Orchard Manor is Seddon Homes' quaint new build development, located in the very special, peaceful and idyllic Grimsargh, Preston. The village is ideally located between Preston City Centre and Longridge, and lies South of Goosnargh.
Relish the tranquillity of semi-rural living without being too out of reach from the hustle and bustle of the nearby high streets.
To arrange a private viewing, contact us Thursday to Monday, 10am-5pm on: 07957 304304
Fantastic value 3 bed dormer bungalow for sale
(2 bathrooms)
£269,995
SeddonOrchardManor
Hello! Happy Easter!
With the arrival of spring and the approach of Easter, I am pleased to share that our latest issue is filled with engaging content suitable for the Easter period.
Within this issue, you will find:
- “Catherine Finch,” a short story in 100 words by a local reader - Information about the returning Preston Caribbean Carnival - What’s On in and around your local area over the coming weeks
- Arts and Culture - up-and-coming performances at local theaters
As always, we showcase many local businesses. Supporting them is crucial, so please choose local whenever possible.
Don’t forget to enter our competition for a chance to win a £30 voucher for Mrs Dowsons Farm Park. Simply find the hidden pigeon within this month’s issue!
Subscribe to our monthly newsletter at info@thecarrierpigeon. co.uk to receive more content and exclusive advertising offers directly in your inbox.
To book an advertisement or get a quote please contact me on the numbers below or via our email/ website. 01254 492088 // 07824553790// infocpmag@gmailcom.
Best regards
thecarrierpigeon.co.uk | infocpmag@gmail.com
16 - Carnival
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A Short Story in 100 Words
This Time
By Jacqueline Wood from Langho
This time will be the same, but this time also different. This time there will be pain, but I will not feel it.
This time I will know the trauma. I will not be blissfully ignorant, yet I will still be powerless. This time I will miss the overwhelming relief, the complete joy, the sheer contentment of the moment. For this time I will have to wait and be patient - but it will be worth it.
For when I finally know the pain has gone, the end result will be - a tiny new life, And I will be a grandma!
This short story is for all the grandmothers out there who must surely understand the sentiments of Jacqueline’s short piece.
The difference between the experiences of a mother and a grandmother are depicted succinctly and the repetition at the beginning of sentences draws the reader to read on to discover what ‘this time’ actually is.
As with most short stories, especially of only 100 words, each word must count. The final sentence reveals all and made me return to the beginning, knowing the ending!
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Arts & Culture
Steptoe & Son - LIVE!
Blackburn Empire Theatre
April 24th 2025 / 7:30pm - 9:30pm
Supporting The Wish Centre (supporting victims of domestic abuse)
Age Rating: 12+ (PG)
Tickets: www.blackburnempire.com (Box Office: 01254 685 500) or www. steptoeandsontour.co.uk
Price: £21.50
Our performances also support a local charity with every show we do and so far we’ve raised over £20,000 for many wonderful charities across the UK, so you get to have a laugh and it’s all for a good cause too!
Queen Of The Night – A Tribute to Whitney Houston
Lancaster Grand Theatre
10 April 2025 - 19:30 - 22:00
After selling 100,000 tickets last year, including a UK arena tour and sold-out shows at the Royal Albert Hall, The London Palladium and other UK venues, Queen Of The Night – A Tribute to Whitney Houston returns to celebrate its 10th anniversary.
Dub Pistols
The Grand Clitheroe
Saturday 10 May 2025 @ 7pm
How many bands have the career longevity to release ten albums? They might have been perilously close to falling apart on various occasions in their history, but the Dub Pistols have rolled with the punches and are now gearing up to release their tenth album in early 2025
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Teach Rex LIVE
The Lowther Pavilion Theatre & Gardens, Lytham St Annes
10 April 2025
Teach Rex uses life-like dinosaurs to perform their one hour show, teaching children about the anatomy and life of one the most mesmerising creatures that have ever roamed our planet.
