The Lancashire & North West Magazine | June 21

June 2021

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meet our Birthday cover Girl, the lovely suzy orr BOLTON SCHOOL

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Relax and unwind with the House of Daniel Thwaites THE VISITOR FROM BEYOND

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HELEN JAMES Healthy Happy

Westholme School: Unrivalled Holistic Excellence LANCS LOCAL

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Highest Point Festival Announces September Line-up Salford Humanimal Trust Launches Search for Most Collaborative Town in Britain Eating healthy lunches at home An interview with Dr Richard Robson Westholme School: Unrivalled Holistic Excellence Suspected Arson Decimates Wildlife at Rare Greater Manchester Peatland Saved by The Duke of Edinburgh Why Choose Bolton School Infant School?

Early Years Collaboration in Bolton Interviewing the Journalists Trio’s tree project that just grew Is your child starting Primary School this September?

Introducing Miles Consult & Construct The Hatch Group Rossendale Reaction to Tabley Green homes supports Preston’s reputation as best city to live and work in The Wonders of Wenningdale East Lancashire Railway beset by vandals and fly-tipping Carlisle Railway Station Redevelopment Recovered addict launches new £7m rehab centre Award Winning Italian Invests in The Loom, Leigh Dawn Whittaker Eden Arts welcomes over £80,000 in additional funding What is the Best Diet?

The Wildlife Trusts call for an immediate end to peat sales Heart Research UK launch charity cookbook

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Lancaster A tonic for the nation The Show Goes On for The Dukes Lancs Local A Bridge to the Past Easy Ways to Better Sleep and Improved Energy In 2021 Helen James Healthy Happy Leading eye expert shares four surprising ways that stress can affect eyesight Polar bear born in Sweden The Buttonhole – Something a little different from the rest Bespoke Vintage Furniture Reimagined with Style Well-being has become such a buzz word nowadays but what does it really mean?

Pilates is an excellent form of exercise for people with neurological conditions 10 Ways to Create a Mental Health Friendly Workplace 9 Ways Leaders Can Check In With Their Teams’ Mental Health What happens when you leave your land, and your land leaves you?

The House of Daniel Thwaites The legendary Sir Learie Constantine – Nelson’s hero A Bit of Hay Fever History, Plus a Hay Fever First Aid Kit! Endeavour provide a range of domestic abuse services for people and their pets Cover girl, Suzy Orr! First Date Flashback Top customer service award for Lyndsey Hope Menswear & Womenswear Windoworld - Clear Vision for the Future RAF jets pay tribute to Donald Campbell CBE Advert Index

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Contents Regulars 20

The Visitor from Beyond

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Miles Consult and Construct

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June 2021 • Volume 44 Number 6

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113 Reubens Retreat 122 Peter Rutt 130 PT Health Coaching 134 The life of Di 140 Nicola Parker - Herbalist 166 Colour Me Beautiful 178 Nelly’s Blog 182 Deborah Hatswell 200 Aiming Higher 206 Horoscope 210 Business index

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June 2021

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Managing Director Natalie Christopher natalie@lancashiremagazine.co.uk Editorial 01253 336588 editorial@lancashiremagazine.co.uk Sales Enquiries • 07918 685673

Birthday Girl

suzy orr BOLTON SCHOOL

- Give Your Child The Very Best Start in Life

Relax and unwind with the House of Daniel Thwaites

HELEN JAMES - Healthy Happy

Westholme School: Unrivalled Holistic Excellence LANCS LOCAL

- A Local Business With Broad Appeal

COVER: Suzy Orr, founder of Unique Ladies Networking UK Limited

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In this issue...

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e start off this month with the announcement of the Highest Point Festival September line-up. We show you how to relax and unwind with the House of Daniel Thwaites and how Westholme School has unrivalled holistic excellence.

Burdon, the well known Lakeland and Dales’ artist, to help him tell the tale of the Cumbrian packhorse bridge and the tough men and horses that used them. Watch out for the legend about a lost horse with a dead body!

The Hatch Group are hatching a new era in the digital world by endeavouring to provide a “one-stop shop” for its strong portfolio of noteworthy clients - dedicating to their specialisms and providing tangible results through digital marketing, design and software solutions. Helen James teaches us to be healthy happy with some mouth-watering recipes and our cover girl, Suzy Orr, tells us all about herself and what she thinks about our beautiful county.

Harold Cunliffe talks about how last year we experienced scenes reminiscent of wartime shortages as the public formed queues outside shops and supermarkets, with many struggling to obtain online grocery deliveries - when people of a certain generation spoke about how they endured the shortages and the hardship of wartime, with many relating their experiences of having to queue for their wartime rations. What was a tonic to the nation however, exactly seventy years ago was the Festival of Britain.

We had a chat with Amy CharnleyParry, founder, owner and entrepreneur behind the rapidly growing Lancs Local community and found out exactly what it is that Lancs Local offers to residents of our fantastic region, including some amazing discounts. Tony Burdon’s article uses the paintings of his father Ken

As one of our cover lines exclaims ‘Give Your Child The Very Best Start in Life’, Bolton School have specialist teaching in many subjects and outstanding opportunities in sport, music and drama, girls and boys joining the Junior Schools at age 7 enjoy the very best start in life.

They thrive in a School which provides

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incredible facilities, successfully mixes innovation and tradition, provides a wide range of guest speakers and opportunities to participate in trips and visits, including residentials in the Lake District. Almost all Junior School pupils progress to the Senior Schools having developed selfesteem, a respect for others and a belief that anything is possible.

And as always - our regulars. The towns this month are, Rossendale, Salford and Lancaster. Deborah Hatswell has a witness report of a red-haired yeti in the woods.

Nicola Parker talks about a traditional approach on joint pain for modern times.

Paul Thompson talks about Men’s Health Week, 14th -20th June 2021 and helps you to find out more about supporting the health and wellbeing of your workforce.

Miles Consult & Construct has a dedicated column for all you DIY lovers and Professionals within the Construction and Design Industry. And of course fashion, health, history, a bit of wildlife and more, all in our June issue.

Hope you enjoy the magazine! www.lancmag.com

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HIGHEST POINT FESTIVAL Announces September Line-up Rag’N’Bone Man, Rudimental, Becky Hill, Ella Eyre & The Futureheads, to Headline Lancashire Music Festival on 3rd & 4th September

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ighest Point Festival has today announced the full line up for the event which will take place in Lancashire this September, with headliners to include Rag’N’Bone Man, Rudimental, Clean Bandit, Becky Hill, Hybrid Minds & The Futureheads.

Originally set to take place in May 2020, the festival will now be held on Friday 3rd and Saturday 4th September 2021, in the stunning, 54-acre grounds of Williamson Park, with a bigger capacity and brand new stage.

The festival has also revealed it’s biggest, impressively diverse line-up yet, with over 50 acts announced today, including Brit & Ivor Novello award winner Rag‘n’Bone Man, chart star Becky Hill, Brit and MOBO award-winning singer/songwriter Ella Eyre, British electronic music band Clean Bandit, chart topping Rudimental, Drum n Bass heavyweights Hybrid Minds & Wilkinson, house music DJ

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Hannah Wants, post-punk band The Futureheads, dance innovators Crazy P Soundsystem, 9-piece dub band Gentleman’s Dub Club, General Levy, Sam Divine, Dimension, The Lottery Winners, The Cuban Brothers, Lancaster natives The Lovely Eggs, Monki, 3D (Dave Seaman, Darren Emerson & Danny Howells), Charlotte OC, Graeme Park, K-Klass and many more.

Tickets to the event are expected to sell out quickly, with 75% already purchased ahead of the full line-up being released. Those who bought tickets to the original festival date can rest assured that their tickets are still valid for the new date in September.

On the opening day (Friday 3rd September 2021), revellers can expect to see world class DJ sets from the likes of Rudimental, Wilkinson and Crazy P Soundsystem, plus high energy vocals from Becky Hill and Ella Eyre,, progressive house kings 3D (Dave Seaman, Darren Emerson & Danny Howells) Sam Divine, and tastemaker Monki, whilst Ibiza party starters Do Not Sleep have their own stage with Richy Ahmed headlining.

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The Saturday (4th September) will see another stellar line up, with acts including psychedelic punk rock duo The Lovely Eggs taking to the stage in their hometown. They’ll be joined by indie pop band The Lottery Winners, post-punk band The Futureheads, drum n Bass heavyweights Hybrid Minds, British electronic music band Clean Bandit, house music DJ Hannah Wants, and rising hip-hop star Ms Banks plus many more, all culminating with a headline set from Brit award winner Rag’N’Bone Man. The biggest open-air music festival in the region, Highest Point sets to welcome 20,000 ticket holders to a fun-filled musical weekend, in the incredible setting of Williamson Park.

Guests can expect to see more than one hundred artists across six stages over the course of the weekend, plus a premier regional street food and craft beer offering on site.

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Despite the double disappointment of having to postpone 2020’s festival in May, and then both rescheduled dates in September 2020 and May 2021 amidst Coronavirus concerns, organisers Jamie Scahill, Richard Dyer & Holly Wignall have remained in high spirits. Determined to bring the much-loved festival back to the historical northern city and its music loving inhabitants, they have been working tirelessly to deliver what will be their most ambitious event to date.

We’re going to throw the biggest, most outrageous party of 2021. We cannot wait for you all to see how we plan to transform the beautiful Williamson Park once again, into an amazing, sensory overloading festival site - Festival Director Richard Dyer

Director Jamie Scahill added:

“We’re delighted that all of the artists that were due to join us last year have agreed to perform at the festival in 2021, and we’re super proud to have continued to add to this to create an even more incredible experience for our guests. This is by far the biggest and best bill of artists we’ve ever brought to Lancaster.”

Following on from 2019’s hugely successful instalment, which welcomed 15,000 music fans to witness the likes of The Zutons, Feeder, Grandmaster Flash and Sister Sledge, Highest Point 2021 will see some of the UK’s biggest, chart topping and most soughtafter artists heading up the bill.

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The full line up for this year’s festival includes: FRIDAY LINE UP:

SATURDAY DAY LINE UP:

Rudimental (DJ set) | Wilkinson (DJ set) | Becky Hill Ella Eyre | Richy Ahmed | General Levy 3D (Dave Seaman, Darren Emerson & Danny Howells) Crazy P Soundsystem | K-Klass | Monki | Sam Divine Jess Bays | PBR Streetgang | James Holroyd & many more

Rag’N’Bone Man | Clean Bandit (DJ Set) Hybrid Minds | The Futureheads | Hannah Wants Ms Banks | Gentleman’s Dub Club | Dimension Friction | The Lottery Winners | The Lovely Eggs The Cuban Brothers | Emerald | Charlotte OC Graeme Park | Anton Powers | Matt Thiss | Funkademia Lovedose | Demented Disco | The Hiphopalipz Gareth Brooks | Juice Box & many more

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There will be the opportunity for guests from across the UK to attend this year’s event, as the team at Highest Point have also announced a partnership with Big Green Coaches. Pick up points will be located in Blackburn, Blackpool, Bolton, Carlisle, Kendal, Liverpool, Manchester, Preston and Wigan, with day return coach tickets available to buy now.

Tickets are now available exclusively via Skiddle, with the final release tickets for Friday at £45, and final release tickets for Saturday costing £55.

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Though restrictions due to covid set to be lifted in June 2021, the festival organisers will be following any government guidance at the time of the festival. Full safety policies inline with any guidance will be available to view on the website closer to the festival date.

Website: www.highestpoint.co.uk Facebook: @highestpointfestival Twitter: @HighestPoint Instagram: @highestpointfestival Tickets: www.skiddle.com/festivals/highest-point-festival

LANCASHIRE & NORTH WEST MAGAZINE 11

Salford

By Sarah Ridgway

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alford is often confused as being a part of Manchester but proud Salfordians will quickly tell you it is a city in its own right with a cathedral to prove it. It has had a turbulent past and throughout the years has battled tough economic times and hardships but has come out the other side and is thriving. The city underwent an incredible regeneration programme and today, Salford is home to a world-class business centre with a long list of media organisations based there including ITV and the BBC.

High-end apartments line the Quay’s waterfront alongside restaurants, bars, gyms, and a cinema including the Lowry a multi-million-pound art and entertainment venue, with a world-class theatre and arts programme attracting scores of visitors each year. Salford has come a long way since being deemed one of the worst places to live, becoming a valuable part of the North West’s economy with no signs of slowing down.

In 1360 Flemish weavers and cloth makers arrived in Salford marking the start of the textile trade in the area and the area began to emerge as an important centre of textile production. During the civil war, Salford pledged its alliance with the Royalists, while neighbouring Manchester stood with the Parliamentarians. In September 1642 Salford Bridge played a crucial role as the scene of one of the first battles of the Civil War. The Salford Bridge dated to the 14th century but today the Victoria Bridge stands in its place after being rebuilt on the site. The attack was launched from Salford with up to 4000 Royalists attacking Manchester, with the battle fought on the bridge before making its way into Deansgate where Richard Percival, the first casualty of the war, was killed. The attack was unsuccessful, and the siege was lifted a month later.

THE INDUSTRIAL REVOLUTION The Bridgewater Canal constructed by James Brindley opened in 1761 greatly improving the speed of transporting goods and reducing the price of coal by 50%.

The Manchester Ship Canal was completed in 1894 and was a huge economic and commercial boost as Salford held the largest docks along the canal. By 1914 it was handling 5% of the UK’s imports and 4.4% of its exports making it one of the world’s largest port authorities.

Above: Salford Quays

A HISTORY OF SALFORD Salford was founded around AD 79 by the Romans, when they left 300 years later it was taken over by the Saxons, and then the Danes. The Angles, who were Germanic people, settled in the area during the Early Middle Ages giving it the name Sealhford meaning “ford by the willows’’. By 1086 the Domesday book stated Salford was an area of 35 square miles with a population of 35,000.

In 1230 Ranulf de Blondeville, the 6th Earl of Chester helped to make Salford a free borough which allowed it commercial rights and important advantages over traders that lived outside the boundaries of Salford. This new-found status attracted a stream of wealthy families to reside in the area, and by the Late Middle Ages, there were over 30 manor houses, including Ordsall Hall home to the Radclyffe family and Broughton Hall owned by the Earls of Derby.

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Above: The Bridgewater Canal

By the 18th century Salford, helped by the development of its canals, it quickly became one of the most important cotton and textile towns and by 1818 Manchester, Salford and Eccles had around 80 mills. Engineering and coal mining were also hugely important industries for the town. The success of the industrial revolution turned Salford from a small town into a thriving industrial hub and by the end of the 19th century, the population grew to 220,000. The large population growth brought into large areas of poor low-quality housing and the density of housing was near 80 homes per acre causing overcrowding and harsh living conditions. Karl Marx and Friedrich Engles came to visit Salford to conduct a study www.lancmag.com

on the British working class during this period and Engles went on to publish a book on the subject, The conditions of the Working Class in England in 1844. In the book, he described Salford as “really one large working-class quarter, a very unhealthy, dirty and dilapidated district”.

During the early 20th century foreign competition led to a post-industrial decline in Salford.

The years following the great depression and the Second World War led to unemployment and the population declining significantly. Coal mining had almost stopped, the cotton spinning industry was no more and in the 1930s Salford was reported as having some of the worst slums in the country. The area underwent extensive redevelopment during the 1980s and 1990s but had little impact and remained socially deprived with high levels of unemployment. It also gained notoriety as being unsafe due to gangs and organised crime and in 2005 a survey deemed Salford the 9th worst place to live in the country.

Over the past 20 years, Salford underwent extensive regeneration with the Lowry opening in 2000 followed by over £1.4 bn investment in the quays creating jobs and putting Salford firmly on the map as a major player in business and culture.

L S LOWRY L.S Lowry was an artist who lived and worked in Salford for over 40 years, he died in 1976 but left a legacy behind and the Lowry is named in his honour showcasing his largest collection of public work. Laurence Stephen Lowry was born in Stretford in 1887, and two years later the family progressed to the more affluent area of Victoria Park, South Manchester. In 1909 when the artist was 22 years old, the family fell on hard times resulting in a move to Pendlebury an industrial town that was then part of Lancashire. The working-class town full of chimneys and mills would be the inspiration later for the artist’s works.

After leaving school, he took employment as a clerk but after being made redundant he became a rent collector which he continued until his retirement in 1952. Outside of his work life he was developing himself as an artist by taking evening classes in antique and freehand drawing, in 1905 he won a place to study at Manchester School of Art and in 1915 continued his studies at the Royal Technical Institute which is now the University of Salford which he attended until 1925. It was at the latter institute that Lowry explored and developed his interest in industrial scenes. There is a story of Lowry having missed his train at Pendlebury station and watched the Acme Spinning Company’s mill turning out, saying ‘I watched this scene – which I’d looked at many times without seeing – with rapture.’ Throughout the 1920s Lowry produced most of his work and had his first exhibition alongside two other artists in 1921, the reviewer of the Manchester Guardian, Bernard Taylor said Lowry was someone “who may make a real contribution to art.” In 1930 he painted his notable Coming from the Mill filled with his distinctive style of matchstick men like people set against an industrial backdrop. The painting was based on one of his pastel drawings from around 1917 and the Salford Museum & Art Gallery bought the painting. Lowry wrote the museum a letter saying: ‘It gives me great pleasure that Salford has bought this picture for I have always thought it was my most characteristic mill scene.’ That year he also held www.lancmag.com

his first one-man exhibition showcasing his drawings of the Ancoats area of Manchester. The drawings sold out including one purchased by the Manchester Art Gallery.

In 1932 Lowry’s career was flourishing and he had work accepted by the Royal Academy of Arts, but his father Robert died leaving many debts behind, of which Lowry became responsible for and his mother’s care. His mother Elizabeth who suffered from depression had become bedridden and relied heavily on her son, therefore the artist could only paint late in the evenings after his mother had gone to sleep. Despite producing less work during that period, he still managed to have his first solo exhibition at the Lefevre gallery in London, it proved a success selling many pieces of work. In that same year, his mother died, and Lowry fell into a depressive state and began neglecting the upkeep of the family home which was ultimately repossessed in 1948. The artist had a long-lasting friendship with local renowned artist Harold Riley. Riley from Salford met Lowry when he was 11 years old when he was awarded first prize by the artist in a competition. Riley went on to sell his first painting to the City Art Gallery with the sale engineered by Lowry when he was just 11 years old. The artist grew up to be highly sought after, and was commissioned by the Royal Family, American Presidents and three popes to paint their portraits, he also painted his friend and mentor’s portrait in 1970. Both artists were given freedom of the City of Salford, Lowry in 1965 and Riley in 2017.

Lowry experimented with different styles, landscapes, seascapes, and portraits although his distinctive matchstick men and industrial scenes are his most popular works. Lowry died in 1976 aged 88 a recipient of many prestigious accolades although he turned down a knighthood in 1968. Today his paintings are highly sought after, the Football Match sold in 2011 for just over £5.6 million and a recently discovered painting of the Mill, Pendlebury sold for £2.6 million smashing the guide price of £1 million. The artist maintained his job as a rent collector and was never a full-time artist and today the Lowry houses his largest public collection.

Above: A stamp printed in the Great Britain

shows Children Coming out of the School, Painting by Laurence Stephen Lowry, circa 1967 - Source: Boris15 / Shutterstock.com LANCASHIRE & NORTH WEST MAGAZINE 13

THINGS TO DO IN SALFORD Ghost Hunting in Ordsall Hall has been voted one of the most haunted buildings in the North West. The Grade I listed Tudor mansion that now sits in the middle of urban Ordsall and dates to the 14th century. Its most notable residents were the Radclyffe family who were residents for more than 300 years. Voices of small children have said to be heard, the White Lady who is searching for her twin brother wanders the Star Chamber, and Cecily a jilted bride fills the room with the smell of roses when she is present. With so many reports of spooky behaviour the hall hosts ghosts’ nights which is accompanied by a medium who will try to make contact with the resident spirits. The heritage centre underwent a £6.5 million restoration project and is open to the public 6 days a week free of charge.

Above: Ordsall Hall - Source: John B Hewitt / Shutterstock.com

a must for designer label lovers who want to pick up a bargain and the Lowry offers an array of entertainment for you to pick from, also a few hours viewing the works of L.S Lowry’s is a must.

Wander down Chapel Street…

The Salford Museum and Art Gallery is housed in what was the UK’s “first free public library”, It is free to enter and has permanent displays and changing exhibitions on all things Salford.

Visit the impressive Roman Catholic Salford Cathedral also on vibrant Chapel street and afterwards take a stroll through the lovely Peel Park. While you are there check out the Islington Mill the Grade II listed building once a cotton mill and now a popular music venue and hub for creative businesses and artists.

Above: Peel Park - Source: John B Hewitt / Shutterstock.com

Visit Salford Quays which is packed with things to do. Get active at the Helly Hanson Watersports Centre and take a canoe out onto the quays for the afternoon or pick from other activities that will involve you getting wet. Head to Media City and take one of their tours, the Coronation Street tour gives you the chance to wander the streets famous cobbles and is a 90-minute experience with a guided tour around the exterior sets of the muchloved soap. The BBC also offers tours including a tour of Media City and an interactive CBBC tour for children. The Imperial War Museum is worth a visit for the architecture alone, the award-winning building represents a globe shattered by war and broken into shards. The focus of the museum is the experience of war and tells the harrowing stories of war by ordinary people. The Lowry Outlet is

Above: The Imperial War Museum - Source: Gordon Bell / Shutterstock.com

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Humanimal Trust Launches Search for Most Collaborative Town in Britain

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his week sees Humanimal Trust, a national charity founded by Professor Noel Fitzpatrick that drives collaboration between human and veterinary medicine, begin its search for the Most Collaborative Town in Britain through a heart-warming photo competition.

Just as we are all Stronger Together in what we do every day - human and veterinary medicine can achieve so much more together for humans and animals through collaboration.’

Entries are open until 5pm on Friday 23 April 2021.

Jo Blake, Development Manager for the Trust comments,

Full details of the competition are available here: www.humanimaltrust.org.uk/strongertogether-photocompetition

‘Human and animal lives are intrinsically linked; we share our planet, our resources and we rely on one another. In these unprecedented times where social division, loneliness and anxiety surround us all, what better time than now to show the wonderful positive power of collaboration?

To enter the competition, please submit your photo with brief description, state your home town/County, along with your name and send to photo@humanimaltrust.org.uk

In celebration of the incredible bond we share Humanimal Trust is launching a very special photo competition as part of its current #StrongerTogether campaign to find which British towns are the most collaborative, helping each other within their communities.’

Below: Hollie and cat Maisie studying together at home during lockdown

The competition will see 10 winners selected by a panel of judges and a Grand Champion selected from the final 10 to receive a grand pet pamper prize worth £100.

To enter, people need to submit everyday examples of working together to make something happen – big, small, or in between. It might be pictures of Mum and Dad sharing the washing up; two dogs helping each other to carry a big stick; friends playing online; buying the groceries for your neighbour; your toddler and your dog digging a hole…

Jo continued, ‘Please do share your positive images of collaboration to inspire us all through your social media using the hashtag ‘#StrongerTogether’.

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As lockdown ends, we are ready to start the engines.

Book one of our all new Land Rover Experience Sessions for some socially distanced fun this Spring.

Heritage Experience Drive The Heritage Experiences offer guests the chance to sample 67 years of Land Rover technology. A great day out for any enthusiast. Heritage Experiences start from just £400 for 2 people.

Young Driver 11 -17 Year Olds Off Road Driving Sessions for 11- 17 year olds.

Get behind the wheel of a new Range Rover Evoque and tackle slopes and deep water with the guidance of our expert instructors just £99 for an hour behind the wheel.

Land Rover TREK Events

We are delighted to be opening up our tracks for self-drive adventures. With plenty of marshals out on track, this event is suitable for first time off roaders and experienced alike.

Old or new, if your car has the green badge you are welcome! Please call for dates and info.

Gift Vouchers Now Available Online 01756 611060 - info@lre3.co.uk yorkshire.landroverexperience.co.uk

Land Rover Experience North Yorkshire Yellison Farm Barns | Broughton Hall Estate | Skipton | North Yorkshire | BD23 3HS

Eating healthy lunches at home Many of us are spending more time at home due to COVID-19 and this can mean reaching for the comfort foods when we feel bored, stressed or need cheering up. On busy days, it is easy to pop to the kitchen and grab a quick lunch without thinking too much about whether it is good for you.

We have some tips for planning and preparing healthier lunches at home.

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Heart Research UK Healthy Heart Tip,

by Dr Helen Flaherty, Head of Health Promotion at Heart Research UK

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Include plenty of fruit and veg Fruit and vegetables are packed with nutrients and fibre to help keep your heart healthy. Find healthy salad or vegetable soup recipes online or in recipe books to include in your lunch plan.

Finish off your lunches with a portion of fruit and a low-calorie yoghurt.

Include lean sources of protein in your lunches Foods that are high in protein can help you to feel full for longer and this can prevent you from snacking on less healthy foods during the day. Lean sources of protein include grilled skinless chicken or turkey, canned tuna, soybeans, tofu and low-fat dairy products.

Increase your fibre intake A diet that is high in fibre can reduce your risk of heart disease. Good sources of fibre include fruit and vegetables, beans and pulses and wholegrain foods.

Try to regularly include a portion of wholegrain food in your lunches, such as brown bread, wholemeal pita, wholemeal pasta or brown rice.

Plan your lunches in advance Planning your lunches in advance will allow you to put a little more thought into what you are eating as well as saving you time and money. Try creating a weekly lunch plan before the start of the week and shop for ingredients in advance. Prepare your lunches the night before to save time during busy days or try cooking large quantities of home-made soups and store single portions in the freezer.

You can find more healthy tips, recipes and advice at heartresearch.org.uk. www.lancmag.com

LANCASHIRE & NORTH WEST MAGAZINE 19

The Visitor from Beyond

By Jason Gleaves

The now infamous photograph taken innocently during a family picnic in 1964, which captured a mysterious white spaceman figure has long been circulated throughout the ufology community and globally has caused many arguments and heated discussions over its authenticity... Well I believe it has finally been laid to rest in the ufology cemetery.

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rom my earliest and fondness of memories reading ufology literature and cases, this case has always been there like an old aunt or uncle and with it not been 100% resolved always placed on the back burner so to speak.

Only now with the use of modern day computer software has it been possible to finally identify this mysterious spaceman figure as a simple miss-identification.

Using up to date enhancement software it was possible to vastly enhance and upscale the detail of the image, enhancing the figure and I believe it to be Annie Templeton who was the wife and mother of Jim and Elizabeth Templeton.

The trio were picnicking on Burgh Marsh, a local beauty spot, well known and overlooking the Solway Firth in Cumbria, Northern England during 1964 and Jim at the time a

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keen amateur photographer had been taking pictures of his 5-year-old daughter Elizabeth.

Over years there has always been speculation regarding who was actually present at the location during the time the photograph had been taken. Jim Templeton at the time the original photograph was taken was a local fireman and since the event has sadly passed away, he told a BBC reporter at the time who had been reporting the story what happened next — “We sat down and I said, ‘Now I’ll get some photos of you with the new dress on’, never expecting this to happen”.

The figure Jim captured behind his daughter’s head in the 2nd of 3 pictures he took did appear spaceman ‘like’ in appearance due to the bad image quality and overexposed lighting conditions of the photograph at the time giving the

impression of a white space suit and helmet.

As you would appreciate the photograph quickly became a sensation, as journalists would call ‘a great scoop’....and published in newspapers across the world. Kodak film experts quickly affirmed it genuine, which I agree but sadly not of a spaceman but only of a normal earth worm like you and me.

Enhancement of the original source image makes you realise instantly that this is not a spaceman but a woman (probably Annie Templeton) facing in the opposite direction, wearing a blue short sleeve dress or top with a large collar (a typical design of garment during the 1960’s in the U.K.). Also her long hair and arm bending forwards, even the two tones of colour, her arms (flesh) and dress/top (blue) are easily recognisable and distinguishable after the enhancement process. www.lancmag.com

There are other components associated with this case but are only speculative due to the lack of associated evidence.

Project Blue Streak Shortly after Jim’s photograph was printed in the Australian tabloids, Jim said he was contacted by a technician who worked at a British rocket base in Woomera, Australia.

Woomera at the time housed a substantial top secret research and test facility for ‘the Blue Streak Missile’, which was part of the early British space program, of course still in its infancy.

The technician told Jim that a recent test launch of a rocket had to be abruptly aborted because of two unidentified large figures that had been observed close to the missile boosters on the launchpad itself.

A subsequent detailed search revealed no trace of the unknown persons, but having seen Jim’s photograph in an Australian newspaper, the technician was stunned only because the figures he had seen on the launchpad appeared identical to the spaceman figure in Jim’s original photograph.

Another interesting coincidence regarding the Blue Streak rocket was it being tested and manufactured at RAF Spearedam, England which is only a few miles from where Jim had taken his famous spaceman image.

any reference to a sighting of a mysterious figure(s) at Woomera, and the closest test launch to the Solway encounter had been aborted due to bad weather, not spacemen.

Jim’s Later Explanation of Men in Black After Jim’s photograph hit the press and tabloids worldwide, he said he was visited at work by two government officials who would only identify themselves as nine and eleven...?

The men were both wearing dark suits and ushered Jim into a Jaguar car, dark in colour. They appeared to be very unfamiliar with the area so instructed Jim to direct them to the location where he took his original Spaceman photograph.

On arrival at Burgh Marsh, the men repeatedly bombarded him with multiple questions — what was the weather like, where there any other witnesses present, how were the local animals and wildlife behaving in the area..?

Jim told them all the details of his story, he stated, only him, his wife, and their daughter were present and none of them had seen the

strange spaceman figure at any time.

Nothing else seemed or appeared out of the ordinary, except perhaps the curious way local animals had huddled towards one side of the marsh.

It was at this point that Jim’s encounter with the mysterious men took on a more sinister and darker turn of events.

They apparently turned on him and accused him of making the whole thing up, lying for fame and fortune. After this unusual and disturbing interview the pair then returned to their suspicious car and drove off, leaving Jim stranded alone on the marsh and bewildered.

This odd encounter, along with the reports from Woomera, added a lot of credence to the theory that the image Jim Templeton had unsuspectingly captured was that of an extraterrestrial visitor.

One important note to add, Jim Templeton was already well known in Cumbria before his photograph became a national sensation.

He was a keen historian and amateur photographer, Jim’s archive of local photographs was a wellused resource by the areas newspapers.

Just weeks before the appearance of the ‘spaceman’, Jim being a bit of a practical joker and well known for this, had tricked close friends with a fake five-pound note he had made using his photographic skills.

Although Jim says he saw no figure when he took the original photograph, his Contax Pentacon F SLR camera has a viewfinder that only covered approximately 70% of the photograph, which means he could conceivably have entirely missed his wife Annie straying into the top part of the image.

A lot of these important points need to be said too help with the overall picture and important events but are of course speculative due to the lack of supporting evidence to prove or back them up.

This case will always have a special place in my ufology psyche, even if it didn’t withstand the test of time...technology just caught up with it like most Ufo cases and photo’s and I’m certain sadly more will fall foul too.

By Jason Gleaves international author of ‘UFO PHOTO’ and ‘The Ufology Umbrella’ plus Ufonly on Facebook, Twitter, and Onstellar.

Important note, Nowhere in the thousands of recently declassified U.K. MOD UFO files is there www.lancmag.com

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An interview with Dr Richard Robson Dr Richard Robson joined Westholme School as the sixth Principal in January 2021. He takes the helm at a momentous time in the school’s distinguished history, as the planning for the Centenary celebrations is already well underway.

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estholme is an allthrough school, complete with Prep, Senior and Sixth Form, providing a first-class, outstanding education for nearly 700 pupils.

Dr Robson, a school inspector for over ten years, commented, ‘I’ve always known about Westholme School; its family ethos, wonderful setting and strong reputation.

Having visited many schools and 22

gained a unique perspective of the independent sector, Westholme’s holistic approach chimed with my own educational philosophy.’

Dr Robson grew up in the North, so is very at home with the community feel and of course the weather! Previously, he was Headmaster of two large independent schools and still remembers the breath-taking panoramic view that completely envelops the school on his first visit. He is relishing the opportunity to live and work within the beautiful Ribble Valley.

In June 2019, the Confederation of British Industry (CBI) reported that nearly half of all employers found young people were not ready

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for the world of work and needed a broader skill set. It is these 21st century, employability skills, such as problem-solving, resilience, adaptability, leadership and communication that form the basis of the unrivalled holistic excellence the school is well-known for.

Westholme has an exciting vision for its next hundred years.

By 2022, all Westholme pupils will be educated on one site at Wilmar Lodge on Meins Road, as the new, state-of-the-art Prep School currently under construction is completed. This multimillionpound project is one part of the School’s continuous programme of investment to maintain its status as the school of choice in Lancashire. www.lancmag.com

FULL SCHOLARSHIPS NOW AVAILABLE

JOIN OUR INSPIRED SIXTH FORM Eligibility for the Scholarship: Predicted seven GCSE grade 7s or higher and a fully completed Application Form www.westholmeschool.com/sixth-form

Westholme School:

Unrivalled Holistic Excellence

Westholme School in Blackburn was founded by Miss Emily Singleton on 19 April 1923. An innovative teacher from Blackburn, she approached the challenges of the Great Depression with calm logic – jobs were scarce so she decided to found her own school.

She started off providing a unique education for a small number of local children in her parents’ house, the School’s namesake of Westholme.

Since its humble beginnings, Westholme has continued to grow whilst retaining the distinctive family atmosphere, now welcoming over 700 pupils at their superb Pleasington site.

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oday, when you first visit Westholme School, you immediately sense the warm, friendly atmosphere from the students and staff. The magnificent rural setting and first-class facilities provide a stimulating environment in which to prepare their students for 21st century life. Reception pupils, Yusuf and Ayana, say that every day is fun and that they love spending time with their friends. The School has its own swimming pool and Arthur, in Reception, says that the weekly swimming lessons are his favourite.

For the younger years, the teachers use the ‘Learnosaurus Challenge’, which encourages the children to solve problems, encompassing the characteristics of effective learning. Aoife, another Reception pupil, says the ‘Learnosaurus Challenge’ makes learning fun!

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Harriet, a Year 7 student, has found her first year at Senior School very welcoming. She says there is such a wide variety of co-curricular activities on offer, including netball and hockey clubs, as well as drama, choir, brass and woodwind groups. Harriet loves the fact that Westholme isn’t just an academic school; it thinks equally of all subjects, from Science to Latin to Drama! The teaching staff have a wealth of educational experience and deliver inspirational lessons; their expectations of pupils are consistently high. The curriculum is rigorous, with students being introduced to a wide variety of subjects such as Photography and Ethics, Economics and Psychology. There are robust support structures in place to provide a personalised experience for

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exceptional experiences every day

reception places available for september

Left: New Prep School opening in September 2022

every child; 1:1 teaching practice and subject specific clinics ensure that, at Westholme, everyone exceeds their potential. The teaching and personal care provided to ensure the personal development of every student is unrivalled.

Sixth Form students Julia and Tilly say there are no limits to what you can do, as there are countless enrichment programmes on offer and students have the freedom to create their own opportunities. These include helping to run charity events as part of the charity team, being Marketing Manager of Westies (a student-run business

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enterprise), interviewing and presenting as a member of the Westholme Senior School News Team, and writing articles for the Westholme Weekly Newsletter.

Tilly runs a Year 7 and 8 drama cocurricular club, through which she has gained leadership skills that enable her to feel confident and prepared for applying to universities in her final year. Julia says that the teachers have helped her to find the passion and confidence needed to become a self-employed photographer whilst still at school.

Pupils particularly enjoy the sports facilities, which include all-weather pitches, an indoor sports hall, swimming

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pool, tennis and netball courts, and playing fields. Westholme also boasts a West End quality theatre, which Julia says she has had the privilege of performing in, in productions such as Sweeney Todd, West Side Story, The Wizard of Oz and Chicago. The School has recently constructed a brand new, state of the art Music Department complete with a professional recording studio.

Westholme School is currently in the process of expanding their INSPIRED Sixth Form provision through a new Academic Scholarship Programme, ensuring all students acquire the essential 21st century skills essential to success in the modern workplace.

To find out more about Westholme Prep School, Senior School and Sixth Form, contact 01254 506070 or visit www.westholmeschool.com

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Suspected Arson Decimates Wildlife at Rare Greater Manchester Peatland

Above: Little Woolden Moss Fire 12.4.21 - Lancashire Wildlife Trust

A fire at a sensitive and important nature reserve will be devastating for wildlife preparing their homes for Spring.

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irefighters attended the scene at Little Woolden Moss, near Salford, on Monday evening (12th April 2021), where an area of approximately 500m2 was ablaze, a suspected victim of arson. The affected area was a region of extremely rare lowland heath habitat, of which the UK has lost approximately 84 per cent of since 1800.

Along with the obvious destruction of plant life in the area, which includes heathers and cross-leaved heath which are vital nectar sources for pollinators, this habitat also provides a home for a number of species including common lizards, field voles and field mice, many of which may not have been able to escape the flames quickly enough.

The area may also have been supporting a number of ground-nesting birds who nests would have been destroyed in the fire, including the nightjar. Amber listed as a bird for conservation concern in the UK, the distinctive churring call of the nocturnal nightjar was heard in the area last year, raising hopes for the establishment of a breeding pair on Little Woolden Moss for the first time in 20 years. However, the fire may have destroyed hopes for a return of the nightjar for 2021.

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Above: Nightjar sitting on eggs - ©David Tipling / 2020 Vision

Another potential victim of the fire may have been the bog bush cricket. Once common on the peat bogs of the area, the species has seen a significant decline

Above: Bog bush cricket - Lancashire Wildlife Trust

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Above: CommonLizard - ©Jon Hawkins

with the loss of its habitat. A population of bog bush crickets survives on Cadishead Moss which borders the area affected by the fire, and it had been hoped that the burnt area may have been being used as a highway for the species to spread to the rest of Little Woolden Moss.

This surviving population is also providing donors for a Great Manchester Wetlands reintroduction programme of the species to other peatlands and heathlands throughout Greater Manchester.

Above: Little Woolden Moss in bloom - Lancashire Wildlife Trust

“We would like to express our huge thanks to the local fire service who responded so quickly, and to the member of the public who alerted them so promptly. We really rely on the support of our local community, as we simply cannot be on site 24/7, and would appeal to anyone who witnesses any further instances of anti-social behaviour in the area to contact the police on 101, if it is safe to do so, and to also report it to us at info@lancswt.org.uk.”

Little Woolden Moss is a former horticultural peat extraction site and one of the few remaining fragments of peatland, that was once extensive in Greater Manchester.

Not only are our peatlands homes for lots of rare and specialised wildlife, but when in a healthy state they act as carbon stores, absorbing carbon from the atmosphere and storing it in their peaty soils for millennia, making them vital natural resources in the fight against climate change.

FIND OUT MORE:

Above: Little Woolden Moss Fire 12.4.21 - Lancashire Wildlife Trust

Jenny Bennion, Peatlands Communications Officer at The Wildlife Trust for Lancashire, Manchester and North Merseyside, said, “We are absolutely devastated by this latest fire. Little Woolden Moss has been subject to repeated acts of vandalism and anti-social behaviour over the past few years, including fence and gate vandalism, numerous other incidences of suspected arson, use of the site by off-road vehicles, and even threats against our staff.

Addressing this takes up vital resources and staff time, not to mention the effect on the wildlife. It will be hard to ascertain the extent of the damage to the plants and animals from this latest fire for some time, but we will do our best to monitor the situation and restore the habitat.”

Lancashire Peatland Restoration www.lancswt.org.uk/our-work/projects/ peatland-restoration From Africa to Irlam; nightjars return to Greater Manchester’s peatlands www.lancswt.org.uk/news/ nightjars-return-greater-manchesters-peatlands Great Manchester Wetlands Species Reintroduction www.lancswt.org.uk/species-reintroduction CONTACT: Jenny Bennion – Peatlands Communications Officer I jbennion@lancswt.org.uk N 07827 915881

The Lancashire Wildlife Trust The Wildlife Trust for Lancashire, Manchester and North Merseyside is dedicated to the protection and promotion of the wildlife in Lancashire, seven boroughs of Greater Manchester and four of Merseyside, all lying north of the River Mersey. It manages around 40 nature reserves and 20 Local Nature Reserves covering acres of woodland, wetland, upland and meadow. The Trust has 30,000 members, and over 1,200 volunteers.

To become a member of the Trust go to the website at www.lancswt.org.uk or call 01772 324129. For more information about Cheshire Wildlife Trust call 01948 820728 or go to cheshirewildlifetrust.org.uk.

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Saved by The Duke of Edinburgh

By Kate Gostick

The Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme is a programme aimed at widening young people’s horizons by allowing them to learn new skills, take on new challenges and improve their communities.

Each level requires you to learn a new skill, take part in a sport, do some community service and participate in an expedition, which in my case involved hiking and camping in the Lake District.

B

efore the main expedition we were sent up on some moors, far enough from the school that we had no idea where we were, but

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close enough that we could make it back for dinner as long as we left when school ended at 3 pm.

As we set off a fine drizzle misted up the windows, but as we wiped the condensation from the inside we could see the rows of terraced houses blur to become the bleak moors. Now the drizzle had turned to driving rain and the protection of the houses had long since gone so that the rain slashed against the minibus windows. The noise of the rain against the metal roof softened and the minibus stopped abruptly as we were thrown out like hostages being released following a ransom payment and a map and compass was thrust into our hands. The softer rain noise, we discovered, was due to the fact we had entered a small patch of woodland which offered minimal, yet welcome shelter. The

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minibus sped off with teachers making their getaway, intent on an hour or two of peace. The beating rain beyond the trees invited the rainbow of cagoules to emerge from rucksacks as we fought with the flimsy map which revealed a large red cross over a peach coloured box. The box was lined in black to signify it was a public building and implied where we needed to reach if we were to make it home alive. We all knew this would be more of a public house than just a public building, probably with a big log fire and a wide selection of beverages to help the teachers while away the hours as amnesia over their duty of care to a group of teenagers consumed them. As we battled with the map which, in turn, battled with wind, fighting and writhing with every gust, we www.lancmag.com

tried to remember all we had been taught. We tried to manipulate the compass to give us some clue as to the direction we needed to go. Soon a collective decision was made and we headed off into the grey abyss.

