Burnley Lifestyle 24

SE CR E T

LIFE of the LIBRARY &

FAM ILY STAY - C ATIONS

OUT DAYS

REAL ALE TRAIL

EXCEPTIONAL DINING EXPERIENCES

Editor CONTRIBUTORS

Cover Image

Andy Ford (andyford@mac.com)

Katie McGee

If you have a local lifestyle story you think would be of interest to our readers contact kmcgee@burnley.gov.uk

Photography

Lead Magazine Photographer: Andy Ford (andyford@mac.com)

Burnley Football Club

Ursa Major Media

Acknowledgements

Paul Barlow

Rachel Bayley

Burnley Football Club

MJ Hindman

Jeremy Richards

Luke Pollard

REEL Cinema

The Lawrence

Heavenly Desserts

Sophie Wilkinson

Joe Mitchell

A Boys Day Out

Leane Kelly

Whitehough Outdoor Education Centre

Liz Wilkinson

Advertising

To find out more about advertising in the magazine email kmcgee@burnley.gov.uk

Design

Welcome to the latest issue of Burnley Lifestyle, celebrating the amazing people and places in our borough. As we head into Spring and Summer, it’s a great chance to enjoy some of our beautiful outdoor spaces, which are being protected and nurtured thanks to people like David Bevis, ranger at Gawthorpe and Neil Jackson, from Burnley Council’s Green Spaces team. It was heartwarming to hear how passionate they both are about our environment and hopefully they will inspire you to explore our wonderful wildlife.

Burnley is a great place to enjoy a staycation and we’ve got recommendations for some fantastic spots to park up a campervan or pitch a tent, two fantastic walks for you to try out thanks to Community Rail Lancashire, as well as some ideas for family days out from bloggers A Boys Day Out. Dog lovers needn’t leave their four-legged friends at home, as we’ve picked out some of the best dog-friendly spots for you to enjoy.

In this issue we’re also singing the praises (quite literally) of some of our borough’s musical talents. From the community choir tackling loneliness and the theatre school training the West End stars of the future, to instrument makers and a band who’ve just released their debut album – there’s a whole host of musical talent in our borough. And if, like me, your musical talents are lacking, we’ve got a feature on the shops and market fair leading the record revival so you can enjoy other people’s masterpieces instead.

It’s often said that it’s the people in Burnley who make it so special, and we would certainly agree. While pulling together this issue we’ve met a whole host of interesting and inspiring people including Burnley-born author and illustrator Lyndon White and Mark Smedley, whose fishing sessions are improving the wellbeing of adults and children.

One building that’s brimming with interesting people and projects is Burnley Central Library. We enjoyed exploring the historic building and meeting some of the people behind the projects including artist in residence (and cover star) Cerys, whose work with That 0282 Place organising events is helping to bring a new audience to the library.

Of course, we can only cover so much in the pages of the magazine so keep an eye on Burnley.co.uk on socials for more.

We’d love to hear what you think of this issue so please do send in your feedback. We’ve got some amazing prizes to giveaway thanks to REEL Cinema, Heavenly Desserts and The Lawrence Hotel - all you need to do is fill in a short feedback form, more on this on page 14.

Enjoy the magazine,

BURNLEY PANTOMIME SOCIETY PRESENTS

THE PANTO

10TH - 19TH JANUARY 2025

EVENING AND MATINEE PERFORMANCES

EARLY BIRD OFFER (until 1st September 2024)

ADULT £14.50 | CONCESSION £12.50

STANDARD TICKET (from 1st September 2024)

ADULT £15.50 | CONCESSION £13.50

TO BOOK, PLEASE VISIT BURNLEYMECHANICS.CO.UK OR CALL 01282 664400

Wild Burnley

Gawthorpe’s hidden garden

Explore Burnley’s first class countryside

Having a ball in Burnley

Meet author & illustrator Lyndon White

Re:Fashion Challenge

Secret life of the library

Astonishing sounds

A pair of luthiers

Community choir combats loneliness

Behind the scenes at Basics

The Goa Express

Real ale trail

Local pub flying the flag Lakeside conversations

Casual Minds Matter

Sui Generis

Dungeons & Dragons

Lola Ogunbote BFC

Themis Inspire & Achieve Awards 2024 celebrating top apprentices and employers

The glittering Themis Inspire and Achieve Awards 2024 have taken place, celebrating the success, passion and innovation of Themis apprentices and leading employers in Lancashire.

The prestigious ceremony was held at Burnley Football Club and saw Themis apprentices and employers winning trophies in categories including Future Boss, Digital Pioneer and the Ultimate Vision Award and was generously sponsored by John Turner Construction.

Some 200 nominees, their family and friends, guests and proud employers attended the spectacular event, enjoying an exceptional menu and drinks.

Guests and nominees heard from Ribble Valley entrepreneur Sarwat Jaleel, founder of Kusbboo Soaps, an ethical international brand of luxurious, natural soaps, which has an inspirational message. For every bar sold, Kushboo donates another bar to people in vulnerable circumstances.

The audience were also addressed by inspirational Themis engineering degree apprentice Grace Francis. Last year Grace, with her manager at HycAero,

Stephen Kelly, was invited to join Themis to join them at a reception at 10 Downing Street for Skills Champions.

Grace spoke of her passion for engineering and how an apprenticeship offered her the opportunity to develop her skills and achieve a degree in a truly hands-on way, in contrast to classroom learning which didn’t inspire her. Grace also talked proudly of her desire to inspire other young women to follow in her footsteps and excel in the world of engineering. To top off the incredible evening for Grace, she also received two awards, the Degree Apprentice Award and the Special Award for her outstanding contribution to Themis apprenticeships.

Winners received stunning, Themisdesigned trophies, manufactured by learners at Burnley College using stateof-the-art, five-axis CNC machines which form part of the College’s Institute of Technology facilities and a cheque from event sponsors John Turner Construction.

Karen Buchanan, chief executive of Themis, the apprenticeship training arm of Burnley College, said:

“The Themis Inspire and Achieve

Awards are a highlight in the apprenticeship calendar and it was an honour to recognise those amazing apprentices and employers in the fabulous surroundings of Turf Moor.

“Competition this year was tougher than ever, with a record number of nominees and shortlisted finalists. It made the judges’ job of choosing the winners incredibly difficult.

“Themis is proud of its track record in supporting the development of the very best apprentices in the region – the apprentices who go on to be a #futureboss and who make an incredible impact in the workplace.

“Thanks to their dedication – and the commitment of the forwardthinking employers who support our Themis apprentices on their journey to success - we can be confident that industry in the region is in the safest of hands going forward.”

Follow in footsteps of our awardwinning apprentices by learning more about industry-leading routes to success - burnley.ac.uk/themis-home/

Townscape Heritage Scheme... LEAVES RESIDENTS WITH PRIDE IN PADIHAM

Over the last five years Padiham has undergone a remarkable transformation thanks to the Townscape Heritage Scheme. The project, which is now nearing completion, has helped to preserve the town’s rich history and create a vibrant future.

The scheme has been coordinated by Burnley Council in collaboration with the National Lottery Heritage Fund which contributed £1.4 million. This was used to support the growth and development of the town centre through various activities including repair and restoration of buildings, upgrading of pavement and highway surfaces, and community events which included the creation of two large gable end murals.

Not only has the scheme revitalised the

town physically, but it has also rekindled a sense of belonging and pride of place among its residents. Through careful restoration and conservation efforts, historic buildings in need of investment have been transformed into charming shops, cafes, and community spaces.

The project has awarded grants towards the repair and restoration of 14 buildings, including a total of 20 retail units. Five of these buildings were dilapidated and subsequently were having a detrimental impact to the amenity of the area. Since the Townscape Heritage scheme and public realm improvements have taken place, the area has seen a reduction in vacant commercial units from 13 to two.

The work has not only attracted new businesses and visitors to the

town but has also sparked a renewed appreciation for Padiham’s rich heritage.

One resident commented: “The scheme has improved the appearance hugely and now compared to other small Lancashire towns, Padiham looks amazing. There’s a sense of pride in all shop keepers.”

The scheme has also become a catalyst for community engagement, with locals actively participating in events, workshops, and cultural activities that celebrate the town’s history and culture while embracing its future potential. These include Painting Padiham, Padiham on Parade and of course the ever-popular Christmas light switch on.

Although the scheme will complete in June 2024, the work carried out will see Padiham continue to thrive for many years to come.

Celebrating place and community with the Burnley pride of place project

Artists and photographers Jan Williams and Chris Teasdale are calling on local residents to help them in celebrating Burnley’s culture, fostering community pride through their unique mobile gallery on wheels.

Jan and Chris aka The Caravan Gallery, are renowned for their innovative approach to photography and community engagement, using a mobile exhibition space housed in a vintage caravan.

Since the start of the Millennium, The Caravan Gallery has travelled throughout the UK and beyond, including to designer Paul Smith’s store in Tokyo. The Gallery has shone a spotlight on a diverse range of towns and cities, taking art to people and places many other galleries might find it hard to reach.

The work explores sense of place and celebrates the overlooked and occasionally bizarre aspects of everyday life. Pride of place projects aim to gain a deeper understanding of place, and to challenge preconceived notions by focusing on uncovering what makes it truly unique through the eyes of local residents.

The Caravan Gallery made an initial visit to Burnley in October 2023, visiting locations across Burnley and Padiham, ensuring that a broad

cross-section of the community could participate. The response from residents was overwhelmingly positive.

The project will culminate in a large-scale participatory exhibition in Burnley town centre during May and June 2024. Part evolving exhibition, part alternative visitor information centre cocreated with local people, the exhibition will showcase the cultural richness, diversity and creativity of Burnley’s communities, past, present and future.

The exhibition will open with a selection of Burnley photographs by The Caravan Gallery and grow daily as people bring along their Burnley related creations and artefacts. It won’t be complete until the closing celebration in June.

The project will create a space for dialogue and connection among residents, leaving behind a trail of shared memories, and fostering a sense of pride and belonging that extends beyond the life of the exhibition.

Jan and Chris will be working alongside project partners and local artists during Spring 2024 to collaborate with residents to curate a collection of local stories, photographs, artwork, crafts, films, music, memorabilia, stories, poems, books and objects

that capture the spirit of Burnley.

If you would like to get involved in any way, they would love to hear from you! The project is seeking volunteers who enjoy interacting with people to work alongside Jan and Chris during the exhibition.

Other ways to take part include lending or donating objects, photographs or artworks, sharing information for inclusion in the exhibition, taking part in community workshops and school projects and sharing your thoughts through the Burnley Pride of Place project survey.

You can also deliver or take part in live activities including spoken word, dance and music, make your mark on a spectacular hand drawn people’s map of Burnley, and visit the creative zone for drop-in workshops.

For more information and the latest updates visit www.thecaravangallery. photography and sign up to the Burnley Pride of Place Project Facebook page.

The Burnley Pride of Place Project is supported by funding from Arts Council England and has been commissioned by Burnley Leisure & Culture, working in partnership with Mid Pennine Arts and Blaze Arts.

©The Caravan Gallery

©The Caravan Gallery

©The Caravan Gallery

HAPPA birthday

HAPPA (Horses and Ponies Protection Association) is celebrating its 50th year in Burnley. An impressive 2000 rescue horses, ponies and donkeys have been stabled with the charity and made a full recoveries over the last 50 years.

The charity, based at Shores Hey Farm, is marking the huge milestone with a Golden Anniversary Ball in April, which is set to be a night full of fun and glamour at the Fence Gate. The event will help to raise vital funds to support the charity’s important cause of giving a second chance to horses that have suffered from cruelty and neglect, and secure its future in our borough.

HAPPA is well-loved by the people of Burnley and surrounding areas and is a thriving visitor hotspot. Situated within rolling countryside with panoramic views of the Thursden Valley, visitors can have a relaxing walk around the stables and impressive facilities, enjoy a delicious meal and top-notch refreshments in the Visit England Highest Quality Assured café or hold a business meeting in the café’s complimentary meeting room. All whilst supporting such a great cause, what’s not to love?

As one of Burnley’s most cherished historic landmarks, Towneley Hall Art Gallery and Museum is located in 400 acres of beautiful parkland and houses an impressive fine art and museum collection.

Towneley Hall is a Grade 1-listed building. This means it is formally recognised for its architectural and historic magnificence, particularly its Medieval origins and the historic ornate plasterwork in the Great Hall. Grade 1-listed buildings account for only 2.5% of all listed buildings in England and Wales, meaning Towneley Hall is up there in importance with Buckingham Palace and York Minster! It makes it all the more important that, as owners, Burnley Borough Council has the responsibility to care for it and protect it for future generations.

Still plenty to see during Towneley Hall renovation project Artists’ studios opening in Burnley’s cultural quarter

In a bold move that will further transform Burnley’s cultural and creative scene, part of the grand and historic Empire Buildings on Lower St James’s Street has been saved and completely refurbished into professional artists’ studios.

The building, which has been named 123, offers: private studios, collaborative workspaces, meeting rooms, hot desking, exhibition space and will host the return of the popular 160 coffee machinerelocating from just down the road.

123 will open this spring with new a roof, cleaned and repaired stonework, a

The council has embarked on a major £4.5m restoration project supported by Arts Council England’s MEND programme to undertake essential repairs to ensure the hall is without risk of further deterioration. Works include re-roofing all three wings, repointing stonework and rebuilding some sections of the outer walls, repairing 130 windows and stabilising the ceilings in the Regency Rooms and Great Hall.

Visitors will currently see the building masked in scaffolding with a temporary roof. The Hall has remained partially open to visitors, however as the works are in their final phase it will need to close from Monday 17 June until Spring 2025. This will allow some of the 30,000 artworks and objects in the collection to be re-located safely and securely from room to room,

which is a significant undertaking.

Visitors will find there is still plenty to do with the newly reopened Museum of Local Crafts and Industries located at the rear of the hall. This is free of charge to enter, check the website for opening days/times.

Towneley Hall’s dog-friendly shop will remain open all year and there will be a programme of activities in the hall’s lecture theatre for a range of audiences as well as behind the scenes tours and demonstrations throughout the summer. With stunning parkland and Parklife Café on the doorstep there is still plenty going on at Towneley. All pre-bought 12-month tickets will be honoured when the hall re-opens.

Updates can be found on Towneley Hall Facebook and website www.towneley.org.uk

complete internal re-fit and many highquality conservation repairs. The works have also saved the central section of the building’s unique stained-glass windows.

The project is part of Burnley Council’s High Street Action Zone, which has already seen the incredible rebirth of several shops on the street and builds on a growing offer to contemporary arts professionals looking to establish a presence in the town.

Creative Spaces Burnley, a local Community Interest Company, won the tender to operate the hub as an

exemplar building for arts production.

The organisation’s successful proposal matched the council’s ambition to welcome artists and new audiences to the borough to strengthen the area’s cultural and economic future. 123 is an exciting addition to the borough’s growing arts and culture district which is already attracting artists and makers from nearby towns.

The works on the Empire Building have been funded by grants awarded by Historic England and Burnley Council.

TOWPATH IMPROVEMENTS:

Giving greater access to canal

Improvements to the Leeds and Liverpool Canal towpath through Burnley have been completed.

The work included widening and resurfacing a 1.2 mile stretch of the towpath between Westgate and Yorkshire Street, and improving the access point at Manchester Road where steps were altered to incorporate an access ramp.

Rachel Daley, project manager for the Canal & River Trust, said: “Research shows that spending time by water is good for our physical and mental health. These towpath improvements are important because it will make it easier for people to access the wonderful Leeds and Liverpool Canal on their doorstep.

“As a charity we’re incredibly grateful for the funding that makes these towpath improvements possible for the benefit of the local communities the canal runs through, especially as our charity’s public funding has been significantly reduced.

“It’s great to see how much local people value the canal: their support is vital so that we can continue to protect and preserve our historic waterways and avert the decline we saw last century.”

The project was delivered by the Canal & River Trust, in partnership with the council, and funded by the Government’s Levelling Up fund as part of a £20 million package secured by Burnley Council. The towpath work is part of a wider scheme to enhance links between Manchester Road railway station, the University of Lancashire (UCLan) campus and the town centre.

New coffee shop setting students up for future careers

From April there’ll be a new location to pick up your daily coffee from, but it’s not your average coffee shop. The Coffee Mill on Sandygate, Burnley is being run by the staff and students of Ridgewood Community High School.

The project will be led by lead practitioner and special educational needs coordinator Sarah Booth and her team. While the shop will serve top-quality coffee the prices will reflect the fact the venue is being run as a non-profit venture by the school's charity the Friends of Ridgewood Community.

Kim Floyd, school business manager says: “We need somewhere for our students aged 16 to 19 to gain some real-life skills and improve their employability. Through

our charity, we decided to open a coffee shop to give them experience in working and communicating with different people. When our headteacher Ian Carden spotted the unit on Sandygate he thought it would be the ideal location.”

The charity is also utilising a second unit to use as a classroom for students post high school: “The offsite location and sense of independence that our adult learners gain is essential for their progression into the adult world and employment. Being so close to UCLan it also gives them a sense of belonging with their peers and local student community,” explains Kim.

Keep an eye on the Ridgewood Community High School Facebook page for more information.

…in the centre of the powerhouse that is

EAST LANCASHIRE!

Just call in to see us on School Lane in Burnley and take a look around our atmospheric and historic Grade II listed building. Our thriving Business Club is the perfect collaborative space to grow, develop and generate success for your business, with access to likeminded people, meeting rooms, private offices, co-working space, conference facilities and much more.

Full of character, our charming, prestigious and exclusive Great Hall is the go-to destination for parties, events, weddings and most importantly… fun!

Tell usyouwhatthink!

& BE IN WITH A CHANCE OF WINNING!

We love the hear what you think of the magazine, it really does help us when putting together future issues, so please take five minutes to complete our feedback form.

EVERYONE WHO SENDS THEIR FEEDBACK WILL BE ENTERED INTO A PRIZE DRAW TO WIN EITHER:

VIP package from REEL cinema for you and a friend which includes: Reel Lounge cinema ticket, soft drink or beer, popcorn or nachos, Magnum Classic ice cream. PLUS a £50 voucher for Heavenly Desserts at Pioneer Place, Burnley to enjoy a pre or post film treat (voucher must be used in one sitting).