Family Fun Day
Burnley Mechanics Theatre, Burnley
7 April 2025, 11:00 - 16:00
Join us at the Burnley Mechanics on Monday, 7th April, for a day of free family fun! Drop in anytime between 11 am and 4 pm and watch a story, go on an adventure walk, try street dancing, make your own magnet, join in with a drama workshop, and much more
The Magic of Science
Blackburn Empire Theatre
20th April 2025
Fusing the mystery of magic with wondrous and miraculous feats of science. Hang on to your seats as we transform the Empire Theatre into a real life science laboratory. Experience the non-stop action packed interactive magical science experiments that will capture the imagination. Top Secret is a fast moving colourful magical science show filled with mystery, suspense, lots and lots of mess!
Empower Your Body and Mind with Pilates
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Locations & Timings
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Wednesdays 10-11am - The Pavilion, Grindleton
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Caribbean Carnival Weekend!
Following a successful application to the Arts Council, England for funding, Preston Caribbean Carnival organisers are gearing up for a spectacular celebration of Caribbean culture on the bank holiday weekendSaturday 24th and Sunday 25th May 2025.
Kicking off the festivities with the One Park “Living Legends” Music Festival on Saturday followed by the annual street procession and family fun day on Sunday, carnival promises to be an exciting and memorable experience for all visitors.
Participants adorned in colourful costumes and showcasing large piece carnival costumes with themes of the Caribbean will dance, drum, and revel along the route, showcasing the flamboyant spirit of Caribbean culture.
Chairperson, Tracey Harris said “Following last year’s 50th anniversary carnival celebration we aim to keep the momentum going of the vibrant Caribbean culture that has enriched our city for half a century, the Caribbean Carnival is an opportunity to participate in the rich culture of the Caribbean right here in Preston”.
Following the procession, Moor Park will come alive with the sounds, tastes, and colours of the Caribbean during the family fun day. Attendees can expect live performances, sound systems, and a wide array of Caribbean and international cuisine.
The park will also host various activities for children, including face painting, creative workshops, and rides.
Tracey went on to say “as well as showcasing some iconic carnival costume pieces, local carnival dance troupes have practised all year in preparation for the event and we are all excited and looking forward to the day we can take them on the road through the streets of Preston”.
Anticipating over 25,000 visitors, the Preston Caribbean Carnival is expected to draw attendees from
across Lancashire and beyond, solidifying its place as a must-attend event on the Preston calendar.
Organisers ask that attendees aged 12 years and over kindly make a donation of £2 when entering the park arena to help cover health and safety costs.
Kicking off the weekend of festivities is the ‘One Park Event’ on Saturday, May 24, 2025. This ticketed event will feature live stage performances from 2pm to 8pm by the best reggae artists, including headliners ‘Carroll Thompson and Janet Kay’. Attendees can enjoy a relaxed atmosphere with food and drink available throughout the day from 2pm. Tickets available on Ticket Tailor https://www.tickettailor.com/events/ prestoncaribbeancarnival/1549528
For information, see our website: https://www.prestoncarnival.co.uk
thecarrierpigeon.co.uk |
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CHARLES
Easter - New Beginnings?
Good morning everyone from a beautiful sunny Penwortham, and believe it or not, the temperature has finally risen above 10 degrees!
It has been a particularly problematic time in our household because eight weeks ago, at around this time of day, I was sitting in the preparation area outside an operating theatre waiting for knee replacement surgery. I had a canula in my hand, the nurse was ready to give me a spinal injection when, lo and behold, in walked the surgeon to tell me that the operation had been cancelled due to faulty equipment and I would be recalled to the hospital within two weeks. I think it is called ‘Murphy’s Law!’ however, two weeks later, on St Valentine’s Day, the operation took place and I now have two steel knees. Will I need an M.O.T. I ask myself. There must be many readers who have had similar surgery and it reminded me of my childhood when such procedures were possibly quite rare. Although the NHS is struggling with a financial burden, it surely is a testimonial to the profession that so many people are living longer and enjoying the benefits of our dedicated doctors and nurses. As a child, I do not remember any person living in my neighbourhood who was over seventy five years of age. They were considered to be ‘very old’ and
yet today there is a different attitude. Friends of mine, both over eighty years of age, have flown to New York to board a liner to sail around the Caribbean.
