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Fabulous Febland Interiors Meet Councillor Don Clapham William Wordsworth in a new light Lord Tom McNally talks social economic change The latest product creation from Davenport Original The adventures of the Fylde Ramblers Cheshire steamship project Cover image by Febland Group Ltd • www.febland.co.uk

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FUNKY FEMININE & VERSATILE Collections include: Marc Cain D.Exterior Temperley London Hale Bob Ramy Brook Melissa Odabash Forever Unique Elie Tahari Tory Burch Kobi Halperin Roland Mouret Fabiana Filippi Le Tricot Perugia Bella Dahl and many more

50A HIGH STREET, TARPORLEY, CHESHIRE, CW6 0AG Phone: 01829 733251 Email: info@sibelle.co.uk Vist www.sibelle.co.uk and sign up for blogs, news and offers Like our facebook page www.facebook.com/si.belle.torporley for updates and titbits Opening hours: Tuesday â€“ Saturday 10:00 - 17:30. Other times by appointment. Closed Mondays.

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CONTENTS 110

PLACES 24 Levens 66 Ribchester 102 Nelson

FEATURES

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8 12 16 20 22 30 36 40 42 48 52 56 58 60 65 74 76 92 98 110 116 118 126 130 132 140 142 152 165 180 186 192 198 202

Fylde Ramblers Fit, Fun & Forty Macclesfield man fighting to save species Cosy home office Woman of the year Cheshire Steamship project Lancashire’s recovery New kids on the heath Support the NHS without sky lanterns Latest product from Davenport Original Royal Maunday Money William Wordsworth Wray Castle Blackpool Corona Kindness Blackpool music run Preserving our water The band ‘Queen’ Bewildwerwood Cheshire Huntsman John Peel Penny Farm horses ELR at risk after theft Capturing Carbon Lord McNally on social change How to stay safe online Manchester’s colour run Self isolation survival guide British pie awards Keeping entertained during lockdown Councillor Don Clapham Funeral Punks 7 tips for pregnant women during lockdown Healthy eating during lockdown Stephen Roberts, author & historian Midge bites are worth it Letting tradesmen in during lockdown

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June 2020 Volume 43 Number 6

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CONTENTS continued...

REGULARS 64 71 72 138 145 160 166 176 179 180 198 206 210

Books Peter Rutt Short Story Winner Professionals Aiming Higher Around the Region Colour Me Beautiful Moo Style The Life Of Di Nelly’s Blog Wildlife Horoscope Business Index

COMPETITIONS&PROMOTIONS 121 Show Us Your Pets Email in your photos of your beloved animals.

Last months winners

Crossword - Mr. J. Hammond, Ashton-U-Lyne Wordsearch - C. Norris, Coppull, Lancashire. Short Story - John Milligan

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Our Great Outdoors Revealed

COVER: Febland Interiors

Cover image by Febland Group Ltd • www.febland.co.uk

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In this issue...

Above: Levens Hall, the Elizabethan mansion and family home of the Bagots (author – Dave Green, source – www.geograph.org.uk ).

s we go to press coronavirus is dominating the world and the news as we all seek certainties which don’t exist – at least for now. We don’t speculate about Covid 19 but aim to help you, in the words of the song, to ‘Keep smiling through.’ Our June edition enables you to read about people, places and stories and stay safe while you can’t get out to do the real thing. Our stories include the life story of William Wordsworth who was born in what was Cumberland in 1770 and became one of England greatest romantic poets. John Peel was also born in Cumberland but six years later and became a legend for very different reasons: he lived his life of 78 years to the full. He is remembered to this day and the music to his song – D’ye ken John Peel – is the regimental quick march of our very own Duke of Lancaster’s Regiment. Queen Elizabeth

II was born 150 years after John Peel which makes Her Majesty 94 so that was the number of coins presented as Maundy Money before Easter to people over 70 who have given outstanding Christian service including many from dioceses in the north west. Read about how the ceremony changed this year because of Covid 19 but was not defeated by it. We include things historical as well as people. Wray Castle on the shores of Lake Windermere was built in 1840 but epitomises the middle ages and has fulfilled many roles since. It is a fascinating story. The East Lancashire Railway was built by the company of that name and opened in 1846 but closed in 1980. After sterling work by volunteers it re-opened as a 12½ mile long heritage steam railway in 1987 but has suffered great misfortune recently. Read about how you could help. Another heritage project is the