- OR -

A Friday night Bed and Breakfast stay for two at The Lawrence, boutique hotel in Padiham. And, as this issue is dedicated to dogs, you can also take your pet pooch who will receive a dog treat box in the room.

Select the prize you’d like to be entered for at the end of the form. One runner up will receive VIP cinema tickets for themselves and a friend.

All you need to do is fill in this short feedback questionnaire scan the QR code or visit www.burnley.co.uk/feedback24

Closing date for entries: 11pm on Friday 23 August 2024. Winners will be chosen at random and will be notified by 1st Sept 2024 using the contact details provided. Full terms and conditions can be found at www.burnley.co.uk/feedback24

A big thank you to REEL Cinema, Heavenly Desserts and The Lawrence Hotel for donating these fantastic prizes!

Awards win for sports initiative

A local community-driven initiative organised by Active Lancashire and Together an Active Future (TaAF) has received national recognition. ‘Active Madrassahs’ has won the coveted Participation Project of the Year Award at this year’s Archery GB Recognition Awards. The award recognises outstanding efforts in increasing participation and in developing new and long-lasting positive partnerships within diverse communities.

The project has been designed to embed physical activity directly into Madrassah educational settings and aims to increase the activity levels and overall wellbeing of young people. A large majority of the young Muslim population attend Madrassah every evening to learn about Islamic teachings, and this effectively limits the opportunities outside of school that children have to be involved in sports.

The project has been incredibly successful, and as a result, almost 300 young people across Lancashire have been able to take part in weekly archery sessions within their Madrassah or faith-based school. Collaborating with Archery GB is also helping to tackle the under-representation of the Muslim Community in archery and is a brilliant step towards improving diversity in the sport. The programme also extends much wider offering access to additional sports.

Why Sarah Duchess of York had her sights on UCLan Burnley

Sarah Duchess of York enjoyed a tour of Padiham and Burnley on 13th December 2023 to learn about how local community groups, organisations and people come together to support one another.

The Duchess started her day at Padiham Green Primary School, where she was welcomed by the school choir, gave out Christmas presents and even got stuck in toasting marshmallows on what was a (ever so slightly!) rainy and muddy December morning.

From there, she travelled to The University of Central Lancashire’s (UCLan) School of Medicine at Victoria Mill in Burnley. The reason for her visit to the university was to discover more about how the town is the birthplace of primary care research. The Duchess met with medical students who specialise in Motor Neurone Disease, which is a topic that is close to her heart.

The Duchess has been working with those who suffer from the disease since the 1990s and was

patron of the Motor Neurone Disease Association. She later became president of the International Alliance for ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis) after heavily promoting fundraising campaigns.

Led by Pro-Vice Chancellor Professor Cathy Jackson, the tour of the medical facility then saw the Duchess meet year 5 students, who were in a “becoming a year 1 foundation doctor” seminar. The visit moved to a year 3 air care tutorial, where she observed a clinical skills session, spoke with students and even got stuck into a practical with a clinical mannequin.

Professor Jackson added: “The Duchess learned about the pathways that UCLan has created for widening access to a medical degree and the part we are playing in educating the local community about health.”

The rest of her time in Burnley was spent at the football club to learn about Burnley FC in the Community, Down Town Community Kitchen, Holy Trinity Primary School and

Church and the Ghausia Mosque.

Commenting on her visit to UCLan, the Duchess said: “It has been fascinating to learn more about everything happening at Burnley’s very own university medical school which is helping the NHS in the town cope with the many challenges it faces, especially with problems created because of the pandemic and food insecurity.

“Today I’ve learned that the UCLan Burnley campus currently has approximately 500 medical students on its site in the town. They are all sent out on placement to GP surgeries and within the East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust.

“Many are international students who following their studies wish to stay in the East Lancashire community to use their skills to contribute to the work of the NHS and add value to the local health economy.”

UCLan is committed to the continuous growth of the Burnley campus and aims to have 6,000 students in the town by 2032.

C AMPING STAYCATIONS IN BU R NLEY: A BREATH OF FRESH AIR

By Liz Wilkinson

Camping holidays have been a part of my life forever. As a family of six, we travelled all over the country in the back of our dad’s old army ambulance and pitched up each summer, packed to the rafters and too excited to sleep. Long summer evenings, toasted marshmallows, storytelling by the campfire, splashing around throwing sticks for our dog in the river and the sound of birdsong in the morning providing the soundtrack to eating cereal from picnic bowls, sitting in the long grass - a treasure trove of nostalgic memories.

Fast-forward, and camping meant festivals, friends and fireside drinks, jumping in the car after work and pitching the tent in all weathers to enjoy a weekend away. Now, with a family of my own, camping still provides all the fun I remember from my own childhood and adolescence – only now, I’m the one who has to do the laundry when we get home!

When I first met my husband Ryan, we often packed up the camping gear and drove up to the Lake District or down to North Wales to enjoy long walking weekends (often with a few pub stops thrown in, for good measure). We now have two boys – Oliver (14) and George (6), plus our English Springer Spaniel, Willow – and together, we’ve enjoyed several camping trips both locally and on the South Coast. There’s nothing quite like seeing a sunny forecast on the news, picking the kids up from school on a Friday afternoon, and heading out on a last-minute camping trip. Their faces – priceless!

Ryan is a fell-runner and bought his first campervan a few years ago, his home-fromhome when travelling between peaks – much easier than pitching the tent single-handedly. Post-Covid, there was a huge rise in demand for campervans and an increase in people holidaying closer to home – ourselves included – and we

founded RAW Camper Conversions & Rentals.

We’re thankful that the business has gone from strength to strength, with more people discovering the joy of camping and campervanning, enjoying staycations with their own families and recognising how lucky we are to have such amazing scenery on our doorstep, right here in Burnley.

Whether you prefer the wild ruggedness of camping or the comforts of glamping, a staycation provides the perfect opportunity to relive those magical childhood moments and create new ones with friends and family. Whether you’re a solo traveller seeking solace, a couple in need of a romantic getaway, or a family craving quality time, Burnley has some amazing campsites which cater to all. And for those with four-legged family members, many sites also welcome your beloved pets with open arms!

If you’re looking to avoid the expense and stress of international travel this summer, or simply want a last-minute change of scenery for a long weekend, you can savour a local camping and campervanning experience immersed in the beauty of the countryside, just a stone’s throw from your front door.

Hereʼs our guide to the top campsites in and around Burnley that promise a delightful getaway:

1.

Smithson Farm

{Reedley Hallows}

Smithson Farm offers both traditional camping spots (for those who have the kit to camp under canvas) and glamping pods which are a great alternative to a tent and offer shelter from the great British weather we’re accustomed to. Campervans and motorhomes are also welcome on-site, with spacious and secure spots with all essential hook-ups.

Adjacent to the site is Woodend Mining Museum, the only mining museum in the Burnley coalfield and home to all manner of mining equipment dating from Victorian Britain to the recent past. For walkers, the Pendle Witch Trails, Laund Booth Circular, the Bronte Way, and Leeds and Liverpool canal pathways are within touching distance. Why not bring the dog along too?

Campers can also sample the delights of the on-site tea rooms, enjoying speciality teas and homemade cakes, a full English breakfast in the morning, or fish and chips, served every Friday night.

2. Whitehough Outdoor Centre {Burnley}

If you’re a fan of activity breaks, then Whitehough is the place for you. Alongside grass camping spots, which allow both tents and campervans, the centre offers a range of accommodations including well-equipped dormitories for large groups, plus smaller lodges for those who prefer the comforts of home. On-site, visitors can book a plethora of activities, including high-ropes, Leap of Faith, obstacle course and archery, superbly managed by a team of expert instructors - making it a hotspot for groups and families craving adventure.

Your furry friends are also welcome – why not don your walking boots and take them for a stomp up Pendle Hill, just a short distance away?

After a day packed with activities, wind down by taking a gentle stroll down to the picturesque village of Barley or wander through Pendle Sculpture Trail for a blend of art and nature. For those in need of a hearty meal after an action-packed day, you can enjoy dinner in the welcoming atmosphere of The Barley Mow, and then head over the road to sample a selection of beers and real ales at The Pendle Inn. There’s also an outdoor play area for families with little ones to let loose.

Back at camp, there’s also a large, communal firepit for everyone to huddle around as the evening draws in, complete with log seating and a basket of firewood – so be sure to pack your marshmallows!

bridgeheywood.co.uk

3. Bridge Heywood Park {Read}

If tents aren’t you’re thing, why not hire a campervan or motorhome and head to Bridge Heywood Park? Just seven miles outside of Burnley nestled in the Ribble Valley, and offering a more secluded experience, this site is set next to the River Calder in a private 200-acre estate surrounded by open countryside and is perfect for a relaxed break. On site, you’ll find fully serviced hardstanding pitches and wellkept amenities including showers and laundry facilities, and the owners also welcome your well-behaved pets.

Explore the many hiking routes through the local landscape or take the three-mile walk to the historic village of Whalley, where you’ll find a range of culinary options, the stunning Whalley Abbey and lots of independent shops for a spot of retail therapy. If the weather serves you well during your stay, pack up a picnic and head to Spring Wood and sit among its iconic bluebells or consider taking a day trip to Edisford Bridge with the kids to explore the park and paddle in the River Ribble. They’ll love indulging in a treat from the ice cream parlour!

This Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty is also crisscrossed with gentle cycling trails, including easy access to the Leeds and Liverpool Canal and Padiham Greenway, making it a haven for those looking to discover Burnley and its beautiful surroundings on two wheels.

4. Lower Cockden Farm {Briercliffe}

This family-friendly campsite provides the most rustic camping experience among the four, perfect for those yearning for an authentic touch of countryside living. With hardstanding campervan and caravan spots available, this working farm is spread across a vast, unspoiled area, making it ideal for stargazing and exploring. The site is pet-friendly and offers well-maintained facilities and spectacular views of Burnley.

Visitors seeking an educational excursion can visit Queen Street Mill Textile Museum, the last surviving 19th-century steam-powered weaving mill in the world, providing an interesting peek into the area’s industrial past. For those interested in stretching their legs, the local trails through open moorland afford impressive views of the Thursden Valley, home to an abundance of wildlife and birds, particularly near the River Don. A short walk down the road is the village of Harle Syke, where you can find several traditional pubs, including The Hare and Hounds, which offers family-friendly food, a large beer garden for those warmer evenings and exceptional views.

Hands up who finds planning a day out stressful, especially with children in tow!? And, if your child has additional needs this can add extra pressure, as you need to consider things like accessibility or if there are quiet spots you can escape to if your child becomes overwhelmed. The Wiggan family from Burnley has created the website A Boys Day Out to take away some of this stress. Burnley Lifestyle’s Katie McGee caught up with mum of the family Rachel to find out more.

“I am a mental health nurse, working with young people with neuro developmental difficulties and their families” explains Rachel, “so I am aware of some of the challenges that families encounter in their day to day lives, including days out and holidays. In August 2022, we decided as a family to start a Facebook blog called A Boys Day Out, where we promote places to visit with children of all ages and abilities."

Rachel and husband Chris are joined on their days out by sons Noah and Jonah, age 7 and 3. After each trip they upload a description alongside videos and photos of where they have been.

“For parents, following a page like ours with lots of ideas on, can be helpful when trying to plan a day out. We post pictures and video reels on our website, with the aim of taking away some of the pre-visit questions for families. We try and include everything you need to know about a trip before you visit, including the exact location, car parking access, how long we were there, the venue’s opening times, so that people know what to expect before they go. We also post which days and times are quieter to visit, if they have SEND specific sessions, if there's any hidden costs, disability access and generally comment on our experience there.”

A Boys Day Out covers free and paidfor activities which initially covered Burnley and the surrounding areas, but now spans the UK. Now at over 3,400 followers on social media, Rachel explains that it has been support from local company P3 Computers which has been a huge part of their success:

“When we first started, I decided to contact some local companies to see if they could help us to reach more families. From the moment I spoke to Jozef Kinder, the director at P3, he completely understood what we wanted to achieve and was on board straight away. He invited us in that day, gave us a laptop and printer, set us up with a website, email address and even helped us to

build the website. Jo still checks in now and is always asking if we need anything. We genuinely wouldn't be as successful as we are without his support and are so grateful to Jo and the team."

Giving back

Alongside running the website and social media channels, Rachel and Chris are also passionate about giving back to the community, something they want to pass down to their boys: “It’s so important for our boys to understand why we do what we do. Yes, it’s lovely that they get to enjoy so many days out as a family, but our main focus is promoting places to visit with children and taking away those pre visit questions. Our eldest son Noah has a very good understanding of neuro-developmental difficulties, in particular Autism and ADHD, and on days out will often tell us which areas would be good if a child was over stimulated and may need space, or what a child may find overwhelming and why. Educating our children that everyone has different needs and to be respectful is so important to us.”

In the last 12 months, the family has raised £1,500 for Positive Action in the Community and £2,542 for Alder Hey Children's Hospital through holding family fun days. There are plans for more events this year including a wrestling show:

“As a family we are passionate about supporting our community, which is why we host the charity fun days. We work in partnership with Burnley Leisure and host them at St Peter's Leisure Centre. Noah is at an age where he can really help out and it’s lovely to see him get involved, setting up the tables, helping with the raffle prizes. Both our boys came for several hours the day before our last event and set the entire room up with us. “

With all her experience of days out in the local area I couldn’t let Rachel go without sharing some of her top picks of days out in Burnley…

Rachelʼs TOP PICKS for family fun in Burnley

Outdoor fun in Rowley

Rowley is our go-to place for a walk - we love it! Our boys get their wellies on and go into the streams, jump in the puddles and explore. They always make a den up there, hidden in the trees and so far their last one is still standing after six months. Rowley is such a peaceful place to walk and has a lot of variety, so we often visit and feed the ducks. Our boys have a keen eye for animals, and always spot the goosander in the middle of the lake, herons and the resident cormorant over the far side. During summer months, they even have a pair of Mandarin Ducks which always migrate to Rowley, which are beautiful. There are benches throughout, woodlands to explore, streams to jump in and we spend hours there. The boys can never last without snacks, so we usually find somewhere in the woods to have a picnic as well.

Treasure hunts & more at Thompson Park

The park is actually very close to Rowley, only a few minutes’ drive, so you could easily combine the two trips. It’s such a great place to visit with the kids. The Boat House is right next to the park, where you can hire a boat on the lake, grab an ice cream and even take a trip on the mini railway.

If you want to visit without a cost, there is a huge park with swings, slides, toddler area, a sandpit and in the summer months, a paddling area. Handily, there are lots of picnic areas and benches throughout. Our boys love to bring their bikes here, as there’s plenty of open safe space for them to ride. They have the lake which you can walk around and woodland areas to explore. We love being creative, so often bring some essential crafting equipment, find a bench and then make something from what we can find.

They even have Geo Caches here which the boys love. We are going to hide one of our own up there soon. If you don’t know what this is, it’s where you hunt for the treasure (Geo Caches) by using an app which gives you co-ordinates and hints. It can be hidden in a Tupperware or fake rocks/stones, and once found you write your family’s name in the logbook inside and put it back. Sometimes there are little toys left inside which you can take and put your own gift for someone else in.

Imaginative play at Little Lancashire Village

Little Lancashire Village is a brilliant role play centre. It’s for children aged 0 to 7 years old, although children with Special Educational Needs and disabilities can be older. It's a place where the kids can explore and role play in various areas, including the vets, post office, hair salon, police station, building area, farm, café and supermarket. You can book individual sessions, SEND sessions with a reduced number of places and you can also have exclusive hire for birthday parties. The café is in a perfect position where parents can sit down and see the children pretty much from everywhere. It’s a really good place to visit where the children are playing and learning at the same time.

Celebrate at Itʼs my Party

Noah had his 7th Birthday at It’s My Party and it was amazing. It’s exclusive hire, with the most extravagant decorations, different themes for you to choose from: princess, superhero, even Harry Potter. As a parent, we could sit back and relax which was a bonus! It has a huge ship, with an inbuilt slide for the kids, a ball pool and a dinner table with a throne, all decorated to the theme of the party. The characters made all the children feel special. They have party games and then the cast get everyone involved, singing and dancing before they bring the cake in. It was a really special party for him, and us. They do have other events throughout the year, which you can book individual places on, most recently an Ice Kingdom event and the Harry Potter afternoon tea sounds really good, so we will be keeping an eye out for that.

Check out aboysdayout.co.uk for more information and lots more suggestions of places to visit.

Towneley

Hall, Art Gallery & Museum

Towneley Hall, Art Gallery & Museum is located in 400 acres of beautiful parkland providing everything for a perfect summer day out.

The magnificent Grade 1 listed Hall, which dates from the 14th century, is having essential restoration works and from 17th June will be temporarily closed until Spring 2025. So, until then make sure you take the opportunity to have a look around. Tickets are only £2.75 for adults, and students and children 17 & under are FREE.

Even whilst the main Hall is closed for the building work, there is still plenty to come and enjoy!

• Towneley Hall's dog-friendly shop is open, 12-5pm Monday-Thursday & Saturday-Sunday

• A programme of exciting events and activities for all the family will take place in the Lecture Theatre, so keep your eyes open on social media and the website towneley.org.uk

• Friends of Towneley Park run a host activities, to find out more visit friendsofburnleyparks.org.uk/fotp

• Offshoots community garden nestled in the historic walled garden has activities all summer, find out more newgroundtogether.co.uk

• Mobility scooters will be available for people to use and enjoy the park.

• Towneley Hall public toilets and car parks will be open every day as usual.

Dogs are welcome in the shop

Come and marvel at the Art Gallery and its fine collection of oil paintings. Enjoy the museum displays including an Egyptian mummy, Whalley Abbey vestments, Lancashire-made oak furniture, a beautiful collection of Pilkinton Pottery and our famous Bill the Bear! There are also fun trails for children.

The Museum of Local Crafts & Industries at the rear of the Hall will be open and FREE to enter, please check opening times before you visit as these may vary. This muchloved museum is filled with fascinating local industrial heritage artefacts.

