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YOUR PREMIER GUIDE

A SPACE TO BELONG BRAND-NEW YOUTH CENTRE GIRLS WHO WALK PRESTON ONE YEAR ON ON TRACK TO THE TOP PRESTON CYCLIST PHOEBE TAYLOR HAPPY NEW YEAR WALKS, WELLNESS AND WEDDINGS

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CONTENTS 12

F E AT U R E S 12 A SPACE TO BELONG A brand-new youth centre in Preston’s city centre, designed to give local young people a safe, fun and inspiring place to spend time, learn and grow is getting ready to open its doors. We catch up with Gaby Ingham, Vault Youth Zone’s Head of Fundraising and Communications to find out more. 60 WHERE FRIENDSHIP FOUND ITS FEET What began as a simple idea between friends has blossomed into one of Preston’s most uplifting community stories of recent years. We speak to the founders of Girls Who Walk Preston (GWWP), discover how the group was formed and what lies ahead for the popular group as they approach their first birthday. 78 WEDDINGS If a little sparkle appeared on your finger over Christmas (congratulations!), January suddenly becomes the month of big dreams, Pinterest boards and one very important question: where shall we get married? From venues to fashion, beauty and cakes, we have it all. 108

N TRACK TO THE TOP O From local lanes and chain gangs to world championship gold, Preston cyclist Phoebe Taylor shares the journey, mindset and community support behind her rise to the top of British cycling.

REGULARS 10 EDITOR’S LETTER 15 HOMES INSIDE OUT 40 FASHION 46 HEALTH & BEAUTY 60 LIFESTYLE 92 EDUCATION 98 BUSINESS 103 MOTORS 108 SPORT 110 FOOD & DRINK

122 ARTS & CULTURE 125 PROPERTY

108

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LIVE MAGAZINES Chairman: Simon Smith Managing Director: Tedd Walmsley Company Secretary: Elizabeth Walmsley Editor: Ali Gudgeon Graphic Designers: Nick Dittrich, Gill Prosser and Rob Walmsley Operations Manager: Kate Hyde Production Manager: James Britton Sales Account Manager: Jane Hughes 07875 696 928 Photography: Peter Austin, Anthony P Driver, Kirsten Platt and Michael Porter Editorial Contributors: Paul Agnew, Emma Brereton, Justin Cavalier, Steve Garrill, Katie Hammond, Kate Hyde, Gavin Preston, Lynn Scholes, Keli Thompson, Liz Walmsley, Tedd Walmsley and Jan Woolley Live Magazines Limited Office 9, The Old Bakery Green Street Lytham FY8 5LG T: 01772 319 465 info@live-magazines.co.uk www.live-magazines.co.uk LIVE PRESTON & FYLDE magazine is hand delivered to selected households and businesses in Barton, Bretherton, Broughton, Buckshaw Village, Cottam, Croston, Eaves, Elswick, Garstang, Great Eccleston, Freckleton, Fulwood, Hutton, Kirkham, Little Eccleston, Longton, Lytham, Much Hoole, New Longton, Newton with Scales, Penwortham, Warton, Wesham, Whittle-le-Woods and Wrea Green. Live Magazines Limited cannot accept responsibility for unsolicited submissions, manuscripts or photographs. While every care is taken, prices and details are subject to change and Live Magazines Ltd takes no responsibility for omissions and errors. We reserve the right to publish and credit any letters. All rights reserved. An annual subscription is available at £17.50, to cover postage and packaging. For details of subscriptions please email subscriptions@live-magazines.co.uk. For advertising please contact us on 01772 319 465.

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Live

Magazines

Editor

A new year always arrives with a certain quiet promise. January invites us to pause, to take stock of where we are and imagine where we might be heading next. As winter settles in, there’s a unique beauty in this inbetween season - one that encourages intention, connection and renewal. In this issue, we look ahead while staying rooted in what makes our local community so special. From winter wellness and seasonal style to stories of our people, these pages are designed to inspire you through the colder months and into the first signs of spring. It’s a time when small rituals matter most - supporting local, gathering with friends and finding joy in everyday moments. We chat to Gaby Ingham from Preston’s brand-new Vault Youth Zone, which is getting ready to open its doors to the city’s young people. The state of the art, purpose-built space is a major investment in the youth of today, offering a safe, inspiring place where they can belong, try new things, build confidence and unlock their potential. This time of year can sometimes feel a little bleak but getting outside in the fresh air is always a good idea and can boost your mood. This time last year, what started as a simple Sunday stroll with friends turned into a community of girls and a new walking group, Girls Who Walk Preston (GWWP). We catch up with the group’s founders, find out what they’ve been upto and plans for the future as the group prepares to celebrate its first birthday. From local lanes and chain gangs to world championship gold, 17-year-old Preston cyclist Phoebe Taylor shares the journey, mindset and community support behind her rise to the top of British cycling. This is just a flavour of what’s included this issue, so get cosy and dive into all the latest stories and features for the new year. Happy reading! Ali Gudgeon Editor YOUR PREMIER GUIDE

The

YOUR PREMIER GUIDE

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LANCASHIRE’S PREMIER GUIDE TO LUXURY LIVING I S S U E 16 0

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A SPACE TO BELONG A brand-new youth centre in Preston’s city centre, designed to give local young people a safe, fun and inspiring place to spend time, learn and grow is getting ready to open its doors

Right now, 31 per cent of Preston’s young people are growing up in poverty and many do not have access to positive role models or high-quality facilities. There was a real need for one welcoming hub where young people from all backgrounds could access activities, youth work support and trusted adults all under one roof.

e sat down with Gaby Ingham, Vault Youth Zone’s Head of Fundraising and Communications to

people somewhere positive, welcoming and affordable to go after school, in the evenings and at weekends, we are supporting the long-term wellbeing and future of the whole city.

For readers who may not yet be familiar with it, what is Preston’s Vault Youth Zone and why is it so important for the city? Vault Youth Zone is a state-of-the-art, purpose-built space for young people aged 8 to 19 and up to 25 for those with additional needs. It is much more than just a building. It is a safe, inspiring place where young people can belong, try new things, build confidence and unlock their potential.

AROUND A QUARTER OF PRESTON’S POPULATION IS UNDER 20 AND VAULT IS ABOUT INVESTING IN THAT NEXT GENERATION

Why was now the right time to invest in a facility like this, with an opening planned for early 2026? Young people are facing unprecedented pressures. From the cost-of-living crisis and the lasting impact of the pandemic, to increasing mental health challenges and uncertainty about future employment.

What gaps in provision for young people in Preston did you feel most strongly needed addressing when plans for the Youth Zone were developed? We heard loud and clear from young people that there was a lack of safe, affordable places to spend time outside of school hours. Many services were stretched, fragmented, or simply not accessible to everyone, particularly those from lower income households.

Opening in early 2026 allows us to respond properly and sustainably. It gives us time to build strong partnerships, secure long-term funding and make sure Vault opens with the right people, programmes and support in place. This is about more than meeting immediate needs. It is about creating something that will still be here making a difference decades from now.

find out more.

It is important for Preston because it represents one of the biggest investments in young people outside of statutory services. Around a quarter of Preston’s population is under 20 and Vault is about investing in that next generation. By giving young

localfocus

How will Preston’s Vault Youth Zone change day-to-day life for young people who use it? For many young people, Vault will become a second home. Somewhere they can rely on. Day to day, it will offer a safe place to go, supportive adults to talk to and a huge range of activities that help them relax, have fun, learn new skills and grow in confidence. It will bring structure to evenings and weekends, reduce isolation and give young people positive alternatives. Most importantly, it will help them feel valued,

supported and part of something bigger. What kinds of activities, support and opportunities will be available that might not otherwise be accessible to many local young people? Vault will offer everything from sports and fitness to creative arts, music, digital skills, cooking and employability support. These opportunities will be deliberately affordable and accessible, removing financial barriers that often stop young people taking part elsewhere.

Alongside activities, trained youth workers will provide mentoring, guidance and early support. For many young people, this trusted and welcoming environment is the only place they would access that kind of help.

DAY TO DAY, IT WILL OFFER A SAFE PLACE TO GO, SUPPORTIVE ADULTS TO TALK TO AND A HUGE RANGE OF ACTIVITIES THAT HELP THEM RELAX, HAVE FUN, LEARN NEW SKILLS AND GROW IN CONFIDENCE How will the Youth Zone support not just young people’s physical wellbeing, but also their mental health, confidence and aspirations? Physical activity is important, but it is only one part of the picture. Just as vital is the sense of belonging, encouragement and belief that young people experience when they walk through the doors. Through positive relationships with youth workers, opportunities to try new things and chances to succeed in a supportive setting, young people build resilience, self-esteem and confidence. Over time, that raises aspirations and helps them believe in what is possible for their future.

localfocus

It also brings together councils, schools, businesses, volunteers, families and community organisations around a shared commitment to young people. That collaboration builds civic pride and strengthens Preston as a whole. Why is long-term fundraising so crucial to the success of a Youth Zone, even after the building opens? The building is just the starting point. What really makes a Youth Zone work is the people, the programmes and the daily running costs. Long-term fundraising ensures we can keep activities affordable, maintain high quality facilities and employ skilled youth workers who make a real difference.

FROM PHYSICAL ACCESSIBILITY AND INCLUSIVE PROGRAMMING TO OUTREACH WORK ACROSS THE CITY, THE AIM IS TO MAKE SURE EVERY YOUNG PERSON FEELS WELCOME AND REPRESENTED Sustained support also allows Vault to adapt as young people’s needs change over time. It ensures the Youth Zone remains relevant, impactful and accessible for generations of young people to come.