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preservation of the steamship Daniel Adamson which was built in 1903. It brings the Weaver Navigation to life but we relay the old, old story: use it or lose it. Andrew Harris brings the great outdoors indoors for all our readers ‘confined to barracks.’ He reports on arguably the top ten diverse and accessible locations from around our region and the Isle of Man with spectacular pictures backed up by a brief story about each of them. Stephen Roberts takes us on guided tours of Ribchester, Nelson and – unusually - a village. Read about Levens near Kendal which combines history, an Elizabethan Hall and beautiful gardens.

Keep well and stay safe. We’ll bring you more next month. www.lancmag.com

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Fylde Ramblers 1980 - 2020 Celebrating being fit, fun and forty

TOP LEFT: Committee members, Jeanette & Jim Carr, are central in planning Fylde Ramblers 40th anniversary programme (whenever that might be!) This was a moderate walk from Belmont & Anglezarke, October 2013 TOP RIGHT: September 2005. Friends Past and Present. A typical Wednesday morning gathering, to walk a leisurely five miles or so, then enjoy a pub lunch

ow many plans have been thwarted as the reality of global infection has bitten? Indoors, outdoors, travel, socialising and ordinary life as we knew it is now so different. This summer is the fortieth birthday of Fylde Ramblers, who have organised rambling activities regularly for four decades, ironically never before having had to suspend operations, apart from the occasional cancellation of a walk due to bad weather. In the twelve months preceding this closure, the club completed 154 walks covering 1,200 miles. Worth celebrating! Beginnings: “I think we’re going to need a Steering Committee” The parent organisation, the Ramblers Association, was officially created on January 1. 1935 with its head office in Liverpool (1938) later

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with offices in London, Edinburgh and Cardiff. July 1980 saw the inaugural meeting of Fylde Ramblers, previously a joint venture with Preston group, and at this time boundaries were being reshaped and more local groups being formed. As a whole, Britain was undergoing unprecedented political and social change, the 1980’s becoming known as ‘the Greed Decade’ with Thatcherism, privatisation of British Aerospace, yuppies, New Wave and punk music scenes. “Who’s going to start this thing off?” But beyond the flash and fashions of ‘the Greed Decade’, on Lancashire’s Fylde Coast a group of keen walkers was more interested in organising a public meeting in Wesham Council Chambers to sound out public opinion of Ramblers Association members living on the Fylde about the formation www.lancmag.com

of a local group. Enthusiasm was sufficient to move forward with the appointment of a committee and officers, many of whom served for years and who remain legends in the history of the group. Garry Alderson still joins the ‘strenuous’ band of walkers and is proud to be the last founding member still active within the club. Garry held the role of Chair from 1985 to 2015, when Robb Radford took over the Chair, not only its rich history but also a shining future with a comprehensive programme of weekly walks. Offering up to four fitness levels, usually on Wednesday and Sunday and in addition, members enjoy the friendship and social aspects, access to a network of clubs and connection to the wider objectives of the Ramblers Association (ramblers.org.uk) “I’ll do it if no one else will”, he said reluctantly www.lancmag.com

Credited with shaping Fylde Ramblers (fylderamblers.org.uk) into the club we know today, Alan and Joan Roy held office for many years. They were universally liked and respected and Alan was the very first secretary from 1980, a ‘people person’, drawing out the best in those around him and, with Joan, they were superb administrators, managing a workload which is currently shared by a committee of a dozen. They held joint presidency from 1995 to 2001. “Wet, mud, wetter, muddier. You’ve got to laugh”. Alan was the innovator of a series of ‘prizes’, some of which remain. The wettest/muddiest/endless stiles prize was not an intentional aim, but to the leader, an achievement! There was also a ‘wooden compass’ award - a comment on navigational skills, maybe? Knowledge of our area, and the surrounding districts, of course, is