Nestled in the park next to Towneley Hall, Towneley’s Park Café provides the perfect opportunity to relax and soak up the beautiful surroundings while enjoying freshly made, seasonal food and barista-crafted drinks

Community and inclusivity is at the heart of the café, where many park visitors and Burnley locals choose to meet, catch up and collaborate on a regular basis. A warm and friendly welcome awaits each and every customer.

Keep your eyes peeled for announcements of events taking place at the café throughout the year, with some exciting community get-togethers, live music evenings and alfresco food events giving the ingredients for a vibrant Spring and Summer.

Staying true to its park location, dogs are welcome in the café.

Paddleboarding

–THETRENDTHAT’S CREATINGASPLASH

Pgracefully (or not) – is the fastest growing sport in Britain.

It’s not surprising really – because once you learn how to balance without flapping your arms like a dying swan – it’s just brilliant fun.

What better way to forget all your troubles (because you’re concentrating on not getting wet), enjoy nature and the beauty around you, get some great exercise for mind and body, and simply float away to explore some hidden corners?

SUP Burnley was launched (get it) in July 2021 as the paddleboarding craze was just beginning to pick up speed. The aim was to provide people the opportunity to have a go, pick up enough skills to allow them to go off and paddle safely, buy their own board and equipment, and explore, to create a social group that brings people with a common interest together to simply make new friends and enjoy the great outdoors.

SUP (Stand Up Paddleboarding) is now a major sport that people of all ages and abilities can enjoy for a fairly modest outlay.

SUP Burnley is based at Thompson Park and meets twice a week. The park’s boating lake is the ideal training ground to pick up basic skills – calm, enclosed and only a few feet deep if the worst happens (and it will until you learn to balance and manoeuvre at the same time).

The club provides a board, paddle, and floatation jacket and teaches basic skills, together with a healthy respect for the dangers of open water.

SUP Burnley has been supported by Burnley Council and Burnley Leisure and Culture and it is branching out to introduce the sport to a wider audience.

It’s worked with the Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programme to work with children during the school holidays. It’s also secured funding through the Integrated Care Board (ICB) to introduce paddleboard yoga sessions for adults.

“...itʼs great fun, easy to learn... brilliant for your mental & physical health”

Claire Newton, who set up the club, believes 90-minute training sessions (which costs £30 for adults), is enough for most people to learn basic skills to allow them to go off and try it themselves. And we’re fortunate enough to have plenty of places to paddleboard within easy driving distance.

“Paddleboarding has really taken off and I think it’s because it’s great fun, easy to learn, doesn’t have to cost a lot to get the kit and is brilliant for our mental and physical health. Out on the board all your cares and worries disappear, just concentrate on what you’re doing and your surroundings.

“Burnley is aiming to be an ‘Outdoor Town’ and this fits in with that vision. We want to encourage more people to get out and enjoy their surroundings.

“We’re lucky to have the Leeds and Liverpool

Canal, which you can paddleboard on, running through our borough and the Lake District is only an hour’s drive away. You do have to check before using some areas of water though; reservoirs for example tend to be off limits.”

The club runs mid-week and weekend sessions for anyone aged eight and over. Wetsuits aren’t provided but aren’t necessary – shorts or leggings and a T-shirt and something to stay warm is enough. Sessions are held between May and November when water temperatures are generally warmer.

It also hires out equipment on scheduled club nights to those who have the skills but not the stuff and want to use Thompson Park Lake to gain experience on the water.

To find our more search SUP Burnley on Facebook or email supburnley1@outlook.com

Wild BURNLEY

Beautifully

sculptured flower displays look fantastic, but did you know that wildflower meadows are especially beneficial for our ecosystem (as well as providing colour and variety to our surroundings).

If you’ve ever travelled through Burnley and Padiham during the summer months you will have no doubt spotted at least one wildflower meadow. From roadside verges to parks, there were 75 pictorial meadows sown in 2023 alone! We spoke to Neil Jackson, from Burnley Council's Green Spaces team, to find out more.

The wildflower displays are absolutely beautiful, they provide so much colour especially to urban areas – are there any other benefits that they bring?

Sowing wildflowers, especially those native to this country, really helps with biodiversity. Having access to nature also really helps lift people’s moods, which is why planting in urban areas is so important.

Do you get a lot of positive feedback from people?

We get so many nice comments about the wildflower meadows. We’ve even had people who have re-routed their commute to work so they can drive past them. We also get lots of bus drivers who say the plot near Burnley bus station really brightens their journeys.

Is there a lot of preparation involved?

Yes! The process begins in late

March/early April after the last frost. We carry out herbicide application on our larger sites and allow 10-14 days for it to take effect. The next step is to rotavate the soil on each site to create a fine tilth suitable for sowing the seed. We then sow the seed evenly over the site, raking it over to cover the seed – and protect it from the wind and pecking birds!

The rest is up to mother nature, we cross our fingers for rain within the first few weeks of seeding. If we get perfect weather conditions (rain and sun), we usually see germination within a couple of weeks and the flowers start to emerge towards the end of June. They change so much over the course of the summer and usually stay in flower until after the first frost. In recent years we’ve even seen some flower in early December.

Are you working on any other projects to improve the natural environment in Burnley?

Tree planting is a big project for us at the moment. Schools and organisations who took part in Beat the Street in 2023 earned points which were turned into trees. By March 2024 we will have planted 7,500 trees thanks to their involvement. We are also planting over 100 trees through the Urban Tree Challenge fund.

FROM AUSTRALIA TO THE AMAZON & BACK TO BURNLEY

Meet the man in charge of Gawthorpeʼs hidden garden

Gawthorpe Hall and its surrounding estate is one of our borough’s most prized tourist attractions, however, behind the hall is a little known historic walled garden. When

Burnley Lifestyle went to investigate, we discovered that as equally impressive is the man in charge, National Trust Ranger David Bevis.

“Not a lot of people know about the garden, but I really want to change that,” David explains. “Our volunteers do a fantastic job of managing the garden, and the surrounding woodland and it would be great to get more people in to see their work.”

The entrance to the garden takes you through a converted gardener’s cottage. Historically a home to the estate’s live-in gardener the building is now used as a bothy for the volunteers. With a cosy fire and seats, it’s the perfect place to have a brew and a natter after a busy day of gardening. On the other side of this cosy nook, we find flower beds, vegetable patches and a yurt which is perfect to shelter from the British weather in.

Currently open to volunteers on Tuesdays and Wednesdays the only public access to the garden is on open days, something David wants to do more of:

“I’d love to get more schools up here. It’s great for school children to know about environmental problems but it’s also good for them to know about the small ways that they can help. Seeing what insects and invertebrates we have here will help them appreciate them more and want to protect them,” he explains.

A MISTAKEN MOTH

It was a childhood encounter that sparked David’s interest in nature.

“Looking back, I don’t know why I ever doubted that I’d be doing something like this. As a kid we always used to go walking with my mum. I once found loads of brightly coloured caterpillars and took some home in a Tupperware box to raise into butterflies. What I discovered was that they were actually Cinnabar moths,” he reflects.

Since then, David’s love of nature hasn’t wavered and he went on to study ecology at university, before working for the Ribble Rivers Trust and is now, at the time of writing, six months into his role of National Trust ranger at Gawthorpe.

“Working at Gawthorpe is a bit of a full circle moment for me because as a teenager I would run through the woods and always loved the area. To now be working here is great and Iʼve got lots of ideas of how we can encourage more people to visit,”

FROM AUSTRALIA TO THE AMAZON AND BACK TO BURNLEY

David’s journey was helped by the Stocks Massey Bequest fund managed by Burnley Council, something he is extremely grateful for:

“While I was studying at Thomas Whittam Sixth form, I was recommended to apply for the funding due to the work I was doing in the community teaching martial arts. I had to go for an interview at Towneley Hall and received a £1,000 a year grant which ran over three years. That was a game changer for me as it allowed me to do a year’s study abroad in Australia and go on a field trip to the Amazon rainforest.

“I love the fact that Burnley put the investment into me and now I can repay that by coming home to work here, doing positive things for our local environment.”

But is the wildlife in Burnley not underwhelming once you’ve experienced the exotic species of Australia and South America?

“I actually returned feeling even more excited about the types of wildlife we have here,” David is quick to explain.

“The trip to the Amazon was like a reset because you become limited by what you expect to see. Being there and experiencing such an untouched habitat was amazing. You’d go walking and find huge snakes but what I really loved was the invertebrates. Being there really helped me solidify my fascination with spiders.

“Before the visits I wasn’t really interested in birds but being there and seeing parrots and eagles helped spark my interest, and I brought that back with me,” he adds.

THE PERFECT HABITAT

David certainly seems to be in his natural environment at Gawthorpe, as are the insects and invertebrates that share the space:

“We’ve got a big wildflower area that we let grow out throughout the year to try and encourage native plants, as these are more beneficial for biodiversity even if they aren’t the most attractive to look at. We encourage things like common hogweed, thistles and wild raspberries for example.

“It’s great to have a mix of plants for invertebrates – for example when you see butterflies visiting flowers to feed that’s actually just one part of their lifecycle. They also need plants to lay eggs on that’s warm enough in winter, so the eggs don’t die. They also need a plant for the caterpillars to eat and a safe place in the soil to turn into a chrysalis.”

David’s passion for wildlife is contagious and we have no doubt that many people will be inspired to visit the garden because of it. We will most certainly be visiting again!

Find out more - nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/ liverpool-lancashire/gawthorpe-hall

We are thrilled to celebrate our 10th Anniversary of The Footcare Service. As a family we work hard to ensure that the service we provide is of quality to every client and that our staff are happy and fulfilled.

We are continuing to work hard to expand our business and offer more jobs within our community.

We love that our clients enjoy our visits in the comfort of their own home whilst forming a lovely relationship with our team.

We pride ourselves in treating care home residents like our family and make them feel as though we are part of their everyday team.

We love working within the heart of our community and cannot wait to see what our 10th year brings.

Rail Explore Burnley by Rail Explore Burnley by Rail Explore Burnley by Rail Explore Burnley by Rail

Explore Burnley by Rail Explore Burnley by Rail Explore Burnley by Rail Explore Burnley by Rail Explore Burnley by Rail

Explore Burnley by Rail Explore Burnley by Rail Explore Burnley by Rail Explore Burnley by Rail Explore Burnley by Rail

Explore Burnley by Rail Explore Burnley by Rail Explore Burnley by Rail Explore Burnley by Rail Explore Burnley by Rail

Explore Burnley by Rail Explore Burnley by Rail Explore Burnley by Rail Explore Burnley by Rail Explore Burnley by Rail

Explore Burnley by Rail Explore Burnley by Rail Explore Burnley by Rail Explore Burnley by Rail Explore Burnley by Rail

Explore Burnley by Rail Explore Burnley by Rail Explore Burnley by Rail Explore Burnley by Rail Explore Burnley by Rail

Explore Burnley by Rail Explore Burnley by Rail Explore Burnley by Rail Explore Burnley by Rail Explore Burnley by Rail

We are lucky in Burnley to have direct rail routes to Manchester, Blackpool and Preston (where you can easily hop on another train and be in London within a couple of hours). So, we sometimes forget that Burnley itself is a great destination to travel into by train - with not one but four stations to choose from across the borough!

Whether you depart at Burnley Central and make the short journey to Crow Wood Hotel and Spa for a day of luxurious pampering or stroll down from Burnley Manchester Road into the town centre for shopping and an early evening meal, there’s lots to choose from.

Community Rail Lancashire (CRL) wants people to get on board with the idea of making the most of their railways and is encouraging them to grab their walking shoes and explore the beautiful

Lancashire countryside with a series of short films, produced by Huckleberry Films. The films take you along a series of walks, giving you a bit of history about the local area as well as tips on how you can extend the walk and areas of interest to look out for along the way.

Of course, countryside is something which Burnley has an abundance of, so it’s no surprise that CRL has chosen two locations in our borough for its latest films. Both circular walks start at Burnley Manchester Road station, and depending on how far you want to go, either take you to the Singing Ringing Tree on Crown Point Road or Thompson Park on Ormerod Road..

Caroline Eccles, co-founder of Huckleberry Films, has given us a sneak peak of the routes but you can find more details and watch the video of the walks online: communityraillancashire. co.uk/lancashire-by-rail/

The walk can be extended by exploring Towneley Park – why not pop into the newly reopened café for a refreshment stop or grab a drink on the go from the Rotunda café.

Difficulty: You’ll need walking boots for this one - expect mud! The walk involves some steep bits and is uneven underfoot in places.

The walk can be made longer if you want to walk around Thompson Park.

Difficulty: This route can be step free so is suitable for pushchairs etc. There's one access point (from the canal to Thompson Park) that you may struggle getting a big electric wheelchair through so it’s worth checking this beforehand.

Larger versions of the maps are online: communityraillancashire.co.uk/lancashire-by-rail/

HAVING A BALL IN BURNLEY:

thebestdog-friendlybusinesses

-byRachelBayley-

Burnley is a borough of dog lovers, which isn’t a surprise considering all the green spaces we have to get out on walks with our four-legged friends. Aside from our beautiful array of countryside, award-winning parks and vast walking trails, there are several businesses in Burnley that revolve around owners and their pets.

I took my 11-year-old Staffy/Boxer/ Whippet (yup!) Poppy on a little adventure with me to discover more. Here is a roundup of just a pawful…

Mustyʼs Muttleys

This secure dog-walking facility in Briefcliffe is a four-acre haven for dogs. Available for exclusive hire, Musty’s Muttleys is located at Musty Halgh Barn in Briercliffe and can be affordably hired for £10 for 50 minutes (with an extra ten minutes allocated for you to park up and get organised).

Up to four dogs can be brought for a session, which sounds like a super cute play date. Additional dogs are charged at £2 each and if you contact Michaela, the brains behind the business, she can also arrange 30-minute sessions if you’d prefer.

The 1.8m fencing means you can be assured that your dogs will be secure, with additional anti-escape wire at the bottom just in case your pooch is something of a Houdini! There’s plenty of dog-friendly equipment which can be used for training or just free play – think tyres, tunnels and other structures. There’s also a handy boot and dog wash so you can keep your car as clean as possible on the return journey.

Just like soft play for (human!) children, owners and trainers can use the shelter and picnic benches if they’d like to enjoy a flask of coffee and some food whilst their dogs have fun. There’s also a portable loo – considering this is all in a field, the little details have been thought out.

Let’s just say aged 11, Poppy isn’t daft, and decided to go around the equipment rather than through or over! But your dog doesn’t have to be trained in agility to come – in fact, Poppy found a frisbee and loved running around with it instead.

There’s also a play and pamper service, where your dog is picked up, given time to play AND groomed afterwards. Sounds pawfect to us!

Michaela told me: “The idea was sparked during the first lockdown. So many people would walk through the field with their dogs – it was honestly hundreds a week! It took a year to get through the process of going live, but it’s proven so popular. In winter we have 50 bookings a week on average, then during spring and summer that massively increases with the longer days.

“People come from Bury, Bolton, Bacup – all over.”

(NB: you are allowed to come if your town doesn’t begin with B!)

www.mustys-muttleys.co.uk

The Lawrence

Padiham’s boutique hotel might not spring to mind when you think of dog-friendly places in Burnley…but dogs are very much welcome! There is even a hotel dog called Hetti who will no doubt be thrilled to have some other four-legged friends to play with.

The Lawrence has even won awards for being so accommodating to dogs, so you know you’ll get an above-andbeyond service when you stay, dine or enjoy a drink here. All of its 14 design-led rooms are dog friendly, with full deep cleans of rooms carried out in between stays. It’s just £10 per night for your dog to enjoy being in luxury, which sounds like a great deal.

Not only that, but there is a menu just for dogs! And it’s not just any old menu. There are a variety of snacks and treat pots, along with meals such as a roast dinner and fish and chips. Forget about boring water. Dogs can enjoy their own safe beer and cocktails too.

As well as a comfy room and large menu, dogs can expect to get a lot of attention from owner Michael and his team. What a treat!

Michael told us: “When you think about the businesses here, Padiham really is accommodating for dogs and their owners. I can also recommend Mooch Café, which is dog friendly and serves fantastic coffee and food. I always suggest that hotel guests get outside to explore our beautiful countryside, not just in Burnley, but also with nearby Pendle (they always ask about the hill that can be seen from everywhere!) and the Ribble Valley. We’re very lucky to be so central to everything.”

Every detail has been thought through for guests, whether accompanied by four-legged friends or not. Whether you’re popping in for a drink, food, one of their many exciting events or an overnight stay, you’ll receive a warm welcome, and we highly recommend a visit (even if just to admire the quirky interiors!).

[TOP TIP: ask the owner Michael how he came to own The Lawrence. It’s quite the tale and involves a wrong turning!] www.thelawrencehotel.co.uk

Millie & Ruby's Dog Bakery

Located at 33 Burnley Road in Padiham, Millie and Ruby’s Dog Bakery was established in 2014 and provides a range of handmade natural dog treats that are free from artificial colourings, flavourings and additives. The treats are all baked in such a way that sugar and salt is no longer needed either, with rye flour typically used and recipes as low fat as possible.

We spoke to founder Diane, who is of course celebrating the ten-year anniversary of the business this year.

“The idea for Millie & Ruby’s [named after Diane’s two collies – she now has another, Paddy] came after my friend and I visited the States and pet bakeries were really popular over there. We were both keen bakers and my friend suggested I turn my hand at dog treats.

“So, I started experimenting in my kitchen, trying them out on Millie and Ruby. The requests came flooding in from family and friends. At the time, I was working as a police officer in and around Burnley. The business was growing, and I decided to go all in, so I left the police in 2016 and set up my online shop.”

Strong sales continued and Diane opened her first shop in January 2017 in Great Harwood. Unfortunately, in April 2018 she suffered a fire and had to close. She bounced around temporary places, then the pandemic hit. The dog bakery established a new shop in Accrington for a year, then Diane received an interesting request.

“Padiham has undergone a lot of regeneration, which living around the corner in Sabden I’ve noticed. I was contacted by Burnley Council, about setting up in their refurbished buildings. I did a tour and couldn’t say no to the location and the offer.”

Diane opened her doors in December 2023 and experienced a “crazy” Christmas and now has a member of staff who runs the bakery most days, whilst Diane focuses on the website, strategy and future growth.

