Garstang Focus - December 2014

Garstang FOCUS Your Free Monthly Magazine

Scorton - Cabus - Garstang - Bonds - Bowgreave Catterall - Churchtown - St Michaels December 2014

Issue 171

What’s On In Garstang

Nov Friday Sun

28th 30th

Cabus Whist & Doms Darts Dash - Garstang & District Lions

Dec Monday 1st Art Exhibition - Arts Centre (until 13th) Garstang Recorded Music Society Darts Dash - Garstang & District Lions Tuesday 2nd Beginners’ Bridge Class - Arts Centre

“Cinderella” - Garstang Theatre Group (until 6th Dec) Wednesday 3rd Bowland Choir Singalong at the Memory Cafe - Garstang Library Meat Bingo - Winmarleigh Village Hall

Cancer Care Christmas Fair - Leighton Hall

Coffee Morning - Calder Vale Methodist Chapel

Thursday

Ladies’ Carol Service - Garstang Free Methodist Church

4th

19 34

42 24 34 18 5 16 4 4 7 35

Galloway’s Society for the Blind Coffee Morning - URC

7

Garstang Country Market

7

Friday 5th “Seasonal Music” - Garstang 3Ls

21

Cabus WI Christmas Celebration

5

Saturday

6th

Christmas Fair - Calder Vale Village Hall

7

Christmas Social - Garstang Wine Circle

21

Dancing in Pilling

33

Sunday

7th

Guy’s 10 mile Road Race - Garstang Running Club

14

Monday

8th

Victorian Festival Evening

35

Tuesday 9th

Music & Refreshments - Arts Centre Joyce Grenfell Tribute - Scorton WI

42 14

Beginners’ Bridge Class - Arts Centre

18

Sequence Dancing - Claughton Memorial Hall

24

Victorian Festival Evening

35

Stamp Auction - Garstang Stamp Club

42

Wednesday 10th

Free Methodist Ladies’ Walk - Garstang

35

Over Wyre & Garstang Focus Magazines Tel: (01253) 813433 editorial & advertising / (01253) 342992 accounts & payments Event Advertising & Editorial: sue@focusmags.co.uk Business & Commercial Advertising: helen@focusmags.co.uk Postal submissions: Focus Magazine, 132 Highfield Rd, Blackpool, FY4 2HH Cover design by Phil S Clarkson | Printed by Moulton Printing | © Focus Magazines 2014

What’s On In Garstang

Wednesday 10th

Garstang Phoenix WI Christmas Lunch

32

Thursday

Reading Group - Garstang Library

16

11th

Garstang Country Market

Friday

12th

Knit and Natter - Garstang Library

Saturday

13th

Santa by Barge - The Tithe Barn

Monday 15th Tuesday 16th

Wednesday 17th

Thursday 18th Friday 19th

Saturday 20th

7 16 4

Phoenix Strings Christmas Concert

Baby Bounce & Rhyme - Garstang Library “Gardens in the UK” - Garstang Floral Arts Group Beginners’ Bridge Class Pub Quiz - The Roebuck, Bilsborrow - CRY Christmas Toddler Rhyme Time - Garstang Library Reading Group - Garstang Library Travel & Holidays Association Members’ Evening

Garstang Painting Group Christmas Party Santa’s Visit on his Illuminated Sleigh (also 20th, 22nd & 23rd) Poetry Appreciation Group - Arts Centre F.L.O.W. Christmas Meal for the Over 60s Baby Bounce and Rhyme - Garstang Library Dancing in Pilling Sequence Dancing - Claughton Memorial Hall

21 16 18 18 27 16 16 51 42 41 18 29 16 33 24

Garstang Town Council Surgery

39

Jan Saturday

3rd

Coffee Morning - Calder Vale Methodist Chapel

Sunday

4th

Walk in Grasmere & New Year’s Party - Garstang Lakeland Club 16

8th

Coffee Morning - Garstang URC

Thursday Monday

12th

7 7

Garstang Gardening Club Annual Dinner

43

Cabus Whist & Doms

19

Wednesday 14th

Garstang Phoenix WI

32

If you want to share this magazine with family or friends outside our delivery area then you can easily do so from our website where full digital copies of both the Garstang and Over Wyre issues for three months can be read on-line.

January 2015 deadline for editorial and adverts Monday 15th December December deliveries commence 8th January 2014 While every care is taken in the preparation of this magazine to ensure accuracy, Focus Magazines cannot be held responsible for editorial content supplied by contributors.

Our acceptance of an editorial item or an advertisement does not necessarily indicate our endorsement of the products, services or views contained within it.

CANCER CARE’S CHRISTMAS FAIR Leighton Hall Wed 3rd Dec 10:00am - 2.00pm This lovely event provides a wonderful, seasonal opportunity to do some Christmas shopping in the elegant surroundings of Leighton Hall.

Browse around beautiful stalls, Home Produce, Jewellery and Scarves, Christmas Floral Decorations, Clothing, Fragrances, Gift ideas and much more.

Yealand C Of E Primary School will be performing carols from 1:00pm. Admission £3.50 (Includes Coffee & Mince Pie). Further info from Helen Hartin (01524 381820).

SANTA BY BARGE The local canal boating community will be hosting their ‘Santa by Barge’ on Sat 13th Dec to help raise funds for the Garstang and Children’s Festival.

4

Starting at 2:00pm Santa and his merry Elves will arrive by canal barge at the Tithe Barn in Garstang. He will then be in residence to meet local children and present them with presents. As well as Santa and the Elves there will also be entertainment, games and a magician for the children to enjoy. There will also be a tombola and raffle.

Previous events have attracted up to 60 children during the afternoon and it is hoped that lots of children will enjoy the event this year. The day is supported by Mitchell’s Hotels and Inns and Garstang Lions.

MEAT BINGO

Winmarleigh Village Hall Wed 3rd Dec- 7:30pm Refreshments served at half time. All welcome!

For more infor contact (01995) 600715

Are you using a product or service from an advertiser?

GARSTANG THEATRE GROUP

CABUS W.I.

Cinderella

Our November meeting was our AGM with prizes being given for full attendance and for the winner of the most of our monthly competitions. The existing President was re-elected, and a new committee was established.

At the Arts Theatre - Garstang Academy Tues 2nd Dec - Sat 6th Dec at 7:30pm Tickets: Adults £8 Under 16 yrs £6 Available from: Market Place News or Mace Shop, Croston Road or ring (01995) 603551

CHARITY CHRISTMAS CARDS SALE The Charity Christmas Card Sale held on Sat 1st Nov in the United Reformed Church Hall was a great success and raised £1099 for the six charities involved.

Our thanks go to the Deputy Mayor Lynn Harter who opened the sale, the Town Crier Hilary McGrath, Jean and Margaret who made the refreshments and Mike Hall who verified the takings. We would also like to thank those who bought cards and the URC for kindly allowing us to use the hall.

John Whalley

After the formal business was over, a relaxed atmosphere was established by playing whist and dominoes, which seemed to be enjoyed by all.

On Fri 5th Dec our Christmas celebration will be held at the United Reform Church, starting at 7.30pm. A selection of carols will be sung and readings will be presented. The evening will finish with refreshments and a variety of stalls will be available.

All donations will go to MEDIQUIP 4KIDS, Garstang.

NB This event is open to everybody, but donations are requested.

Tell them you saw it in the Green Book

5

GREY MATTER TEST (ans page 48) 1 What is the common name for the patella?

2 Which shrub like plant produces berries that are used to flavour gin?

3 What do you call a group of whales?

4 Who played the station master in the classic film, The Railway Children?

5 What is the process of water loss through evaporation from plant leaves called?

6 Who disappeared in a flight across the Pacific Ocean in 1937?

7 What is the capital of Luxembourg?

8 What term describes a tree that annually sheds its leaves?

11 Caledonia was the name given by the Romans to what?

12 What sort of occupation would a ‘realtor’ be in the USA? 13 The Crab represents which sign of the Zodiac?

14 What nationality was the heavyweight singer, Demis Roussos?

15 What are The Society of Friends also known as?

16 What is the country Siam now called?

17 Sturgeon’s eggs are also known as what?

18 In Britain we form a queue, what do Americans do?

9 Cyprus is a historically disputed territory between which two peoples?

19 What is the square root of 64?

10 Which Italian artist was also an architect, sculptor, philosopher & mathematician?

20 Sterling silver is pure silver plus a small percentage of what other metal?

6

Are you using a product or service from an advertiser?

