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As we power through 2024 lets all remember to support local ventures, these businesses deserve our support and are vital in our community.
We have fantastic businesses within the magazine and they are local to you so take a look and see what's on offer!
Lets not forget one of the most important time of the year coming up, "Mothers Day" which is on Sunday 10th March. Take a peek at where to shop for Mothers Day.
In this issue: Take a look at what's going on locally within the community in our ‘What's on’ pages.
We have a guide to Farmers Markets for 2024, Charles Murphy talks about times of old, Catherine Finch reviews a book and read our Mother’s Day gift guide.
Winner of Issue 136 Spot the Pigeon: Well done Grace Makinson from Clitheroe who has won £25 voucher for Melt Candles, based @ Backridge Farm, Clitheroe.
To book an advertisement or get a quote please contact me on the numbers below or via our email/ website. To advertise: please contact us on: 01254 492088 // 07824553790// infocpmag@gmailcom.
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Why
Last night I saw the sunset over a Lancashire sky, As I watched it descend I had a bite of my pie.
I thought as the juices started to run down my hand,
No doubt this is best pie you could find in the land.
A Lancashire pork pie is the best, to be found anywhere, This may upset some Yorkshire folks, but I don’t care.
As I stood there a thought did come into my mind, Lancashire, is also the best county that you can find.
Now everyone will think their county is the best,
As I stand here with pie in hand, wearing my vest.
There is only one thing left that has to be said, The best county in all the land, is the Rose Red!
I wondered how life would be, To live in a wood as a tree.
Tall and majestic I would stand, And be the tallest in the land.
I could merrily dance some jigs, Wind blowing my top most twigs.
With being so tall perchance, I could see all the way to France.
I would be an evergreen tree, So in the winter folk would see.
How I am the tallest in the land, Here in the wood. In this England. But in time a woodsman may decide, Because I am so tall and do not hide.
To come to the forest without a frown, Take his sharp axe and chop me down.
Spring is now on its way at last, Hopefully gone winters cold blast.
Pop outside the weather to test, If good, discard the thermal vest.
We should be thinking of spring sun,
Looking forward to having summer fun.
Sat in the sunshine will be just fine,
Especially with a good bottle of wine.
looking forward to summer heat, To just wearing sandals on our feet.
Sat in the garden without a care, Good food and dink with friends to share.
Christmas – over a month ago, now. So what gifts will keep you going throughout the year?
I have twelve, twelve books all wrapped in brown paper, one for each month of the year. I can choose which to start first, which to add to my summer reading, which to curl up with next December. The only clue I have as to what’s inside the pages is the first paragraph written out by hand on the front cover. What a thoughtful present for an avid reader like myself.
It was a hard choice for January. I went for a medium sized book with this opening paragraph which drew me in with such a beautiful description.
‘On Ko Pha Ngan island, the full moon sinks into the horizon where the sky meets the sea. Soon it will be nautical twilight. Glittery stars shine in the deep dark, helping old Thai sailors navigate their way home.’
There’s a hint of romance, history, a suggestion of an exotic setting to take the reader away from a wet, windy January in Lancashire. I wasn’t expecting the title that greeted me when I peeled away the brown paper...
But I was in no way disappointed. The story begins in Thailand, where the main character was born, but quickly moves to Venice.
I am only a few chapters in and already intrigued by a bundle of mysterious letters and hoping for a good plot set against the background of a place I would love to visit.
I’ll let you know how I go on with
the book, and what I decide to open next.
Please get in touch if you have read any novels which you enjoyed enough to share and we can feature your choices in a later edition of Carrier Pigeon.
Catherine Finch catherinesfinch@hotmail.com www.chaffinchbooks.co.ukMaths is an important life skill and crops up every day in bills, shopping, wages, homework, budgeting, banking and even cooking!
At Preston College we understand that not everyone has had a positive relationship with maths - that’s why our team of friendly and supportive tutors have designed a range of FREE informal taster sessions to help you build your maths confidence.
Each session lasts for 90 minutes and will help you develop your maths skills through practical hands-on learning.