“I’ve had a great welcome in Padiham and I’m going to launch a click and collect service. I get website sales from all sorts of locations; birthday cakes, natural chews, icing and biscuits are my most popular products. I have a lot of trade customers too.”

Of course, we’d love you to come to Burnley to visit the bakery, but you can also stock up online in the meantime.

www.millieandrubysdogbakery.co.uk

Towneley Park

Dog-walking groups, coffee and Grubby Pups!

Towneley Park is a dog-walkers haven, as well as being home to the famous historic Towneley Hall, a vibrant children’s area packed with lots of different things to do (please keep dogs outside the playground), a Victorian flower garden, Off Shoots community garden, abstract and outdoor sculptures and plenty of space for events, family bike rides and leisurely dog walks.

Every morning, at around 8.30am, an informal dog walking group meets up outside the hall to set off on an hour’s amble throughout the grounds. Everyone is welcome and there are no formal arrangements – just show up and you’ll spot them!

After the (first!) walk, the group descends on the recently refurbished - and, of course, dog-friendly - Park Life Café for a well-earned brew. The café has plenty of space for customers and their pets, as well as a great selection of food and drinks. From soups and sandwiches to cakes and burgers, there’s something for everyone here.

(side note; you can grab a free bag of the used coffee grounds to use as fertiliser for your plants!)

The dog walkers then head off on another hour’s walk.

Amy from Life Cafés & Resorts, the operator of Park Life Café, said: “Our main focus for the café is to be an accessible and inclusive community-focused venue where everyone is welcome. Towneley Park is a haven for many and an integral part of visitors' lives. Whether that be the passionate volunteers, people that visit the park to relax and unwind in their spare time, or for the dedicated dog walkers that come out to the park come rain or shine. It was important to us to ensure the café was dog friendly, to honour our beautiful park setting. We even offer menu items specifically for dogs!”

We spoke to friends Alan, Diane and Terese who meet every day with their dogs. They told us that whilst many people come every day, some work or have other commitments, so turn up on the days they can. Everyone

is welcome and it’s clear they’ve become firm friends.

Diane has been coming 20 years since her children were in prams, Terese has been walking 15 years, whilst Alan joined the group five years ago.

“Walking is definitely important for mental health, even our dogs notice it if we miss a day. I actually had a stroke and couldn’t speak and that’s when I met Terese. She started speaking to me one morning in the park and brought me out of the shell I’d retreated into. She invited me to join her and Diane on their daily walks and the rest is history,” Alan told us.

As we were talking, more and more people (and dogs!) showed up to join the group.

Terese commented that it’s not just fellow dog walkers who give her a warm smile and hello.

“The parks team are so friendly, with us coming so long they all know us and always speak to us and ask how we are. They really are a great team and keep the park looking beautiful. Even the bin men chat to us!” she stated. [indeed, as they were emptying bins they were waving at us!]

Another important factor why Diane has been coming so long is she feels safe.

“As a woman, I feel safe in Towneley Park and this shouldn’t be underestimated. The friendliness of the parks staff really helps with this too, as well as their presence. It’s great to also sit in a lovely warm café again, the staff are welcoming and don’t mind us sitting here with a brew for an hour whilst more join us.”

Of course, there’s also The Rotunda managed by Burnley Leisure at the bottom car park, which is another great pit stop for snacks and warm drinks, especially if you’ve got children in tow who want to splash in the water or enjoy the vast playground.

Next to The Rotunda lies Grubby Pups, a dog-washing facility so you can deep clean your dog and keep your car clean. This isn’t just a wash-down station. The £8.50 fee gets your dog a shampoo, condition, flea treatment and blow dry, as well as disinfectant so you can clean the station before and after use for extra reassurance.

You can also pause the cycle at any time if you and your

dog need more time, so you’re not racing against the clock.

We met Grubby Paws owner James and his (very large and white dog!) Khali. James kindly gave my dog Poppy the VIP treatment to show us what the machine does. One major USP of the machine is that many dogs are scared of being washed in the bath or shower at home as they slip around.

The Grubby Paws self-service dog wash has a non-slip surface, and the water and air are set to the exact temperature that is comfortable for dogs. Whilst we have several dog grooming businesses in the borough, sometimes it can be hard to get a convenient slot or you may want to wash your dog there and then. The Towneley Park station is ready to go and James explained that people travel from places like Bury to use it.

“I have an Indian Mastiff and as Khali got larger, I struggled finding somewhere to wash her. I did some research into dog washers and thought there must be an easier and affordable way for dog owners to properly clean their pets in a way that didn’t stress the animal, which sometimes is an issue for dogs at home. It can also cause backache for owners, especially if you have a large breed.

“I knew that taking a cleaning station to the source of the problem was the solution, especially as people don’t like getting their cars dirty either. It’s been three years in the making to find the right manufacturer, but I got there and now partner with councils to offer the self-service stations in their parks,” James told us.

Grubby Paws also run a membership, where you receive cheaper washes, discounts for local businesses and you are entered into prize draws, whilst the machines have in-built digital screens on which local businesses can advertise.

It’s proven to be a success. James has another five North-West locations planned and membership cards can be used across all locations.

We were pleased to hear that a percentage of income from the dog wash is given to the Green Spaces team to reinvest into the park – so it was good to learn how popular it’s been.

“We’re doing well over 100 dogs a month at Towneley, our reviews are great. It’s regularly cleaned and maintained and is checked over every week. I also come down here every Saturday morning and can show people how to use the machine if they’d like a demonstration or some help washing their dog. I’ve had such a friendly welcome and would love to meet more people,” James explained.

I certainly came away with a clean and soft dog and a mud-free car after James kindly gave Poppy the VIP treatment. For more information, including how to advertise on the screen, you can contact James at info@grubbypups.co.uk www. grubbypups.co.uk

N W HI T E

Burnley Lifestyle Magazine is always on the lookout for interesting people from our borough and it was a chance encounter at Burnley Library during the Words Festival 2023, which led us to author and illustrator Lyndon White. As part of the week the library had put on an illustration session, led by Lyndon, and after overhearing he was a local lad who had studied at Burnley College, we couldn’t resist asking him for an interview.

“I thought the Words Festival was great - it was nice to see so many books and local writers being celebrated. Burnley doesn’t have a comic shop so the only way I could get hold of comics when I was a kid was buying whatever the newsagents had or renting them out from the library. That’s where I found my first Manga books and things like the Walking Dead.

“I’d not actually been into the library for a few years, and I was so impressed with the graphic novel collection they have there. Graphic novels are usually a section that get forgotten about so it’s great to see them having such a good selection.”

Inspired by his Burnley roots

His stories may depict fictional creatures such as monsters and dragons but if you look carefully, you’ll spot that much of author and illustrator Lyndon’s work is set in rolling hills and forests inspired by his hometown of Burnley.

“I didn’t think about it for a long time but my friends who are writers and have grown up in cities tend to set their stories in big populated modern environments, whereas I do have a habit of drawing landscapes, ruins and forests as that’s something I’m used to seeing,” explains Lyndon, who grew up in the Harle Syke area of Burnley.

“We are so lucky to be surrounded by great walks and views, as well as being connected to places like Manchester, Blackpool and the Lake District. This is something I’ve benefitted from recently when travelling to various Comic Cons.”

Starting out

To date Lyndon has illustrated seven graphic novels and has written and illustrated two books of his own – Candles and Sparks. A career that’s going from strength to strength, despite having personal obstacles to overcome - “I’m actually dyslexic and partially colour blind,” he explains.

Looking at Lyndon’s work you’d never know, as he certainly doesn’t shy away from the use of colour. So, how does he navigate his other people to know that it can be done.”

Lyndon went to Edge End High School (now Marsden Heights Community College) where he recalls his love of art really took hold: “The first time I went into an art class at secondary school I knew I wanted to do something with art. I’d draw a lot of manga at school and my art teacher Helen Walton really encouraged me.”

It was when he went to Burnley College to study a BTECH national diploma in art that another influential figure set Lyndon on his path to a career in illustration: “My print and design tutor Tracey Hollowood noticed I read a lot of comics, and she suggested I made one of my own. Her suggestion felt like I’d been given the permission to give it a go.”

Lyndon then went on to study an Illustration for Graphics Novels course at Wrexham University. The degree really gave Lyndon an understanding that he could make a career out of art and tutor Dan Berry, who is also an illustrator, supported him to attend comic book conventions (also known as Comic Cons).

His first was in Telford where he took along a 24-page comic book he had created and a selection of prints. The event was a success and gave Lyndon the confidence to attend more:

“It was nerve wracking at first as I’d never event attended one before. Imposter syndrome definitely kicks in and you feel like you shouldn’t be there. But the comic scene is really supportive and Comic Cons were the start of me getting commissions off people. In this industry it’s important to get your work in front of people - they don’t know what you can do until you show them.”

It was a connection that Lyndon made at a Comic Con that led to him being asked to illustrate his first comic, Hexes, published by Blue Fox Comics. It was at this point that Lyndon realised he was particularly good at drawing monsters and horror. He got more work doing horror books and his career started snowballing.

Going it alone

While Lyndon enjoys illustrating other people’s work, “I’m probably artist first, writer second,” he explains, he also loves the freedom of creating his own stories.

“I’ve always wanted to tell stories. I’ve usually got two or three story ideas or scripts ready and then when funding comes along, or a publisher is interested that’s when I get to go all in and work on that idea.”

Pitching story ideas can be the start of a very long process, as Lyndon knows only too well: “When you pitch a story idea to a publisher you’ll send over maybe the first chapter, some art samples and maybe a cover. It can take months for them to come back so it’s important to be working on other things, so you don’t drive yourself mad waiting for them to reply. You need to develop a thick skin, as it doesn’t always come down to your work being good enough, it could be down to a publisher’s taste or if there are a lot of books on that subject out at the same time.”

His second book, Sparks, was picked up by a publishing house, which folded just before the book’s release date was announced leaving Lyndon in limbo for over a year, not knowing if he’d get the rights to his book back. Luckily, he did and the book made it to print in 2016, published by Blue Fox Comics. The book has been a huge success, after selling out of the original print run it was reprinted in 2022 in both its original softcover and in hardback.

The future

Lyndon now plans to go travelling across South East Asia with his partner Ellie, who will be blogging the experience. But for Lyndon he plans to use it as a time to reconnect with drawing for himself: “I’ve bought a sketch book for the trip, the first one I’ve owned in years, so I can sketch and paint on trains, as everything I’ve been doing for the last few years has been for work.”

And his plans when he gets back?

“I’d love to write a sequel to Candles,” he says. “I’m also working on the variant covers and lettering for Antarctica, an American comic book series. Selling the rights to my work oversees is something I’d love to do.”

We think it’s amazing that the work of the Burnley-born artist will soon be in libraries and book shops across the world, and we can’t wait to see what fantastical world he creates next.

Find out more - lyndonwhite.com. Follow Lyndon and Ellie’s travels on - greenwoodwrites.substack.com

START DATES ON THE FIRST WORKING DAY OF EVERY MONTH

Awareness of Mental Health Problems

Boost your mental health skills and discover a wide range of exciting new careers.

Digital Marketing

Build your skills in this exciting modern discipline and form the foundations of a future career in marketing.

Business Administration

Develop essential skills to successfully work in a wide range of business environments.

Plus:

• Customer Service

• Equality and Diversity

• Event Planning

• Special Educational Needs and Disability

• Team Leading

• Understanding Autism

• Understanding Behaviour the Challenges

• Understanding Environmental Sustainability

• Understanding Nutrition and Health

HAVE A QUESTION?

Email online@burnley.ac.uk

Call: 01282 733001

LOVED C LOT HE S LAS T LONGE R a

Four passionate mentors, 12 excited teenagers and countless bags of fabric descended on Burnley for another successful Re:Fashion Challenge.

The week-long project saw them learn from the past, including Burnleyʼs textile heritage to adapt and create fashion that is sustainable and unique.

THERe:Fashion Challenge, now in its fourth year, is all about creating a fashion buzz differently. It is a collaborative project between the University of Central Lancashire (UCLan) fashion design department, Gawthorpe Textile Collection and British Textile Biennial and is all about rejecting fast fashion and embracing a conscious and sustainable approach to garment production whilst introducing the notion of ‘slow fashion’ to a young audience.

In 2023 the Re:Fashion Challenge became a ‘popup’ design and upcycling hub based in the heart of the town at Burnley Market. Each of the mentors had an empty stall to use with their group, with a central sewing hub in one of the larger stalls. It was great to see the empty stalls have new life brought into them with the hustle and bustle of young people dashing around, designing and draping old garments and fabrics onto mannequins, dyeing fabrics in buckets and sat patiently beading or hand painting patterns onto garments. Many passersby stopped to ask what was happening and were excited to see the stalls being used again. Many older people visiting the market reminisced about how they visited the market every Saturday, and how you could get everything there that you needed. There was a real nostalgia when they talked about their memories, and it was clear that going to the market was a loved ritual in so many people’s lives. The feeling of community was strong plus they felt they were supporting local businesses and their produce, with many stalls gaining loyal followings.

Each year during a fast-moving and fun week of workshops the Re:Fashion project chooses a theme and introduces the skills needed to make clothes from deadstock and scraps of donated fabrics, or to take an old garment and make it unique. In 2023 the theme of ‘Pattern’ was chosen to mirror the work seen on the catwalks. This trend employs highly decorative techniques and patterns, with a move away from digital printing and instead emphasis is given to hand-painted prints, applique and embroidery. This approach to fashion and garment design connects with the sustainable fashion movement and focuses on using zero-waste elements to develop pattern design, applique using scraps of fabrics, folding and pleating rather than cutting fabrics and upcycling garments to form new designs.

As the Gawthorpe Textile Collection is a partner in this project the participants had exclusive access to the amazing array of textile samples held within the collection and each mentor identified an aspect

of pattern or embellishments that they would like to see examples of. Beautiful examples of Chintz fabrics, Indian embroidery, Paisley patterned scarves that had been embroidered and embellished, reverse appliqued Molas from Panama and examples of neat precise geometric patchwork and applique from England were studied and used as inspiration. The fact that the students were learning from the past to make a better future was key to the project.

Senior fashion lecturer and Re:Fashion project coordinator Amanda Odlin mused on the importance of the challenge: “We need to re-learn the value of craftmanship and embrace hand-made techniques to be able to pass these skills down through generations, this way we will learn to love our garments more, because loved clothes last longer.”

WINNERS IN 2023

At the end of the project an esteemed board of judges have the unenviable task of casting their eyes over the final work of the participants and select their favourites. The 2023 judges were Femida Adam - designer of modest clothing, Jenny Loram-Spring - course leader, University of Central Lancashire and Sarah Lloyd - head designer at Panaz Ltd.

Individual winners for excellent attention to detail: DaisySharp|ImogenOsbaldeston|JasmineDuPlessis

Winning Team: ‘To Dye For’ –Mentor Kirsteen McGregor StellaPhilips|FinlayMaguire|IndiaBarata

The winning team took influence from traditional Japanese crafts, including: Sashiko stitching, the art of pattern making with an embroidered running stitch whilst also utilising it as a form of repair for damaged garments; Boro patchwork, a traditional method, reusing scraps of fabrics to repair, reinforce or recreate old clothing and textiles; Shibori dyeing techniques and the potential of using origami folding to create shape and patterns in clothing.

“Everyone was so helpful and patient and this has definitely changed my mind set about clothing, like not buying fast fashion and altering my clothes more”

We spoke to the winning mentor Kirsteen McGregor:

What made you want to be involved in the Re:Fashion project and sustainable fashion?

I first became involved with Re:Fashion in 2022 through volunteering with Super Slow Way on the Homegrown Homespun project in Blackburn. I had recently left my job, working as a garment technologist for a supplier of high-street childrenswear, in a bid to explore a more ethical and sustainable textiles industry. The Homegrown Homespun project involved growing flax for linen fibre and also natural dye plants on a piece of disused council wasteland and really opened up a whole new world to me. As well as increasing my knowledge and experience of regenerative textiles, it also created a new network of fantastic friends and professional contacts. When I was recommended by Super Slow Way to be a mentor for Re:Fashion I jumped at the opportunity. I enjoyed it so much the first time around that I didn't hesitate when they asked me to come back again in 2023!

How did you first get involved in textiles/ fashion. Was there a project or mentor that first inspired you?

Growing up, my mum made clothes for me from a young age and taught me to use a sewing machine. I used to love looking through her sewing box at all of the brightly coloured threads and collections of buttons and ribbons. I studied Fashion and Textiles at higher education level and began my career in the industry 22 years ago, which undoubtedly gave me the background knowledge and experience to get to where I am today. I've also always had a strong interest in the history of textiles and, as well as a passion for invoking more climate positive practices within the industry, it has lead me to the exploration of age old skills that have been used to produce textiles for millennia. Through the Homegrown project and my current part-time job at the National Trust's Quarry Bank Mill, I have learnt to spin and weave natural fibres and in my spare time I have researched and experimented with natural dyeing, which has led me to facilitating natural dye workshops in the community and higher education settings. For me it is really important to educate people on the damage that our current textile systems are causing to the planet and the alternatives that can be used in order to restore a balance with nature and at the same time, preserve our heritage skills.

How did you feel about this yearʼs theme?

I was really excited when this year's themes were announced. I chose to work with traditional Japanese textile techniques as inspiration for my team's collection such as Sashiko stitching, Shibori dyeing and Boro patchwork. As well as creating pattern these techniques also had a functionality to them which allowed the mending and repair of old clothing and fabric. I am a huge advocate of localised industry and manufacturing, which I support through my

freelance garment development work. Burnley has an incredible history of textile production, being at the centre of the cotton industry during the industrial revolution. Many of the buildings in the town centre reflect this. It also helped to build the traditions and diversity of the communities that exist in Burnley today, which made the location of the project, at the heart of Burnley's indoor market, so relevant.

Do the Re:Fashion participantʼs ideas ever shock or surprise you?

