Issue 135 - 15 Year Anniversary!!

Spot the pigeon

You could win £50 for Shackletons Home & Garden if you correctly spot the pigeon in this issue. Winner is picked at random. Email answers to carrierpigeoncomp@ gmail.com Ts&Cs apply

The Melt chandlery houses a stable of 33 fragrances (available in six sizes of candle and reed) and sits alongside our reading room with its imaginative selection of books covering topics such as walking, nature and cookery alongside some beautiful classics. The Christmas Snug will re-open in readiness for our A/W PREVIEW on Saturday 14th and Sunday 15th October.

THE AIR HAS CHANGED!

top. And we start changing our homes from the fresh, outdoor décor of summer to the richer tones of autumn.

It’s a subtle shift which marks the start of ‘candle season’ and Melt’s Aubergine fragrance – rich, earthy and spicy – is our scent version of this wonderful time of year.

There is so much to see and a gentle browse is the only way to shop with us – preferably with a glass of wine in hand as you go. We look forward to welcoming you. n

GIFT WITH PURCHASE

The arrival of autumn has an inevitability about it which is best embraced so, as the nights tiptoe in and mornings have that characteristic nip – out come the sweaters for those ‘dog and pub’ walks and the throws for those snatched evenings in the garden. But whilst nature is slowing down, kitchens are speeding up. The harvest means jams, chutneys and crumbles in abundance with any leftovers tumbling into gin. The cookery books switch from salads to stews – and back come the Sunday roasts as family and friends move from the garden to indoors.

Along with the seasonal change comes a lifestyle change. Skincare needs to tackle less sunshine but more central heating. Perfumes switch from light, Mediterranean notes to warmer, spicier, ones. Clothing adds a few light layers with cashmere thrown over the

The skincare ranges from Medik8, Dr Hauschka and Nourish and fragrances from our perfumery will help ease the transition, whilst our beautiful housewares will make your home cosy in readiness for the extra time you spend inside. Our beautiful base and leisure wear from Chalk and soft-as-butter cashmere sweaters will take you elegantly into autumn proper.

Detach this voucher and use in the Melt shop. Purchases over £25 will receive a FREE travel candle (worth £10) in Melt’s beautiful Aubergine fragrance.

For use in our retail outlet only and a voucher must be produced. One gift per customer. Valid until 30th September 2023.

melt

Backridge Farm, Twitter Lane Waddington BB7 3LQ 01200 443377

www.themeltco.com

Open Mon-Sat: 10.00-5.00 and Sun: 12-4.30

/meltcandles

themeltco

@meltcandles

RVBA Small Business Award 2018

Independent Retailer 2017

Artisan Business 2017

There’s a magical time between the last days of summer and the onset of autumn when the hedges are still green, a little blowsy and rich with berries and fruit – that just smells so, so, good

SKINCARE, PERFUME, CLOTHING, JEWELLERY, TOILETRIES, HOME FRAGRANCE, BOOKS, GARDEN & HOME

Years. 30% Discount. 10+ Years. 40% Discount.

BLACKBURN TOWN CENTRE PUMPKIN CARVING

CARVE YOUR WAY TO HALLOWEEN FUN Spooktacular Pumpkin Carving Workshops

As the leaves start to turn golden and the crisp autumn air sets in, it can only mean one thing – Halloween is right around the corner!

Following on from the success of last year’s event, Blackburn town centre is getting into the spooky spirit once again with an exciting event that promises to bring out your inner artist and get you in the Halloween mood.

Spooktacular Pumpkin Carving Workshops will take place on Saturday 28 October from 10.30am to 3.30pm on King William Street and are an absolute must-attend event for families, friends, and pumpkin enthusiasts of all ages.

The best part? These workshops are entirely FREE! So, what can you expect at this fang-tastic event?