CHARITY COFFEE MORNINGS First Thursday of each month at Garstang URC, Croston Road, 10:00am - 12 noon.

Thurs 4th Dec Christmas Coffee Morning Galloway’s Society for the Blind. Free entry.

Refreshments, cakes, bric-a-brac, raffle, books & plenty of festive fun!

Thurs 8th Jan (Note change of date) Matthew Hesmondhalgh Memorial Fund (Coffee Team’s Annual Charity) Hilary Ralphs (01995) 603056 email ralphs@garstang.eclipse.co.uk

CALDER VALE METHODIST CHAPEL Sat 6th Dec - Joint Christmas Fair with St. John’s Church in the Village Hall from 2:00pm until 4:00pm. Festive stalls including a visit from Father Christmas.

Sat 3rd Jan - Coffee Morning from 10:00am until 12 noon with the usual stalls.

The proceeds will be divided between the Chapel and ‘Solar Suitcases’, a project that provides backup electricity for hospitals etc. in Africa when the electricity goes off.

Edith Gorst (01995) 602078

GARSTANG COUNTRY MARKET Garstang Country Market sessions will have a special festive theme during December.

The two Thursday markets during the month will be held on 4th & 11th Dec from 10:00am to noon, at Garstang Sports and Social Club, off High Street.

There will be a range of festive gifts such as homemade cakes (including Christmas cakes), jams, chutneys as well as crafts.

Do take the opportunity to come and browse and purchase any of these quality homemade products in time for Christmas.” * The market will take a break in the new year and will re-open on March 5 2015.

Tell them you saw their advert in the Garstang Focus

7

BEAT BLOOD PRESSURE NATURALLY If you speak to consultant geriatricians and cardiovascular experts the vast majority would admit that most problems involving high blood pressure can be rectified with simple lifestyle changes.

So if that is the case, why do we start popping pills instead? Because it is quicker, easier and requires precious little effort on our part‌heaven forbid we actually make an effort to be healthier, eh?

In my experience as an osteopath, I meet countless patients who want to be better, who want to improve their health without medication but are not sure where to start.

So let us begin with our blood pressure problems. Firstly, get up from your sofa or desk and start moving. Walking is a profoundly good thing to do. Our body is a moving machine and thrives when we use it, so get up and walk. Thirty minutes every day!

If it is raining outside then pace your room, get a step and step up and step down and repeat. Obviously being out in the fresh air brings more benefits but I cannot stress enough the importance in lots of slow movement every day‌.a rolling stone gathers no moss!

There have been some interesting experiments that have shown certain foods can influence our blood pressure.

If you are a liquorice fan then beware, it can raise your blood pressure (so if you have blood pressure that is too low it may help you!)

Three particular foods have been shown to be beneficial: beetroot, watermelon and garlic.

Each has a different chemical which helps our blood vessels to dilate, thus reducing our blood pressure.

Beetroot and watermelon influence levels of nitric oxide via nitrates which encourages this dilation. Interestingly many green vegetables

8

Are you phoning an advertiser for a quote?

BEAT BLOOD PRESSURE (cont) do this too – celery, watercress, rocket, spinach, broccoli amongst others.

Garlic works by having an active ingredient called allicin which works in a different way but has a similar affect on our arteries.

Unfortunately the allicin in garlic is unstable so must be consumed very quickly after it has been chopped. The finer it is chopped the more allicin is released.

The alternative is to get a fabulous supplement called Allicin from a good health food shop. This has been made so that the crushed garlic is preserved within seconds of it being crushed thus making it very potent and effective. It is also very good for boosting your immune system. It has the added benefit of not making you reek of garlic.

Nick Tofalos

MOBILE LIBRARIES Mobile library visits for December are: Pilling Thursday 11th Hambleton: Monday 1st Arthurs Lane: 11:00 - 11:10am Meadowcroft Avenue: 11:15 - 11:30am Wyreside Drive 11:35 - 11:50am Wyreside Park, Kiln Lane 11:55 - 12:05pm Coniston Avenue: 13:15 - 13:25pm Birchwood Drive: 13:30 - 13:45pm Hambleton Country Park: 13:50 - 14:05pm Stalmine Stalmine Country Park: 14:10 - 14:25pm Seven Stars: 14:30 - 14:50pm Woodside Park: 14:55 - 15:10pm Preesall Ash Grove: 15:20 - 15:40pm Rosemount Avenue: 15:45 - 15:55pm Pilling Lane: 16:00 - 16:10pm Garstang Library (0300) 1236703 www.lancashire.gov.uk

Tell them you saw their advert in the Garstang Focus

9

THE MUSTARD SEED The Mustard Seed at Garstang Methodist Church in Park Hill Road, is the town’s One World and Fair Trade shop that sells fairly traded food items ranging from olive oil and couscous to dried sultanas, raisins, currants and apricots (think Christmas cakes!) to cookies and Fair Break wafer biscuits. And of course we also stock a range of teas, coffees and chocolate drinks together with chocolate bars (ten different flavours at the last count!) and sweets.

We have also started to stock a range of cleaning products, all of which incorporate fairly traded “Fair Palm” palm oil. Palm oil plantations have a justly bad reputation in terms of their environmental impact but “Fair Palm”, from Ghana, is grown as a sustainable crop alongside other traditional crops so as well as growers receiving a fair price they are able to conserve the land on which it is grown.

But there’s even more! We have lots of fairly traded craft items from all over the world – scarves, jewellery, bags of various shapes and sizes, as well as all sorts of knick-knacks ideal as Christmas stocking fillers.

Our surplus income is donated to organisations working in other countries to help their people improve their lives, often in small but always significant ways.

The Mustard Seed is open on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays from 10:00am to 2:00pm and we shall also be open from 6:30pm on Mon 8 Dec for the Victorian Evening. So why not pop in and see what we’ve got for you? And while you’re there call in to Wesleys Coffee Lounge and enjoy what has been described by many customers as “the best cuppa in Garstang”.

PS. If you’re interested in Fair Trade and have some time to spare, we would welcome you as a volunteer to help in the shop – just ask at the counter or call Katherine Corkish on (01995) 601277.

10

Did you know that you can read the “Green Book” on line?

See our website : www.focusmags.co.uk

11

WYRE SENIOR FORUM Door to Door Bus service

There are a few simple rules:

Some of us in the far flung corners of Wyre • The trip must take place between 9.30am find it difficult to get about on public transport. and 2.30pm If you live in Nether Wyresdale and would like • There is a cost of £2 per trip (or £4 per to visit Cleveleys you will be hard put to find a return trip) bus that will take you there • You don’t have a car If you live in Fleetwood and are tempted to visit many of Wyre’s beautiful market towns • You don’t have reasonable access to or find it difficult to use public transport (and market days) you will have to work hard All buses are designed for easy access to get there on a bus.

Well here’s some good news about transport, with low steps, wide aisles, high visibility for a change: Lancashire County Council handrails, good interior lighting and room for walking frames, and all have climate control (LCC) have a fleet of 200 buses used to make passengers’ journeys as pleasant mainly to provide transport for schools and and comfortable as possible. community groups across the county. Many of these stand idle in between school duties but The vehicles are maintained to the highest they are now being offered to individuals and standard by LCC’s Fleet Services Division at workshops across Lancashire. groups at very reasonable prices.

What’s more they will collect and return you The minibuses have seating capacity for up to 16 seated passengers or a combination of directly to your own home. seated and wheelchair passengers so that everyone can travel together.

In order to break even each bus should have at least ten passengers on average but they can cope with some variation.

It’s a very affordable way of visiting supermarkets, markets and other events on a regular basis. And there is the added bonus of the driver helping you with the shopping as it is a completely door-to-door service. All it needs is a bit of organising so that enough people start to use the service regularly and reliably.