No, not at all! I have two teenage children myself so I am very much used to that particular age group and their ways of thinking! If anything, I found their innovation and creativity extremely inspiring. I felt strongly from the beginning that the participants should lead the way in terms of design and creation and as a mentor I was only there to support and teach where they were lacking the knowledge or skill to put their ideas into practice. One of my favourite things about being involved with the project was to see their confidence grow as the week went on and the gradual buildup of their skills and independence. It's so satisfying to be able to pass on my knowledge and experience to others.

Other than winning, what are your highlights from this yearʼs project?

Most definitely the photo shoot, where my team modelled their creations for the project's zine. It was great fun, I laughed so much that day! Jack Bolton, our photographer was brilliant and really supportive of the group's crazy location ideas. We ended up taking some of our best shots up on the roof of Burnley market hall. The published photos were an absolute credit to both Jack and the young people who were involved in creating the collection and modelling it with such enthusiasm.

What words of advice would you give someone who is interested in sustainability but has never picked up a sewing kit?

Most definitely learn some simple mending techniques in order to give your clothing a longer life. There are lots of free workshops and repair cafes around now that will not only allow people to learn and share skills but are also a great way of socialising and meeting new people within the community. The internet is also a great source of information for learning too, watching mend and repair videos on YouTube for instance can be really useful. But most important of all, adjusting the way in which we consume clothing is paramount. Rather than spending money on cheap, low quality, throw away fashion which will no doubt have had a negative impact on the environment and probably supported a system of unfair working conditions somewhere along the line, buy second-hand, use swap shops or recycle, reuse and repair the clothing you already own.

LOOKIN’ GOOD FEELIN’ GOOD

Top tips to get you into slow fashion!

Only buy garments that you feel you will be able to wear over 50 times!

Each time you are tempted to buy something from a fast-fashion company, put that money into a jar and save up to buy something more expensive, that will be better made and use quality fabrics as it will last far longer and fit you far better!

Save garments you are bored with in a cardboard box and when you have a spare weekend look through the garments and see if you can alter them or cut and collage with them to create a new garment, not only is this therapeutic but you are saving garments from landfill.

Feeling inspired?

For more information on the next Re:Fashion Challenge email Bev Lamey b.lamey@gawthorpetextiles.org.uk

Or Amanda Odlin aodlin@uclan.ac.uk and visit www.lancashiretextilegallery.com where you can see more information about the project.

slow fashion

The ethos of slow fashion is to develop clothing with a cultural and emotional connection so that consumers keep a garment longer than one season. If you make it yourself, you realise the effort and time that goes into making a garment and maybe then you will want to keep that item of clothing forever - because the most sustainable garment is the one you already own.

Mary Portas is a retail and brand expert, broadcaster and author. She is also passionate about the regeneration of the British highstreet. She believes that by supporting up-and-coming designers, makers and small businesses who offer unique products and services, it creates a destination that people want to visit. She calls this ‘the kindness economy’ which she says, “is about understanding the implications of what we are doing, it is about showing care and respect and putting more thought into what we are buying and where we are buying it from, turning away from large companies who make products fast and sell cheaply”. One of the best ways to introduce unique products and services is through local markets, but markets are nothing new, they are in fact one of the oldest forms of retail, existing for as long as people have wanted to trade. The earliest bazaars are believed to have originated in Western Asia back in 3,000 BC.

LOC ALISM at its heart

“The high streetʼs future will be localism, not big brands”

Mary Portas

If you are into fashion and would like to have a go at making or upcycling your own clothes, then you can support these amazing local businesses to help you become a more sustainable shopper:

Burnley Market: burnleymarkets.co.uk In Stitches Haberdashery – an invaluable resource for everything and anything you might need for all sewing and knitting projects. All Stitches Tailoring & Alteration service. Don’t throw that garment away – take it to be mended, altered and it will be as good as new.

Oak Mount Mill Shop: WisemanSt,Burnley,BB111RU.finefabrics-burnley.com amazing selection of deadstock fabrics.

Immanuel Fabrics: BrightSt,BurnleyBB101RR.immanuelfabrics.com a wide range of extremely well-priced deadstock fabrics and end of lines.

The Craft Shop & The Wool Shop: 3YorkeSt,BurnleyBB111HD.thecraftshop.net craft supplies for many projects including wool, felt, ribbons, buttons and embellishments.

Charity Shops: many charity organisations run secondhand shops which are a wonderful resource for refashion projects.

Three of our favourites are: SalvationArmyShop,105StJames Street,Burnley;BritishHeartFoundationShop,86StJamesStreet, Burnley;andtheBritishRedCrossShop,119,StJamesStreet,Burnley.

•

•

CROW

THE SECRET L IFE OF THE LIBRARY

Think you know about libraries? THINK AGAIN!

Gone are the days of no talking signs and hushes from strict librarians; libraries are now hives of activity providing a space for people to come together.

Burnley Central Library is a great example of this with everything from DJ sets to football history, catering for people of all ages and interests. Avid readers neednʼt worry though, as thereʼs still a huge selection of books, as well as access to audio books, historic records and computers.

The library is based in an expansive historic building spread across three floors making it the perfect location to host activities and events. The amazing library staff organise everything from theatre performances and musical petting zoos (no we didn’t know they existed either) in the children’s library to providing space for meetings and community events, with plans to reopen the music library also in the pipeline.

David Ridehalgh, manager of Burnley Central Library, whose office at the back of the library is a treasure trove of literary-themed props from exhibitions he’s organised over the years, explains: “People come

to the library for all sorts of reasons, and we really want to build a community here and make people feel like they have some ownership of the building.”

To help them achieve this, the Libraries Service is running a number of projects supported by the government’s Know Your Neighbourhood funding, which was introduced to connect communities and combat loneliness. Alongside this, the service also works with external groups, which while differ vastly in their offerings each has engaging with the community at the heart of its values.

Burnley Lifestyle looked around the beautiful town centre building to find out more…

A football fan's haven

Head downstairs to the lower ground floor of the library and you’ll find Clarets Collected, a fan-led collection of Burnley FC memorabilia all lovingly curated by Lancashire County Council's Archives and the Local History Service and managed by engagement officer Keith Burrows. From books, programmes and photographs to the architectural plans from the building of Turf Moor, there’s all sorts of interesting artifacts for football fanatics.

The idea for the project came when authors Dave Thomas and Mike Smith, and collector Graham Shutt approached the service to say they each had copious amounts of books, research notes and memorabilia that they didn’t want to remain hidden away in their attics or just disposed of when they were no longer around and wondered if the library could make use of it.

Clarets Collected is open Monday to Friday, and on match days when Burnley are playing at home. “The Saturdays are a great opportunity for football fans of all generations to come down and look at the pieces. We also put on family friendly activities, so it’s a great thing to do before heading off to the football match,” says Keith.

The project wouldn’t have been possible without the generous support of The Friends of Lancashire Archives which helped to fund the specialist display shelves and equipment that was needed. Treasurer of the group Peter Newsham explains why it was so important to get involved: “Lancashire is as much about football, as it is about cotton or coal, and we were delighted to support this project and help to preserve and celebrate the rich sporting and community heritage that continues to underpin Burnley and East Lancashire to this day.”

With football such an important part of our community, Keith is keen to link in with as many community groups as possible: “We worked with Burnley FC in the Community to organise a school visit to our exhibition in the morning followed by a tour of Turf Moor in the afternoon, which was a fantastic day out for them and gave the children an insight into the history of the club, as well as seeing the fantastic facilities it has grown to have.”

Football enthusiasts interested in delving into Burnleyʼs history will be pleased to know there are volunteering opportunities available

with the collection.

“We’ve got piles of annuals and football magazines from the 1960s through to the 1980s that we need to go through and flag any Burnley Football Club content so we can create a database and know where to direct people to when they come in looking for information on a particular player or season,” explains Keith.

While we are visiting Keith, we can also see volunteers sorting out old photographs of Burnley which is part of another archives project - Keeping East Lancashire in the Picture. The project, partly funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund, is led by volunteers who help to digitise thousands of images. They will also create new collections by encouraging local communities to share their images, as well as taking new photographs.

Anyone interested in volunteering at either of the projects can call 01772 533819 or email archives@lancashire.gov.uk.

Blazing a trail for young people

Another group that often work from the library is Blaze Arts, a nationally acclaimed, youth-led arts charity which aims to increase opportunities for teenagers and young adults, aged 13 to 24, to develop their confidence, creativity and transferable skills through youth-led creative projects. The organisation is working with the Libraries Service as part of the Know Your Neighbourhood project and at the time of writing were in the process of consulting with the borough’s young people about what sort of projects they would like to be involved with.

The organisation has already been involved in some groundbreaking projects including supporting a group of young people to organise Burnley's first town centre Pride March in 2023, an event for the LGBT+ community and its allies to celebrate LGBT+ heritage and history. Hundreds turned out to parade through Burnley centre and attend a fun-packed party at Burnley Mechanics, hosted by Burnley-born drag queen Elektra Fence.

It is also running Music or Lose It, an urban music project which is taking place in community centres across the borough. The young people taking part are given the opportunity to learn from professional musicians and have a go at a range of digital music making skills.

The key to Blaze’s success is its focus on consulting with young people, listening to them and allowing them to lead the projects. Keep an eye out on Blaze Arts socials for more projects coming soon.

Find out more at blazearts.co.uk

Library by day, dancefloor by night

Next stop is the first floor, where we discover That 0282 Place, named after Burnley’s original telephone code (we don’t want to admit that we are old enough to remember this!).

That 0282 was created by Burnley-born Jamie Cunningham. Originally a series of music events that Jamie would DJ at, the organisation was also a founding member of the Lancashire Mental Health Partnership. Jamie firmly believes that “whether you want to dance the night away to your favourite music or walk around an art exhibition, experiencing the arts is really beneficial for your wellbeing”.

The organisation has evolved over the years but improving wellbeing by creating opportunities for the community to explore a diverse range of creative forms has remained firmly at its core. People will travel from across the country to see the internationally renowned acts that Jamie and the team are able to attract: “We’ve had people like the esteemed illustrator Stanley Chow and Burnley lad DJ Woody down at the library playing records. For people to have access to these artists whose work is internationally renowned is amazing.

“Last August the DJ Keb Darge played three gigs – Berlin, Tokyo and Burnley Library.”

Talking to Jamie it’s clear that the community is at the heart of That 0282; “I’ve been asked to put on events in bigger venues but that’s not what this is about. We aren’t about putting on what’s popular just to get in numbers, it’s more about making sure that the people who attend take something away. Whether that’s feeling inspired or helping with their wellbeing. Our way of thinking is to look at what people haven’t heard of or experienced and make that available to them.

“We are all about building bridges, letʼs look at what we have in common rather than focusing on our differences. We have Around the World in 80 Plays events where we play non-English speaking songs and the reactions to those are amazing. They are a great way to bring communities together.”

Another focus of the project is to give local creatives opportunities. While there we meet artist in residence Cerys, who explains that she aspires to bring art to the community through exhibitions,

art fairs and weekly art sessions. Cerys’s passion for art is clear having studied art and design at Nelson and Colne College, where she specialised in fine art, textiles and photography and completed a UAL foundation diploma at Blackburn College. Her painting ‘luminescence on a winter night’ was selected as one of the finalists for Lancashire Artist of the year 2024.

Having worked in the design room at the fashion label Mackintosh, she decided to follow her dream of being a full-time artist which coincided with the opportunity to work with That 0282 Place.

“I became artist in residence last year and have been working alongside likeminded artists and creatives who have inspired and encouraged me, as a person and as an artist. I am now facilitating my own art groups at the library on Tuesday mornings and Thursday afternoons hoping to inspire others,” she explains.

Cerys is in the process of planning another art fair to support local artists and creatives and will also be hosting an exhibition of her own works.

You can keep up to date with That 0282’s latest events on Instagram @that 0282 place and Cerys’ account @cerys.xart

With so much going on there really is something for everyone, but don’t just take our word for it get down to Burnley Library and see for yourself.

For more information on all the library's regular and upcoming events you can visit –www.lancashire.gov.uk/libraries, click on the events link and search for Burnley Library.

A S TONISHING S OUNDS!

- BY JOE MITCHELL -

Committed record collectors all have one thing worth celebrating in 2024: vinyl records are slowly coming back in favour. It was reported at the end of 2023 by the British Phonographic Society (BPI) that sales are now at their most elevated point for the 21st Century, rising by 11.7% to 5.9 million units. This builds upon a steady increase for sixteen consecutive years and currently stands at their highest level since 1990. Although it may be the case that 4/5 of recorded music is consumed through streaming on services such as Spotify and Tidal, there can be no doubt that records are making a welcome comeback.

Neil Kinder, owner of Burnley’s Astonishing Records, has the belief that vinyl represents part of the true culture of the working class, with music being as vital as football and religion.

“If you look at the interior of many houses,” he claims, “they have no genuine artwork within them.”

Records, however, provide a physical formatyou may have thousands of tracks at your disposal on your phone, but you don’t actually own them. With vinyl, it’s a deeper, more immersive experience for the listener, with fascinating liner notes and individual artistic statements on their covers. It is also the case that, should you purchase wisely, records can prove to be a sound investment as they are collectable and some appreciate in value over the years. There can also be no doubt that

an analogue format simply blesses the listener with a far superior sound quality. It is warmer, less compressed and ‘tinny,’ rather pleasing to the ear. Also, just like Electron Records, Burnley’s long running institution situated on Hall Street (there since 1956), records are incredibly durable and can potentially last for generations. Les Baxter, Electron’s long serving stalwart, indicated as much by pointing out his copy of Fats Domino’s first L.P. from behind the counter; it was in excellent condition.

Burnley is lucky enough to have two exceptional record shops, standing directly opposite each other on Hall Street, and managed by knowledgeable, trustworthy, helpful music lovers. Les over at Electron really has lived through it all. In 1959, he was a trainee TV engineer until his father (manager of Electron in Burnley) asked him to work at their sister shop in Nelson. Whilst buying a record from Les, he told me: “John Lennon was standing right in the exact spot you are back in 1963.” The Beatles came into Electron; Les’s father James’s assessment was that they were, ‘right scruffy buggers.’ “John had these big jam-jar glasses on.” He ordered a Dinah Washington album, which Baxter Sr. dutifully procured, but Lennon sadly never returned to collect the record.

Les and Neil both claim that it is the people of Burnley that are ultimately the best part of the town - it was comforting to hear both managers say the exact same thing: here in Burnley, everyone

is interesting and decent. Spending an afternoon in both shops, what was fascinating to note was that the clientele ranged from school kids to older folks with Zimmer frames. I also witnessed people coming in off the street for conversations and company - popping in as much to pass the time of day as searching for sound valuation advice. Just like the best pubs you could name, I got the impression that truly great record shops really are at the heart of every decent community.

It is certainly true to say that Burnley’s two record stores hold plenty of conversation points within their walls - over at Astonishing Sounds, Neil proudly displays some exceptionally rare records. Whether it was the signed photo of Gene Krupa, the unassuming 7’’ single that turned out to be one of the earliest recordings of a pre-AC/DC Bon Scott, as part of The Valentines, or ‘Organisation’ by Tone Float, a very early predecessor to Kraftwerk, and a record I’d never actually come across in my whole life. Les, meanwhile, still retains Electron’s original 1960s listening booths, which are beautiful period pieces to be admired.

played like a dream on my turntable. Also, the debut album from Melody’s Echo Chamber from Astonishing Sounds, which was reasonably priced and ten pounds cheaper than what I have seen it go for online - plus, it came with good conversation and without any hassle of dealing with postage, bent parcels or inept deliveries. Win-win.

In the end, I managed to pick up three superb records from a worthwhile afternoon spent in Burnley’s centre: ‘In The Pines,’ the third L.P. by Australian group The Triffids, and one of Bee Gees’ finest records, ‘Idea’ from 1969, which Les enthused over. These were second hand from Electron and

Of course, this is not to say that everything is going swimmingly for Britain’s great record shops right now: times are still tough and it takes exceptional service to survive in today’s climate. Record Store Day, an annual event running since 2007, occurs every April to draw awareness and love towards the unique independent culture of these priceless commodities. This year's event will take place on Saturday 20th April. Fortunately for record collectors, that date also coincides with the return of the Premier Record Fair to the Indoor Food Hall at Burnley Markets. These events always prove to be a brilliant day out of browsing and that wonderful serendipity of coming across real gems you were never setting out to look for. Really, I tend to agree with Neil Kinder in his assessment that, “every day should be a record day. You come out with the intention of buying something and return with something really unexpected. You just don’t get that whenever you are shopping online”.

Electron Records and Astonishing Sounds are both to be found on Hall Street, Burnley, BB11 1JQ.

"every day should be a record day!"

A PAI R OF LU T HIE R S *

by Paul Barlow

*luthier (/ˈluːtiər/ LOO-tee-ər; US also /ˈluːθiər/ LOO-thee-ər)is a craftsperson who builds or repairs string instruments that have a neck and a sound box. The word luthier is originally French and comes from the French word for “lute».

Samuel Wells has a wonderful shop on Curzon Street in Burnley, overlooking the new Pioneer Place development. But it’s not a normal shop – it’s more like a small woodworking studio, so whatever is he up to in there?

“What do I do? I make and repair double basses. That's essentially it in a nutshell...

"I’ve had the training to make and repair all stringed instruments - violins, violas, cellos and double basses... But I chose to specialise in basses since the start of my career.”

BASS BASICS

"You usually find these instruments in orchestras and big bands; they have a very adaptable sound. Most instruments have four strings and are tuned the same as a bass guitar - EADG. Some models have five strings with an extra B – a very low bottom string. I regularly add extensions onto four stringed basses so that players also have the option to use the lower registers when needed.

"Back in the 1500s basses used to have three strings. Over the years people have had them converted to match modern requirements. When you are given a job like this to complete it’s important that you make specific and custom made changes so that the work blends in seamlessly. The instruments are very valuable and need special care to ensure any modern work matches that of the original craftsman.”

BUSINESS BASSICS

"I have a UK wide and international client base. I have a big variety of customers - famous jazz player Dave Swift is a regular customer of mine. He plays with Jools Holland... anyone who plays bass is welcome!

"There's a few local players – a number of professional musicians visit me from Manchester, and I work for the Royal Northern

Our music correspondent checks out two very different music shops in Burnley, discovers a new word, and chills out, rather than getting strung up...