In what ways will Preston’s Vault Youth Zone ensure it is inclusive and welcoming to young people from all backgrounds across the city? Inclusion is at the heart of Vault’s design and ethos. From physical accessibility and inclusive programming to outreach work across the city, the aim is to make sure every young person feels welcome and represented. Membership fees will be kept deliberately low and staff will be trained to create a culture of safety, respect and belonging. We

want young people from every community across Preston to see Vault as a place that is truly for them. How do you see the Youth Zone strengthening Preston’s wider community, beyond the young people who attend? When young people thrive, communities thrive. Vault will help create safer neighbourhoods, stronger relationships between generations and a more confident and skilled future workforce.

Tim Jacques, CEO of Vault Youth Zone, added: “Our team cannot wait to welcome young people into a space designed for them, with them, and shaped around their needs where they can grow, create, connect and thrive. I would also like to thank the board of Vault Youth Zone, especially our chair Guy Topping, who have all worked extremely hard for the past 15 years to make this a reality.” n

Keep an eye out for further details on the Vault’s opening at: vaultyouthzone.org

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FLOORING TRENDS This year will see the return of wide planks, warm natural tones and characterful finishes for flooring

This simplicity is really resonating with people who want their homes to feel restful and uncluttered.”

Adam notes: “Textured finishes add depth and shadow, catching the light differently throughout the day. They also hide everyday wear and tear better than smooth finishes, which is a practical bonus for busy households.” Visible grain patterns, natural knots and slight colour variation are no longer seen as imperfections but as desirable features that add personality and charm.

fter several years of herringbone’s dominance, 2026 is set to welcome a fresh wave of flooring styles that celebrate natural beauty, texture and warmth. Homeowners are moving towards wide plank boards, characterful finishes and warm, natural tones that create depth and comfort to modern interiors.

SATIN SHEEN AND NATURAL FINISHES

WIDE PLANKS MAKE A RETURN

“It’s been herringbone, herringbone and more herringbone for the last few years, so it’s refreshing to see wide boards coming back,” says Adam Robertson, Managing Director at Urbane Living, as he shares his predictions for 2026. “Wide planks create a sense of space and flow that feels less busy and more calming.

Beyond colour, texture is playing an increasingly important role in flooring choices. Brushed, hand-scraped and wirebrushed finishes are gaining traction as homeowners seek floors that feel tactile and authentic rather than overly polished.

WARM, NATURAL TONES

The era of high gloss, mirror-like finishes is firmly behind us. For 2026, satin sheen lacquers and natural oil finishes are becoming the preferred choice. They offer an understated elegance that feels more authentic and far less processed.

The shift towards warmer colour palettes is one of the defining trends for 2026. Adam notes: “We’re starting to see a growing demand for natural tones, from warm midbrowns through to deep, rich browns. These shades bring a sense of comfort that people are craving in their homes right now.”

“Although matt finishes remain popular, more customers are choosing a satin sheen. It offers greater durability against scuff marks and also enhances the depth of colour in the timber,” says Adam.

One of the most popular looks for 2026 is predicted to be natural mid-tone oaks with a subtle, modern twist. Rather than the traditional yellow or golden finishes, these woods feature warmer browns and gentle greybrowns, offering a more contemporary feel.

Sustainability continues to be a driving factor. Engineered timber flooring, which uses less solid wood than traditional boards, remains a responsible and popular choice.

“These floors are incredibly versatile,” adds Adam. “They work beautifully in Scandiinspired homes but also sit comfortably in more traditional spaces. They help create that balance between timelessness and contemporary style.”

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“Consumers are more informed than ever about where their materials come from,” Adam says. “They want beautiful, durable floors, but they also want to know they’re making environmentally conscious choices.” n

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A SPACE TO BELONG BRAND-NEW YOUTH CENTRE GIRLS WHO WALK PRESTON ONE YEAR ON ON TRACK TO THE TOP PRESTON CYCLIST PHOEBE TAYLOR

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Discover luxury artificial flowers that will last a lifetime this Valentine’s Day

W LASTING LOVE

ith elegant arrangements and bouquets, this beautiful Valentine’s Day gift collection introduces timeless luxury that will never wilt or fade. Hand-picked by The Faux Flower Company’s in-house florist, these exclusive faux blooms perfectly replicate the look and feel of the real thing, but unlike fresh florals, these will last a lifetime. Rachel Dunn, Head of Product at The Faux Flower Company, says: “Fresh flowers have long been the go-to gift for Valentine’s Day, but after a week or so, they’re in the compost bin. “Our faux stems will never lose their appeal. Not only do they look and feel exactly like their real-life counterparts, they will last, quite literally, forever. Just like true love!” Among the collection is The Faux Flower Company’s artificial red roses, for those who want to gift the traditional dozen red roses, as well as the more contemporary Shades of Love artificial rose and peony bouquet. For those who want to get creative this Valentine’s Day, The Faux Flower Company also offers individual floral stems which can be used to create a bespoke arrangement. Vases are also available. Like all products from The Faux Flower Company, every stem in the Valentine’s Day Gift Collection is unique. Each one has been handmade and hand-painted and is virtually indistinguishable from its real-life counterpart. The blush pink rose and dahlia arrangement is a stunning rose and dahlia bouquet, set in an elegant clear vase with fake water. Each of the tea roses and dahlias are handmade complemented with glossy leaves. n The bouquet is priced at £225.

thefauxflowercompany.com

BCAE Architects Unit 17 Guest House Farm, Runshaw Lane, Euxton, Chorley, PR7 6HD

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Coffee With an Architect. An exclusive, tailored 1 hour workshop hosted at our Euxton studio. If you’re ready to take the first steps toward a new-build home and want clarity on the process. This is the ideal way to launch your project with confidence.

An exclusive architect led workshop We invite you to a personalised design consultation - an exclusive opportunity to discuss your design aspirations. If you have a plot of land and a vision for a beautifully crafted home, we’ll help you gain clarity on what’s possible and outline the key considerations involved in bringing it to life.

Our immersive 1 hour workshops allow you to explore possibilities and gain tailored expert insight in a relaxed setting, helping you shape the first steps of your project. It’s a refined and inspiring way to begin your project with confidence, creativity and a clear sense of direction.

Book a slot online at: www.bcae-architects.co.uk

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TRENDS TO WATCH As homeowners continue to blend comfort, sustainability and smart design, 2026 is shaping up to be a transformative year for interiors and home improvements

he trends emerging now balance practicality with personality, giving homeowners more control over how their spaces look, feel and function. One of the biggest movements this year is ‘warm minimalism.’ After years of stark minimalism, homeowners are reintroducing warmth through textured materials, muted natural tones and curated personal objects. Expect to see sandy beige, soft clay and olive green dominating colour palettes, paired with tactile surfaces like limewash walls, boucle fabrics and hand-finished ceramics. The results are spaces that feel calm and grounded without losing character. Sustainable renovation is no longer a niche concept but is becoming the default. More homeowners are choosing reclaimed wood, recycled stone composites and low-VOC paints. Energy-efficient retrofits continue to grow in popularity, especially heat-pump upgrades, solar-ready roofing and smart thermostats that integrate with entire-home ecosystems. There’s also a renewed focus on buying better rather than more: fewer flatpack purchases, more investment in quality,

repairable furniture designed to last. In kitchens and bathrooms, modular design is reshaping how people renovate. Instead of full gut jobs, modular cabinetry and interchangeable components let homeowners update the look of a space without tearing everything apart. In 2026,

this means bold options for swapping out cabinet fronts, magnetic panel backsplashes and plug-and-play appliance upgrades. Another rising trend is the ‘home sanctuary’ concept. Wellness-inspired spaces – once limited to spa-like bathrooms – have expanded to include meditation nooks, soundproof reading pods and biophilic design elements like integrated planters and indoor microgardens. Natural light remains a high-value feature and many homeowners are adding skylights or light wells to older properties to create airier, healthier environments.

SUSTAINABLE RENOVATION IS NO LONGER A NICHE CONCEPT Meanwhile, tech integration is becoming more invisible. Instead of obvious devices, we’re seeing built-in charging surfaces, hidden speakers and voice-activated lighting that blends seamlessly into the architecture. Smart glass, which can shift from transparent to frosted, is moving from luxury to mainstream – perfect for small urban homes where privacy is key. This year’s trends show a clear direction: homes that are calming, efficient and unmistakably personal. It’s less about following a single style and more about creating a space that genuinely supports the way you live. n

WOODBURNERS GASFIRES FIRES WOODBURNERS· ELECTRIC · ELECTRIC FIRES FIRES ·· GAS STOVES STOVES· ·SURROUNDS SURROUNDS We put family at the heart of business and are passionate about what we do. We pride ourselves on offering honest, friendly advice and use our own in house engineers to provide the highest quality installation service to elevate the ambience of your living space. At The Fireplace Lounge, we believe that a fireplace is more than just a source of warmth—it’s the heart of your home, a place where memories are made and cherished.