Carve a Frightful Face or Petrifying Pattern

At the Spooktacular Pumpkin Carving Workshops, the possibilities are endless. Whether you’re a seasoned pumpkin carver or a first-timer, there’s something for everyone.

Grab a pumpkin, pick up your carving tools, and let your imagination run wild!

From sinister faces that will send shivers down your spine to intricate and spooky patterns, your pumpkin canvas is waiting for your personal touch.

Not sure where to start? Here are some top tips on how to carve the perfect Halloween pumpkin:

1. Choose the right pumpkin: Select a pumpkin that’s smooth, free of blemishes, and has a sturdy stem. This will make carving easier and ensure your creation lasts longer.

2. Plan your design: Sketch your design on paper before you begin carving. This will help you visualise the final result and avoid any mistakes.

3. Use the right tools: Pumpkin carving tools will be provided including childfriendly pumpkin carving knives, scoops, and detailed carving tools. They make the job much easier and safer.

4. Start small: Begin with simple designs if you’re a beginner. As you gain confidence, you can move on to more complex patterns.

5. Light it up: After carving, place a tea light or battery-operated LED candle inside your pumpkin to give it that eerie glow. Never use a real candle, as it can be a fire hazard.

6. Preserve your creation: Extend the life of your pumpkin by applying a thin layer of Vaseline to the cut edges of the pumpkin. This helps to seal in moisture and prevent premature drying and shrivelling. Keep it in a cool, dry place when not on display.

7. Have fun: Most importantly, enjoy the

process! Pumpkin carving is a fantastic way to have fun and make memories with family and friends - and let your creativity shine.

At Blackburn BID’s Spooktacular Pumpkin Carving Workshops, our team will be on hand to help you put these tips into practice.

So, mark the event in your calendar for 28 October and make your way to King William Street in Blackburn town centre between 10.30am and 3.30pm. We look forward to welcoming all the ghouls and boys on the day.

A family run, professional building company, based

with over 30 years experience in the building and construction industry.

• New kitchen & bathroom fitting & refurbishment

• All aspects of carpentry & joinery

• Home extensions & loft conversions

• Plastering and tiling

FICTIONAL FAMILIES

I love a book which takes me to the heart of a family. Better still was creating my own fictional family in the novels Walking Apart and Walking Alone. Helen, David, Lizzie and Lottie emerged effortlessly and I knew exactly where things would end up for these characters I became so fond of. Here are three of my favourite fictional families...

The March Family in Little Women

By Louisa May Alcott

Readers love the kind and thoughtful Marmee and her four daughters: Meg, Jo, Beth and Amy. As they grow from childhood to adulthood, the sisters come up against a number of heart breaking events which they must overcome together. The March women act like a real family for despite their disagreements, their love for one another will always be more important.

The Joads in The Grapes of Wrath

By John Steinbeck

Ma is at the heart of the Joad family as they are forced to leave their farm in Oklahoma for the promise of a better life in California. From Grandma and Grampa to little Winfield, this extended family face terrible hardships. The Grapes of Wrath shows how important the family unit can be in the face of adversity.

The Bennets in Pride and Prejudice

By Jane Austen

Pride and Prejudice is not about a family pulling together. Mrs Bennet, to the complete indifference of her husband, is intent on finding good marriages for her five daughters. Jane and Elizabeth, the older, more sensible girls, share a strong friendship. Mary, the third daughter is plain and bookish and as for Kitty and Lydia, Mr Bennet declares they must be two of the silliest girls in the county. Jane Austen’s witty prose exposes the absurd manners and societal expectations of the age, but she also ensures that there is a happy ending for Jane and Elizabeth.

There is something quite fascinating about peeping behind the curtain to see how other families function, even if they are only fictional. If you have any favourites, do let us know!

We are able to advise on individual antique, jewellery or other collectables valuations.

Working in association with our sister company ‘A&C Auctions of Pendle’ we can offer a more bespoke service than most house clearance companies, from complete house clearances to individual items (all items disposed of legally).