It had been estimated that our return to the little peach rectangle should take about an hour. Four hours later in the pitch black and with some help from a farmer named Bill who was checking on his sheep in the totally opposite direction of the peach rectangle, we arrived at the Red Lion pub. Our survival had been much more dependant on Farmer Bill’s trailer attached to his tractor, in which we all huddled on hay bails, rather than any navigation skills we had received from the now panicking teachers who were considering their alibis in front of the Red Lion’s blazing fire. www.lancmag.com

A few weeks later the day of the main event arrived and the same minibus, in what seemed like the same rain, headed up to the Lake District. This was a much larger and better organised event than the moors fiasco a few weeks earlier and several schools had gathered to take part in the expedition weekend.

Our little backpacks had been replaced by substantial, framed rucksacks and we soon discovered our plan to live off tins of baked beans had been a mistake as we hauled a substantial weight onto our developing shoulders. If we had gone three hours out of our way on a one hour hike just how lost could we get during a whole weekend?

We set off along the stony path and the sheep rolled their eyes, indicating that even they knew

we were poorly prepared. The teachers, now joined by partners in crime from other educational establishments, once again headed off to the nearest pub to wait for our possible, but unlikely return.

We were completely alone, our survival entirely dependant on our skills. Years later as my own boys headed off on scout trips to New Hampshire or Upstate New York, they always had adults close-by, not interfering, but ensuring their safety and ready to step in if they made a perilous mistake. Accompanying adults were not permitted to even have a beer around the campfire let alone lose all memory of their charges in a haze of cask ales. I don’t know if the differing level of supervision was the result of the change of times or the change of culture, but the difference was stark.

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On speaking to my eldest son, James, who thirty years later had completed his Bronze Duke of Edinburgh Award in Germany and his Silver in America, I suspect the difference was cultural. He reports a similar hostage release system being utilised to begin the expeditions in Germany, whereas a more controlled checkpoint system ensured his safety in the US. He too was lost in the wilderness following his release as they followed a line on the map believing it to be a footpath. As they became further and further away from their estimated arrival time at the campsite they eventually discovered that the solid black line, interspersed with vertical dashes, was actually an overhead power line. Their indignation as they hacked through the dense brambles, complaining of the German Forestry Commission’s inability to maintain the trails, had been completely unfounded and their now heavily scratched legs and increasingly inebriated teachers were in fact the result of their inability to recognise Ordnance Survey

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symbols. Unlike his mother decades earlier, James’s teachers had the advantage of mobile phones which allowed them to enjoy yet another stein of quality German beer rather than devising their elaborate cover story for the loss of their charges.

As we headed towards our first allocated camping stop, deep in the Lake District National Park, we started to feel like we were being followed. The galloping wind which swept the fells also swept us up in its waves carrying us the painful last couple of miles to the field where we had been told we could pitch our tents. Several times flashes of a red cagoule pierced the sage greens and mustard yellows of the coarse, dancing grasses and alerted us to someone looking down on us from a nearby ridge or from behind a lonely bush or tree. We were five girls alone in the wilderness about to surrender our tired legs to a welcome sleep protected only by the thin canvas of our tents. What if the cagoule was that of the Lakeland Ripper in

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search of his first victim or a white slave trader desperate for a cargo of young women and a hearty supply of baked beans? We became more and more aware of the shadowy figure as the day progressed, but reassured ourselves we had lost him as we pitched our tents by the abandoned farmhouse. As the baked beans warmed through on the tiny gas stove we each took it, in turn, to head off behind the derelict building to empty our bladders of the numerous cartons of Ribera we had consumed that day. Some even took the small trowel to dig a hole for a more substantial toilet stop, but we were glad to have the privacy of the crumbling walls of the farm outbuildings. As the sun rose from behind the ramshackle stone facade the next morning, we were alerted to another shadowy figure this time inside the abandoned farmhouse, illuminated by a small lamp sitting on the table. He appeared to be sat at the table eating from a small bowl and a cereal box and jug sat by the lamp. This was not the same fast

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moving Lakeland assassin we had shaken off the previous night, but was a hunchbacked, shuffling man in the farmhouse his family had inhabited for generations. This was an old Lakeland farmer who now struggled to maintain his property and who had had the misfortune of having five Lancashire lasses using his garden as a toilet, unaware of any resident of this far from abandoned dwelling.

We quickly packed up our things and made our escape. We set off, our walking boots pushing a little less firmly into the mud than the night before now that our rucksacks had been relieved of their cargo of Heinz finest. The previous day’s rain had revived the mud, giving it a renewed strength to slow our progress and steal our spirits, but now it had mercifully ended and was replaced by sharp biting winds.

As we managed to escape the mud’s grasp and join a stony path, we felt a renewed energy and marched on towards our final goal singing and chatting, laughing and swinging our

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arms to aid our progression up the steep hill before us. Then we saw it.

It was only a flash, but we all saw it, the red cagoule of the Lakeland Ripper. He had found us again and was high on the ridge crouching behind a rock. We picked up our pace and decided our only chance was to make it back as quickly as possible. A couple more times we saw that flash of warning red, but each time it was evident we were being watched by someone who did not want us to be alerted to his presence. We were terrified, tired and aching, but the Duke of Edinburgh made us confront those fears and work together to face our challenges and make our escape. Faster and faster we walked until soon we saw the bridge ahead of us that led to the campsite where the teachers had all been staying. This was our safe haven. Their static caravans sat in the field behind a stone built public house clearly marked on our map, this time with a PH next to its peach box. They were all sat in a circle of folding chairs enjoying the sunshine

and each with a can or bottle in hand. We ran up to them panting from our almost sprint of the final five miles to safety to report the shady character who had threatened us by his illusiveness the past two days. Just as we were about to gasp out our wildest fears the teacher stood to greet us, but seemed to be looking back along the path we had just taken rather than directly at us.

“Hey, John! Thanks for looking out for them,” our teacher said holding out a warm bottle of Black Sheep Ale. “No problem!” said a cheery voice from behind us, “Had a job keeping up with them this afternoon.

They were going at a fair lick!”

If only we had known John was protecting us from the Lakeland Ripper we thought as we turned to smile at the teacher from another school who stood behind us, his cheeks as bright and as red as his oversized cagoule.

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Above: Children learn from specialist music teachers

Above: Girls and boys benefit from Bolton School’s outstanding facilities

Above: Lots of fun to be had in the Computer Suite!

Why Choose Bolton School Infant School?

By John Newbould

Choosing the right school for your child, particularly their first one, is one of the hardest and most important decisions you make as a parent. If you choose our state-of-the-art infant school for girls and boys aged 4-7 years, you will find: • Provision that was judged ‘Outstanding’ across all categories in the last four school inspection reports • An opportunity for children to realise their potential through tuition from enthusiastic and

Above: An early introduction to outdoor adventure learning

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experienced teachers, including specialists in Music and Sport

as well as fundraising events, trips out and special guests in school

• An active learning programme, which encourages independence, resilience and a love of learning

• Excellent home-school relationships that allow children to prosper

• High quality resources and outstanding facilities, including a computer suite, mini-library, a music room, an outdoor reading area, a large playground and access to Bolton School’s sports fields and swimming pool

• Pre- and after-school wraparound care (and holiday clubs) for children from 7.30am – 6.00pm at Kidzone, which is right next door to us

• Happy children, thriving in a warm, colourful and nurturing setting • A wide range of enrichment activities, including extra-curricular clubs that include Beavers, jujitsu, baking, science, dance and drama

Above: Children take part in lots of exciting clubs and activities

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• Pupils leave us as happy, confident and independent learners and are ready to thrive at our Junior Girls’ or Junior Boys’ Schools.

Call us on 01204 434759 to request a prospectus, arrange a personal tour or to talk about applying.

Above: Girls and boys’ learning is enhanced through excellent home-school relationships

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New homes across Lancashire How very Redrow We pride ourselves in building quality homes throughout Lancashire

Images typical of Redrow homes. Details correct at time of going to press.

Discover more about the new homes in Lancashire

Visit: redrow.co.uk/lancashire

Redrow strive to create environments that will stand the test of time, where people can appreciate and enjoy their surroundings. We create homes that are designed for the way we live today, yet are rooted in the time-honoured traditions of craftsmanship and care.

Early Years Collaboration in Bolton

By Alice Bradshaw

Above: Jasmin Sanders, Bolton School Nursery Manager

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Give Your Child the Very Best Start in Life

Bolton School

With specialist teaching in many subjects and outstanding opportunities in sport, music and drama, girls and boys joining our Junior Schools at age 7 enjoy the very best start in life. They thrive in a School which provides incredible facilities, successfully mixes innovation and tradition, provides a wide range of guest speakers and opportunities to participate in trips and visits, including residentials in the Lake District.

Almost all Junior School pupils progress to our Senior Schools having developed self-esteem, a respect for others and a belief that anything is possible.

JUNIOR SCHOOLS' OPEN EVENING Visit us on Thursday 27 May, 4.30pm-6.30pm Call 01204 840201 for more details If you would like to visit our Infant School for girls and boys aged 4-7 years, call us on 01204 434759 to arrange a one-to-one tour with the Head.

At the beginning of the Coronavirus pandemic, a small group of managers and owners of Early Years providers in Bolton, including Bolton School Nursery, formed an open discussion group. The aim was to help one another in any way they could.

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Since then, the group has gone from strength to strength: a number of additional providers have joined and the scope of discussions has widened beyond those related to Covid-19.

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J

asmin Sanders, the Manager at Bolton School Nursery, explains: ‘Initially this was to provide a forum where we could discuss and work out how to interpret guidance and work within the government restrictions due to the pandemic. As time has gone on, we have discussed lots of other issues in Early Years. From the meetings, a closed Facebook group has also taken off, where we share ideas for training, CPD and anything else that may be helpful.

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‘Currently, our discussions are around the upcoming changes to the Development Matters, EYFS and the new Birth to 5 Matters document. We always discuss how the pandemic is affecting settings, and share solutions and ideas; it really is very helpful, informative and connects providers in a way that hasn’t been accessible before. It is quite informal, and a lot of frustrations and issues have been shared in the group, always with the aim of finding a solution or doing something about it.

‘The group makes suggestions to the Local Authority (LA) about how they can support us further. We put together a series of questions that have arisen between us and we then send these to Bolton’s Early Years team in the LA. They are answered either directly or integrated into the regular update webinars every couple of weeks. The group has continued lobbying for Lateral Flow testing for Early Years, as well as PPE and the continuation of conversations with Central Government regarding the funding crisis in Early Years.

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‘The group is currently collaborating with other Early Years groups, with the aim of promoting a united front in Early Years. However, we need a big enough voice; the more providers who can get involved the better.’

Julie Robinson, owner of Eagley School House Nursery, was part of the initial discussion to set up the group and found it beneficial to discuss bubbles, Covid testing and additional operational issues with other settings. She said of the group: ‘Personally, I have found it more relatable and easier to share issues.

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Sharing ideas with people on the front line was absolutely crucial.’

Vicky Hough, owner of Saplings Day Nursery agreed that it has been helpful to discuss changes in practice and the impact of the pandemic on practitioners, children, families and nursery owners and managers, as well as more recently EYFS reform and general good practice in Early Years. She said: ‘This group has been a very valuable support to not only my setting but me personally throughout this period. Whilst some of the issues and practices are different due to the size of

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settings, it has been reassuring to know we are not alone in the issues we face and the extra worries and pressure we have gained.’

Vicky also reiterated the importance of going forward as a group of providers, to give nurseries and Early Years groups a strong voice.

If any Early Years providers in and near Bolton are interested in joining the group, please contact Jasmin Sanders via email (JJSanders@boltonschool.org) or phone (01204 434732). www.lancmag.com

Based in the rural village of Goosnargh, Laurel Farm Kitchens has been recognised as one of only a few truly bespoke kitchen manufacturers in the North West receiving a reputation, second to none, on quality and craftsmanship over the past 25 years.

“Our aim, through the creativity of our kitchen designers and their ability to bring out the best in our client’s ideas is to create the most imaginative and workable kitchens from the canvas supplied.”

Sanctuary, Last Drop Village is an exclusive, secure and gated community offering a collection of stunning homes set in an idyllic location, surrounded by beautiful views of the Lancashire countryside.

This innovative concept from Jones Homes offers bespoke mature living for those looking for something special that will last a lifetime.

At Sanctuary, our low maintenance, high specification homes have all been built with your lifestyle, security and independence in mind.

With 3 & 4 bedroom homes now available from £369,950, there really has never been a better time to find out more.

We are pleased to advise that we have created a safe environment for you to visit our Show Homes and are open for 1-2-1 appointments and personal viewings, so why not contact us today let us help you to buy your new home.

Sanctuary Last Drop Village Bromley Cross, Bolton BL7 9PZ 01204 859003

jones-homes.co.uk

Interviewing the Journalists

By John Newbould

In the latest ‘Perspectives’ lecture hosted virtually by Bolton School Girls’ Division, a panel comprising four Old Girls and a current parent considered the privileges and challenges of a career in journalism and the media.

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n audience of Y10 pupils and above as well as teachers, parents and the local community Zoomed in to see Rosalyn Harper, a member of the Head Girls’ Team, introduce the speakers and give a brief overview of journalism. She reflected on how the profession demands hard work, dedication and exceptional ability and intellect.

Kathryn Austin, who left Bolton School in 2019, spoke first. She recalled how she had been interested in current affairs from a young

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age, creating her own newspaper at the age of 10. She explained how she had written for the School newspaper from Year 8 and how, in her final year, she had become its Editor. Studying A levels in English Language, Politics and History, she had also written her own blog and set up and sold a Sixth Form newsletter, the profits of which went to charity. Kathryn spoke about her Multimedia Journalism degree that she is currently undertaking at the University of Salford’s Media City campus. She explained how it focuses on online and print journalism and of the academic and practical experiences it is giving her, including allowing her to interview lots of interesting people, undertake voice-training classes and learn about crime reporting through attending court cases. She also told how she elected to work towards gaining the industry-recognised National Council for the Training of Journalists’ diploma. Kathryn

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picked out a highlight of the course as covering the 2019 General Election, when she worked in a newsroom from 8.00pm-8.00am.

The experience helped cement her view that she was on the right career path! She advised the audience that if you are curious and interested in people and the world around you, then they should definitely consider journalism. The degree, she said, had certainly made her realise how many doors journalism can open for you. It is a profession, she said, that can be such a power for good and in our current times there is a real need for trustworthy and competent journalism.

Stephanie Gabbatt left Bolton School in 2013 and took a degree in English Literature at the University of York before studying for a Masters degree in Broadcast Journalism at the University of Central Lancashire, which trained her to work in both television and radio. Her first job, www.lancmag.com

she recounted, was at a local radio station in Burnley called ‘2BR’ and initially she could not believe she was being paid for something she had been doing as a hobby and for free since she was 16! Despite being overworked and underpaid, the station provided lots of handson opportunities including being allowed to cover the Manchester Arena bombing. After that, Stephanie applied for at least 100 jobs at the BBC before she finally secured a post on a small radio station on Guernsey.

Again, this was a small venture and she quickly moved up from being a reporter to news reading, presenting programmes and even covering a sports tournament in Gibraltar!

Wanting to work in London, she finally secured a job working for the BBC World Service where she creates tv bulletins which, having been translated into 42 different languages, are transmitted across the world on the BBC’s partner stations.

However, then Covid hit and she was sent home! She has since been involved in the BBC’s 100 Amazing Women project – she recounted how she came into this managing social media and 10 months later had taken on myriad roles including arranging interviews with the founders of Black Lives Matter, speaking to celebrities and arranging virtual events! Answering the question why you should consider journalism, she asked what other job could give you such a wide range of experiences over such a short period? Whilst she is trained to work in tv and radio, she said she is always learning and is super excited for her future. She told how she enjoys the pressure of having only a few hours to get your head around a story and that even today she had produced a news item on the Israeli elections, something she had not known anything about when she got out of bed! She also felt that it is good that the BBC is spreading its offices across the UK and felt the institution was now more representative than it ever has been.

Considering the negatives of the job, she said it is very competitive and that you sometimes need to take low paid jobs to start with!

Amanda Killelea, a Bolton School parent, went to school in Burnley.

She professed that, having spent 25 years in journalism, she is living www.lancmag.com

proof that going to a state school does not preclude you from the profession. After undertaking a degree in Economics from the University of Manchester, she was still unsure what to do when her mother persuaded her to try journalism, convincing her that her love of reading and talking would stand her in good stead! Amanda went on to take a Postgrad in Journalism at the University of Central Lancashire and loved it. Nothing, she said, beats the buzz of the newsroom when there is a breaking news story, especially when you are working on tomorrow’s front page.

Amanda explained how she worked her way up through local newspapers, including the Lancashire Telegraph and the Manchester Evening News, where she was the News Editor. When her children were born she went freelance for the flexibility it afforded and wrote articles for The Daily Mirror, The Daily Mail, The Sun and numerous women’s magazines before becoming a Northern features writer at The Daily Mirror. She told the audience that life as a journalist is never dull and that you do not know what you are going to be working on - or where - from one day to the next. It is definitely not a nine ‘til five job – she said you can end up working on Christmas Day and New Year’s Day - but the rewards are immense. She told of travelling the world, interviewing film stars and pop stars and politicians, of being a regular on the sets of Coronation Street and Strictly and of chasing the Prime Minister down the street with a colleague dressed in the Mirror’s chicken outfit. She informed the audience that you have to be prepared to do all sorts of things!

But, she said, the best stories are of extraordinary things that happen to ordinary people. At times, she told the audience, you have to be tough, when covering events such as the Manchester Arena bombings or the Grenfell Tower tragedy. She recalled talking to mums who had lost sons in the Iraq war and how it is important to listen carefully and to show real empathy. There are also times, she said, when you have to ask difficult questions on behalf of readers. She briefly recapped how over the 25 years she has been in the industry LANCASHIRE & NORTH WEST MAGAZINE 45

it has changed, recalling how you once did research via past editions of newspapers, or in the library or using the Encyclopaedia Brittanica or by knocking on people’s doors and then calling your stories into head office via telephone boxes. In today’s world of 24 hour news you can no longer take your time with a story and this means journalists’ skillsets have expanded. Amanda told how, despite the inevitability of the digital side of journalism growing, the basic tenets of the profession remain. It is a journalist’s job to remain impartial and to report the facts accurately, letting people make up their own minds. Despite the sometimes long hours and deadlines that have to be met, she said there is no finer feeling than when you help to change someone’s life for the better.

She cited the Mirror’s campaign to ensure we all become organ donors when we die unless we specifically choose not to. She also recalled the story of Amy, a 3 year old girl who needed a bone marrow transplant to cure her leukemia and through the Mirror’s campaign, a donor was found. Her advice to young people was that you have to be a religious consumer of news in its many formats and in order to kick-start your career you have to try and get work experience on a local newspaper or 46

write your own stories and blogs.

Kate McGeown (Class of 1994), another Old Girl, was unsure what to do when she left the University of Oxford with a Human Sciences degree but told how she had written for Isis magazine and the Cherwell magazine whilst a student. A postgrad course at City University was useful for providing her with contacts and, because of her science background, she got her first job working for a BBC programme called ‘Tomorrow’s World’. She quickly realised that it was international news that interested her and she moved to BBC News and then the World Service before working on the BBC website and becoming their Asia Editor. She recalled how she got her break during a disaster when she covered the Asian tsunami in 200405 and how went on to set up the BBC’s Asia office for the website.

She recalled how she ended up working in Bangkok for three years and in the Philippines as a tv, radio and website reporter for another four years. Like the other panellists, she confirmed how it is very unusual for a journalist these days to do just one thing. She told how writing was her original passion but that she now has a love of radio too, although it is tv work that pays the bills! Whilst she absolutely loved being a foreign

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correspondent, she went slightly leftfield to rein in the travelling when she had children and undertook a variety of jobs including giving media training to UN officials and NGOs in Turkey before working in Nigeria helping deliver health messaging via the radio. Kate revealed how she now works in Comms with the Department for International Development but given it has recently merged with the Foreign Office, she awaits to see what will come next! She hopes she will be able to work remotely from Jerusalem where she currently lives with her husband. Whilst the job can be tough, stressful, underpaid and has kept her up all night, Kate said there is nothing like it in the world! She concurred that it is often one extreme to another. She recalled going undercover in Burma and standing on a tank travelling into Bangkok as she reported live for the BBC on a coup in Thailand. She told of interviewing Presidents, the Head of the World Bank, celebrities and recommended the profession to anyone interested in how the world works. She said that five years ago, she would have said the future of journalism looked bleak but now she would say that people are realising that they need to pay for quality news and that there is a massive www.lancmag.com

Obama and Cindy McCain, spending three weeks shuttling between Phoenix, Washington and Chicago.

Kathryn told how she went freelance 12 years ago for the flexibility.

future for journalism. Her last words were, if you are interested, go for it!

Kathryn Knight left Bolton School in 1989 having had a ‘fabulously happy time’. In many ways, she said, she has to thank the school for her career. As Head Girl she recalled how she had given a Vote of Thanks at Prizegiving to the guest speaker, the Literary Editor of The Times, who she kept in contact with afterwards.

Having completed a Literature degree at Oxford, he tipped her off about a job coming up on The Diary at The Times; this came as quite a relief to her as she was, at the time, applying for lots of journalistic jobs whilst selling men’s shirts at Debenhams in Bolton. She recalled how the job was meant to be a graduate traineeship but essentially was about ‘seat of your pants learning’. She recalled being terrified for two years but built up her confidence when she covered a front page corporate manslaughter story. After leaving The Times, she moved into feature writing on other papers and revealed an eclectic range of jobs she had been involved with, everything from celebrities interviews to human interest interviews to stories from around the world. She recalled going to China to report on bear-baiting and to the US to write about the two potential First Ladies, Michelle www.lancmag.com

Her life, she said, had become less international but was still very varied, with everything from human interest interviews and investigations to visiting film sets and interviewing the actors. She felt in many ways that the basics of journalism have not changed. She said it is still about talking to people, writing persuasive copy and fact checking but agreed with the other panellists that the world has changed. She recalled having to knock on someone’s door once to dictate a story back to head office via a landline. Technology, she said, has definitely altered the landscape and has given a platform to the voiceless whilst sending print media sales plummeting. Despite this, she said print media and the websites that go with them still have a hugely important role to play; they can still entertain, inform, bring people to account and accelerate change in government policies.

As evidence, she cited The Daily Mail helping curtail the overuse of plastic bags by supermarkets and the highlighting of the Windrush scandal, which was exposed by The Guardian. She felt she could hardly dare speculate where journalism will go next and said it is important to be flexible and that having experience across multimedia is going to be very important. She predicted that the insecurity in the profession is likely to remain and possibly increase. She speculated that it might be that journalism becomes part of a portfolio career.

Addressing those considering a career in the field, she said an old boss once advised her that employers are not looking for people that want to be journalists but people that are journalists, in other words people that are already writing, perhaps for local magazines or their own blogs.

Overall, she said, journalism is still a fantastic career - not the easiest to get into and sustain but rewarding and enormous fun if you can.

The well-received presentations generated a variety of questions.

University student Kathryn Austin talked about what surprises she had

found on her course, saying nothing could have prepared her for it. She said that people underestimate what goes into a journalistic career and spoke about the many things involved with making audio and video recordings and all the fine detail such as style guides and making sure photos are credited properly.

She had also come to realise that journalism can take you into other fields and had been considering a possible Law conversion course.

Assessing which skill had been the most useful throughout their career, Amanda Killelea felt it was shorthand. Make sure, she told the audience, to get your 100 words a minute shorthand! She even recounted how it can be used as evidence in court if needs be! She said that listening and reacting are important skills and you should not forget to have a good photographer alongside you as a good picture can be as powerful as the words.

The panel was asked if being female had hindered their careers.

Kate McGeown said that things are getting better but that there was some truth to women journalists quietly leaving the BBC in their forties – she was one – and that a glass ceiling does still exist. She could not recall any problems when she was young and said that actually being female in some countries is the only way you will get to speak to women of that country. Kathryn Knight said she was not always taken seriously as a young blond reporter but it did sometimes work in her favour; she believed it to largely be an egalitarian profession. Amanda Killelea agreed, pointing out that the Editors of the Daily Mirror, The Sunday Mirror and The Sunday People are all women. Stephanie, as the youngest working journalist on the panel, said it was not something she had encountered and that working for the World Service she had found lots of women’s forums and groups and that she feels very supported in her career.

The evening drew to a close with Rosalyn Harper offering a Vote of Thanks and Mrs James advising that the next Perspectives lecture will focus on the fashion industry and will take place on Monday 10th of May.

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Trio’s tree project that just grew

Above:Creating natural areas in schools means that children and teachers can benefit from outdoor learning

A group of young men in Liverpool have found a way to help the environment with a project that just grew and grew and grew, The Lancashire Wildlife Trust’s Jenna Cains tells the story.

J

oe Meredith, Tom Sweeney and Leo Chrysokhou have spent the last two years doing something for the environment.

The young friends were told about several thousand young saplings that needed a new home, so they sprang into action.

So they initially used their own funds and money they had raised locally to initially buy the 3,000 oak tree saplings from a nursery in Wales.

In less than two years, and throughout lockdown, they have so far managed to find homes for over 18,000 of the little trees around the UK and Ireland.

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And that included planting around 2,500 themselves in the Liverpool area..

The lads contacted me, project manager of Nature Friendly Schools for the Lancashire Wildlife Trust. My job is to help teachers to develop skills in outdoor learning, giving children opportunities to get closer to nature, benefitting their learning, health and wellbeing and make them care for the environment.

“I think it’s really good we are planting trees at school because it helps the environment and might inspire more people to plant trees.”

- Alfie, 10

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We work with 17 schools in deprived areas across the North West and help them create nature areas in their school grounds.

After my discussion with Joe, Tom and Leo, we were able to rehome 800 trees in our Nature Friendly Schools.

Tom said: “It’s a massive passion of mine to get children into conservation, especially those coming from challenging backgrounds like myself. Seeing how engaged the kids are it just shows how important it is for them to get their hands dirty and understand the importance of planting trees.

“Now more than ever we need the next generation to be green-minded.

Being able to plant and monitor them properly could really inspire them and create life long memories.

This experience has inspired me and even opened my mind up to going into teaching.” www.lancmag.com

“Trees are really important as they help keep the squirrels fed and make the school nicer.”

- Alan, 10 One school that has plenty of outdoor space is St Boniface in Salford, and they were able to rehome an astounding 100 oak trees in one go!

“Planting trees is really important as we need trees to breathe.”

- Christina, 10 “The children have learnt more about themselves today by tree planting then they would have in 6 months in the classroom.”

Above: Tom helping youngsters to plant trees at St Boniface

Head teacher St Boniface Julie Bainbridge: “We are really trying to improve our outdoor learning opportunities as we know and have seen the positive effects of outdoor learning and mental health on the children.

The dedication of this young group of friends and acquaintances is nothing short of amazing, they shared a love of nature and the motivation to actually do something positive. What an example to us all!

Well done to Joe Meredith, Tom Sweeney and Leo Chrysokhou.

“Trees create more homes which are better for animals.”

- Pierre, 10

If you would like to learn more about Nature Friendly Schools contact Claire on: eduadmin@lancswt.org.uk

This is why it’s so important for the children to be involved with the design and transformation of the school grounds which will benefit them and future students of St Boniface.

Above: Making St Boniface School greener

On a rainy day in November, the pupils braved the weather to plant the trees in their field, led by Education Officer Claire Critchley, and assisted

by Tom.

“Planting trees at school has showed how everyone can help the environment.”

- Ollie, 10

Above: Planting trees at St Boniface School

Above: Tom and his St Boniface planting volunteers

“Planting these trees will help us see more wildlife.”

- Brandon, 10

The Lancashire Wildlife Trust The Wildlife Trust for Lancashire, Manchester and North Merseyside is dedicated to the protection and promotion of the wildlife in Lancashire, seven boroughs of Greater Manchester and four of Merseyside, all lying north of the River Mersey. It manages around 40 nature reserves and 20 Local Nature Reserves covering acres of woodland, wetland, upland and meadow. The Trust has 30,000 members, and over 1,200 volunteers.

To become a member of the Trust go to the website at www.lancswt.org.uk or call 01772 324129. For more information about Cheshire Wildlife Trust call 01948 820728 or go to cheshirewildlifetrust.org.uk.

www.lancmag.com

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IS YOUR CHILD STARTING AT PRIMARY SCHOOL THIS SEPTEMBER? CAN YOUR CHILD... ?

Use the toilet independently

Wash their hands afterwards

Fasten their own shoes (Velcro is best!)

Put their coat on themselves

Recognise their name

Listen to an instruction

And follow it!

Use a tissue to wipe their nose

Use a knife and fork

Use a pair of scissors independently

Tidy their toys up

Get dressed on their own

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www.lancmag.com

Here are some top tips for parents and children from Mrs Tracey Taylor, Head of Bolton School Infants’ School, on how to make a successful start to Primary School

WHAT YOU CAN DO TO PREPARE YOUR CHILD Read d lots of storie stories to your child hild and d ask k them questions such as: Why do you think..?

Help your child to listen by playing listening games or just listening to the sounds around you.

Sing songs and nursery rhymes.

What is going to happen next?

Help you child deve develop pre-writing skills by playing with playdough.

This strengthens their muscles.

Try to get into a sch school routine b before September. f S t Plan bed times (early please) and be up in plenty of time for a good breakfast.

Don’t talk about your own school experiences to your child if they were negative!

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Encourage your E child to play out:

If child ld care before and after school is diffe different, prepare your child.

run, jump, hop, climb, ride a bike, build a den, throw and catch a ball.

You could also have a weekly chart to help your child understand what’s happening pp g every y week.

Try to get your ch child used to not having their security blanket or toy (and afternoon naps), little by little before starting school.

Don’t bombard your child about school.

Be matter of fact about it so your child doesn’t become anxious.

Don’t over-hype school!

Don’t worry.

It could be a disappointment!

Your child will be well looked after.

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Introducing Miles Consult & Construct Managing Director and founder of the company.

Sajedah Maka-Ismail has over 20 years of experience in the Construction Industry and worked with a diverse type of buildings and establishments including educational, domestic, commercial and listed buildings.

Sajedah’s background as an Indian British female in the Construction Industry has come with its own hurdles. However, it has not stopped her from wanting to inspire and encourage likeminded people.

Sajedah is known for putting everything and everyone first, she plays it down when she gets told she is talented, but that is what is so unique about her is her drive to want to help others.

S

ajedah was born and bred in Preston and studied at the University of Central Lancashire, qualifying as a Building Surveyor.

Sajedah is a Chartered Construction Manager with the Chartered Institute of Builders (MCIOB). Her excellent communication skills and empathy towards our clients has always been a credit to Sajedah’s success.

Sajedah’s life was turned upside down 12 years ago, when her mother fell down the stairs and was admitted to hospital. It was revealed that she was suffering from Spinal Tuberculosis. As a result, Sajedah’s mother lost the ability to do anything for herself and now requires 24-hour care. This had a huge impact on the family and Sajedah’s work life balance was hugely compromised.

However, it did not stop her from excelling in her career and manage the care for her mother.

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Sajedah still wanted to follow her dream, she still wanted to excel in her career, so she slowly started to build a team of support workers to help ease the management of the care for her mother. Successfully, Sajedah now manages a team of 10 staff, who provide round the clock care for her mother.

Her husband is the inspiration to set up Miles Consult & Construct.

He gave Sajedah the support and business acumen to set up the company. Luckman, her husband has been a great support and a huge motivation in the drive to make her dream into reality.

What can Miles Consult & Construct offer?

Support & Advice Providing a quick and effective response to all premise related needs.

After the death of Sajedah’s father in 2019, she met her husband at the age of 40. It is true when they say, “Life begins at 40”! Soon after getting married Sajedah decided to give up her work to focus on the care of her mother and married life.

So, what inspired her to finally set up her own Business?

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Fairness Maintaining the highest levels of professionalism and fairness.

Solutions Delivering solutions for “practical space” within a building, to maximise the efficient use of areas.

Partnership Working in partnership with all stakeholders. www.lancmag.com

Budgeting Understanding the need to work within tight budgets and timescales.

Honesty Working with empathy, gratitude, and honesty to better understand the end users’ requirements

In 2015, due to high winds and the aging of the window frames, the glazing fell to the ground, causing a section of the Bus Station to be closed off causing a huge inconvenience for the users.

Sajedah, very swiftly organised for the right specialists to get involved and project managed the safe and quick replacement of the glazing.

The area was back in use within a week. The careful planning and liaison with the right people made it key for the project to be delivered with succession. Every step of the way reports had to be prepared and submitted to stakeholders at Lancashire County Council to keep them updated of what was being proposed.

Miles Consult & Construct provide a range of services to suit your requirements. They deliver schemes ranging from simple room renovations to extensions to both private and public buildings.

Sajedah has strong Project Management skills, which completes her skill set in delivering multimillion-pound projects both in the public and private sector.

There is nothing that Sajedah will refuse to get involved in. She is always enticed to try something new.

Whether it is barn conversion or working on a listed building such as Preston Bus Station, she has worked on them all.

Whilst working as a District Building Surveyor, Sajedah maintained and ensured the compliance of: • • • • •

Preston Bus Station, Preston Queen Street Mill, Burnley Gawthorpe Hall, Burnley Museum of Lancashire, Preston Helmshore Textile Mill, Rossendale

www.lancmag.com

About the Services Sajedah is conversant in preparing 2D and 3D drawings, which can be submitted for Planning and Building Regulation applications. She can provide the full service to a client by understanding their requirements, dissecting the brief, and extracting the relevant information to provide the perfect scheme for the client.

Sajedah has an eye for detail and design. Her creative skills have made her a true Interior Designer with flare and tenacity to create environments to surely suit everyone’s’ needs.

With over 15 years in working with Schools and Academies, Sajedah can offer building development advice, drawings and project management services to Schools and Colleges.

What is her true Passion?

Sajedah has always been passionate in improving accessible living for the aging population and an increased need for care and help for the elderly. It is especially important to provide the right resources and environment for the disabled and elderly people, especially during these difficult times.

Services Offered: Construction Project Management Services Architectural Drawing & Specification Services

Sajedah has managed two major adaptation projects for her mother, as well as several disabled adaptation works whilst working at Lancashire County Council.

Independent And Accessible Living Construction Advice And Technical Services Interior Design Services Schools And Academies: • Strategic Asset Management • Remodel & Renovate buildings • Bid Writing & Feasibility Reports • Project Management Service for approved bids or other building projects

LANCASHIRE & NORTH WEST MAGAZINE 53

Project Management at Miles Consult & Construct Sajedah has been involved in Project Managing various schemes up to the value of £47 million pounds, including the Management School, Lancaster University. Her skills in communication and client liaison have been exemplary.

THE PINES, Private Residence.

Sajedah project managed and was hugely involved in the design and delivery of her parent’s property, which was a bungalow converted into a 2-storey house. Her meticulous eye for detail and understanding of her mother’s disability allowed her to make sure she specified the correct materials and designed the correct widths of doors to allow for her mother’s specialist equipment to be maneuvered.

She has also worked for the NHS during this pandemic and managed several schemes including the reopening of the Chorley Emergency Department.

This scheme had to be delivered within 6 weeks for the public to use, due to the exhilarating pressure on the NHS hospitals within the area.

Sajedah had to quickly mobilise a design team to prepare the relevant documentation and drawings to submit to contractors. The scheme was successfully delivered, within such a tight timescale. Effective liaison was maintained with local MP’s, senior management within the NHS and NHS England to make sure everyone was kept informed of progress and funds were being expended wisely.

This is just a taster of the types of schemes Sajedah has managed, which provides an overview of her introduction as Miles Consult & Construct.

Sajedah would also like to reach out to housebuilders and private developers in helping them deliver properties which are designed to give more of a personal touch and advise on accessibility and design issues that is quite common when building in masses.

Space was carefully planned to allow for maneuverability around the property but making sure at the same time it felt like a home, rather than an “institution”. There was a lot of conversations and meetings held with clinicians and social care workers, to obtain the right information and apply it to the design of this property. This property is now fully accessible from all doorways with automated doors and extra wide door widths, including specific worktop heights and tables to ensure Sajedah’s mother can enjoy and feel part of her own home and provide her with independence.

There is an ever-growing culture of extended families and the elderly requiring adaptations to ensure their home is accessible. Sajedah wants to help and share her experiences with these families to make sure they design their property so that it can be enjoyed by everyone and not feel like they are living in an “institution”.

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There is a huge demand for experienced professionals in the construction Industry, but more so for females from an ethnic minority background. There is a massive drive internationally to encourage individuals to take on this position, which is why Sajedah wants to be a role model and mentor for others.

Please feel free to call or send an email to: sajedah@milescc.co.uk www.milescc.co.uk +44 (0) 1772 759345 +44 (0) 75810 14867 Follow Us On: N I F T L

+44 (0) 75810 14867 @milescc2021 Sajedah Maka-Ismail @milescc2021 Sajedah Maka-Ismail www.lancmag.com

(A6) Garstang Road | Brock | Nr Preston | Lancashire | PR3 0RD Tel: 01995 643455 | Email: info@rockform.co.uk | Web: www.rockform.co.uk

Importers & stockists of exceptional tiles, stones & wood flooring

The Hatch Group: Hatching a New Era in The Digital World

The Hatch Group is the quintessential sleeping digital giant of Lancashire.

An amalgam of four specialist digital companies, The Hatch Group endeavours to provide a “one-stop shop” for its strong portfolio of noteworthy clients.

B

oasting brands such as: Destinology, Ted Baker, Virgin, Kelly Hoppen, Crown Paints and Netflights, to name but a few – The Hatch Group is dedicated to their specialisms and providing tangible results through digital marketing, design and software solutions.

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The prime benefit behind this exciting merger is to generate synergy through the delivery of a comprehensive service for existing clients, whilst expanding The Hatch Group’s customer base.

Managing Director of The Hatch Group Steven Hickey commented, “To bring design, marketing and tech products under one roof has been a vision which we’ve all shared for a while. We’ve worked diligently to bring the pieces of the puzzle together whilst keeping our respective businesses, projects and customers growing. It’s a proud moment to finally pull it all off.”

www.lancmag.com

The Fab Four Standing out from the crowd with a vast amount of experience, drive and passion in one place; The Hatch Group was devised by four pioneers, referred to as the “Fab Four”, by MonkeyFish Marketing founder Phill Monk.

The Fab Four are leading specialists in their respective industries, who are proud to have such a rare amount of “super talent” under one roof.

Tony Bury, Operations Director at The Hatch Group, has a vast amount of experience running digital agencies and working for tech platforms. Tony created his own specialist PPC brand, Biddable Media in 2015. On the merger, Tony remarked: “Digital advertising was the focus for our business, {Biddable Media} before The Hatch Group was formed. We always turned website work away and often had campaign critical issues with client websites which we couldn’t help fix, as it wasn’t a part of our business. So, joining forces with companies in other areas with likeminded people was a no brainer for me and my team.”

Graham Slater, Creative Director at The Hatch Group, established The Hatch back in 2013, during his freelance career. The Hatch creates innovative print and design graphics as well as harbouring expertise in website design and development. The Hatch has worked with some of the world’s most recognised brands such as Marvel, Six Star Cruises and Disney. Graham Slater said of the acquisition, “As a creative outfit, bringing ideas and concepts to life can be challenging, especially with digital media and technology. Having worked with the other directors on various projects over the years, we jumped at the opportunity to create The Hatch Group and pool our talent.”

MonkeyFish founder Phill Monk, believed his marketing company had a missing piece to the jigsaw and yearned for a creative flair. As now Sales Director at The Hatch Group, Phill commented: “With experience and talent which you rarely find in one place, officially becoming a part of The Hatch Group is a natural progression for MonkeyFish and for myself personally. We now have a dream team with a strong portfolio of brands, broad range of clients and amazing in-house resources.”

Steven Hickey, Managing Director of The Hatch Group, has a wealth of experience with ten years under his belt in the technology industry. During his time as a consultant, Steven formed a working relationship with Phill Monk and Tony Bury. In turn, this has acted as somewhat of a catalyst for the emergence of The Hatch Group.

Technology at its Best The tech side of The Hatch Group compliments its creative marketing arm in a way which sets them apart from their competitors. Skuup, Indimand and Monalitica add another dimension to The Hatch Group’s collection of acquisitions. All three provide unrivalled technology which can positively transform the efficiency and running of their client’s businesses.

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Skuup is a warehouse management and control solution, using a blend of software and hardware to improve warehousing operations for manufacturers, wholesalers and exporters. From loading-bay vehicle shuffling to robotic labelling, Skuup maximises business efficiency and throughput, using modern technology.

Indimand’s niche is in the world of wholesale e-commerce, creating online portals and revolutionising the running of e-commerce sites with CRM, ERP, right through to product feed support.

The proof is in the pudding as they say; The Hatch Group partner, Smylies reached a sixty-five percent growth due to the systems provided by Indimand and Skuup.

Rounding off the triad of products, Monalitica is an industrial monitoring solution, using cutting-edge ‘big data’ technology; Monalitica can monitor, analyse and report information in real time, which can be particularly useful for companies who need to comply with industry regulations such as food, chemicals and many other sectors.

Pulling it Out the Bag for Big Brands The Hatch Group is committed to enhancing their clients’ brands through effective digital marketing campaigns and the use of cutting-edge technology. Skuup and Indimand have played a vital role in the development of The Hatch Group’s ability to improve their client’s logistics and wholesale e-commerce.