College of Music. Work can come from much further afield, but my customers find me really accessible here in Burnley."

Most of the instruments Samuel works on are old. Mostly from the 1800s, some as early as the 1600s. "It's so strange to think of all the different people that have played these instruments over time and what it would have been like to play them all those centuries ago."

I'm struck by the size of the bass that Samuel is currently repairing, "It's just short of being a wardrobe isn't it?” Samuel chuckles, “They are made from huge pieces of wood."

Samuel's work is an odd combination of instrument repair and antique preservation. "Some of my best work... nobody will know that it’s even been done! When you put a new piece of wood into an old repair it really stands out. You have to age it - beat up a bit and stain it - so it blends into the antique look of the instrument."

THE SAMUEL WELLS BASS

Its not just repairs - Samuel makes new basses. "I have my own design, it's a combination of different London-made instruments from the 1800s. I've taken stylistic things of each one that I like and made a new universal shape. It takes about 400 hours to make a complete bass.” I suggest that having a shop front is unnecessary. "It adds a lot of interest to the high street... Passersby often stop and marvel at the sight of me working in the window and at the instruments lined up.”

BASSED IN BURNLEY

So, what does Samuel like about being here in Burnley? "It's great. It suits me and my family. I love being out in the hills and countryside and I'm a member of the local mountain rescue team, so that keeps me busy outside of work. I overlook Pioneer Place and that has totally transformed since I've been here.”

Across town there's a specialist music shop, selling stringed instruments that didn't even exist when most of Samuel's basses were created - electric guitars! So, how did Paul Williams, owner of Pro Solo on Parliament St, come to be running this Aladdin's cave of sound?

“The business started in 1986, and I started working here in about 2003, teaching guitar. At that time, I played in a lot of bands internationally and up and down the country. In between gigs I'd do guitar lessons here." The shop has been in Burnley Wood since the

eighties, have you ever fancied being closer to the town centre? "It's better right here for people picking up big amplifiers and PA systems. It's in a great location, close to the motorway and you can park outside - so its much better than being in town.

IN TUNE WITH THE LOCALS

"There is a really good local music scene. A lot of really good musicians, a lot of live music venues and great courses for music at college and university. So yeah, there's a nice little hub of musicians in the area."

Paul stocks a wide rage of instruments, everything you would need, from beginner to guitar hero! They have stocked Faith Acoustic for over a decade, but they are not tied to any one brand - so they can provide what you need rather than just what they sell.

The real star of Pro Solo is Paul. His knowledge and the friendly atmosphere mean that this is a safe place to learn as well as an excellent place to buy your next 'axe'. "I've always tried to make it approachable and friendly. Sometimes the bigger shops can be a bit intimidating. People can come and take the time and have a chat."

And whatever you buy, from a starter kit to a two-tone paint job, humbucker pick up, Floyd Rose bridged super strat, Paul will spend the same amount of time setting it up and making it a perfect playing instrument. What sounds you make with it then? That's up to you!

“...thereʼs a nice little hub of musicians in the area”

SCHOOL OF ROCK...

Paul is a passionate teacher of guitar and bass. He teaches one-to-one in the back room of the shop. He also supplies and repairs guitars for the local schools and colleges - they take quite a bashing... With his role as a luthier*, teacher and shop owner, Paul is busy with guitars all day long... and he's in a band! The rock never stops. Like most good businesses Pro Solo doesn't need to work hard to advertise - word of mouth keeps them busy enough. Paul is a local lad with no plans to move."It's about the people in the community and having connections with people and that's why we've never moved."

COMMUNI T Y C HOI RCOMBATTING L O NELINESS byLeaneKelly

When our editor asked me to write an article on the Padiham Community Choir, it was music to my ears. As a firm believer in the therapeutic benefits of music and song I was keen to find out what has been going on down in Padiham town. Vivien Storey, who founded the choir five years ago, asks me to meet her at ‘The Hub’, a community space on the main road. Looking out of the window from Room & Power co-working in Padiham Town Hall, I manage to spot the humble little building and wonder what kind of story could unfold from here. Viv arrives, holding a slow cooker in which her husband has her tea prepared and she is closely followed by two young children. I immediately get the feeling that this is business as usual for Viv!

As we make our way inside, I can’t help noticing the old piano, and resist the urge to tinkle the ivories...for now. Viv wastes no time in taking me on a whistle-stop tour. I feel as though I am in an

Through their shared love of singing, the choir are overcoming loneliness one note at a time.

Aladdin’s cave, full of anything and everything that somebody might need, ranging from clothes, baby food, toys and crafts. The Hub was born when Viv started the ‘Hugs for Free’ initiative in 2019, offering hugs to anyone who needed them outside her local supermarket. It is now a recognised mental health service, offering a warm, safe place for anyone in need to pop in and have a brew and chat.

Viv explains that she realised that there was a real need to combat loneliness and isolation in the town and was moved to do something about it. After several weeks, the response to Hugs for Free was so great that Viv decided that she needed to find a way to bring even more people together. Viv says, “I thought, if this is what we can see in the street, how many more people are there in need that we can’t see?”. She decided that there must be something that unites people all over the world – and that thing is music.

With the spark of an idea, she turned to Facebook. The question she posed was simple; would anyone be interested in joining a choir and could anyone provide a meeting place? Nazareth Unitarian Chapel provided the first venue, but the turnout was so large that the choir immediately outgrew the room. So, the choir and the original 45 members, relocated to Padiham Town Hall where numbers almost doubled in next to no time.

Funded by the generosity of Green Dreams, a group of local businesses who support the community, the choir have been practising in the town hall ballroom for the last four years and have gone from strength to strength. When I ask how many people she would like to see joining the choir, Viv quickly replies “how many people is too many people? We have no limits!”.

Viv’s passion for people oozes out as she speaks about how the Hub and the choir go hand-in-hand in supporting mental health and wellbeing for all. It’s clear that the main purpose of both initiatives

is to combat loneliness by having an open door to welcome anyone in. Both the Hub and the choir provide a safe and social space for people of all ages and backgrounds to have chat and a cup of tea at no cost. The choir practices every Tuesday from 6.30pm to 8.30pm, the first 45 minutes being devoted to chatting over a brew and biscuits. Then, it’s practice time, and Viv says with certainty that the choir members choose the songs, “we have a wide range of musical tastes from Meatloaf to the Seekers!”.

Viv chats enthusiastically about the choir and the many benefits it brings to the community. The choir has enabled those with health challenges such as anxiety and depression to connect with other people, make new friends and build their self-esteem. Viv explains that the choir is inclusive. Some members who are autistic have been able to build their confidence through singing. One member who didn’t like crowds at all has grown so much in confidence that he even takes on solo performances, much to the amazement of his family and friends. The professional sound system and large screen at Padiham Town Hall mean that members with sight impairments can also join in.

I’m left feeling wanting when I hear about the choir social scene! There are regular bakes where choir members bring their creations to practice night, social drinks, children’s parties and there’s always a Christmas party. Viv says, “the baking gives our members something to do at home, which for some helps to overcome anxiety and depression, it gives them a sense of purpose”. I quickly find myself volunteering to come and watch the choir practice at the earliest opportunity.

The impact of the choir goes beyond the weekly practices. The choir has raised funds for the Alder Hey Children’s Hospital by releasing a track entitled ‘Very good this year’ in 2019. They also headlined at the Pride of Lancashire and performed at Blackpool Tower. They have sung at the 1940s weekend in Padiham, memorial weekends and will sing at funerals on request, supporting the community in any way they can.

I ask Viv why she thinks that music connects people in such a powerful way. She tells me it is because it is so uplifting and affects us on an emotional level. Music can bring back memories, allow us to celebrate and appreciate life together. She is keen to point out that Padiham Community Choir is not about talent, it is about bringing hope and belonging to everyone. And most importantly, she says, it is all free! Viv also wants to acknowledge the support of her ‘right hand woman’, Grace Power, and the wonderful volunteers that give up their time to make all of this possible.

I leave my meeting with Viv feeling humbled and uplifted. Her passion and enthusiasm for combatting loneliness have created something incredible for the local community and beyond. Padiham Community Choir is about more than just singing; it is a place to connect, belong, have fun and to just ‘be’. Through their shared love of singing, the choir are overcoming loneliness one note at a time.

If you would like to get involved with Padiham Community Choir or The Hub at Padiham contact thehubatpadiham@gmail.com. And if anyone can offer piano tuning services (for free) I know a little old piano in need of a tweak!

BEHIND

S C ENE S the

HOW THIS BURNLEY THEATRE SCHOOL BRINGS MUSICALS TO LIFE...

Each October, Basics Junior Theatre School in Burnley puts on a musical theatre production with performers aged 13 to 18. If you’ve ever been to one of their shows, you’ll know they are an extravaganza of singing and dancing, with fantastic sets and amazing costumes. What you might not realise is the work that goes on behind the scenes. We spoke to Justine Cooke, who co-runs Basics with her husband, Andy, and daughter, Lydia, to find out how they bring the magic of musicals to life.

Choosing a show

“The first step is buying the rights to a musical,” explains Justine. We do this around 18 months before the performance is due to take place. The tricky thing is choosing a musical that will appeal to our performers, who are all teenagers, but also has a script suitable for a family audience. It also must be something our director, resident musical director, and choreographers feel they can work with. And, of course, the rights must be available to buy.”

The team must also choose a musical that will attract an audience as they rely on ticket sales to help fund the productions, which cost upwards of £35,000 to produce. 2023’s show was The Addams Family, which the cast performed to sell-out crowds. They received rave reviews, including high praise from West End performer Brenda Edwards, who came to watch the show with friend and Basics’ alums Andrew Derbyshire, who’s also a seasoned West End performer.

2024 will see the Basics team visit Rydell High as they perform Grease. “We keep which musical we have secured the rights to secret for a while,” explains Justine. “It’s an annual tradition to get all our performers together for a pizza night and reveal what show they will do next. When we announced it was Grease, they were all so excited.”

Getting into character

A considerable part of a theatre show is the costumes. Basics is lucky to have Sally Murtaugh, who can rustle up anything from Wednesday Addams’s iconic black dress to a 50s petticoat. For items like shoes, Sally and the team constantly scour second-hand shops or search online for bargains.

Basics was the brainchild of Sally and her husband, Dennis Murtaugh, who set it up over 35 years ago. Andy was one of their students, appearing in their first production and later he and Justine would send their children Toby and Lydia there.

Setting the wheels in motion

Andy will book the theatre as soon as they have secured the rights to a musical. The next step is to employ the skills of a director; this year’s is Howard Raw, who has 44 years in the industry and has directed both professional and amateur musicals at The Grand in Blackpool. The director will go through their vision at a whole-cast read-through, which helps set the scene and give some depth to the characters.

Early in the new year, and once they have the director’s vision, Andy and the production team begin to determine what the set will look like and start costing it up. They always use local companies; Complete Staging in Colne, for the sets and John Ormerod and Neil Dolman of Connect4Sound and BriteLights in Burnley, respectively.

When it comes to set and props design Andy and Justine are incredibly hands-on despite being busy organising Basics’ programme delivery and running their other business, Positive Solutions - a creative marketing agency. They will often spend their evenings creating props or pieces for the set.

“For about three months we, and a group of fantastic volunteers, spent our evenings creating a tree trunk out of 100 sponge blocks, a coat-stand and papier-mâché for The Addams Family. We also had expert help from creative Amber Holt-Manville, a Burnley-based mural artist. We all dedicate much of our time to Basics, but we love what we do.”

This is also the stage when the musical director starts determining the size of the orchestra and booking the musicians he will want to hear, as the shows will often have 16-piece orchestras - a real treat for the performers and audience.

“When Dennis and Sally announced they felt too tired to continue, Andy and I tried to dissuade them as it was such an institution. After many discussions, they suggested we take it on and continue the legacy. Thankfully, Sally’s retirement didn’t last long though. Her energy is boundless, and we were so grateful she returned to help with the costumes. She’s beyond talented, and we are fortunate to have her. We take the responsibility placed in our care very seriously, and over the last 12 years, our student numbers have grown from 40 students to over 450, which is amazing. It’s an incredible family, and we are beyond proud of the incredible talent we get the opportunity to nurture.”

The audition process

With a senior group of 40 and only a handful of leading roles in each show, the panel finds the audition process challenging.

“We conduct auditions in January, and they are very long days. This year was a recordbreaking 14-hour day. It’s so tough as all our students are incredibly talented, so it can come down to minor details as to whether they get cast in the part. We ensure we take the time to give individual feedback to everyone, especially those who aren’t successful in gaining a lead role. This is critical to help them learn how they can improve and let them know what they did well. Our ethos is that we celebrate each other’s successes, so while they may be disappointed, they are all very supportive of each other. We have a very positive environment and some extraordinary young people which means that we have no issues with jealousy. Our students are a credit to themselves and their parents.”

Practice makes perfect

Rehearsals begin before the students have been allocated roles, so for the first few weeks, they rehearse all the main songs and ensemble numbers together for two hours a week. This steps up a notch in the month before the show when we increase rehearsals to twice weekly.

There’s a weekly rehearsal plan, so the students know who is working with whom. The musical director might work with one group, another with the choreographer, and another with the director doing script work. Not a minute is wasted.

“We expect our students to be committed to rehearsals; our standards are extremely high, and they mustn’t let their cast mates down. To succeed in this business, they need a strong work ethic, which we are keen to instil in them,” says Justine.

Countdown to show day

As you can imagine, the week before a show is busy. The team get access to the theatre around eight days before the first show. They have two days to build the set and rig the lights before a tech rehearsal on a Thursday night before opening the following Tuesday.

“This is the point where we, and our students, see the set on the stage for the first time, and it gives us a chance to move cast positions to make sure people aren’t going to be stood behind pieces of the set or walking into props,” Justine explains.

“It’s also when we plot the lighting plan, which takes up to 12 hours and can help set the mood of the scene,” she adds.

On the Friday ‘tech’ rehearsal, the mics go on, and balances for sound are set, and the cast has a run-through. Then it’s time to get the orchestra involved:

“On Sunday, we are joined by the orchestra, and that’s such a special day for our performers. There’s nothing like singing on a stage to live music, and so it’s an emotional day.”

Sally’s hard work is seen on stage for the first time on Monday during a dress rehearsal. Then, it’s time to perform for six shows

in front of an audience.

“At the end of our last show, there are often a lot of tears as many of our older cast members will leave us to go to some of the country’s top prestigious performing arts schools. We are very proud of them, and although it’s sad to say goodbye, our work is done. It’s like parenting to the power of 400,” says Justine.

Although it seems for Basics that the goodbyes are only for a short time; alumni regularly travel back from the West End shows and touring casts to support the next generation of musical stars.

“It’s lovely that our ex-students take the time to come back and see us and our shows. We’ve so many incredible success stories to share of those who have gone on to work in the industry, including in the West End and on worldwide cruise ships. In addition to those who go on to make a successful career in the industry, we have those who have acquired invaluable transferrable skills from a youth well-spent here at Basics!

“Our entire team share the belief that it’s a real honour to have had the opportunity to have played a small part in their journey.”

No stopping T HE GOA EXPR ESS

The Goa Express have had a rollercoaster year. In 2023 they released their debut album and starred in the film Bank of Dave, however despite having toured Europe they’ve never played a gig in Burnley (something we hope will change soon!). We chatted to James Clarke from the band to find out how they are finding it all…

WHO ARE THE GOA EXPRESS?

There’s me, James, I play guitar and sing, there’s my brother Joe, he plays the keyboard, there’s Joey, he plays guitar, Naham he plays the bass and Sam plays the drums. We’re all aged around 20-25.

HOW DID YOU MEET AND FORM A BAND?

We all met at Blessed Trinity in Burnley and all went to Burnley College together. Then we all started hanging about and we needed something to do so we just started playing music We carried on hanging out, going on nights out and partying together, and as we grew older the band got tighter and tighter and we started to play more shows and got more recognised. We’ve all grown up together, all know each other’s families, and all used to hang around Burnley together.

WHAT WAS IT LIKE GROWING UP IN BURNLEY?

We all quite like football so used to go and hang out on Towneley Park, especially when it was sunny. We used to bring a football and a speaker and mess around for hours on end. We’d occasionally go and play snooker or go to Wetherspoons as well, the usual stuff you do as young lads growing up in Burnley.

AND WHAT ABOUT THE MUSIC SCENE HERE?

When we were growing up we didn’t really know of anyone in Burnley making music, even though there probably is but we just weren’t in that scene. So, we kind of just did our own thing and let the band develop naturally. Saying that, we did used to go to a few record shops in town, like Electron on Hall Street. A couple of people we know had a studio space as well so that was useful. But we were making music at the time without really knowing what anyone else in the area was doing.

WELL IT’S CERTAINLY PAID OFF AS YOU RELEASED YOUR DEBUT ALBUM IN 2023. CAN YOU TELL US MORE ABOUT WHAT PEOPLE CAN EXPECT FROM IT? It’s quite direct music with short poppy, guitar tunes – very Brit Pop sounding. They’re songs that would get stuck in your head I would say.

YOU HAD A CAMEO ROLE IN THE BANK OF DAVE FILM, WHAT WAS THAT LIKE AND HAS IT HELPED TO RAISE YOUR PROFILE?

We were working closely with some labels at the time, and we just got a random call one day asking if we’d be in this movie, which turned out to be set in Burnley so of course we had to say yes. It’s cool because they put the movie on flights to America and other countries, so our band is getting exposure from so many people and places. It was fun and a great opportunity.

WHAT’S BEEN YOUR FAVOURITE MOMENT OF THE GOA EXPRESS’S JOURNEY SO FAR?

We’ve had loads of great moments. We’ve had countless great nights out when we’ve gone on tour. Some of the places we’ve played in have been super fun and we’ve met so many different people all over the country. Going abroad is great as well, we’ve played in Rotterdam, in Germany, Barcelona and Paris is fun as well.

AND PLANS FOR THE FUTURE?

We’re going to go on tour soon, play some shows and release some more music, same as we’ve been doing for the past few years. Hopefully we’ll play some more shows in Europe and do a few more festivals in the summer as well.

Weʼre looking forward to seeing whatʼs in store for these local lads & hopefully they will be adding Burnley to their list of gigs soon!