imperative, and through the years experienced walkers and new leaders have the opportunity to guide groups, planning the route and all that entails. Local footpaths, stiles, signposting are observed and reported to the local authority to keep thoroughfares clear. Leading embraces random duties such as clearing brambles, providing a spur of the moment detour to avoid blocked terrain, administer first aid and think on your feet, as well as being the one at the front to lead the way. Members have said that they joined the Ramblers Association ‘to have a nice walk’, never expecting to discover a lifelong passion, new challenges and worthwhile achievements. First you walk, then you walk some more, then suddenly you’re hooked and planning bigger and better adventures. A local member of significant age told me, “There’s always a bit of the day when you grumble to yourself and

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Levens Village Words: Stephen Roberts All the best things come in small packages recommends my diminutive wife, Mrs Steve, who measures up at around five foot, but packs a punch. I’ve never felt the need to disagree with her.

he might have been talking about Levens, in South Lakeland, Cumbria, of course, a village of around 450 homes and just over 1,000 souls, although first appearances can often be deceptive. It lies around four miles south of Kendal and has the hefty Levens Hall within its patch: that would be like my beloved having a big mate. There’s also an electoral ward of ‘Levens’, that stretches from Helsington (which includes Sizergh Castle), south to Heversham, which was visited by both William Wordsworth and Sir Winston Churchill, by all accounts.

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Early history includes evidence of settlement from the Bronze Age through to the Vikings, a mention in William the Conqueror’s Domesday Book, as ‘Lefuenes’, and it was also known as ‘Beathwaite Green’ prior to the parish being created in 1836, the year before Victoria came to the throne. Situated between two rivers, the Kent and Gilpin, the parish is renowned for its damson trees, as well as its pasture farming, low fells and woodland. It’s won ‘Best Kept Village’ awards more than once. Levens Hall is a splendid Elizabethan pile, at Levens Bridge on the River Kent. Inside there are plasterwork ceilings, oak chimney-pieces and Spanish leather panelling, whilst outside is the famous topiary, with an agricultural estate extending to 9,500 acres. The topiary gardens were originally designed by Monsieur

Far Left: Levens village, viewed from the west (author – Penny Johnson, source – Own work).

Above: Levens Hall, which is Grade I Listed (author – ‘Jhsteel’, source – Own work).

Levens Hall Gardens.

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Her Majesty at the reception at Ewood Stadium after the Maundy Service in 2014 - Picture Sara Cuff

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Celebrating Lancashire’s Royal Maundy Money Recipients Six older men and women from across Lancashire have received Royal Maundy Money from Her Majesty The Queen.

very year, on Maundy Thursday (the day before Good Friday) Her Majesty usually distributes the special Maundy coins to men and women aged 70 and over in an ancient ceremony to mark their Christian service. They are nominated by their local Church of England Dioceses and can include nominees from other Christian denominations. Due to the coronavirus lockdown, Her Majesty’s usual practice of handing out Maundy Money was sadly cancelled this year. The number of nominees nationally were 94 men and 94 women (the number of each gender always equals Her Majesty’s current age). Six of the nominations were from our Diocese and they have now received their Maundy Money in a special parcel, along with a letter signed personally by Her Majesty.

The parcel contained The Queen’s letter (sharing her regret not to be able to distribute the money personally); a letter from the Lord High Almoner; a history of Royal Maundy service; a white pouch which contained the Maundy money – 94p in newly minted coins, a number which also corresponds to the Sovereign’s age and a red pouch which had two coins in it - a £5 coin commemorating birth of Wordsworth and a commemorative 50p coin. In the letter Her Majesty says: “This ancient Christian ceremony, which reflects Jesus’s instruction to his disciples to love one another, is a call to the service of others; something that has been at the centre of my life. I believe it is a call to service for all of us. “It is one of my most rewarding duties as Sovereign to observe this highly significant ceremony at such an important point in the Christian calendar. “I know that you, as a recipient of this year’s Maundy Gift, will be as deeply disappointed as I am that it is not going ahead, while understanding the necessary decision in the current circumstances. However, this should not mean your invaluable contribution within the community goes unnoticed and I am sending this Maundy Gift to thank you for your Christian service. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your families at this difficult time.” Speaking today Diocesan Bishop, Rt Rev. Julian Henderson said: “I congratulate all the recipients of Maundy Money this year who were nominated from our Diocese. “While it is, of course, sad they were unable to be presented with their Maundy Money in person by The Queen, I am delighted Her Majesty was able to send this wonderful Maundy package including her letter. “The Queen has always conducted her Maundy responsibilities with great devotion and this is a bit of good news during these difficult times as the coronavirus lockdown continues. I warmly congratulate all the recipients and thank them for their service.”