British food exporter Smylies, embarked on what was to be a remarkable journey with MonkeyFish Marketing circa 2016, with an initial marketing strategy. In subsequent years, the partnership has been responsible for the creation of the Smylies Wholesale Portal via Indimand and revolutionised the management of the Smylies warehouse in terms of logistics and warehouse management systems, courtesy of Skuup. More recently, the partnership has founded the Smylies Brand Builder which enables other brands to increase their visibility world-wide.

Chris Smylie, Managing Director of Smylies commented, “I just have to say a big thank you to MonkeyFish and The Hatch Group for producing a website, online shop and systems that have been the backbone to our company’s growth. We love the team’s passion and the service they provide, from exceptional technical support to effective marketing strategies.”

The success of the Smylies Brand Builder has been recognised across the board, with enquiries pouring in from far and wide on how other brands can get involved.

Latterly, Smylies Brand Builder has acquired brands such as Britvic and Muller who are now able to reap the benefits of being a part of the Smylies ecosystem, as their global exposure continues to grow.

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Sales Director at The Hatch Group, Phill Monk

Steven Hickey, Managing Director at The Hatch Group

The Fab Four: Leading Specialists At the other end of the spectrum, a recent TV campaign worked wonders for travel company Netflights. The project featured short adverts that combined storytelling and humour to engage with viewers, creating an interest into what the brand had to offer. The innovative advert highlighted the fictional medical condition “Grinfreeze” and it’s comical and simple stories proved popular with viewers on TV channels such as Dave, Channel 4, Sky Sports, Comedy Central and Sky 1.

Netflights Managing Director Andrew Shelton said: “The Hatch have so much ambition for an agency outside of the city. They were extremely efficient throughout the project, always available and not afraid to challenge the brief to get the best results.

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What we are most impressed with is the strength, simplicity and flexibility of the creative idea, and the high quality of the ad content that we have jointly created.”

Lancashire at its Heart The Hatch Group is fiercely proud of their East Lancashire roots with their aspirations mirroring those of a city-based digital multimedia agency, demonstrated through their achievements.

Lancashire is where The Hatch Group’s heart is; the team are passionate about retaining local talent in the area and believe nurturing local talent plays a pivotal role in defining who and what The Hatch Group are all about. www.lancmag.com

Operations Director at The Hatch Group, Tony Bury

Graham Slater, Creative Director at The Hatch Group

in their respective industries Based in the heart of the Ribble Valley; The Hatch Group has strong working relationships with its clients, including local brands such as Lancashire Constabulary, Crown Paints and James’ Places, household names in the North West.

Success Against All Odds The Hatch Group is forward thinking in the digital world; in that it has chosen to combine both its skills and assets, whilst making a substantial investment in times of economic uncertainty, to further propel themselves in the digital industry. At its core, The Hatch Group allows their clients access to advanced technology solutions such as a

wholesale portal and CRM systems, in conjunction with creative design and strong marketing strategies, reinforcing that this merger is a game changer.

Putting their best foot forward, The Hatch Group will soon be unveiling their brandnew top floor office space at Union Mill near Clitheroe later this year.

It is a testament to the “Fab Four’s” foresight and perseverance, that this merger could still be executed during the economic uncertainty which the past 12 months has brought us.

Rossendale

By Lucy Bullough Sitting in the South East corner of Lancashire is a district with borough status known as Rossendale. It is a perfect blend of rural villages, urban uprising and scenic backdrops, all within just 15 short miles of Manchester.

The term Rossendale itself can seem somewhat misleading as there will be plenty who think it references a singular place. But Rossendale breaks the mould and is a whole area with a personality all its own.

Indeed, the borough of ‘Rossendale’ plays host to former mill towns, villages and more, and is centred around the valley of the River Irwell.

Rossendale can also be used to describe the Rossendale Valley which sits between the West Pennine Moors and the main range of the Pennines.

There are hills and moorland, rivers cutting through and despite one of its ancient designations being the ‘Royal Forest of Rossendale’, it remains largely unwooded (but that apparent naming anomaly is explained with some simple etymology).

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Above:

Amazing English countryside in Haslingden Lancashire

Left:

The Rossendale Way in Lancashire

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A brief history of Rossendale Rossendale has been named as such for almost 1,000 years with it previously recorded as Rocendal, in 1242. It is believed to have come form the Celtic ‘ros’ meaning moor or heath, and the Old Norse ‘dalr’ meaning dale or valley – thus it meant moor valley. This is, of course, as a result of the fact the area is in the valley of the River Irwell and is surrounded by wild open lands. By 1292, the name had changed to Rossendale and that is how it has remained.

The Rossendale Valley has stories to be told from even longer ago, with a site of historical interest being the dykes of Broadclough that were associated with the Battle of Brunanburh, fought in 937. This battle has been determined as the original point of English nationalism because it was the point at which the countries we now know as England, Scotland and Wales were defined.

It was in the Middle Ages when the Rossendale Valley was part of the Royal Forest of Rossendale and this sounds confusing with today’s definition of a forest. But back then, forest simply meant an

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area which was to be legally kept for royal hunting so could be any kind of grassland or farmland rather than exclusively ‘wooded’. The settlements in the area started to grow as the small farmsteads developed into hamlets and continued to flourish into market towns throughout this period. In the early 1500s, the land became ‘copyhold’ – a tenure of land where it was held according to the custom of the manor and the tenant received a copy of the title deed.

Later in the 1500s, Rossendale became one of the earliest places to develop a textiles industry with wool. This continued to boost the prosperity of the towns, as did the markets and farming in the area. But like much of Lancashire, the Industrial Revolution was the turning point for it in terms of true growth. Thanks to its climate and waterways, watermills were well-placed here and as mechanisation took over, cotton spinning and weaving started to boom. Felt production also began in the area, leading to a footwear industry at the heart of Rossendale. But there is so

much more to Rossendale than textiles alone.

Above: Isle of Man Mill - Geograph2264459-byRobert-Wade

Trade, expertise and immigration

Left: A vintage steam train entering the station at Rossendale Lancashire.

Farming has been in existence in Rossendale most likely since before true records began and thanks to the perfect land and conditions, it continues to flourish. Markets were to follow and beyond that, different industries started to crop up. There was of course a huge push into textiles with wool then cotton and felt being the leading products and this was so successful, Rossendale was labelled as ‘The Golden Valley’. Of course, there were only certain benefactors of this incredible success, with the fortunes realised largely by the mill-owners – hardship was experienced by the majority of the workforce around this time. This was aggravated in part by the immigration the prosperity attracted, mostly from Ireland. People came hunting for work both to build railways or work within the mills, but this sudden influx bred hostility and there were reports of civil disturbances regularly made.

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Aside from the local unrest, another area of textiles manufacture that Rossendale excelled at was felt production. In fact, it was such a huge part of the region that Rossendale became synonymous with footwear as felt was originally used for slippers. This notoriety remains today with several footwear manufacturers still in business. The famous Wynsors World of Shoes is the trading name of Courtesy Shoes and is still a leading value footwear retailer in the north, amongst others such as Lyndhurst Shoe Company. The shoe industry is so wellestablished in Rossendale, there is a road known as “Slipper Mile” thanks to those origins in slipper production and if you’d like to learn a little more about the shoe heritage in the area, there are plenty of ways to do so. Head to the Slipper Museum in Rawtenstall, meander along the Shoe Trail or even watch a clog-dance performance from the Britannia Coconutters (although the manufacture of these traditional clogs has long-since ceased in Rossendale!)

Beyond putting its best foot forward, there is a diverse collection of other things for which Rossendale is famous. Stone quarrying played an important role in the development of the textiles industry as the prevalence of the highquality materials enabled the construction of the mills themselves – 73 were built to

Below: GFairies Chapel Healey Dell - Geograph1697963-byAlexander-PKapp

accommodate the demand in the fabric world. With the increase in industry came the population growth which required housing and again, the local Rossendale flagstone was used to build the residences required as well as pavements, roads, bridges and public buildings.

The stone was not solely reserved for the residents and industry of Rossendale, however.

It was used all over Britain in order to construct towns and cities and some was even sent overseas. Entire hill sides were quarried of this exceptionally tough rock as it was perfect for use in flagstones, engine beds and kerbstones – Rossendale flagstone can be found in Trafalgar Square due to its high quality. At its peak, the stone quarrying industry was the third largest employer in the area (after textiles and shoes, of course) when as many as 3000 men were employed at the same time.

Food production has a place in Rossendale too so if you’re looking for a gastronomic delight, you can find it in the form of The Real Lancashire Black Pudding Co. This familyrun business still uses traditional methods and a recipe that dates back to 1879 because it remains delicious today! If you’d prefer to throw your black pudding instead of eat it, then you’d also be in the right place as the World Black Pudding Throwing Championships are held in Ramsbottom each September. When it’s time for some refreshments, you can pay a visit to a bar which is the very last of its kind in Britain.

Originally beginning life in Dublin in 1836, the Fitzpatrick family moved to Lancashire in 1899 and have enjoyed great success creating cordials and tonics. Today, these are readily available through a network of stockists but you can enjoy some refreshments in house at their temperance bar in Rawtenstall.

What to do in Rossendale Aside from walking the Shoe Trail, heading to the Slipper Museum, watching black pudding being thrown around and tasting a nonalcoholic treat at Mr Fitzpatrick’s, there are several other things to do in Rossendale. For example, if you would like to learn even more about the rich textiles history, you can visit the Higher Mill Textile Museum. You can also take a ride on the East Lancashire Railway on one of the impressive engines, maybe even enjoying one of the dining experiences.

If you’ve always fancied taking to the slopes but would rather give it a try a little closer to home in the first instance, you can try your hand at Ski Rossendale. This artificial slope is the perfect place to get a couple of lessons and see how you might take to it.

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There’s a conservation area called Healey Dell where you can take a walk and make a wish at the Fairy Chapel before enjoying some refreshments in the tea rooms. But that isn’t the only attractive place to walk – Rossendale is famed for its dramatic and undulating landscape as well as the perfectly preserved weavers’ cottages. Bacup is particularly wellknown for these and you can spot them all across the town. Whilst you’re there, you could also head to the Bacup Natural History Museum.

If you want an entirely unique experience, look out for the next ‘World Gravy Wrestling’ championship, a great day out for all the family.

There are usually stalls, a tombola and cake of course but more importantly, the messy main event is to raise money for the East Lancashire Hospice. Another slightly more unusual attraction (that’s more permanent) is the Astronomy Centre that describes itself as “dedicated to the furtherance of amateur astronomy”. Revel in the sight of the night sky in the observatory or head there in summer for some solar viewing. If simply looking skywards isn’t enough for you, then pretend you are flying high at the Flightdeck Experience. It has the world’s only Vulcan Bomber simulator as well as plenty of others to choose from to give you an exhilarating time. www.lancmag.com

Outdoor adrenaline junkies might prefer to head to the internationally-renowned ‘Adrenaline Gateway’ at Lee Quarry in Bacup to put your mountain-biking skills to the test.

You’ll be able to ride through a highly unusual landscape, almost lunar in nature, that affords stunning views over the local scenery. There are different trails offering differing levels of difficulty and if you’d like to hone your skills,

Above: Avro Vulcan B2 Bomber XH558

Above: Irwell Sculpture Trail Geograph-6522690-by-David-Dixon

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you can get a bit of training whilst you’re there.

But there’s another side to Rossendale, and one that many might not expect to come from a rural borough of this type – the arts. Perhaps not as you know it either with some incredible sights to see. The Irwell Sculpture Trail winds its way from Bacup to Salford Quays and along the way you can spot over 70 pieces of art from local, national and international artists.

Rossendale’s ‘Halo’ panopticon is another impressive feature that should be admired, especially at night. A tripod upholds a steel lattice structure five metres above the ground, and spans a width of 18 metres – already a sight to behold. But thanks to its modern LED technology which glows sky-blue after dark as well as its prominent position in the hills above Haslingden, it can be seen from miles around.

Listen to the tunes produced by the Singing Ringing Tree; a sculpture in the form of a tree on the Pennines, with wind powering its sounds – another panopticon!

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Above: The Panopticon (Singing, Ringing Tree)

Right: Irwell Sculpture Trail - Geograph3814082-byDavid-Dixon

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Left: Bill Roache arriving for the 2012 BAFTA Television Awards

Right: Agyness Deyn at New York Flagship Chopard Boutique Opening

If it’s performance art you’d rather enjoy, head to the Horse and Bamboo Theatre Company where you will enjoy visual theatre that often includes masks and puppetry or enjoy the Youth Theatre at the Royal Court Theatre. When you add in the famous names who hail from this region, the history of poetry and writing in the area and the shows filmed here, you’ll soon see there really is more artistic flair to discover in Rossendale than you might have realised.

The unique area of Rossendale has an undeniable charm and there are few places in our great North West region which offer as much culture, heritage, scenery and diversity as you’ll find here. So whatever you are interested in, there will be something for you and everyone else too. We highly recommend spending some time in Rossendale and once you’ve been, you’ll be spreading the word too.

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Fun facts about Rossendale • Rossendale is famous for its heritage in the textiles industry, particularly in cotton and felt.

• The famous flagstone from Scout Moor can be found in Trafalgar Square.

• In just 100 years, the population grew from 16,033 in 1801 to 89,540 in 1901.

• The comedy programme ‘The League of Gentlemen’ is apparently based on Rossendale, and Bacup in particular.

• Parts of Hetty Wainthropp Investigates were filmed in the various towns of the Rossendale Valley in the 1990s.

• Famous people hailing from the area include actors Jane Horrocks, Bill Roache, Ted Robbins, Natalie Casey, Jenny McAlpine and Sam Aston; model Agyness Deyn, footballer Phil Neville and DJs Andy Kershaw and Liz Kershaw.

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Reaction to Tabley Green homes supports Preston’s reputation as best city to live and work in LIFE IN lockdown has led to a 40% increase in new homes sales for Redrow in Preston - the Lancashire city that’s been named the best place to live and work in the North West.

Redrow’s popular Tabley Green in Fulwood, is just over four miles from the city centre and has homes that are ticking buyers’ boxes

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edrow’s popular Tabley Green in Fulwood, is just over four miles from the city centre and has homes that are ticking buyers’ boxes and giving families the space they need as we continue to spend more time at home.

So much so that almost 40% more homes have been sold since the initial lockdown was lifted in June than during the same period last year.

This comes after a recent report by PWC* showed that cities in the North West perform well in providing a good work-life balance, house prices compared to earnings and employment opportunities.

Sian Pitt, sales director at Redrow Lancashire, says: “It’s clear to see why Preston has such a pulling factor for buyers and outperforms many other North West cities in areas such as the availability of jobs, economic wellbeing and a positive work-life balance.

“The city is easily accessible from a number of major motorway networks so it’s easy to connect with the wider area and trains from Preston station take you to places such as Manchester, Liverpool, London, the Lake District and Edinburgh. Preston also has a great shopping offer with two major shopping centres plus plenty to do leisure-wise so everyone is happy.

“Homes at Tabley Green have had a great uptake since we emerged from the first lockdown and buyers are now looking for more suitable homes after being forced to spend 66

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more time at home for almost a year. Buyers don’t just need more space inside, they are also looking for larger gardens and want to be close to green open space and local shops for essentials.”

All homes at Tabley Green have a private garden and for those who want to venture out, Brockholes Nature Reserve is just over 10 minutes’ away, where over 250 acres of walks along the River Ribble, woodland and lakes can be explored.

For essentials, Sainsbury’s has a shop less than half a mile away and there is a Post Office close by too.

Homes currently available at the Lightfoot Lane development start at £284,995 for a four-bedroom detached Stratford and go up to £454,995 for a four-bedroom detached Henley that includes an integral garage.

There are also a number of the housebuilder’s threebedroom ‘Lifestyle’ homes designed with fewer but larger bedrooms that each come with their own en-suite.

These start at £319,995.

For those with an existing property to sell, Redrow’s Help to Sell incentive uses local estate agents to find a buyer and also makes a contribution to selling fees.

To find out more or to book an appointment with Redrow’s sales team visit www.redrow.co.uk/ tableygreen or call 01772 507449. * Good growth - Government & public sector - PwC UK www.lancmag.com

tel 015242 62455

your luxury haven in the dales

lodges for sale 2 & 3 bedroom lodges

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The Wonders of Wenningdale

By Isabel Marshall

In the wake of the coronavirus pandemic, holiday home purchasing in the UK has boomed, with people preferring to enjoy staycations without the hassle, uncertainty and risk in foreign travel. In ‘The Three Peaks’, where the Lake District, Forest of Bowland and Yorkshire Dales meet, Wenningdale Escapes offers the perfect home-from-home location.

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ith stunning scenery and abundant outdoor activities on hand, its position on the border of North Yorkshire, Lancashire and Cumbria makes it easy to access and experience all there is to see and do in those contrasting counties. With golf on site, fabulous walking routes, cycling, climbing, fishing all on offer close by, it’s also only a short drive to the West coast and a host of interesting towns and villages offering independent shopping and artisan cuisine.

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Home from home Family owned and run, the scenic holiday park prides itself on staying true to traditional values by providing exceptional service with a down to earth approach. The Marshall family have been steeped in the holiday park industry for over 50 years which gives them a wealth of knowledge and understanding of the holiday park customer.

Holiday home ownership at Wenningdale Escapes offers the opportunity for a luxury, peaceful and relaxing lifestyle. The development of 25 pitches is stretched across Bentham Golf Course, offering ample space for each pitch to enjoy privacy and open views of The Three Peaks landscape.

Whilst a selection of lodges are already available to browse and purchase on the park, the Marshalls also work with individual owners and manufacturers to create the perfect bespoke holiday home to meet their requirements.

So, whether you want minimalistic and chic or cosy and www.lancmag.com

and Lancashire border. Big Stone, as its locally known, is an enormous glacial deposit boulder and the only remaining one of four originally found in the area. Local mythology has is that the devil dropped the large rock on his way to build Devil’s Bridge in the nearby town of Kirkby Lonsdale. With steps carved into its side for a breezy birds eye perch on the top, it’s a must-visit for any trip to Bentham, providing spectacular views across the Yorkshire Dales, Lancashire and on to the Lakeland Fells.

country-style, there is a design out there ready to be built specially for you to your preferred specifications.

Owning a holiday lodge at Wenningdale Escapes offers the chance to enjoy the benefit a second home without any associated hassle.

With no stamp duty or solicitors fees to pay in the short term on purchasing, the park team on hand for any maintenance in the long term and with annuals fees spread across the year, it couldn’t be simpler.

landscape is a well worked backdrop that tells the tale of decades of farming heritage. Heading out of the village on to Burnmoor, the moorland has an iconic feature embedded on the North Yorkshire

There is an endless list of things to do in the area, whatever your interests. Whether you are looking for a relaxing bolt-hole to sip daiquiri on the decking while watching the golfers and the birdlife or to pack your weekends full of physical activity, Wenningdale Escapes offers the best of both worlds.

Artfully set amongst the fairways of an 18-hole parkland golf course, the lodges are a golfers haven, but the backdrop and location is ideal for anyone to enrich their leisure time in their own way. Providing the perfect base for outdoor enthusiasts, each lodge comes equipped for storing muddy walking boots or much-loved golf clubs.

A journey of discovery Close to the village of High Bentham, the site location means lodge owners can enjoy access to a host of local pubs and eateries, all within a safe walk of their homefrom-home. With all the essentials on hand such as food shops, a post office and hardware store - to name but a few - the village is a great resource for owners to be able to embrace local life and feel part of the community.

High Bentham is steeped in agricultural history. As a traditional market town, there is still a wellsupported and bustling livestock market every week. The surrounding www.lancmag.com

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Fishing is in abundance with popular spots for both fly and coarse fishing within easy reach and Wenningdale Escapes owners have access to private fishing on the river Wenning.

The park is surrounded by miles of excellent footpaths suitable for gentle, easy strolls as well as challenging routes, such as the Yorkshire Three Peaks, for the physically fit. This 24- mile walking challenge encompasses Pen-y-ghent, Whernside and Ingleborough. The target is to walk all three peaks in under 12 hours, an exhausting feat completed by many from far and wide, often for charity fundraising initiatives. Individually, each of the peaks offers stunning walks so if you

didn’t quite fancy that marathon, you can still experience the magnificence of the distinct characters of the peaks in smaller doses. With long distance views to the coast and Lakeland fells on clear days, the reward for the hard climb to the top is always worthwhile.

If walking isn’t your thing, then you can navigate the rural roads on two wheels or head off-road on one of the many local trails for a spot of mountain biking.

The popular dales market towns of Hawes, Kirby Lonsdale, Settle and Ingleton are all within close driving distance, with a host of things to do all year round, whatever the weather, from tourist attractions to craft galleries and specialist shops.

You can also travel by train from the village into Lancaster or Skipton, or experience the magnificent SettleCarlisle Railway line which traverses the iconic Ribblehead viaduct.

Meanwhile, the coast is within easy reach for a day out to the seaside town of Morecambe or the nature reserves at Silverdale.

High Bentham is a gateway town to the Forest of Bowland, a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

This protected region offers a wealth of natural beauty only a stone’s throw away. With gritstone fells, deep valleys and peat moorland, it features jaw dropping view points. With five dark sky discovery sites, at night the area is a star gazers dream. As true

Above: Wenning Oak - by Richard Bayley

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www.lancmag.com

golfers of all ages and abilities and the Marshalls are keen to introduce newcomers to the game. The team at Bentham Golf Course are focussed on making the sport friendly for all and have developed facilities and support to do this. Individual lessons from the club pro are available at weekends and on week days, with group sessions for new golfers regularly on offer too. The Get into Golf sessions run during the summer months are ideal for newcomers or those looking to re-start a bygone hobby in a stunning location.

Above: Big Stone - by Richard Bayley

dark sky locations become harder to find due to increasing light pollution, these hot spots allow gazers imagination to get lost in a night time world of mythical creatures and mysterious beasts.

With an 8 bay-driving range, indoor teaching and practice room, well-stocked golf shop and modern bar, the course is an excellent asset for golfing and non-golfing guests.

Equipment hire is available for

Membership of the course offers a great way to meet new playing partners and make the most out of life at Wenningdale Escapes. With an active competition diary and regular social competitions, there is ample opportunity to take part.

Giving golf a go For eager golfers, Bentham Golf Course snakes its way around the lodge pitches at Wenningdale Escapes, without intruding on the lodge privacy or safety. The golf course is also owned by the Marshall family, so generously reduced membership packages are available to lodge owners.

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1922 Bar and Kitchen is the bar and eatery available for the golf course and Wenningdale Escapes customers. With food served at weekends and drinks available during the week, it provides a great place to get to know the friendly locals and park community.

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Try before you buy If you like the sound of Weningdale life, you can always ‘try before you buy’. A small number of lodges set in their own area within the development are designated for holiday hire, so short breaks or weeklong get-aways can give prospective owners the chance to experience the lifestyle at Wenningdale Escapes before making any commitment.

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The hire lodges are fully equipped with all the essentials for a holiday, including bed linen and towels. It’s an opportunity to enjoy the luxury while testing the practical elements of ownership, such as the travel time to and from the lodge and your home.

Lodge ownership isn’t simply a financial investment, it’s a lifestyle change. By purchasing your own ‘happy place’ you have ownership of a whole new memory-making base for you, your family and friends in a fantastic environment. If you need to escape the hustle and bustle, or the simple drudgery of day to day life, lodge ownership at Wenningdale Escapes provides the opportunity to regularly fully recharge when you have time off and can almost certainly improve your quality of life.

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East Lancashire Railway beset by vandals and fly-tipping as it works towards re-opening

Preparations for the re-opening of the East Lancashire Railway are being hampered by continuing instances of fly-tipping and vandalism along the track, the railway has warned.

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ast Lancashire Railway has been forced to run regular clean up patrols, which have seen volunteers remove extensive amounts of rubbish dumped along the heritage railway’s twelve miles of tracks that stretch from Heywood in Greater Manchester to Rawtenstall in Lancashire.

The patrols have already collected six wagon loads of rubbish including items as large as sofas - and it has also had the knock-on effect of preventing the ELR’s army of dedicated volunteers from focusing on their main priority - preparing the railway for its planned reopening on May 1st.

Mike Kelly, Chairman of the ELR, said “It’s really frustrating to see rubbish casually dumped on the railway like this.

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“The upsurge in anti-social behaviour has put further strain on our already fragile finances - as we have been forced to collect and remove all this waste we have to run special services and hire skips which costs the railway several thousands of pounds we cannot afford to spend.

“As well as the litter, we’ve also suffered extensive vandalism to fences from the individuals who have been using the railway tracks as a dumping ground during lockdown.”

And with safety trains running during lockdown to maintain the line and prepare for reopening, anyone trespassing on the railway is putting themselves in danger.

Mike added: “I would like to call on the help of the public, and would ask people to be vigilant and report any instances of trespass they may witness.

“Stamping out on anti-social behaviour on the railway will help to keep the public safe and allow us all to focus on our top priority - the reopening of an attraction that brings joy to so many.

“My thanks, as ever, go to our

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fantastic volunteers who are working flat out to get the railway ready for reopening on the 1st May.” The heritage railway, based in Bury, Gtr Manchester, has been fighting for its survival since the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic a year ago.

Deprived of vital visitor income for the majority of the past twelve months, it has been kept afloat only through its extensive fundraising efforts, loans and grants.

The railway is scheduled to open its doors to passengers from May 1st and has Covid safety measures in place for the return of visitors.

It’s re-opening commences with the two station pubs, the Trackside at Bury and Buffer Stops at Rawtenstall, which will open on the 12th April for outside service.

To support the railway as it prepares to reopen, the public can donate to the ELR Support Fund, or purchase a gift voucher or advance booking ticket for a journey from 1st May. To purchase gift vouchers or book tickets visit: www.eastlancsrailway.org.uk. www.lancmag.com

Classic European Cars Ltd. Importers of classic 50s, 60s, 70s and 80s cars from dry states 07767 392053 www.classiceuropeancars.biz

Carlisle Railway Station Re-development

By Mark Bateman

C

arlisle Railway station is located at the head of the Settle to Carlisle line on the West Coast main line and has been approved for an exciting new development which will bring improvements to all aspects of the station and the surrounding area.

The Railway station was first completed in 1848 to the designs of well- known English architect William Tite. It was built in a Neo-Tudor style with plenty of stone arches and a clock tower. The Station, and passenger numbers grew quickly and between 1875 and 1876 the station expanded rapidly to accommodate more railway lines including that of the Midland Railway who became the seventh 76

railway company to use it.

In November 1972, the station received Grade II listed status as Tite’s building was seen as one of the ‘most important early major railway stations in Britain’ and an important part of the County’s cultural history as well as a thriving railway station.

To further improve the station restorations and improvements were carried out between October 2010 to March 2011 making major renovations to the waiting areas. Then in July 2013 to April 2014 a £1.5 million accessibility improvement project brought new benefits including improved lifts and ramp access to all platforms.

In November 2015, another major

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Above: Passengers at Carlisle Railway Station

Above: Carlisle Station Gateway Project

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project costing £14.7 million replaced the whole of the roof and involved the re-building of all eight platforms.

Now an important new project has been announced to take place between 2021- 2026 to improve the performance, accessibility, and visual impact of the Station.

On the 17th of December 2020 Cumbria Council confirmed the confirmation of £20million funding from the Government through the Borderlands inclusive growth deal. The Borderlands deal is a £350 million re-development package involving five cross border councils and the Scottish and U.K. Governments which includes Dumfries and Galloway, Scottish Borders, Northumberland, Cumbria, and Carlisle and was signed in July 2019.

The estimated total cost of the scheme is £23.851 million. After the Borderland’s contribution the remaining £3.851 million will come from Cumbria County Council.

They will need to borrow the money, but it is hoped that new revenue from the proposed Southern Gateway Car Park (more about this below) will generate the income to repay any borrowing.

The objectives of the Carlisle Station Gateway Project are to increase passenger use of the station and to create a more attractive gateway to the city centre. These, and the rest of the, strategic objectives are laid out in the business case.

The first objective is to ‘maximise’ this historic asset by respecting its heritage, significance, and architecture. Carlisle Station is a Grade II listed building and ‘living museum’ of the city and as such any projects will need to respect the building’s historical importance.

Next the project proposes to encourage investment in the area by improving the commercial opportunities of the station and the wider city area. This will be done by supporting passenger growth by improving the station and the facilities for all users. www.lancmag.com

The project aims to ‘grow’ the role of the station in the region by making the station much more userfriendly and accessible, improving the parking and drop-off facilities, and easier to navigate around.

It also proposes to create a gateway by providing improved entrance and exits to the station, enhancing historic buildings and encouraging visitors. It will also seek to offer better connections to the city and ‘show case’ the city itself.

The last objective is as far as possible to ‘future-proof’ the station by making the station accessible to greener forms of transport such as electric cars.

The investment will transform the station as well as increase routes and connections through Carlisle and the borderlands region. It aims to improve the station environment, encourage more visitors into the area, encourage young people to live and work in the area as well as increasing investment in the local economy in and around Carlisle.

The project will also work alongside the proposed HS2 railway which will link London to the North and Central Scotland. By extending old platforms and building new ones it is

The objectives of the Carlisle Station Gateway Project are to increase passenger use of the station and to create a more attractive gateway to the city centre. hoped that Carlisle will have all the amenities needed to become a stop on the new HS2 line.

The work will be a partnership between Cumbria County Council and Carlisle City Council working with major industry big hitters including Avanti, Network Rail and Cumbria LEP (along with many others) to deliver this major project.

This exciting renovation has been named as the, ‘Carlisle Station Gateway Project’ and has four main areas of work linked to the project’s stated objectives, the first of these is the Northern Gateway. The aim of this is to remove the pedestrian versus vehicle conflict which has occurred on Court Square.

This will be achieved by a partial pedestrianisation of Court Square to provide safe routes to the station

Above: Carlisle Train Station

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for foot passengers, the entrance and exit area will be increased in size to allow easier access to ticket purchasing facilities. It also aims to reduce vehicle movements to the North of the Station and improve connections to the city centre. The Northern side car park will be closed to the public and re-purposed as staff parking and for Station servicing vehicles.

The second area of work concerns the station building and interior. This will involve enhancements to platform access from the North and the Undercroft via an easy access staircase. The undercroft itself will be improved to provide a ‘safe and welcoming’ entrance from the South. As well as this there will be an area of improved and secure cycle parking and modernised passenger facilities.

The third improvement area will be the Southern Gateway where there will be a new entrance. There will also be a new, larger, car park set to offer 423 station parking spaces.

These will include more disabled spaces and electric car charging bays as well. To improve access coach services, rail replacement buses and pick up and drop off services will also be 78

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re-located to the Southern Side of the Station.

To help with the space needed for these developments Cumbria Council has acquired the adjacent Station retail park as extra space for the Southern Gateway improvements.

The fourth and final area is enabling the street and junctions. This will involve junction improvements at Victoria Viaduct, James Street, Water Street, Crown Street, and court Square Brow to improve access to the station particularly for pedestrians.

All together these improvements will lead to an exciting new phase for Carlisle Railway Station. Councillor Stewart Young, leader of Cumbria County Council has commented that.

‘This important regeneration project will ultimately encourage more passengers to use the station and create a more attractive gateway to the city centre.’

Above: Conceptual artist impression of Court Square

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Ask Miles Consult & Construct...

A dedicated column for all you DIY lovers and Professionals within the Construction and Design Industry.

elcome to my own column! When I was given the opportunity, I just couldn’t contain the excitement! I have always wanted my own column in a magazine, so for me it is a dream come true.

W

I am so excited to share my personal experiences in the Construction Industry over the past 20 years and give you all tips and advice on what to consider and what to avoid when planning any of your building projects.

I have so many things I want to share (Seeing as I love to talk so much), but I had to take a step back and start to think what I want to talk about first, just to entice my audience. My husband sat me down and explained “This isn’t a radio Saj, they can’t hear you” My response was “I know, but you never know what can happen” and I chuckled to myself.

I have been there and got the award for all the disasters and all the achievements, including the heartache and tears I have shed when builders don’t turn up. There have been occasions when I have just wanted to dig a hole and bury myself, due to the sheer embarrassment of my dad chasing contractors out of the house, because they hadn’t done the job to his satisfaction! I can just hear all of you

www.lancmag.com

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who reading and sharing my pain saying “Yes, been there and done that” This lockdown has seen its biggest boom in the construction industry since 2014. This pandemic has clearly not affected contractors improving buildings, although there has been sharp cost increase in materials.

Last May saw the shortage in plaster, which put a halt on many building projects. This is just a snapshot to demonstrate the huge demand in construction work.

During the pandemic, there were either couples making babies or families deciding to become the next Lawrence Llewelyn Bowen or Kevin McCloud. There were DIY stores running out of wallpaper paste. People couldn’t get through the doors quick enough and stood in hour long queues.

I am sure some of my readers will know the feeling.

We fell victim to the same thing and felt it was only customary to clear out the house and just “redecorate”.

I could just hear my husband “We are only decorating the bedroom and buying a new bed”. The excitement gets the better of me and I decide to prepare drawings and plans and jump on Pinterest to share all the ideas and visions I have, to create the perfect home. Something that was meant to be a few hundred pounds for a few weeks, turns into a few thousands and 3 months later! Constant chaser calls to the builder didn’t make any difference. As one of my old contractors, whom I will never forget always said “My dear, the job will get finished when it will get finished”.

So to cut to the chase (I did tell you in the beginning, I like to talk!) what important points should you consider when planning a renovation project. The Cambridge dictionary meaning of “renovation” being “to repair and improve something, esp. a building”.

IMPORTANT TIPS TO CONSIDER WHEN RENOVATING YOUR PROPERTY: • GET THE BRIEF RIGHT - Decide what you want to do.

What is your objective in improving your building? You need to decide as a family or as an individual what exactly you want from this project. Is this going to be a simple decoration project to one room or a full-on refurbishment scheme to several areas. Be precise.

• WRITE IT ALL DOWN • REVIEW AND REFLECT • MAKE IT SPECIFIC TO YOUR NEEDS, DON’T GET ENTICED BY ALL THE SOCIAL MEDIA POSTS AND SUCCESS STORIES. BE REALISTIC • DECIDE ON YOUR BUDGET & ALLOW FOR A CONTINGENCY – Be very realistic on how much you intend to spend and if you are not sure then ask for advice from professionals. (In my future columns, I will talk about how to work out basic estimates for simple renovations) • UNDERTAKE A SURVEY OF THE AREAS IN QUESTION OR APPOINT A PROFESSIONAL TO IDENTIFY ANY UNDERLYING ISSUES SUCH AS DAMP, DRY ROT, GROUND CONDITIONS OR ASBESTOS – This is critical to any scheme whether it is a simple decoration project or an extension to a property. If these problems that may exist are not addressed prior to starting, it can end being a very 80

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costly and stressful project. Depending in the area you live in and type of project you are working on, you may also require a bat survey or a “great crested newt” survey. These surveys have must be undertaken during its season. (I will talk about these in more detail in my future articles) • UNDERGROUND SURVEYS – These are equally important as over ground surveys. Depending on the type and size of scheme you are undertaking, the following are surveys you should consider: • Drainage Survey – This identifies the drain runs under the building and in around the surrounding area. It can also determine whether it is a combined or separate system i.e., if the foul water is separate from the surface water.

• Topographical Survey – This identifies the contours and level of the site. It highlights gradients of the land and also helps to accurately define the ground and boundaries.

• Utility Survey – This information helps determine identify, water, power, gas and telecommunications cables. The last thing you want is for your contractor to cut through a utility cable resulting in delays and cost implications. Not to mention, a risk that the design would have to be altered.

• DRAWINGS & PLANS – Whether you sketch something yourself, or you appoint a professional to do it. Drawings always help visualise what you are trying to achieve. It helps you see what you may not have thought about in the offset.

• PLANNING AND BUILDING REGULATION APPLICATION – Consider if you require these.

If you aren’t sure then get in touch with the Planning department and your Local Council to discuss your plans. Due to the current pandemic and lack of staffing, this may not always be possible, which is why at this stage you should be appointing a professional, such as an Architect or Building Surveyor to advise on your next steps.

• CONSIDER HEATING, VENTILATION AND POWER – this is very important before you start to do anything, as you may decide to move your television to another part of the room or house. Have you thought about whether there is a smart TV or internet connection point or a power point? Is it going in front of a radiator?

Will you require additional ventilation to cool the room down? It may sound a bit excessive but believe me these things can be very costly to make right, if not considered in the beginning.

• DO YOU REALLY WANT TO DO THIS? OR BECAUSE YOU WANT THE DREAM HOUSE OUT GRAND DESIGNS – Need and want are two quite different things and the above points will very quickly help you make this decision. Do not get drawn into the fact your neighbour has built a new extension and you feel you must do the same. KEEP IT REAL. • IDENTIFY REALISTIC TIMESCALES – How much time have you got to plan, prepare, and execute your project? Bear in mind, unless you will be undertaking the scheme yourself, you will be dependent on your www.lancmag.com

tradespeople and professionals. Put a programme together once you have done your research, You just need to plan carefully, identify critical milestones which may affect your project not being delivered on time. Depending on the complexity and size of project, you may appoint a Project Manager, who should provide you with a Programme of works.

• CONSIDER STORAGE REQUIREMENTS – Do you want your areas to be spacious and have an area where you can just hide all your junk? If the answer is yes, then think of clever ways to utilise space and consider this when choosing your furniture. Nowadays you can pick up a lot of furniture that serves two purposes.

• CONSIDER THE TYPE OF FLOORING YOU WANT – is it going to be carpet? Is it going to be tiles? Will the doors need adjusting when the floor has been laid?

Will you require underfloor heating?

• SMART GADGETS & TECHNOLOGY – This is an important point to consider, as this affects your internet usage, your power usage and points, as well as cable runs, which always create a real issue if they are installed once everything has been decorated and finished.

• CHOOSE YOUR CONTRACTORS CAREFULLY – Make sure you research the market and ask reputable companies to provide a quote. Always read their terms and conditions. It never harms anyone to use a builder that one of your neighbours has used, as you know the quality of their workmanship.

• ALWAYS GET COMPARABLE QUOTES – Don’t rush into or feel pressured into proceeding with the first builder. If you are undertaking the works yourself, then it is still wise to test the market. It may work out more efficient to get someone else to do the work.

Consider, do you have the correct tools to do the work?

Do you have the time and dedication to start and finish the project?

• APPOINT A PROFESSIONAL – If the project is going to be out of your depth, then appoint a professional to oversee the works. The horror stories that you hear about builders overcharging and not turning up are true. Having a formal approach to your project always makes it easier to manage.

• TALK ABOUT IT – Always talk to your friends and colleagues who are in the Industry, who can give you good advice (and of course, read my advice column!)

• MEET AND REVIEW REGULARLY – Once the project has commenced, then debrief with whoever you are working with and review whether the scheme is going well. What can be done differently or better? Are the costs being expended within budget?

• CLICK, CLICK, CLICK - Take photographs of before, during and after. This will help you identify things you may have missed or not considered prior to commencing. It will also give you a sense of achievement when the project is completed. Always take pictures as you go along from the same angle.

This is good tip of when you compare. Some of you may think “well that is something obvious that anyone would do”, but it isn’t. www.lancmag.com

• VARIATIONS – These are changes made to the scheme whilst on site. Be very wary of this, however, they do happen. It is inevitable, that changes will have to be made and you may want to use a different product or change the layout of something. Be aware, the impact this could have on time and cost.

• DON’T BE DISCOURAGED – Expect the unexpected when it comes to improving your building/ property.

You never know what hurdle you will come across.

You must be mentally prepared for the duration of your project. You must visualise the end goal.

• BE SPECIFIC – Don’t lose your way once the project commences. Stick to your plan and stick to your goals.

This is a very common mistake that individuals make, which is mainly why projects can be delayed and exceed their budget.

• WARRANTIES AND COMMISSIONING – Always make sure you obtain these from your contractors and suppliers. Make a file for your project and always put a date. Insert all your photographs for records.

I can go on and on, but these are the main things to consider when planning a renovation.

If you have anything specific you want me to talk about or you have any other queries, then get in touch and I will address them in my future columns.

PLEASE FEEL FREE TO CALL OR SEND AN EMAIL TO: sajedah@milescc.co.uk www.milescc.co.uk +44 (0) 1772 759345 +44 (0) 75810 14867 FOLLOW US ON: N +44 (0) 75810 14867 I @milescc2021 F Sajedah Maka-Ismail T @milescc2021 L Sajedah Maka-Ismail LANCASHIRE & NORTH WEST MAGAZINE 81

Recovered addict launches revolutionary new £7m rehab centre An alcoholic and cocaine addict in recovery has launched a £7m rehab and behavioural health centre the only purpose built facility of its kind in the UK.

People suffering from addictions and work burnout can now check into Delamere Health Ltd in Cheshire, where they can benefit from a bespoke residential treatment programme.

Esteemed addiction specialist Mike Delaney is the clinic’s director of health and Prof Sir Cary Cooper, world leading expert on wellness, sits on its advisory board.

Founder Martin Preston (37), said: “What we’ve created is something exemplary, something that is different, not for the sake of being different, but because it is needed.

“We know how important a truly therapeutic environment is in healthcare and have therefore created what works.

“Rehab is an industry characterised by people who want to make a difference having to do it on a shoestring. Environment is often underinvested in, there has been little innovation and outcomes are not well reported. Delamere changes that.”

Martin used alcohol and drugs whilst battling crippling anxiety and depression, which took hold after he almost died of meningitis 82

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aged 15. By the time he went to university, aged 18, he was dependent on cannabis and drinking a bottle of spirits a day.

An initial 28-day stint in rehab saw him manage to stay sober for less than five months before turning back to alcohol, cannabis, and, then, cocaine.

At 21, determined to succeed, he spent a further three months in rehab, followed by 18 months devoted to AA meetings, recovery and volunteering in rehab. He has been clean and sober since.

Martin went on to build a successful career in advertising, but had a calling to help people facing addiction. Martin travelled the world to meet addiction experts, therapists, psychologists, academics and doctors, visiting more than 40 rehab clinics and spent time studying the sector in America.