It helps for example if enough neighbours can ring round each other and let the service know who needs collecting for a particular run. Within reason they will transport you to anywhere in Fylde or Wyre.

For more information please contact Lisa Cunningham on (01772) 685504 or 07584 217 737.

For more information on the Forum please contact Tony Ward on (01253) 855966 or tonykrysiaward@hotmail.co.uk.

12

Focus advertisers support this community magazine

Why not keep it local and support our advertisers?

13

GARSTANG RUNNING CLUB Guy’s 10 Mile Road Race Sun Dec 7th – 10:00am at Guy’s Thatched Hamlet, Bilsborrow.

This is a flat 10 mile race and a very popular event because of the route and the local cheese given to all finishers! The race starts in the car park at Owd Nell’s and goes onto St Michael’s Road. Runners follow Pinfold Lane to Inskip then return back to St Michael’s Road via Sowerby.

This year, as often happens, there is an extra visitor who unfortunately doesn’t get there in time to race! Father Christmas arrives by barge at 2:00pm. So if you are a runner you can take part in a fabulous race, get a cheese, eat great food at Owd Nell’s and then greet Father Christmas!

If you aren’t a runner then you just have to forego the cheese and still have a wonderful day! Entry forms available on our website at www.garstangrc.co.uk

Online entry is available at www.ukresults. net.

If you are interested in joining the club we are always welcoming. We have 4 regular runs each week, all starting at the Garstang Sports Club.

Sunday 8:00am is currently a mix of run and walking; Monday 9:15am is not particularly fast but is at least 7 miles and has been known to be as long as 11!

We often car share to the start of this run.

It might be Scorton, Barton Grange or even Silverdale. Bacon butties are often a feature at the end!

Tuesday 7:00pm is the main club run. During winter months this is usually up to seven miles taking in the ‘Toll Bars’. That means running through Catterall to the A6, then north to Cabus and back down Lancaster Road. The final run is Thursday evening and members usually contact each other beforehand to check they aren’t on their own!

Shorter distances are available and sometimes one of the members leads interval training instead of doing the 7 miles.

If you are interested in the Guy’s 10 mile race or want more information about being a member please get in touch with Frank Miller (01995) 604030.

SCORTON WI Most of us will be familiar with Joyce Grenfell’s witty monologues, especially her trademark line “George…don’t do that!”

In December Scorton WI have a chance to see a tribute to Joyce Grenfell performed by Jennifer Smethurst, with monologues and readings from her works. We meet on Tues 9th Dec at 7:30 pm in Scorton C E School.

An evening not to be missed. New members are always welcome, so take a break from the Christmas preparations and enjoy a good laugh. Mary Hodges (01995) 604755

14

Are you using a product or service from an advertiser?

Tell advertisers that you saw them in the Green Book

15

GARSTANG LIBRARY Memory Cafe Garstang Library is very pleased to be involved with new free drop-in cafe for carers and those living with dementia. All are welcome to come along for a chat and cup of tea. The cafe will be running every 1st Wednesday of the month 10:00am - 12noon.

For further details ring Sandra Perkins (01995) 471236 or simply pop in to the library.

Stop press! The Bowland Choir will be entertaining everyone with a sing-a-long at the Memory Cafe on Wed 3rd Dec. Children’s Activities Christmas Baby Bounce and Rhyme Mon 15th & Fri 19th Dec at 10:00am Christmas Toddler Rhyme Time Tues 16th Dec afternoon at 2:00pm Christmas Storytime with Santa for the under 5’s..

Fri 12th Dec at 2:00pm

Knit and Natter Our Knit and Natter group meet every Tuesday 2:00 - 4:00pm and every Friday 10:00 - 12:00noon. The group are looking for new members, so if you enjoy knitting or fancy starting a new hobby come along and join this friendly group. Refreshments are provided as well as expert help and advice.

Reading Groups These will meet on Thurs 11th Dec at 2:00pm and Tues 16th Dec at 7:30pm. The books for discussion will be ‘The Thread’ by Victoria Hislop and ‘An Ice-Cream War ‘ by William Boyd.

Mobile Libraries The mobile library routes for December are Scorton Wed 10th Dec Catterall & Churchtown Thurs am 4th Dec St Michaels - Rawcliffe Road Tues pm 2nd Dec Garstang Library 0300 123 6703 garstang.library@lancashire.gov.uk

GARSTANG LAKELAND CLUB The walking year has now come to the end for members of the Garstang Lakeland Club and we are looking forward to discovering some new routes and to sharing some old favourites.

We resume on Sun 4th Jan with a walk in the Grasmere area and New Year’s party.

Garstang Lakeland Club is committed to providing guided walks in the Lake District, Yorkshire Dales and Lancashire. We have two walks each month - a more strenuous one on the first Sunday of the month and a moderate walk on the third Sunday. If you are interested in trying either of these you will be warmly welcomed to our friendly group.

Michael (01995) 604358, Rob (01995) 603206 or Gwyn (01995) 604538.

Michael Collins

16

Are you phoning an advertiser for a quote?

Tell them you saw it in the “Green Book”

17

GARSTANG ARTS CENTRE Art Exhibition: Until 13th Dec

Floral Art Group

There is an exciting new venture for the School Room Art Exhibition when the Northern Potters Association exhibit their work until the 13th Dec. N.P.A. West has gained a strong reputation for skill and individuality in the field of ceramics and showcases the work of many members in the region and in particular Lancashire. Their aims are to promote the Art of Ceramics and provide a network of support to its members.

Garstang Victorian Evenings

The next meeting of the Garstang Floral Art Group will take place Tues 16th Dec from 2:00pm - 4:00pm when June Gornall will give a slide presentation on “Gardens in the UK”. June is a member of Garstang Camera Club and an excellent photographer. The presentation will be followed by a Jacobs Join and social time. Visitors are very welcome.

Further details from June Gornall on (01995 602505) or Mary Thornber on (01995) 605210.

On Mon 8th Dec and Tues 9th Dec, the Arts Centre will be open from 6:00pm for refreshments with corned beef hash, tea and coffee for sale, and free mince pies. There will be musical entertainment on both nights, with Garstang Musical Productions leading the carol singing on the Monday. Admission is free but donations would be welcome.

On Fri 19th Dec from 2:00pm - 4:00pm, there will be poems and readings for Christmas.

This is how you feel about Christmas. Come along and bring your favourite poems. The session will include a Jacobs Join. For more information contact Marie Whalley (01995) 603605.

Poetry Appreciation Group

Beginners’ Bridge Class The Beginners’ Bridge Class will continue meeting in the Music Room from 1.30 - 4.30 pm on Tues 2nd and Wed 9th Dec and from 10:00am to 12 noon on Tues 16th Dec, and will reconvene for the New Year on Tues 6th Jan at 1:30pm. We are a friendly group with mixed levels of skill and ability, and would be very pleased if you would like to join us, whether you are having a go at Contract Bridge for the first time, or brushing up your skills from years ago. The Class began in November 2012, but new members are joining all the time, so do come along and have a go. More details from Pat Hansell on (01995) 600397 or Mary Thornber on (01995) 605210.

The Arts Centre will be closed over the Christmas and New Year period from 12 noon on Thurs 18th Dec and will re-open at 10:00am on Tues 6th January.

Pat Hansell (01995) 600397

18

Are you using a product or service from an advertiser?

GALLOWAY’S SOCIETY FOR THE BLIND

CABUS WHIST & DOMS

On Thurs 4th Dec 10:00am - 12noon a Christmas Coffee Morning will be held at Garstang United Reformed Church.

28th Nov & 12th Jan at Cabus Village Hall.

Whist & Domino Drives on alternate Friday afternoons, 2:00pm at Cabus Village Hall, A6 Road, Cabus PR3 1WL. All welcome.

We are a Lancashire based charity with centres in Preston, Chorley, Southport and Morecambe. This year alone, we need to raise over £1million to be able to continue our support for people affected by sight loss.

Every day, 100 people in the UK start to lose their sight and this can be such a frightening time. We’re there to help people along with their families through that sight loss journey by reaching out to people in our community.