THEFIREPLACELOUNGE.CO.UK • 01772 378408 6 -18 TULKETH BROW • ASHTON-ON-RIBBLE • PRESTON • PR2 2SH

A NEW CHAPTER IN

BESPOKE FURNITURE

We discover how family-run Preston business James & Rose, known for its handcrafted bespoke furniture, has grown from a home garage to the UK’s top-rated maker. Now unveiling its beautiful new showroom at Preston Golf Club. Photography: Michael Porter.

here’s something reassuring about stepping into a space where craftsmanship still matters. No conveyor belts, no massproduced imports, no shortcuts - just the quiet confidence of people who love what they do. In Preston, that place is James & Rose, a family-run bespoke furniture manufacturer whose name has become synonymous with British upholstery at its finest. And now, after 15 years of steady growth, they’ve unveiled a brand-new showroom at Preston Golf Club.

For founders Tony, Wendy and their children Holly Rose and Connor James, the business has always been rooted in tradition - fitting, given that the company itself is named

after the next generation. “We wanted a name that meant something to us,” Tony explains. “Something personal, something that would remind us why we started.” That sense of family runs through everything they do at James & Rose, from the atmosphere in their workshop to the way they care for every customer.

EVERY PIECE WE MAKE IS DESIGNED WITH A SPECIFIC PERSON AND A SPECIFIC HOME IN MIND When James & Rose first opened in 2010, the ‘workshop’ was little more than a garage at home. But even then, the vision was clear - to create handmade, made-to-measure furniture using time-honoured English upholstery techniques. No mass production, no outsourcing - just true craftsmanship. Word spread quickly. Customers were charmed not only by the quality of the work, but by the relationship the company built with each client. “We’ve never wanted people to feel like they’re just another order,” says Holly, who now leads sales and marketing. “Every piece we make is designed with a specific person and a specific home in mind.”

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AFTER 15 YEARS OF STEADY GROWTH, THEY’VE UNVEILED A BRANDNEW SHOWROOM AT PRESTON GOLF CLUB Today, that customer-first philosophy has earned James & Rose national acclaim. With nearly 1,000 five-star ratings, they are the number one rated sofa company on Trustpilot and widely regarded as the UK’s leading bespoke furniture manufacturer. Their work now appears in homes across the country - and beyond - with high-profile clients including Paddy McGuinness, Peter Andre, Jesy Nelson, and numerous professional footballers. Step inside their Preston workshop and you’ll find a team of skilled artisans - some with 30 years’ experience, others just starting out - working side by side. It’s a place where every frame is hand-built using carefully selected beech timber, prized for both its durability and flexibility. Where every sofa is fully sprung, every cushion precisely shaped, every detail meticulously checked. And where ‘handmade’ genuinely means handmade. “We make everything ourselves, from start to finish,” Tony says proudly. “From the frame to the final stitch, it all happens under one roof here in Preston.” This in-house approach allows for complete customisation. Customers can choose size, depth, fabric, leather, colour, detailing essentially building a one-of-a-kind piece from the ground up. With around 30 different models and endless bespoke variations, James & Rose have become especially renowned for made-tomeasure corner sofas and their distinctive handcrafted Chesterfields. Now the business is stepping into an exciting new era. In December, James & Rose officially opened their brand-new showroom at Preston Golf Club - an elegant, welcoming space designed to let customers experience the comfort, craftsmanship and customisation possibilities first-hand. For a company that started in a garage, the new showroom represents more than just a larger footprint. It’s a symbol of the trust their customers have placed in them over the years and a testament to the steady, organic growth that comes from doing things the right way. “We’ve never been about having huge retail spaces,” Holly explains. “We’ve always preferred a personal approach.

CUSTOMER TESTIMONIAL Our second purchase from James & Rose! We wanted an ottoman to go with our bespoke corner sofa and it was with us within a few weeks, again made to our exact specifications with an efficient and prompt ordering service. We couldn’t be happier, if only all companies were like this. But as demand has grown, we wanted somewhere where people could come, sit, explore fabrics and really visualise what their home could look like.” What truly sets James & Rose apart isn’t just their craftsmanship - it’s their commitment to their customers long after delivery. Every piece comes with a lifetime construction guarantee and their aftercare is as personal as their design process. “If a customer calls us five years down the line, we’ll always help,” Tony says. “Once you’re a James & Rose customer, you’re a customer for life.” As the doors open to their newest venture, that philosophy remains unchanged.

The new showroom may be a milestone, but the heart of the business is still the same passionate, tight-knit family team who started sewing and shaping in a home garage 15 years ago. And if their story so far is anything to go by, this next chapter is only the beginning.

Preston Golf Club, Fulwood Hall Lane Preston PR2 8DD 01772 702855 jamesandrose.co.uk Opening hours Monday – Saturday 9am - 3pm

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HONOURING HERITAGE Loom Loft, which has a store in the Ribble Valley, has partnered with renowned interior stylist Siobhan Murphy on the transformation of a stunning Grade II listed cottage

oom Loft is delighted to announce an exciting collaboration with acclaimed interior stylist Siobhan Murphy, celebrated for her luxurious, glamorous and boldly creative approach to interior design. While Siobhan is widely known for her colourful maximalist style, her versatility allows her to adapt seamlessly to each project’s unique story and setting. For her latest renovation, she is taking a more nature-inspired direction, embracing a muted, earthy colour palette that honours the heritage and tranquil surroundings of the property.

Siobhan of Interior Curve, said: “Although I’m known for my maximalist style, this project has been a beautiful opportunity to explore a more pared-back, nature-led palette. Loom Loft’s collection offered exactly the right balance of texture, softness and craft to complement the cottage’s history. Together, we’re creating a space that feels soulful, stylish and deeply connected to its surroundings.” Siobhan is reimagining the historic Salterhebble Lock Keeper’s Cottage in Halifax, a charming Grade II listed building set beside

the peaceful waters of Salterhebble Basin. Currently undergoing a full renovation, the detached two-bedroom preperty, with its timber windows and characterful architecture, is being transformed into a beautifully considered Airbnb retreat. The design will fuse the cottage’s historic charm with soft, calm and organic tones that echo its landscape while still carrying Siobhan’s signature layering of texture, detail and personality.

Tracy Leeming, Head of Marketing at Loom Loft, said: “We’re incredibly proud to be partnering with Siobhan on such a characterful and historic project. Her ability to balance creativity with sensitivity to a building’s heritage is inspiring. The cottage has a truly unique charm and seeing Loom Loft’s pieces woven into a calm, nature-led scheme that still carries Siobhan’s signature personality is something we’re very excited to share. It’s a collaboration that celebrates craftsmanship, storytelling and the beauty of thoughtful design.” To bring this vision to life, Siobhan has selected a curated mix of Loom Loft furniture and accessories, each chosen for their craftsmanship, warmth and ability to enhance a naturally inspired scheme. Her product picks include: • Ravelle chunky cord sofa, snuggle chair and ottoman Soft, tactile comfort in tonal textures to anchor the living space • Brevin counter stools Streamlined silhouettes for a relaxed,

sociable kitchen setting

• Sion side tables and Idol lamp Sculptural accents that add quiet elegance and organic form • Raven console table A grounding piece that adds depth and architectural interest • Kuza rug A beautifully textured layer that brings warmth underfoot • Rescate hall bench and coat rack Functional yet stylish, creating a welcoming first impression • Inspiration bookcase Ideal for displaying curated décor, books and personal finds Siobhan’s approach to the project blends heritage sensitivity with modern refinement, using thoughtful materials to craft a serene, nurturing space for future guests. The result will be a unique retreat that captures both the soul of the building and the calm of its waterside setting. The project, which is set for completion soon, highlights Loom Loft’s shared commitment to expressive, high-quality interiors that honour both place and personality. n

For updates – follow on social media: Siobhan Murphy @interiorcurve and Loom Loft @loomloft_furniture_interiors

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CREATING SPACES THAT WORK FOR LIFE

2018 we opened our first showroom.” Karen’s personal experience with the product informs the way she works with customers, giving her a genuine understanding of what homeowners want from their kitchen and over the last eight years the Preston showroom has established a reputation for premium, bespoke kitchens.

From premium materials to cutting-edge appliances, a well-planned kitchen blends elegance with practicality, offering a space that’s as IT’S ALL ABOUT beautiful as it is functional, writes Emma Brereton. LISTENING TO WHAT THE Photography: Michael Porter CUSTOMER DOES IN THE ROOM.

magine walking into a kitchen designed perfectly for you. Where every cupboard, worktop and appliance has its place, and the space inspires cooking, conversation and connection. Your kitchen isn’t just a place to cook – it’s where mornings begin, families gather and memories are made. For anyone looking to transform their home in this way, Kutchenhaus showrooms in Preston and Lytham offer a unique blend of high-quality German engineering and tailored designs. Both locations combine a

hands-on customer-centred approach with expertise, ensuring every kitchen works for the lifestyle of the people who live there. Karen Davies, who runs the Preston showroom, first discovered Kutchenhaus as a customer. “I had always bought from other retailers,” she recalls, “but my husband, who was a builder at the time, loved working with the product so much since the kitchens come rigid-built, we were completely blown away. “The experience actually motivated us to looking into becoming a franchisee and in

WE FOCUS ON MAKING SURE THERE’S A HOME FOR EVERYTHING, ENOUGH STORAGE AND THAT THE LAYOUT WORKS FOR THEIR LIFESTYLE

The brand-new Lytham franchise is managed by Darren Worthington and despite its recent opening in November 2025, has already seen several successful installations. Though Darren is new to the Kutchenhaus family, his 20 years’ experience in the

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kitchen industry means his expertise is immediately apparent. At both showrooms, customers can explore a wide range of designs, from sleek, modern handleless kitchens to more traditional painted or lacquered laminate finishes as well as flooring and lighting options. Both have recently introduced a new Shaker style range, with modern layouts and practical, accessible options also available. Each kitchen on display is fully functional, allowing clients to interact with appliances, storage solutions and finishes before finalising a design.

considered to ensure it works perfectly in the home.” This meticulous process includes using industry leading CAD software to replicate spaces, incorporating features such as beams, stairs, or even garden views, so the design feels accurate and realistic. Both franchises emphasise a smooth and supportive customer experience. The showrooms offer a ‘white glove’ service, managing installation or coordinating with the customer’s own fitter. Lead times are short, typically four to five weeks, ensuring a high level of service and efficiency. At every stage, the teams work to balance practical needs with aesthetic goals, including colour selection, worktops, lighting and interior options.