Nearer home, it seems that a sense of depression is enveloping our country, with the rising cost of living and poverty taking its toll. Over and over again, we hear of the ‘good old days’, when people were able to leave open their front doors so that neighbours could call in for a cup of tea and a chat. Young children were polite and reasonably well behaved, and there seemed to be more ‘respect’ for each other.
I wonder how many of our readers would consider the role of the television or social media in the apparent decline in behaviour. Certainly there is an argument to justify this. On occasions, I will watch soap operas on television but, living in Penwortham for almost 50 years, I cannot recall any murders in my street, or so much abusive language in circulation. One of my particular dislikes is the use of mobile phones, where people are cursing and swearing, or discussing their sex lives loudly enough for
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everyone to hear. Personally, I do not want to know this, and I wonder how many of you agree.
On a more cheerful note, today is the last day of Winter, and Spring brings us daffodils and crocus into our gardens. It also brings the sign of parades to celebrate Easter, or Holi, or Ramadan, ending in the feast of Eid. Many years ago, the Murphy family was in Spain, and the celebrations for Easter were tremendous. We were stunned to see the spectacular costumes, even shocked to witness the purple pointed headwear, seeming to belong to the Klu Klux Klan.
At home, we have Easter Egg rolling on Avenham Park, and many children will enjoy the ‘hunt’ for Easter Eggs hidden by their parents. Festivals bring out the best in people, and Easter is the time for a fresh start. Many families will seize the opportunity to take a holiday at home or abroad. My wife and I will be travelling to Madeira, to see the joys of an island taking a full role in the celebration of Easter.
Whatever you do, and how you celebrate, take care and have a lovely holiday.
God bless, Charles
Man Bag
I now own my fantastic Man Bag, I think it looks good but I’ll not brag.
What I need this bag carries all, It’s neither too big or is it too small. Although carrying everything I need,
I can never find things with speed. For the bag seems to grow with time, It even holds three bottles of wine. The reason I like it, I will tell you why,
Is that it can hold at least six pork pie.
I need a Man Shed
Sat in the garden a thought popped into my head,
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The time has come now, “I need Man-Shed”. The garage is full with bits and bobs to keep, However, now all my things are in a big heap.
I need a man shed, with a very comfy seat,
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For when I am indoors, I am always under the feet. My shed would have a big wood burning stove, And just for a laugh, it would be painted mauve. I would sit in my shed for hours and hours, With a glass of Gin, Surrounded by flowers.
We always get the rain here in Lancashire in the Northwest, I have gone through two brollies and I’m not impressed.
Soft furnishings
I never in my life thought these words would come from my mouth, but if the rain doesn’t stop soon I may have to move down South.
Bespoke makes
Not to see the sunshine again for a month or so fills me with dread, Looking down at my feet now they are starting to become webbed.
Out of hour appointments available
I know it is because of the rain the Ribble Valley is so green and lush,
But to see more sunshine I would put up with a bit of brown at a push.
Even though I am in Lancashire and maybe feeling wet and sometimes sad, if I moved down south to the sun, I’m sure that would drive me mad.
Easter Egg Tiffin
A very easy recipe with no cooking required.
Children could join in to make, it’s delicious and will be enjoyed by your family and friends!
Ingredients:
• 200g digestive biscuits
• 100g butter plus extra for lining the tin
• 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
• 2 tablespoons golden syrup
• 100g raisins
• 200g block chocolate (I use a mixture of milk and dark but entirely your preference)
• 150g chocolate mini eggs
Firstly, grease and line an 8” square tin with baking paper and allow extra paper to drop over two sides.