Plus, you’ll receive a FREE maths kit and scientific calculator for registering, which you’ll get at your first session.*
To see the full list of sessions available scan the QR code, or visit; www.preston.ac.uk/mathsme
*Please note: Free maths kits are limited to one per learner, irrespective of the number of sessions registered for. These taster sessions are only available to those 19+.
Preston College
St Vincent’s Road
Preston
PR2 8UR
W www.preston.ac.uk
T 01772 225522
E info@preston.ac.uk
/prestoncollege
... crack hurricanoes spout. Good afternoon , and a warm welcome from a windswept Penwortham. It seems that 2024 has certainly swept in behind a series of violent storms, creating chaos throughout Blackburn and the Ribble Valley. As far as I can remember, such natural chaos been realised only on a few occasions in my lifetime, but I can recall the terrible floods a few years ago which had such a traumatic effect on many of my friends in the Ribble Valley.
Speaking of storms reminds me of a particular incident which profoundly affected the Murphy family some years ago. We were on holiday in Porec, a resort in the north of Croatia. After an enjoyable day on the glorious beach, we were walking back to our hotel for our evening meal.
Suddenly, almost without warning, the heavens opened and we were caught in the enthralls of a topical storm. Within seconds, we were soaked to the skin, desperately trying to find some kind of shelter. My son spotted a local residence with an overhanging type of canopy and we huddled together for shelter. To our surprise, even shock, the door opened and there stood an elderly gentleman, string vest and all. Immediately, he welcomed us into his house , and in our somewhat broken English, we learned that he had been a Partisan in the Second World War, fighting the occupied German forces with some help from the British. After a warm drink of coffee, and biscuits and drinks for the children, out came a bottle of the local Brandy, and a very enjoyable few hours were spent in his company.
I do wonder if such a thing would happen in our country today?
As a member of the ‘chronologically challenged’ section of the community - don’t you love politically correct gobbledygook - growing old has meant that we often complain and wish for a return to the ‘good old days’. Have we forgotten Rickets, Polio, Head Lice and the rest. I can still see children returning from visits to the ‘Nit Nurse’, heads decorated in blue gentian dyes. The recent rise in cases of measles is
an immediate reminder of those days, and a gentle nudge to ensure the health and safety of our children. But, at the same time, we can sense that there is a deterioration in those standards which define us as human beings.
The senseless killings of young people like Bryanna Ghey seem to cast a dark shadow on our perspectives on life. Knife crimes, bullying, social media trolls and my own favourite dislike, electric bikes and scooters careering around our streets, seem to add to that state of depression which surrounds us today.
Emerging from the snow, the storms and the floods is a challenge for everyone. A real ray of sunshine reported on television this week is the story of the old lady who was living in a house dreadfully affected by damp. Due to the kindness of an amazing group of people, her home has been rebuilt, and she can now spend her remaining days in the relative comfort of clean and dry surroundings. Sadly, such acts of kindness seem to belong in the past. Living as a child in a terraced house in Bolton, there always appeared to be a sense of community. Running across the street to ‘borrow’ a cup of sugar, or giving some bread or margarine to a neighbour was a common occurrence. Looking after children until mum or dad finished their shift in the local cotton mills was an everyday fact of life. Even doing the shopping for an old
lady who lived on the corner of our street because she was crippled with arthritis was something we did without question.
Would this happen today?
As a committed Catholic, I often go to church to sit in empty pews, noticing especially the absence of young people. As a child, even though my stepfather was not a church going person, we were made to go to church every Sunday. I am sure that charities did exist in my childhood days, but I cannot remember’ Food Banks’ for the working people in my neighbourhood.
Every Thursday morning, four friends and I join the ‘Last of the Summer Wine’ Set, and we put the world to right. We often remind ourselves that the world is not all doom and gloom. Last week, my very good friend celebrated his 84th birthday and appears to be in excellent health. Perhaps in my childhood , this would have been rare indeed.
Maybe we should put on our rose tinted spectacles and enjoy the gifts we have. Ask about your neighbours – TALK TO THEM! - please do not send text messages and, you never know, Easter might be a time for celebrations.