WE GO OUT OF OUR WAY TO MAKE THE SPACE WORK FOR THE CUSTOMER. EVERY DETAIL IS TAILORED TO THEIR HOME AND THE WAY THEY LIVE

“We focus on making sure there’s a home for everything, enough storage and that the layout works for their lifestyle,” explains Karen. “It’s all about listening to what the customer does in the room.” This philosophy of combining functionality with style is central to both business owners, ensuring that every design is tailored to the individual client. Darren echoes this approach: “We have a face-to-face appointment in the showroom, then book a survey, send out designs for review and meet again to personalise it. Every detail, from layout to finishes, is

Customer stories highlight the attention to detail and personal touch. Karen notes that flexibility on timings and design choices is one reason her Preston showroom continues to receive five-star reviews. Darren has also earned his first five-star review. “We go out of our way to make the space work for the customer. Every detail is tailored to their lifestyle and home,” he adds. Collaboration is key to both businesses. Karen and Darren maintain small, coherent teams that work closely together, ensuring everyone is aligned and that the showrooms operate smoothly. Both are part of the wider Kutchenhaus franchise network, which supports more than 100 locations across the UK. This backing provides access to additional expertise while allowing each franchisee to maintain a personal touch with their customers. Looking ahead, both Karen and Darren

aim to continue growing their local presence while maintaining the quality and personal service that sets Kutchenhaus apart. Their goal is to create kitchens that are not only beautiful but truly functional, reflecting the lifestyles of the customers who use them.

With a combination of Germanengineered quality, expert design and a highly personalised approach, the Kutchenhaus showrooms in Preston and Lytham are helping homeowners create kitchens that are as practical as they are stylish. Whether exploring the sleek, handleless designs or the new Shaker range, visitors can expect a professional yet welcoming experience, guided by franchisees committed to turning visions into reality. n

Kutchenhaus Unit 6, Longton Business Park Much Hoole, Preston PR4 5LE 01772 930911 showroom@preston.kutchenhaus.co.uk 29 Clifton Steet Lytham St Annes FY8 5ER 01253 370280 showroom@lytham.kutchenhaus.co.uk kutchenhaus.co.uk

homesinsideout hair-by-hair by Burnt Peach’s in-house artists, they are bold and colourful and can be customised to complement existing interior schemes. Burnt Peach’s Pet Pawtraits, which capture the essence of the family pet in a timeless silhouette – are available in two finishes. The Classic Collection is available in six sizes and five colourways: Orea, Sooty, Raven, Bear and Chalky and can feature up to three different pets.

PACKED WITH PAWSONALITY From fur to fine art, these custom pet paintings are a gorgeous way of celebrating our beloved furry friends

rom cats and dogs to horses and rabbits, each portrait from this design house is hand-drawn from a photograph to capture the unique character of the family pet. These ‘pawsonality portraits’ are illustrations with a retro vibe. Hand-created

The Ink Collection is a more whimsical take on the Classic Collection with light and dark tones mixing together to create a silhouette with dimension and movement. Again, the Ink Collection is available in six sizes and three colourways: Black Ink, Brown Ink or Steel Ink. Bespoke options are also available. Pia Gill, founder of Burnt Peach, said: “Pets are a huge part of the family and I wanted to create a piece of art to capture just how special they are. “Just like the family pet, each portrait is entirely unique and we can even include bespoke backgrounds such as their favourite walk or spot on the couch to make it even more special. “These are timeless gifts that will capture the spirit and nature of any family pet.” n Prices start at £49.99

burntpeach.co.uk

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THE SECRET TO A SUMMER READY GARDEN? START NOW! As gardens slip into winter dormancy, it’s the perfect moment to step back, rethink and redesign your outdoor space. With plants resting and the landscape laid bare, homeowners can plan ahead with clarity and create a garden that’s ready to enjoy the moment warmer days return

ast year’s launch of Bannister Hall’s state-of-the-art Landscaping Design Centre in Higher Walton, Preston, saw the company set a new benchmark in garden design and project delivery. The centre is designed to make the creation of outdoor spaces an immersive and intuitive experience. Visitors can explore an

expansive product showroom, a sprawling outdoor plant nursery and experience a revolutionary virtual reality 3D design service that allows them to see their ideas in lifelike detail before any ground is broken. Jon C Hollywood LLB (Hons), CEO at Bannister Hall, explains the ethos behind the innovation: “The ethos is simple – to provide homeowners with true peace of mind. This isn’t about a mere transaction, it’s about creating a trusted partnership from first sketch to final flourish. The journey begins with a home site visit by a skilled professional, ensuring that every inch of space is measured and understood. From there, the magic continues with a visit to the Design Centre, where clients can explore materials, discuss ideas and experience their

3D design in immersive virtual reality. It’s a seamless, joyful process designed to take the stress out of landscaping and replace it with excitement and confidence.”

The Design Centre is home to over 40,000 plant species, including instant hedges, ornamental trees, shrubs and fruit trees. Hard landscaping options are equally extensive, with natural stone and porcelain paving, decking, sleepers, pergolas, decorative aggregates, water features, lighting and more. The scale and quality of the offering mean homeowners can plan every detail of their garden with confidence, guided by Bannister Hall’s knowledgeable team. Director Alan Lovell adds: “Put simply, we

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have mirrored the retail concept of visiting a high-end kitchen design showroom and have adapted and applied this model to landscaping development projects. We can offer homeowners the opportunity to work with their own dedicated 3D garden designer and project manager, who will oversee the entire project’s development whilst helping customers choose every element of their new garden from our large on-site product stock holding and comprehensive nurseries.” choices. If a product is not in stock, the team can source it quickly through an extensive supplier network built over more than two decades.

Bannister Hall’s approach is designed to remove uncertainty from landscaping. Homeowners receive full project management including written contracts, staged schedules of works and detailed bills of materials. Recommended installers are introduced and managed, ensuring projects are delivered on time and to the highest standard. Flexible finance options, including 0% APR, make the transformation of outdoor spaces accessible to a wider audience, removing financial barriers to creativity. What makes Bannister Hall stand out is not just its scale but its commitment to service. Highly trained horticulturalists and designers are available to guide customers through every stage of a project, offering advice on planting, materials and design

WITH OVER 40,000 PLANT SPECIES AND AN EXTENSIVE PRODUCT RANGE, CREATIVITY HAS NEVER BEEN EASIER TO BRING TO LIFE Complementing the three extensive sites, Bannister Hall has also launched everythingplants.co.uk, a curated e-commerce platform offering nationwide delivery of plants and hedging. The site provides detailed planting guidelines, growth information and seasonal availability so even customers from further afield can benefit from expert advice and premium stock.

The Design Centre represents a complete, turn-key solution. From the first consultation to the final touches Bannister Hall makes any garden design project seamless and enjoyable. It is an approach that reflects a deep understanding of what modern homeowners want – an outdoor space that is beautiful, functional and most importantly – totally stress free in its creation. Bannister Hall’s commitment to innovation, quality and customer experience is reshaping expectations in the landscaping industry. By combining expertise, technology and a huge product offering, the company has created a destination where creativity and confidence come together. For homeowners with a vision, the future of outdoor living has officially arrived. n

A SEAMLESS PROCESS…

“The ethos is simple – to provide homeowners with true peace of mind. It’s a seamless, joyful process designed to take the stress out of landscaping and replace it with excitement and confidence.” Jon C Hollywood, LLB (Hons) CEO

“We have mirrored the retail concept of visiting a high-end kitchen design showroom and applied it to landscaping projects. Homeowners work with a dedicated 3D garden designer and project manager throughout.” Alan Lovell, Director/Founder

Bannister Hall Ltd Potter Lane, Higher Walton Preston PR5 4EN 01772 877087 sales@bannisterhall.co.uk bannisterhall.com Business Hours Open Monday – Friday 7.00am to 5.00pm with free on-site parking everythingplants.co.uk

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LOVE YOUR GARDEN If your garden is in a mild location in the UK then snowdrops, crocuses and daffodils will be showing their heads at this time of year

ebruary is the time to give your garden a little bit of love with a quick tidy up and you could also start sowing seeds and planting – weather permitting. Growing your own plants from seeds is one of the most rewarding and economical ways of getting your garden going after the winter months. For grow-your-own gardeners February is all about cultivating and preparing seed beds (if the ground isn’t frozen) and covering them with clear polythene, cloches or fleece to warm up the soil before sowing. From mid-February you can sow tomato and cucumber seeds for growing in greenhouses and plant out garlic and shallots in light soils. This is also your last chance to winter prune apples, pears and autumn fruiting raspberries and to plant bare rooted raspberries. If you’re growing edibles in containers then you should focus on planting hardy vegetables that are resistant to the cold, such as cabbage and broad beans. You can also plant root vegetables like carrots and parsnips. Container gardening is an excellent option

for limited spaces and if you need to protect some outdoor plantings during extended periods of frost using covers like cloches or fleeces is easy. For the romantics, camellias are in flower at this time of year, adding a splash of colour to gardens in the dark winter months. They are a wonderful plant to grow in the garden or a container and tend to do best when planted or positioned in a sheltered or shady position.