Between 2015 and 2019 he has been ran a rehab referral service and advice line, Port of Call, speaking daily to people facing addiction crisis, whilst working on Delamere.

Martin said: “Delamere rests on the fundamental www.lancmag.com

Prof Sir Cary Cooper, Professor of Organizational Psychology and Health at Manchester Business School and culture change expert, said: “Martin has great enthusiasm and passion for what he does.

“Delamere is far more than just a commercial activity. He has created something different to really change people’s lives.

“Facilities like this are much needed. If you look at the figures from the HSE, 57% of all sickness absence last year was down to stress, anxiety and depression.

“One in four people will suffer a common mental disorder at some stage in their life. They manifest in a lot of different ways and addiction is one of them.”

The new, discreetly located centre - Delamere is set in six acres of green belt beside Delamere Forest in Cheshire. The building, designed to replicate a modern barn conversion with high ceilings and huge glass panel walls and have the feel of a boutique hotel, has been informed by the Maggie Cancer Support centres with an emphasis on home comforts and away from institutionalism.

Delamere opened in March 2020 and has seen occupancy levels that surpassed all expectations. Over 200 people have benefitted from a residential stay, the average length of which is 6 weeks.

In reflecting on the first year, Martin says : “I’m so proud of the team. We’ve opened a brand new clinic in a untested building, we’re delivering a pioneering model of treatment and we’ve achieved all of that during a global pandemic.” belief that addiction is a symptom of trauma, psychological distress or mental ill health.

Addiction can be a lifesaving coping mechanism, without which someone may not have made it.

Entering rehab is an act of courage and strength which should be celebrated. At Delamere we believe in recovery and support, not blame.”

Delamere has 24 en-suite rooms and 24-hour medical supervision.

Delamere has created 43 jobs and is fast becoming recognised as the UK’s most innovative behavioural health brand. Room rates based on 28 days treatment including 12 months worth of aftercare start at £15,000.

Renowned addiction specialist Mike Delaney has contributed to Delamere’s unique treatment programme. Mike, who started his career as a psychiatric nurse, entered the rehab industry in 1998, holding many top level roles. He has been a trailblazer for the introduction of holistic care and complementary therapies and is a pioneer of equine assisted psychotherapy in addiction treatment.

Mike said: “Delamere is the most authentic and forward thinking organisation I’ve worked with. Martin’s experience of rehab himself and with Port of Call means he understands the playing field and the pitfalls. It’s very exciting for everyone involved and very exciting for potential guests to come into an environment like that.” www.lancmag.com

Visit Delamere.com for more information LANCASHIRE & NORTH WEST MAGAZINE 83

Award Winning Italian Invests in The Loom, Leigh Turning their attention to Greater Manchester for the first time, Alberto explains why they have chosen to open their third venue at The Loom: “The Loom is a great mixed-use development and offers us the chance to establish a restaurant in an already very popular location. The building is a fantastic size and its outdoor space really sold it to us, particularly in the current climate, as it will hopefully enable us to continue trading through the ups and downs of Covid 19.

“The existing retail mix at The Loom also means we can realise the dream of opening a full Italian ristorante and café here, with a menu that will evolve throughout the day to meet the changing clientele. We hope to welcome early morning shoppers and parents with young children for coffee and cakes in the morning. At lunchtime we will offer a choice of quick bites and traditional Italian main meals and, in the evenings, we will deliver the full Italian experience that we have built our reputation on warm hospitality, authentic dishes and an extensive wine list! We can’t wait to open and get to know our business neighbours and local Leigh residents. We sincerely hope Don Alberto @ The Loom will make a welcome and significant contribution to the local community here.”

A contemporary Italian inspired fit out is underway on the 4,135 square foot venue, with the works expected to be completed over the coming weeks.

Above: Business Partners Salvatori Suad (left) and Alberto Halluni with their Restaurant of the Year Award from Cheshire Life magazine

A new Italian restaurant and café will be opening at The Loom in Leigh, Greater Manchester (Covid restrictions allowing) in June.

D

on Alberto’s @ The Loom will occupy the former Frankie and Benny’s unit at The Loom offering over 120 seats for both indoor and outdoor dining.

The restaurant will be the third Italian venue for Cheshire based team Alberto Halluni and Salvatori Suad.

The duo already successfully run Don Alberto in Holmes Chapel and Il Padrino in Middlewich. Don Alberto is widely regarded as one of the finest Italian restaurants in the region and was awarded Cheshire Life magazine’s Restaurant of the Year 2020.

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“The size of this restaurant means we can offer a greater choice of speciality dishes and introduce some less well-known Italian delicacies to our guests,” added Alberto.

“Popular favourites such as pizzas and fresh pastas will, of course, be on the menu but we will also encourage visitors to try exciting Italian dishes that they may not have heard of.

Our homemade desserts will also change daily with something to suit every palette from Tiramisu to Pistachio Cheesecake.”

True to its Italian heritage, Don Alberto will have a strong family friendly focus. Opening times will allow younger guests to dine throughout the day and the restaurant will also be open for Sunday lunches. Live entertainment is also in the pipeline for when Covid restrictions allow.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION FOLLOW:

FI @donalbertosattheloom www.lancmag.com

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Dawn Whittaker Chief Fire Officer/ CFO East Sussex FRS

Early Life

Career

Raised as part of a farming community in South Wales, Dawn learnt from a young age about hard work and the importance of community. Dawn recalls the winter of 1982 when lots were snowed in and her father took his tractor and link box to get bread for villagers, also her mum who, is still to this day involved in the WI and doing “country car” runs to get elderly local people to Dr and hospital appointments.

After being appointed into her first managerial role in 1990 at Peter Jones in Sloane Square, Dawn moved stores several times for promotion, ending up in Milton Keynes.

She spent 14 years with JLP and remembers some great people, but things were changing and with that the ethos of the Partnership and so in 2002 she left to work in the public sector as part of Northamptonshire County Council’s Improvement team, focused on planning, performance and projects it gave her a real understanding of the sector and local politics. In 2004 she had the chance of a secondment into the Public Protection Directorate (Trading Standards, Coroners, Fire and Rescue, Community Safety and Registry Services) and eventually took up the role of Assistant Director, two years later she had the opportunity to move directly into the Fire and Rescue Service on an operational direct entry scheme and after two promotions became Deputy Chief Fire Officer in 2008, the same year she started a part time Masters course in Business

Doing well in school (Llandovery County High School) she decided to not stay on and do A levels, but rather to go to college and so at 16 moved into weekday digs to study firstly in Pembrokeshire and then two years later at Colchester, Essex attaining both Ordinary and Higher National Diplomas with distinction, before starting in 1988 with the John Lewis Partnership on their Graduate Entry Scheme.

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In May 2015 she was seconded to work as part of the Governments Chief Fire and Rescue Advisers unit, acting as professional advisor to Ministers and Civil Servants, but also assisting with the co-ordination of large incidents and supporting COBR. Dawn moved to East Sussex in 2016 and was appointed Chief Fire Officer in 2017, the most senior role in UK Fire and Rescue Services, at that time she was one of three women in charge of a UK FRS, and there are now six. Dawn is passionate about the work of her sector and the people in it….she says “we not only help save lives, but work hard to stop accidents happening in the first place – I have seen many acts of bravery over the years, bust also acts of genuine kindness….when a young single mum had a fire in her kitchen, the crews clubbed together to help buy her some new bits, but also mucked in to help clean up and redecorate her flat as there was smoke damage”

Voluntary work and Professional Roles Voluntary work has always been an important part of her life, starting with voluntary visiting whilst she was still in school and work with Brownies and Guides and then Young Farmers. Dawn has fundraised several thousand for various causes over the years, also sat as a trustee on several charities and as Chair of Northampton Volunteering centre (now Voluntary Impact Northamptonshire 2001- 2008) and was chair of The Royal Life Saving Society for 2 and a half years, before joining East Sussex Scouting Council and more recently taking on the role of patron for a project named C19Reflections – raising money to support health charities.

Good Governance Institute and also the South East Regional chair of the Fire Leaders Association. She is also a co-ordinating group member of the National Water Safety Forum, which produced the first UK Drowning Prevention Strategy.

Dawn also cares about helping to develop people and is an accredited mediator and qualified and experienced mentor, skills that she doesn’t just use at work …as a mentor for The Girl’s Network, she also thinks its important to invest in young women to support and encourage them to be the best of themselves, whether that’s in their chosen career…or in their contributions to their community.

Life and Ethos So it’s fair to say that with work and other roles that Dawn is fairly busy, but she has a few other passions – happy married to David, who is now retired, between them they have 5 Children (well, all adults now as the youngest is 21) and also two granddaughters. They have two Beagles and love to get out in the countryside or to the coast for walks.

They have a holiday home in the South of France in the Pyrenees, which they have done up and Dawn says is a tranquil haven, not that they have been there for over a year

due to Covid. Her husband has a powerboat and she also enjoys an afternoon bobbing about off the coast with a fishing line in…and hopefully a nice Bass or a few fresh mackerel for tea. Dawn’s other big passion is her garden…flowers, fruit and vegetables and says she could at times be mistaken for “Barbara Good”…but she doesn’t like Goats!

Whilst working at an executive level Dawn likes to keep her feet firmly on the ground, she is a Christian and believes in the core values of humility, compassion, integrity …all things that she says are important in a leadership role… we can only make this world a good place to live by being tolerant, working with people, educating and supporting people to be the best they can be.

Future Plans Dawn has a few years to go before she retires, but knows she will want to continue with Voluntary work and community roles after that, perhaps also potentially to do with women’s networks and charities specifically as during her career she has had to bust a few myths, shatter a few ceilings and develop a strong core of selfresilience …and of course there will always be a few projects on the go…. and time for a G&T in the garden!

Dawn has also taken on a number of other professional roles, firstly for the National Fire Chiefs Council as lead officer for Drowning Prevention and also leading projects and work on Neurodiversity and a leadership project for direct entry in the sector.

She is the Chair of East Sussex Strategic Partnership – a forum which brings Public, Commercial and Voluntary Sector Partners together to share best practice to benefit our area. She is a Faculty member for the www.lancmag.com

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Eden Arts welcomes over £80,000 in additional funding from the second round of the Culture Recovery Fund and further support from Film Hub North

Above: Winter Droving - Source: John Burrows

Announced on Friday 2nd April 2021, Eden Arts are welcoming the news of an additional £81,269 to bring the organisation out of lockdown and restart their live project delivery. The funding comes from the second round of the government’s Culture Recovery Fund designed to protect the country’s vital cultural assets from the impact of COVID-19 lockdown, with 2700 organisations benefiting from round 2 funding.

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any of Eden Arts’ projects have been unable to take place throughout the last 12 months including The Winter Droving, usually welcoming 25,000 people to Penrith; Cine North, a community cinema scheme across 60 venues in the north of England; Young Cumbrian Artist of The Year Exhibition, for 16-24-year-olds taking place at the University of Cumbria, Artist Spare Room, a programme of artist residencies at Penrith Old Fire Station, and Picnic Cinema, The North’s No.1 Outdoor Cinema - nearly all were cancelled or severely impacted.

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As well as welcoming the news of the Culture Recovery Fund Eden Arts are also pleased to announce a further £22,100 from BFI/Film Hub North to support the work of Cine North. Run by Eden Arts, Cine North is the north of England’s biggest network of community cinemas, often in village halls, giving small communities events that bring them together.

Welcoming audiences of around 16,000 across 350 screenings in 60 venues through rural towns and villages in the north of England, Cine North provides vital support to village halls, groups and isolated audiences in areas where there is little or no access to cinema or events.

During 2020, just 34 screenings were able to take place.

Through their work, Eden Arts have reached 500,000 people as live audiences or participants over the past 5 years and as a vital part of the regional cultural economy they employ around 150 creative freelancers, artists and casual staff each year.

Eden Arts Director Adrian Lochhead said “We know how important our charity’s work is to the community in Eden and across the north and I am sure that people will understand that small organisations such as ours operate on the tightest of margins and are quite fragile. www.lancmag.com

Throughout the Covid-19 pandemic we have been working across our projects with a severely reduced staff team. Thanks to the government’s Culture Recovery Fund we can ensure we will be #HereForCulture for 2021 and beyond, and we are able to create more full time and part-time jobs at the company. This will give us the capacity needed to deliver the excellent, high-quality arts experiences the audiences in Eden Valley and Cumbria have become accustomed to through our previous work.”

He continued “In the years leading to 2020 Eden Arts was operating sustainably and continuing on track with its ambitious five-year plan for growth and development.

Throughout the pandemic, we have been able to make great strides in our strategic projects at local council and government level, and have a lot of cultural projects on the horizon which will benefit Cumbrians and people across the north soon. We know that people are crying out for connection, cultural spaces, festivals and events after a year of being locked down in our houses.”

The popular Winter Droving festival usually brings around £2million in on the day spending to Penrith and offers Cumbrian bands a chance to perform in front of thousands of revellers alongside nationally renowned and international acts. The event was successfully re-imagined in October 2020 with a projection event in St Andrews Churchyard that took place over 4 nights with around 1000 people visiting the projections under strict Covid-19 guidelines. The event celebrated the local community and previous volunteers of the festival, with over 100 people being nominated to feature in the piece, around the theme of ‘Care’.

Above: Winter Droving - Source: Cathy Masser

Above: Cine North - Source: Eden Arts

Mr Lochhead had special praise for their other funders for continuing to support the company. “Eden District Council, Arts Council England, the County Council, Penrith Lottery and Penrith BID all stood firm and this enabled things like the community care project and the windows in Penrith to go ahead, those bodies should be praised for their own efforts and the care that they have locally.”

Find out more about Eden Arts and their work at www.edenarts.co.uk www.lancmag.com

Above: Picnic Cinema Lowther - Source: RichieJohnston

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What is the Best Diet?

HE BEST If you’veDIET? ever asked this question, this article is for you

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Hello! I’m Catherine ching. from I’m a Nutrition & Lifestyle Catherine Dean a energy o ditchCoaching. diets, haveI’m more Nutrition & Lifestyle wellbeing isn’t about quick fixes Coach with healthy habitswho that works fit around women that are ready ost importantly, last in the long to ditch diets, have more energy and feel better. My tely, it’s easy to forget this and focus on “What’s the approach to health and wellbeing isn’t erent diets to choose from. Whether it’s keto, paleo, about quick fixes or fad diets. It’s about w carb, low fat and more. There are plenty of advocates helping you toone create healthy habits that g information from each can be overwhelming. fit around your busy life, make a real and, most importantly, in rder todifference lose weight we simply need to eat less andlast move the long term. matters when it comes to weight loss.

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What’s best for you is completely individual. My focus is to help you to eat in a way that supports your longterm health, increase your energy levels and makes you feel better.

The Blue Zones, areas around the world that have the longest-lived centenarians. People that are living healthy, active and vibrant lives into their 80s, 90s and beyond.

The Blue Zones are found in Barbagia region of Sardinia, Okinawa, Japan, Ikaria, Greece, Nicoya Peninsula, Costa Rica and Loma Linda in California. While their diet is believed to be one of the reasons for their remarkable health, none of them follow the same diet, supporting the view that there is no such thing as the one perfect diet.

However, there are some key principles common to all five of the Blue Zones.

These are some universal principles that, I believe, work for everyone. These aren’t necessarily principles that just support weight loss either. Adopting these principles in your life can also reduce your chances of developing lifestyle diseases, increase your energy levels, improve your sleep and help you feel better generally.

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Eat Less Sugar It’s unlikely that this is the first time you’re hearing this advice, especially after the UK introduced it’s sugar tax back in 2018, but why is reducing our sugar intake so important?

The World Health Organisation recommends the ideal sugar intake for optimal health is just 6 teaspoons or 24g of sugar per day and ideally less than this. For many of us, our sugar intake is way above this.

The problem with sugar, or more specifically too much sugar, is that it can wreak havoc on our health.

Importantly, it’s free sugars that are the problem. Free sugars are those added to our foods and drinks. It also includes sugars in honey, syrup and fruit juices. www.lancmag.com

Yet sugar can be everywhere and is often hidden in places you might not expect. You’ll find it in sauces, salad dressings, drinks and cereal bars. Don’t assume low calorie or “health” foods are harmless.

When we eat sugary foods or foods that are high in starch, our blood sugar increases and our body releases insulin. Our body uses insulin to process the glucose; we first use glucose for energy, then we store any excess.

First, it’s stored in the liver, where stores are limited, and then as fat. Once our body has processed all the excess glucose, our blood sugar levels drop and at this point it’s likely that we feel tired as our energy levels and mood dips. This leads to what’s known as the blood sugar rollercoaster, where we crave something sugary to pick us back up.

If you want something sweet, snack on fruit While there is sugar in fruit, this isn’t included in our daily recommended intake of free sugars. Fruit is packed full of vitamins, minerals and fibre and fibre helps to reduce the spike in blood sugar mentioned earlier.

Eat More Vegetables

When this cycle is repeated regularly, it can lead to weight gain, decreased energy levels, low mood and increases our risk of developing lifestyle diseases such as heart disease, obesity and type 2 diabetes. It’s not all doom and gloom though! Whilst there may be added sugar in many processed foods, getting off the blood sugar roller coaster can be easier than you think. Try these simple tips to reduce your sugar intake: Check your labels You might be surprised at just how many processed foods have added sugar. Checking the labels can help you to choose low sugar versions of your favourite foods. It can be difficult to spot because of all the different names used by the food industry. Some of the more common variations to keep an eye out for are: glucose, sucrose, fructose, dextrose, cane sugar, honey, highfructose corn syrup, maple syrup, maltose and molasses.

You’ve no doubt heard the term, “superfood”. It’s actually just a marketing term used to describe foods thought to be so rich in nutrients they have astounding health benefits. You don’t have to spend a fortune on the latest food fad to be healthy though. I believe that all vegetables (and fruits) are superfoods and heroes in the food world. We can all benefit from increasing our veg intake. Here are just some of the reasons why: Fibre Fibre is something that is only found in plant foods, but has multiple health benefits. If you’re trying to lose weight, fibre rich foods will help to keep you feeling fuller for longer after eating. Fibre also helps to balance your blood sugar, helping us to stay off the blood sugar roller coaster and feeds the healthy bacteria in your gut (more on that shortly). The recommended daily fibre intake is 30g per day, but many of us fall short of this. Increasing our veg intake is an easy way to increase the amount of fibre in our diets.

Reduce the amount of sweet treats in the house Sometimes the simplest steps are the most effective.

Buying fewer cakes, biscuits and other sweet treats when you go shopping can really help here. It’s easier to remove than resist temptation.

Don’t drink your sugar Instead of fizzy drinks or sugary fruit juices try still or sparkling water or herbal teas. Cutting sugar out of coffee and tea is an easy way to reduce your sugar intake. Cut down slowly if you find this difficult. www.lancmag.com

Vitamins & minerals Vitamins and minerals are essential for our health and most of them come from the food we eat. Vitamin C is involved in metabolism, energy production, skin health and also supports our immune system. Minerals, such as calcium, iron and potassium, carry out many important functions such as supporting bone health, red blood cell production and balancing blood pressure. If we don’t get the vitamins and minerals we need in our diet it can lead to a variety of health issues and diseases. Vitamins and minerals don’t work in isolation though which is why a varied and balanced diet is the key to good health.

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The am Phytonutrients Phytonutrients are chemicals that are found only in plant foods and studies have shown that they have a whole host of incredible health benefits. You may have heard the advice, “Eat A Rainbow” because different coloured foods contain different phytonutrients and therefore have different health benefits. Phytonutrients have been shown to decrease inflammation, and have antioxidant properties, meaning they help to reduce the damage that builds up in our body throughout the day as a result of stress, toxins and other factors, such as a diet high in processed and sugary foods. There is even evidence that phytonutrients have protective properties against different types of cancer. Phytonutrients are found in beans, nuts and seeds as well as in fruit and veg, so the more colourful your diet the more phytonutrients you’ll be getting.

Vegetables are also high in water content and low in calories. So, whether you are trying to lose weight or not, eating more veg means you can bulk up your plate without hugely increasing your calorie intake.

Try these simple tips to help you increase your veg intake: Love a smoothie in the morning?

Why not add some courgette, kale or spinach to add in extra vitamins and minerals. This is a great tip to try with children and an easy way to get them to eat their greens.

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Take the rainbow challenge Some examples of different phytonutrient colour to get you started:

Red: Red apples, beetroot, radishes, red cabbage, red onions, strawberries & tomatoes Orange: Butternut squash, carrots, oranges, orange pepper & sweet potato Yellow: Banana, lemon, yellow pepper, pineapple & sweetcorn Green: Apples, broccoli, Brussel sprouts, green beans, peas, kale, kiwi & spinach Purple: Aubergine, blackberries, blueberries, purple cabbage, figs, red grapes & raisins White: Chickpeas, cauliflower, garlic, mushrooms, onions, parsnips & shallots

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Eating more vegetables is something that we can all benefit from, whether weight loss is our goal or not. The If you’v UK Government recommend five portions of vegetables and fruit per day and if you’re eating this already, why not me in fu set yourself of a goal of increasing it? through

Eat Less Processed Foods The most important aspect of diet when it comes to health and weight loss is quality over quantity. That doesn’t necessarily mean that everything you eat has to be organic, free range or grass fed. What it does mean is choosing whole foods over processed foods as often as possible. Whole foods include fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds and beans, but also includes eggs, fish and lean meats. Whole food doesn’t mean not cooking your food, but is the difference between a fast food chicken burger and a grilled chicken breast. The processed foods we eat play havoc with our health and our weight.

Get your snack on Chopped carrots or sliced peppers with hummus, avocado instead of margarine on toast or roasted cauliflower bites are all delicious, satisfying and nutrient rich snack ideas.

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The type of food we eat affects all aspects of our health including our mood, immune system, digestion, metabolism, hormones and inflammation. A relatively new area of nutrition science is the gut microbiome, which is made up of billions of bugs that feed on the food we eat. The different gut bacteria have different functions in our body and we need a balance of the different types of bacteria for a healthy gut microbiome. www.lancmag.com

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feel less stressed and more energised, check out my six- or twelve-week coaching packages. My holistic approach to weight loss is perfect for you if you want to create healthy habits that last. For fully personalised nutrition and lifestyle advice that works for you, get in touch. I’d love to hear from you.

If you’ve enjoyed reading this article, keep an eye out for more advice from me in future editions of Lancashire Magazine. I’ll be joining you every month throughout 2021.

Shutterstock photo: 722718097

The good bacteria in our gut Brown rice, millet, quinoa and feed on fibre, found in plant foods, amaranth are all naturally gluten free such as vegetables, fruits, beans and support the healthy bacteria in our and legumes. One type of gut gut, so would be a far better option. bacteria that has been linked to weight management and insulin Not all processed foods are bad sensitivity feeds on onions, garlic, for us. Sometimes processing is leeks, artichoke and broccoli and it’s necessary to preserve the foods. numbers increase when we eat these Certain processed foods, such as e looking to improve your health in a way that will help you to feel foods. Unfortunately, our modern frozen fruit and veg or tinned salmon lifestyles areenergised, detrimental tocheck our gutout my and tunaorcan be cheaper andcoaching help essed and more sixtwelve-week microbiome. Stress, lack of sleep and to reduce food waste as they can be es. My holistic to weight loss is perfect for time. you if you check want the large approach amounts of highly processed stored for a long Always foods in our that diet can all have your labels and choose, whole, te healthy habits last.

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Why not head to my website: www.catherinedeancoaching.co.uk where you’ll find my weekly blog and some fantastic free guides.

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www.lancmag.com

LANCASHIRE & NORTH WEST MAGAZINE 95

The Wildlife Trusts call for an immediate end to peat sales

Above: Peat bog - ©Mark Hamblin / 2020 Vision

Survey of top retailers: only one of 20 says they will eliminate peat this year Government voluntary target to stop peat compost sales was missed in 2020.

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new survey shows that only one of 20 leading garden retailers contacted by The Wildlife Trusts reported that it would eliminate peat from its shelves this

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year – and the survey reveals an overall lack of ambition by retailers to set targets to end peat sales.

Last year, the voluntary target set by the Government to end sales of peat composts to amateur gardeners was missed.

This year the Government will decide if new legislation is needed to end peat use in the horticultural sector – but there is still no sign of their long-awaited peat strategy. The Wildlife Trusts are now calling for an immediate end to sales of peat

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compost – further delay will cause continued destruction of peatlands worldwide.

Calls to end peat use began over 30 years ago when people began to realise that peatlands are priceless – recognising them as precious places for wildlife, and more recently as habitats which capture and store carbon if managed well.

Some retailers are doing notably better in moving away from peat than others: of the 11 out of 20 retailers www.lancmag.com

that responded to the survey, all now offer peat-free composts as part of their range, and none sell soil improvers or mulch containing peat.

Travis Perkins and Wickes were the only two retailers to declare an enddate for peat sales – Travis Perkins by this year, and Wickes by 2025. But while a further few plan to end peat sales in the future, no dates have been specified and others have no clear commitments at all. Just four reported stocking ranges of peat-free plants.

Craig Bennett, chief executive of The Wildlife Trusts says: “Our survey shows that most retailers’ approach to the voluntary ban on peat sales has been woeful – even though the industry has been aware of the problem for decades.

The time for voluntary agreements is over – the sale of peat must end now. Countless promises have been broken, and targets missed with the result that precious peatland habitats are still being unnecessarily destroyed in the name of gardening.

“Peatlands are vital wildlife habitats and it’s absolutely crucial that they remain intact to help us tackle climate change. The Government can ensure

that these important carbon stores function as nature intended by banning peat sales now.

“Only one leading retailer – Travis Perkins – is planning to eliminate peat from its shelves by 2021, whilst growers like Hillier demonstrate that you can produce compost and grow high-quality plants without peat. These retailers are to be congratulated, but we now need Government to make the rest follow their lead. The time for delay and excuses is over.”

Above: Peatland plants, Yorkshire - ©Dom Hinchley

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The Wildlife Trusts’ survey found: • Around 90% of Travis Perkins’ compost sales were peat-free in 2020 and the retailer is planning to go 100% peat-free during 2021.

Wickes plan to phase out peat by 2025. These were the only two in the survey who set a date for ending peat sales.

• B&Q, Hillier, and the Blue Diamond group of Garden Centres said they were committed to phasing out peat completely but gave no date.

• Asda, Lidl and others have set themselves targets to reduce peat sales, but not yet to end them.

Asda will remove peat from their own-brand products by 2030.

• Four retailers stock peat-free plants: B&Q, Blue Diamond group, Hillier and Asda.

• Hillier’s tree production is already peat-free, and the company are aiming for production of all other plants across their nurseries to be peat-free for 2022.

• Of those who gave details of their peat-free items, all are offering at least one peat-free compost, and as products containing peat are usually cheaper to buy, several are price-matching these so that eco-conscious customers are not disadvantaged.

• Last year B&Q launched their new peat-free compost made with coir and other ingredients. Hillier garden centres also introduced

Above: Peat extraction-scarred Little Woolden Moss by Alan Wright

their own peat-free compost, and will be selling ‘Bloomin’ Amazing’, the by-product from an anaerobic digestion plant that provides ecofriendly heat, gas and electricity to 56,000 homes in Dorset. Wickes are launching a new peat-free product this year.

• Blue Diamond stores stock 22 different peat-free growing media products, some of which are trials of new items at selected stores.

• Half of the retailers contacted did not reply, and some that did respond were unable to answer all our questions.

Ten years ago, the Government set a voluntary target for the horticulture sector to end sales to gardeners by 2020 and to end professional use of peat, for example, in plant growing,

Above: Peat extraction continues - ©Jenny Bennion

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by 2030. As this approach has failed, The Wildlife Trusts now believe that retailers should end consumer peat compost sales immediately and the target for professional growers should be brought forward to 2025.

Monitoring showed that in 2019, peat still made up over 40% by volume of the growing media sold in the retail sector despite the 2020 target, whilst total peat use in horticulture (retail, professional and export) stood at over 2 million cubic metres.

Investment in alternatives is required to help retailers move away from peat, and a ‘Responsible Sourcing Scheme’ has been established to ensure that alternatives don’t come with their own ecoproblems. Peat-free composts are now more widely available than ever and many give excellent results, with good advice also available on making your own compost at home. This means that although peat extraction is by no means the only cause of damage to our peatlands, it is one of the easiest to prevent.

The Wildlife Trusts ask people to show the Government that they care by taking a ‘peat free pledge’ at: wildlifetrusts.org/ban-sale-peat and also to support an immediate ban on peat-based products. Everyone is urged to check information on packaging to ensure that garden purchases are free of peat. www.lancmag.com

Lancashire Wildlife Trust Response to Wildlife Trusts peat-free message

People could even take the ‘Peat-free garden centre challenge’, seeing how easy/hard it is to find peat-free products when visiting your local garden centre or shopping online, and sharing their experiences using the hashtag.

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The government have set a target of phasing out the use of peat in horticulture by 2030, but we hope that with the support of consumer action and market pressures this could be achieved much sooner.

In some areas more than 90 percent of the peat has been removed over landscape areas. Peat is a vital carbon store and will take thousands of years to return, to the levels before peat extraction.

Sarah continues, “Peatlands are a vital natural resource in the fight against climate change, being able to absorb and store twice as much carbon from the atmosphere than forests – but only when they are in a healthy condition.

As soon as they are damaged this carbon is released contributing to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. In fact, carbon emissions from peatlands account for 5% of the UK’s annual GHG releases.”

his peat-free message really hits home with the Wildlife Trust for Lancashire, Manchester and North Merseyside, they have worked for more than 20 years to restore vast peatlands in Wigan, Salford, Warrington and Lancashire, which have been damaged by more than a century of peat extraction.

The peat-free campaign is also asking our supporters to help spread the peat-free message using #PeatFree on social media and making a point of asking for peat-free products when in the garden centre.

Contact Campaigns Officer Alan Wright on 07864 950254

Above: Peat extraction in Lancashire by Matthew Roberts The Lancashire Wildlife Trust The Wildlife Trust for Lancashire, Manchester and North Merseyside is dedicated to the protection and promotion of the wildlife in Lancashire, seven boroughs of Greater Manchester and four of Merseyside, all lying north of the River Mersey. It manages around 40 nature reserves and 20 Local Nature Reserves covering acres of woodland, wetland, upland and meadow. The Trust has 30,000 members, and over 1,200 volunteers.

To become a member of the Trust go to the website at www.lancswt.org.uk or call 01772 324129. For more information about Cheshire Wildlife Trust call 01948 820728 or go to cheshirewildlifetrust.org.uk.

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Joe wicks CC ConorMcDonnell-1751

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Dave and Si www.lancmag.com

Heart Research UK launch charity cookbook featuring recipes from Joe Wicks, Hairy Bikers and Michelin star chef National charity Heart Research UK have launched their first charity cookbook, featuring 17 recipes from celebs, chefs and some of the web’s biggest food bloggers.

The e-book, which is available to download here - https://heartresearch.org.uk/cookbook/ for a suggested donation of £5, features a selection of well-balanced recipes from some of the best known faces in food and fitness, including Joe Wicks, The Hairy Bikers, Heart Research UK ambassador Sally Bee, Gennaro Contraldo, Michelin Star Chef Tom Kitchin, Masterchef winner Shelina Permaloo and many more.

Recipes range from light breakfasts and brunches, through to healthy snacks, show-stopping main meals and family favourites, and even a few desserts.

Dr Helen Flaherty, Head of Health Promotion and Education at Heart Research UK, said: “As someone who loves cooking and eating nutritionally balanced dishes, I know that healthy eating doesn’t have to be boring or expensive.

“We put together this cookbook to provide everyone, from families and first time cooks to the home-chef extraordinaire, a selection of recipes that are healthy, full of flavour and unpretentious.

“I often advise people on making dietary changes to reduce their risk of heart disease and manage their weight. A healthy, well-balanced diet contains plenty of fruit, vegetables and wholegrain foods and not too much fat, sugar or salt. By using this cookbook, we hope you will discover some delicious new recipes that will enable you to keep looking after your heart.”

The cookbook can be downloaded here - https:// heartresearch.org.uk/cookbook/ for a suggested donation of £5. All of the money raised will support Heart Research UK’s life-saving work, funding pioneering research into the prevention, treatment and cure of heart disease.

Heart Research UK Healthy Heart Tip,

by Dr Helen Flaherty, Head of Health Promotion at Heart Research UK

https://heartresearch.org.uk/cookbook/ www.lancmag.com

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Lancaster – the perfect getaway destination

By Lucy Bullough

Above: Lancaster Castle

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ancaster, Lancashire’s county town, home to the Duchy of Lancaster, a castle and a rich history, offers so much more than just its past. There is a very thriving present alive and well here and it 102

deserves exploring, especially as the world is beginning to open up a little more. Whilst the city is well-known for many things, there are hidden treasures just waiting to be uncovered as soon as you get enough time to

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spend here. We’ll look at a few here, and there is so much more besides, something to suit everyone in fact.

But first, since the history of Lancaster is so important, let’s take a little stroll into the past… www.lancmag.com

A right royal affair The House of Lancaster was once a branch of the royal family and Queen Elizabeth II is herself titled the Duke of Lancaster and the Duchy of Lancaster holds a large amount of land across the area. But there is a much longer story to tell. The earliest version of Lancaster Castle was in fact a Roman fort, built as far back as the 1st century AD, proven by the coins found in the area. The fort appears to have been rebuilt every hundred years and a bath-house was found in the area, thought to be associated with the 4th century version of it. Today, the site is home to Lancaster Priory with evidence from the Roman times and there is also a Saxon doorway.

There might have been a monastery here before the Norman conquest of England too.

Less is known about the time after the Romans left in the early 5th century but we do know that the first recording of the name was in the Domesday Book of 1086, officially listed as Loncastre with ‘Lon’ relating to the River Lune, on which the city stands and ‘castre’ which comes from Latin and Olde English for fort.

In the medieval times, ownership of Lancaster changed several times and it was subjected to multiple attacks, including when the Scots burnt the town in 1322. John of Gaunt, the 1st Duke of Lancaster had reinforced the castle after an attack by Robert the Bruce, but it wasn’t quite enough to protect it against further attacks.

Lancaster was prominent in the suppression of Catholicism during the Reformation and at least 11 priests were executed, honoured in a memorial to the Lancaster Martyrs which remains today. The Wars of the Roses and the various claims to the throne are a key part of Lancastrian history and the present too; many sporting events between Lancashire and Yorkshire now adopt this name, including the universities of Lancaster and York who hoke a Roses Tournament each year.

It gained its first market charter in 1193, was one of the key ports in the UK’s slave trade for a time (until a build-up of silt drove it to other local ports). It is also the most northerly city in Lancashire but only actually gained city status in 1937 but was awarded Fairtrade City status in 2004.

The famous faces of Lancaster A slew of notable names hail from Lancaster but there is one in particular who left a lasting legacy – John of Gaunt. The first Duke of Lancaster, the Earl of Richmond or even called the duc d’Acquitaine, he was an English prince, third surviving son of King Edward III. But whilst we might know him as John of Gaunt, this corruption of his birthplace – Ghent – was actually not used after his third birthday. It was Shakespeare who revived it in his play Richard II (John’s uncle).

Born in 1340, he acquired the Duchy of Lancaster aged 22 as well as the other Lancastrian estates found across England and Wales. He founded the House of Lancaster but in his later years, he became somewhat unpopular despite his power and prominence. Political unrest, military problems and conflict over how best to resolve them were the key issues causing this. Today, John of Gaunt is generally regarded as the ancestor to all the monarchs of England, which started with his son, Henry IV and continued down the male lineage from 1399 until the Wars of the Roses.

Above: A view of the River Lune near Lancaster

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His heritage can be seen all across Lancaster. From ‘John O’Gaunt’s Chair’ on the keep of Lungess Tower at Lancaster Castle, to the John O’Gaunt pub established in 1871 where you’ll find hearty food and live music and even the John O’Gaunt Rowing Club. Given his prominence during his lifetime, it is perhaps no wonder his name remains an important part of the city today – keep your eye out for mentions of him when you visit.

Other people of certain notoriety associated with Lancaster come in the form of the Pendle Witches.

Lancaster Castle was the site of the Pendle Witch Trials in 1612, some of the most famous in the country.

Twelve ‘witches’ were accused of murdering ten people with the use of witchcraft and they were tried with other witches from Samlesbury. The series of trials become known as the ‘Lancashire witch trials’. Ten of the accused were found guilt and were all hanged for their crimes which was a rather significant outcome for a single session – only 500 executions of witches in total were thought to have taken place across the 300 years of all the trials.

Witches have been synonymous with Pendle for hundreds of years, and in the 16th century, whole areas of Lancashire were apparently rife with witches. Anything unusual or negative could be explained away as the work of the witches. The prevalence of

them in Lancashire particularly at this time was due to the general view of the area to be lawless and wild, fabled for violence, sexual laxity and theft as well as a general misunderstanding of the doctrines of the church. Queen Elizabeth I was responsible for passing the law to execute anyone whose witchcraft had caused harm and it was under this ruling that the Pendle Witch Trials took place.

A thriving Lancastrian scene Royals and witches might be entertaining enough for some but if we’re being honest, this past year of confinement means many of us are excited to get back out and about to enjoy all the things we have missed.

Such as going for a nice meal, a weekend away or even just a couple of drinks in an establishment we don’t live in. Shopping and other attractions would be a nice bonus too. And Lancaster has it all in abundance for you to enjoy.

Indulgent retreats There are several boutique-style places to stay in order to ensure you get a real treat. We’ve picked out some favourites here…

The Sun Hotel is popular and whilst its name might suggest it’s only a place to lay your head, the opposite is true – The Sun also has a boutique eatery and bar right in the heart of the city centre. Unrivalled craft beers from local breweries, spirits and wines are on offer as is excellent food for any meal of the day. The rooms are varied and of a luxuriously high standard.

The beauty of the hospitality in Lancaster, is that so much of it is independent. This means that you’ll receive exceptional service, great quality produce and you’re also bolstering the local economy too – wins all round! In fact, Lancaster has seen a huge improvement, particularly over the past 10 years and now rivals much better-known towns and cities; it’s almost akin to an uncovered gem. Which is why we, and the folks at Totally Local Lancaster (totallylocallancaster.co.uk) want to shout about it.

This website has been created purely to extol the virtues of Lancaster, because there are so many. It will help you choose where you wish to visit when you pay a trip to this incredible city, split into categories such as where to eat, where to stay and where to indulge in a little retail therapy. But to help you along the way, we’ve listed a few below that you might want to try out.

Popular, independent, authentic, they will delight you so are just perfect for a post-lockdown excursion.

Above: Wooden signs along the Pendle Witches Trail in Lancashire

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After all, when you’ve waited so long, you don’t want to waste time on below-par places do you?

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The King’s Arms Hotel is again, the purveyor of much more than just luxury sleep, this historic building is in the centre of Lancaster with hidden treasures at its heart. There is an award-winning brasserie offering the finest locallysourced ingredients regardless of whether it’s a large meal or an afternoon coffee and cake.

Above & Below: The Ashton Suite at QSF – Over Two Floors

Below: Dine In Style at QSF

But to try something a little different, head to The Crypt, one of the city’s premier cocktail lounges and eateries.

Amazing rooms can be found at Quite Simply French (known as QSF) on the quay - (perhaps make a particular effort to secure the Ashton suite) and enjoy exquisite dining whilst you’re there. It was traditionally a French restaurant but today you’ll find a wider influence to ensure all tastes are catered for.

What’s Your Favourite Course at QSF?

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If you’d like a room with a view, head to The Borough which overlooks Dalton Square. It’s a gastro pub and hotel combined with Italian marble wet rooms in every one of the sumptuous bedrooms – the sort of standard you would expect from renowned local interior designer, James Mackie. This exceptional retreat even has its own microbrewery for the perfect pint to accompany your stay.

Originally where levies from market traders were collected, the Toll House Inn is now a cosy place where you’ll receive a warm welcome. Enjoy classic food in a relaxed dining environment indulge in your meal paired with one of their very own brews, created each month.

If you prefer your own space, you can rent one of the serviced apartments across the city – there are a couple to choose from.

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Divine dining Of course, wandering the streets of Lancaster you will happen upon a multitude of places to eat, all claiming to offer the best food. From national chains, to small cafes, it has it all so the real difficulty can be choosing where to go to ensure your meal lives up to your expectations.

Fortunately, there are some exceptional independent restaurants to choose between; we’ve highlighted just a few.

Italian influence is found throughout all of Lancaster and none moreso than in the local gastronomic scene.

Buccelli’s, Marco’s and Etna are all popular thanks to the quality of the food you’ll indulge in as well as the welcoming ambience they offer.

Buccelli’s promises a true slice of Italy from its café, deli and bistro, not to mention the takeaway options.

The owner, Bruno, hails from Rome and has stayed true to his Italian roots. His background is within the wholesale of produce and thanks to this, approximately 90% of what is eaten or sold at Buccelli’s is imported direct from Italy.

It doesn’t get much more authentic than that!

Marco’s on the other hand is a little more modern in its preparation of fresh Italian cuisine. The relaxed and informal atmosphere will have you coming back for more as soon as you can so it’s no real surprise it has been welcoming hungry patrons for 30 years!

Etna has been there for even longer, with 40 years of service under its belt. Centred around a family ethos, it might be under new ownership but the previous owner still bobs in most days – that’s how it works there.

Italian cuisine of course offers something for everyone, but if you’re looking for something a little different, head to The Quarterhouse. This chef-owned kitchen and bar is based in the cultural Canal Quarter of Lancaster and uses only fresh, seasonal and local produce to create culinary gems. There’s a real unique slant at dinner too, where the British cuisine is served in small plates, each celebrating one of more elements of the North West’s culinary heritage.

There’s certainly more to Lancaster’s hospitality scene today than there ever has been and its evolution over the past decade has really put it on the map as a place to visit, stay and explore. Hospitality has boomed and the standard of everything puts this city on a par with its peers.