Left: Judith Fitton’s Maunday Money www.lancmag.com

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BeWILDerwood Cheshire open their wonky wooden gates The fabulous family day out opens for the first time on 18th July 2020

arents, grandparents and children of all ages can get their half term off to a soopa start at BeWILDerwood Cheshire, opening for the first time on Saturday 18th July 2020. BeWILDerwood is a fabulous family day out full of fun, imagination and adventure and unlike other attractions, there are no noisy rides, no technology and no junk food. BeWILDerwood Cheshire has been in development for three years as the travelling Twiggles and Boggle builders created their Curious Treehouses, Wobbly Wires (also known as zip wires!), Slippery Slopes and a variety of giant wooden play structures, such as the Broken Bridge, in the 70-acre woodland adventure park in South Cheshire. Based on the BeWILDerwood book series by Tom Blofeld, the first site was opened in Norfolk over 13 years ago. Since then the cast of captivating characters has expanded, the Norfolk park has won a host of awards, and the concept of a second park in Cheshire has been brought to life! The magical adventure park allows visitors to run WILD in a beautiful forest setting. The whole family can spend hours running, whizzing and

clambering on the sustainable wooden structures, from aerial ropewalks to climbing walls, balancing logs and muddled mazes. The full day attraction is home to over 10 giant structures, including the magnificent Sky Maze, reaching 8 metres into the treetops. There is also a selection of yummy grub available at the Cosy Cabin and Munch Bar for anyone who doesn’t wish to bring their own Boggle Banquet! With fantabulous face painting and amazing activities such as the interactive storytelling shows and crafting sessions incloooded in the ticket price, there are no pesky hidden costs and even parking is free. So, parents can breathe a sigh of relief and focus on making memories. From the teeniest Twiggle to the most senior swamp Boggle, BeWILDerwood Cheshire is a wonderful world where the whole family can play and run WILD. BeWILDerwood is based on the adventures of magical characters from the children’s books, written by author and creator of BeWILDerwood, Tom Blofeld. A Boggle at BeWILDerwood (2007) The inspiration for the original BeWILDerwood Norfolk site, the first tale of the enchanting world of

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BeWILDerwood written in 2007, ‘A Boggle at BeWILDerwood’ follows Swampy, the young Marsh Boggle, as he and his friends go exploring, meet dancing Wood Twiggles, befriend a witch, try to find shoes for the Thornyclod Spider, and has a host of other adventures. The BeWILDerbats (2008) ‘The BeWILDerbats’ is the second tale about the enchanting world of BeWILDerwood. Swampy and the gang must come to the rescue of tiny Twiggle Sticklenose who is stuck up a tree. Little do they know they will need the help of a terrible gang of very fierce and greedy BeWILDerbats. A BeWILDermuddle (2010) ‘A BeWILDermuddle’ is the third tale about the enchanting world of BeWILDerwood. The wandering Grubbles have come to BeWILDerwood and the Boggles are very excited. But why does everyone want to bring them their socks? Join Swampy and his gang as they journey deep into the desert and beyond, in search of the Hippopotamuddle, and all kinds of exciting new characters.

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“What is this life if, full of care, We have no time to stand and stare.”