Place the digestive biscuits in a large mixing bowl and crush with the back of a large spoon, a mixture of fine crumbs and larger pieces will be fine to add crunch.
Melt the golden syrup and butter in a saucepan over a low heat. When melted, remove from the heat and stir in the cocoa powder until it is smooth. Then pour the mixture over the digestive biscuits, add the raisins and mix well.
Spoon into the prepared tin and press down well.
Melt the chocolate in a heatproof bowl over a pan of simmering water and then pour over the biscuit mixture.
Gently break the chocolate eggs or, leave whole if you wish and scatter them over the chocolate mix.
Place the tin in the fridge until fully set, about two hours or overnight.
Remove from the tin with the help of the overhanging baking paper, cut into squares. My tip is to run the kitchen knife under the hot tap just before cutting to make neat squares.
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intervention with dental implant placements was crucial in this case.”
Cathy adds: “My general dentist told me I needed to go and see Dr Usman and his team at Renovo for long-term permanent treatment. I plucked up the courage and went.”
THIS LEVEL OF DENTISTRY CHANGES PEOPLES’ LIVES
Following an X-ray and jaw scans, the news was not good for Cathy: “I have always looked after myself and losing my teeth was my idea of hell. It was a terrible shock. Usman said I wouldn’t like dentures but left the decision totally to me. He explained the procedure and reassured me it would be pain free, so I eventually made the decision and agreed to implants.”
Dr Riaz and the award-winning Renovo team set to work, beginning a detailed assessment of what could be done. In the lead up to the same-day, full upper and lower arch implants, Dr Riaz explained the
NEW BEGINNING…
A busy care worker has had her life transformed following pioneering same-day dental implant treatment carried out here in the Ribble Valley
Leading the way in UK implant technology is Lancashire-based Renovo Dental, which was one of the first implant centres in the country to adopt the highly successful, ground-breaking ‘Fully Guided Implant Surgery’ technique.
Highly experienced in this same-day procedure, implant surgeon Dr Usman Riaz and a specialist team, including in-house dental technicians, worked together using the latest digital technology to replace both upper and lower teeth permanently in just over three hours – omitting the need for dentures.
Despite following strict hygiene protocols and advice by her own dentist, Catherine’s gums and bone levels had deteriorated further, causing unsightly gaps in her teeth and several teeth became mobile.
“This is what end-stage gum disease looks like,” Dr Riaz explains. “Unfortunately, genetics were not in the patient’s favour. Typically, this sort of problem develops later in life, but Cathy is relatively young and her teeth were beyond saving.
“At this point, it is less about preserving teeth and all about using the remaining bone and soft tissue to help restore full function, aesthetics and confidence. Timing of the
procedure in detail to Cathy, who arrived at the state-of-the-art surgery in Chatburn, early in the morning.
“Usman and the team were fantastic. It’s not like going to the dentist, it’s like visiting a friend. They explained everything so I wasn’t at all nervous about the procedure. I had got to know them and it is obvious that they are experts in their field,” adds Cathy.
The team, including specialist periodontist Dr Khurrum Hussain along with a team of expert dental technicians, began work eliminating all sources of infection using state-of the-art laser technology, that eradicates over 99 per cent
of all harmful bacteria.
With gum contouring and bone grafts carried out on the same day, Cathy, under sedation, was painlessly fitted with a completely new set of upper and lower implant teeth in a procedure that has made Renovo Dental a flagship practice for this digital, full-arch implant technique.
During their years’ of experience, the team has refined the procedure utilising the latest in-house, digital CT-guided technology that ensures pinpoint accuracy.
This technique for implants is faster, easier and more efficient for the surgeons and safer, and more comfortable, for patients with faster healing times.
“It is Artificial Intelligence with a human touch,” explains Dr Riaz. “Our surgery protocol is a unique concept for digital guidance that allows us to plan and place dental implants with perfect accuracy. It eliminates human error.”