growing season – and if there is one job to be done this month it’s applying organic fertilisers, such as well-rotted manure or organic chicken manure pellets, to your soil. Nutrients are released slowly, so last for the whole life of many crops and flowering plants. n

FEBRUARY TOP TIPS

Other garden jobs for this time of year, suggested by the RHS are: • Prepare vegetable seed beds and sow some vegetables under cover • Chit potatoes • Net fruit and vegetable crops to keep the birds off • P rune winter-flowering shrubs that have finished flowering

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health&beauty

PUTTING YOUR HEALTH FIRST The start of a new year often brings fresh intentions. We pledge to move more, eat better, sleep longer and finally make time for ourselves. Yet prioritising our health is often the easiest resolution to postpone, especially when life gets busy

cross the UK, the NHS continues to do incredible work under immense pressure. Long waiting lists, delayed appointments and stretched resources have become a familiar part of the healthcare landscape. While urgent and emergency care remains exceptional, many people are finding that routine check-ups, diagnostics and elective treatments can take longer than they’d like. For many people, this means long waiting times, especially for non-urgent support such as mental health services, therapy referrals, pelvic health care and menopause clinics. As awareness grows around these vital aspects of wellbeing, demand has never been higher. This is where private healthcare can play a valuable supporting role. Rather than replacing the NHS, it offers choice, speed

and a more personalised approach – helping people access the care they need, when they need it.

Mental health support is a key example. Anxiety, stress and burnout are increasingly common, yet timely access to counselling or therapy can make a world of difference. Private services often allow quicker access to qualified therapists, flexible appointment times and the option to choose a practitioner

who feels right for you. Pelvic health is another area gaining long-overdue attention. Conditions such as bladder issues, prolapse or postnatal pelvic pain can significantly affect daily life, yet many suffer in silence. Private pelvic health physiotherapy can offer early intervention, tailored treatment plans and discreet, specialist care.

RATHER THAN REPLACING THE NHS, IT OFFERS CHOICE, SPEED AND A MORE PERSONALISED APPROACH – HELPING PEOPLE ACCESS THE CARE THEY NEED, WHEN THEY NEED IT For women navigating perimenopause or menopause, timely advice and treatment can be life-changing. Private menopause clinics often provide comprehensive assessments, longer consultations and personalised treatment options – helping women feel heard, supported and informed. As we move into 2026, perhaps “New Year, New You” isn’t about drastic changes, but about giving yourself permission to prioritise your health – both physical and mental. Exploring private healthcare could be a positive step towards faster answers, greater peace of mind and a healthier year ahead. n

health&beauty

REDEFINING NONINVASIVE ANTI-AGEING EMA is the expert in advanced non-invasive treatments, using cutting-edge technology to help reclaim your youthful skin confidence

ith years of experience and the world’s most advanced non-invasive technologies at her fingertips, expert Emma Pearce is proving every day that you can turn back time, stay natural and love the skin you’re in. Her passion? Restoring skin confidence. Every client’s journey is tailored, supportive and designed to deliver results that not only meet expectations but exceed them. Now, Emma of EMA Skin Aesthetics introduces her most groundbreaking treatment yet:

EMA DUAL FOCUSED FUSION The first-of-its-kind in advanced non-invasive anti-ageing, this represents the future of rejuvenation. EMA Dual Focused Fusion uniquely

combines HIFU, Radio Frequency and EMS muscle stimulation to deliver powerful lifting, tightening and contouring all without surgery. This multi-layer approach works from deep within the skin to renew collagen, sculpt facial muscles and refine texture for firmer, brighter, younger-looking skin.

PHASE 1: HIFU + EMS = DEEP LIFT AND MUSCLE SCULPT High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound targets the skin’s structural layers to trigger collagen and elastin regeneration for natural lifting over three to six months. Simultaneously, EMS tones and strengthens facial muscles for enhanced definition and firmness.

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health&beauty Kenya and the UK, specialising in personalised dietetic support for a wide range of health concerns. “Recovery isn’t just physical,” Shelley emphasises. “It’s emotional, social and sometimes spiritual. We look at the whole picture.” Throughout every stage of treatment, Flourish focuses on separating the person from the disorder and restoring a sense of identity and safety. “We want people to know recovery is possible,” Shelley says. “We listen. We support. We care about you as a person first.”

HELPING INDIVIDUALS REBUILD

FROM THE INSIDE OUT When treatment looks past weight and food to understand the whole person, it creates space for recovery to develop in a more meaningful way, writes Emma Brereton. Photography: Michael Porter

or many, when people hear the phrase “eating disorder”, they often think of food, dieting or body size. But at Flourish Therapy Clinic, the team works with a deeper truth - eatingdisorder behaviours are symptoms and clear signals of emotional, psychological or social pain. Founder Shelley Perry-Clarke explains it simply: “It’s never just about food. The behaviours are telling us something and our job is to understand what, and why, so we can help the person feel safe again.” Shelley’s belief in personalised, compassionate care is shaped by her own recovery in the early 1990s, when eating disorders were rarely discussed. While training as a mental health nurse, she realised she was struggling herself. “I was lucky enough to have an incredible GP who saw me every week for 20 minutes, a counsellor who really listened, CBT, and community that held me. Ultimately, I had what many people don’t - a coordinated support system – and it changed my life. I wanted other people to have that too.”

With more than 30 years’ experience, Shelley now begins each client’s journey with a comprehensive two-hour assessment that explores biological, psychological, social, physical and spiritual aspects of their life. “We meet people where they’re at,” she says. “We ask what they want from treatment, what’s worked, what hasn’t, and what recovery looks like for them.”

With a dedicated therapeutic team, experienced administrative staff and an education-led social media presence, Flourish remains committed to ensuring no one faces eating-disorder recovery alone, offering continual guidance, reassurance and accessible support every step of the way.

WE ASK WHAT THEY WANT FROM TREATMENT, WHAT’S WORKED, WHAT HASN’T, AND WHAT RECOVERY LOOKS LIKE FOR THEM

From here, a tailored plan is created. It may blend CBT, family-based therapy, parentbased coaching, life coaching or innovative methods such as virtual reality exposure therapy. Nothing is off-the-shelf and every intervention is chosen for that person’s pace, history and goals. This holistic, relational approach is the foundation of Flourish’s ethos. Psychotherapist Linda Snape, who has worked with Shelley since the clinic’s earliest days, supports clients in understanding the emotional and relational patterns that sit beneath symptoms. Dietitian, Shallon Njenga is highly experienced with more than 15 years’ clinical and research experience across

Ribblesdale House 14 Ribblesdale Place Preston PR1 3NA 01772 915735 enquiries@flourishtherapyclinic.co.uk flourishtherapyclinic.co.uk Instagram: @Flourishtherapyclinic

ADVANCED DEEP FRACTIONAL RESURFACING CO2 LASER

UltraPulse® Improves appearance and functionality of the skin Non-invasive with minimal downtime

LIFE-CHANGING LASER After years of hiding his nose and losing confidence, Brett discovered UltraPulse laser treatment at Discover Laser and finally found relief, recovery and a reason to smile again

haracterised by thickened, uneven skin on the nose, rhinophyma often develops from untreated or severe rosacea. Commonly affecting men over 40, it can leave anyone feeling self-conscious and unsure where to turn for treatment. Dr Miguel Montero at Discover Laser Medical Skin Clinic offers life-changing treatment for rhinophyma using UltraPulse CO2 laser, a powerful tool in dermatology. Rhinophyma typically presents as a bulbous, enlarged nose with thickened skin and visible pores. In advanced cases, the excess tissue can obstruct nasal airflow, causing functional and aesthetic concerns. Dr Montero explains: “UltraPulse is ideal for rhinophyma, it allows me to target thickened skin with incredible precision. Unlike surgery, it’s minimally invasive and preserves healthy structures. The results can be transformative not just cosmetically, but emotionally and functionally too.” One patient, Brett, explains how his treatment has made all the diffference: “I first realised I had a problem about 2016 with the swelling on the side of my right nostril. After about two years, I was referred to a private surgeon who did not want to have anything to do with the problem. “The last two years have been horrible. The growth was accelerating in size and would occasionally bleed. I got to a stage where I dreaded social interaction, although as an accountant in private practice, I did have to deal with face-to-face interviews with clients. My mental health was, without me being fully aware, being affected. I was

also finding that my nostril was blocking, interfering with my breathing and also my nose was constantly streaming. “I was at a stage this year where I did not think anything could be done. Then my neighbour saw an article in a magazine for Discover Laser... It seemed that there were other people with similar problems and there was a possibility of treatment. “From the moment I telephoned for an appointment the experience was really positive... Miguel not only put me at ease but took one look at the nose and his opinion was that Laser treatment would work! “The process was not painful and within minutes the growth had gone. The recovery was straightforward... the change within three weeks was remarkable. My breathing is better and my nose has stopped running. “I’ve been given my life back. Everyone, friends and family, are amazed! To anyone with this sort of problem, I would say do not hesitate to contact Discover Laser. I will always be indebted to them.” Discover Laser is a trusted destination for advanced dermatological skin care in the North West. If you or someone you know is living with rhinophyma, there’s no need to feel resigned to the condition. With expert care and advanced laser treatments, Doctor Montero can help restore both appearance and confidence. To book your private RHINOPHYMA CONSULTATION with Dr Montero, call Discover Laser’s friendly team on 01282 420886

DISCOVER LASER, CROW WOOD ROYLE LANE, BURNLEY BB12 0RT www.discoverlaser.co.uk

BRETT BEFORE

THE PROCESS WAS NOT PAINFUL AND WITHIN MINUTES THE GROWTH HAD GONE. THE RECOVERY WAS STRAIGHTFORWARD... THE CHANGE WITHIN THREE WEEKS WAS REMARKABLE...