Our Great Outdoors Revealed By Andrew Harris

here is something in the human spirit that craves the great outdoors. It is liberating and refreshing - and the views are uplifting. For good reasons we are denied the freedom to visit them for a while but a selection of the top ten varied, dramatic and – when circumstances permit - accessible locations is offered in this article. They are drawn from all five counties in the north west and our neighbour the Isle of Man. We are reminded of the wonderful sights in our region from the Cumbrian mountains and lakes in the north to the gentle countryside in Cheshire; from the Pennines in the east to our varied coastline in the west. We can visit them again one day but in the meantime enjoy these uplifting views from your living room where you can sit and stare. The Trent and Mersey Canal is tenth in our list. It is probably the most accessible as it cuts across the 78

From the 1911 poem ‘Leisure’ by W.H. Davies. Picture by Michael Heffernan

relatively flat expanse of lowland known as the Cheshire Plain which is almost entirely within the county of Cheshire. Although the 93-mile canal also runs through Derbyshire and Staffordshire the Cheshire section is the most scenic, accessible and interesting. It was opened in 1777 to link the rivers Trent and Mersey thereby creating an inland route between Hull and Liverpool. It remains the tranquil canal equivalent of the M62. It offers wonderful countryside and the ability to enjoy this by walking or boating along the Cheshire section. Of special interest is the Anderton Boat Lift which was built in 1875. It remains a marvel of engineering and is one of only two working boat lifts in the UK – the other is the Falkirk Wheel in Scotland. Ninth in our list is Crosby Beach in Merseyside. For anyone wanting the ‘great outdoors’ it is spectacular rather than beautiful as it extends over 2.5 miles without being commercialised like so many resorts. Its main claim to fame is the ‘Another Place’ cast iron statues of men by Anthony Gormley. They are all 6 feet 2 inches tall, weigh 650 kilogrames, are modelled on the sculptor’s own body and are spread along the beach between Waterloo and Blundellsands. As the tide ebbs and flows they are revealed and submerged. The figures were controversial because they are naked but they attracted many more tourists. Gormley paid Crosby

Crosby Beach and ‘Another Place’

Beach a very back-handed compliment when he explained that he chose the site because he thought the beach “the opposite of pretty. It is terrific and brutal and is a working beach”. If you

visit don’t stray too far towards the sea; people have been caught out by the incoming tide and soft sand.

The Trent and Mersey Canal in Cheshire

LEFT TO RIGHT: Anna Meredith (Photo Gem Harris), Roisin Murphy (Photo Fraser Taylor), Metronomy FAR RIGHT: New Order at bluedot 2019. Photo: Jody Hartley

Björk, Groove Armada and Metronomy to Headline Bluedot 2020 Festival reveals first wave of music and culture line-up, featuring a UK Festival Exclusive from Björk

luedot has released the first wave of artists for this year with Björk, Groove Armada and Metronomy headlining the fifth instalment of the award-winning music, science and culture event at Cheshire’s iconic Jodrell Bank Observatory taking place 23–26 July 2020. One of the most influential and ground-breaking musicians of all time, Björk’s festival exclusive set will close bluedot with a uniquely commissioned performance alongside Manchester’s famed Halle Orchestra featuring incredible bespoke projections on the Lovell Telescope. Also topping the bill are indie-electro giants, Metronomy. Following rave reviews for their latest studio album “Metronomy Forever” the electropop pioneers will take to the main stage on Saturday to deliver a wonky nu-disco set chock full of dancefloor masterpieces and stone-cold crowd pleasers. Confirmed for Friday night is one of the planet’s best-loved dance acts, Groove Armada. With a career spanning more than 20 years featuring chart-topping hits such as “Superstylin” and “I See You Baby” it’s safe to say their live show will open bluedot 2020 with a party! Other confirmed acts include psychedelic space rockers Spiritualized, disco diva Roisin Murphy, techno fusionist Squarepusher, electronic/