God bless all of you,
CharlesHomeware,
Loom
thecarrierpigeon.co.uk
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: www.lancashirehouseclearances.co.uk
e: info@lancashirehouseclearances.co.uk
Holker Mill, Off Burnley Road, Colne, BB8 8EG
What could be nicer on a cold winter’s day than a dessert of comfort food that is nourishing and delightful to eat!
So, pastry first...
1. In a large bowl sift the flour, add the salt and the butter pats. Rub until the mixture looks like fine breadcrumbs and then gradually add the water until it forms a dough.
2. Preheat the oven to 190C, 375F, Gas Mark 5
3. On a floured board , roll out the pastry dough in a shape to line the base and sides of a 9”diameter
For the 6ozs of shortcrust pastry:
6ozs Plain flour
3ozs chilled butter, cut into small pats
2 -3 tablespoons of water Pinch of salt
For the custard filling:
1 pint of milk
4 large eggs
3 – 4 tablespoons caster sugar
Ground nutmeg
flan or quiche dish which will need to be greased well. Transfer the rolled pastry into your dish and press into the sides well. Fork all over and then bake blind for 20 minutes.
4. Whilst this is cooking, heat the milk in a saucepan over a low heat, don’t allow to boil.
5. Whisk the eggs and sugar until they resemble a lovely pale colour, then add the milk gradually.
6. Remove the pastry from the oven when ready and reduce the temperature to 180C, 350F, Gas Mark 4.
7. Fill the case with the custard mixture, sprinkle with nutmeg and then bake for 30 minutes until set.
8. Remove from the oven and serve hot or cold. Delicious on its own but cream, ice cream and fruit can always be accompanied if desired. Enjoy, simple but satisfying!
Saturday 11 May 2024
The Grand, 18 York St, Clitheroe, BB7 2DL
Doors Open: 19.00
Layout: Standing
Tickets: £20.00
Age Restriction: 14+ (14-17 year olds must be accompanied by adult)
Winners of the ‘Best Bowie Tribute’ and ‘Best Band’ in the UK at the Agents Association of Great Britain Awards.
www.thegrandvenue.co.uk
Sunday 24 March, 2024
Empire Theatre, Aqueduct Rd, Blackburn BB2 4HT
Disney’s High School Musical JR centres on the blossoming relationship between Troy, a high school jock, and Gabriella, the new smart girl at school. They meet on a family vacation and become attracted to each other while singing in a karaoke competition. Rediscovering each other at school, their relationship and their surprise decision to audition together for the school show are thwarted by the school’s current leading lady, Sharpay, and Troy and Gabriella’s well-meaning friends.
www.blackburnempire.com
thecarrierpigeon.co.uk | infocpmag@gmail.com
Thu 11 Apr 2024 / 12:30pm & 3:30pm
King Georges Hall
Northgate, Blackburn, BB2 1AA
Brand new for 2024! Norman wants to go on an adventure to impress his friends, so when two famous animal explorers arrive in Pontypandy, he decides to follow them into the mountains. But when Norman discovers a rare red squirrel, one of the explorers decides to take the glory for themselves, leaving Norman stranded in a cave. Now it’s up to Fireman Sam to save the day!
Box Office: 01254 582579
“Progressive
“A
“Thank
“Very
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Come along to Mrs Dowsons Farm Park from Saturday 9th of March to assist our farmers in bottle feeding our orphan lambs and goats!
Tickets include lamb feeding, explore the farm, access to the indoor play area, plus much more.
Where: Mrs Dowsons Farm Park, Blackburn
When: 9 Mar 2024 to 19 May 2024
Open 10:00 - 17:00
Fun packed day with stalls, egg hunt, egg & spoon races (in aid of Derian House) and entertainment
Where: Heskin Hall, Heskin
When: 31 Mar 2024, 11:00 - 16:00
Join us for a fun filled big top themed Easter Show.
Clown Silly Billy and Ringmaster Barry Barnum guide you through a show featuring lots of laughs, songs and energetic dance routines.