BRETT AFTER

I’VE BEEN GIVEN MY LIFE BACK. EVERYONE, FRIENDS AND FAMILY, ARE AMAZED! ~ BRETT, DISCOVER LASER PATIENT ~

health&beauty

physical benefits are well known, Lauren is just as passionate about the mental impact. “It creates space to slow down, switch off and build resilience,” she says. Unlike some wellness spaces that can feel intimidating or overly clinical, Thryv has been intentionally designed to feel calm, welcoming and accessible. “Thriving, to me, is about energy, clarity and resilience,” Lauren explains. “It’s not about pushing harder, it’s about feeling grounded and present.” That

A NEW SPACE TO RESET A new kind of wellness destination has arrived in Kirkham, inviting people to slow down, reset and reconnect, as Ali Gudgeon explores

hryv Wellness Studio, founded by local business owner Lauren Blockley, has just opened its doors, offering contrast therapy experiences including sauna, cold plunge and recoveryfocused sessions designed to support both body and mind. The space includes both a six-person infrared sauna and a six-person traditional sauna, alongside six chill tubs, allowing individuals and groups to move through sessions comfortably and at their own pace. For Lauren, Thryv is the result of a personal journey shaped thousands of miles away. After spending three and a half years living in Los Angeles, she became immersed in a

culture where recovery and wellness spaces are part of everyday life. “I used them regularly and really felt the difference they made to my energy, stress levels and how I felt in my body,” she explains.

YOU DON’T NEED TO BE AN ATHLETE OR DEEPLY IMMERSED IN WELLNESS. PEOPLE OFTEN LEAVE REALISING HOW MUCH THEY NEEDED PERMISSION TO SLOW DOWN Returning to the North West highlighted just how much those practices had been supporting her. Despite continuing to train and work hard, Lauren noticed increased fatigue and imbalance. “What became clear was that recovery had been doing far more for me than I realised,” she says. Thryv was born from that realisation – and from a gap she felt locally. “I was searching for a space that didn’t exist here, somewhere people could reset without guilt.” The studio focuses on contrast therapy, combining heat and cold to support circulation, reduce inflammation and regulate the nervous system. Guests can move between sauna and cold plunge at their own pace, with optional compression boots to aid recovery. While the

philosophy is reflected throughout the studio, from its relaxed atmosphere to the unrushed flow of sessions. Thryv appeals to a broad mix of people – from performance-focused individuals to busy parents, professionals and anyone craving a pause from constant demands. Many visitors, Lauren notes, are surprised by how approachable it feels. “You don’t need to be an athlete or deeply immersed in wellness. People often leave realising how much they needed permission to slow down.” With a background in healthcare, Lauren sees Thryv as part of a wider shift towards prevention and self-awareness. “People are tired of being constantly ‘on’,” she says. “Spaces like Thryv offer something different – a place where you can just be.” As the studio settles into its first year, Lauren’s hope is simple – that Thryv becomes part of everyday life in Kirkham, helping people prioritise their wellbeing not occasionally, but consistently. n

Thryv Wellness Studio Bradkirk Business Park Unit H5, Weeton Road Kirkham PR4 3FZ 01253 272581 thryvwellness.co.uk Thyrv Wellness Studio @thryvwellness_

health&beauty

of the way, from a no-obligation free hearing assessment and free hearing aid demonstration, to finding the right solution for you. Don't just take their word for it – here's what their patient, Mike, had to say:

A NEW YEAR IS CALLING

"I can't praise Simon [the audiologist] and the team highly enough. From the welcoming staff to Simon's expert, patient explanations, they make everything clear.

CAN YOU HEAR IT?

STARTING THE NEW YEAR WITH A HEARING ASSESSMENT IS A POSITIVE STEP TOWARDS PRESERVING YOUR CONNECTIONS AND YOUR COGNITIVE HEALTH

Make this the year you tune back in - a quick hearing check could bring clarity to the sounds you’ve been missing. Photography: Michael Porter

e know that thinking about your hearing can feel a bit daunting, but there's no need to worry. The team at Preston Hearing Care Centre and Hearing-Check at The Lytham Clinic are there to help. As your friendly independent audiology practice, they’re all about giving you the personal care and straightforward advice you need to hear your best. Being able to hear properly is at the heart of feeling connected. It’s what lets you have a good natter with your family, enjoy a laugh with friends and stay involved with your favourite hobbies. It even plays a surprising part in keeping your mind sharp. You see, when your hearing isn't what it used to be, your brain has to work overtime to make sense of sounds. This can be really tiring and might even make you want to avoid social situations. The good news is, looking after your ears can help look after your brain too.

FREE HEARING HEALTH CHECK The latest invisible hearing aid technology. Up to 40% less expensive than other high street hearing care providers.

Preston Hearing Care Centre’s audiologist Saminah Bhayat puts it like this: "Hearing health is deeply personal. Our goal is to help you hear better while ensuring you feel comfortable and informed throughout the process. Starting the New Year with a hearing assessment is a positive step towards preserving your connections and your cognitive health." The best bit? You don't have to figure it all out on your own. The team at Preston and Lytham are with you every step

Simon truly listens and cares about getting your hearing just right. A brilliant, recommendable service from start to finish. The whole team are very helpful and can assist with any technical problems you may experience." So, this year, make a resolution that really counts. Booking an appointment couldn't be easier. From initial assessments to fitting and ongoing support, Preston Hearing Care Centre ensures your hearing aids are comfortable, effective and tailored to your lifestyle. Why wait any longer to improve your hearing and quality of life?

Preston Hearing Care Centre Hearing Check @ Preston Hearing Care Centre 167 Garstang Road, Fulwood, Preston, PR2 3BH 01772 862000 Hearing Check @ The Lytham Clinic 6 Church Road, Lytham, FY8 5LH 01253 732211

EARWAX REMOVAL WITH MICRO SUCTION Simple, safe, Clean and effective 5* GOOGLE REVIEW CLINIC STATUS

BUILT ON PRECISION,

CRAFTSMANSHIP & DEMAND Renovo Dental’s quiet revolution in denture excellence sees master technician Dean Ward leading a hidden gem in the Ribble Valley

enovo Dental has long been celebrated across the Ribble Valley and the North West as a centre of excellence for advanced dental implant treatments. Patients and colleagues know the team for their precision, longlasting results and life-changing full-arch reconstructions. Yet what many people do not realise is that, behind the scenes, Renovo has also been quietly developing another area of exceptional strength – a highly skilled, bespoke denture service led by Clinical Dental Technician and master craftsman Mr Dean Ward.

DEDICATED SPECIALIST DENTURE CENTRE

For years, Dean has been an integral part of the Renovo team, shaping and refining the clinic’s approach to dentures with a level of artistry, scientific precision and technical mastery that is rare even in specialist dental centres. As demand grew and as more patients and dentists sought out Dean’s expertise, Renovo responded by creating a dedicated specialist denture centre, with everything now delivered entirely in-house. This expansion has allowed the team to manage the sheer volume of people seeking

high-quality, comfortable, beautifully crafted dentures that genuinely fit. Part of the reason this demand exists is due to challenges within general dentistry – particularly within the NHS. Many dentists, even the most caring and conscientious, will openly admit that providing dentures that fit well can be extremely difficult under NHS

limitations. Restricted appointment times, limited material options and low remuneration mean that it often becomes quantity over quality, through no fault of the clinician. Most simply do not have the resources, materials or time needed for the level of precision and customisation that a truly successful denture requires. Many also have inadequate training in this field in the UK. As a result, many dentists now routinely refer their denture patients directly to Dean, trusting his advanced expertise to achieve the results they know their patients deserve.

health&beauty

INTERNATIONAL KEY OPINION LEADER

Dean brings 27 years of dedicated experience in denture prosthetics and is known in the UK as the ‘Sensei of Digital Denture Protocols’. He lectures around the world and serves as a Certified Trainer and Key Opinion Leader for Ivoclar International, one of the global leaders in premium denture materials and prosthetic technologies. His work as a beta tester, BPS clinical and technical instructor and award-winning clinician ensures that Renovo patients benefit from the most advanced materials, processes and innovations available anywhere.