We’re encouraging people in the area with a visual impairment to pop in, have a cup of coffee and see what Galloway’s have to offer.

For more information on the work that Galloway’s does or to find out more about supporting the charity please call (01524) 414846. Anna Scott Fundraiser

Joan Wilkins (01995) 602028

Janet Roberts

Beauty & Complementary Therapies Guinot Deep Cleansing Facials Aromatherapy Shellac Blend Electrolysis Manicures / Pedicures Waxing - Tinting - Tanning Christmas Gift Vouchers Available For More Details Please Visit www.janetroberts.co.uk Tel 01995 604040

Tell them you saw it in the “Green Book”

19

20

Are you using a product or service from an advertiser?

PHOENIX STRINGS Phoenix Strings will be presenting an evening of music to relax and enjoy, including some favourite Christmas numbers on Sat 13th Dec at 7:00pm at St Anne’s Church, Westby Mills PR4 3PL. This is located near Wrea Green.

Tickets are £6:00 (under 14s free) to include light refreshments. Tickets available on the door or contact sandy.electraglide@outlook.com or cath.chambers@yahoo.co.uk

GARSTANG WINE CIRCLE Circle members were delighted to welcome Alex Burton and Emma Bailie from Garstang’s independent wine shop ‘Aged in Oak’ to the meeting on the 17th November.

Their aim was to present members with an interesting selection of wines that we might like to consider for the coming festive season.

The first wine of the evening fitted the bill perfectly, a sparkling wine flavoured with strawberries, a delicious reminder of Summer on dark November evenings.

Two whites followed, including a Soave packed with flavour and very different from the bland wine often sold under this label. We As a string orchestra of adult returners or were also surprised by the quality of a Pinot late starters we are always glad to hear Noir from Romania. from potential new members. Check out our website to find out more details at In addition we tasted an excellent white from the Maconnais, and reds from the Rhone, www.phoenixstrings.net Italy and Spain. We finished the evening with Rehearsals are Wed 7:00pm to 9:00pm at All a Limited Edition port.

Saints Anchorsholme, 36 Valeway Avenue, The vote of thanks for an excellent evening Thornton Cleveleys, FY5 3RN. was given by Alan Jefferson and the food For further information e-mail: for the evening provided by Ann Wicks and caroline_lovett@yahoo.co.uk or ring Philippa Catterall.

John Foster (01253) 823599 The meetings are informal social events, and although we all have an interest in wine, we FORTON WI Meetings are held every 3rd Thursday in the don’t treat the subject too seriously! month at 7:30pm in Forton Village Hall.

We are very happy to welcome new members Thurs 18th Dec Christmas Party so if you enjoy wine and would like to come along to our monthly meetings, please contact Jacob’s Join Supper Don Goodier on the number given below.

Competition: Prettiest Parcel The next meeting will be the Christmas Social which will take place on Sat 6th Dec at 7:30pm in the Arts Centre.

GARSTANG 3Ls Life Long Learning Our next meeting is on Fri 5th Dec at the Garstang URC at 2:00pm. The speaker this month is Mrs Elaine Dobson on the subject “Seasonal Music”. As usual all visitors will be made welcome. Frank Jones Treasurer (01995) 600938.

The theme is ‘Country and Western’ and admission is by ticket costing £10 per person.

Details can be obtained by contacting Don Goodier on (01995) 603720.

Mervyn Stokes

Tell them you saw it in the Green Book

21

ERIC OLLERENSHAW MP Although Parliament is now back November has still been a busy month up here in the Constituency. As usual I have had various meetings and attended many local events.

One of the highlights was handing out the prizes at that great school St Aidan’s, which again had a great year in terms of examination results whilst finding out at the same time that the Chairman of Governors, Mr Ian Taylor, had been to the same secondary school as myself, Hyde County Grammar school – as they say, it’s a small world!

However in this centenary year of the start of the 1st World War, November has for me been even more so a time of Remembrance and I have attended several events to

22

commemorate those who made the ultimate sacrifice.

I think one of the outstanding things of all these events has been the increase in the numbers of those there and the increase in the amount of younger people, which I feel begins to demonstrate that those who lost their lives are not forgotten by our small part of the United Kingdom.

I have also had a series of meetings with local residents, land-owners, farmers, parish council and various agencies to discuss flood prevention in our area. As many of you may know, I continue to have concerns about the lack of maintenance of local dykes and water courses and the lack of communication when regular work is withdrawn.

As a result of this I have written to the Secretary of State, Liz Truss to raise my concerns as well as arranging for a meeting with the Marine Manage Organisation and

Are you using a product or service from an advertiser?

ERIC OLLERENSHAW MP (cont) the Environment Agency. In the long term, the solution, as I have said before, means looking at the return of a Land Drainage Board for our whole area, so the problems of regular maintenance can be sorted locally.

As it is now getting colder, I thought I would also like to remind every one of the Government’s Green Deal Scheme which can help you make your home more energy efficient and in some cases assist in the installation of a new boiler.

If you would like further details please visit www.gov.uk/green-deal-energy-savingmeasures or telephone the Energy Saving Advice Service on 0300 123 1234.

However a word if you are thinking of employing a company to carry out an energy assessment. Do make sure that they are registered with the Government’s programme and not hand over any money until you are

certain.

Finally I would like to take this opportunity of wishing everyone a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

ERIC OLLERENSHAW MP

MOTOR NEURONE DISEASE ASSC. We would like to thank all those generous people who brought Christmas cards from our stall at the Charity Card Sale in Garstang on 1st November. We raised £354 - a magnificent amount!

Our next fundraising event is our popular ‘Everyone’s a Winner’ stall at the Victorian Evening on the 8th & 9th Dec. It’s always a great night out. So look out for the MNDA stall near the RBS bank. See you there!

Have a Happy and Healthy Christmas and New Year.

Marie Whalley

Tell them you saw it in the Garstang Focus

23

GARSTANG CAMERA CLUB December sees Garstang Camera Club winding down for Christmas, with our first meeting having Melvin Nicholson judging our efforts in the categories for Newcomers, those who have not won a competition before, Summer Cup, for pictures taken on one of our summer outings, and finally the Bowland Trophy, for those clever enough not to have to Photoshop their entries.

Judging is a lonely occupation, with each picture eliminated adding to the list of enemies in the room, until finally only one friend remains, the eventual winner. By combining the judging for three of our competitions, we try to leave the judge with at least 3 friends.

That only leaves our Christmas Social and Quiz, which has more to do with wine tasting and food eating than photography. We reminisce about evenings past, including finding out that the best photographs of birds

at Leighton Moss are taken in the hour after dawn, which during the summer starts about 4:30am. We have very few bird winners then.

SEQUENCE DANCES - CLAUGHTON Claughton Memorial Hall on Tues 9th Dec and Tues 23rd Dec at 7:30pm. £3.00 per person. Regular dances arranged so why not come and join us?

Nancy Cowell (01995) 605803

GARSTANG RECORDED MUSIC SOCIETY We had two very good programmes in the last month.

Guest presenter Max Haymes gave an enthusiastic audience a fine presentation of early blues, the people and the music. Then Keith Carter took composers from Hindemith to Goodall to prove that contemporary classical music need not mean “modernism.”

Our last meeting of 2014, on Mon 1st Dec will be an evening of members’ choices – at which non-members will be very welcome.

(Members are reminded that the AGM is before this, at 7:00.)

Visitors are always welcome. We meet in Garstang Arts Centre and start at 7:30pm. £2 entry for non-members includes refreshments at the interval.

Visit www.garstangartssociety.org.uk and click `Groups / Recorded Music’

24

Are you using a product or service from an advertiser?

Tell them you saw it in the Garstang Focus

25

GARSTANG IN BLOOM Garstang Wins Gold Garstang won a gold medal as the overall winner in the Small Town category of the 2014 North West in Bloom Competition.

We also had two entries in the Neighbourhoods in Bloom category. The Tithe Barn Boating Community and The Moorings both won awards.

St Thomas C of E primary school was also invited to attend receiving a certificate for their work in school for the Environment.

We are all very proud of Garstang and honoured to represent our Town. A welldeserved result to everyone who worked so hard.