Cathy, who was delighted with the results, adds: “When I looked in the mirror and smiled it was unbelievable. I have always covered my
mouth when I smile because of my teeth.”
The transformation is astounding – Cathy now looks 20 years younger following the procedure and has gained immeasurable confidence: “My teeth look totally natural and I am thrilled!”
Speaking about the team at Renovo Dental, which was named the North of England’s Best Practice and Best Referral Practice at the prestigious Dentistry Awards, Cathy adds: “These guys are incredible. After years of avoiding having pictures taken, I’m incredibly grateful to Usman and his team for their hard work, dedication and patience. You really couldn’t be in safer hands. I now have a new lease of life and can’t stop smiling –thank-you!”
THESE GUYS ARE INCREDIBLE. I CAN’T STOP SMILING – THANK-YOU!
Dr Riaz, who is a highly experienced clinician specialising in aesthetic and implant dentistry, adds: “Obviously, perfect planning and preparation is key to this sort of specialist dentistry.
“The final implant teeth are all hand layered ceramic teeth, crafted by our specialist dental ceramists. We can make as many
changes as we like – to the shape, texture, character and vitality of the teeth. This is truly bespoke, customised dentistry.
“The implants feel like real teeth. In Cathy’s case it has turned back the clock and given her so much confidence. It really is life changing dentistry.” n
Welcome to the gardening year of 2025 for beginners and seasoned enthusiasts alike! Spring is here!
After the long, cold winter, it is lovely to see a little sun. The garden is awakening and suddenly beginning to look green. Exciting times ahead as the warmer days and lighter evenings are nearly upon us. What a tonic and the time to make our gardens ship-shape! So, armed with our cleaned tools, let’s start ticking off all the notes on our ‘’to do’ list.
1. Firstly, continue with the ‘after winter tidy up’ Add rotted manure or compost to your soil beds for nourishment. It will make all the difference for the summer growth. Pots alike will need cleaning and replenishing. There’s so much to choose at your local garden centre, the primroses come in a kaleidoscope of colours . They seem to be especially vibrant and prolific this year, so a collection of those along with pansies, violas, tete -atete daffodils and a bit of ivy create a an instant splash of colour to brighten anyone’s day!
2. Prune the hydrangeas, cut back the old stems to a healthy shoot lower down. Cut back the lavender plants, heathers and tidy up the grasses.
3. If you have lost any trees or shrubs over the winter, now is the time to
remove and replenish with new stock.
4. Feed the hungry shrubs and roses. Spray the new leaves of disease prone roses with fungicide to control mildew, rust or blackspot.
5. Stake perennials and continue to tie in the new stems of climbing plants to support and protect against wind and rain. Bamboo stakes and metal plant supports are ideal, soft string, plant flower rings for the more fragile varieties.
6. Repair any patches to the lawn. Apply a nitrogen fertilizer for a boost to the start of the season and apply lawn weed killer where moss and weeds are a problem. Mow the lawn weekly as temperatures improve. For a new lawn, lay either turf, ensuring it is kept moist until it is established. Alternatively, sow lawn seed onto well prepared soil, again, keeping it well watered whilst germinating.
7. The garden wildlife is busy, the birds, bees, and insects are all establishing nests. Climbers such as passionflower, wisteria, clematis, pyracantha, honeysuckle and star jasmine are all wonderful varieties to support the wildlife and provide
beautiful coverage for fences. Now is the time to plant some if you have some bare patches.
8. Weeding is essential. A few minutes constantly by hand or with a hoe will keep the unwanted species at bay.
9. Keep removing the faded flowers from your spring show in the borders. When the likes of scillas, snowdrops, crocus and muscari have completely finished flowering and you want them to neutralize, let them die back naturally. Same with daffodils, tulips and bluebells a little later in the season.
10. Invest in a water butt which is very useful. Position it under a downpipe to make the most of the rainfall.
11. When May arrives, plant out sweet pea seedlings, maybe a little earlier depending on the weather but be mindful of the frosts.