DEAN AND RENOVO HAVE DEVELOPED A DENTURE SERVICE THAT BLENDS THE FINEST ELEMENTS OF TRADITIONAL HANDCRAFTED ARTISTRY WITH THE POWER OF CUTTING-EDGE DIGITAL DENTISTRY Working quietly but meticulously, Dean and the team have developed a denture service that blends the finest elements of traditional handcrafted artistry with the power of cutting-edge digital dentistry. While many clinics rely heavily on generic lab-made dentures or basic digital outputs, Renovo uses a hybrid workflow that gives patients the best of both worlds. CAD/CAM design, 3D printing and precision milling capture every minute detail with micron-accuracy, while Dean’s expert hand-finishing ensures natural texture, personalised aesthetics and lifelike character that no machine can replicate.

a leader in implant dentistry, but also as a specialist centre of excellence for bespoke dentures, offering a level of skill, accuracy and artistry rarely found elsewhere. With master technician Dean Ward at the heart of

A key breakthrough in Renovo’s denture success is the use of next-generation milled denture materials developed by world-class research teams. These materials are twice as strong as traditional acrylic, making denture fractures – once a common frustration – virtually a thing of the past. The stability and accuracy of these milled dentures is transformative as they fit better, feel more secure and require far fewer adjustments. Dean also incorporates the renowned SEMCD (Suction Effective Mandibular Complete Denture) technique developed by world-renowned Japanese expert Dr Jiro Abe – masterfully combining it with digital workflows to produce lower dentures that achieve exceptional suction and stability without the need for implants or adhesives. For patients with significant bone loss, this can be life-changing. As Renovo’s entire denture service is in-house, many cases can now be completed in as little as two clinical appointments, without compromising any element of planning, precision or craftsmanship. Referrals from local dentists continue to grow and a significant number of new patients now find Renovo through word of mouth, inspired by the transformations experienced by friends, neighbours and loved ones. Today, Renovo Dental stands not only as

THESE MATERIALS ARE TWICE AS STRONG AS TRADITIONAL ACRYLIC, MAKING DENTURE FRACTURES – ONCE A COMMON FRUSTRATION – VIRTUALLY A THING OF THE PAST the service, and with world-leading Ivoclar materials elevating every case, the clinical team continues to deliver dentures that restore not just smiles, but comfort, confidence and quality of life. n

Renovo Dental Pendle House, Clitheroe Road Chatburn BB7 4JY 01200 441000 hello@renovodental.co.uk renovodental.co.uk

heath&beauty and overall skin quality. The system is also highly effective in managing acne, using gentle IPL energy to reduce p. acnes bacteria while calming inflammation and post-acne pigmentation.” With an experienced team led by Dr Maharaj, Dr Rahim and Ed Sinclair, with over two decades of experience in the aesthetic industry, they can customise client experiences ensuring the best results, offering class-leading technology in lasers and energy-based devices. Together, they ensure every treatment is grounded in medical knowledge, safety and personalised care.

AESTHETICS WITH EXPERTISE AT THE CORE Blending medical expertise with industry-leading technology, Fylde Private Medical is redefining skin health, confidence and natural beauty on the Fylde Coast – and increasingly, across the North West

t its Lytham clinic, aesthetics is not viewed as a standalone luxury, but as an extension of high-quality, medically led care. Central to this philosophy is the clinic’s investment in some of the most advanced aesthetic technology available, most notably the M22 IPL and laser skin resurfacing system from Lumenis, a global leader that has pioneered laser technology for more than 30 years. The M22 represents a significant step forward in non-invasive skin treatment. As a class-leading, non-ablative laser platform, it delivers powerful results without unnecessary trauma to the skin. With no downtime required, patients can return to normal activities almost immediately, while the skin continues to improve naturally over time. Results are long-lasting and progressive, supporting healthier, more resilient skin rather than quick, superficial fixes. Fylde Private Medical is currently the only clinic in the North West offering this advanced installation, positioning it firmly

at the forefront of medical aesthetics in the region. The M22’s true strength lies in its multiplatform capability, allowing practitioners to address multiple skin concerns within a single, tailored treatment plan. Conditions such as rosacea, acne, pigmentation, sun damage, redness, ageing skin and overall skin rejuvenation can all be treated simultaneously.

THE M22’S TRUE STRENGTH LIES IN ITS MULTIPLATFORM CAPABILITY, ALLOWING PRACTITIONERS TO ADDRESS MULTIPLE SKIN CONCERNS WITHIN A SINGLE, TAILORED TREATMENT PLAN Consultant dermatologist at the clinic, Dr Safal Rahim explains: “One of the most advanced applications is Photofractional treatment, which combines IPL technology with ResurFX™ fractional laser resurfacing. This dual approach targets both skin tone and texture, delivering comprehensive rejuvenation that improves clarity, smoothness

This commitment to innovation extends beyond skin treatments. Fylde Private Medical also offers Emerald® weight loss therapy, the world’s only FDA-approved non-invasive weight loss laser. Designed to support fat loss safely and comfortably, Emerald complements the clinic’s holistic approach to aesthetics and wellbeing. Behind the clinic’s growth is a clear strategic vision. Operational director Mr Tracey, who brings a wealth of experience from the healthcare industry, explains: “We aim to offer the best in aesthetics to our clients, at a standard comparable with services available on Harley Street.” By continually investing in the latest, most innovative devices and techniques, Fylde Private Medical is setting a new benchmark – bringing cutting-edge, London-level aesthetic care to the heart of the North West. n

Fylde Private Medical 26 St Annes Road West Lytham St Annes FY6 1RF 01253 207568 info@fyldeprivatemedical.com fyldeprivatemedical.com

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lifestyle

NUTRITION WITH KELI Nutrition expert Keli Thompson explains how we can achieve a fresh, feel-good start to the New Year

reset. In fact, that mindset never supports our gut health. I am leaning into something far more intuitive, the same approach I use with my clients. It is simply tuning in again and paying attention to what your body genuinely needs, rather than pushing it into routines that feel draining. Feeling good should feel simple, not stressful.

IT IS NOT ABOUT DIETING – EVER. IT IS ABOUT GIVING YOUR BODY THE NUTRIENTS TO THRIVE OPTIMALLY

here is something about January that feels calmer, almost like the whole world finally exhales after December’s chaos. After weeks of rich food, late nights and endless plans, I always find myself craving the complete opposite. Suddenly, slower mornings, gentler evenings, lighter meals and fresher flavours feel so much more appealing. It is like slipping back and finding myself again – and my goodness, it’s the best feeling. One thing I am definitely leaving behind this year is the pressure to ‘undo’ the festivities of December. January is not a punishment and it certainly is not a strict

And the first place I always come back to is fresh, colourful, vitamin-rich food. Nothing dramatic and it’s certainly nothing restrictive. Just real food that tastes good and gives me that little lift I didn’t realise I was missing. Sweet orange segments that brighten a grey morning, berries on yoghurt that make you feel a bit more put together from the inside out. A bowl of greens that feels grounding after all the cosy December comfort meals. It is not about dieting – ever. It is about giving your body the nutrients to thrive optimally. The lovely thing is that January makes this easier than you might think. Citrus is at its juiciest right now, with oranges, blood oranges and grapefruits all glowing with vitamin C and giving you that gentle boost on darker winter days. Leafy greens like kale and spinach feel essential too, as they’re full of iron and folate, which many of us

naturally need after a month of richer food. And then you have the winter favourites such as carrots, sweet potatoes and beetroot. They are naturally nourishing, rich in antioxidants and perfect for simple, wholesome feel-good dishes. These small additions may make a bigger difference than you’d expect. You might notice your energy feeling a little steadier, or those mid-afternoon dips from December easing off. Your digestion may start to settle too. Some people even find their skin looks a touch brighter and glowy when they bring in more colour and variety. Our bodies often respond well when we offer them real nourishment and sometimes you can feel that quite quickly. That’s the energy I want to carry into the year ahead. Positive, uncomplicated and most importantly, intuitive choices that help you feel your best from the inside out. If you are reading this and feel like your body is asking for a bit more tailored support, especially if some foods do not sit quite right with you and you don’t know where to start, you can book a free 1:1 consultation at nutritionwithkeli.com. Sometimes having someone walk you through it makes all the difference. Here’s to starting the year feeling nourished and refreshed from the inside out! n

nutritionwithkeli@outlook.com nutritionwithkeli

Orthopaedic Services at Fulwood Hall Hospital Our expert team can provide you fast access to treatment at a time to suit you. Our Services include:

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We offer a range of ways to pay including self-funding and using your private medical insurance. Please contact our team on 01772 341 257 for more information or scan the QR code. Did you know you can now book appointments using our online booking system? Head to our website for more information

INTIMATE WELLBEING FOR

A HEALTHIER YOU For many women, concerns around pelvic health, incontinence, menopause symptoms, intimate confidence, or changes to the skin and body can feel difficult to talk about, writes Katie Hammond. Photography: Michael Porter

racy Drake is a woman on a mission. A dedicated midwife and pelvic health specialist with more than 35 years of combined medical and aesthetic experience, she offers a completely unique approach to intimate wellness, pelvic floor support and advanced aesthetic care. At Tracy’s NuYu Treatments clinic, client conversations are conducted with empathy, clinical expertise and complete discretion. Her background as a community midwife for more than 22 years, alongside her NHS and private cosmetic sector experience, means every client receives safe, evidencebased care supported by decades of hands-on women’s health knowledge. Tracy explains: “I have spent my entire career caring for women at every stage of

life and my passion lies in helping them feel comfortable, confident and empowered. Whether it’s pelvic floor support, skin rejuvenation, or restoring intimate wellbeing, my priority is ensuring we choose the treatments which are the right fit for each individual.” With a BA (Hons) in Midwifery, an Advanced Certificate in Sexual Health and Contraception and specialist training in intimate pelvic health and menopause care, Tracy brings an unparalleled depth of clinical understanding to the aesthetics and wellness field. As an approved provider of the award-winning and FDA approved EmFemme 360, she continually updates her training to stay at the forefront of modern techniques, so that clients can feel completely safe in her care.