The awards took place on Friday, 24th October at Southport’s Theatre and Convention Centre.

26

Are you using a product or service from an advertiser?

CARDIAC RISK IN THE YOUNG (CRY) The Matthew Hesmondhalgh Memorial Fund Race Night Thank you to all who kindly supported this event in many and varied ways, from sponsoring races, to providing raffle prizes or attending on the night.

An eventful and entertaining evening led to a grand total of £1008 being raised towards Matt’s Fund.

Well done Zoe, Tom and team for making it all happen and to our hosts at the Kenlis.

No Drink November Throughout the month one spirited young lady (sorry for the pun Krystal!) took it upon herself to give up drink.

At the time of writing it’s so far, so good, but will she make it to the end of the month?

Although November will be almost over by the

time you receive this Focus, it’s not too late to read her page to find out more about her challenge - go to http://uk.virginmoneygiving. com/KrystalsNoDrinkNovember Charity Pub Quiz Tues 16th Dec - 7:30pm Our final fundraiser for the year is a fun quiz to be held at the Roebuck, Bilsborrow.

Entry is just £2 per person (includes light refreshments) with 3 team categories: Up to 3 people; 4-7 people and 8+.

There are prizes for each group and a festive raffle.

Thank you one and all for your wonderful support throughout 2014.

May this Christmas bring to all the gifts of love, friendship and peace.

Further info about CRY at: www.c-r-y.org.uk or contact Paula 07785 106 976

Tell them you saw it in the Garstang Focus

27

RSPCA Shoe box appeal Some of our animals won’t have a happy Christmas this year.

Please help to bring some sparkle to their lives.

Our Shoe Box Appeal last year was such a success we’ve decided to do it again. We ask you to make up a decorated shoe box containing cat or small animal toys and treats for our animals. Drop off points for the boxes are Longview Animal Centre, Stalmine; Sainsburys, Bispham Red Bank Road; Pets at home, Bispham and all four RSPCA Charity Shops on Highfield Road, Talbot Road, Morecambe and Knott End. Our longest small animal residents are Mini and Marco, two degus which are both still needing a home. They have to live in separate cages.

28

Marco was transferred to us from another centre along with his 2 brothers. Very friendly he likes being handled. He has had a problem with his tail which is being assessed by the vet. We hoped he would be able to live with other degus but it would need to be another male and we would have to make sure they didn’t fight.

Minnie was brought into the Centre by an RSPCA Inspector as they had concerns about her welfare. She needs a large cage

Are you using a product or service from an advertiser?

RSPCA (cont)

F.L.O.W

with lots of toys. Suitable to live with older children Minnie would benefit from further handling. Degus loves exercise so Minnie will need a fair sized enclosure and running wheel.

Christmas meal for the over 60s

Wish-list Christmas Tree Appeal

Fri 19th Dec at Garstang Free Methodist Church, Windsor Rd. Meet at 12noon to eat at 12:15pm. Price ÂŁ7.00. Ring (01995) 602852 to book.

This year we are doing something extra special by having a Christmas Tree on which are attached cards containing a wish-list.

These are items from our Amazon Wishlist On-line. A card is chosen from the tree detailing an item you may wish to purchase for the Centre animals. It is then replaced by a picture of your own pet or in memory of a pet you loved. To view our wish list online go to www.amazon.co.uk/gp/registry/wishlist/ ?ie=UTF8&cid=A3CF3TINK5MCDB or pop down to the Centre to view the tree.

Natasha Henderson (01253) 703000 E-mail:enquiries@rspcablackpool.org.uk

Tell them you saw it in the Garstang Focus

29

SOROPTIMIST INTERNATIONAL What a Conference- Soroptimist in Action!

With 1,400 members from 29 countries attending, it was inspiring to hear the fantastic work achieved by Soroptimist Clubs across these countries.

Domestic violence has overtaken ‘Aids’ as a global problem.

Nigeria - represented at Conference by ten clubs and thirty three members. One of the members gave a presentation ‘Widowhood Ordeal’.

She told of widows being forced, by in-laws, to shave their heads; sleep with the corpse for 48 hours; being instructed to cry morning and evening for 4 days then not at all; of a 35 yr old widow having everything taken by her in-laws, money, house and contents. If the house was not made of brick it was burnt down.

30

However, after two years of concentrated effort a Bill has been passed making it a criminal offence, incurring a three year prison sentence without an optional fine, for anyone who engages in these practices.

EBOLA Action – Conference rises to the Challenge - Then along came Rose.

Rose is from Kori, one of the remote villages of Sierra Leone. She began by apologising for being at Conference – she thought we would not want her to be there because of Ebola. We quickly assured her that she was more than welcome. The exhibition hall with approximately 1400 women attending, sat in stunned silence, many in tears, as Rose slowly described to us the horrors happening in her country; of the devastation Ebola was causing as her neighbours, friends and family died.

It’s not just Ebola killing her country but

Are you using a product or service from an advertiser?

SOROPTIMIST INTERNATIONAL (cont) widespread starvation, a result of a country unable to work effectively. People can’t work in fields or trade as before due to the effects of Ebola.

Aid is slowly arriving in Sierra Leone, but is not reaching remote areas like Kori quickly enough. Food and medicine is scarce, as is basic hygiene products.

We were told that a truck was loaded and ready to leave, it just needed transport funds.

Buckets were put out and we were asked

to help. By the following day (Fri) we had collected £1,400.00 enough for half a truck.

By the end of conference (Sat) we had enough for two trucks. As I write this article, one week later, we now have £8,653.00, enough for three trucks. The first one is already on its way. Using our soroptimist network, it will go tamper free, straight to Kori.

Congratulations – Louise Louise Allott was awarded the ‘Soroptimist’s Cup for Scientific Endeavour’ at Garstang Community Academy Achievement Evening, a special evening attended by our club member Miss Hazel Woodward. Well done Louise.“Christmas is coming and the peas are getting hot, please put a ‘penny’ in OUR charity pot!”

It’s that time again! We will be manning our Parch Peas stall on the High. Don’t forget your Raffle Tickets - look out for the Christmas

Tell them you saw it in the Garstang Focus

31

SOROPTIMIST INTERNATIONAL (cont) Hamper, made up by our members, displayed in ’Ice’s’ window – all money raised goes to help with the cost of the Christmas Lights.

Your local Soroptimists wish you a healthy and Happy Christmas!

Muriel Burnham-Airey (01995) 606604 or visit our web site www.sigbi.org.uk

GARSTANG PHOENIX WI

Instead of the usual monthly meeting of the Garstang Phoenix WI, the ladies will be holding their annual Christmas lunch at the Crofters Hotel on Wed 10th Dec. Normal monthly meetings will resume on the 14 January 2015.

The committee wish all the members a happy Christmas and prosperous New Year.

Lesley Wilson

32

Are you phoning an advertiser for a quote?

GARSTANG ROYAL BRITISH LEGION A big thank you to all our supporters over the past year.

Being the WW1 centenary there has been plenty of extra events around the district, boosting our fundraising, culminating with the Poppy Appeal, for which the count is currently ongoing, looking pretty good, and the final results will be available in the January edition.

Remembrance Sunday was a great success.

The parade, much larger than usual, filled St.Thomas’ Church for the service and also extended the wreath laying ceremony at the War Memorial.

Afterwards everyone was invited to walk just round the corner to the unveiling of the splendid Garstang in Bloom artwork project,

Commemorating our Heroes, Celebrating our Blooms, which was also well attended.

A special thank you to the Pilling Silver Jubilee Band for their superb music and also to our local Police for their professional handling of the extra road management duties.

All the very best to everyone for the festive season, as the ‘Legion’ goes forward into 2015.

Mike Jones (Branch Secretary)

DANCING IN PILLING Pilling Charity Dance Group Sat 6th & 20th Dec: Old Tyme & Modern Sequence dancing, every fortnight, 7:45pm at Pilling Memorial Hall.

Admission £3.00. Home made refreshments available. All proceeds to charity. Further enquiries to J. Cross (01253) 790535

STEAMED UP DOUBLE GLAZING? Don’t replace the Frames... just the Panes!