12. During May, it is time to think of planting up the outdoor pots and hanging baskets. Keep in a greenhouse or a porch for a few weeks. I aim to have them in situ by the end of the month when we are frost free.
Enjoy the Spring and take your garden to the next level!!
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PETER DEWHURST
Poetry Corner
Tomatoes
I don’t eat Tomatoes for in Nature anything red means danger, neither do I eat food that is green, “does that make me even stranger?”
I don’t eat cauliflower courgette broccoli cabbage or corn on the cob, By now I think that you will have gathered that I am really odd.
I love Parsnips, Carrots Peas and Beans on my plate with a steak, Horseradish Mustard, no give me plain food for heavens sake.
When eating a Bacon Butty I do not want sauces red or brown, if the bacon is not well cooked and crispy my face will be a frown.
I hate the taste for Olives, Mayonnaise, or of course Salad Cream.
Never again to see such foods on my plate would be my dream.
Peter Dewhurst It’s grand up North.
Murder
I have read so many murder mystery books of late, When eating out I wonder if the food is OK on my plate When out in the dark evening, “some chance!” having fun, I fear someone could be round the corner with a gun.
Books I have read have contained so may ways to kill.
Shooting, stabbing, strangulation and the poisoned pill.
Murder in the Mansion, high rise flat or even on a cruise, With all that choice how on earth does a murder choose.
The time is right for me I know to change my reading, for I need to stop thinking about all the bodies bleeding.
Peter Dewhurst. Life’s good up North
Not as tall
I am not as tall as I used to be Can’t bend down to tie me shoes I am heading for the sixties blues.
Now that I am fifty nine I could become a hell of a swine Moan about young ones everywhere Make loud noises and sometimes swear.
My hair erupts from many an odd place
Except on me head where there’s plenty of space.
Can’t move so fast with me bad hip I will soon be on the old folk’s trip.
Years ago talks of lasses, Now it’s about bus passes. I used to run up all the hills! Now it’s “Doreen, Where’s me pills”
But at last it’s happy I am I’m old enough to be, A Grumpy old man.
Peter Dewhurst
It’s grim up North
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Vascular
Foot Health Practitioner
Blackburn with Darwen, Hyndburn
What’s On IN YOUR AREA
Festival Bowland 2025
Forest of Bowland
Festival Bowland is a year-round calendar of events celebrating the nature, landscape, culture and heritage of the Forest of Bowland National Landscape.
7 April, 10 April, 25 April, 5 May, 12 May, 14 May, 16 May, 31 May
Spring Workshops at Oswaldtwistle Mills
Colliers Street, Oswaldtwistle
There are lots of fun activities in store for visitors to Oswaldtwistle Mills over the Easter holidays, with a packed schedule of activities available now to book.
7 April, 9 April, 14 April, 16 April
Easter at Lancashire Police Museum
Lancashire Police Museum, Castle Hill, Lancaster
Visitors can enjoy a fun and free Easter quiz, with a special prize on Good Friday.
10 April to 12 April 2025
Open 10:30 - 16:00
Creative Camp - Just Imagine
Stonyhurst College, Hurst Green
We are thrilled to be inviting the Just Imagine team back to Stonyhurst for their second instalment of their Creative Camp this Easter half term!
8 April 2025 to 11 April 2025
Open 09:00 - 15:00
Family Bat Walk
Brockholes Nature Reserve, Samlesbury, Preston
Bat Walk Night will start with an introduction to these fascinating creatures before heading out.
8th April 2025 (19:00 - 21:30)
Easter Magic Show at Oswaldtwistle Mills
Colliers Street, Oswaldtwistle
A 45-minute fantastic comedy magic show that will have everybody amazed, and also rolling about with laughter.
10 April 2025
Various Opening Times
Witchcraft 1612 Walking Tour
Lancaster Walks Talks & Tours, Lancaster
How did a number of poor folk, living in the shadow of Pendle Hill in East Lancashire, end up incarcerated at Lancaster Castle and at the centre of one of England's most high profile witch trials?