Where: North Pier Theatre, Blackpool
When: 31 Mar 2024 Open 14:0017:00
Ride the trains, meet the Easter Bunny & join in our Grand Easter Egg Hunt! Two engines in steam, plus traditional games, free competition with Easter prizes, children's fairground ride & our famous tearoom. Don't forget we are also open as normal.
Where: West Lancashire Light Railway, Hesketh Bank
When: 31 Mar 2024 Open 11:3016:30
Teach Rex LIVE - Velociraptors Family
Teach Rex uses life-like dinosaurs to perform their 1-hour show, teaching children about the anatomy and life of one the most mesmerizing creatures that have ever roamed our planet.
Where: Thwaites Empire Theatre Ewood, Blackburn
When: 2 Apr 2024
As 2023 came to a close, Ribble Valley-based Renovo Dental was named as Best Practice of the Year North West at the national Dentistry Awards and Best Referral Practice North at the Private Dentistry Awards in London
The specialist team at private dental clinic Renovo Dental were celebrating recently after winning two major accolades.
At a prestigious black tie dinner Renovo was named Best Practice of the Year North West at the national Dentistry Awards 2023 while at a glittering ceremony at Grosvenor House in Mayfair, London, Renovo was crowned Best Referral Practice 2023 North at
the esteemed Private Dentistry Awards.
Delighted with the two awards, Dr Usman Riaz, Renovo’s clinical director, says: “At the Private Dentistry Awards there were just two Best Referral Practice winners – north and south – so to win is just fantastic!
“At the national Dentistry Awards we were up against some of the best practices in cities such as Manchester and Liverpool, so to become a finalist and then to win was amazing.
“Both these awards are for the whole team and our patients. We are all extremely proud as it’s a great achievement,” says Usman, who is joined by six dental clinicians at Renovo as well as a team of support staff and dental nurses.
WE HAVE INVESTED IN A SKILLED TEAM AND SUPPORT THEM WITH THE LATEST DENTAL TECHNOLOGY
“It is testament to the dedication and passion of our super-talented team members, who consistently go above and beyond, ensuring every patient experience is exceptional.
“We had two wonderful evenings celebrating with some of the best dental clinics that the country has to offer. Congratulations to all the finalists and award winners.’’
The strict criteria that judges use in selecting the very best in the region, include the individual skillset of all the team, patient case presentation, the innovative technology available at each individual practice and, of course, patient experience.
“The judges look at the facilities and the quality of the work carried out across the board,” says Usman.
WE LOVE WHAT WE DO AND WE HAVE COME TOGETHER WITH A VISION TO ACHIEVE EXCELLENCE AND I THINK THESE LATEST AWARDS REFLECTS THIS
“They are from the dental industry – our peers, who are all experts. It’s a very vigorous process but at Renovo we all work hard and to a very high standard, so to be recognised as the best of the best means a lot to us!
“It’s a dream to achieve these accolades so early in our journey. A heartfelt thank-you to our amazing patients who have been with us since opening less than three years ago –your support and motivation drives us to be the best. This achievement would not have been possible without all of you. We are only as good as our patients. We’ll continue pushing our limits to make you proud!’’
specialists, it’s about our patients, changing mindsets and attitudes surrounding dentistry.
“We love what we do and we have come together with a vision to achieve excellence and we feel these latest awards reflect this.” n
The state-of-the-art surgery at Pendle House in Chatburn, features world-leading, digital technology: “We have invested in a skilled team and support them with the latest dental technology that means patients not only receive the highest standard of care, but treatments are faster, more comfortable and more convenient than ever,” adds Usman.
Receiving referrals from other dentists
specialists.
From gum disease to preventing tooth loss, dental implants and bone regeneration to first class cosmetic dentistry, the team at Renovo Dental are committed to offering gold-standard, minimally invasive treatments to patients: “This is bespoke dentistry,” says Usman. “Everybody here has a specialism that they have worked very hard to achieve.
“We are all passionate about what we do and we are all very dedicated. But, Renovo is much bigger than a group of individual
Pendle
Clitheroe Road Chatburn BB7 4JY 01200 441000 hello@renovodental.co.uk renovodental.co.uk
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: £15 Main Hall, £13 Front Room, £13 Upstairs Room, £4 Kitchen. Regular weekly bookings: commercial organisations receive a one third discount and charitable organisations receive a two thirds discount off the standard hire rate.