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ambient originals Tangerine Dream, reborn indie experimentalists Ride, Daniel Avery, EOB (the new solo project of Radiohead’s Ed O’Brien), Seth Troxler’s new Lost Souls of Saturn project, HAAI, BC Camplight , Anna Meredith, Henge, Kaitlyn Aurelia Smith, Pussy Riot, BCUC, Sinkane, Chk Chk Chk, Tourist, Pongo, Tim Burgess, The Lovely Eggs, Fatoumata Diawara, A Certain Ratio, Onipa, Lanterns On The Lake, Rosie Lowe, Homoelectric Nihiloxica, All We Are, Melt Yourself Down and Psychedelic Porn Crumpets. Elsewhere on the line-up is electronic legends 808 State, deep house specialists Crazy P, A Guy Called Gerald, AIF Award nominated Oh My God! It’s The Church, Liz Lawrence, Dry Cleaning, Los Bitchos, Just Mustard, Julia Bardo, Black Futures, Mark Radcliffe’s UNE, Porridge Radio, Intergalactic republic of Kongo, Plastic Mermaids, Lazarus Kane, Holodrum, Sinead O’Brien, Ttrruuces, The Goa Express, Otis Mensah, Robin Richards, The Starlight Magic Hour and Indian Queens. Back by popular demand are the late night parties with DJ Yoda presents Stranger Things leading the bill. Stranger Things fans can expect favourites from 1983 laced with samples from the Netflix original series from Dolly Parton and Toto to The Clash and Joy Division. Also announced today is Manchester based four-piece Henge www.lancmag.com

[DJ set], Too Many Man, DJ Acid Rephlux, Regal Disco, DJ Riv, Princess Leia & Han Solo’s Wedding Disco, Discolypso, Good Afternoon DJ’s and DJ Fallback bringing some deep space disco to the festival. Also announced is a small taste of things to come with bluedot’s culture and science programme, with the Dot Talk themes set to explore futurology, consciousness, artificial intelligence and the depths of space via astrophysics and astronomy (full details announced in Spring). Beyond Dot Talks, highlights among the arts and culture offering include Celebrating 42: Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy Live, a stage show featuring series performers and producers, written especially for bluedot; Is David Bowie a God? a comedic, musical exploration of the legend’s messianic status; the Pankhurst Sessions, a programme of talks, panels and screening curated by the activist and great granddaughter of Suffragettes leader, Helen Pankhurst. Also announced today include performances by Phil Jupitus as the festivals artist-in-residence and www.lancmag.com

British comedian, actor and director Adam Buxton who is known for his appearances in films such as ‘Hot Fuzz’, ‘Stardust’ and ‘Son of Rambow’ and most recently his podcast, the ‘Adam Buxton Podcast’. For kids and family, a raft of entertainment is yet to be announced, but so far includes the Intergalactic Planetary kids rave with Big Fish Little Fish, Jedi Training, the Luminarium, a dedicated Big Bang Stage for kids, alongside an enormous range of science-focused activities, workshops and live experiments across the Star Fields. For relaxing after dark, take a stroll to the Outer Space area, featuring an expanded fire garden and a host of Groove Armada

sonic sculptures, or wander into the Star Fields while spectacular projections illuminate the towering Lovell Telescope. bluedot 2020 is the fifth chapter of the ground-breaking event which has seen headline performances from the likes of Kraftwerk 3-D, New Order, The Chemical Brothers, Pixies, The Flaming Lips, Underworld and Jean-Michel Jarre, plus high-profile talks from Brian Cox, Helen Sharman, Alice Roberts and Richard Dawkins. The full science, arts and culture and family programmes will be announced in the coming weeks. For tickets and information visit: discoverthebluedot.com

Chocolate If science says it is good to eat, why should we argue.

Chocolate makes you happy for a number of reasons. Some obvious, it tastes very good and it gives you a small break from your usual routine (think of any image from a kit kat ad). Some reasons use medical science and while its good to quote facts to someone who asks you “why are you eating chocolate with your breakfast?” You could answer with “I have to produce phenylethamine which causes alertness and more excitement before I go to work”. Or, quote another science fact “I have to produce tryptophan (found in chocolate) that releases serotonin, which lifts my mood”. Thereby subtly hinting to the person that they are bringing you down keep asking you questions, which will in turn make you eat more chocolate, making you reach for the bottom tray of the fridge again. Anyway, lets all just agree that chocolate tastes good, whether it is solid or liquid, so here are four more reasons to eat another bar. 184

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It can keep your heart healthy

Improves brain power

Yes, chocolate can give your brain a boost and help improve your memory.

