the benefits that it will bring to our Weight Management participants.

“Our team are experts in supporting individuals to lead healthier lives. Our Weight Management programme encourages lifelong changes to eating habits, helps encourage people to overcome barriers to weight loss, make sensible food choices and become more active.

“We look forward to what this partnership will bring in the future and hope that it will be a lasting partnership to provide Weight Management provision to those in the Preston area.”

Murray MacLennan, Healthy Communities Manager at Places Gym Preston, said: “We’re extending operations from Central Preston to South Preston, so we’ve

CLARETS ACHIEVE ‘FAMILY EXCELLENCE’ STATUS

EFL award Clarets ‘Family Excellence’ status for 2022/23 campaign with thanks to fantastic supporters

To go with an incredible season on the pitch, Burnley Football Club are delighted to share the news that we’ve now received ‘Family Excellence’ status from the EFL for the 2022/23 campaign, and we’d like to thank Clarets fans for the role they’ve played in helping us to achieve that.

Introduced 15 years ago, the Family Excellence scheme sees clubs receive two visit assessments each season in order to determine the quality of the family matchday experiences which they provide.

Recognising continuous improvement and best practice, the awarding of the ‘Family Excellence’ status rewards clubs for their efforts in attracting and retaining young supporters. https://media-cdn.incrowdsports. com/52cb5994-fd76-432f-bee7168a731ce3ee.jpg

Over 457,000 of you packed out Turf Moor across our 23 league home games in 2022/23, with the vast majority matches sold out weeks in advance.

To put that figure into context, it’s more than five times the population of the town, with Turf undoubtedly our Lancashire home.

On top of that, close to 3000 of you were also in attendance as Burnley FC Women stepped out onto the Turf Moor pitch for the first time ever last month, and even more

attended the cup games played on home soil by the men’s team in 2022/23 as well as travelling in droves on the road.

Now, with season tickets for the 2023/24 Premier League campaign in the Premier League already sold out with a waiting list in place for the first time in the Club’s history, we’re proud that our work here has helped to enhance your matchday experiences.

The Clarets contributed to a 12% increase overall in attendances across the EFL in 2022/23 compared to the campaign which went before it, with crowds now at an alltime high for this century.

got a larger catchment area and together we can help a larger percentage of the community and everyone is inclusive within that.

“We’ve got a wide range of facilities and equipment at Places Gym Preston, which benefit the participants in a variety of ways. For example, if we’re running typical circuit training, then our specialist machines can be used in a safe way by disabled participants to ensure everyone is able to take part.”

Pat, a Weight Management participant, has already been reaping the benefits of participating in the sessions.

“I’ve been thoroughly enjoying it,” she says. “I was referred by my GP, as I have COPD and they referred me over in my annual review.

“What I enjoy most is the moving and the interaction with people. I think everyone should do it and I’m not sure why I didn’t do it years

ago. You’ve got nothing to lose!

“My aim is to lose weight, get fitter and keep moving.

“Grace and the staff have been fabulous, she explains everything very easily and if you’ve got a question or a worry you can always go to her and the team.”

BARNES SET TO JOIN CANARIES

Barnes said: “It’s been an absolute privilege to play for Burnley Football Club for almost a decade. Playing in the Premier League was an ambition fulfilled and to do so with Burnley was an honour.

“To play a part in the squad that won yet another Championship title in such an amazing fashion…felt fantastic!

“I’ve made friends for life at Burnleythank you to every single one of you who

have helped me along the way, Sean, Vinny, the people behind the scenes, the loyal fans and my family. I couldn’t have done this without your help. Burnleyyou will always have a huge part in our

heart.”

Burnley Football Club thank Ashley for all his efforts and contributions to the Clarets success over the years and wish him the best for the future.