Burnley’s

R EAL A LE T R AIL

By Luke Pollard

featuring The Daily Tipple W

e have some fantastic pubs and bars dotted throughout the borough serving some of the best ales you can find. This feature should prove that Burnley is a must-visit area for real ale fans. Each venue we tried is completely unique from one another and had a completely different offering.

I’ve always been a fan of real ale and will usually choose it over lager, but I’m far from an expert on where to go and what to try. So, to help me on the quest to find the best ale spots in the area, I called for the aid of two experts to guide me. The photogenic Welsh Terrier, Albus Dumbledog, and his owner Josh Stevenson, who happens to run an online beer blog called ‘The Daily Tipple’, were both essential companions on the mission. The Daily Tipple is an Instagram page (@thedailytipple) dedicated to craft beers, real ales and sometimes lager. Josh not only helped narrow down six venues to try out, but also advised me on which drinks to try and helped review each one as we went around.

Before we start off on our ale trail of Burnley, though, I’ll give a bit more context on Josh and Albus. As we met for the first time at our first location, Josh gave me the rundown on who he was, how he got into ales and why he started The Daily Tipple:

“I used to run the Ighten Leigh Social Club on Padiham Road and they were really into cask ales. When I first started working there at the age of 18, they were completely new to me so I started to try them out and took a liking to them from then onwards,” Josh said.

“During lockdown, through boredom, I started getting different beers and posting pictures of them online. The first week I got about 100 followers and after that it gradually grew; I got about 5-6,000 followers in the first six months.”

Josh started receiving free beer for promotions and got more involved with charity to make the most of his reach. For example, last year he walked Pendle Hill five times in a day to raise money for the local mental health charity, Casual Minds Matter (see more about them on page 96), and has previously took part in the popular #Movember challenge.

Despite the free beer, Josh assured me that The Daily Tipple page was, and always will be, a hobby. It’s a way for him to share his passion for his favourite beers whilst offering guidance to beer enthusiasts, including novices like myself.

Albus is a Welsh Terrier which just turned two years old in January. He didn’t have much to say but was the perfect companion and model as we travelled from pub to pub.

The Taproom

Our first spot of the day is The Taproom which is located at 9 Burnley Road and, until recently, was known as Boyce’s Barrel. This town centre venue is a stylish, one-roomed bar, or ‘micropub’ if you want to use nonbeer-novice terminology. Its walls are adorned with vintage ad signage and large wooden barrels act as tables. The rustic look works well – and the beers don’t disappoint either...

Josh goes for a pint of Atlantis ale which I’ve never come across before but will definitely look out for in the future. This gluten free 4.1% craft beer from North Brewing Co. is light, bright and citrussy. Also pictured in the dimple mug is a 4.9% pint of Landslide by Facer’s Flintshire Brewery, a malty golden ale which is slightly sweet and fruity.

The Taproom is the perfect spot to kickstart our mission. We visit early in the day but live bands often perform in the evenings and they’re constantly rotating the beer selection, so make sure to pay them a visit and you might just find a new favourite.

George IV

Coming out of Padiham and into Burnley is a local favourite, the George IV. With a spacious beer garden it’s ideal for a pint in the sun. However, it's a chilly one today so we stay inside. This doesn’t matter in the slightest as this pub has an open fire with multiple TVs, a pool table, darts, and a few groups of friendly regulars. Burnley folk are often renowned for being friendly but these regulars really stand out as welcoming, you can just tell they’ve got a lot of love for this fantastic pub.

In here we opt for a pint of classic Gold Wainwright. As a 4.1% light golden ale, Josh tells me how this is the ideal beer for anyone just starting to get into ales due to its unique blend of hops. The juicy undertones of this pint thus make it easy on the palette and perfect for a novice such as myself (apologies ale fans – I cannot stand the dark heavier beers).

The Crooked Billet

The next location is slightly out of the way from the rest but it wouldn’t be right to make an ale pub guide without venturing out into the borough’s picturesque village of Worsthorne. And, trust me, this traditional countryside pub is worth the trip!

The Crooked Billet is nestled in the heart of Worsthorne and has that cosy village feel to it. They serve some of the best cask ales including beers from local Burnley brewery, Reedley Hallows. Josh is happy to find they serve Tomothy Tailor Landlord - I'm happy as they serve Haffners Pies - and Albus is ecstatic as he receives all the attention from both locals and the welcoming landlady, Alison. Alison and Paul bought the pub from Punch Taverns Brewery in 2012 after it shut down. Since then, it's gone from strength-to-strength and is now a very busy village pub with a large, gorgeous beer garden.

They serve food every day, host a quiz every Wednesday, and there’s just something about the traditional cosiness that makes me want to move to the village, just to have this pub on my doorstep. The semi-rural location makes it a popular spot for rambling and cycling groups and every home match will have a football coach to Turf Moor. Worsthorners – you really are lucky to have this as your local!

But, why was Josh so happy to get a pint of Landlord? He explains: “This beer has won more awards than any other beer, winning both CAMRA Champion Beer of Britain and the Brewing Industry Awards Gold Medal four times.

“Way back in December of 2020, along with some good friends, we were lucky enough to receive some personalised ‘Daily Tipple’ bottles from Timothy Taylor as tribute for our efforts with that year’s Movember. Since then and way before that, Landlord has always been a staple beer for me. You just can’t beat the bittersweet hoppy flavours and subtle citrusy twangs.”

Hatters Bar

Over to Burnley town centre now for new kid on the block, Hatters Bar. This only opened in December 2023 on St James’s Row. It’s in a fab location right in the centre of town; nearby to plenty more watering holes if you fancy a pub crawl. Its new owners, Joe and Sarah Ashworth, are keen to cement this new venue as a hotspot for craft beer and ale lovers. Hatters has beers ranging from the likes of Moorhouse's Brewery, Northern Whisper Brewing Co. and Vocation.

Josh went for a pint of 4.8% Cures Away hazy pale ale by Moorhouse’s, whereas I ordered a 4% pint of Helles Lager by Northern Whisper. The Cures Away pale had a juicy mouthfeel with balanced tropical notes, and bonus points for this beer as it’s brewed right here in Burnley!

The New Brew-m

A stone’s throw away from Hatters Bar is The New Brew-m. Whenever I’ve walked past this micropub it’s been packed with happy drinkers from 12 until late, so I couldn’t wait to see what all the fuss was about. Upon entering I'm once again taken back by the overwhelming friendliness of the local punters and lovely landlady, Sharon.

Much like the Taproom in Padiham, The New Brew-m has a classic rustic feel to it, with lots of wooden furnishings and old-timey pictures throughout. But, due to its huge popularity, there’s an upstairs section as it tends to get rather busy. The extra space is a welcome retreat from the hustleand-bustle of the busy bar area. We plant ourselves on a set of old church pews as Josh explains what makes this pub tick: “They’re always serving Reedley Hallows in here which is probably my favourite brewery, so I come in here regularly. You’ve got Sharon behind the bar who will always welcome you with a smiley face. She’ll see Albus and always give him a treat and will then pour me a perfect pint every time. It’s family run as well and it’s always good to see a family run business, especially when it works well like it does here.”

Here, we order another one of Josh’s favourite’s, a 4% pint of Pendleside by Reedley Hallows Brewery. This is very lightcoloured beer, with hints of tropical fruits and a spicy aftertaste.

huge thank you to photographer and chauffeur of the day Andy Ford. Not only did he take some incredible photos, but was our designated driver. Please make sure you too make responsible travel arrangements if you decide to follow our trail. If ales are your thing we’d love you to try some of our recommendations but please drink responsibly.

SpecialMention

The Bridge Bier Huis

The Bridge Bier House is within the town centre but a short walk away on Bank Parade. If the Crooked Billet is your classic, traditional country pub, this is your classic, traditional town centre counterpart; an award-winning open plan bar with a log burner and small snug to one side. But, a noticeably different atmosphere, loud, fast and vibrant – although, it is now 6pm on a Saturday by this point so a bit of healthy rowdiness is expected.

This place has a huge range of beers, the biggest selection we’d seen all day. We both order a pint of 4.4% Blonde Witch. Another Moorhouse’s beer, this is a punchy, full-bodied blonde ale with a distinct fruit taste and citrus hop finish. As a personal preference I’d say this was my favourite of the day, this

MOORHOUSE’S BREWERY

was complemented by the charming atmosphere of this town centre staple.

I spoke to bar manager Steve: “We have two rotating lines here, UK craft at one end and overseas craft - usually German or Dutch - at the other.” I then ask which is most popular:

“Anything by Vocation usually sells the best. It’s probably my favourite brewery and the favourite of many customers as well.” Well, I can’t hear that and not order a pint of Life & Death afterwards; it is the end of our trail after all so I can treat myself to another.

Life & Death by Vocation brewery is a 6.8% fruity IPA (and I absolutely love IPAs). The ABV might be on the higher side, but I have no more writing and no more interviews to conduct, so a stronger, punchier pint won’t hurt...

If you’re interested in how your beers are brewed why not book on a tour of Moorhouse’s where you’ll be treated to a 45-minute tour of the brewery and a pie and pea supper. You can also buy Moorhouse's beer online and the brewery have kindly offered Burnley Lifestyle readers 20% off everything on its online store.Use code: LIFESTYLE20

Terms and Conditions: For use on www.moorhouses.co.uk only. Excludes Gift Vouchers. Cannot be used in conjunction with other offers. Valid until midnight 31.08.2024.

A

T HE LOC AL PUB FLYI NG T HE FLAG F OR BURNLEY

Sean Dyche may no longer be manager of Burnley Football Club, but the pub which changed its name in his honour is still going strong. The Royal Dyche on Yorkshire Street has become a Burnley icon, making global headlines, and welcoming television crews and celebrities (as well as its loyal regulars) through its doors. It’s also quite literally one of the best UK pubs thanks to its success at the 2023 Great British Pub Awards. We caught up with landlady Justine Lorriman, to find out more:

Since changing the name of the pub in 2018 youʼve received a lot of media attention.

Can you remind us how the change came about?

The pub used to be called ‘The Princess Royal’, but the name change story all started with the A-board outside.

When the club was doing well under Dyche, we had it saying things like ‘Sean drinks here for free.’ After this got picked up by news channels like Sky, we felt we had to keep the ball rolling and carry on the media attention.

So, we had the idea for it to say, ‘Sean, get us into Europa and not only will you drink here for free… we will name this pub The Dyche’. It worked and we got more media attention, but nobody at that time knew that Burnley was going to qualify, but they did, and so the name had to be changed.

With Sean’s blessing we changed the name to The Royal Dyche, and as Sean shares a birthday with Henry VIII, it inspired our iconic logo.

What impact did this have on the business?

When I changed the name I knew that it would be big in town, but I didn’t

realise the story would get told on a global scale. It was unbelievable, I was trying to read article on Google Translate that were in countries like the Philippines and across Asia.

I thought surely somewhere else in the world has named their club after a manager? Surely these countries don’t care that much about a name change? I didn’t expect it to go that big at all.

Were you worried that when Sean was let go that it would affect business?

I was so shocked when I found out that he’d been sacked but I was thinking about it more as a fan of the club. The Chairman actually text me to say he hoped it wouldn’t impact the business which I thought was really nice. Luckily it hasn’t, although we do get lots of people asking if we are going to change the name now Vincent Kompany is our manager. We definitely won’t be, but we would love to get him down here for a drink.

Since leaving Sean, of course, kept to his promise and visited the pub. A bar tab was opened by one of his friends so customers on the day could enjoy free drinks alongside Sean, it was a great farewell for him at the end of his Burnley career. He even

conducted a Q and A for customers and took me and my wife out for a meal later on that night. He reached out to us when we won the award in summer and we’ve been texting back and forth ever since. He’s a great guy.

Itʼs great to see you still getting lots of media attention, including Sky Sports presenters Gary Neville and Jamie Carragher reporting live from the beer garden for Burnley FCʼs opening match of the season. How was that?

It was such a brilliant day. Gary was really interested in the business side of things as he works in hospitality. Jamie was great too. They both had photos with people and were recording the punters singing football songs to them.

It must be nice having celebrities come and drink at the pub but itʼs clear you are very much a community pub. How do you stay so well grounded?

The pub family seems to grow more and more each year, we have so many regulars - it’s such a loyal base. We tend to have a couple of charity events a year, last time we had a fundraiser for the charity Mind, and our pub awards this year will be supporting Casual Minds Matter. We also have events throughout the year, we recently held a spoken word night to celebrate Burns Night. Poetry might not be something you expect to find in a pub, but we want to be as inclusive as possible and appeal to all our customers.

We also host ‘Prinfest’ a free music event for Pendleside Hospice. I created it to say thank you to our customers for supporting us. In summer 2022 we made it a two-day event and it was really

busy, it was one of our biggest weekends we’ve ever had. This year we are running it over three days, we have acoustic music inside and live bands and DJ sets outside. We try and book local acts where possible, there’s so much talent in Burnley, we want to celebrate that.

Youʼve recently won an award at the Great British Pub Awards, how was that?

The Great British Pub Awards is held annually which celebrates the some of the best pubs in the industry. We applied for the ‘Best Pub to Watch Sport’ category due to our strong football theme. But the judging wasn’t just about the sport, you have to have a good rapport with customers and staff, show your business is trying to be green and have good knowledge about the drinks you serve.

Then you go into talking about the sports aspects like the screens you have installed and, for us, the clear Burnley FC themed deco. But even though we are a football-related pub, it was important that we have other sports on in other rooms to suit all our customers. It’s about trying to tick as many boxes as you can for every customer, creating that welcoming atmosphere. I made it clear in the application that we are a community hub.

We then had to pick five photos which was difficult to narrow down for somebody who’s never been, especially when we’ve got four different rooms inside and two beer gardens outside.

They also sent a judge round to the pub at a random time, which took me by surprise and did make me a bit nervous. It all must have paid off though as we ended up winning the award at the huge award ceremony in Manchester.

How

did it feel when you won?

Before we were announced as winners I wasn’t even that nervous because

I honestly didn’t think we would win. I had no idea until the compère announced, ‘this pub wears its colours on its pool table and its ceilings,’ I then looked at my wife Stephanie and said ‘oh my God it’s us’.

I was shocked because we were up against multi-million-pound businesses in some incredible cities. It really took me by surprise.

I bumped into one of the judges after we won and he said it doesn’t matter about having the biggest screens and sharpest commentary, our pub stood out from all of the rest and he’d never been to anywhere like it.

So what makes The Royal Dyche so special?

The main thing that the judge said made us stand out is all of the displays on the walls and ceilings. When I first took over the pub it was a blank canvas, so I put a bit of colour into it and gave it the claret feel, but I didn’t put all the memorabilia up straight away. I hadn’t yet figured out our identity. This was 2013 when Sean Dyche hadn’t been manager for very long.

Then, the club reached the Premier League and it was such a proud moment for Burnley, so I started putting my childhood memorabilia up. Once I put my things up customers came in and started offering to put their pieces up. It snowballed from there and when we had the name change I thought, ‘right this is it now, this is who we are and I’m going to go with it’.

“Now when people come in offering things, I’ve no room for anything – I have to move things around and even start putting things in the office and the attic, which is now a practice room for bands.

If you’ve not been to The Royal Dyche yet we highly recommend a visit, we’re sure you’ll be royally impressed.

Wellbeing in the Workplace

with Lancashire Adult Learning.

courses for 19+ adults living in Lancashire.

Choose from a range of courses such as: Desk Based Yoga, Creative Reset, Mindset Matters, A Wellbeing Approach to Work & Productivity, Managing the Menopause in Life and Work, Men's Health Awareness, and more!

Our courses are flexible and can be delivered in person or online, catering to your employees’ and businesses specific needs. The programme is customisable, allowing for tailoring to individual organisations as part of comprehensive workplace wellbeing strategies.

Connect with us today to initiate a discussion on creating a Wellbeing in the Workplace programme tailored to your organisation: danielle.thorpe@nelsongroup.ac.uk

DID YOU KNOW?

31.6% OF WORKERS SAID THEY WOULD LEARN A NEW SKILL IF IT WAS ONLINE.

We offer a wide range of distance learning courses providing you with the flexibility to study a selection of nationally recognised qualifications across several industry sectors.

“Being outside in the fresh air and just focusing on fishing really helps to clear your mind, relax, and recharge,” Mark explains. “Itʼs in those moments that I find people can really open up and share how they are feeling. Iʼve been fishing since I was young and find it very relaxing.”

Mark was a primary school teacher for 17 years, so how did MS Angling and Education come about?

“I’ve always thoroughly enjoyed taking part in sport myself, teaching PE at school, and coaching football in my spare time. As a teacher and a parent, I noticed that it seemed to be the same pupils who were chosen at school to take part in sports competitions, and it was usually those that played for teams or clubs out of school that had previous experience and confidence. These children were given lots of access to different opportunities from parents and guardians at home,” says Mark.

“Having fished since being at primary school myself, I knew what benefits it would bring to young people and so I made it my mission to encourage more children to try it out,” he adds.

Mark was supported by several headteachers in Burnley, Pendle and Rossendale and worked closely with Helen Tyson, Burnley School Games Organiser, to help target specific pupils – those who may never have had the experience or opportunity to represent their school, those who would benefit from gaining more confidence and resilience, and those who had found competitive or team sports a little overwhelming. Together they started to increase the numbers of pupils trying it out.

Gaining momentum

As interest grew, Mark decided to set up the not-forprofit organisation MS Angling and Education, initially running it alongside his teaching job. As the sessions became more popular, he decided to make it his fulltime focus. Mark now runs Wellbeing Wednesdays,

Teamwork Tuesdays and Feel-Good Friday fishing sessions for primary and secondary schools, academies and those students in alternative educational settings.

He also delivers fishing therapy sessions which clients can access through the NHS. Referrals are made from local GPs, social prescribing link workers and health and wellbeing coaches; with clients referred for a variety of reasons – from those feeling socially isolated, to people suffering with stress, anxiety, depression and/or mental health issues. Anglers that no longer have the equipment or haven’t fished since they were young and have got out of practice also enjoy attending, socialising and making new friendships.