10 April 2025
Open 14:00 - 16:00
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With a commitment to honesty, integrity, and a robust work ethic, Michael ensures that each delivery reflects our core values. Rest assured; all goods transported through Up North are fully insured for your peace of mind.
We understand the importance of accessibility in today’s fast-paced world. That’s why arranging a collection or delivery with us is just a text away!
You can reach us easily via WhatsApp, making it simple to communicate your needs and schedule a timely service.
Mellor Brook & District Community Centre
Whalley Road, Mellor Brook, BB2 7PR
The Community Centre is the perfect venue for a variety of events such as private functions, children’s parties, conferences and meetings. It offers excellent amenities including a fully equipped kitchen, conference room set-up, Wi-Fi and IT facilities, PA system and a brand new state of the art lighting rig. With excellent transport links, it’s situated in a rural yet central location within the heart of the Ribble Valley.
Hire costs per hour for one off bookings: £20 Main Hall, £15 Front Room, £15 Foyer, £15 Upstairs Room, £5 Kitchen. Regular weekly/fortnightly bookings: commercial organisations receive a one third discount and charitable organisations receive a two thirds discount off the standard hire rate.
Regular groups and upcoming events: Monday – Pilates, Women’s Institute Craft Sessions (last Monday of the month). Tuesday – Palatine Fiddlers, Cheryl’s Dance Studios (term-time), Women’s Institute. Thursday – Little Voices BDRV (term-time), Community Ukulele. Friday – Cheryl’s Dance Studios (term-time). Saturday - The Zimmermen (Dylan tribute) 24th May. Sunday – Film Club 27th April, King Lear (reimagined) Spot On Rural Touring 6th April, “Things Found in Books” Boo Hewerdine & Yvonne Lyon in concert 6th July.
Check out the website www. mellorbrook.org, Facebook and Twitter @MellorBrook for news and forthcoming events. Tel: 07436 271153, email: rachael@mellorbrook.org.
What’s On IN YOUR AREA
Lambing
Live!
@ Mrs Dowsons Farm Park
Flower Power Potting at the Castle
Clitheroe Castle Museum, Clitheroe 12 April 2025, Open 11:00 - 15:00
Create your own flower explosion to celebrate summer with help from our gardener Matt. Carefully fill up the plant pot with compost, plant your seeds, whisper some magic words if you wish, water them in and then decorate and label your wooden stake.
Bollywood Time Machine
Darwen Library Theatre, 11 April 2025, 19:30
Step into the universe of Bollywood Time Machine, where we invite you to embark on a journey through the dynamic decades!
Clayton Le Dale, Blackburn
Assist our farmers in bottle feeding the orphan lambs and goats every weekend, school holiday and bank holiday from Sat 8th March to Sun 19th May 2025. At Mrs Dowson’s Farm Park they are passionate about giving their visitors the opportunity to see, touch and engage with their friendly farm animals, explore the countryside and experience a real working farm.
Meet the Brewers: Two by Two Brewing
Wednesday 14th May | 6:30 PM Holmes Mill, Clitheroe
Tickets £17.50 – including 5 tasters & Beer Hall nibbles buffet
Join us for another fantastic Meet the Brewers evening, this time with the talented team from Two by Two Brewing! Known for their bold, creative beers, Two by Two will be bringing a lineup of exciting brews for you to sample. Enjoy five expertly crafted tasters, hear from the brewers themselves, and tuck into a delicious Beer Hall buffet—all in the lively atmosphere of Holmes Mill.
Blu Interiors specialises in bespoke interior finishes across the Ribble Valley and Craven
Regardless of the size of the project, we guarantee a stress-free and timely completion.
Our team of specialist contractors is available around the clock, ensuring that your work is done efficiently and promptly.