Broken or Damaged Windows?

Faulty Hinges, Handles or Locks?

Want the latest energy saving glass?

5 year guarantee on new double glazing.

...we make saving money perfectly clear...

Call Freephone

0800 61 21118

www.cloudy2clear.com Tell them you saw it in the Garstang Focus

33

GARSTANG AND DISTRICT LIONS Community Bonfire and Firework Display This year’s Bonfire and Firework Display took place on Saturday the 1st of November.

The event was a great success with the weather keeping fine and the Firework Display being the best ever.

Garstang Lions would like to thank everyone who attended and supported the event.

Although the event is organised by the Lions it is a non-commercial and non-charity event and all the costs of the night – around £4000 – needs to be covered by the paying public. Special thanks also go out to all the local businesses and individuals who provided wood for the bonfire and helped over the weekend – Horne Builders; DCL Transport; Carrs Billington; Dewlay; Gift Hall

34

Farm; E.K.Brakes; Garstang Timber; Andrew Whittaker; Andrew Willacy; Walter Parkinson; T.H.Horn; Miniquip; Daniel Fowler.

The Barn On the 5th of November the Lions organised the car parking for the Bonfire at the Barn in Scorton. The event was well attended – the car park was full to capacity – and everyone enjoyed a fine evening and firework display.

As usual the Barn provided excellent refreshments.

Darts Dash This year’s Lions Darts Dash will rake place on Sun 30th Nov and Mon 1st Dec. The proceeds from this event are to be used to help purchase some specialised equipment for the Oaklands (Cheshire Home).

Garstang Running Club The Lions will be providing their Car Parking

Are you using a product or service from an advertiser?

GARSTANG AND DISTRICT LIONS (cont) service at the Garstang 10 Mile Road Race on Sun 7th Dec. The race starts and finishes at Guy’s Thatched Hamlet, beginning at 10:00am.

Victorian Evenings Garstang Lions will be providing Santa’s Grotto during the Victorian Evenings on Mon 8th & Tues 9th Dec. Santa will be there to meet the children and give them presents, and the lions have all got their fingers crossed that it will snow again this year!

Santa by Barge The local canal boating community will be hosting their ‘Santa by Barge’ on Sat 13th Dec to help raise funds for the Garstang and Children’s Festival.

Starting at 2.00pm Santa and his merry Elves will arrive by canal barge at the Tithe

Barn. He will then be in residence to meet local children and present them with presents.

As well as Santa and the Elves, there will also be entertainment, games, and a magician for the children to enjoy. There will also be a tombola and raffle.

Previous events have attracted up to 60 children during the afternoon and it is hoped that lots of children will enjoy the event this year. The day is supported by Mitchell’s Hotels and Inns and Garstang Lions.

FREE METHODIST LADIES’ WALK Wed 10th Dec Garstang and Coffee Morning.

Meet at church at 9.30am. All welcome.

Ladies Carol Service on Thurs 4th Dec, 7.30pm. The speaker is Barbara Clark. Buffet supper at the close.

Ruth Shuttleworth (01995) 602400

Tell them you saw it in the Garstang Focus

35

BEN WALLACE MP This year marks the 100th anniversary of the start of WWI and it is important that we commemorate this event. It is right that we should remember the sacrifices made by our brave servicemen and women and the civilians killed during the First World War. History can also inform contemporary decisions and we should never forget the ability of mankind to wreak destruction. As a former soldier, I have my own memories of conflict and experiences of loosing friends and colleagues. This makes me even more aware of my responsibilities as a Member of Parliament to build diplomatic relations with other countries and ensure that military intervention is always the last, and never the first, response to a situation.

Service in Bilsborrow.

My family visited me in London during the school half-term and they, like many thousands of others, went to see the poppies at the Tower of London. This art installation is a fitting tribute to those who gave their lives while serving our country. The visual depiction of the 888,246 poppies, each remembering a soldier who was killed in the First World War, really highlights the scale of the loss of life, in a way that words cannot.

Like the soldiers who came from across the country, now the poppies from the dismantled art work will be sent to different parts of the UK.

I attended the Remembrance Service in Garstang this year, but am pleased to have been represented at services across the constituency, including the Armistice Day

36

Are you using a product or service from an advertiser?

BEN WALLACE MP (cont) Turning to Over Wyre, many people contacted me to express their opposition to the planning application which was made for the development of retail premises at the Shovels Inn in Hambleton. I formally opposed the planning application on the basis of the highways issues raised by the proposal, the design of the building, the impact on the character of the development on the village and the existing businesses. The application was formally withdrawn by Punch Taverns at the start of November. I will be alert to the possibility that the applicant could submit amended plans.

With regard to Halite/Canatxx, the Energy and Climate Change Secretary is still currently reconsidering the gas storage plans. In August, I wrote in my column that the Government had commissioned an independent report of the geology of the salt caverns, by a company called Senergy. That report raised concerns about the geology and the capacity of the salt caverns. Since then Halite/Canatxx has been given the opportunity to respond to the report and Senergy has then replied to that. I am currently studying these documents closely.

I have recently met with representatives from Garstang Town Council to discuss the future of the Garstang Community Centre.

As many readers will know the Centre is currently owned by Wyre Council, which has labelled it an “asset of community value�.

Before any community asset can be sold, the local authority must give local groups an opportunity to raise funds to purchase the asset. The Town Council is looking at how it could secure the purchase of the Community Centre. When I met with members of the Town Council, I discussed ways they could go about this and advised them of some examples of best practice of which I am aware.

Many readers will suffer from the problem of nuisance calls. Like me, the Government

Tell them you saw it in the Garstang Focus

37

BEN WALLACE MP (cont) recognises the distress and anxiety these calls can cause. Over the past decade the number of complaints made about nuisance calls and text messages has increased substantially.

Whilst there have been some penalties issued against organisations for breaking the law, in a number of cases the efforts made by the Information Commissioner’s Office to issue penalties have been frustrated by the legal requirement to demonstrate that nuisance calls and texts caused substantial damage or substantial distress. The Government is seeking views on its proposals to lower the threshold for fining companies. I would encourage you to make your views known as part of that consultation process.

how quickly the last year has passed by! In the next few weeks I will be getting up early to visit the Royal Mail delivery offices in Poulton and Garstang to meet the postal workers before they go out on their delivery rounds. Christmas is one of the busiest times for the Royal Mail and these men and women ensure that all our Christmas cards and presents are delivered in time.

I wish you a very happy Christmas and a prosperous New Year.

I hold regular surgeries, if you would like to book an appointment please call my office at the House of Commons on 0207 219 5804.

Further details can be found at: www.gov. uk/government/consultations/nuisance-callsconsultation The consultation closes on 6th December.

I can also be contacted at my Constituency Office on (01995) 672976, alternatively you can email me at wallaceb@parliament.uk or write to me at the House of Commons, London, SW1A 0AA.

Christmas is almost upon us! I can’t believe

BEN WALLACE MP

38

Are you using a product or service from an advertiser?

GARSTANG TOWN COUNCIL Update on Community Centre Ben Wallace MP met with Mayor of Garstang and local councillors to discuss ideas on how best the future of the Community & Council Offices could be retained for use by Garstang residents and local community groups.

The Mayor expressed his keen desire to retain the building for Garstonians, due to its significantly important location at the head of The High Street and the difficulty he envisages in finding a replacement in the future.

The discussions focused on how the Town Council might need to seek a developer partner to work in collaboration with possibly re-developing the flat roof extension and focussing existing uses in the traditional pitched roof part of the building.

The discussions were very positive with Mr Wallace taking the opportunity of meeting with the Royal Voluntary Service who were

serving their weekly lunch from the building to members of the Garstang and Greater Garstang area.

Town Council Surgery The next surgery is on Sat 3rd Jan from 10:00am to 12 noon. Please come along to the library to air your views with members of the Town Council.

Garstang Youth Council Members of Garstang Youth Council will be out and about during Victorian Festival evenings, 8th & 9th Dec. Please look out for them, and buy a raffle ticket if you can, as they will be working hard to raise funds toward this wonderful annual event.