The site has four lakes which can be accessed by ramp with nearby parking, making them accessible to wheelchair users and those with mobility needs. As well as the wellbeing and school sessions, Mark also runs unique team building days, fishing matches, birthday parties, small-group and 1:1 sessions, with plans to offer fishing sessions for juniors during school holidays.

Making a difference

With more people than ever accessing the sessions does Mark ever find it hard taking on other people’s problems?

“I honestly get such a buzz from helping people,” he explains. “There are so many success stories from children improving drastically in their learning at schools to ex-drug and alcohol users who have overcome their addiction and started new journeys as well as supporting community groups and providing further learning opportunities. For me, this doesn’t feel like working. Don’t get me wrong, there’s a lot to do, but I absolutely love it.”

Seeing people turn their lives around is something Mark feels particularly rewarding.

A cabin by the lake

“I had one gentleman who came to the fishing therapy sessions who was suffering from alcohol addiction. When he first arrived, he was shaking and explained to me that he needed to stop drinking. He had fished previously but hadn’t had the urge to get out fishing until his social prescribing link worker mentioned the sessions we offer. After just a few sessions it was like he’d woken up to the world around him. He started to look beyond the lake where we were fishing and was commenting on the horses, the trees, the birds, and the beauty of the nature all around us.”

In 2023 Mark received a special recognition at the Active Burnley Awards in the Health and Wellbeing category and was highly commended in the Health Champion category at Burnley’s Above and Beyond Awards. Mark’s motivation doesn’t come from such awards though, however nice it is to be recognised. Losing a very close friend in March 2021, strengthened his drive and commitment to the cause:

“Receiving the call with the news of his passing, will be with me forever. It was one of the most difficult times of my life. Cornfield Farm was where we fished together as great friends, and somewhere where he made forever memories with his young daughter, so I see this project as a legacy to him now and it’s made me even more determined to make it a success,” Mark explains.

The next step for Mark is to open an educational lakeside cabin, which has been partially funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund through the Burnley, Pendle and Rossendale Council for Voluntary Service (BPRCVS). The cabin will be used as a base to deliver school fishing sessions, as well as wellbeing sessions, learning opportunities and inspiring talks, and will mean that people can continue to access support during the colder weather.

As well as continuing to support people through the social prescribing network, Mark is also keen to work with more young people:

“I really want to encourage more schools to get involved as by getting children participating from a younger age, we can really help them take control of their mental wellbeing, rather than waiting for them to reach a crisis point. One of Ofsted’s most recent targets is to prioritise wellbeing, not just for children and students, but for teachers and senior leaders within schools.”

It’s great to see that Mark has turned a lifelong passion into such a worthwhile organisation and we are sure he will go on to support people for many years to come.

If you would like to find out more, visit msanglingandeducation.co.uk or email Mark at mark@msanglingandeducation.co.uk

Casual Minds Matter – how five friends are using fashion to tackle mental health issues

What started as a modest two-hour meeting on Monday evenings quickly evolved into a full-fledged operation with dedicated offices by August of the same year. It is now a town centre staple, combating the stigma surrounding mental health issues with a touch of flair and fashion.

This is the story of Casual Minds Matter CIC, and how five friends from Burnley are looking to change the tide of men’s mental health in the area.

This community interest company only started in January 2022, but today it stands as a beacon of support for Burnley, Pendle, and Rossendale, providing

essential counselling and weekly group sessions on anxiety, grief, PTSD, suicide awareness and prevention, and anger management. They also run a men’s support group every Wednesday from 6pm to 7:30pm.

In their quest to provide the best care possible, Casual Minds Matter teams up with local agencies such as the Department for Work and Pensions, HMS Prison and Probation Services, Inspire Alcohol and Substance Abuse Services, and the Social Prescribers at the GP Practices.

In a brilliant move, Casual Minds Matter has expanded its footprint by introducing a men’s clothing shop right above its mental health and wellbeing centre in Charter Walk, Burnley. The profits from this go directly

into funding the free services as, remarkably, the group receives zero government funding.

We spoke to Dave Burnett and Justin Pate (Patey), two of the five founders of this humble venture:

“Casual Minds Matter was started up by me and four good mates who had all tragically lost friends to suicide and we initially just wanted to chat about it. But now the motivations are really to help as many people with mental health issues as we can,” Dave said.

“The shop is a recent addition to the brand, as we only opened in October 2023. Patey used to have a franchise for a clothing brand called Casual Minds, that went quiet over the pandemic, so when we started Casual Minds Matter (the clothing brand inspired the name), we then started making some original Casual Minds Matter designs.

“We started wearing these t-shirts to the meetings and had lads commenting saying they wanted some, so we started doing more and more.”

Amazingly, Dave and Patey have not given themselves a salary from Casual Minds Matter since they’ve started. All the profits have either gone back into the store or on the mental health support they provide. Dave continued, “We went full time in August 2022 with the mental health centre above Mojitos. Then, after we started creating more of the Casual Minds Matter t-shirts and producing more designs, I wandered into town one day and saw this empty shop. By having a more prominent shop front in the town centre, it meant we had more people coming. As more people came in and shopped with us, it provided us with more income to provide even more mental health support to those who need it.”

The shop is impeccably organised with hundreds of items to browse. As you head towards the back of the store, it really comes into its own. Retro decor can be found throughout, which really gives the shop a cool citycentre vibe. Of course, knowing money spent goes to a good cause really boosts the shopping experience too.

It’s not just Casual Mind clothing they sell either. They also stock local brand Terrace Cult and Trojan, which has a more mod style to it, along with many others.

“We try to do a bit for everybody really – hats, gloves, t shirts, jackets – we’ve even got flat caps over there,” says Patey.

Looking around the store, there really is a great variety, but a heavy theme of claret and blue on many of the items and you’ve got to love the flat caps –could this place get any more Burnley if it tried?

This unique space even has a record player and 70’s TV to the rear which Patey says takes interest of the older customers, and makes some people feel more at ease if they’re there to talk about their mental health; almost as a talking point which can lead into more serious conversations.

Casual Minds Matter is clearly making a positive impact on the area. They’ve had feedback from people who were heavily suicidal but have managed to change their life around completely following the support they received, whether that be through counselling, rehabilitation, or helping them find a job

We’re grateful this is now a town centre asset and that anyone from the area can either pop in for some more clothing, for a chat about their mental health, or both.

Sui Generis: 46 St James’s St, Burnley, BB11 1NH Open Mon –Sat 9am-4pm.

S UI GENE R I S

A class of our own in Burnley

Affleck’s Palace is something of an institution in Manchester, from second-hand vintage finds to all things alternative. And one Burnley entrepreneur is on a mission to bring something similar to Burnley.

Wayne Walsh is best known from The Shift Café above The Swan Inn in Burnley town centre. If you have ever walked past the pub, you may have wondered where the array of different singing styles and instruments are coming from. Wayne has been running the jam and karaoke café bar for nearly ten years, it’s open every day from 6pm, and it’s completely free.

“I established The Shift Café because I wanted a safe and encouraging space for people to come and share their love of singing and music with other like-minded people. You don’t have to be the best and it’s great to see reserved people come out of their shell when they perform to a friendly crowd,” Wayne told us.

He also runs The Shift Studios, which has seen artists come from all over the country, and the world, to broadcast their music on The Shift Radio and The Shift TV. Locals use the studio to record their singles and albums.

Wayne now hopes that Sui Generis, which means “in a class by itself”/”one of a kind” in Latin, can also bring like-minded and creative people together in a more artistic way. It’s located at the bottom of Manchester Road above the former Burtons in the town centre – and the building has thankfully come into its own again.

A large selection of retro and vintage clothes, handmade jewellery, artwork, scarves and hats all jostle for your attention. The creators of the handmade crafts and brands are all from the local area and Wayne believes that Sui Generis fills a particular void in Burnley.

Above Sui Generis is the first floor which Wayne envisages could be used as an extra space for more traders and artists, and perhaps evolve by providing various food options as time goes on.

“Most of us know Affleck’s Palace in Manchester; it spans generations. I feel there’s a gap in the market for something similar in Burnley; to bring local creators together in – like The Shift Café – a welcoming space. You can come in, grab a coffee, play a board game, chat with others and have a browse. This large unit was empty for so long and I wanted to fill it and make it a key part of the high street again,” Wayne explained.

Positive vibes for the town

Just some of the independent brands include Vintage Underground, WoW and Made with Love. As well as supporting local talent, another passion of Wayne is offering sessions for those with Special Educational Needs. As 2024 unfolds, Wayne has plans to offer crafting sessions and music workshops for those with additional needs – “it’s all about positive vibes for the town. It’s important to support everyone in Burnley to help them fulfil their potential and being creative is the perfect channel for this”.

Sui Generis also stocks clothing from Casual Minds Matters CIC, which is located next to NatWest in Burnley town centre and also featured in this edition of Burnley Lifestyle Magazine.

“The store is just around the corner and is such an important place where people can go and talk about their mental health in a safe space. We stock some of their designs and clothing accessories to double down on their brand awareness and important messaging,” Wayne added.

It’s great to see a previously empty building brought back to life and with such a focus on independent local creatives. We enjoyed having a coffee whilst watching people browse and wish Wayne all the best in his new venture.

If you would like to be considered to stock your creations, please reach out to Wayne on suigenerisburnley@gmail.com

DUNG E O NS & DRAG O NS

A REALIT Y FOR WOMEN

- by Katie McGee -

Despite the Dungeons and Dragons (D&D) game having been around since the early 70’s I have to admit I know very little about this fantasy table-top adventure game. So, when I read about two friends from Burnley setting up a D&D group for women, I was intrigued.

Amy Goldsack and Kirsty Lauder created Women Who D&D in 2023 in a bid to encourage more women to play:

“We enjoy playing in mixed groups, but D&D can still be seen as a male-dominated game, so we wanted to create a safe space for women to play. The groups are a way in, to help build confidence and encourage women to then go on and join mixed groups if that’s something they want to do,” explains Amy.

The group started as a Facebook page, made up mainly of Amy and Kirsty’s friends, but as the word spread interest in the group increased and they decided to host their first game at The Sanctuary rock bar in Burnley. The session was a success and following an article in the Burnley Express newspaper, the pair found that their group had international appeal.

“We started to get interest from around the world and not long after the first session I hosted an online game where we were joined by a woman from Korea and another based in Ohio,” says Kirsty.

Do you have to experience of the game or can novices like me join in I wonder? Kirsty reassures me that they have sessions suitable for all abilities:

“We’ve heard from some people that they’d quite like to play but are worried it’s too complicated. By having beginners sessions, we are able to play at a relaxed pace which gives us time to explain the rules of the games.

The most complicated bit is getting started, but within 10 to 15 minutes you get a hang of it.

“Once you get into it it’s quite addictive. It’s a bit like when you are watching a TV series and you can’t wait for the next episode. That’s how we get about finding out how the story will evolve in the next session.”

So, what exactly is D&D?

“Essentially, D&D is a role-play game where each player is in control of a character that they are navigating through a fantasy world. Throughout the game you’ll have a decision to make and the outcome of this will be determined by rolling dice and by the designated ‘dungeon master’,” explains Kirsty.

With no individual winner, the game relies on players to work together to make their way through the story, with every decision having an impact on the outcome of the session. It’s this collaborative nature which makes D&D the ideal game for those wanting to increase their social circle. This ability to bring people together has resulted in Women Who D&D being invited to become part of the Know Your Neighbourhood scheme at Burnley Central Library.

“It can be difficult to get out and make friends. Having the game to focus on takes away a bit of that pressure and the creative element helps spark discussions, so there are no awkward silences,” says Amy.

“It’s helped us when we are going through tough times in our work or personal lives. There’s a real sense of escapism. You can use it to either distract yourself from your worries or sometimes you can use it to battle through the issues using the story,” adds Kirsty.

Fancy trying it out? Visit womenwhodnd.com to find out more.

going well for them is an understatement.

exclusive deal with TikTok making them the first team to stream matches on the platform. With over 46 million views on the channel in 2023 it’s already proven to be a huge success in increasing awareness of the team.

Growing fast

Lola’s appointment coincided with the team moving under the club’s official umbrella, having originally been part of the charity arm of the organisation. In the last two seasons, the team has developed into a semiprofessional setup, something that Lola says wouldn’t have been possible without the support of the owners.

“They really see value in the women's game, and they've put the infrastructure in place that we need to succeed. Our backroom staff has grown tremendously, and we’ve invested in the right roles to ensure that we can give ourselves the best possibility of performing and winning games. That doesn't happen if you don't have a chairman or owners, or an organisation for that matter that really buy into the women's team.

“Playing at Turf Moor for the first-time last season and having so many people in the crowd was just incredible. Then to play another game at the stadium this season too is fantastic. The team love playing there. It’s just such a phenomenal time to be involved in the women's game and it's only going to get better.”

Promotion pending?

The team currently play in the third tier of women’s football and Alan Pace, the club’s chairman, has set them the target of achieving promotion to the Championship which they narrowly missed out on last season. So, does this make them even more eager to achieve their goal this year?

“Firstly, for us the main thing is that we want to play good football and we want to play football that represents the town. Secondly, we want to win football games and thirdly we want to play at the highest level. So, if we think about those three things in sequence, then we hope that will result in us becoming one of the top teams in the country. It’s not going to happen overnight though; we've got to be strategic and build on what we have. You have to think though that a couple of seasons ago we weren't even in this league and now we’re competing in the second tier, that's just phenomenal growth.”

What would promotion mean for the team?

“Because the players are balancing work and playing for the club, we start our sessions from 5pm and don't finish sometimes until 10pm, so it's a long day. We're hopeful that if we secure promotion this year, we can support our players a bit more so that they can focus on the football.

“We understand the commitment that these players give, and so many of the players in this league have to balance a lot. Some of them are mums, some of them are teachers, doctors, nurses, accountants and they are just amazing.”

Law firm to football pitch

As a child Lola played football, but with the lack of representation and opportunities for women, she wasn’t encouraged to pursue her love of the sport. Instead, Lola trained as a solicitor, working for a large firm in London, until she saw an opportunity to train as a coach with Arsenal Football Club. A huge change in career but one that has enabled her to work in an industry that she loves: “It’s fantastic that now I can have a full-time role in women's football when as little as five or ten years ago your only options would be as a coach or a player. Now we've got so many roles from media and marketing, sponsorship to my role as the head of women's football.”

Increasing representation across all aspects of women’s football plays a big part of the club’s strategy as Lola explains:

“This season was the first time that the kit launch had the women's team involved and that representation makes a big difference. The fact the women now have the same shirts as the men’s team means that little girls can now go out and have the same shirt as the men in their family and build a relationship with our team.”

Lola is Nigerian by birth and grew up in East London. Her coaching has taken her as far as China, where she was head of soccer at Beijing Royal School and she relocated to the North West to take on her current role at Turf Moor. As this is Lola’s first time living up north, we wondered what she thinks of the area?

“I love the fact that when I'm driving you can just see green, it’s gorgeous and every morning I'm taken away by what a breathtaking sight it is. I've been fortunate enough to do cocomms with Phil Bird at Turf Moor and if you sit right up in the press box you can see the whole town, it's just an amazing view.

“People in Burnley are so friendly. You go out and people, especially when you're in your kit, want to stop and have a chat. People here are invested in the women's team, they know these players and that always excites me because I feel like that validates the job that we're doing, that people in the town genuinely care. Burnley is a special place.”

And of course, we had to ask if Lola had tried chips with gravy, as there’s famously a shortage down in London.

“Of course I have” she laughs.

“I’m also planning on trying a Haffners pie too.”

The future

With a strong women’s team pushing for promotion, Lola is adamant that they don’t want to become complacent, and they are always looking to inspire the stars of the future.

“We want to make sure that the team continues to do well as people move on and we want to make sure that the younger generation has a good opportunity to get their foot in the door and be part of what I think is an exciting prospect with the women's team here at Burnley.

“Our emerging talent centre and partnership with Burnley College provides a professional pathway that caters for girls as young as five right up to being considered for the first-team squad.”

JOIN IN SOMETHING NEW, SOMETHING SPECIAL!

Now is a great time to join in something special – lots of new beginnings at Burnley Leisure & Culture!

We’re upgrading our gyms, studios, and changing rooms at St Peter’s in Burnley and Padiham Leisure Centre and we have a new line-up of classes for 2024.

While that’s a lot of change, some things stay the same – like our amazing member benefits and the warmest of welcomes to the BLC community.

And another thing that never changes is our commitment to our wider community.

That’s because, as a not-for-profit organisation, every penny of our surplus revenue is re-invested in our facilities, such as the £750,000-plus investment in our gyms and changing areas, and the life-enhancing benefits we bring to people all over the borough.

REACHING OUT IN ALL SORTS OF WAYS, AND ALL SORTS OF PLACES

Outreach programmes, such as our mobile kitchen, provide Fun With Food workshops to help promote healthy eating and the enjoyment of cooking together as a family.

The newest addition to our community support programme is our Down Town Kitchen & Café and cookery school in the town centre, in partnership with Burnley Together, which hosted a junior MasterChef-style competition during last year’s summer school holidays.

Our community support activities include exercise referral sessions such as 12-week healthy weight programmes, for anyone aged over 18 with an unhealthy body mass index (BMI), and the hugely popular Beat the Street game that saw 12,350 players of all ages seeing how far they could walk, run, cycle, skate, and scoot throughout the borough.

Our work in every one of the borough’s 32 primary schools touches the lives of over 4,000 pupils every year and we’re incredibly proud to say our Swim Academy welcomes 4,200 children every year.

There’s so much more too – you’ll discover it on our website: blcgroup. co.uk/community-impact

EVERYTHING WE DO IS MADE POSSIBLE BY YOU

Everything we do is made possible by our much-valued members and your support for our hospitality venues, Burnley Mechanics Theatre, our golf courses at Towneley Park, and Prairie Sports Village with its driving range.

Our range of cost-effective memberships cover every aspect of our activities and come with excellent benefits that include a range of discounts on things to do, theatre shows, and food and drinks at our hospitality venues.

We never forget the important role our members play in making everything possible. That’s why we reward them with random acts of kindness throughout the year and every month, five members are chosen at random to receive a free month’s membership.

As a not-for-profit organisation, every penny of our surplus revenue is re-invested in our facilities.