We also work in conjunction with the Mustard Tree charity, combatting poverty and preventing homelessness.

t: 01282 863319

w: lancashirehouseclearances.co.uk Holker Mill, Off Burnley Road, Colne, BB8 8EG

BOOK NOWFOR CHRISTMAS!

LORD NELSON

EN-SUITE DOUBLE ROOMS AVAILABLE

Tea & coffee making facilities, tv, wifi & hairdryer. Includes full English Breakfast.

• Traditional menu with popular pub classics

• A wide selection of real ales, beers, spirits & wines

• Cosy bar area with an open log fire

• Beer garden and outdoor heated undercover area

• Sunday Roast available

• Dogs welcome

• Ideally situated for walkers

TAKING BOOKINGS FOR CHRISTENINGS, WAKES & BIRTHDAYS

Marquees can be organized for outdoor occasions

A cosy country pub situated in the heart of the Ribble Valley, close to the village of Whalley, serving home-cooked, locallysourced food and premium cask mark ales.

IT’S THE DAWN OF A NEW ERA FOR THE OLD COACH HOUSE ANTIQUES!

After weeks of preparation and the move to Unit 26 Mitton Business Park, Whalley is nearing completion.

The Antiques and Interiors warehouse is another wonderful addition to the thriving destination.

We specialise in House Clearance removals. The service we offer is full or part house clearance which is sustainable and free from landfill where possible. We offer a no obligation valuation for probate requirements or family estates.

We are excited to offer this unique service to the Ribble Valley and wider community. Instagram - theoldcoachhouse01 Facebook - theoldcoachhouseantiquesandinteriors

After three years business, it is with a heavy heart we are leaving our Waddington Road Premises to move to new premises with easy access and ample parking.

Take a trip down memory lane! The Old Coach House Antiques boasts a fabulous selection of antique, architectural, salvage and garden furniture from across the ages.

Browse the vintage section from art-deco, mid-century to sixties style items.

You can transform any room in the house with that special piece! We have a wide variety of ornaments and artwork at affordable prices.

The outdoor space has become a more important area following the pandemic, and we will be striving to provide a range of bygone and rural items to enhance the outdoor living space.

Our latest addition to our range is some stunning textiles, with bespoke cushions handmade by our Ukrainian friend, who is super talented.

If we don’t have the item you are striving to find, we are very happy to source from our wide range of contacts in the trade.

We caught up with owner, Michael Hargreaves, to find out a bit more about the move.

“It has been a pleasure to build the business over the last three years, and it has been quite a journey right through the Covid pandemic. But we made it and we are delighted to have secured the new premises. “ Michael said, “Parking around the Waddington Road premises was a major factor in making the move, and we hope that we have resolved that at Mitton.

We would like to thank our loyal customers for their continued support and hope to welcome everyone to Mitton.

The Mitton Business Park has many established businesses so we hope footfall will increase and people will support the park.”

Our stock changes on a weekly basis with new arrivals daily. Here at the Old Coach House, we are able to run a comprehensive house clearance service.

We arrange valuation and clear all items in a professional and timely manner, leaving the property empty and ready for the market!

ALSTON LODGE COMMUNITY CARE Home Care & Schools

Alston Lodge Community Care30 years' home care experience in the Ribble Valley.

We are a well-established, family run home care business, putting people at the heart of everything we do. We understand that people want to stay in their own home surrounded by family, friends and pets. That's why we offer a supportive, friendly, individually tailored service providing you or your loved one's care at home for as often and long as you need it. We ensure our home care service is a positive, person-centred experience by providing the very best highly trained team of care workers who will respect your views, listen to what you want and treat you with dignity.

then we won't let them support you or yours! We offer a range of personal and domestic services:

• checking in on your loved ones in the morning or at bedtime

• helping with personal care or getting dressed/undressed

• preparing meals

• medication support

• assisting with cleaning, laundry, or social outings

With over 75 happy clients throughout the Ribble Valley, Alston Lodge Community Care offer a wellled, unique, safe, effective, caring and responsive service. We'd love to talk to you about your home care needs - Pam would be delighted to chat with you on 01772 783290.