Regular groups: Monday – Toddlers (term-time), Brownies (term-time), Pilates. Tuesday – Palatine Fiddlers, Cheryl’s Dance Studios (term-time), Women’s Institute. Wednesday – Beavers (term-time). Thursday – Little Voices BDRV (term-time), Community Ukulele. Friday – Cheryl’s Dance Studios (termtime), Public Christian Meetings. Sunday – Film Club 25th February.
We continue in adhering to Covid 19 guidelines as issued by the government and Ribble Valley Halls Association.
Check out www.mellorbrook.org, Facebook and Twitter @MellorBrook for news and events. Tel: 07436 271153, email: rachael@mellorbrook.org
Preston Folk Dance Club
Meet most Mondays 7.30pm to 9.45pm at Galloway Hall, Brackenbury Road, Preston, PR2 3BS. £3 - 1st session free.
See website or contact Lynn on 01772 785362 for more info.
Pram Walk at Brockholes Nature Reserve
Guided Walk in Samlesbury, Preston
A brisk one hour walk around the nature reserve on pram friendly paths. A great way to get out in the fresh air.
15 Feb 2024 Open 10:15 - 11:15
22 Feb 2024 Open 10:15 - 11:15
29 Feb 2024 Open 10:15 - 11:15
Preston Caribbean Carnival Golden Anniversary Weekend
Save the Dates! 25th-26th May 2024
thecarrierpigeon.co.uk | infocpmag@gmail.com
Madagascar - The Musical
Theatre Show at Opera House & Winter Gardens, Blackpool
Join all of your favourite crack-a-lackin’ friends as they escape from their home in New York’s Central Park Zoo and find themselves on an unexpected journey to the madcap world of King Julien’s Madagascar.
21 Feb 2024 Open 18:00
22 Feb 2024 Open 11:00
22 Feb 2024 Open 18:00
23 Feb 2024 Open 18:00
24 Feb 2024 Open 11:00
24 Feb 2024Open 18:00
Sing-a-long Matilda
Theatre Show at Burnley Mechanics Theatre, Burnley
Calling all revolting children and their parents – come and be a little a bit naughty at Sing-a-Long-a Matilda the Musical From the producers of Singalonga Sound of Music and Singalonga Frozen.
17 Feb 2024 Open 13:00 - 15:30
Grimsargh Farmers Market
Saturday 17 February and Saturday 16th March (both 9am-1pm)
All the usual great selection of meats, cheeses, pies, cakes, jams, crafts, plants and lots more. Alongside is the ever-popular market cafe, where the lovely lasses will serve you piping hot paninis and toasties, a selection of Janet's cakes, fresh coffee, mugs of tea, cold drinks.
Houghton Farmers Market
Gates open at 10am - last entry 1.30pm
Explore the finest produce Lancashire has to offer, from traditional pies and cheese to delicious fresh farm reared meat. Choose from a mouth-watering selection of cakes and brownies, treat yourself to a coffee, and even pick up some local gin for later!
Sunday 18th February 2024
Sunday 17th March 2024
Sunday 21st April 2024
Sunday 19th May 2024
Sunday 16th June 2024
Sunday 21st July 2024
Sunday 18th August 2024
Sunday 15th September 2024
Sunday 20th October 2024
Sunday 17th November 2024
Sunday 15th December 2024
thecarrierpigeon.co.uk
Clitheroe Market
Clitheroe Market is open on the following days:
Tuesday 9.00am - 4.00pm
Thursday 9.00am - 4.00pm
Saturday 9.00am - 4.00pm
Brockhall Nature Reserve have the following Artisan Markets planned:
2nd & 3rd March
3rd & 4th August
5th & 6th October
23rd & 24th November
29th, 30th November & 1st December
6th, 7th & 8th December
13th, 14th & 15th December
Penwortham Farmers Market
About Penwortham Farmers Market 1st Saturday of every month
St Teresa’s Parish Centre, 34 Queensway, Penwortham, PR1 0DS
Longton Country Market Farmers Market
We're a community organisation that produces and sells food and crafts. The first Saturday of each month between April and December
6 Apr 2024 Open 10:00 - 12:00
4 May 2024 Open 10:00 - 12:00
Clitheroe Market
Whalley, Clitheroe BB7 9YE.