You’ll also find high end shopping, and attractions such as the castle and Williamson Park with its Butterfly House to spend your time at. But it’s the slew of delicious dining options and stunning suites to stay at, that will ensure you are truly delighted with your trip there.

So since there’s never been a better time to take a staycation, try Lancaster for an exciting change. www.lancmag.com

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A tonic for the nation

By Harold Cunliffe

At the time of writing the nation is starting to see the start of easing of the lockdown restrictions. Spring is in the air and there is a feeling of relief that we are near some form of normality as the public can meet in small groups of no more than six persons out of doors.

The iconic “Skylon,” with Mr Hellon and Mr Mounsey visible in the foreground

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Last year we experienced scenes reminiscent of wartime shortages as the public formed queues outside shops and supermarkets. Many struggled to obtain online grocery deliveries. People of a certain generation spoke about how they endured the shortages and the hardship of wartime. Many relating their experiences of having to queue for their wartime rations. What was a tonic to the nation however, exactly seventy years ago was the Festival of Britain.

Many social and religious groups organised a visit the exhibition along with managers at Lancashire cotton mills. One of the largest groups to organise a visit to the South Bank was the Cromer Ring Mill located in a small mill town north of Manchester. At this mill we find that 1,500 employees and friends had signed up to the visit. We discover that the planning of the festival had taken four years to come to fruition, and to make the centenary of the 1851 Great Exhibition. During this period the committee contacted local authorities requesting information upon

Above: The original programme

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Above: A happy group of Lancashire mill workers ready to enjoy the delights of the festival

what would be provided within the community to document this event. One Lancashire town put forward some extravagant plans.

In its wishful thinking the councillors put forward plans to build a Civic Hall including a swimming pool which would be used by the community for swimming gala events, shows and other group use such as the Amateur Dramatic Society, Dance Hall and Curtain Theatre. £2,000 to be spent on changing rooms for footballers

Top Right: Mr Hellon (left) and Mr Mounsey (right) purchase oranges at the Battersea Pleasure Gardens Below: Mr Len Hellon, Cromer Works engineer welcomes his colleagues, Mr W.H. Schofield and Mr J. Partington at the Station

Above: Mill workers enjoy candy floss and the sunshine in the Festival Gardens

at a recreation ground.

Provision of pavilions at Bowing Greens. It was resolved that the council disapprove the plans except that Town Planning Committee apply to the Ministry of Health for the cost of providing six houses to be occupied by disabled ex-servicemen.

My interest in the town in which I live came about while I was attending Junior school.

A teacher who was clearing out her cupboard gifted an old map of the town. This was so fascinating. Comparing the 1930’s map with the town at that period it was clear how much the landscape had changed. One major change was the construction of a vast overspill estate. 2021 marks the twentieth anniversary of my archive being published in a newspaper column. During this period many readers made contact. Mr Arthur Smith was one such reader. He worked at the Cromer Mill and attended the 1951 Festival of Britain.

Arthur kindly invited me to visit his home to have a chat where he also donated a guide of the festival and a collection of small “Brownie” box camera snapshots taken during his visit. Arthur commented that the trip to the exhibition was organised by management, and would make all the necessary arrangements. Logistically this was a mammoth task.

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On the 21 July 1951 two special trains of considerable length conveyed the 1,500 passengers to an overnight journey to the capital. The press at the time commented that this party was one of the largest organised party of workers in this part of Lancashire.

The party arrived at Euston at 5am where the party had a much appreciated cup of tea, before boarding buses to give them a tour of the capital. Arthur Smith stated, “For some reason they were unable to find a caterer to provide 1,500 breakfasts. They went to either Lyons at Coventry Street, Bodega at Oxford Street or Bodega at Kensington High Street.” At Westminster Pier, “We all met up to board river steamers near Big Ben, all the children loved it, so did the adults too. As morning broke it was clear to us that it was going to be a beautiful sunny day, not a cloud in the sky. Our river trip took about two hours, we saw the sights as we sailed up the Thames, all the points of interest were pointed out to us by the guides. Then everyone became excited as the South Bank came into view. Many of us took photographs as we approached the piers. From then on the day was our own. It was fantastic.” www.lancmag.com

Above: Teaching Staff. Middleton Grammar School.

Left: First Glimpse of the Festival_

Left: First Glimpse of the Festival

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Above: Campania-postcard

As for the younger generation, they had a fantastic time visiting the Battersea Park funfair.

Reading a copy of the itinerary the party spent some time without sleep; no doubt the younger folk slept most of their journey home. As the mill workers arrived back at the station they all commented that they had had a wonderful time, with the echoes’ of, “my poor aching feet.”

For those unable to visit the capital a Land Travelling Exhibition was set up. This exhibition would visit Birmingham, Leeds, Nottingham and Manchester. The Festival ship, “Campania,” visited various ports. At the exhibition many manufacturers would show their up to date products. One example was the humble clothes peg. C210. “Gipsy” peg by Stothard of Surrey.

C211. “Dolly” peg by Treffgarne, Nothants.

C212. “Sprung” wooden pegs by Miss Audrey Hall of Edgeware. C213. “Rustless” peg by “Permapeg,” Finchley. C654. “Aluminium” peg by “Lok-Peg,” Cardiff, and C655. “Rubber” peg

by Light Alloy Utilities, Norwich. Thousands of everyday items were showcased.

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Above: The Festival Card.

Left: The Festival Guide.

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The Show Goes On for The Dukes

By Kelly Thurston

The Dukes are delighted to announce the muchanticipated return of live performance at their venue with an exciting new spring and summer season to welcome audiences back to their building.

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n sale now on The Dukes’ website (www. dukeslancaster.org), the dynamic lineup features a mixture of family theatre, provocative dramas, guest speakers, dance and even some virtual reality

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Beginning in May, the season marks the first live performances at The Dukes since October last year, with shows resuming with safety measures in place.

Skin’s Petrichor can be experienced in Moor Space, The Dukes’ second site on Moor Lane, on Friday May 21.

Spaces for this show are limited and advised for people aged 13+.

The Dukes have embraced digital theatre and creativity during lockdown, with the likes of the upcoming The Importance of Being Earnest, their co-production with Lawrence Batley Theatre, Huddersfield which is streaming from April 19 – May 4.

There’s also an inventive and exciting new take on the classic tale of Sleeping Beauty, courtesy of co-writers and co-directors Sarah Punshon and Daniel Bye. Full of music, storytelling, joy and love, it’s a fun reintroduction to the theatre’s Round space. The show plays from Tuesday May 25 – Sunday June 6, with different seating pods available for people to book within their household in line with local and government guidelines.

It is fitting then that the season of live theatre gets underway with an immersive show rooted in virtual reality. Set in a dystopian world, Thick

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The Dukes are also collaborating with fellow arts organisation Lancaster Arts to co-present two powerful pieces of contemporary drama in Moor Space, with Rebecca Atkinson-Lord’s autobiographical look at social mobility and belonging in The Class Project (Thursday May 27) and an exploration of the politics of division in performer Avital Raz’s My Jerusalem (Friday May 28).

from Joss Arnott Dance (University of Salford) that was created in the throes of lockdown.

BAFTA-winner Noreen Kershaw and starring TV and stage actor Andrew Lancel (Coronation Street).

June also brings with it more family magic, as the warm and humorous When Another Dragon Roars sees a mother and son share stories together on a camping trip. There are performances at 11am and 2pm on Saturday June 26.

Climber and British record holder Kenton Cool will be sharing stories of his adventures and ascents from across the world in Everest the Cool Way on Saturday June 12, while there’s vibrant and beautiful dance on offer on Thursday June 17 in Emergence, a triple-bill performance

There is also a double dose of tender and bittersweet comedydrama in July, with Sunnymead Court (Monday July 5), a lockdown romance conducted between balconies, and Jonathan Harvey’s revamped hit production Swan Song (Wednesday July 7), directed by

The Dukes’ much-loved cinema programme is also set to restart in May, while other summer projects are in the pipeline and to be announced in due course. Tickets are also on sale for comedy performances from Sindhu Vee (September 15), Bridget Christie (October 16), Jenny Eclair (October 23) and Count Arthur Strong (March 31, 2022). Sarah Millican’s show on November 24 is sold out.

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The Dukes’ Director, Karen O’Neill said: “We’re thrilled to be welcoming audiences and the community back to The Dukes this spring and summer. www.lancmag.com

“The team have worked hard to make our spaces safe and welcoming, with measures in place, and we have a great line up of fantastic films and brilliant theatre productions, both in-person and online, for audiences to look forward to. We can’t wait to have people back enjoying live theatre and the cinema experience with us again. It has been an incredibly hard time for everyone and we couldn’t have gone through the last year or so without the support of our audiences, supporters and funders – so, once again, a huge thank you to you all. We hope to see you here soon.”

EDITOR’S NOTES 1.Home to theatre, cinema, creative participation activities and much more, The Dukes is an Arts Council England National Portfolio Organisation that receives funding from Arts Council England, Lancaster City Council and Lancaster University.

2.The Dukes is dedicated to delivering a diverse and high-quality theatre and cinema programme, telling stories that are relevant, fun, thought-provoking and electrifying. It is also a home for artists

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Tickets are currently on sale via The Dukes website at www.dukeslancaster.org, with advanced booking required. As the café-bar remains closed for the time being, bookers can also pre-order refreshments when purchasing a ticket.

Bookers are encouraged to visit www.dukeslancaster.org/safety-measures to find full details of all safety measures.

to create and connect and a place where people of all ages can discover their own creativity. The Dukes is also committed to reaching out into the community and new spaces, working with partnerships to put culture and arts at the heart of Lancaster.

Throughout lockdown, The Dukes has been a creative home for artists, audiences and communities, including creating online space Digital Dukes, working with local artists, theatre companies and film distributors on commissions and streaming opportunities and delivered online

participation activities, such as digital dementia arts Bring Me Laughter festival.

3.The Dukes is the winner of the 2018 NW Creative Careers Champion Award. In 2017, it won the NW Cultural Education Award for its partnership with Lancaster University and is the current holder of the Northern Soul Award for Best Cinema and The Bay Living Award for Best Arts/Entertainments Venue.

4.In 2016, The Dukes won the UK Theatre Award for Best Show for Children and Young People.

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a local business with broad appeal

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t the Lancashire and North West Magazine, we are of course huge advocates of all things local.

That’s why we love to chat to people like Amy Charnley-Parry, founder, owner and entrepreneur behind the rapidly growing Lancs Local community. We sat down with her to have a chat and find out exactly what it is that Lancs Local offers to residents of our fantastic region and it turns out quite a lot.

But it also turns out that some of the real winners are small businesses! Intrigued? So were we! Read on to find out exactly how everyone’s a winner when they engage with this fantastic new venture...

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Q&A

Amy’s Family

Firstly, why not tell us a little bit about yourself?

A.

Where do I start?! I’m a 35-year-old mother of three, married to Ioan, who is a research doctor by day and a great help to the business by night!

I’m from Essex originally, Ioan (who’s from Yorkshire) and I met at uni in Cardiff and we decided we would move to wherever suited us the best in terms of postgrad study and subsequently jobs. We settled in Longridge when Ioan got offered his PhD at UCLan and we’re lucky to live in what we think is one of the most beautiful parts of Lancashire.

of businesses in and around Lancashire, as well as the national offers too.

The primary goal is of course to benefit the customers but the reality is that local businesses probably benefit even more! It’s a fantastic marketing channel for them.

The Lancs Local interface is so user friendly that these businesses are easy find, as well as there being a multitude of other promotional activities too. These include social media, the website, email marketing and more. But not only that, there is a huge range of support offered by me, my team and freelancers - basically helping small business owners to become a success. (There is more on this later in the article.)

In terms of my career, I’ve been setting up small businesses for years. I have successfully built and sold three so far, the most recent of which was a children’s events and entertainment company. This was going fabulously well until the first lockdown hit when of course all types of activity had to stop. Fortunately, I was already well in the process of setting up Lancs Local, sold my other business and put all my energy and attention into this new passion.

A.

I am glad I was able to devote so much of my time to Lancs Local to get it to this point now as I have quite recently been diagnosed with breast cancer. I’ll be having significant surgery in the coming weeks so will leave the business in the capable hands of my team, including Ioan of course. He has been promoted to Business Recruitment Manager: Food Division because he’s becoming a true foodie and will be helping Tor, my office manager and general, all-round mega support. I plan on bouncing back as quickly as possible as I have far too much to be getting on with!!

I wanted to do something a little more innovative that could actually provide a key benefit to everyone involved in the network, customers and businesses alike. As a small business owner myself, I really wanted to ensure I could support them in ways I would have appreciated when I was setting up on my own in the past. That’s why Lancs Local is about more than just the customer discounts – it really needed to be of benefit to the businesses signing up too so they could get as much value out of it as possible, over and above the online promotion to cardholders.

What exactly is Lancs Local?

A.

It’s a local network of small businesses all on a digital membership card to local residents, which provides a huge array of offers and discounts. As a member, you also get free access to the extra package, Lancs Local Plus, which gives discounts on a national scale from days out to theme parks to big retailers. The customer pays a small fee for the digital membership and in return, can save a fortune in hundreds

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Why did you decide to set up Lancs Local?

I’ve always been looking for the venture which I can really grow over the years to come. I’ve always striven to do more and achieve as much as I possibly can which is why I actually set up Lancs Local at the same time as owning another business.

There are other companies offering discounts to members, but I wanted something a little more substantial to help the small businesses signing up. That’s why we offer our Business Support services to help them as much as we can. Every penny we make at the moment is re-invested into the Business Support element of the network so the services we provide continue to improve and we will also be donating 10% of profits to local charities. We like to do it differently at Lancs Local!

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The businesses offering discounts through Lancs Local Over the short period of time that Lancs Local has been formulated, 220 businesses have signed up to provide offers and discounts to residents of Lancashire. It is nothing short of an incredible range of companies and the opportunities are in a vast array of categories.

These are easily identifiable on the website so you can browse them as you see fit and have easy access to a specific type you are looking for, such as Food and Drink, Clothes and Accessories, Days Out etc.

Not only that, the website also features an interactive map so you can find partaking companies in your desired area with ease. Simply select a location and browse the listings on the left or click on a pin to find out more – you can even split these into categories too. So if you’re heading out for a day trip somewhere and want to know where you can get a discounted drink or even buy some artisan produce, you’ll be able to find it with ease.

The discounts fall under the following categories: • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Adults’ Clubs and Classes Bath & Skincare Business Support Childcare Children’s Activities Clothes and Accessories Eco-conscious Education Events and Parties Food and Drink Gifts Health and Wellbeing Holidays Home and Garden Jewellery Leisure and Recreation Pets Phones and Computers Photography Toys and Books Transport

• • •

•

focussed coaching, training and mindfulness to help you live a life you love Wild Fox Gin – artisan distillery producing gin using their farm’s botanicals Enso Martial Arts, who have classes to train children all over Lancashire Momayas Organics Play Dough – a product made with only natural ingredients and no chemical nasties Cafune and Brew + Bake for when you would like a café treat

• Ribble Valley E Bikes • Lancashire Canal Cruises

And there is so much more besides including tutoring, clothing, artisan baked goods, massage, insurance – the list goes on and on. And the full price of the digital discount card is just £24 per year!! So it really is incredible value for money.

Support for Business Partners One of Amy’s key passions is to ensure that not only the customers of the card benefit greatly, but also the businesses who sign up offering a discount. There is no charge to sign up which makes it more accessible in the first instance, especially thanks to the immediate marketing promotion they receive. The partaking companies will of course need to provide an incentive or offer to holders of the Lancs Local digital discount but given the increased footfall (either physical or digital), this can reap huge rewards.

In addition to the promotion, there is a huge amount of support on offer to business partners. These include access to consultants, webinars held by experts in different fields, mentoring and marketing support for those just starting out. Some sessions incur a nominal fee but some of it is entirely free for members!

Within these categories, you’ll find some well-known businesses but also some small artisan producers who you might otherwise have no way of finding! Here are some key highlights: • Erin’s Place Pottery and Craft Studio, to take lessons • Corkee, for locally-produced scented crystals, soap sponges, shower whips, bath bombs, room sprays and carpet fresheners • Brilliant Horizons, who provide bold, dynamic and compassion-

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Lancs Local Plus Wherever possible, Lancs Local will always keep the service tailored to local businesses. However, it would be remiss to think that the users of the digital discount card never stray out of the North West or shop in larger national chain stores. So to ensure the offering is as robust as possible, there are some extra inclusions which are added automatically when you purchase your card.

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days out and even technology such as iPads. Save money on your big shop at Asda, head to Alton Towers with savings of up to 49%, visit SEALIFE in Manchester or even save money when you book a Haven holiday – there really are some incredible savings and this is only a small snapshot of what is available.

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A catch up with Peter Rutt Our monthly coloumn by Peter Rutt.

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art 1 of 3. Regular readers will know I love weird and wacky stories, even if they are not true.

So imagine my pleasure when I came across the sensation of alleged time slips in Liverpool.

Various people claim they slipped back in time, usually to the 1950’s or 1960’s. One claimed he slipped back to early 1900’s. He said as he walked down Bold Street the sky went very dark and what had been that year in the decade of the 1990’s changed to early 1900’s judging by the fashion he spied. Also the shops old fashioned. henwere I complained of Gone were the modern day stores as were something as a youngster modern day cars, replaced by my dad would say it’s all in horse your drawn carriages.

There was air mind.

Regardless of what sexthere or was sound andyou if he feltdo more transgender are, youconfident know he would interacted person. what sidehave of your brainwith you ause?

Imagine whipping out your smartphone Yes you use it all but there is a to show someone from the early 1900’s! dominant side that will relate to Or go a step further and take photos likes and abilities as well as colour or film what you see. What would your differentials. phone record?

It isThere a very interesting is the story of aaspect man who because it is not driven your walked near to Bold Streetbyand he gender. used to look at it as a alleges asI he turned a corner, was faced with a dead end. old wall basic instinctual thing.AnGirls played that wasn’t thereboys the previous day had with dolls and played with suddenly appeared.

Likethat theisprevious action men toys. But only man he said theorsky became suddenly what parents society thought was darker prior this obstacle there. correct.

Nottonow, in fact itbeing should He even touched construction never have been,the when parents and were it was solid.this Confused, he headed back educating upon their children the way he came. because this was handed down Most of the centre onIta is true throughout thestories generations. periodyoung of 1993-1997 fromyoung the very childrenapart are too onedecide in the next Theybut may to theirparagraph. path forward it is well be Urban and tall ones at shaped by ourTales parents/guardians. that. But it is thought provoking. But What if the arestories not this there are threeparents particular I will way No boundaries and centreinclined? on. notThis knowing right from wrong are one allegedly occurred in 2006 two basics, but dig a little deeper when a lad called Sean admitted he you can unlock earlier. shoplifted an itempotential and ran out of theI am not advocating children from shop pursued by a Security Guard. As non-inclined parentage have Sean got to a corner (and the skyanwent advantage but and because they dark) he turned carried on have running no and perhaps are but boundary when he looked back he noticed

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too young to understand social conditioning they could conceivably display the basics of whether they have a right or left sided dominant side of the brain, if you get my gist.

Of course no boundary can lead to naughtiness then petty crime etc.

It also means a male with a female brain does not take on non-physical female traits. Again it is down to the dominant side of the brain where the male and female distinctions exist. Transgender people fall into one or the other group.

Those that have a dominant right side of the brain have creativity, music, art, a sub-conscious mind, multi-tasking skill and synthetic thinking. The latter is the combination of ideas into a complex whole synthesis. Like abstract thought and logical thinking. Which is interesting because the word analytical is not included whereas his pursuer nowhere to skill. be seen. the left sidewas does use this If Relieved, he stopped and took in his to the left side is dominant it relates surroundings.

Everybody waslogical, wearing analytical, numerical and clothes from the 1960’s and cars were scientific plus systematic thinking. old fashioned from this era. Starting The latter is unlike analytical to worry he brought out his modern thinking where it requires multiple mobile phone, but it displayed no skill sets to establish a holistic signal. As he walked back past the store view of a he system andit explain itsone he robbed noticed wasn’t the behaviour. he entered earlier. As he looked ahead

Finally colour mix is viewed differently too but only if two or more certain colours converge in the same area. For instance during a test online recently a person photographed a pair of trainers.

The material colour was a pale grey and laces plus eye holes were turquoise green. The sender got people to reply with the colours they other two stories in of sawThe in the picture.

Onlyappear two sets May’s edition and a plausible answer to colours were reported. the conundrum.

But going back to an I saw grey and turquoise green as earlier which is did. of interaction, well as point, the majority But others I pondered on this. If you talk to saw pink and brown. This is down someone from a long ago era and to their dominant side again but influence them to take a different course going back to the earlier part of this to one they historically did take, would piece I wonder if earlyonawareness that have ramifications the here and with no boundary and an maybe now? Also if you collect item from behavioural knowledge impacts on the 1950’s, does it travel with you back certain colours. to the present day?

he couldinto see the When Throw themodern mix of world. male and he took a look behind him it was female brains and it becomes still the 1960’s. experience more of anFrightened issue. Yesby it his is possible he caught a (modern) bus to get away. that a female brain can be present The Security Guard that chased in a male body and vice versa.him asserted that he wastoonly a fewsocial paces Without wanting go into behind the thief but as he got to that conditioning again the gender of a corner, the lad had vanished. He was brain makes a difference on outlook.

I’ve always said we are all wired differently and that proves the saying to be correct. It is obvious, it’s a no-brainer!

bemused by this.

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A Bridge to the Past

By Tony Burdon

Pic 1: Aira Force, Ullswater

My article uses the paintings of my father Ken Burdon, the well known Lakeland and Dales’ artist, to help me tell the tale of the Cumbrian packhorse bridge and the tough men and horses that used them. Watch out for the legend about a lost horse with a dead body.

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ackhorse bridges were built to help with the transport of copper ore, slate, salt, tobacco, corn, coal, charcoal, wool and cloth to the markets and towns of Lakeland and beyond.

force gales, lashing rain, flash floods, freezing snow and hordes of fell walkers.

They utilised a classic design concept that was very strong.

Consequently, they have withstood the worst that centuries of Lakeland weather could throw at them. Storm

You can see from my father’s painting of Aira Force near Ullswater (see pic 1), that building some of the bridges involved some precarious feats of construction.

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Yet, they’re still there, still standing.

The bridges, not the fell walkers!

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A typical packhorse bridge would usually consist of one masonry arch to accommodate the width of a laden horse. They had no, or very low parapets, so that nothing would get in the way of the horses crossing them with their heavily laden panniers.

Panniers made of basket-work or leather, were slung over either side of the pack saddle. A Bannister with a trap door base was an alternative type of pannier for when the horses were carrying lime, manure, coal or metal ore.

Expert authors like Michael Hartwell and Ernest Hinchliffe regard Cumbria’s packhorse bridges as the finest collection of stone bridges, found anywhere in the world.

They were mostly built between 1660 and 1760 and straddled some of the trade routes that fed into the major transport arteries of Britain and mainland Europe.

Kendal became a very busy junction for packhorse transport.

Weekly pack trains headed for London, York, Wigan, Glasgow, Settle, Appleby and York. In return, packhorse trains came the other way to help supply the most significant towns within the district.

Different horse breeds were used. For example, fell ponies were capable of tackling the more hilly areas of the Lakes. Bit like horses for courses!

Pic 2: Ashness Bridge with Skiddaw in the far distance

So the humble packhorse, the jaggers, the trails and the bridges all played their part, in establishing what must have become by the standards of the day, a sophisticated logistics chain.

But as we approach the age of the driverless lorry, I wonder what the pack-masters i.e. the jaggers, would think of it all now?

Let’s have a look at some of the more famous packhorse bridges.

Ashness Bridge (see pic 2), spans an ancient packhorse route that crosses Barrow Beck. It was built to help connect Keswick to Ambleside.

It was designed so that horses and ponies, laden with up to 2 -3 hundred-weight of goods could avoid having to negotiate the rough underfoot conditions of Lakeland’s wider streams and rivers.

Just up the road from Ashness Bridge is the hamlet of Watendlath (see pic 3).

Watendlath became a crossroads for packhorse trains because it lay beside the main track from Rosthwaite in Borrowdale to Wythburn at Thirlmere.

Rare and valuable graphite (known locally as black lead or plumbago), was said to have been carried this way from the Seathwaite mines to Keswick when the Jaws of Borrowdale became too difficult for the horses to negotiate.

This Grade II Listed ‘building,’ (yes, a bridge can be listed too), was built sometime in the 18th century.

As you will read later, this is not the only packhorse bridge within the Lake District to have been awarded Grade II Listed status.

You may be thinking why such a network was necessary because Lakeland then, was even more rural than it is now?

On the contrary!

From the sixteenth century the Lake District was Britain’s chief producer of copper with its own copper-leadsilver ore reserves. Copper ore used to be transported by packhorse from the mines of Coniston to Keswick.

It also became a principal source of haematite some 300 years later.

Borrowdale had a unique deposit of graphite which led to the development of Keswick’s famous pencil manufacturing industry. www.lancmag.com

Pic 3: Watendlath Hamlet

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the 1690’s, whole pack-trains were found frozen to death.

At the southern end of Borrowdale Valley, ¾ mile from Seathwaite, Stockley Bridge was built from local stone to cross Grains Gill (see pic 4).

This lay on the main route between Borrowdale and Wasdale.

Most packhorse routes were rarely engineered or metalled, but on such routes as these, the track would zig-zag up steep slopes to alleviate the difficulty for heavily laden horses – and thank goodness, fell-walkers like me.

Pic 4: Stockley Bridge in Borrowdale

It spans Watendlath Beck but its internal width is only 41inches. The parapets were added between 1902 and 1907.

farmers who ran them. The lead horse would be adorned with bells. Singlefile trains of 30 to 40 fell ponies could travel up to 15 miles a day.

Prosperity at hamlets like Watendlath, would have been enhanced if they became resting, watering and feeding places for both men and horses. Nationwide, establishments would spring up by key packhorse track locations. A memory preserved today by pubs with names like the Pack Horse or the Woolpack Inn.

Ernest Hinchliffe in his Guide to Packhorse Bridges in England tried to put this into some kind of perspective. He calculated that a 36 ton juggernaut, delivering one load from Carlisle to London in a day, was the equivalent of more than 300 packhorses, needing 3 weeks to deliver the same amount.

Cumbria’s packhorse tracks followed the same routes that were used in early medieval times. They criss-crossed the whole of Cumbria by linking one valley to the next via the mountain passes.

They also had to withstand the dangers from outlaws and highwaymen but worse still, during the extremes of the Little Ice Age in

This track was constantly used to transport slate from the Honister mines for export and the produce of Borrowdale farms to the storehouses of Furness Abbey. It was still being maintained as a packhorse route into the early years of the 20th century.

Built in the early or mid 18th century, it was widened in 1887 and was granted Grade II Listed status.

Severe damage to the bridge was caused by the Borrowdale floods of 1966. Five inches of rain fell onto the surrounding fells in just one hour. Although the immediate rebuilding of the bridge became an urgent ‘restoration’ project, no such sentiment prevailed when packhorse bridges and tracks were first built.

The responsibility for building and maintaining them was one task that nobody wanted.

They were mainly built to serve the needs of the woollen trade but even salmon from the River Derwent was carried to London by packhorse.

How did they pull that off without refrigeration? Time for a Google search to find out the answer.

Passengers would be carried occasionally. One young lady was considered to be the equivalent of ½ a pack. Thankfully, times have changed ladies?

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Pic 5: Row Bridge, Wasdale

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Lying within a very picturesque setting, its design incorporates clapper slabs of flat stone and a single arch – all constructed from random pieces of slate.

Unsurprisingly, this 17th century bridge has also gained Grade II listed status and has become one of the gems of the Lakes.

If from here, you wanted to take in a visit to another packhorse bridge on the same day, you could proceed westwards from Slaters Bridge, along the valley and up the Wrynose Pass into the Duddon Valley.

Pic 6: Slaters Bridge in Little Langdale

Consequently, many references were made to the poor state of their surfaces. It was a bit like the way we complain now, about the number of potholes on our roads.

Theoretically, packhorse tracks were supposed to be maintained by unpaid statute labour but when repairs were needed, if ancient usage could not be determined, the King would have to issue a ‘Grant of Pontage’ to help attract an interested party.

This grant was a licence to collect tolls if someone would take on the cost of maintenance.

There is a legend that the moor is still haunted by a horse that was lost in the mist while carrying a coffin.

It was never seen again.

From an artist’s perspective, Row Bridge has one of the most dramatic backdrops in the Lakes, but another classic packhorse bridge to paint is Slaters Bridge. Crossing the River Brathay in Little Langdale (see pic 6), it was named after the men, who would walk over it, to work at the nearby slate quarries.

Here you will find one of the narrowest packhorse bridges.

It has a span of only 12ft., crossing a narrow rock gorge along the River Duddon. But it has one the highest packhorse bridge parapets, standing at 40 inches.”

Called Birks Bridge (see pic 7), it is located on a track joining workings at Wallowbarrow, Stonythwaite and Grassguards in the Duddon Valley, before turning west at the bridge.

Then it follows the original packhorse track which skirts around Harter Fell before dropping down the fell for the long slog to Boot in Eskdale.

On the Wasdale side of this packhorse trail, another Grade II Listed bridge called Row Bridge was built at the back of the Wasdale Head Inn (see pic 5).

Unlike Stockley and Watendlath bridges, it has no parapets. It became the main crossing point over Mosedale Beck for the pack horse trains going to Ennerdale and the West Lakeland area via Black Sail Pass.

Between the mountains of Pillar and Kirk Fell, this track is tough enough for us with our rucksacks to overcome today, but what a challenge it must have been for both horse and man back then!

Row Bridge is also located on what is claimed to be an old Corpse Road, along which bodies were taken on horseback from Wasdale Head to Eskdale via Burnmoor Tarn for burial. www.lancmag.com

Pic 7: Birks Bridge in the Duddon Valley

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Its simple arch construction, narrow width and low parapet had been more than adequate for centuries, but the advent of the drovers around 1800 increased livestock traffic dramatically. Ever larger drives of cattle and sheep meant that the narrow but still wider lanes had to be opened up. They became known as the ‘drove roads.’

Consequently, over the main rivers, wider bridges were required. The bridge over the River Derwent into Grange Village in Borrowdale (see pic 10), is one example of this. One arched bridges were no longer fit for purpose in such locations Pic 8: The Clappersgate Bridge over the River Brathay

Alternatively, you could travel east from Slaters Bridge towards Ambleside to see the picturesque Clappersgate Packhorse Bridge (see pic 8) It is accessible from nearby lay-bys and various paths take you through an atmospheric wood to the bridge.

Spanning the River Brathay it is built over what used to be the historic boundary between the old counties of Lancashire and Westmorland.

On the opposite side of Ambleside, the late 17th century, Grade II listed, High Sweden Bridge (see pic 9) crosses Scandale Beck along the main packhorse track between Ambleside and Patterdale.

There is no parapet and the flatter shaped span is only 14ft. However, many fell walkers welcome the opportunity to pause and refuel here, on their way around the circuit of mountains called the Fairfield Horseshoe.

Like all things however, nothing lasts forever. The use of packhorse bridges and trails fell into decline.

The coming of the railways, wider turnpike (toll) roads, and larger droves of sheep progressively made the packhorse bridge and its trains obsolete.

Pic 9: High Sweden Bridge

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The current stone bridge at Grange is probably one of the longest in the Lake District. Located on the original and most convenient site for a ford across the Derwent, it replaced an earlier timber bridge structure.

So, when you’re ambling along the beautiful paths and crossing the picturesque, small bridges of the Lakes this summer, remember that you’re walking in the footsteps of the jaggers and their horses.

Nevertheless despite progress, we must not forget to pay tribute to the heroes of this story.

Try to imagine having to control up to 40 heavily laden horses, up a steep pass, and you won’t think that an overfull rucksack or carrying a small child in a papoose type frame is all that hard anymore.

remember that these tough men did not have the benefit of hi tech clothing and the modern footwear to withstand what the Lakeland climate used to throw at them.

Their legacy to us?

Horse and Man! Their daily challenge? To achieve up to 15 miles along the District’s many pack horse trails.

When you develop some humungous blisters or lean into a near horizontal Lakeland gale, just

Hundreds of packhorse tracks and bridges that were built for them have made it possible for millions of us to access and enjoy most parts of the Lakes.

They deserve our gratitude and admiration.

Pic 10: The Grange Village bridge in Borrowdale

The pictures which feature in this article have all been painted by well known Lakeland and Dales’ artist, Ken Burdon.

These and over 100 others can be viewed in Windermere. In addition www.lancmag.com

to his originals, there is a selection of signed, framed and unframed, limited and open edition prints available.

For those who cannot get to see the pictures in person, over 200 paintings can be seen on his publisher’s site at www.orrestpublishing.co.uk

Please ring 015394 44034 or email kenburdon38@gmail.com for more details and directions.

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Hi, I’m Paul, Your Resident Health Coach...

Paul is a successful and multi-award nominated health coach working for PT Health Coaching, based in Darwen. With over 15 years experience in the field of health, fitness and wellbeing, Paul takes a holistic approach to helping people make positive lifestyle changes.

Men’s Health Week - 14th -20th June 2021 Men are less likely to access psychological therapies than women: only 36% of referrals to NHS talking therapies are for men Everybody’s mental health has been challenged by the lockdowns and insecurities of the last year and it’s not over.

As we emerge from what we hope will be the worst of the pandemic, questions, concerns and anxieties remain.

How do we move forward?

Even before the pandemic, men’s mental health was a cause for concern. There is a grave disparity in the high number of men who die from suicide and the low number of men who seek treatment for depression, anxiety and other mental health challenges.

During the pandemic, children and young people have been disproportionately affected by lockdowns. There has also been a considerable rise in youth unemployment, while homeschooling has hit boys and young men at school and university, especially from BAME backgrounds.

Particular groups of male-dominated workforces have suffered disproportionately in terms of income and some (taxi drivers, for example) have received little support from government to compensate for this loss. Men are more likely to be in the sort of jobs that cannot easily be done from home with the result that many male-dominated workforces are also at greater risk from Covid-19.

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LETS START WITH THE FACTS • Life expectancy in the UK is 79.4 years for men and 83.1 years for women.

• Heart attack hospital admissions in the UK are approximately 124,000 men and 70,000 women are per year.

• UK overweight and obese figures are 66% men and 58% of women.

• The alcohol-specific death rate in the UK for males was 16.4 per 100,000 and 7.6 per 100,000 for females • Men are nearly three times as likely as women to become dependent on alcohol, and three times as likely to report frequent drug use • Three times as many men as women die by suicide • Men are less likely to access psychological therapies than women: only 36% of referrals to NHS talking therapies are for men • 87% of rough sleepers are men www.lancmag.com

WHY ARE THE FIGURES SO DISPROPORTIONATE? Societal expectations and traditional gender roles play a role in why men are less likely to discuss or seek help for their mental health problems. We know that gender stereotypes about women – the idea they should behave or look a certain way, for example – can be damaging to them. But it’s important to understand that men can be damaged by stereotypes and expectations too.

Men are often expected to be the breadwinners and to be strong, dominant and in control. While these aren’t inherently bad things, they can make it harder for men to reach out for help and open up. Some research also suggests that men who can’t speak openly about their emotions may be less able to recognise symptoms of mental health problems in themselves, and less likely to reach out for support. Men may also be more likely to use potentially harmful coping methods such as drugs or alcohol and less likely to talk to family or friends about their mental health.

DOES BIOLOGY MATTER? Males and females are different from the very moment of conception. Each has 23 pairs of chromosomes, which carry the body’s 20,000 to 25,000 genes. Twenty-two of these pairs are present in both males and females, but the 23rd separates the sexes. This final pair contains the sex chromosomes. In women, both members of the pair are X chromosomes, but in men one is an X and the other a Y. The Y chromosome is only about a third as large as the X and contains far fewer genes than the female sex chromosome.

Some of these genes may be linked to diseases that contribute to the excess male mortality throughout life. In addition, if a woman has a disease-producing gene on one of her X chromosomes, it may be counterbalanced by a normal gene on the other X, but if a man has the same bad gene on his X chromosome, he lacks the potential protection of a matching gene.

Oestrogen appears to have some protective effect against heart disease, perhaps explaining why heart disease typically begins about 10 years later in women than men. On the other hand, testosterone may contribute to the risk-taking and aggressive behaviour that causes problems for many young men.

WHERE CAN YOU LEARN MORE? The Men’s Health Forum have lots of free resources to support with improving men’s health. They will also be raising awareness as part of their annual campaign from the 14th to the 20th of June, so it’s well worth getting involved from either a personal or a corporate perspective.

You can find more information on their website at: Men’s Health Week: 14-20 June 2021 | Men’s Health Forum If you’d like to find out more about supporting the health and wellbeing of your workforce (big or small), check out our website at www.worksmartwellbeing.co.uk

Paul is a Health and wellbeing coach and consultant for individuals and organisations and is Lancashire Magazine’s resident Health Coach.

To find out more or to get some support contact him on: Tel: 07495 89298 Email: paul@pthealthcoaching.com www.lancmag.com

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Easy Ways to Better Sleep and Improved Energy In 2021 Better ts habi , lifestyle y changes and health that eating are all things stick many of us aspire to en to every year - but oft me 1st they are forgotten co in February or ditched l the lows of a nationa lockdown.

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o how about trying some clever technology that you can wear, stick to devices or place around the home as a way to help to switch up your sleep and to get your wellbeing back on track?

“Forget crash diets and hitting the gym (either physically or virtually), this year more than ever our goals need to be focused on a holistic approach to health and wellbeing”, according to wellness expert Lucy Blyth, who believes that stress relief, sleep solutions and energy boosters are at the top of the nation’s wish list for 2021.

And Lucy offers advice on two innovative ways to achieve better sleep and improved energy without having to start a gruelling new regime or hard to stick to habits!

Lucy explains: “The events of the past year have impacted the way we view our health. Whilst some people pledge to use lockdowns as a time to lose weight, get fit and transform themselves physically, the reality is that the stresses, strains and uncertainty of the ever-changing pandemic have left us feeling lethargic, sluggish and struggling to sleep.

“According to a recent mental health and wellbeing report by Public Health England, selfreported mental health and wellbeing issues (including anxiety, stress and depression) have significantly worsened during the pandemic. This is especially the case in younger adults and women.

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“As a consequence of the journey that we are navigating through Covid, many people have realised the importance of the very foundations of health and wellness and in 2021 are focusing on more natural ways to restore their energy, stress levels and sleep more soundly.

SleepDOT™ is placed near your head when you sleep

“But did you know that handy frequency technology discs that work in a natural way with our bodies can help to achieve better sleep and improved energy? www.lancmag.com

INNOVATIVE NEW SLEEP AID: Tackling the invisible sleep gremlins

FREQUENCY HARMONISER: For Re-energising from within

“For anyone struggling to sleep, common advice such as a relaxing wind down routine, pre-bed digital detox, meditation, switching your evening wine for a warm milky drink and using essential oils can all go a long way to getting you in the right frame of mind for a night of rest, however there is more you can do to promote better sleep.

“With better sleep comes better energy but if only it was as easy as that. Waking up every morning with a spring in your step is the sum of many parts – a healthy balanced diet, drinking plenty of water, exercising, reducing toxins such as alcohol and processed food. All of these are common health goals but there could be something else at the root of your lethargy.

“You may not realise but our always-on, nonstop lifestyles and reliance on wireless technology can mean that come bedtime we’re in need of a little re-balancing. The latest natural sleep aid which can help tackle the sleep disturbances that you can’t see is called sleepDOT™. Utilising frequency harmonising technology, this is a natural solution which encourages our bodies to retune and rebalance by emitting a clever mix of soothing vibrations.

“SleepDOT™ is placed near your head when you sleep and the invisible vibrations encourage your brain to slow to the theta and delta frequencies the slowest frequencies of the brain, associated with relaxation, meditation and deep, dreamless sleep. Users have reported their sleep has been transformed – sleeping more soundly and deeply after using the dots for just a few days.”

“With so much going on in our lives, more and more of us are experiencing electro-stress which can manifest itself in lack of motivation sluggishness and headaches. Sometimes the only way to get our energy levels back on track is to remind our body of its optimum state and this is where bioDOT can help. A natural energy booster, the bioDOT is worn on the wrist or as a pendant and releases natural frequencies to support the body’s biofield. Programmed with natural energy, the clever magnetic disc uses the process of entrainment, to release natural frequencies to that help you feel calmer, more focused and more energised.”

Below: A natural energy booster, the bioDOT is worn on the wrist or as a pendant and releases natural frequencies to support the body’s biofield

Lucy Blyth is a wellness entrepreneur, electro-magnetic frequency expert and founder of health and wellbeing brand, energyDOTs. For more information visit www.energydots.com

Programmed with natural energy, the clever magnetic disc uses the process of entrainment, to release natural frequencies to that help you feel calmer, more focused and more energised.

www.lancmag.com

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The life of Di A monthly column by Di Wade, the author of ‘A Year In Verse’

One can forget sometimes that the world isn’t all hassle, agro, and nonsense.

Well it does such a grand job of convincing one otherwise.

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ome friends of my parents recently went to pay, as usual, for their green bin at the Post Office, only to be advised that this now had to be done by card and at the tip. So they duly betook themselves thence,-via diversions taking them all round China, Outer Mongolia and half Timbuktu,--only to have some surly bloke inform them on their final arrival that payment had to be online. I mean, even were they not still endeavouring to achieve this, did it need to be that complicated? We were talking a green bin, not a projected mission to Mars.