Any enquiries to the Town Council can be made to the Town Clerk, Mrs Edwina Parry on 07592 792 801 email: garstangtc@btinternet.com

Tell them you saw it in the Garstang Focus

39

ROTARY CLUB OF GARSTANG Rotary donates Defibrillators to the Rescue Services There are 74 Rotary Clubs in Lancashire and Cumbria (District 1190). Kevin Walsh, the District Governor in 2013/14, asked all Clubs to support an Initiative to raise over £65,000 to: provide defibrillators to be sited in communities that presently do not have them, arrange for more people in our communities to offer CPR and be skilled in the use of defibrillators, First Response & Rescue Teams to be better prepared to support victims wherever they are and people in disadvantaged communities to be given the opportunity to obtain health advice and support through Community based Health Fairs (Melas).

40

Close on £14,000 was raised by Rotary Clubs and Public Donations. Through the generosity of additional grants from Rotary’s Foundation Charity plus Rotary District and Rotary International sources a sum in excess of £65,000 became available for the initiative.

Part of the above funding has enabled Rotary to purchase a number of the latest hard case compact defibrillators which are specifically designed for the back packs used by the mountain rescue services.

In November a joint evening meeting of the Rescue teams and Rotary was held at the Bowland Pennine Mountain Rescue headquarters in Garstang. Rotary was represented by Kevin Walsh plus Rotarians from some of the donor clubs including Garstang and Over Wyre, Lancaster Loyne and Lunesdale.

During the evening PDG Kevin Walsh made

Are you phoning an advertiser for a quote?

ROTARY CLUB OF GARSTANG (cont) presentations of the latest defibrillators to the Bowland Pennine, Bolton and the Rossendale teams.

to the children and listen to their Christmas wishes. Santa’s Elves will also be in attendance.

This was followed by the presentation of a new ultra-light weight defibrillator to the Cave Rescue organisation.

On Mon 22nd Dec the route around Cabus & Garstang will be:

Following the presentations the Bowland Pennine team made a presentation on the use of this latest equipment and the associated CPR techniques.

Rotary is now working with the North West Ambulance Service to provide information about the location of defibrillators in the area. Rotary is also researching areas which currently have no access to defibrillators.

Santa’s visits to Garstang and area on the Rotary Illuminated Sleigh The Rotary Club of Garstang and Over Wyre has arranged for Santa Claus to visit the area on four occasions this year between 18th and 23rd Dec.

Start at Meadow Park, Cabus/Graham Rd/ Norton Rd/Bowland Rd/The Hawthorns/ Broom Hill Coppice/Carr Holme Gardens Then down Lancaster Rd into Garstang Calla Drive/North Croft, then to High St/Church St/ Grizedale Ave/Dimples Lane/Broadoak Ave/ Greenacres Drive/Pasture Drive/Chepstow Gardens/Spalding Ave/Pleasington Avenue On Tues 23rd Dec the route around Catterall will be: Start at Joe Lane/Woburn WayNewhaven Dr/Boyes Ave/Baylton Dr/Cock Robin Lane/ Calder Dr/Daniel Fold Close/Duckworth Dr/Catterall Gates Lane/Parklands/Lodge Park/Keepers Wood Way/Nightingale Way/

On Thurs 18th Dec and Sat 20th Dec Santa and his Elves, travelling in his Illuminated Sleigh, with the kind permission and assistance of Booths Supermarket, will arrive in Cherestanc Square at approximately 10:30am until approximately 4:00pm.

During the visits Santa will talk to the children and Santa’s Elves will distribute sweets to the children. Parents may take pictures of their own children if they wish.

Rotarians will also be holding a collection for Barnado’s (to support them in their vital work with vulnerable children and young persons).

We will also be collecting for other charities which are supported by Rotary.

Santa Clause in his Illuminated Sleigh will also tour the area on the nights of 22nd and 23rd Dec. On both nights his tour will commence at 4:30pm and finish around 7:30pm (weather permitting). He will talk

Tell them you saw it in the Garstang Focus

41

ROTARY CLUB OF GARSTANG (cont) Goldfinch Dr/Meadowcroft Ave/Bowgreave Dr/Shepherds Ave, then to Dew Forrest/ Gryersdale Dr/Topiary Gardens.

Rotary meets every Wednesday evening at the Garstang Country Hotel & Golf Club at 7:00pm for 7:30pm.

Don Goodier (01995) 603720 or Ted Gee, (01995) 603093 GARSTANG STAMP CLUB Tues 9th Dec Auction Meetings are in the Meeting Room of the Public Library, Windsor Rod, Garstang. PR3 1ED from 7:30pm - 9:30pm.

Beginners and enquirers are welcome to attend before joining.

D. Jones (01995 602665)

GARSTANG PAINTING GROUP Since the AGM a new committee is in place and the officers are truly ensconced.

December will be an interesting month. The members’ exhibition continues until the 13th Dec as part of the Christmas Fair in the Garstang Arts Centre. If anyone has problems buying a present for a friend or relative, now is the time to rush along and choose an original work of art. A really different gift.

Members are working on entries for the Open Exhibition in January. Many of these are based on ideas picked up at workshops and demonstrations and will prove to be interesting.

The Christmas Party will be held on Wed 17th Dec, our last day this year.

We wish everybody a very Merry Christmas and a Happy and Healthy 2015.

Why not buy somebody a box of paints for Christmas?

Joyce McCormick 07786 271 450

42

Are you phoning an advertiser for a quote?

GARSTANG GARDENING CLUB The November meeting was a most stimulating evening, despite the rather unappealing title, ‘Weeds to Love or Loath’.

Matthew Smith, a graduate from Myerscough College, presented a very different look at weeds and challenged the normal feeling that they have to be rooted out whatever.

On leaving college Matthew took a strong interest in bulbs and now successfully runs a business cultivating mainly Arum Lilies.

Botanically known as the genus Zantedeschia, these plants in the common white form are fairly hardy and hail from South Africa. However, there are many coloured, less-hardy hybrids and it is in these that Matthew is interested. He has been successful at local and national garden shows, winning several gold medals and a Silver Gilt at this years Chelsea Flower.

Hilary Hine is still taking names for those members who wish to come to the Annual

Dinner which is being held on 12th Janalways a fun evening. She can be contacted on (01995) 606191. £4 refunds are available to those members who came on the South Lakes day trip in the summer when unfortunately we were unable to reach our final destination garden visit owing to horrendous traffic on the road.

Contact the treasurer.

Next Month’s speaker is Malcolm Tranter who will be talking about ‘Gardens in the North West’. It will be interesting to see if he comes up with some ideas for gardens the club has not yet visited on it’s summer trips out. Planning is already ongoing for these.

In the meantime make sure you have got your three free bulbs potted-up for next year’s Spring show. Sadly there is nearly always one who forgets. This last year it was nearly me! Happy gardening. Ben Andrews

Tell them you saw it in the Garstang Focus

43

GARSTANG CHURCHES TOGETHER Christmas Services 2014 Churches in Garstang Carol Singing Sat 13th Dec 11:00 Cherestanc Square St Helen’s, Churchtown Sun 14th Dec 18:30 Christingle Sun 21st Dec 18:30 Service of Nine

Lessons & Carols Christmas Eve 18:30 Crib Service 23:30 Midnight Mass Christmas Day 11:00 Communion with Carols St Michael’s on Wyre Sun 14th Dec 16:00 School Nativity Sun 21st Dec 16:00 Carols by Candlelight Christmas Eve 16:00 Christingle and Crib Service 23:30 Midnight Mass Christmas Day 09:15 Parish

44

Communion with Carols St Thomas’, Garstang

Sun 14th Dec 09:15 Families at 15 Service with

Puppets Sun 21st Dec 10:30 Nativity 18:30 Service of Lessons and Carols Christmas Eve 17:00 Christingle 23:30 Midnight Mass Christmas Day 08:00 Holy Communion 09:30 Family Communion with Carols SS Mary & Michael’s RC Church, Garstang Sun 21st Dec 18:00 Vigil Mass (Sat Advent) Sun 21st Dec 08:30 Mass

Are you using a product or service from an advertiser?