We offer a fabulous array of preloved furniture, salvage, rural bygones and much more.
Sustainable choice.
t: 01200 871081 m: 07598 878498
www.theoldcoachhouseantiques.co.uk
Dear Homeowner
We would like welcome you to premises
• Easy parking
• Hassle free viewing
• Helping the Ribble Valley Environment
• Full, part house clearance
• Probate, commercial & private considered.
Open Mon- Sat 9.30am - 5.00pm
find us on social media
The Old Coach House Antiques has relocated to 26 Mitton Business Park, Mitton Rd, Whalley, Clitheroe, BB7 9YE
The Old Coach House Antiques has relocated to 26 Mitton Business Park, Mitton Rd, Whalley, Clitheroe BB7 9YE.
We offer a fabulous array of preloved furniture, salvage, rural bygones and much more.
We offer a fabulous array of preloved furniture, salvage, rural bygones and much more.
Sustainable choice.
Sustainable choice.
t: 01200 871081
t: 01200 871081 m: 07598 878498
m: 07598 878498
www.theoldcoachhouseantiques.co.uk
www.theoldcoachhouseantiques.co.uk
Dear Homeowner
We would like welcome you to our new premises
• Easy parking
• Hassle free viewing
• Helping the Ribble Valley Environment
• Full, part house clearance
• Probate, commercial & private estates considered.
Open Mon- Sat 9.30am - 5.00pm
find us on social media
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soil, assuring that we are not far off that wonderful time of year.
As we look forward to the start of the gardening calendar, use this valuable time to relax, plan your garden designs, new projects and perhaps, a new challenge with some new seeds/plants! Mine is going to be a new herb garden!
Spring should be upon us by midMarch, hopefully, with lots of sun to encourage us back to our plots. The best time to start the big ’Spring Clean’ in the garden is when the temperature is consistently at 10C.
If the weather is kind in February, this is an ideal time to clean the pots, greenhouses, service the gardening tools and don’t forget a good scrub of the watering cans to prevent fungal disease!
Then as we prepare the garden for Spring, the big ‘clean up’ begins. Getting the preparation work in as early as possible will reap rewards later and as Easter is early this year, make use of any available opportunity.
So, adorned with warm clothing and gloves, our main tasks begin-
1. Prune any roses that still need attention.
2. Clear dead leaves and stalks.
3. Trim the clematis, hydrangeas, buddleia, winter flowering heathers, a general TLC! Uplift any woody shrubs and plant with new.
4. Hoe and mulch weeds to keep them under control early. Add fresh top soil.
5. Lift and divide overgrown clumps of perennials.
6. Clean and top dress the containers with fresh compost.
7. As the grass will be waking up, mow the lawn on suitable dry days.
and borders. Such a delight to pot up spring hanging baskets after the dark winter.
11. Don’t forget as the soil warms up, protect the new spring shoots on the hostas, lupins and delphiniums from the hungry slugs. For wildlife friendly preparations, use organic slug repellants, try beer traps, a circle of sharp grit or broken egg shells work well. Also, copper rings around tubs are effective.
12. Sow seeds of all your favourite bedding plants. Otherwise, think of buying plug plants and seedlings from your local plantsman to grow and nurture.
8. Check and repair all garden furniture, also, pergolas, arbours and arches. Check plant supports.
9. With the pressure washer to hand, clean paths and patios, refresh stones and pebbles in decorative areas.
10. Visit your local garden centre for primulas, polyanthus, tete-atete, snowdrops, ferns and miniature tulips, etc for some instant colour and extra interest in your tubs
As always, don’t forget our wildlife friends. Keep the bird seed flowing, I am making tree hanging feeders at present.
Use the cardboard inside of a toilet roll, spread with peanut butter and roll on seeds. Hang with string and watch them devour!