Similarly, my census seemed excessively complicated. Granted, the form itself required only that I trouble my mum physically to fill it in, and then exercise some restraint in the matter of the colourfulness of my answers. However, having punctually posted the form back on the day required, I wasn’t altogether overjoyed to receive a letter only a couple of days later stating it had not been received. This laid on with a trowel my obligations and the consequences of their non-fulfilment,--as though I hadn’t read all this already,--before allowing me to disregard all the above if the form had been despatched in the past seven days. Well so much for that. Somebody at least clearly wasn’t fussed about planet-protecting papersaving, all the more so since all this particular profligacy had achieved was my incensement and my mum’s

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worry: What if the form DIDN’T in fact arrive, and first we knew of anything was when a ruddy great firing squad came crashing through the rhododendrons? Nice one. But then between scammers, impenetrable packaging, and operatives singing from multiple hymn sheets while seeming determined to play either pass the parcel or ditch the dead donkey with one, life seems an increasing minefield.

explosions of colour from all sides,-including hedges, verges, lawns, and the foot of lampposts,--while a blackbird serenaded, and various other birds piped, trilled, tweeted, and carolled. Gorgeous.

Easter on the other hand was a veritable joy. OK, with its full complement of hot cross buns, painted eggs, simnel cake, and two days off work with which to relax, chill, unwind, and so forth, it was never exactly set to be a disaster. By way of icing on the cake however, I and my support bubble got out for a walk every day, and the whole world seemed on fire – with euphoria, rejoicing, exultation, elation, and all purely positive things.

Walking on the prom up at Rossall on Easter Saturday, we admittedly saw only some late-flowering golfers, though not without their own sense of new beginnings nonetheless.

However, back home, I found my back yard had at some point acquired daffs, grape hyacinths, and bluebells, all the more remarkably since none of us had any recollection either of planting them, or their being there last year. Perhaps the Easter bunny was branching out.

On Good Friday, seeking terrain with fewer people to have to dive out of the way of, we went to Knott End, and a walk which had previously boasted pigs, chickens, llamas, ostriches, and once even lesser-spotted Morris dancers celebrating Mayday with bells, tassels, and a squeeze box. Today offered horses, sheep, butterflies, an egret - and profusions of forsythia and other flowers as though they were going out of fashion.

Easter Sunday and Monday served up yet more stunning flora, in between boat races, good books, and lashings of feel-good Andre Rieu, and one way or another, I felt quite bereft upon the overhasty ebbing away of Eastertide.

For all that the holiday was patently now over however, it had been an utterly enchanting interlude, full of fun, peace, enjoyment, and by way of a crowning glory, more flowers even than I’d unoriginally sent my mum as gifts since the beginning of lockdown.

More importantly, it had provided a welcome reminder that life wasn’t necessarily all kerfuffle, palaver, and downright lunacy. Well one does need to know that kind of thing sometimes.

Nor it became clear was this abundance in any way confined to Knott End: Another walk nearer home in the early evening resembled a benevolent warzone, courtesy of

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FOR THE LOVE OF FOOD CREATING HEALTHY RELATIONSHIPS WITH FOOD WITHOUT FEELING DEPRIVED OR RESTRICTED

BALANCE IS KEY!

• PERSONALISED INDIVIDUAL AND GROUP PACKAGES • HEALTHY HABITS WORKSHOPS • EDUCATIVE SEMINARS • NUTRITION AND LIFESTYLE MEDICINE • WELLNESS RETREATS

HELEN JAMES HEALTHY HAPPY - REGISTERED NUTRITIONAL THERAPIST AND NLP COACH I help women learn how they can make small changes to their diet and lifestyle to improve their physical, mental and emotional health for wellness and longevity. I use personalised nutrition and NLP coaching techniques to anchor sustainable change for a healthier and happier lifestyle.

FIND OUT MORE IN YOUR FREE 30-MINUTE SESSION BY CONTACTING HELEN

N 07703 793398 E hjnutritional@gmail.com F Helen James Healthy Happy F Be Fabulous Be Free I Helen James Healthy Happy

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Helen James Healthy Happy

By Lucy Bullough

In the very strange times we have all been experiencing of late, there has been a noticeable shift in mindset towards a focus on our physical and mental health. Given the decline that has occurred on a societal level over the years, this change cannot have come soon enough.

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oday, we are in a fortunate position that there are certain individuals such as Helen James of HJ Nutrition who dedicate their time, passion and energy to the quest for healthier lifestyles. Companies such as HJ Nutrition make it far easier for those who want to effect positive change on their lifestyles when they have been unsuccessful in the past. Once you find out a little about how Helen achieves this, it becomes quite obvious why her business has grown from strength to strength and why more of us than ever before are benefitting from services such as hers.

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I had a chat with Helen, who is a BANT Registered Nutritional Therapist, and could soon see how she can help those who feel they have tried everything. Take a look at what I learnt…

A background with a difference Helen’s journey into the field of nutrition perhaps didn’t have the most conventional start. In fact, she entered into it a little later in life after having had different jobs. One of them might even sound somewhat contradictory to that of a health professional…she was a baker of cakes. Her specialty? Carrot cake! And it was actually so delicious, it was notorious in the area surrounding the bakery in which it was sold in Penwortham, just south of Preston. In fact, Helen is a self-confessed lover of sweet treats and is a walking testament that health and wellbeing need not equate to a life of deprivation and misery, but we’ll look at that ethos in more detail shortly.

After a lifetime of not really considering nutrition or any type of ‘health food’, Helen found that around her 40th birthday, she began to encounter a few problems. www.lancmag.com

The change in her hormones with her advancing years caused fluctuations and she noticed a little weight gain – something that had never occurred before. Infection upon infection also attacked her system and after three years of seemingly constant antibiotics, Helen was at the end of her tether. She asked her doctor why everything kept recurring, to be told “it’s an issue with your gut”. Of course, today we know our gut health plays a huge role in our general wellbeing but it was less widely understood then. However, Helen found probiotics and started doing her own research into what she could eat to help give her system the boost it needed. And that’s when the can of worms opened.

first things she was keen to point out to me was her ethos towards weight and the problems she sees in how most of us view it. “I don’t see being overweight as an issue that can be fixed by losing weight. Instead, the client’s weight is a symptom of something else and it’s that which we need to address,” Helen told me. It makes sense really, especially when she went on to explain how many reasons there might be for it; emotional eating, low selfesteem, hormonal changes and imbalances, gut issues, blood sugar dysregulation or other health complaints.

Focussing purely on losing weight can be fruitless as it won’t address the root cause and it’s likely that anything lost will be regained, potentially with even more besides.

“I couldn’t believe how much conflicting information there was out there. One article would tell me to eat fish oil, another would say to avoid it. I had no idea what to believe so felt I had just one option – to study”, Helen admitted. Study she did, by launching into a four-year post-graduate qualification – she already has a Chemistry degree under her belt. And when a scientist starts to explore a topic, we all know they want to learn the facts and understand it to the best of their ability! So that’s just the path Helen took. Now she helps patients suffering from medical issues such as diabetes, high cholesterol, heart problems and is even working on Alzheimer’s prevention nutrition as the food we eat can have a huge effective on cognitive function.

Instead of being all about diets and deprivation, Helen follows a piece of advice her mum shared when she was much younger; food is essential to us all, so why not make it nutritious, tasty and enjoyable? That’s exactly the environment in which Helen was raised; Indian parents’ home-cooked healthy meals rich in vegetables including anti-bacterial superfoods such as garlic and onions. This is how HJ Nutrition approaches diet with clients today.

It’s not about starving, or calorie counting and in fact, Helen doesn’t discuss calorie counting at all. Her focus is on nutrition; after all, not all calories are created equally anyway!

Her course was actually a rather forward-thinking programme in which she didn’t purely study the science of the effects of nutrition on the body, it went a little further. Modules included were centred around NLP, or Neuro Linguistic Programming. The students on the course learnt that helping someone to improve their health via their diet cannot easily be achieved with conscious change. In fact, our relationships with food are so ingrained that the change must be affected on a subconscious level or the motivation will simply disappear after a short period. It’s this difference in approach that really sets Helen apart from the rest as she can get to the root of why her clients eat the way they do rather than simply telling them to change behaviours when it’s usually not as easy as that.

“For years, we have been told to eat less and move more in order to lose weight. But when you study the science of nutrition, it’s not quite as straightforward as that,” Helen explained. “It is much better to find out the ‘why’ of eating pattern and to educate clients on nutrition as a whole, rather than simply starving your body to create a calorie deficit.” In fact, the human body is so sophisticated that if you put it under stress with either undereating or overexercising, the body will simply cling on to more calories in the belief that it needs to in order to stay alive! Her view is around counting nutrients instead, and hiding the scales because it needs to be about your health, not what the numbers on the scale tell you.

Fortunately, in Helen’s personal case, as there had never been any emotional link to the indulgence of sweet treats. So it was perhaps easier for her to see them for what they were and restrict them a little in her diet. Helen maintains, “I didn’t cut anything out entirely, that would have been a miserable way to live. I just became mindful of the fact that eating sugar in excess was exacerbating my health complaints so cut back to a more reasonable level.

This helped massively and it’s a mindset I maintain to this day.”

When it comes to addressing health problems with what we eat, Helen is better equipped than most to ensure clients can achieve the goals they want to – something that is certainly worth talking about!

Challenging the misconceptions Helen mostly works with women over the age of 40 who have been on an intermittent quest for many years to either lose weight, or try to improve the symptoms of a health condition that is causing problems. One of the www.lancmag.com

Photography by ©Alison McMath Photography

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The reality is that many of Helen’s clients have years of ingrained beliefs as to what ‘should’ work and that the focus ‘should’ be on losing weight and it’s that which needs challenging the hardest. Fortunately, her holistic approach means that real change can happen for the long-term and her clients will absolutely be healthier after working with HJ Nutrition.

How it all works As with anything that involves a personal change, a personal relationship is key to success and it is that which Helen focuses on.

There are several programmes available to clients, all of which are tailored to the individual’s needs and requirements. For example, the Mind Your Health transformational 12-week programme is the most intense of all of them on offer and involves weekly sessions with Helen to work on mindset and belief changes around food, track progress, discuss changes and more. This is the one you would choose if it is your relationship with food which needs addressing, but all of this would be discussed with Helen in your initial 30-minute (free) consultation with her. In many cases, the 30-day Kickstart Programme might best serve needs and this is appropriate for those who might need help with their diet to address health complaints such as low energy, sleep issues, menopause symptoms or IBS, for example. In the event of 30-days not being long enough, the programme can be extended to 90-days or even longer. The 90-day programme is suited to support chronic health conditions such as diabetes, arthritis, heart conditions and women’s health problems including PCOS and endometriosis.

different aspects of dietary issues.

Her current quest is to learn more about eating disorders and the attitudes and behaviours this can carry into later life, even if the issues have been largely dealt with or never materialised into a serious problem.

The different triggers, habits and mindsets all play a role in today’s behaviours without many people even realising so it’s important to understand it all in order to help effectively.

HJ Nutrition also hosts a number of events in different formats to engage with different types of clients too – when it’s safe of course! Throughout the pandemic, much of the activity shifted online to the social media community that has been created on Facebook. This modern way of communicating means that those who engage with Helen not only have her guidance and support, but also the support of many other women who might be facing the same challenges. But her extended support doesn’t end there; Helen has been a regular on BBC Radio Lancashire on Friday afternoons, sharing advice on healthy eating to listeners – a valuable and informative segment. Also, before lockdown, Helen was delivering regular training talks for local companies and the NHS. The topics centred mostly around menopause awareness and

support as this is a key challenge that can often be overlooked by many due to its sensitivity. Helen is very keen to start these talks again as soon as it is safe to do so thanks to the excellent reception they received.

Overall, Helen is delivering a service which exceeds so many in the holistic approach she takes to working with her clients. She explains, “anyone can find a diet but sticking to it and affecting positive change for life are the real challenges.

And for the most part, weight issues are a symptom of another underlying problem. Once we can address this, achieving the desired outcomes is much more likely – and you’ll be able to remain in the right mindset for life. Our health is our most important attribute and I want to help as many people reach their optimum as possible.”

With passion, experience and knowledge like this, a course with HJ Nutrition could be just what you’re looking for to get your health to where you want it to be.

Find out more in your FREE 30-minute session by giving Helen a call on: 07703 793398 or email: hjnutritional@gmail.com.

F Helen James Healthy Happy F Be Fabulous Be Free I Helen James Healthy Happy D www.HJnutrition.com

With every programme, clients will receive a personalised service with recipes and/or menu plans, nutrition and more all being addresses to suit the different taste preferences and health requirements. One of the most important factors is the psychological support aspect of HJ Nutrition’s care which addresses core issues in order to improve health overall.

An evolving service Helen most certainly isn’t resting on her laurels when it comes to caring for her clients and continues to work on her knowledge of the 138

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Taste a little of what Helen recommends with these two fantastic recipes from her collection…

Quick Sweet Potato and Chickpea Curry

If you have ever made a curry from scratch you’ll know it’s all about the sauce. The sauce takes time to cook down. You’ll know if you ever came to one of my curry cook-alongs... This curry is a quick version and still tastes amazing.

Ingredients: (serves 2-3) • • • • • • • • • •

1 tbsp oil 1 large or 2 medium onions, chopped 2-3 cloves of garlic, crushed 2 tsp grated fresh ginger 1-2 heaped tbsp of medium curry powder (depending on how spicy you like your curry 1 400g tin chickpeas, drained 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced into approx 1.5cm cubes 1 tin of coconut milk a handful of chopped coriander salt to taste

Method Heat the oil in a large frying pan or shallow pan. Add the onion and fry over medium heat for 3-5 mins. At the same time put a small saucepan of water on the boil with the sweet potato, leave this simmering. Add the ginger and garlic to the onions Stir the pan frequently while it cooks to stop it from catching. Reduce heat to low and add the curry powder. Meanwhile, drain the sweet potatoes and add them to the curry mix, along with the drained chickpeas and coconut milk. Mix to combine all the ingredients. and increase the heat to bring everything to a simmer and then leave on a gentle simmer until some of the liquid has reduced (about 10 minutes). Add the chopped coriander, and salt to taste. Serve with some rice or pitta bread. www.lancmag.com

One-pan Fish with Roasted Fennel and Veg

I love one-pan dishes. So easy and quick!

Ingredients: (Serves 2) • • • • • • • •

1 fennel bulb thinly sliced or shredded 2 large carrots, sliced 1 red onion. sliced 2 tomatoes, halved 2 frozen fish fillets such as cod, haddock, or salmon salt and pepper 1/2 lemon mild olive oil for drizzling

Method Preheat the oven to 200C or 180C fan. Add the sliced veggies and the tomato halves to a large roasting pan.

Place the frozen fish fillet on top. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Place in the oven for about 25 minutes or until the fish is cooked through.

Divide between two plates and squeeze over a smidgen of lemon juice. Serve with a mixed green salad.

You can use fresh fish for this, but you may need to add the fillets 7-10 minutes into cooking time for the veg.

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JOINT PAIN - a Traditional Approach for Modern Times

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anagement of joint pain has come a long way since the early days of herbal medicine.

Historically, people would use nettles on their swollen joints and I know of herbalists still practicing today who use poultices of cooked comfrey and nettle, wrapped around swollen joints. Some of these remedies really resonate with me as I love to get down and dirty in the garden, pulling up roots and adding herbs to pots, brews and poultices. Yet, I also appreciate that modern times call for modern methods and in my own home I’m much more likely to convince my partner to swallow a tablet than to walk around wearing leafy bandages.

While making poultices may be fun, I’m not likely to pop down to the supermarket moulting nettles from my green knees, either.

Many years ago, I began searching for something focused on pain relief, something that still had ties to the traditional medicines I use in my practice.

Something powerful enough to compete with modern pain killers but without the negative side effects that come alongside them.

It was around that time that I came across a remedy called Seven, named as such because it contained seven ingredients and (according to the manufacturers) it worked in seven days. Clever name or clever marketing? I must admit, I was sceptical.

I have never seen a joint remedy work in as few as 7 days, most of them needing at least a month to really start taking effect.

If you like getting messy and you have the time to spend in the kitchen, these old school recipes can be really effective. In my humble opinion, any weekend can be improved by a messy afternoon in the garden. If pummelling plants into poultices isn’t quite your style though, you’ll be glad to hear that many of our oldest remedies for joint pain are now backed by scientific research and available as convenient over the counter remedies.

When I first started working with natural remedies, glucosamine was the key remedy for joint problems.

I use glucosamine myself and know many that swear by it, but unfortunately, it’s not a pain killer. Remedies like glucosamine are designed to repair and protect the tissue around the joint, not manage pain. If your joints are already painful, you are relying on these nutrients to rebuild cushioning around the joint that took many years to wear away.

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Looking at the ingredient list, I felt impressed. It contained ginger for circulation and repair, turmeric for inflammation, white willow bark (the original aspirin) and Boswellia which has been shown to reduce the breakdown of joint tissue. This is exactly the approach that I take to joint management in my clinic, except this remedy came as a one a day tablet.

Could I finally put down my pans and poultices in favour of a comprehensive, convenient approach backed by traditional herbal theory? I’ll be honest, I doubted it.

for the non-green fingered among us, evolving into a traditional medicine for modern life.

White Willow Bark

My first success was with a lady suffering from stiff, painful shoulders that she couldn’t lift above her head to wash her hair. Already on numerous painkillers she was willing to give anything a try. Herbal pain relief doesn’t upset digestion in the way that other pain killers can and it is safe to take with many other medications (although I always recommend checking with a herbalist if using prescribed medications). After three weeks she returned, requesting a second bottle, a huge smile on her face as she demonstrated the new movement range in her shoulders. She’d been able to wash her hair again only two weeks into using the remedy! Seeing that result I was sold and I now recommend so much of it that we are able to discount the product to our regulars.

Sometimes, I doubt tradition. Especially in the case of people whipping their joints with nettles to stimulate their natural pain killing hormones. This was a rare example of me doubting the modern approach. Refusing to believe that a single tablet could do what I’d previously needed much more work to achieve. I’m delighted to have been wrong. When we combine traditional approaches with modern methods, herbal medicine becomes a valid alternative

FOR MORE INFORMATION OF TO MAKE AN APPOINTMENT WITH NICOLA, CONTACT HER CLINIC ON 01524 413733

Nicola Parker MNIMH has a herbal medicine clinic located on the picturesque coast Morecambe Bay where she offers face to face and virtual appointments.

For more information on the topics she writes about or to book an appointment, contact her clinic on 01524 413733 or via email at helpmebehealthy@gmail.com

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Leading eye expert Dr Andy Hepworth from Essilor.co.uk, shares four surprising ways that stress can affect eyesight… and offers advice on how to reduce its impact.

Stress affects both physical and mental wellbeing – including, perhaps surprisingly, eyes.

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n the main, eyesight issues caused by stress are often temporary and they will ease once the causes of stress are reduced, but as with many conditions, being overwhelmed by stress can sometimes lead to other health problems, so if eye issues don’t lessen a visit to an optician is advisable.

The key ways stress can impact eyes include: Blurred vision and light sensitivity: Our pupils will naturally dilate in a stressful situation to enhance vision so that threats can be seen clearly. However, high levels of adrenaline can cause pressure on the eyes, resulting in temporary blurred vision. You may also find that your eyes become more sensitive to light, with bright light hurting your eyes and making it harder to see.

Eye strain: Whilst eye strain is more commonly caused by digital screen usage, it can also result from stress. This is because when we are

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stressed we tense our muscles – this might lead to headaches, jaw ache from teeth grinding and muscular pain. People with long-term anxiety can suffer from eye strain during the day on a regular basis.

Eye twitches: Another temporary sign of stress can be eye twitches. These also occur because of muscle tension, as well as tiredness and will often occur in just one eye. Eye twitches can be extremely irritating and you may feel conscious that other people can see the contraction but they are often something that only you will be aware of and will go away on their own.

Dry or watery eyes: There are a number of ways that stress can contribute to both dry and watery eyes. This could be from a weakening of the immune system or lack of sleep. You may experience one or the other dependent on how your body responds.

Dr Andy Hepworth from Essilor.co.uk says: “As we begin to emerge from, what has been for many of us, one of the most stressful periods of our lives, you may have felt the impact of stress both physically and emotionally. But did you realise the dramatic affect it could be having on your vision?

“When you experience stress, your body will follow a fight or flight response and will react in a number of different ways. This will often have a negative impact on your body and your eyes are no exception. Many people may not realise that eye www.lancmag.com

issues can be so intrinsically linked to stress and put it down to other factors. But in reality, stress may be impacting your day-to-day in many more ways than you think.”

“Of course there is no quick fix for dealing with stress, but if you are concerned that your stress and anxiety levels are having an impact on your eyesight then you should consider it a warning sign that you need to take steps to get things a little bit more under control. A good starting point is working out which stress management techniques work best for you. This could be: • Meditation and breathing techniques • Exercise • Talking to a friend • Indulging in some self-care and a thorough bedtime winddown routine • Taking regular breaks from your screen during the day – going outside to give your eyes a rest and to benefit from fresh air and the outdoors (ecotherapy) • A digital detox “If you are concerned about your stress levels and your eye sight or have been experiencing vision problems for a prolonged period of time then you should visit your GP or optician for a consultation.”

For more information and eye health advice visit www.essilor.co.uk LANCASHIRE & NORTH WEST MAGAZINE 143

Unique baby news at Orsa Predator Park in Dalarna, Sweden

A little miracle has been born at Orsa Predator Park in Dalarna! The park is home to some of the Northern Hemisphere’s largest predators, like Siberian tigers, polar bears, eagle owls, leopards and Kodiak bears. Two of the park’s polar bears, the male Wilbär and the female Ewa, are part of an important preservation project controlled by the EAZA (European Association of Zoos and Aquaria), and they have lived here since 2009.

Polar World at Orsa Predator Park is the only place in Sweden where visitors can see polar bears, usually all year round, but in September 2020 something exciting happened. Ewa went into hibernation, which only happens when female polar bears are expecting cubs. Since Wilbär and 144

Ewa have lived at the park for over 10 years this was a happy occasion!

A polar bear cub is born in Dalarna. Photo Grönklittsgruppen/Orsa Predator Park

Nerve-racking period It is unusual that polar bears have cubs in zoos, and only fifty percent of the cubs survive the first critical weeks. For the caretakers in the park this period was quite worrisome, but they could follow the progress of the cub through a live camera.

–The first couple of weeks wer nerve-racking of course, since it was a big risk that the cub would not survive, says Johanna Berglund, caretaker in the park. We have given Ewa space to be a calm and collected mother and been careful not to push it. It is important to always see to the animals needs and respect their boundaries.

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Exploring Polar World The cub is now almost 4 months old and have started to leave the den to explore the outside world with its mother.

Ewa and the cub has been seen enjoying the snow in Polar World and playing together, but the cub never stays far away from its mother’s side. Some of the parks lucky visitors have been able to catch a glimpse of the cub, and during the spring it will start to swim and spend more time outside.

The birth of the cub is a great success considering polar bears are endangered in the wild, mainly because of melting ice and climate change.

The purpose of Orsa Predator Park is to preserve, research and inform, since some of the animals in the park are endangered. The animals roam in large enclosures that are designed to resemble their natural environment and where they can behave like they would in the wild. Visitors may learn more about the four largest predators in Sweden (wolverine, wolf, lynx and brown bear) as well as the other animals in the park. The park is open all year round.

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Finding balance program Join me on a journey of self-discovery to achieve balance in your life.

FULLY-EQUIPPED BOUTIQUE PILATES STUDIO - Personal Training, Small Group Apparatus & Mat

CATH HOPKINSON, PILATES SPECIALIST Your Pilates Space | Unit 6 | 90 Berry Lane | Longridge | PR3 3WH Cath has trained both in the UK with leading teacher trainers and also in New York in Pilates original studio. Her main aim is to help people move again, especially if they have stopped doing something they loved. If she can help in any way to improve their live and help them live again, it is all worthwhile.

Previous to opening her own studio Cath worked for the NHS within a busy Pain Management Service where she taught Pilates, Relaxation and Sleep. She has worked with Trevor Sorbie and breast cancer survivors. and was a finalist in the EVA Health and Wellbeing awards in 2019.

E cath@experiencepilates.co.uk D www.yourpilatesspace.co.uk N 07941 012305

My program will enable you to make long lasting changes by taking a holistic view at your life and developing a greater awareness of what motivates you and what you really want to achieve right now.

The course comprises of 6 sessions with me, a life and well-being coach, as well as the opportunity to be introduced to a wide variety of well-being practices. www.wren.coach

Where you can make “more me” vintage-inspired clothes you can wear with pride - with 100% hand-selected top quality fabrics!

Fabrics • Sew Vintage Fabulous • Personal Shopping Charm Patterns • Haberdashery • Sewing & Knitting Storage Thread • Zips • Yarn & Accessories • Ribbon • Hand Sewing Kits Gifts • Scissors • Wool Felting • Adhesives • Buttons • Toy Making Subscription Boxes • Pantone Colour Matching • Colour Analysis

Bespoke Vintage Furniture REIMAGINED WITH STYLE

Each piece of furniture I create is unique and finished professionally to a high standard. Please visit my website and if you see a piece you like for commission or you have a piece of your own furniture that you would like me to refinish please get in touch. I am based in Lancashire and offer free delivery to most mainland UK postcodes.

Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday Saturday: 10am to 4pm Wednesday and Sunday: Closed

M 42-44 Chapel Street, Chorley PR7 1BW N 01257 260900 E thebuttonholefabrics@mail.com D thebuttonholefabrics.com

janetteann@petuniasattic.co.uk www.petuniasattic.com

The Buttonhole – Something a little different from the rest What is Sew Vintage Fabulous?

This is more than just a sewing box, this is a fabulous new idea on her website where you can make a subscription and your box will contain everything you need to make a beautiful vintage inspired garment so you will feel “sew vintage fabulous.”

Each month you will receive your box with carefully hand - picked fabric, pattern and all notions plus something you might not necessarily need.

As you walk down Chapel Street in Chorley, Lancashire, you will come across a beautiful Vintage store named The Buttonhole, a fabric and haberdashery shop, which is a little different from the rest.

You are able to click on the colour palette images on the website, so you can be sure of the one you are choosing or click the surprise me if you don’t have a preference.

Liz loves sewing and everything that goes with it. The fabrics are all hand selected, so she knows you will have the best quality and great prices. The bulk of the fabrics are made from natural breathable fibres such as cotton, linen and viscose.

If you need any advice, want to check on some fabrics or can’t quite find what you are looking for you can book a Personal Shopping Video Call and Liz will help you find what you want.

Here you will be welcomed

by Liz Purkis who’s love of sewing and fabrics started early on in her life.

L

iz recalls, ‘’Mum sewed for us and made all kind of things on her green Bernina machine. I started to sew at the age of 11 and I instantly loved it. I made myself so many things in my teens and worked with so many different fabrics. I continued to sew for myself and then my children as each came along. Fast forward to 2011 when I purchased The Buttonhole to create a one-stop shop for everything a sewist would want. Since then I’ve rediscovered my love of vintageinspired dressmaking and am building my own retro style wardrobe.

You can also find Liz on Facebook on the ‘More Me’ Vintage Sewing Site, where you will find videos and group chat with an all- inclusive safe space to show and tell your vintage makes, to ask questions and get advice and grow in confidence with your sewing and preferred look.

You will find the shop open every on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays from 10am. to 4pm. at 42-44 Chapel St., Chorley, Lancashire PR7 1BW N 01257 260900 E thebuttonholefabrics@mail.com D www.thebuttonholefabrics.com F The Buttonhole

This is what inspired me to create Sew Vintage Fabulous a monthly sewing box to help you build your own wardrobe of quality vintageinspired clothes that fit.’’

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www.lancmag.com

Bespoke Vintage Furniture - Reimagined with Style

One of the most exciting and positive things to evolve from the Covid Pandemic is how we have all had to diversify and change our habits. Some of us have had more time to be creative and Janette Bashall has used her spare time to recreate vintage pieces of furniture and give them a modern twist. This is now a thriving business.

and she likes nothing better than spending a few hours exploring the second hand stores and markets.

In keeping with her love of DIY she started to paint furniture, taking a tired old dresser in dark wood and stripping it back, before painting and applying wax to bring it back to its former glory.

Scrubbing away the years of grime, sanding back layers of aged varnish to reveal the raw beauty of a wood grain was something she found satisfying.

The transformation of a tired old piece of furniture into something refreshed, timeless and unique is a passion.

Each piece of furniture she sources, sits in her house for a few days before the work begins. This gives her the opportunity to determine its character and feel before developing a bespoke design.

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etunia’s Attic was established in the summer of 2020 and both sales and commissions are developing rapidly.

HOW DID IT ALL START?

Janette is a busy mum of two teenagers and has been building her business alongside a full time career.

Inspired by renovating an old Manor House in rural France for the past 13yrs, Janette and her husband are experienced at breathing new life into old. It was whilst there, Janette developed a love of vintage furniture www.lancmag.com

She is very passionate about her work and her passion and enthusiasm shows in each transformation. Every piece is rejuvenated and given a new lease of life for years to come. By re-loving a quality piece of furniture unnecessary waste is reduced. The phrase “they don’t make things like they used to” rings very true. This also embellishes her desire to be eco-friendly.

customer service is as important as producing top quality furniture. Her five star reviews have resulted in a growth in sales and commissions.

A part of the process Janette discusses her customers design ideas and source the right piece of furniture and develop a bespoke design perfect for them.

In the coming weeks Janette will also be collaborating with Hutchtree Bespoke Furniture, Chapel Street, Chorley.

AND SO WHAT’S IN THE NAME? Well Petunia is her beautiful cat. She adopted the Bashalls as her forever family a few years ago and she loves to be with Janette when she is working on her furniture. Her presence is as therapeutic as her craft.

If you are looking for that eclectic piece or have furniture that needs to be re-loved and brought back to life, you can contact Janette at janetteann@petuniasattic.co.uk or visit her website www.petuniasattic.com or find her on Facebook.

Her business has grown so much she has taken on a small storage unit which gives her more space to work and many more bespoke items are evolving.

Her hard work and passion has paid off and she was extremely excited and honoured to be shortlisted for Flip Runway Distribution Awards 2020, amongst so many amazing artists.

Janette believes that providing excellent LANCASHIRE & NORTH WEST MAGAZINE 147

Well-being has become such a buzz word nowadays but what does it really mean?

Yet, I wondered what it would be like to tackle wellbeing from a different point of view. If coaching is about finding balance in your life and discovering what wellbeing means to you, what about changing my camera lenses? Would my fellow wellbeing practitioners share the same view and how would they find balance in their lives? I wanted my research to be about real people, professionals from humble beginnings and from different paths of life whose mission was to help people.

As I am writing this article, I am halfway through a series of weekly interviews where I ask fellow wellbeing practitioners how they have found balance in their lives and what wellbeing means to them. The inspiration behind these interviews came to me because I wanted to expose people to different ways of looking after themselves and finding balance in their lives.

As a life & wellbeing coach, I know that coaching has such profound effects on people’s wellbeing because it enables them to rediscover themselves by pausing and taking stock of where they are before understanding where they want to go and how to get there. It is a beautiful introspective journey of self-discovery and acceptance that I walk with my clients, step by step, supporting them, providing them with a safe space where they can just be themselves and where they can feel understood by someone who is looking at life from the same perspective.

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And the results are so inspiring because no matter who I interview, from a personal fitness trainer to an acupuncturist, from a nutritionist to a spiritual healer, it all goes back to the same: wellbeing is about finding balance in your life by choosing to look after yourself first before looking after others. It is about letting go of perfectionism and making small changes, reminding yourself that old saying that a journey of a thousand miles must begin with a single step.

Wellbeing is about accepting yourself and learning about what makes you happy and, above all, daring to live authentically.

Whilst the theory is great, you may be wondering how you can achieve all that. You may be thinking that it is different for you, in your current circumstances, and that wellbeing is more of a luxury than a necessity.

I used to think that too, for years, as I got caught up in the hamster wheel of life, with a career that I fell into, a family, young children, a mortgage and a massive to do list. I always put everybody else first and lived my life according to the big belief of duty first, pleasure later. It was only when I had a big meltdown at work a few years ago, one Monday morning at 9.30am, inbox overflowing, phone ringing constantly, that I thought I needed to stop and reassess.

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I was very fortunate because I had already met a life coach through my leadership career so I got in touch with her and asked if we could do some 1-2-1 work. It was through a series of coaching sessions that I discovered wellbeing and, ultimately, I discovered and accepted myself.

Coaching has, truthfully, changed my life because it allowed me to admit that I did not like where I was in life even though everything might have seemed perfect to others on the outside. Coaching enabled me to admit that I did not like the job I had longed for, that I had a calling inside me and that I wanted to help people as a living.

So, for me, wellbeing is first and foremost about being true to myself and have the courage to take a big look inside who I am. It is about accepting myself, for the good and the bad, and putting my own oxygen mask on before I help anybody else.

It is about finding balance in my life through my daily choices and reminding myself that wellbeing is not about becoming a new me but returning to my true self.

Renata Gianquitto Founder of Wren Coaching N 07714 204917 E renata@wren.coach D wren.coach

www.lancmag.com

Pilates is an excellent form of exercise for people with neurological conditions exercises and are designed to increase strength, flexibility, improve posture and body awareness for people with neurological conditions.

Neurological conditions affect the brain and spinal cord such as stroke, multiple sclerosis and Parkinson’s disease and lead to weakness, altered muscle tone and loss of balance and coordination.

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eurological conditions affect 1 in 6 people in the UK, with the NHS spending £4.4 billion and in total affects 16.5 million people (1).

There is plenty of support and help available and the role of exercise has shown to be a valued adjunct in this support. A Longridge based Pilates Studio, Your Pilates Space, is now offering Pilates for Neurological Conditions at their studio.

Neuro-Pilates involves a series of matwork and large equipment www.lancmag.com

Pilates is well placed to help with neurological rehabilitation as they target the deep muscles used for balance and control. This then allows a strong centre for daily living activities such as walking, standing and moving.

In a Pilates session the upper body is also worked, especially around the shoulders, neck and ribs. Breathing is also addressed to help improve function and posture.

The three main conditions they specialise in are stroke, multiple sclerosis and Parkinson’s Disease, but other conditions are also helped.

Multiple Sclerosis tends to affect people earlier in their life. Specific Pilates programmes help with balance, walking, muscle weakness, spasticity and bowel and bladder. These are designed to alleviate and minimise some of the symptoms and help improve their quality of life.

A stroke can affect anyone at any age and for so many reasons. The good news is that there are sciencebacked and studio-tested techniques that can improve the symptoms of a

stroke. Bespoke Pilates movements concentrate on working on balance, hemiparesis (weakness down one side of the body), bladder issues and more.

For Parkinson’s disease, exercise has been shown to be one of the very best treatments, and we look at how the brain can be used to create more effective movement patterns, and also

help with rigidity, tremor, balance problems, postural issues, walking, and falling.

Cath is specially trained in Pilates for neurological conditions ensuring your condition is understood and exercises are tailored to suit your specific needs.

Cath will discuss your expectations and goals and design an individualised Pilates programme for you.

The studio’s mission with these specialist courses is to teach people what can happen with neurological conditions and what they can do to prevent unnecessary disability.

By adding neurological conditions to her specialities Cath can now offer a wide range of rehabilitation which also includes muscular-skeletal conditions, breast, bowel and prostate cancer recovery.

BENEFITS OF PILATES FOR NEUROLOGICAL CONDITIONS · Increased muscle strength and flexibility · Improved posture and balance · Reduced risk of falls and injury · Quicker recovery · Reduced tone and spasticity · Reaching your maximum potential (1) www.neural.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/ neuro-numbers-2019.pdf. accessed April 2021

Cath Hopkinson, Pilates Specialist Your Pilates Space, Unit 6, 90 Berry Lane, Longridge PR3 3WH N 07941 012305 E cath@experiencepilates.co.uk D www.experiencepilates.co.uk

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Lee Chambers MSc MBPsS is our resident psychologist and founder of Essentialise Workplace Wellbeing. As a director of Wellbeing Lancashire, he will be keeping us updated with the work they are doing across the region.

Lee Chambers

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Have a question or topic you would like Lee to cover in a future issue? Email him on info@leechambers.org and he will include you where possible.

Ways to Create a Mental Health Friendly Workplace

There are no two ways about it; COVID-19 has a profound impact on mental health both in and out of the workplace.

The uncertainty surrounding jobs and furlough, the added pressure of adapting to remote working, and the stress of juggling remote working with family life have all had a tremendous toll on the mental health of everyone in the workplace.

While it’s true that we cannot control what goes on inside someone’s head, we, as both leaders and employees, can have a profound impact on the mental health of those around us in our work environment (and ourselves too). And the good news is, it isn’t all that difficult either. A fee carefully implemented strategies can create a mental health-friendly workplace that reaps the rewards on both personal and business levels.

Did you know that happy workers are 13% more productive1?

And, if better mental health support was implemented in the workplace, UK businesses could save as much as £8 billion every single year2? Plenty of food for thought.

HERE’S HOW YOU CAN DO IT:

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SUPPORT & PRAISE Being supportive and praising those around you are integral parts are a healthy and happy working environment. It’s crucial for all team members – regardless of their role or level – to support and praise those around them.

LISTEN & CARE Sometimes the act of listening and showing that you can have a profound impact on how someone feels. If a colleague feels their problems, stresses, and concerns are being heard and actioned, it can help to improve morale and happiness in the workplace. However, if team members feel like they’re not being listened to and no one genuinely cares, it can have the opposite effect.

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CREATE A MENTAL HEALTH POLICY AND STICK TO IT Mental health is a challenging topic to deal with; therefore, it’s a wise idea to draw up a Mental Health Policy (with input from all members of your team) and implement it into everyday working life. However, for it to be successful, everyone must adhere to it.

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SCHEDULED RELAXATION All work and no play makes everyone unhappy; therefore, it’s essential to schedule in times where team

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members can take some time out to relax, take a step back, clear their mind, and not get bogged down.

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CREATE AN ‘OPEN’ ENVIRONMENT Creating an environment where colleagues aren’t afraid to air the opinions and talk about their feelings and problems is a fantastic way to understand how people are feeling and how you can solve any issues they have and move forward in a positive manner.

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LEAD BY EXAMPLE Looking after our own mental health can be difficult; in fact, many of us don’t really know what to do if we feel down, stressed, or if we’re just not feeling 100%. Therefore, it’s crucial to lead by example and demonstrate to those in your workplace how they can address and deal with mental health issues.

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OPENNESS We touched upon this above, but being open with everyone around you not only helps you, but it also helps others to feel they can be equally as open. When opinions and feelings are shared openly without fear, solutions to problems and strategies to deal with mental health issues are easier to find and implement.

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FEEDBACK The work environment should be one big feedback loop.

Not only does this help to find and solve problems, but it also makes everyone feel part of a team and that their opinions and thoughts are valued, which, in turn, can have a positive effect on mental health and workplace performance.

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BE AWARE When talking to colleagues, think about what you say and how you say it. Educate yourself on mental health terminology and try to put yourself in other’s shoes to understand the effects of your words and actions fully.

COPING SKILLS A productive workplace is one that copes with pressure, stress, and anxiety effectively; therefore, providing colleagues with the skills to deal with negative feelings in the workplace is one way to not only make them feel better but also improve productivity.

1. www.ox.ac.uk/news/2019-10-24-happy-workers-are-13-more-productive 2. www.ohrn.nhs.uk/resource/policy/TheFactsaboutMentalHealth.pdf

www.lancmag.com

IF YOU NEED ANY FURTHER ADVICE OR HELP IN IMPLEMENTING ANY OF THE BELOW STRATEGIES, PLEASE DON’T HESITATE TO GET IN TOUCH WITH ME.

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Ways Leaders Can Check In With Their Teams’ Mental Health

Working environment and conditions can have a significant impact on mental health, and, by the same token, a person’s mental health can have a considerable effect on their ability to perform their job.

Here are a few statistics to put this in perspective: • 1 in 6.8 people suffer from work-related mental health problems1 • 1 in every 7.8 sick days is related to mental health2 Therefore, doing all you can to not only reduce the stigma surrounding mental health but help team members through challenging periods should be your priority as a team leader.

HERE’S HOW YOU CAN DO IT:

face-to-face communication and discussion. Therefore, it’s essential to use online technology to assess how your team are doing. While this won’t replace face-to-face conversations, it can help you gauge how your team are feeling without too much intrusion.

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CREATE A MENTAL HEALTH ACTION PLAN As a team leader, it’s crucial to spot the signs that someone might be struggling with their mental health; however, it’s crucial that the rest of your team are aware of the tell-tale signs and are there to help each other. Creating a ‘Mental Health Action’ plan is a great way to this as it will not only bring mental health to the fore but will also help to increase openness between team members, which will only have positive effects on morale and mental health in the long run.

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ONE-ON-ONE TIME People are more likely to be open and honest during a one-on-one meeting compared to when in a groupbased setting, such as a team meeting; therefore, scheduling one-on-one meetings with each team member is the best way to have a transparent, frank, and sincere discussion.

Furthermore, it makes your team feel like you care and they’re not only valued on a work level but on a personal level too.

USE A RATING SCALE Not everyone is completely comfortable talking about their mental health and how they’re feeling, or they may simply not be able to put their feelings into words. This can make discussions about mental health feel awkward and anxious – two feelings that have the potential to exacerbate any issues that exist (which is the opposite of what you are trying to achieve).

To get around this, begin proceedings with a number scale of 0 to 100 and ask your team to rate how they’re feeling based on this spectrum. You can break this down into different subsections such as how ‘stressed’ they’re feeling, how ‘anxious’ they’re feeling, how ‘satisfied’ they’re feeling, and so on and so forth.

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START A CONVERSATION If you think a team member might be struggling, don’t be afraid to start a conversation with them to discuss how they’re feeling. Unfortunately, many people are happy to suffer in silence and are afraid of being a burden, so they will refrain from discussing their mental health for fear of an adverse reaction. However, if you initiate the conversation, it will eradicate these fears and help them to open up.