A Big Egg
The Lowther Pavilion Theatre & Gardens, Lytham St Annes 18 April 2025, 14:30
Based on the book by Steven Lee and performed with a magical mixture of live action, animation and puppetry.
Easter EGGstravaganza
Clitheroe Castle
19 April 2025, 10:00 - 15:30
Meet at castle grounds entrance to collect your trail map. Clues will direct you around the castle to find eggs.
Farmers’ Market
Houghton Tower, Preston 20 April 2025, 10:00 - 14:00
Explore the finest produce Lancashire has to offer in the grounds of the historic, iconic Hoghton Tower.
Longton Country Market
3 May 2025, 10:00 - 12:00
First Saturday of each month (MarDec). Book a free mini make in willow weaving, water colour and more.
The Mytton Fold Easter Egg Hunt
Langho, Blackburn, 19 April 2025
Join some Easter fun for the whole family, with a scavenger style Easter egg hunt across the Mytton Fold grounds, with two time slots available to book.
What’s On IN YOUR AREA
Ribble Valley Jazz and Blues Festival
Clitheroe
2 May - 5 May 2025
An annual music festival in Clitheroe with over 50 live music gigs, with most of them free, across 25 venues.
The Preston Weekender
Preston
3 May - 4 May 2025, 18:30 - 22:30
Global superstar Pete Tong, and one of the UK’s biggest bands of the 90s, Embrace, are to headline this year’s Preston Weekender.
Easter Fun Day
Samlesbury Hall, Samlesbury 20 April 2025, 11:00 - 16:00
Hop in to Samlesbury Hall this Easter Sunday for a day of family fun, delicious treats and exciting activities.
Silent Disco
Hoghton Tower, Preston 26 Apr 2025, 20:00 - 23:00
This stunning historic venue will transform into a lively, energetic dance floor under the stars.
Chorley Family Run
4 May 2025, 09:30 - 13:00
Lace up those running shoes as the Chorley 10k and 2K Family Race returns.
Arts and Craft Fair
St Paul’s Church, Low Moor, Clitheroe 26 April 2025, 11:00 - 15:00
A chance to support local people in your community with local made products, from food to craft to art.
Spot the Pigeon Competition
Our Pigeon is hiding in this issue! Find him and you could in with a chance of winning a £30 gift Card for Mrs Dowsons Farm Park! Gift card can be used to book any of Mrs Dowsons experiences offered online.
For your chance of winning please email us with the page number and where the pigeon is hiding or send a picture to carrierpigeoncomp@gmail.com . Winner picked at random (T&Cs apply)
Sammy Fendall is our winner from Issue 143, correctly locating the pigeon on page 28 in the bird feeder.
About Mrs Dowsons: We are a family-run dairy farm that has diversified into making ice cream, using milk from our own cows that you can see in the green pastures around the park. Our philosophy is to make real honest ice cream, by incorporating real natural ingredients rather than any artificial flavours. Because of this, we are proud to produce a much tastier ice cream that is better for you!
On the farm, we are passionate about giving children (and adults alike) the opportunity to see, touch and even handle, under our handlers supervision, our animals. The park has been built with one special feature in mind – that it is safe and enjoyable for all. After being out on the farm, our cafe allows you to sit back and relax with a coffee, home-made cake or even some of our famous ice cream. The cafe is always fully equipped with a play area for children – as you can see we have everyone in mind!
thecarrierpigeon.co.uk | infocpmag@gmail.com
Squeakers!
Hello Squeakers! Spring time is here and our theme this issue is Easter! Enjoy the maze, the mystery egg hunt and colour the rabbit, then trace the word!
See you next time!
What’s the Easter Bunny’s favourite dance move? The Bunny Hop!
Why is the Easter Bunny such a good listener? He’s all ears!
What do you call a rabbit with fleas? Bugs Bunny!
infocpmag@gmail.com
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.
a professional and friendly chimney sweeping service that is both efficient and mess free
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.
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Targeted to best areas in the Ribble Valley, outskirts of Preston and Blackburn
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