Fat balls are also a winner to peck on along with fresh water to keep them hydrated although this last month will have probably not been a problem! Visiting hedgehogs will also be very grateful of hedgehog food and a house to protect them.
Happy Gardening Days!!
Vancouver, a bustling west coast seaport in British Columbia, is among Canada's densest, most ethnically diverse cities. A popular filming location, it's surrounded by mountains, and also has thriving art, theatre and music scenes.
With imposing mountain ranges to the north and the Pacific Ocean nuzzling the coast to the west, Vancouver is a nature enthusiast's nirvana. Yet it's not all about hiking through bear country; the city boasts a thriving creative community and an ever-evolving start-up scene.
As Canada's third most populated city, Vancouver is an amalgamation of sprawling neighboorhoods that are as diverse as they are distinct. There's a world of difference between Downtown and Mount Pleasant, Kitsilano and East Van - and each pocket has its own draw, with local coffee shops, cafes and craft breweries in abundance. Vancouerites may refer to it as 'Blandcouver' or 'No Fun City' and, in terms of hotels, its often easy to agree. You will, however, have your pick nof lofts, artist's studios and laneway houses on AirBnB, Afterall, the best way to immerse yourself in a city is by living in it.
Take either a water taxi or a BC ferry just miles off the West Coast to Bowen Island. Lucky travellers may spot areas, sea lions and eagles during the half hour transit. If you’re up for the challenge, a three hour hike will take you round Lake Killarney, ending at Artisanal Square for a refuel.
With glorious views across the city and a gondola ride down through the trees, it’s no surprise that Grouse Mountain is loved by locals and tourists alike. It’s three kilometre trail, Grouse Grind elevates hikers some 2,800 feet. The climb can be treacherous in wet weather, so gear up and carry plenty of water and energy bars for that last push to the mountains summit.
Granville Island is a peninsula and shopping district in Vancouver. It is located across False Creek from Downtown Vancouver under the south end of the Granville Street Bridge. The peninsula was once an industrial manufacturing area, but today it is a hotspot for Vancouver tourism and entertainment. Some Vancouver based tour companies, such as Discover Vancouver Tours and Vancity Tours, offer stops at Granville Island. The area was named after Granville Leveson-Gower, 2nd Earl Granville.
Find him and you could in with a chance of winning a £25 voucher for The Old Coach House Antiques - the very best range of antiques, vintage, garden furniture and salvage based locally in Whalley! (26 Mitton Business Park, Mitton Rd, Whalley, Clitheroe, BB7 9YE)
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)
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Hello Squeakers!
Here we are back again, hope you are all enjoying nursery, pre school and the new school term!
This edition features ‘whales’, the world’s biggest mammal. Enjoy the puzzles and colouring.
See you next time.
Years of experience, professionalism and competitive prices are the reasons why Broughton Roofing have developed into a trusted, reliable company across Lancashire.
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.
Across
1 the first month of spring
6 instructor
7 support for plants
8 word used to indicate negation
10 two
12 Land -----
13 plant of the heath family
16 before
17 South African Political Party (1.1.1.)
19 disorder
20 methodically arranged 21 something special
Crossword Answers Issue 136
2 Italian liqueur
3 to bring to an end
4 Island in the County of New York State
5 Hey -----
9 request
11 referring to a town or city
14 musical instrument
15 Capital of Australia
16 keep watch
18 Girl’s name
Across: 1 noel, 3 activate, 9 nostril, 10 Chief, 11 ore, 12 noter, 13 oared, 15 Incas, 17 remit, 18 Arc, 19 Idaho, 20 canteen, 21 treasure, 22 sage.
Down: 1 Nonconformist, 2 Elsie, 4 collar, 5 incandescent, 6 aviator, 7 effervescence, 8 prepositions, 14 compare, 16 concur, 18 arena
Find all the words in our FABRIC themed Wordsearch
ANGOLA BOUCLE BUCKSKIN
CALICO COTTON
CREPE GAUZE KHAKI
LACE LINEN
LISLE MERINO PLAID PVC RAYON SACKCLOTH
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SATEEN SERGE
SILK
SUEDE VOILE WOOL