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UTILISE ONLINE POLLS Over the last year, working remotely has become the norm, which has resulted in far fewer opportunities for

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QUESTIONNAIRES Like other forms of online technology, questionnaires are a superb way to find out how your team members are feeling. After all, people will often feel more comfortable filling in a questionnaire than they would be baring all in a face-to-face conversation (even if you get on really well and have a great relationship).

DOWN TIME IS CRITICAL Work shouldn’t revolve solely around work. Instead, conversation, discussion, and activities nonwork-related should be encouraged during scheduled downtime during working hours. Sometimes even half an hour of non-work work-related sessions can boost focus, improve productivity, and, most importantly, make team members feel happier.

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PHYSICAL HEALTH IS EQUALLY IMPORTANT “Healthy body, healthy mind” - an old adage, but one that is relevant to every single person on the planet.

Encourage team members to not only look after themselves physically through exercise and eating healthily but also by encouraging periodic health checks/scans to ensure they’re physically healthy.

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COLOUR CODING When time is short, use a colour-coded system to assess how people are feeling.

GREEN = feeling great AMBER = feeling ok RED = feeling stressed Once a person has submitted their colour, you can schedule a meeting to discuss how they’re feeling.

1. https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/ uploads/attachment_data/file/212266/hwwb-mental-health-and-work.pdf 2. https://nationalarchives.gov.uk/20160105160709/http://www.ons.gov.uk/ ons/dcp171776_353899.pdf

LANCASHIRE & NORTH WEST MAGAZINE 151

What happens when you leave your land, and your land leaves you?

BY Nadia Kingsley

Above: Carl Tomlinson. Source - ©Chaz Snell/The Plastic Goldfish Company

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arl Tomlinson was born in Rochdale in 1967, so he’s a Lancastrian. Except Rochdale’s not in Lancashire any more. The county of his birth now starts a few miles north of the place of his birth.

If you climb Tandle Hill, on the northeast edge of the Manchester conurbation, where the sprawl gives

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in to the Pennines you can see the fields which yielded a living for generations of Tomlinsons, many of whom are buried a scant mile away.

His father’s family farmed the same ‘fifty acres of gentle land/nudged between mill towns and millstone grit’ (Coming to grief) for 150 years before selling up in 1978.

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By then Carl was living in Wiltshire, where Four years after moving South my accent was still abused.

Flattened vowels lurked in my mouth and echoed round the school.

(Picking Sides) www.lancmag.com

So it’s no surprise that Tomlinson’s first poetry pamphlet (Changing Places, Fair Acre Press, 2021) starts with a child’s delight in helping an adored grandparent make hay and grade eggs. Or that it reveals his bewildered grief when ‘a place that had seemed like forever, aged eight’ (Baling) leaves the family. The poems in Changing Places tell stories of work and play, love and loss, growth and grief. In the closing poem Harvest, where we find Carl and his children lifting potatoes on their Oxfordshire smallholding, four generations of a family are united by memory and shared labour.

Unashamedly a country boy, unashamedly a poet of land and landscape, Tomlinson also gives us glimpses of the cities of Salisbury and Oxford. Watching himself strut their streets as schoolboy and student over 30 years ago, he’s kind to the younger Carl without letting him completely off the hook. And, as Helen Mort notes, he doesn’t let the reader off the hook either: His poems challenge us to move beyond a naive appreciation of the ‘natural’ and recognise the ways our landscapes have been profoundly altered by human presence. Changing Places gifts us a host of compelling characters - both people and places - and bids us listen to what they really have to say, not just what we want to hear.

Nadia Kingsley, of Fair Acre Press, interviewed Carl for Lancashire Life: Toy talks about an egg-grading machine being your toy. Have you other childish views of what farming or Lancashire was all about?

I’ve learnt that the way I thought of the farm was totally childish. I was simply too young to understand what was involved in trying to make a living off 50 acres in the mid70’s. My father didn’t want to farm, and my uncle took it on because he felt it was his duty to keep it going. It didn’t work out for him, so the farm was sold.

It feels the Tomlinson land was something to be proud of and gave you an identity?

Yes, absolutely. Very few people my age have this direct connection to agriculture. Beyond that, my Dad’s brother and sister didn’t have children and I’m the only surviving grandchild. It feels like there’s a lot of Tomlinson concentrated in me, and because we were people of the land and of Lancashire, those are important elements of my identity.

linked more strongly than any other sense with memory.

Every time I walk into a barn where there have been cows, I’m right back in the shippon. Lancashire is the ‘wet side’ of the Pennines, it’s good country for growing grass. Some of that grass ends up as hay, some of it as milk, and some as muck. So definitely the smell of a barn, and the tang of a good piece of crumbly Lancashire cheese. Even now – more than 30 years after he died I can still smell the cows on my Grandad.

Your Milk Marketing poem explores what is lost in the name of efficiency…

Yes. As well as the milk my Grandad sold eggs, potatoes, turkeys and chickens direct to his customers. One of the tragedies of farming is the broadening gulf between consumers and producers. Farmers have become pricetakers, and consumers are conned into believing food is cheap because they spend less of their take-home pay on it, while the subsidies come out of their taxes. The consequences for animal welfare and long-term soil health are heartbreaking.

I often drive past farmhouses on a motorway and think how their lives must have been altered by the motorway being built but you have titled the poem about this “They moved our sky” – can you go in to that a bit?

There’s this tension in land ownership between its being yours and not being yours. There was a big picture window in my Grandad’s front room which looked across the fields. As the earth was banked up for the motorway between Rochdale and Oldham the horizon shifted upwards. So something which had seemed permanent was changed forever. None of us owns our view.

Your grandfather obviously meant a lot to you: you link your lives through a thickening in each of your hands, and you talk about digging potatoes as he did – why do you think he was such an influence?

For all sorts of reasons. He was kind to me. Our love for one another wasn’t cluttered up by all the things that clutter up the love a child has for his parents. He had this great way of soothing his cows, if I’m walking now and I need to move through a herd of cows I summon his spirit to help me keep them calm. In Stayers I talk about people recognising me as his grandson, that always felt special.

It was a way of belonging where my ancestors belonged even though I wasn’t living there. If I go like my Grandad, who was sowing seeds the day he died, I’ll be happy.

When were you last back there, why, and how did you feel?

It was for my uncle’s funeral in 2017. I climbed Tandle Hill and looked at the land, remembering how haymaking made me itch and ache and sleep really well. I thought about the work that my ancestors had put into the land and made a promise to myself that I would do something to honour that work.

Coming to grief reminds me that I want to ask you about what the smell of Lancashire is for you? Smell is the sense that goes most directly to the brain and has been www.lancmag.com

You now live on a smallholding in Oxfordshire. Did you have a deep need to be grounded to the earth and how does the Oxfordshire landscape compare to Lancashire?

It’s a complicated privilege to own land and we try to make our little plot as productive as we can. As well as the vegetables we keep hens and a few sheep. We coppice firewood and have an orchard. But we also have the security of paid work and the luxury of leisure. I suspect I’ll be the last of us to be this involved with the earth.

When I sow bean seeds, when I earth up our spuds, when LANCASHIRE & NORTH WEST MAGAZINE 153

we spread the muck we cadge off our neighbour I’m doing something I enjoy, but there’s also a part of me that has to do it. I’m 53 years old and, apart from my twenties, have lived in the countryside all my life. I like how the countryside feels, and smells, and looks different every day.

We are on clay soil here, with limestone brash, so the soil can be hard to work. Spuds and muck help it along. As for the landscape, it’s flatter so there’s probably more of it under the plough. The sky is very big, because we don’t have the hills looming over us.

Why did you write about Lancashire in poetry rather than prose? And how did you manage to use such straightforward language and slip such emotion between the lines?

Poetry comes from the oral tradition.

It’s been the way we tell our stories for far longer than prose. Its ear-catching quality holds the attention, inviting the reader and listener in. I enjoy the discipline that poetry brings to writing.

The straightforward language is part of my Lancashire inheritance.

I was brought up to keep my feet on the ground. Like most Northerners my father’s family were plainspeaking people and - certainly in the Lancashire poems - I’m speaking about events and experiences which were collectively narrated, and recounted, in that way. And I had invaluable editorial input from Helen Mort who showed me where some of the poems needed more emotion, and which could do with less.

Charles Foster says of Changing Places: “He’s got a nerve, has Carl Tomlinson. Most poets dance around loss, desolation, and the presence of the past. He doesn’t. You’re straight in 154

there with a jolt and a bucket of icewater over your head. But he’ll wake you up, and that’s terribly rare and precious”. You can buy a copy from Fair Acre Press, or through any good bookshop worldwide.

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Google “Fair Acre Press Changing Places” to see Carl reading at the launch event alongside Helen Mort, Alan Buckley and Charles Foster www.lancmag.com

THE HOUSE OF DANIEL THWAITES The House of Daniel Thwaites is a family of fantastic places, filled with the friendly people who work here and the guests who come to enjoy some genuine hospitality. Whether you want a thirstquenching pint after a walk, a special meal with the family, a spa break, or a home from home on the move, you’ll find what you need with us.

Born and bred in the North of England, our family now spreads across the whole of the Country with 21 properties however we very much have roots in the North with Langdale Chase at Windermere, North Lakes at Penrith, Thorpe Park in Leeds and Cottons in Knutsford - all 4 star, unique hotels offering a warm welcome.

PENRITH

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ocated on the edge of Penrith, this 4-star hotel, with its openair terrace and award-winning spa, is an ideal retreat after a day exploring the Lake District’s rugged landscapes. For those wishing to reconnect with loved ones, North Lakes Hotel has the ambience, the food and the facilities to help guests unwind.

The hotel’s rustic design is inspired by the Cumbrian countryside and reflects the rural heritage that makes the region so well known.

This ‘country retreat’ feel extends to the Spa, which features exposed wooden beams, low lighting and comfy seating areas surrounding the 13-metre heated swimming pool. North Lakes Hotel offers a day spa where guests can unwind in the relaxation areas before selecting treatments which use glamorous French skincare brand, Caudalie. Highly regarded by the beauty and wellness industry, the Caudalie range combines the latest scientific cosmetic techniques with the ancient secrets from family-owned vineyards in Bordeaux. Treatments include lifting and firming eye therapies, luxurious back massage, body scrubs and purifying facials for glowing skin. For the ultimate in relaxation, why not take 24 hours out and check in to luxury with a North Lakes spa break?

Enjoy full use of the spa, Caudalie taster treatments, a delicious

dinner at the hotel’s restaurant and a dreamy night’s sleep in North Lakes’ superb guest rooms.

North Lakes is home to FYR, Cumbria’s only open fire grill restaurant. At FYR, every cut of meat is aged for a minimum of 28 days and cooked to the diners’ exact specifications - right in front of them. Whilst the sizzling steaks are a speciality, the newly introduced Sunday Lunch is an experience not to be missed. Enjoy a complimentary glass of Ayala Champagne before indulging in a sumptuous roast with all the trimmings. For a special treat, North Lakes’ Afternoon Tea is beautifully presented in true Cumbrian style and features a delicate selection of smoked salmon and cucumber sandwiches complimented by freshly baked scones with jam and clotted cream and a selection of cakes.

Book one of our residential packages at the hotel using code “NLNWL” and receive a bottle of prosecco complimentary.

Offer subject to availability and ends 31st March 2022.

To book an unforgettable experience at North Lakes Hotel and Spa, contact the team on 01768 868111 or email reservations@northlakeshotel.co.uk

KNUTSFORD

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ocated in affluent Knutsford, Cottons Hotel and Spa is a 4-star property that’s ideal for those who want some time out in the countryside, but equally as perfect for people who crave the vibrancy of Manchester. Just one mile away from the hotel is the centre of Knutsford, brimming with cafes, restaurants and boutiques along its quaint streets, making for the perfect Sunday stroll. Less than five minutes away by car is Tatton Park, one of the grandest historic estates in the UK. This National Trust property boasts a neoclassical mansion, 50 acres of gardens, a deer park and a working farm.

Cottons Hotel is famous for its award-winning Spa facilities and its fabulous restaurant, making it an ideal place to enjoy a relaxing overnight experience. The Bollinger Experience is Cottons’ most premium package to date and has been curated especially for those who want to treat themselves and their loved ones after months of being cooped up at home. Upon arrival, guests will be welcomed with a chilled bottle of Bollinger, beautifully presented in a Bollinger cooler with Champagne glasses and a branded bottle stopper, all of which guests can take home as a memento of their stay. The experience also includes signature cocktails before dinner, £30 per person towards an evening meal and breakfast the next morning followed by a late check-out. For the ultimate in relaxation, The Bollinger Experience wouldn’t be complete without a trip to the Spa. Guests can select a 25-minute treatment of their

choice, all of which use glamorous French skincare brand, Caudalie.

All overnight stays booked directly include full access to the hotel’s wellness facilities, including the recently upgraded gym, which now features Technogym equipment, known for being the world leader for fitness solutions.

For those who are short on time but want to reconnect with friends and loved ones, Cottons Hotel and Spa has introduced a Brunch menu from £7.95 per person. Served every day between 10 and 12pm, Cottons’ brunch starts with speciality tea, freshly brewed coffee or hot chocolate and fruit juice along with a selection of pastries and sourdough toast served with jams and butter at your table. Eggs Benedict, butterflied Scottish kipper and baked sweet waffles are just some of the delicious cookedto-order main dishes, and for an extra £5 per person, add a little sparkle to brunch with a glass of chilled Champagne.

Book one of our residential packages at the hotel using code “CNWL” and receive a bottle of prosecco complimentary.

Offer subject to availability and ends 31st March 2022.

To book an unforgettable experience at Cottons Hotel and Spa, contact the team on 01565 650333 or email reservations@cottonshotels.co.uk

LEEDS

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horpe Park Hotel and Spa is situated in Leeds, West Yorkshire, and is 20 minutes away by car from the city centre, and less than one hour away from the beautiful city of York. In terms of location, Thorpe Park offers the best of both worlds, nestled between the bright lights of Leeds with its designer shops and high-end bars, and the calm of the countryside just a few miles from the hotel.

The restaurant sets Thorpe Park Hotel and Spa apart, serving award-winning, locally sourced food with a Yorkshire twist. Some of the most popular dishes are Thwaites’s ‘Gold’ Beer Battered Haddock with thick chips, tartare sauce and Yorkshire caviar and the traditional Ploughman’s, made with Yorkshire mature cheddar and Lishman’s of Ilkley ham and pickle. There are several places to dine within the hotel, from the main restaurant to the al fresco terrace, but walking in to the Courtyard bar, guests are transported to rural Avignon, France, which was the inspiration behind the dining room’s high ceilings, glass roof and simple, timeless décor.

For those who would prefer to forego the hustle and bustle of Leeds city centre in favour of pure relaxation, Thorpe Park Hotel offers the perfect One Night Spa Break package. Enjoy 4-star spa luxury and a carefully tailored relaxation journey which begins with a 25-minute Caudalie taster treatment. Following the treatments, guests can sink into the whirlpool, relax in the sauna and steam rooms or swim lengths in the 13-metre pool before freshening up and heading to Thorpe’s AA Rosette awarded restaurant for a delicious dinner.

Book one of our residential packages at the hotel using code “TPNWL” and receive a bottle of prosecco complimentary.

Offer subject to availability and ends 31st March 2022.

To book an unforgettable experience at Thorpe Park Hotel and Spa, contact the team on 0113 264 1000 or email reservations@thorpeparkhotel.co.uk

LAKE WINDERMERE

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ccupying an awe-inspiring position on the banks of Lake Windermere, Langdale Chase is an unforgettable hotel with a fascinating history. Built in 1890, Langdale Chase was the first Windermere residence to have electricity and its stunning gardens were originally planned and laid out by landscape architect Thomas Hayton Mawson, the man behind the Peace Palace Gardens in the Hague. Today Langdale Chase remains filled with magnificent fireplaces, traditional oak panels and paintings enjoyed by its former owners, but having joined the House of Daniel Thwaites collection of 4-star hotels and inns in 2017, Langdale Chase now boasts AA awards including 4 Stars for the hotel and two Rosettes for its restaurant.

If there was ever a perfect location for traditional Afternoon Tea, Langdale Chase is it. On sunny days you can enjoy breath-taking views over Lake Windermere whilst indulging in delicate finger sandwiches and elegant cakes. Upgrade the experience with a glass of Champagne and while away the afternoon in one of the UK’s most glorious locations.

The bedrooms at Langdale Chase add to the glamour and mystery of the property and boast original features and stunning views.

For a special treat, book The Boat House, your own secluded haven on the shoreline of Lake Windermere. This exceptional room includes a private terrace for stargazing with a loved one.

If you’ve visited Langdale Chase you won’t want to leave, and now the hotel offers the perfect Short Break package. The experience includes a stay in a Character Lake View room with stunning views guaranteed and a bottle of Champagne on arrival. After a day spent exploring Lake Windermere and beautiful Ambleside, guests can relax in fluffy white robes before freshening up for a sumptuous dinner at Langdale’s award-winning restaurant. Add to this a sunset sail or paddle board excursion, from the hotels own private jetty, and your stay is complete.

Book one of our residential packages at the hotel using code “LCNWL” and receive a bottle of prosecco complimentary.

Offer subject to availability and ends 31st March 2022.

To book an unforgettable experience at Langdale Chase hotel, contact the team on 01539 432201 or email relax@langdalechase.co.uk

SHORT BREAKS AT NORTH LAKES HOTEL & SPA We are delighted to be able to open our doors again and welcome you back to North Lakes Hotel & Spa for leisure breaks from 17th May. Our short break packages are just the ticket for time away in the heart of the Lake District, whatever the occasion.

Explore the beauty of the Lakes’.

Enjoy delicious food cooked fresh for you on our open fire grill.

Spend time in our award winning spa.

From delightful doubles to luxury suites, the choice is all yours.

northlakeshotel.co.uk houseofdaniel thwaites.co.uk

For more details please visit northlakeshotel.co.uk or call us on 01768 868111 or email reservations@northlakeshotel.co.uk

The legendary Sir Learie Constantine – Nelson’s hero

By Margaret Brecknell

When Sir Learie Constantine, died fifty years ago in July 1971, he was given a state funeral in his home country of Trinidad.

However, the passing of the great West Indian cricketer and statesman was mourned all over the world, not least in the East Lancashire town of Nelson where “Connie” had been viewed as a local hero for over forty years.

Above: Learie Constantine in Australia, 1930.

Source - National Library of Australia

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L

earie Nicholas Constantine was born on 21st September 1901 in a village called Petit Valley on the Caribbean island of Trinidad.

He came from a cricketing background. His father Lebrun’s cricketing career may have been eclipsed by his more famous son, but he was a talented all-rounder and has the distinction of being the first West Indian batsman to score a hundred on English soil on West Indies’ first tour of England in 1900. The name “Learie” was inspired by a sociable Irishman Lebrun Constantine met during the tour. Learie’s maternal uncle, Victor Pascall, also played for the West Indies as a left-arm spinner.

When Learie was still a young boy, a matting wicket was laid in the backyard of the family home and all the children were encouraged to join in coaching sessions conducted by their father and uncle. This approach certainly seems to have paid dividends.

Below: Constantine practising his batting in the nets.

Source - National Library of Australia

As well as Learie’s welldocumented achievements, his brothers Elias and Ossie also enjoyed successful playing careers in Trinidad.

In 1921 Learie Constantine made his debut for Trinidad in the Inter-Colonial Tournament.

Such was his promise that he played only three first-class games before being selected for the West Indies team to tour England in 1923, alongside his uncle Victor Pascall.

The tour lasted for nearly four months, but the West Indies had not yet achieved Test Match status and so did not play the England national side. Today a West Indian tour is always eagerly anticipated, but in 1923 the tourists’ games failed to engage the British public’s interest. This was only the third occasion on which a West Indian side had toured England and the lack of Test Matches did not help.

Nevertheless, Constantine shone, particularly as a fielder, and the tour proved to be a turning point in his life. The honour of representing his country was considerable, but, in contrast to today’s well-paid international cricketers, Constantine played for the West Indies

Below: Constantine demonstrating his bowling technique.

Source - National Library of Australia

as an amateur. Away from the cricket field, he joined a firm of solicitors in Trinidad’s capital, Port of Spain, as a clerk, hoping to advance in the legal profession. He soon realised, however, that as a black Trinidadian his opportunities were limited, added to which were the practical difficulties involved in having time off work to pursue his cricketing ambitions.

The great cricket commentator, John Arlott, later wrote that on that first tour of England Constantine “learnt much that he never forgot, by no means all of it about cricket, and he recognised the game as his only possible ladder to the kind of life he wanted”.

Constantine returned home with the ambition of pursuing a career as a professional cricketer in England.

By the time Constantine returned to England with the West Indies team in 1928, he had devoted much time and energy to honing his technique in all aspects of the game, as well as improving his overall fitness. The 1928 tour was noteworthy for being the first occasion on which the West Indies played Test cricket. They lost all

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three matches against their hosts and the tour was generally less successful in playing terms than that of five years previously, but Learie Constantine was undoubtedly the tourists’ star player.

Whilst playing at Manchester, Constantine met with officials from Nelson Cricket Club of the Lancashire League, who were looking to recruit a new overseas professional player. Nelson had previously caused something of a sensation by signing in 1921 the Australian Test cricketer, EA McDonald, then viewed as being the fastest bowler in the world. Now the club was looking to sign another overseas star to replace McDonald’s successor, the popular South African allrounder JM Blanckenberg.

It is said Constantine delayed signing the contract until he had discussed the matter with his father, but terms were finally agreed and in late April 1929 Nelson’s new cricket professional arrived in the town ahead of the new season. The club had to stretch itself financially to land the signing of the West Indian all-rounder.

He was offered the then considerable sum of

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£500 per season. To put this salary into context, this amounted to then about twice as much as a professional footballer could hope to earn in a year. In addition, according to a report in the Sunday People (quoted in a piece on Constantine on Nelson Cricket Club’s official website), “A factor which helped to persuade the great man to sign was the fact that he would win £1 for 50 runs scored or 5 wickets taken, plus a collection from the spectators”.

Few would argue that it was money well spent. In a period of unprecedented success Nelson won the Lancashire League title seven times over the nine seasons Constantine played for the club. His statistics on the field speak for themselves. He scored well over 6000 runs with the bat and took 776 wickets with the ball at an average of 9.50, in addition to which he was an outstanding fielder.

The way he played the game was just as remarkable as the results he achieved. Constantine himself once remarked that, “I like do-or-die cricket…I love to let myself go. I love to bowl fast. I glory in a big hit”. His game was perfectly suited to the one-day format of league cricket. With his big hitting, fast bowling and lightningfast reactions in the field, Constantine would undoubtedly have been a star of the one-day game in any era, but at the time he played this format did not exist at the higher levels of the game. Indeed, the first one-day competition in county cricket, the Gillette Cup, did not start until 1963 and the first one-day international was later still.

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The investment in Constantine soon brought financial rewards too. His dynamic performances on the field attracted huge crowds to any game in which he played. In his first season at the club alone, match receipts from games featuring Nelson (home and away) accounted for well over half of the total for the entire league.

Such was his impact on attendances that when in 1935 it was rumoured he was considering a move to a rival league, all the Lancashire League clubs clubbed together to give a wage increase to Nelson’s star player.

at the cricket club’s annual dinner in 1932, “It is true my reception here at first was mixed; I had no doubt about it, and you will realise that the task has been very hard for me…I came to play cricket among people who received me well and amongst some spectators who viewed my presence with quite an amount of diffidence, but I am glad to say I am now accepted as a Lancashire man”.

Constantine’s natural dignity and good humour, as well as his extraordinary ability on the cricket field, had won the locals’ hearts.

of Nelson and district, Constantine stands for all that is clean in sport, clean in habit, manly in action, honourable in intent…”.

Such was his impact on the locals that years afterwards my own family, themselves proud Nelsonians, would still talk about “Connie” with undisguised pride and affection.

Constantine lived happily in Nelson, with his wife Norma and daughter Gloria, until 1949. At the outbreak of World War II in 1939 they could have returned home to the West Indies, but instead decided

Above: Constantine (in white suit to left of centre) introduces West Indian workers to Minister of Labour Ernest Bevin during WWII. Source - Public Domain

All this is not to say that Constantine’s time with Nelson was entirely free of controversy. On first arriving in 1929 he and his family were subject to instances of racism, often borne out of pure ignorance. Many people in the close-knit Lancashire mill town had simply never encountered a black person before. Constantine alluded to this in a speech

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By the time of this speech he and his family had made lifelong friends and had become very much part of the local community.

The social impact he made on the town cannot be overestimated. The cricketer was revered as a local hero and viewed as a positive role model for the town’s youngsters. The Nelson Leader once declared that “In the eyes of the youth

to stay in their adopted homeland. “I would have felt like a rat that deserted a ship if I had jumped out of the country”, Constantine later explained.

In July 1943 Constantine was invited to take part in a charity cricket match in London. By this time his days as a professional cricketer were over and he had resumed his legal www.lancmag.com

Nelson always remembered its favourite adopted son and Constantine never forgot them either. When the great West Indian was awarded a life peerage in 1969, he opted for the title of “Baron Constantine of Maraval in Trinidad and Tobago and of Nelson in the County Palatine of Lancaster”. On first hearing of the accolade, Constantine remarked, “I think I must have been awarded the peerage for what I have endeavoured to do to make it possible for people of different colours to know each other better and live well together”.

studies, as well as having taken on a high-profile role in Liverpool for the Ministry of Labour as a Welfare Officer for workers arriving from the Caribbean to help with the war effort.

He arrived with his family for a four-night stay at the Imperial Hotel in Russell Square only to be told by the manager that they were not welcome there for fear of upsetting some of the other guests. It is believed the manager was referring to some white American servicemen who were also staying there.

Above: Nelson Town Hall.

Source - RAILWAYJG/CC BY-SA 4.0

which ultimately resulted in the passing of the Race Relations Act twenty years or so later.

Following the War Constantine achieved his long-held ambition of qualifying as a barrister and after twenty-five years in England returned to his homeland in 1954 to pursue a high-profile career in law and politics.

He returned to the UK in 1961 to serve as High Commissioner of Trinidad

for three years and lived in London for the rest of his life.

Constantine first found fame as a sporting icon, but his later achievements stretched far beyond the cricket field. He was awarded a knighthood in 1962. Later in the same decade he became a member of the Sports Council and Race Relations Board and a Governor of the BBC. In 1968 he was elected as Rector of St Andrew’s University. His three rivals for the post included Sean Connery.

Sadly, Constantine was already suffering from illhealth and died, aged 69, only two years later on 1st July 1971. The grandson of a slave, Sir Learie Constantine was known throughout the world as a cricketer, statesman and campaigner for racial equality. On leaving East Lancashire, he wrote, “I am a better citizen for the time I have spent in Nelson”. Nelson owed the great man an equal debt for the contribution he made to the town and its residents.

Below: Nelson Town Hall.

Source - DOMINIC SAYERS/ CC BY-SA 2.0

Understandably outraged at this treatment, Constantine decided to take legal action against the Imperial Hotel. Racial discrimination was not illegal in Britain at the time, but in a landmark case Constantine sued the hotel for breach of contract and won. The incident was widely reported in the press and Constantine received many plaudits for the dignified way in which he handled the situation. The Imperial Hotel case is now widely viewed as paving the way for future changes to legislation regarding racial discrimination, www.lancmag.com

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A Bit of Hay Fever History, Plus a Hay Fever First Aid Kit!

by Airborne Allergens Expert, Max Wiseberg

Hay fever and allergies go back a long, long way.

Around 2600BC a guy called El-Razi observed redness and swelling in the nasal passages of some of his patients and Caesar Augustus is believed to have suffered from hay fever and asthma. But it was Liverpool-born doctor, John Bostock, in the 1820’s who seems to have done the first proper investigations into the problem, prompted by his own suffering. Then, in 1859 British scientist Charles Blackley finally worked out, after sneezing when he sniffed a bouquet of bluegrass, that hay fever wasn’t a fever and was caused by grass pollen, not hay.

Nowadays we know that hay fever or ‘seasonal allergic rhinitis’ is an allergic reaction to grass and tree pollen and other airborne allergens such as fungal spores.

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Did you know that over 90% of people who suffer from hay fever are allergic to grass pollen and around 25% are allergic to tree pollen?

Hay fever is a result of our immune system’s overreaction to pollen.

When pollen enters the nose the body reacts to produce too many histamines, which cause the unpleasant itching, redness, inflammation and other hay fever symptoms.

But enough of the history, what can we do about it? Many sufferers will tell you that nothing works, or that some remedies help, but nothing does the whole job.

Or things help one year, but don’t work the following year. There is no cure for hay fever but once you understand more about how remedies work, you’ll see that creating your own hay fever first aid kit, following the rules carefully, is a really good idea.

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Pharmaceutical remedies are generally based on either antihistamines or steroid nasal sprays, whilst natural remedies are based on physical preventative measures, immune boosters or natural antihistamines.

These remedies can be complementary to each other. So if one helps, but doesn’t do the whole job, you may be able to try other remedies at the same time and get a better result.

In other words, you can create your own, bespoke hay fever first aid kit that suits your specific needs.

There are a great range of natural products for hay fever on the market, here are just a few; you’ll find more in your local health store, pharmacy or online.

Organic allergen barrier balms, such as HayMax (www.haymax.biz), work by trapping allergens before they enter the body through the nose and eyes.

HayMax has been proven to trap over one third of pollen grains[1], and is drug free, organic, and natural,

However, there are rules: never take two antihistamines together, never take two steroid nasal sprays together, and consult your pharmacist or doctor about it if you are already taking another medication. I suggest that your ideal hay fever first aid kit will consist of one or more natural products, only one antihistamine, only one nasal spray and something for the eyes. www.lancmag.com

meaning it is suitable for everyone, including children and pregnant and breast-feeding women.

Other proven drug-free remedies include QuChi Acupressure bands which sit comfortably on the elbow, BEE prepared immune booster capsules and black seed oil from Viridian.

Natural eye drops containing Euphrasia (commonly known as Eyebright) are believed to relieve inflammation and swelling. Butterbur is a herbal extract believed to have an antihistaminelike effect on hay fever symptoms, and is widely available in capsules.

Natural antihistamine Quercetin is found naturally in many foods, and can be bought in a capsule – get the quercetin complex version.

Turmeric is also believed to have anti-allergy properties. Most often

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used in dried form, it can also be bought fresh and is also available in tablet and capsule form.

fever hits us. They will still help, it’s just that they work better if taken in advance.

Antihistamines are the usual go-to hay fever remedy. As mentioned earlier, hay fever happens when our body produces too many histamines.

Antihistamines do exactly what it says on the box; they anti the histamine.

However, histamines also help keep us alert, attentive and awake, which is why antihistamines can cause drowsiness. (If they do, then you must not drive or operate machinery).

There are different types of antihistamines so if one doesn’t work, you can try another – look for the active ingredient on the box. They are best taken at least one month before the hay fever season starts.

It’s just that lots of people never know exactly when that will be so most of us just take them when hay

Steroid nasal sprays are the other go-to remedy that your GP or pharmacist is likely to suggest.

They work by fighting inflammation and mucus production, reducing the allergic reaction of your nasal tissues to the inhaled allergen. Very few side effects are associated with steroid nasal sprays.

Again, check the active ingredient; if one doesn’t work for you, you might find another works better.

Eye drops work in one of three ways to reduce your allergic reaction to pollen.

Some stop the histamine release, some are antiinflammatory and others block the inflammation caused by histamine. They can bring relief to itchy eyes and help stop watery or streaming eyes. Also, simple

things like rinsing your eyes with water regularly, using a cold compress or washing your eyes in an eye bath can be really helpful.

A cold compress can be anything from a damp tissue placed over the eyes for a few minutes to an eye-mask which you could buy and keep in the fridge. I have used damp tea bags in the past which seemed to work well! And an eye bath can be as simple as an egg cup – but make sure it’s clean and that you use clean or boiled water. Or buy some Optrex with an eye bath in the box.

I hope these ideas are helpful to you – do let us know. I’ll be back next month with more info.

Have a great month!

Reference [1] Chief Investigator: Professor Roy Kennedy, Principal Investigator: Louise Robertson, Researcher: Dr Mary Lewis, National Pollen and Aerobiology Research Unit, 1st February 2012.

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Colour and Style

www.sarahharrisstyle.co.uk

Our section on Colour and Style with Sarah Harris from ‘Colour Me Beautiful’ We have all been through a year of confusion and for many great loss, we have been ‘locked away’ and put into a situation that is even to this day hard to believe!

Many of us have felt and feel safer in our homes and we still do and some are finding it difficult to go out! I have been able to help my clients build their confidence by giving colour and style advice. Showing the seasons colours and styles and how to adapt their wardrobes.

As we have had nowhere to go many of us have been wearing ‘comfortable clothes’ which has been perfect for the situation we’ve been in but now we need to step out in style! In fact I have seen many going against their usual attire and becoming much more creative and wow do they carry it well! We know that lockdown has really opened up the creative in people – in hobbies that we didn’t have time to do before, which for some have become their new career and it’s good to see the positive effect of lockdown!

Shop until you drop!!

I’m Sarah Harris and I’m a Colour and Style Consultant who trained with Colour Me Beautiful the world’s leading Image consultants. My background is in fashion and after leaving school at 16 I travelled to London to work as a Fashion/photographic model, I enjoyed the life and it allowed me to travel the world, during my career I also worked in wholesale/retail within the fashion industry. I learnt all about fabrics, business, international companies and trying all those clothes on – the quality, cut and fabric. I took a break from the business when I married and had our two children. I retrained as an Image consultant with Colour Me Beautiful who have been changing the lives of women and men for over 35 years.

I’d like to inspire you with Colour, Style and skincare tips every month, I’m hoping to give you an interesting read. If there is something that you would like to know about please email me and I will do my best to help.

Email: sarah@sarahharrisstyle.co.uk www.sarahharrisstyle.co.uk

The Shops are Open and it feels like we are moving in the right direction! I don’t know about you but I want to go out shopping! I’d like to wander from shop to shop look, touch and feel the garments. And sit and have a coffee whilst I think about what I’ve seen!! Do you remember that feeling? That lovely feeling of being on the high street! Although I must admit I didn’t rush back on the first day, it took me a few weeks to feel ‘safe’. I am still cautious as I know many of us are but the main thing is that we are able to go to the shops!

I have been able to open my studio and see clients face to face which has just been wonderful! Even though I am still in full PPE and making sure that everything is safe for my clients. It feels good!

In last month’s issue we looked at making the most of our wardrobes and what to look for when you are sorting through your wardrobe. This month I’d like to talk about colour and what I look for when I am analysing my clients. I would like to remind you of the colours that are suitable for you by looking at your main characteristic (dominant is the term we use at CMB) and finding colours to suit you.

At Colour Me Beautiful there are 6 dominants; Light, Deep, Warm, Cool, Clear and Soft.

Everyone falls into one category and based on your hair colour, eye colour and skin tone we find the perfect shades for you. After deciding what your dominant is we look at your secondary and tertiary characteristics.

You might have heard people say that they are a certain season when they are talking about colours that suit them, and in 1991 Colour Me Beautiful moved from four to twelve seasonal palettes and the Munsell system was

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partly responsible for this. The Munsell Colour system looks at the Hue, value and chroma of a colour.

- The Hue is the undertone of a colour either a blue based (Cool) or a yellow based (Warm)

DEEP – Dark Brown to black hair, dark eyes, dark eyebrows and lashes, skin tone from porcelain to black including all shades in between.

- The Value is the Depth of a colour whether it is Light or Deep - The Chroma is the purity or clarity of colour - if a colour is vibrant/bright and light reflecting or muted/dusty and seem to absorb the light.

Your dominant can change at different stages in your life or for example if you change the colour of your hair! Therefore, it is always good to check your colours regularly. With lockdown many of my clients have changed dominants because they haven’t been able to go to the hairdressers some are embracing it and others couldn’t wait to get back to the hair salon! At a colour consultation you will learn all about this and also your style personality as this will help with deciding how to wear your colours.

Deeps can wear black on its own and look amazing! You can also pair with darker shades. Or contrast them with lighter shades in your palette, however, never wear light colours near to your face as they will wash you out!

Knowing the Colours that suit you!

LIGHT – naturally blonde or very light hair, pale blue, grey or light green eyes. Pale eyebrows that you often pencil in.

If you are a Light remember light or medium depth colours near to your face are great but stay away from dark colours.

Altuzarra

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Boden

Wallis

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Dorothy Perkins

Joe Browns

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WARM - Red toned hair in any shade from strawberry blonde to auburn. Green, brown or blue eyes.

Eyebrows- warm tone from reddish to brown and porcelain skin which could have an abundance of freckles or dark toned skin with a golden glow.

Warms must choose colours that have a warm (yellow) undertone, of medium depth which is better than too light or too deep.

LK Bennett

COOL - Ash tones to your hair if it’s dark brown, blonde, white or grey, black hair would have a blue look. Eyes that are blue, grey, green or clear brown and pink undertones to your skin, black skin may have a slight blue tinge.

Your colours need to have a cool (blue) undertone.

Avoid colours that have a warm (yellow) undertones as they will make your skin appear sallow.

Per Una

Joe Browns

White Stuff

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River Island

CLEAR - Dark Hair and bright eyes are your most striking feature.

Once we find your dominant type there will be 30 swatches in your best colours and then we need to test for your secondary and tertiary characteristics of which you receive 6 swatches for each. Making you have a total of 42 coloured swatches tailor made for you.

If for example your dominant is Clear your secondary test would look at the undertone and whether it is warm or cool and then your tertiary test would be looking at the depth of colour and whether the light or deep colours look better on you.

Finding the right colours is not only important for the clothes that we wear but also for the make-up. If you have a Cool undertone then the pink colour will suit you better whereas if you have a Warm undertone the peach and orange colours are the colours you need to be going for.

Clears always look good in either bright colours or a contrast of light and dark colours.

Next

Joe Browns

I hope that this has given you more of an insight into what colours might suit you and if you’d like to get your colours done or refreshed then please contact me at sarah@sarahharrisstyle.co.uk or visit my website www.sarahharrisstyle.co.uk Next month I will be looking at capsule wardrobes, to help save you time and money.

Dorothy Perkins

River Island

SOFT – Dark blonde or light brown hair, unrelated characteristics – you may have found a little of yourself in the other dominants.

Enjoy shopping and the easing of lockdown!

Look after yourselves and enjoy the sunshine!

Warm Wishes, Sarah x

Softs look great in ‘tone on tone’ colours with little contrast and in tones of medium depth.

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River Island

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Endeavour provide a range of domestic abuse services for people and their pets

W

e are a registered charity offering a wide range of services including front line community based support, group work and counselling for those affected by domestic abuse.

All our projects are accessible to anyone who is affected by domestic abuse and we encourage male and LGBTQI+ victims and survivors to access our support.

We were the first domestic abuse charity in the UK to offer an inhouse pet fostering service to enable those with pets to flee an abusive household without surrendering or leaving their animals.

Whole family support is at the heart of what we do and we believe, ‘no one gets left behind’

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Become a Pet Foster Carer Endeavour always need volunteers living in the North West to become foster carers. Volunteer foster carers must be over 18 years of age and have experience of caring for pets.

During the placement you will receive ongoing advice and support from Endeavour staff and you will be able to contact the office any time you need help or advice.

All information concerning the pet owner and the foster carer placement is kept confidential. The owner is not able to visit their pet whilst in foster care but we will keep in touch with the pet foster carer on a regular basis and keep the owner updated on their pet’s wellbeing. Endeavour will provide access to veterinary care for

foster pets where necessary. We also actively seek donations of pet food and equipment which we then pass onto foster carers.

If you’re interested in becoming a foster carer, please read the application pack and return your completed form to Endeavour, 26 Chorley New Road, Bolton, BL1 4AP or e-mail to petfostering@ endeavourproject.org.uk

Evergreen Project, Domestic Abuse help for people over 55 years old...

WHAT WE DO The Evergreen project provides bespoke support for older victims of domestic abuse (55 +). We provide practical and emotional

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support to increase safety both physically and emotionally, seeking to address the many barriers older victims of domestic abuse face.

WHAT WE OFFER * One- to-one support within the home or community * Weekly appointments and telephone contact * Safety planning addressing all aspects of your safety

A referral can be made to Safe Haven via Bolton emergency accommodation providers, Bolton at Home Anti-Social Behaviour Team or by downloading a referral form.

Voluntary support plans are drawn up between the family and a Safe Haven support worker.

Referrals must be completed with family consent. The Safe Haven Project can accept self-referrals.

WHAT OUR SERVICES OFFERS:

* Linking in with other professionals involved in your care

* One- to-one work with each member of the family

* To act as an advocate when necessary

* Referrals to other services with on-going support, mediation and advocacy

* Referrals to other services with ongoing support * Liaising with family members where appropriate

How we work The Evergreen Project supports those recovering from domestic abuse in any of its forms.

A referral can be made to Endeavour by downloading and completing our form a the bottom of the page.

However, please note that all referrals must be with the consent of the individual being referred.

We are happy to discuss any concerns you may have prior to referral by contacting Endeavour directly on: Tel: 01204 394 842 or via email info@endeavourproject.org.uk

Safe Haven, how Endeavour’s Safe Haven service will support you...

WHAT IS THE ENDEAVOUR SAFE HAVEN PROJECT Working with families escaping all forms of domestic abuse, the Safe Haven project provides bespoke support for families recovering from domestic abuse in Bolton.

HOW THE SAFE HAVEN PROJECT WORKS: All families referred to the Safe Haven project must be recovering from domestic abuse and want support to help prevent the repeat cycle of abuse.

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* Coaching and experiential learning WHY WE DO IT...

Endeavour acknowledges that there are long term concerns for those who have made the decision to leave or separate from an abusive partner.

It can be difficult for families to settle to new ways of living. Endeavour provides emotional and practical support to help families re adjust.

There is a need for bespoke support and care for all the family to complement other specialist services and to maximise take-up of these services.

HOW THE SERVICE WILL HELP YOU...