GARSTANG CHURCHES TOGETHER (cont) 10:30 Mass Wed 31st Dec

No Mass Christmas Eve 09:30 Mass Thurs 1st Jan Solemnity of 14:00 Church Mary Mother of Decorating God with families 12:00 Celebration of 18:00 Vigil Mass Mass (1st Mass of Fri 2nd Jan No Mass Christmas) Sat 3rd Jan 18:00 Vigil Mass for 23:30 Carols Saturday Christmas Day 00:00 Midnight Mass Sun 4th Jan 08:30 Mass

10:30 Mass of 10:30 Mass Christmas Day Boxing Day 12:00 St Stephen’s Day Garstang Methodist Church Mass Sun 21st Dec 18:30 Carol Service by Sat 27th Dec 09:30 Mass

18:00 Vigil Mass for Sunday Sun 28th Dec

08:30 Mass 10:30 Mass

Rev Keith Christmas Eve 23:15 Communion by Rev Keith Christmas Day 10:30 by P. McWilliam

Mon 29th Dec

No Mass

Garstang & Forton United Reformed Churches

Tues 20th Dec

No Mass

We look forward to welcoming all members

Tell them you saw their advert in the Garstang Focus

45

GARSTANG CHURCHES TOGETHER (cont) friends and visitors to our Christmas celebrations Garstang URC, Croston Road, PR3 1FL Sun 14th Dec 10:45 Junior Nativity

Service Sun 21st Dec 10:45 Service of Carols & Readings Christmas Day 10:45 Café-style Christmas Day Service

Garstang Free Methodist Church Sun 7th Dec 10:45 Children’s Nativity Service Fri 12th Dec 19:00 4Front TheatreCo ‘Christmas Toys & an Empty Manger’ Contact the church for tickets (01995) 602852 Sun 21st Dec 19:00 Carol Service Coffee & mince pies to follow Christmas Day 10:30 Service

Forton URC, School Lane, PR3 0AS Friends Meeting House, Garstang Sun Dec 14th 15:00 Carols by Candlelight Thurs 24th Dec 17:50 Candlelight Mince pies & mulled wine to follow Meeting for Sun Dec 21st 09:15 Susan Worship Redmayne Light refreshments available. There is limited Christmas disabled parking at the Meeting House on Memories Calder Lane, or parking available on the road.

Sun 28th Dec No service All are welcome. Bring a torch if possible.

Join Garstang or Lancaster Take care on the uneven path.

46

Are you using a product or service from an advertiser?

WINDSOR SURGERY December News The ‘NHS Family and Friends Test’ begins on 1st Dec where we will be asking you to provide anonymous feedback after visiting the surgery. We would really appreciate it if you are able to take the time to respond to help us to ensure we are providing the best possible service for our patients.

We are trialling a new SMS (texting) facility for appointment reminders, cancellations and the ‘Family and Friends’ feedback. If you are happy for us to contact you in this way and we don’t already have your mobile number, update us via a form available in reception or by giving it to reception next time you telephone the surgery.

Vaccines Unfortunately the local health authority did not send out the usual Flu Vaccination reminder letter to eligible patients this year. If you have received a letter in the past and think you are

eligible for a flu vaccine but have not yet had one, please contact the surgery to arrange an appointment. The Shingles vaccine is also now available to those who are aged 70, 78 or 79 on 1st Sept 2014 and we will be holding clinics for this towards the end of December/ early January.

Self Care Leaflets We now have a range of self-help leaflets available either from reception or from our onsite pharmacy at the Medical Centre. These cover a wide range of common ailments including low back pain, constipation, fever in children, headaches, coughs, sore throat and common cold. These leaflets offer advice and guidance on how to self-manage some of these conditions and when to seek appropriate medical advice. Our team are committed to provide the best possible care for all our patients and it is important our patients feel confident in the advice they

Tell them you saw their advert in the Garstang Focus

47

WINDSOR SURGERY (cont) receive about managing these common conditions.

You might be surprised to learn that every day we see approximately 70 patients (and in excess of 170 on a Monday) through our ‘same day’ appointments system. Many of these are for common, self-limiting conditions that do not usually require a doctor or a nurse input or prescription. Pressure on appointments is always higher in winter and we need to ensure that appointments are used as appropriately as possible. Please do consider taking a copy of these leaflets home for reference.

New to the area? We are always happy to welcome new patients; just pop into our reception at the Garstang Medical Centre, Kepple Lane to register.

Wishing you a very Merry Christmas from all the staff at Windsor Surgery

GREY MATTER ANSWERS 1 Kneecap 2 Juniper 3 Pod, School or Gam 4 Bernard Cribbins 5 Transpiration 6 Amelia Earhart 7 Luxembourg (City) 8 Deciduous 9 Greeks and Turks 10 Leonardo da Vinci 11 Scotland 12 Estate Agent 13 Cancer 14 Greek 15 Quakers 16 Thailand 17 Caviar 18 Make a line 19 Eight 20 Copper

48

Are you using a product or service from an advertiser?

Tell them you saw their advert in the Garstang Focus

49

POLICE NOTES Now that winter is around the corner and we have the shorter hours of daylight it is a good time to check your vehicle is in good shape.

Apart from being an offence to drive without the obligatory lights, it is highly dangerous and can contribute to accidents. Check your antifreeze and have some de-icer on standby.

If we do get the frosty nights, don’t be tempted to drive off with only a partly cleared windscreen. Allow a little extra time to defrost all windows before you set off so that you will not be the one who pays the price of an avoidable collision.

Thoughtless parking around schools is again on the list of complaints and it is no surprise that the same people are largely responsible.

Zig-zag lines are the clue to avoid parking where it may endanger a child’s life and also please show consideration for residents by not parking across their driveways. We will be watching and taking appropriate action against the offenders!

No doubt this month there will be the usual round of Christmas Parties and therefore the seasonal Police Drink Driving Operations so don’t be tempted to risk everything, thinking you won’t get caught, when in all likelihood you will sooner or later and possibly with disastrous consequences!

Here’s another plea to all drivers to adhere to the 20mph and 30mph speed limits through our villages. They are there for a good reason and we get many complaints about speeding vehicles causing concerns for other road users. SLOW DOWN! We will be out and about over the coming weeks in rural areas doing community road watch and addressing residents’ concerns.

You have been warned!

We are addressing several reports of Antisocial Behaviour in hotspot areas throughout Over Wyre. With limited resources we do try and be where we are most needed at any particular time and try and respond to

50

Are you phoning an advertiser for a quote?

POLICE NOTES (cont)

TRAVEL & HOLIDAYS ASSOCIATION

all reports of ASB so we would advise again that if there is a problem in your area we need to be knowing about it so please contact us on 101 at the time it is happening and give us a chance to deal with it. Please remember to take extra precautions in the run up to Christmas to prevent you becoming a victim of crime.

Wed 17th Dec - 7:30pm

And finally we wish you all a safe and crime free Festive Season.

Visit us on Facebook. To click and ‘like’ our page visit: www.facebook.com/GarstangNHP You can email us at:: GarstangOverWyreandPoulton.NPT@ Lancashire.pnn.police.uk or you can contact us via our communications room on 101 or in an emergency 999.

PC 2425 Gary Cross, PC 3774 Dave Kerfoot, PC 1136 Matt Butcher, PCSO 7169 Terry Molloy

Members’ Evening An evening in which three of our members provide a true variety of topics with ‘Asian Medley’ by Julie and David Swift,‘New Zealand’ by Margaret Skipper and ‘Discovering American Cities through Sport’

by David Stretch. New members and visitors welcome. Visitors may pay at the door, £4 per meeting, at the Concert Hall, Blackpool Sixth Form College, Blackpool Old Road, Blackpool FY3 7LR www.fyldetravellers. org.uk Joan Gaffiney (01253) 700799

GARSTANG UNPLUGGED

Season’s Greetings and Best Wishes for the New Year from all of us here to you and yours. We’ll look forward to seeing you at our next Singer’s Night, the last Wednesday in January at the Kenlis Arms. Don Moore

Tell them you saw it in the Green Book

51