So maybe thats a good excuse to break out a bar of dark chocolate while you tackle that sudoku or crossword. Scientists in Italy found that regularly eating cocoa found in chocolate is not only beneficial for memory and visual processing, but chocolate can help you stay calm and content. Handy for that one clue you are determined to answer on your own.

So there you have it, four reasons not to feel guilty about eating chocolate. Did we miss any? Get in touch and let us know. www.lancmag.com

Research published in the British Medical Journal showed that because chocolate can lower blood pressure, open up blood vessels and help reduce heart disease and strokes, as a result it will have a positive effect on the health of your heart. The chemical called polyphenol found in dark chocolate can also help achieve a good cholesterol level.

Keeps you slim

Chocolate can help you lose weight. As with everything, moderation is key here, but yes, small amounts of chocolate eaten regularly, especially 15 to 20 minutes before a meal tricks your brain into thinking its full, so you donâ€™t to eat as much for the meal. The cumulative effect, of the calming and stress reducing properties associated with eating chocolate, helps you avoid those anxiety driven binge eating times that can undermine any weight loss plan, if you are on one.

It can be good for your skin Eating dark chocolate can help add moisture to your skin. Along with the other healthy attributes on these pages, it has beauty benefits as well. It contains the vitamins A, B1, C, D, E, calcium and iron, which help reduce wrinkles and protect your skin against the sun. As well as detoxifying and providing nourishment and increasing skin glow. www.facebook.com/lancmag LANCASHIRE & NORTH WEST MAGAZINE 185

Healthy Eating at Home At a time when we are spending more time at home, shopping for food less frequently and no longer eating out, our usual eating habits may be disrupted. Good nutrition is essential for good health and it is important that we do not develop less healthy eating habits during this time. Heart Research UK have some tips to help you eat more healthily at home.

Dr Helen Flaherty, Head of Health Promotion @HRUK

Establish a routine and plan your meals Try to establish a normal routine by sticking to set meal times. This can help you to manage hunger and prevent snacking on less healthy foods. Plan healthy meals for the week in advance and make a shopping list. Planning your meals should help you to eat more healthily as well as reducing food waste. You may find it useful to use the Eatwell Guide when planning healthy meals: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/ attachment_data/file/528193/Eatwell_guide_colour.pdf

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Can I let tradespeople into my home during lockdown? How a businessman achieved his dream home thanks to a happy collaboration with local companies.

he most up to date information released by the Government, from Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government Robert Jenrick, advises: “Work carried out in people’s homes, for example by tradespeople carrying out repairs and maintenance, can continue, provided that the tradesperson is well and has no symptoms. “Again, it will be important to ensure that Public Health England guidelines, including maintaining a two-metre distance from any household occupants, are followed to ensure everyone’s safety. “No work should be carried out in any household which is isolating or where an individual is being shielded, unless it is to remedy a direct risk to the safety of the household, such as emergency plumbing or repairs, and where the tradesperson is willing to do so. In such cases, Public Health England can provide advice to tradespeople and households. “No work should be carried out by 202

a tradesperson who has coronavirus symptoms, however mild.” READ MORE: How to look after yourself if you’re working from home So is it safe to let tradespeople into my home at this time? What this advice means is that essential maintenance, such as boiler repairs and leaks, can continue to go ahead as normal providing all parties stick to the Public Health England guidelines. But all non-essential work, like extensions and new kitchens, should not be carried out. If you are renting, speak to your landlord or managing agent, as they may have a trusted engineer or company who you can call directly. If you’re really unsure about what to do, a good idea as a first port of call is to see if a professional can offer their services over the phone. Depending on the problem you have, you may even find that an electrician,

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plumber or gas engineer may be able to help solve your problem remotely – maybe via Skype, FaceTime or Google Hangouts. But if a tradesperson does need to visit your home, there are certain things you can do to protect yourself and avoid spreading the virus. You should: • Keep your distance from any visitors and avoid physical contact • Wash your hands regularly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, or use hand sanitiser • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands • Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in a bin and wash your hands • Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces in the home such as door handles, light switches and your kettle Read more at rightmove.co.uk www.lancmag.com

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