Home based support will assist each family member: * Getting over particular experiences of domestic abuse

The Haven Project Endeavour provide Domestic Abuse support for those in temporary accommodation The main role of the Haven Project service is to support survivors who are in temporary accommodation including dispersed properties, bed and breakfast and hostel accommodation to move on with their lives.

Not everyone is able to access Refuge accommodation for numerous reasons including, no access to benefits, if you are employed as the cost is high or if you have a male child living with you aged 16 or above.

There are no refuge places for males fleeing domestic abuse in the North of England.

The aim of providing support is to prevent the survivor feeling isolated and helps them feel supported around their own personal experience of the domestic abuse.

If you’re interested in helping, supporting or donating you can contact us at: Endeavour, 26 Chorley New Road, Bolton, BL1 4AP Tel: 01204 394 842 Email: enquiries@ endeavourproject.org.uk Office hours are 9.30am – 5.00pm and there is an out of hours answer service.

* Addressing early signs of anti-social behaviour in children by working in partnership with relevant agencies * Addressing early signs of anti-social behaviour in children by working in partnership with relevant agencies * Developing problem solving and coping strategies, both in terms of practical problems, as well as dealing with their emotions

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Mucker the cat

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Our cover girl is Lancashire Lass and Founder of Unique Ladies Networking UK Limited, Suzy Orr!

W

e asked Suzy to tell us more about herself and what she thinks of our beautiful county and here’s what she said:

are back in the flesh and I cannot wait, I’ve missed the camaraderie and the energy they all bring to the groups.

I still run three groups, one in my home town of Chorley, the original one in Bolton and another covering Seton & Liverpool. For more information about these fabulous groups please check out our website www.uniqueladies.co.uk. We have speaker opportunities available to ladies who are looking to share their stories in a supportive and safe environment.

When I’m not networking, or running groups, I work alongside my husband Ronnie running our Double-Glazing Business Windoworld, www.windoworldupvc.co.uk. We have offices in Chorley and Liverpool, it keeps me out of mischief!

I was asked to share some of my favourite things, so here goes…

“Ooh I’ve always wanted to be a cover girl, ever since my great friend Sue West made the cover of the Nursing Times Circa 1990!! Sue is now Senior Nursing Education Advisor at The Nursing and Midwifery Council!! We were both living in the South at the time but I soon returned to the Chorley area from where I originated.

Holiday destination, all of them, (my alias is Judith Chalmers as under normal circumstances I do tend to do rather a lot of travelling) I could never choose one, I love the all of USA, India, South Africa and Italy. I’m hoping for my big Birthday next year, I get to go on the Orient Express, and the only other place I’ve not managed to get to, but where I’d love to get to, is Vietnam.

Being on this cover for June, my birthday month, is the best way to start the countdown to another Big Birthday next year!!

Food… again, I am a real foody, I love seafood but I love any food as long as it’s tasty, and it comes with a nice large Sauvignon Blanc!

I’m a very proud Lancastrian, although during lockdown I’ve been researching my ancestry and it appears that much of my family were from the Lake District, another area I love, and the most recent addition to our Unique Ladies portfolio, Kendal!

Music… wow, from Barry Manilow to Bruce Springsteen (and lots of things in between)

I began Unique Ladies on a bit of a whim after 30 years in the corporate world.I had an idea to run a networking group for women in business, I still believe that women in business can be overlooked, but I never dreamt that after 6 years I’d have more than a dozen franchises.

The number of women we support regularly is staggering, now well into the thousands, and our tribe is growing.

On the way I’ve had the privileged to be nominated for many awards in networking, and just last year we were voted the Best UK Women’s Network!!

How amazing is that?

An interesting fact is that I was fortunate enough to fly supersonic on Concorde to New York in 1999, it was a wonderful experience, one I’ll never forget. It makes me sad that it doesn’t still fly. We left Heathrow at 7pm on a Friday night and were checking into the Benjamin Hotel in Midtown NY at 7.30pm, it blew my mind!

My favourite quote is actually a line from a Ronan Keating song “Life is a Rollercoaster, you’ve just got to ride it”!

The only thing I couldn’t live without is my Doodle Dog Daisy, she gets me up and out every day, we have amazing adventures and she’s the only other person I know who likes to eat Tripe!!

The team around me are a great support, as are the many women across the county who regularly attend our sessions, currently on Zoom but from September we

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Denise Mullen is a journalist, writer and entrepreneur.

First Date Flashback – Enigma Man Strikes Again H

e had arrived 13 minutes late. I hate to be late and I am uncomfortable if left waiting.

This of course is compounded if the person you are waiting for is, unbeknownst to you, going to become your husband.

I know it was exactly 13 minutes late because I have a 15-minute rule. After 15 minutes, unless advised of some impediment to arrival, I will simply leave. Or at least I will if it’s someone who I don’t know that I’m waiting for.

So I was gathering my bits and bobs about myself, poised to stand and flounce out of the – very nice – wine bar, when a windswept figure shot through the door, strode over to me and began a fluffy but endearing apology.

Most people who don’t know each other start out with small talk, perhaps a little gentle humour, find out about each other. One glass of wine in and not a peanut consumed and I was being treated a full-throttle science/history lecture involving Alan Turing and the code-breakers of Bletchley Park.

This was our first date, (blind date that is). I begged the man opposite (who did have very nice blue eyes but, in fairness, was also boring me to tears) to stop explaining the Enigma code to me.

Whatever happened to flirting? He held my gaze, glass of Peroni aloft, and announced ‘I’m just getting to the good bit,’ … and ploughed on.

I’d say the rest is history but of course the start was history, if you get my drift.

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When tackled about his conversation choice over that first date he wrote it off as nerves. Fortunately when he finally stopped being terrified of me I found, underneath it all, a sweet and funny guy.

So imagine the flashback and dizziness induced by this, over breakfast this morning.

“This is really interesting, Wife.”

“Um hum…”

“Yes – Fibonacci’s Sequence is defined as a recurrent relationship that can be expressed as F_n = F_{n-1} + F_{n2}… (he reads out every letter, over-enunciating as though speaking to a badly trained Spaniel with OCD) where the first two digits of the sequence can be defined as F_1=1, and F_2=1.”

Eyebrows go up, heart sinks – thinks to herself… ‘riveting’.

“What this means is that the sequence starts with two 1’s, and each following digit is determined by adding together the previous two. Therefore, Fibonacci’s Sequence begins: {1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 13, 21, 34, 55, 89…} etc.

At ’89’ the table is being scanned for suitable tools to bludgeon him into silence. Pepper grinder? Too small.

“What makes the sequence so incredibly fascinating (REALLY, ARE YOU SURE???) is its proliferation throughout nature, such as in the branching of trees, the arrangement of leaves on a stem, the flowering of baby broccoli, a nautilus shell, or even the spiral of galaxies; and that’s just to name a few,” he wonks on.

“You’ve probably seen Fibonacci’s Sequence on countless occasions in your lifetime without even recognizing the pattern (he’s just warming up). One of the reasons that it appears in so many plants is because ……” www.lancmag.com

“I know all about it,” I interject sharply.

“Do you?” That’s his ‘let down’ face. I can see him thinking, ‘well that’s annoying, I was just getting into my stride there…..’

“Yeah, patterns in trees and stuff. Already know all about it. ALL-ABOUT-IT,” I say.

There’s a little, deflated ‘oh’.

“Yes, it’s seen in the seed patterns of sunflowers for example,” I announce airily, examining a fingernail.

Sometimes derailing the oncoming historical information locomotive that is my husband on a roll is the only way to preserve this gal’s sanity. Clever is great but being prepared to flip the switchgear at the drop of a hat is worthy of a tiny bout of smugness. You see I’ve taken to, sort of, running my eye across a few really random things on Google. Learning just enough to be able to shock him to his socks on a few things nerdy. Is that a glimmer of growing respect in his eyes, right next to the shock and disappointment?

Truth is though, I’m just devious. I know a little about a handful of topics in his favourite areas and use it to good effect. It’s a bit like a wifely superpower but I guess it takes less maintenance. However, I’ve found it serves me well.

My commitment to it confirms that I will do just about anything to avoid watching another episode of TV’s Yesterday Channel series Abandoned Engineering.

I’m currently working on how to avoid the constant deluge of ‘hunt for Bigfoot/Loch Ness Monster/any other imagined mysterious critter’ series of programmes. FYI all they ever find is a clump some kind of fur (possibly from a 1960s Parka hood). Suggestions on a postcard, please.

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Antonella Talks Fashion The much-awaited date of the 21st of June is fast approaching and soon enough the world will start to fully open. I can’t wait till we can go out again for lunch, see all our friends and family, go out for some cocktails, oh and most importantly, go on holiday!

Are you looking to glam up your wardrobe this summer?

Then look no further. Here at Ruby & Daisy, we have a fabulous collection of clothing tailor-made for curvy queens. Whether you’re looking for a figure-hugging dress for lunch with the girls or need some flattering, comfortable trousers for an upcoming shopping extravaganza, we’ve got you covered, with dresses, trousers, tops, accessories and more. Our clothing is here to give you confidence with gorgeous silhouettes, stylish cuts, and gorgeously eyecatching patterns. Catering for curvy ladies, our clothing range flatters and accentuates, enabling you to be the girl boss you were born to be. So, whether you have a booty or a bust, shop our collection at Ruby & Daisy for clothes that will keep you ahead of the game!

Hello F lowerpots!

Welcome to this month’s edition of my blog.

Before I start talking about my fashion brand Ruby & Daisy, for those of you who don’t know, my name is Antonella.

I am known as Antonella The Uncensored Reviewer on Facebook & Instagram and I review products and try them before you buy.

I have 1.4 million followers on Facebook and 260K followers on Instagram. Not only do I give honest reviews and advice, I am also the co-owner of Ruby & Daisy alongside Helena Hoyle and Louise Bispham. Ruby & Daisy is a multi-awardwinning womenswear brand which focuses on inspiring confidence through fashion.

We have a store based in Crawshawbooth in Rossendale, but don’t worry if you’re not local enough to visit us, we sell online too at www.rubyanddaisy.co.uk and we ship worldwide.

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Crinkle Free Magic Trousers £25 www.lancmag.com

Marilyn Dress £25

I absolutely love it when we start to get dress weather!

Dresses are an essential part of your Summer wardrobe, and we have a selection of flattering styles to choose from at Ruby & Daisy. The Marilyn Dress is one of my favourites and is a best seller for us because of its ultra-flattering and comfortable shape. The Bardot neckline can be worn on or off the shoulders and features a three-quarter sleeve to cover the tops of your arms. The dress is knee length and has the same batwing shape as our much-loved Parachute Dress, to flatter the hips and slim down the legs. You can style it with heels and a matching clutch bag for a glamourous night time look or pair it with some sandals for a more casual look.

It is priced at only £25 and fits comfortably from a size 10-22 and is available in a variety of colours and prints.

When it comes to a piece that is super easy for dressing up or down, the Plain Hannah Top is your ultimate wardrobe staple for Spring/Summer. It’s a linen look tunic with threequarter sleeves and a handkerchief hem. You can style it with our Magic Trousers and Trinidad Wedges for a perfect Summer look. It’s priced at only £18 and is available in a variety of colours and prints. It comes in two sizes: size 1 fits up to a size 22 and size 2 fits up to a size 26 – which is great for us curvy ladies.

Plain Hannah Top £18

If you’re looking for a product that will look stylish throughout every season of the year, look no further than our number one best-selling product: The Crinkle Free Magic Trousers! For anyone who has not tried our famous Magic Trousers, you’ve been missing out on the best trousers you’ll ever wear in your life…. and they’ve got pockets!

The Magic Trousers have fast become “The Trouser” of all time due to their unique versatility and fit. They can be worn as a skinny jean, Capri trouser or legging. Once you try them, you are going to be snapping them up in every colour!

They’re super comfortable with 4-way stretch, crinkle free material and an elasticated drawstring waistband. They are available in two sizes: size 1 fits from an 8-18 and size 2 fits from an 18-22 and they are priced at £25.

They are casual enough for daytime looks, but you can easily dress them up for night-time with very little effort.

They also come in a variety of colours and prints. www.lancmag.com

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Ebony Wedge £20

Dip Side Tee £20

Minimal effort and maximum style are what I’m all about, and when it comes to shoes, sometimes it’s hard to find a shoe that’s versatile enough for day to night outfits.

However, I’ve found the answer for this, a classic shoe for your wardrobe is our Ebony wedge. It is a wedged espadrille with matching closed toe and features elasticated front straps for an exceptionally comfortable fit.

It’s the perfect sandal to dress any outfit up or down as it’s super smart, chic and versatile. They are priced at £20 and are available in a variety of colours and come in sizes 3-8.

Capped Sleeve Desoto £18

I always like to stay on trend and a trend that has continued to dominate Spring/Summer this year is pastel tones.

Sorbet-inspired pastel colours are the perfect option for Summer BBQ’s or picnics in the park and they suit a wide variety of skin tones. Choose from our Capped Sleeve Desoto in a cool sage green or our Dip Side Tee in a soft lilac – better yet, try mixing pastel tones with your outfits.

Mixtures and separates in these soft hues elevate your overall look and will remain one of the best styles for seasons to come.

I’d love you all to follow our social media to keep up with the wonderful world of Ruby & Daisy. Facebook: Ruby & Daisy, Instagram: rubydaisy1. We also have a fabulous online community group on Facebook called “R&D Community”, which portrays everything that our brand is about, as we aim to make women of all shapes and sizes feel empowered in their clothing, but at reasonable, affordable prices.

Our online community is full of positivity, encouragement, inspiration, styling tips, fabulous selfies & Sunday singalongs, so I would love you to join.

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Lots of love, Antonella

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A Red Haired Yeti and a Young Girls Tale Autumns Words Autumn is a lady that views things in a different way to many people out there, she likes to look around corners and outside the box, she trusts her instincts and follows her gut, and after some eye opening experiences as a child, Autumn has

accepted the world is not it at first seems to be and in doing so has found her place in the world. I was honoured when Autumn reached out to me and allowed me to share her experiences. Autumn was born and bred in Chorley and still lives there now.

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utumn’s Words: “I first came across the concept of the Forest People (hairy woodland beings) when I was about 6 years old. There used to be a programme on TV called Tomorrow’s World, and I saw an episode one day where Chris Bonington was on the show and he spoke about his encounter with a mysterious Creature at Everest Base Camp. This ‘Creature’ was of course the Yeti and they showed an artist’s impression of the Creature which terrified me to the core and would haunt me for years afterwards. I don’t know why seeing that image affected me so much; maybe because the programme made this being out to be a monster? But something rang ‘true’ for me that this creature was very, very real.

There is one incident from my childhood (I was about 8 I think) that may or may not have been an actual physical encounter with one of the woodland beings.

I wasn’t normally allowed to play too far away from home, but I had been allowed on this occasion to go off with a school-friend for an hour. We went to a little park in Franington and we both walked over the football field behind it to a small wood. Beside the wood to the right was a farmer’s field and beyond that lay an access road to an industrial site. There was a smaller wooded area there, which ran parallel to the main railway line. There was a long path that dogwalkers used, which led out onto open ground which was very overgrown.

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My friend had taken me to an Oak tree beside the path in order to try and teach me how to climb a tree.

We were about 200 - 250 yards from where the path opened out but we had a clear line of sight.

We were having fun trying to climb the tree and failing, when suddenly I got a strange feeling.

I looked up the path and saw a standing figure, side-on to us. The figure was quite far away and it could in all honesty have been a human in dark clothing although I don’t think it was, but they seemed to be stooped, they were hunched in a funny awkward position.

These past couple of years, my interest in the Forest People has returned; and thanks to people like yourself and the people you interview I’ve come to think of them so differently. I see them as friends and wise teachers.”

...Until next time, Deborah

There was just something ‘off’ about them, but I couldn’t work out what that was?

I pointed them out to my friend she too felt there was something ‘off’ about the figure and we both just got spooked and ran for it as fast as we could.

In my mind’s eye I kept thinking ‘it’s a Yeti’ and seeing a red-haired Creature chasing us, I could almost feel him behind us. I never stopped running until I got home. If it was such a being, I don’t believe now for one moment it intended us any harm - maybe it was trying to get us to hurry home because it knew we’d been out too long? Or some game was at play and we didn’t know the rules or get the invite?

It was just over an hour when I reached the drive of my house and my parents were just about to set off in an angry search for me!

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Have you experienced anything like this?

Or anything else strange in this area?

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Top customer service award CUSTOMER service manager from Wigan has been for Lyndsey Arewarded for excelling in her role with Redrow.

Lyndsey Baker

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yndsey Baker, 40, has won the title of Redrow North West’s Customer Service Employee of the Year.

Customer service manager Lyndsey says the best thing about her role is being part of each customer’s journey and having some influence towards making it a positive one: “Winning the award was so unexpected but it just gives me that reassurance that what I do is seen and valued by the wider company.

“My role is so versatile; it can often feel like you’re spinning many plates, but it is so rewarding when your help is appreciated by the customer.”

Mum of two Lyndsey joined Redrow’s Daresbury-based North West operation in 2018 after working at Kier Living for 10 years and says her day-to-day work has changed drastically over the last year: “The biggest challenge for me has been the fact that social distancing means I am no longer able to go into our customers’ homes once they’ve moved in to conduct a courtesy visit and see how they’re getting on.

“Face to face interaction with a customer is really important and so I now offer this by arranging either a FaceTime meeting or a meeting outside their home at a safe social distance.”

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work taking slightly longer due to a limited number of trades being allowed to work in a property at one time.

“I’ve overcome these challenges by maintaining regular contact with my customers, keeping them updated on the current restrictions and procedures and being honest and transparent if materials are delayed or an appointment has to be rescheduled. Reassuring customers that I am here to support them to resolve any issues has hopefully made it a smoother journey for them,” adds Lyndsey.

Gareth Edwards, head of customer service at Redrow NW, based in Daresbury, Cheshire, says: “Lyndsey is a fantastic part of the customer service team. She is known to always put her colleagues first and supports them in their continued growth. She also strives to ensure our customers’ experiences are positive ones, which is so important to our business and helps us to retain our reputation as a HBF 5-star builder whom customers would recommend to family and friends.”

Lyndsey’s award was announced during Redrow’s annual customer conference for all sales and customer service employees from around the UK, which was held virtually this year for the first time.

For details of where Redrow is building new homes go to www.redrow.co.uk/northwest and to find out more about a rewarding career with Redrow visit: www.redrowcareers.co.uk www.lancmag.com

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Thomas Maine Polo £75 Brax Lightweight Chino £119

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Barbour Summer Impeller Quilted Jacket £159

Barbour Tartan Check Shirt £69

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Tinta Linen Shirt £79

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Aiming Higher You can donate to Aiming Higher using the following methods: Website | www.aiminghighercharity.org.uk/donate Just Giving | www.justgiving/aiminghigher/donate/ PayPal | Found on Aiming higher website or call to make donations by phone Post | Aiming Higher, 231 – 233 Church Street, Blackpool, Lancashire FY1 3PB. To see more of what we do please visit our website www.aiminghighercharity.org.uk or follow us on facebook @aiminghighercharity.

Please ring us on 01253 206447 for further information.

Trustees A

t Aiming Higher for Disabled Children & their Families, the Blackpool based charity that supports hundreds of local children and their families, the 7 current trustees are passionate about the work the charity delivers and the local people it supports.

Anthea Dawson at an Aiming Higher event at the Sandcastle Waterpark 200

The role of charity trustee is one that is often performed quietly behind the scenes of a charity’s public profile but is one of vital importance. Similar in lots of ways to that of a school governor, Trustees give direction to a charity and are ultimately responsible for its activities. Trustees are the people who serve as the governing body of a charity and come from a diverse range of backgrounds.

Two of the trustees, treasurer Hilary Ainge and Anthea Dawson have been involved with Aiming Higher since its beginnings ten years ago.

They understand the challenges faced by the families the charity supports as they both have children with additional needs.

Anthea speaks passionately about the need for services like those Aiming Higher provide: “I can’t take my child to a ‘mainstream’ Christmas party. Lots can’t. If you’ve got a 17 stone, 19 year old boy who still believes in Father Christmas where do you take him? Aiming Higher’s seasonal parties give families the opportunity and a safe environment for those who still believe in the Easter bunny and want to dress up at Halloween. For a family with a disabled child, the services that Aiming Higher provide are essential- anything which gets you out of the house with your family, mixing with other families, and not facing judgement from people who don’t understand the challenges you face is so important”.

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Although working in a voluntary capacity, as treasurer Hilary is very much part of the team and is in daily contact with the staff at the Church Street offices providing not just financial advice but a wealth of experience and compassion. She is a parent of 5 children, one with severe autism, one with Asperger’s

Treasurer Hilary Ainge with Patron Natalie Christopher at the Aiming Higher Centre Welcome Day in March last year www.lancmag.com

Chair of Trustees John Child taking part in a fundraising charity Trek and mental health, one with ADHD combined and one with moderate learning disabilities. She also has 8 grandchildren, 4 of which have additional needs. Having been involved in the charity since its inception she has gained invaluable insight into how families of disabled children can be helped and what their needs and requirements are.

Her late husband Bruce was also very involved with the charity and on the Board of Trustees.

Our chair is John Child who is Managing Director at Sandcastle Waterpark. Sandcastle Waterpark, as one of the country’s most Accessible Visitor Attractions, continues to be a pillar of support to our local community, disabled children and their families. John is supported by the entire team at the Waterpark who are proud to be an accessible venue.

The Waterpark has a wealth of facilities to support visits from disabled people including a Changing Places poolside wet room, water accessible wheelchairs, dedicated pre planning tools including a sensory story and top tips for guests with Autism and much more. John is also the current Chair of EITAG (Englands Inclusive Tourism Action Group), a group of leading Tourism Industry organisations which seeks to promote and develop Accessible Tourism throughout England. John has been a champion for Accessibility and Accessible Tourism for more than 35 years and regularly shares his experience and knowledge at Conferences and Seminars, locally, nationally and internationally Speaking about Aiming Higher, John says “Our charity was set up by a handful of parents who wanted to make

a real difference in our local community.

Our dedicated team of staff, volunteers and trustees continue to provided fantastic services, support and facilities to more than 1000 families. I have been delighted to see our charity grow significantly in the last few years which means we are able to help even more disabled children and their families, in Blackpool and across the Fylde Coast.”

If you would like to learn more about being a charity trustee for Aiming Higher you can visit the charity’s brand new website aiminghighercharity.org.uk/ get-involved/be-a-trustee.

The website itself supports the charities inclusive ethos and can be viewed in large or small print, greyscale or colour, with a pale or a dark background to make it easier for people with extra needs to read.

Like all charities, Aiming Higher saw fundraising activity decrease in 2020, so if you can support them in any way possible, be that by volunteering, or by donating, any assistance will be gratefully received. Please send your ideas to: heatherholt@aiminghighercharity.org.uk www.lancmag.com

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Windoworld - Clear Vision for the Future A well-known company based in Chorley and Liverpool is celebrating 25 years of successful business and a history which reflects major changes in the home improvement world.

W

indoworld was the vision of Ronnie Orr whose background was in senior management, mainly in sales and marketing, across the electrical trade including TVs and, then new, video recorders.

“But after working seven days a week for 18 years, I wanted a change,” explained Ronnie. “This took me into the home improvement sector which, I’ve got to say, was very different as we would have to go into a customer’s home as opposed to them coming to us.”

THE NEW BUSINESS Here, Ronnie shone, rising to become regional sales director for a major company. However, after five years of working for the company he made the decision to go it alone and formed Windoworld.

This company now covers the whole of the North-west from its two branches. And Liverpool and Chorley, with their accessibility to major roads and motorways, are both ideally placed to cover customers’ properties in the surroundings areas and beyond.

“The two branches are also easily accessible to visit which is a big plus for our customers,” explained Ronnie.

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STEADY GROWTH Since it first began, Windoworld has assiduously kept up with all the latest technologies in this important part of the home improvement market, expanding the business, staff numbers and its customer base over the last 25 years.

“Today, we supply and fit all the latest technology that’s on the market”, stated Ronnie. “That includes coloured UPVC windows and doors, bi-fold doors and the very latest composite doors.

“There has been a major shift in conservatories from polycarbonate to either glass or a complete tiled roof to transform conservatories into a room available for use all year round.

“This is a great benefit to the whole family and, for many, became particularly important during lockdown when home space was so crucial.”

This keeping up with home trends and changing necessities for potential customers has helped Windoworld change, adapt, improve and impress.

The company is also always very careful to keep an eye on customer care.

“Our business has grown steadily each year,” added Ronnie, “and we pride ourselves on doing a job right first time.

“Like anything you do , sometimes, things don’t go to plan but it’s how you deal with that and bring the job to a satisfactory conclusion which really matters in the end.”

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LOYAL TEAM Fortunately, the company has built a loyal team – “This is vital to the success of Windoworld,” insisted Ronnie.

The company has also helped BACKUP North West which gives hope and a home to homeless youngsters and Rainbow Hub, providing therapeutic services for children and young people with physical disabilities as a result of a neurological condition or brain injury.

“There’s Kevin our estimator who is into his 12th year with us along with Jan, Lizzy and Charlotte who organises all the survey appointments and installations. And not forgetting Kenny who is responsible for all our surveys.

This is a business with a social conscience and both Ronnie and Suzy believe in companies sharing practically their good fortune with others. “It’s just nice to be able to help others less fortunate than ourselves,” stated Ronnie.

“Like any good business, it’s important to have the full support of your wife. To this end, I’d be lost without Suzy who co-ordinates all the accounts – which leaves me to concentrate on marketing our successful brand.”

FUTURE SUCCESS

FAMILY VALUES Windoworld is a family firm with family values, anchored in the areas where it is based and the towns and cities it covers.

As a result, the business has become a strong supporter of local charities over the years which has become a matter of pride for Ronnie, Suzy and all the staff.

The charities that have been – and are still regularly – helped by Windoworld include Derian House children’s hospice, Chorley Youth Zone and Children Today, which buys individual equipment for children with disabilities. www.lancmag.com

There is no doubting that Windoworld has been a success over the past two and a half decades. Its burgeoning customer base, its wealth of glowing testimonials, its strong reputation in the home improvement world generally – they all prove this as fact.

To demonstrate its longevity, the business is also is into its third number of 10-year guarantees “and people are now coming to Windoworld to replace their old UPVC windows with the latest technology,” said Ronnie.

“We’re not standing still even though, like all businesses, we’ve been through this awful Covid situation this past year.

“We’ve got plans for the future and we’re moving into bigger offices and a showroom in Liverpool in early April.

So look out for that!”

LANCASHIRE & NORTH WEST MAGAZINE 203

Quality Products and Excellent Service Windoworld also uses as standard: • Grade one Virgin UPVC • Duraflex 70mm profile BS7413 BBA approved • Lifetime guarantee to stay white • Internally beaded for added security • Thermal reinforced and fully-welded system • Q-Lon weather seal gasket • Stainless steel friction hinges • Security fixed with bolts • Multi-point locking RANGE OF PRODUCTS Windoworld takes pride in the huge range of doors, windows and conservatories it can supply and fit.

Its UPVC doors are available in Mahogany, Oak and Brilliant White finish and come as standard with multi-point locking system, warp-free weatherproofing protection, fully welded frames, corrosion resistant fixings, stainless steel door locks and with a choice of handle and letterbox designs.

When it comes to porches. as Ronnie stated: “We understand that customers want a porch to blend seamlessly with the appearance of the property.

When it comes to quality products awardwinning company Windoworld leads the way.

A

s owner Ronnie Orr explained: “We don’t do gimmicks, there’s no-one shouting, no silly sales prices or massive discounts, no clever little catchphrases or BOGOF offers.

“It’s just us – the Windoworld team – telling you that we make great quality windows, doors, porches and conservatories and that we have genuine rock-bottom prices all year round.”

“As a result, we treat each porch as a bespoke project, designing and building it specifically to individual requirements. With our extensive range of glazing and accessory options, we can ensure that every new porch integrates perfectly with the customer’s home.”

ALL YEAR ROUND ROOFING And anyone who has found their current conservatory too hot in Summer and too cold in Winter can benefit from Windoworld’s services to supply and fit all-yearround roofing.

“This makes the conservatory a useful space throughout the year and also has amazing insulating properties for your home,” added Ronnie.

EMPHASIS ON QUALITY

TRANSPARENT PRICING

The company places very high emphasis on quality.

“We always aim to provide our customers with the highest possible standards of double-glazing at the best price we can give customers.”

Windoworld also has a transparent pricing system that includes as standard fitting, VAT, removal of rubbish, 26mm BSI sealed units, A rated windows, K glass warm edge spacers, Argon gas filled units, a 10-year frame and glass guarantee and an insurance backed guarantee.

All Windoworld double-glazing is national certification scheme CERTASS and Document Part L compliant and the company always adheres to the highest levels of quality, workmanship and security.

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When it comes to UPVC windows, doors and conservatories, it really IS worth going to the established experts.

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Customer Care Really Matters Keeping customers happy and satisfied with products and services is at the core of Windoworld’s business success.

“We know that we’re honest and that we deliver a great service to all our customers,” said owner Ronnie Orr. “But it is a matter of pride to the whole team to have satisfied customers, happy to recommend us to other people.

“So it’s always brilliant when we get glowing testimonials back from them.

Fortunately, we’ve got a lot of lovely testimonials and – which is very special to us – families, friends and relatives who have recommended us to each other over the years after feeling that we did a really good job for them.”

“Above and beyond” Typical of that acknowledged customer care and level of service which the company provides as standard is this from one satisfied customer: “I have recently had Windoworld Chorley in to complete a rather large remodel of the kitchen and install all new windows on the front of the house.

“I had a total of seven new windows and a new back-door installed and I honestly could not be happier.”

“The team started the work promptly on the agreed date. The whole team were punctual, polite, worked quickly and kept everything tidy. I’m extremely impressed with the quality of work, level of professionalism and how quickly they were able to complete the job.

“Myself and my husband have been extremely impressed with every aspect of the job. From start to finish Windoworld have gone above and beyond to ensure the job would be completed to a high standard.

I would highly recommend Windoworld Chorley to anyone looking to have new windows or www.lancmag.com

doors fitted. We will definitely be back again for more work in the future.”

“Windows fantastic”

“Windoworld Liverpool were highly recommended to me by a neighbour shortly after moving into my new property.

Another customer,. Les Gomersall, stated: “Great company to deal with.

Very helpful staff at every stage of having new windows fitted from first visit to last.

“I must say that I have not been disappointed. From the outset the staff were pleasant and professional. Liz in the office was very helpful and dealt with any queries I had without delay.

“The windows themselves are fantastic. This company have not forgotten what customer service is all about. I cannot speak too highly of everyone concerned. Thank you.”

“Initially, Kevin visited me to discuss the installation. He was clearly very experienced and approachable and gave me the confidence that I had made the right choice.

“Best quality products”

“Installers were Mike, Ste and Carl.

They were also polite and professional.

They were highly efficient and worked very well as a team.

Another commented: “I cannot recommend Windoworld highly enough. This business provides not only the best quality products but also excellent customer service and a fitting team whose years of experience really do show in the finished result.

“I had 12 windows and two doors and a set of French doors fitted in two days and the finish is outstanding.

Thanks to everyone at Windoworld for a genuine 5* service.”

“Fabulous experience” Customer Julie Lawson had such a positive experience having a new front door fitted by Windoworld that she got the company back for more work.

She said: “From start to finish it’s been a fabulous experience. They have kept us updated every step. Fitters were brilliant and nothing was too much trouble.

“All the rubbish was taken away – it’s like they came, conquered and disappeared without trace but left us with beautiful new windows and porch.

“Workmanship on each of the frames was excellent. They cleared up all rubbish in the property and arranged the disposal of the larger items.

“I would have absolutely no hesitation in recommending Windoworld Liverpool. In my opinion they supply high quality materials which are installed with high levels of workmanship. I am really satisfied with my new windows.”

“Extremely impressed” Stated another delighted Windoworld customer: “I’m extremely impressed with the quality of work, level of professionalism and how quickly they were able to complete the job.

“Myself and my husband have been extremely impressed with every aspect of the job. From start to finish Windoworld Chorley have gone above and beyond to ensure the job would be completed to a high standard.

“I would highly recommend Windoworld Chorley to anyone looking to have new windows or doors fitted. We will definitely be back again for more work in the future.

“Good choice and very good prices.

The windows look fabulous. Thank you – we’re delighted.”

“Excellent workmanship” Another customer went on a positive recommendation – and was glad she did so. Kath Cooney wrote:

“Thanks Ronnie and the team for everything.”

LANCASHIRE & NORTH WEST MAGAZINE 205

Your star horoscope

Manish Kumar Arora is a renowned KP Astrologer, Numerologist, Tarot Reader & Vastu Consultant. He has been rendering professional advice to clients with a reasonable degree of success. He has been conferred with the title of ‘Jyotish Varahamihir’ and ‘Jyotish Aryabhatt.’ He has been writing monthly astrological columns for many international magazines.

ARIES: (21 March – 19 April) You may study or learn new skills.

You may develop new attributes, adding them to your operating style by giving form and method to latent abilities. Healthcare will play an important part during this time. New ideas will come for some, and there will be new ways of communicating and thinking. Education may play a role for some, taking you in new and different directions. Outmoded lines of thought will have to go. The more you broaden your horizons, the more you can benefit on your road in life.

Favourable Dates: May 1, 3, 10, 12, 19, 21 Favourable Colours: Yellow & Red

LEO (23 July – 22 August) You should work on developing your profession rather than focusing merely on financial gains. This is also a period which can create troubles or messy situations due to carelessness or negligence related to financial issues creating worries and unnecessary troubles. You may have trouble from opposite sex, so you need to be careful of them. Those very personal relations that you worked on, might not work out well, and cause disturbance in your household and office. You might feel yourself physically weak and dejected.

Favourable Dates: June 5, 8, 14, 17, 23, 26 Favourable Colours: Blue & Yellow

TAURUS (20 April – 20 May) This is a period which can give you fame as well as money.

There will be a strong influence from others to help you create more personal security in having your material needs met. Money will definitely be coming your way and will greatly influence your personal beliefs, dreams and philosophies.

Your passion and zeal jet your performance and efficiency to an all time high. There will be favour from the high class, improvement in your status, and destruction of your enemies.

In the last week, there would be challenges and new choices which should be taken carefully.

Favourable Dates: June 2, 6, 11, 15, 20, 24 Favourable Colours: Yellow & Blue

VIRGO (23 August – 22 September) This is the time which will show you mixed results. Difficult situations may arise in your path but don’t lose your heart in the adversities as your self-confidence will work in your favour.

Dispute with government and senior officials are on the card, so you are advised to be careful. You should be cautious while dealing with friends and colleagues during this period.

Sudden losses are also possible. There might be a few disappointments, but your hard work will get you out of this troubled time and you’ll see new zenith in your career soon.

Favourable Dates: June 3, 8, 12, 17, 21, 26 Favourable Colours: Red & Yellow

GEMINI (21 May – 20 June) This is a busy month for tending to the little but important details of daily life, including catching up on e-mails, paperwork, and errands. Special care with communications with family is necessary after the 18th. This is not a good period for indulging in rash speculative activities. Your courage and convictions are your strongest qualities, but it might hurt to get a little too inflexible. This period will experience hurdles due to your un-adjusting nature as well as competition in work environment. Don’t go for big investment because things may not turn up according to your expectations.

Favourable Dates: June 3, 7, 12, 16, 21, 25 Favourable Colours: White & Blue

LIBRA (23 September – 22 October) This period is more suitable for concentration on putting your actions and activities in order.

This period will be marked with ambitious plans and brave decisions, though they’ll prove to be successful only if you avoid haste. Brain work is going to get way too emotional, therefore some of your actions will be driven by feelings. There should be good luck and good stability of the mind which would help live a positive and easy life at home.

Balancing intimacy and friendship is the goal now and you are likely to succeed. Friendships are especially rewarding and motivating.

Favourable Dates: June 1, 6, 10, 15, 19, 24 Favourable Colours: Purple & Yellow

CANCER (21 June – 22 July) It’s time to be prudent and to review your budget rather than spend. Follow the dictates of your heart this month. Your charm is easy this month, You have a winning smile and you easily impress others with a more easygoing and playful approach to life.

Romance moves forward, and you’re ready to take the initiative when it comes to matters of the heart. It’s an excellent period in your life to mend any challenged friendships, and for joining a group or association that helps you to feel part of a team.

Favourable Dates: June 1, 4, 10, 13, 19, 22 Favourable Colours: White & Red

SCORPIO (23 October – 21 November) This month you are coming across as quite charming, but introspective nevertheless. Work matters go especially well. Job seekers will find good prospects. You’re getting domestic conditions sorted out and have many projects going on the home front. You have the energy now to improve your living conditions. It’s going to be a good time as far as love life is concerned. You’ll sail smooth and won’t face any problem. This period is going to add deep emotions to your life and strengthen understanding between partners. Good level of gains could come from spouse.

Favourable Dates: June 3, 9, 12, 18, 21, 27 Favourable Colours: Red & White

SAGITTARIUS (22 November -21 December) You should learn to relax to avoid unnecessary mental stress when things seem to be stagnating at the professional front. Resist the urge to change jobs on an impulse driven by feelings of disappointment or frustration. You may not get proper support from your friends and associates. Once you get out of this period, good time is on the card professionally.

Romance finds you, but after the 18th, hesitancy is likely. You might end up saying all the wrong things without intending to, so be careful when choosing words to express yourself.

Favourable Dates: June 2, 7, 12, 16, 20, 27 Favourable Colours: Red & White CAPRICORN (22 December – 19 January) You will come up with new ideas for dealing with your challenges.

Dealings and transactions will work out smoothly and effortlessly for you, as you score one over your competitors. Your relations with your clients and other concerned persons will definitely improve as the period rolls on. You are more in touch with friends and dreaming up new goals. Take advantage of the cooperative mood around you. It’s highly important to realize that your future actions should stand together with those already made. Otherwise you’ll go around in circles and won’t be able to make progress.

Favourable Dates: June 3, 5, 12, 14, 21, 23 Favourable Colours: Yellow & Blue AQUARIUS (20 January – 18 February) This month presents you with a taxing work schedule but will reward you with good career progress. This could be an excellent period promising much success provided you are willing to work on it. You will have a friendly disposition, and feel very comfortable enjoying the group dynamics of different social scenes.

You will get full support from your family members and relatives. You will find it difficult to retain money as you will have tendency towards spending on luxuries and pleasures.

Favourable Dates: June 2, 7, 11, 16, 20, 25 Favourable Colours: Purple & White PISCES (19 February – 20 March Your career is certainly picking up pace this month. You are clearer about your goals and work matters are straightforward. Others are recognizing your talents and abilities, so it’s a good time to get yourself noticed. Others are naturally letting you take the lead now, and you’re gladly taking on the role. You are setting your sights high this month, not afraid to go after what you want. You need to keep your speech and communications positive and non offensive throughout to ensure you do not suffer any setbacks due to your words, written or spoken.

Favourable Dates: June 3, 6, 12, 15, 21, 24 Favourable Colours: Red & Blue

Manish Kumar Arora, 91-9871062000 | K.P. Astrologer, Numerologist, Tarot Card Reader & Vastu Consultant www.facebook.com/manishastroconsultant | manish@manishastrologer.com

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RAF jets pay tribute to Donald Campbell CBE on the anniversary of his birth Two RAF Hawks from IV(AC) Squadron based at RAF Valley in Anglesey, dipped their wings in salute today to mark the 100th anniversary of the birth of speed legend Donald Campbell CBE , and to pay respect to his daughter Gina who laid flowers on Coniston Water as they roared overhead.

Both photos: RAF Hawks fly past as Gina Campbell, with her partner Brian Eastham, lays a wreath at Coniston water.

Credit Sgt Peter Devine RAF Photographer (MOD Crown Copyright.)

208

I

t was an emotive moment for Gina and a small group of Trustees from the Ruskin Museum, home for his record-breaking boat Bluebird K7. The jets flew over the lake and repeated a tribute that had been carried out by a Vulcan bomber the day after his death on January 4th, 1967.

Gina said: “ I am touched by the RAF’s mark of respect and their act was a fitting tribute to my father who would have been thrilled by the gesture.

I cannot thank the RAF and the crews who flew today enough for their thoughtful tribute, especially Ft/Lt. Eddie Craig who led the flypast from 4 AC Squadron at RAF valley.”

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She added: “ My father is buried in Coniston, but it is also his spiritual home and every year thousands of people visit the Ruskin Museum to learn more about his incredible journey through life, gaining speed records on both land and water.

“He loved Coniston and its people as I have done over the years and having a museum that tells the story is a lasting tribute. We hope that soon Bluebird K7 which my family gifted the museum will return to Coniston.”

Flt Lt Eddie Craig who is a qualified Flying Instructor, with IV(AC) Sqn at RAF valley and who led the flypast said: “It is a huge honour to continue the RAF tradition of paying tribute to Donald Campbell www.lancmag.com

and celebrate, not only his achievements, but also his spirit of courage and determination.

“Today we flew 2 Hawk T2 aircraft from RAF Valley which are used to train the next generation of fighter pilots for the RAF and Royal Navy. Whist conducting the flypast is a great spectacle for people on the ground, it also provides important low level training for our student pilots. Our top speed as we flew up Coniston Water was 480mph which we hope Donald would have approved of.”

Jeff Carroll from the Ruskin museum which owns K7 said: “Keeping Donald Campbell’s memory alive and enabling people from around the world to visit Coniston and learn about his achievements is telling www.lancmag.com

an important chapter in the history of Coniston, and indeed the United Kingdom. Coniston is extremely proud of its association with its adopted son, and the world beating achievements reached on our lake.

“Both Donald and his father, Sir Malcom had a deep affection for Coniston and its people. It is our honour and privilege to honour what would have been Donald’s 100th Birthday today in the best way we can, given the current restrictions.”

Gina and Trustees from the museum then visited her father’s grave in Coniston Churchyard.

LANCASHIRE & NORTH WEST MAGAZINE 209

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