CALLFORAFREENOQUOTATIONOBLIGATION

WINTER ROOF CHECK - We will assess your roof and provide photographs FREE OF CHARGE from December through to March

• New roofs

• Emergency roof repairs

• Lead work • Guttering • Cladding, Fascias & Soffits • Roof Insulation • Rubber Roofing

“Excellent job done on a roof repair by Lee and his workers. So good in fact that we have asked him to replace the double garage roof. Would not hesitate to recommend him.”

- John Holden

From leaking flat roof repairs, pitch roof repairs to total replacement or just advice on which roof or guttering, Jamie and Kyle are happy to help.

Broughton Roofing was founded by Jamie who started learning his trade when he left school, working under his fathers guidance. Kyle started out as an apprentice for Jamie and is now a partner in the business.

"We specialise in covering flat roofs with synthetic rubber from

tyre giants Firestone. There are no joints to cause leaks as it is sold in single sheets big enough for most roofs. Firestone RubberCover has a 20-year material warranty but can last up to 50 years.

“If holed, it is easily repaired and needs little or no maintenance." says Kyle.

Jamie says: “As well as flat roofing installations and flat roof repairs we also supply and fit UPVC guttering, fascias and soffits, roof lights and lead work plus Velux window installation.

“We fit in around our customers’ lives. If you cannot see us until the evening, we will see you then.

“Nothing is too much trouble for us and if you need a job promptly, we are prepared to work seven days a week to deliver it on time.”

Call now for a free, no obligation quote.

Address: 132a Whittingham Lane, Broughton

Years of experience, professionalism and competitive prices are the reasons why Broughton Roofing have developed into a trusted, reliable company across Lancashire.

“Progressive Wills Ltd provided us with an excellent service from the first phone call through to completion. I would have no hesitation in recommending their services to others. Professional and punctual.”

“Progressive Wills Ltd made the process of arranging my Will as painless as possible. Everything was clearly explained and the whole process was both efficient and straightforward. I would have no hesitation in recommending them to anyone looking for a cost effective Will service”

“A top class professional service for a very reasonable price - I would definitely recommend (and have done, to other family members.”

“Thank you for all you have done. I shall have no hesitation in recommending you to any one else who is in need of your services.”

“Very professional and easy to use/organise. Would definitely recommend.”

“Daniel is brilliant to work with and he clearly understood our vision for our website at our first meeting. The design that came back was stunning and he was supportive with each step of the process. I would highly recommend.”

Jan Cook, Finn-Robinson Developments

SAT 14 TH / SUN 15 TH OCTOBER - 10AM TILL 5PM FOR

Snug

We have special offers and gifts with purchases, (and someone will win a luxury Christmas hamper. How nice!) alongside the new, gorgeous gifts for the coming season. The fire will be crackling, the candles lit and the wine (complimentary of course)… will be chilled to match the atmosphere. What better way to spend a few hours!

CANDLES CASHMERE LEATHER PERFUME SKINCARE BOOKS

JEWELLERY HOMEWARE LOUNGEWEAR HANDBAGS CHRISTMAS

OPEN 7 DAYS

Melt, Backridge Farm, Twitter Lane, Waddington, BB7 3LQ

T: 01200 443377 E: sales@themeltco.com W: www.themeltco.com

/meltcandles themeltco @meltcandles

“Here’s to seasons of richness & warmth; of woodsmoke - & fireside ends to frosty days”

Project Management

WM.ALTY & SONS LTD THE ALTY FUNERAL SERVICE

11 Cann Bridge Street, Higher Walton, Preston, PR5 4DJ

Broomfield Place, Witton, Blackburn, BB2 1XF

Your local independent family funeral service