One of NuYu’s most sought-after areas of expertise is pelvic floor rehabilitation and intimate wellness. These are areas which affect countless women, particularly after childbirth and during menopause. This also helps with prolapse and following surgery, or simply as part of the ageing process - yet many women suffer in silence, not realising how many gentle, non-invasive solutions are available to them.

I HAVE SPENT MY ENTIRE CAREER CARING FOR WOMEN AT EVERY STAGE OF LIFE AND MY PASSION LIES IN HELPING THEM FEEL COMFORTABLE, CONFIDENT AND EMPOWERED

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One of the clinic’s treatments which has been billed as a breakthrough in pelvic health is Emsella®, a revolutionary, non-invasive treatment which targets urinary incontinence and pelvic floor weakness. Using High-Intensity Focused Electromagnetic Energy (HIFEM), the Emsella chair triggers more than 11,000 supramaximal pelvic floor contractions in a single session - far beyond what can be achieved with traditional Kegel exercises. This treatment is ideal for women experiencing stress or urge incontinence, mothers struggling with pelvic floor weakness following childbirth, those experiencing reduced sexual satisfaction and both men and women who are seeking improved pelvic muscle control. Clients simply sit, fully clothed, on the chair for a comfortable session with zero downtime and many report improvements even after their first treatment. One happy Emsella client is Jane (48), who explains: “I felt embarrassed about my incontinence for years. “After just a few Emsella sessions, I noticed a huge difference. I feel confident leaving the house again and Tracy made everything feel so easy and reassuring.”

AFTER MY TREATMENTS, EVERYTHING CHANGED FOR THE BETTER. I FEEL LIKE MYSELF AGAIN AND TRACY’S SUPPORT THROUGHOUT MADE THE EXPERIENCE INCREDIBLY POSITIVE

Another treatment proving extremely popular with clients is EmFemme 360, which provides intimate rejuvenation without surgery. Ageing, childbirth, hormonal changes and lifestyle factors can cause the vaginal tissues to lose elasticity and firmness, which may lead to reduced sensation, dryness, changes in appearance, or discomfort.

transforming not only intimate wellness but overall quality of life.

The treatment offers a non-surgical solution for vaginal tightening and rejuvenation, helping to Improve internal and external vaginal firmness, increase natural lubrication, enhance sensation and sexual satisfaction and improve overall comfort and confidence.

With a combination of medical training and aesthetic skill, Tracy creates a uniquely safe environment. Still a practising, fully registered midwife, she brings her natural empathy and clinical precision to every treatment.

By stimulating collagen and elastin production, EmFemme 360 restores tone and vitality with no downtime -

EmFemme 360 client Laura (56) says: “After my treatments, everything changed for the better. I feel like myself again and Tracy’s support throughout made the experience incredibly positive.”

Tracy adds: “I want women to know they can talk about anything. Everyone deserves to feel fantastic - physically, emotionally and confidence-wise.” Whilst pelvic health is a core focus, NuYu offers a comprehensive menu of intimate and aesthetic treatments, including intimate and pelvic health, menopause support and intimate wellbeing care, advanced aesthetics, anti-wrinkle injections, dermal fillers, skin rejuvenation treatments, medical-grade chemical peels, microneedling, non-surgical body contouring and a full range of skin health technologies.

Every treatment plan is personalised after a thorough consultation to ensure safety, suitability and results which are tailored to individual needs. Whether you’re seeking support for pelvic floor issues, navigating perimenopause or menopause, hoping to restore intimate confidence, or simply wanting to refresh your skin, NuYu provides the expertise and warmth to guide you in your treatment journey. With decades of real-world clinical experience behind her, Tracy offers not only cutting-edge treatments but genuine understanding and support. At NuYu, you are more than a client you are a woman deserving of exceptional care.

NuYu Treatments 39 School Road Little Thornton FY5 5AW 07782 504933 nuyutreatments.co.uk

WHERE FRIENDSHIP FOUND ITS FEET What began as a simple idea between friends has blossomed into one of Preston’s most uplifting community stories of recent years

n February 2025, Girls Who Walk Preston (GWWP) was formed by 24-year-old Grace Gudgeon and her childhood friend Alex Judge as a casual Sunday walk around Avenham Park, born out of a desire to stay active and rebuild the social connections that can feel so elusive after university life. The first walk attracted just six women – a handful of friends, one newcomer who’d spotted the group on Instagram and even a few dogs. But from that modest beginning grew a welcoming, inclusive community where women and girls now come together not just to walk, but to socialise, laugh and support one another through a varied programme of events. Co-Director and Communications Lead Alex Judge reflects: “Girls Who Walk Preston

started so simply, almost accidentally. Grace mentioned after university that she felt a bit lost and joked about starting a walking group, and I just said, ‘Why not?’ That little push somehow turned into this huge, thriving community, which now fills such a big part of my life.” “This past year Girls Who Walk Preston has been a breath of fresh air! I have truly cherished the opportunity to meet amazing new girls who I’d otherwise never cross paths with, all thanks to Grace and the team.” Jess

Despite operating without a formal membership system, the group’s reach

has expanded rapidly. GWWP now boasts over 6,000 followers across its social media platforms, alongside an active WhatsApp community of around 600 women. For Grace, the memory of that very first walk still holds special significance. “My fondest memory of the group will always be that first Sunday walk – six of us including Alex and I, a few friends and one other who had heard about us on Instagram earlier that week. I hope she knows how grateful I am for her confidence to show up on that cold, grey Sunday at the start of February and how much hope her presence gave me for the future of GWWP. Seeing the Sunday walks grow in numbers so naturally has shown how needed a group like this is in Preston and I leave every week filled with love and gratitude.” From there, attendance at the weekly walks almost doubled month by month, peaking at over 40 participants just two

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months later. The demand soon pushed Grace and Alex to expand their offering beyond Sunday strolls. Now, almost a year on, GWWP hosts an average of three events per week. Alongside their regular walks, the group’s calendar includes craft socials, quiz nights and a popular monthly book club.

SEEING THE SUNDAY WALKS GROW IN NUMBERS SO NATURALLY HAS SHOWN HOW NEEDED A GROUP LIKE THIS IS IN PRESTON AND I LEAVE EVERY WEEK FILLED WITH LOVE AND GRATITUDE Many events regularly sell out, prompting the founders to grow their behind-the-scenes team. What began as a hobby alongside full-time jobs and studies has evolved into a full-scale community operation, now supported by a volunteer team of 12 women of varying ages, all balancing their own day-to-day lives. Tally, who recently joined the executive team, has experienced the group’s impact first-hand. “I moved to Preston a year ago and knew no one here, and today I have a village of girls who I call my friends. From

joining my first walk at Avenham Park on a Sunday morning in February to becoming an Exec member, it’s been fascinating to see the group grow into the vibrant community it is now and be a part of its journey.” She adds: “At our heart is creating a space for women to connect while having a positive impact in the local community, all guided by the kindness and care of Grace and Alex (and now me too!). It’s wonderful to witness girls who may have just met bond so naturally, then blossom into friends. Moving to a new city can be isolating, but our invite is always there to join a walk and I know plenty of the girls have found a home at Girls Who Walk Preston, I know I have.”

Despite its rapid growth, GWWP continues to welcome new faces every week. For many members, the group has been a turning point during challenging periods. Emma Sumner shared: “I’ve been attending events for two months and already feel happier within myself and more confident in speaking to others. I was struggling mentally and needed to find a community in the hopes of forming new connections. I feel lucky to have found Girls Who Walk Preston.” “Girls Who Walk has been an incredibly welcoming and encouraging community where I’ve felt so at home. It’s hard nowadays to meet people and after graduating and leaving university I didn’t know what to do. I went to a Sunday walk and the rest was history!” Lois

Creating a space where everyone feels safe, seen and able to join in without pressure is central to the group’s ethos. Most walks and events are free or low-cost, with accessible meeting points close to public transport. Inclusivity is a core value – GWWP welcomes women of all ages, backgrounds, identities and experiences, including trans women and non-binary people, with the aim of

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reflects this commitment. The space was generously offered by CEO Cath Coffey in recognition of the group’s community impact. Alex explains: “Being welcomed into the Foxton Centre’s space has given us the chance to support a cause that matters, while also strengthening our connection to the wider community. It’s a lovely example of how the group has opened doors for us not just socially, but in terms of giving back too.” As Girls Who Walk Preston approaches its first birthday, there are no signs of slowing

ensuring everyone feels the community is truly for them. For Afsha, that sense of belonging has been transformative. “GWWP has genuinely made me feel like I have a community I truly belong to – whether that’s being around all the girlies, seeing fellow South Asian queens join, or just knowing I’m surrounded by women who never fail to brighten my day. Having recently moved to Preston, I’m forever grateful for the true friendships and connections I’ve made through this group, and for the confidence it’s given me to just show up exactly as I am, and to know that that’s always enough.” Over the past year, the group’s spirit of connection has extended beyond social events. Last summer GWWP completed

Preston’s 21-mile Guild Wheel, raising over £3,500 for Trust House Lancashire, a local charity supporting survivors of sexual violence and abuse. The group has continued to use its platform for good, partnering with

AT OUR HEART IS CREATING A SPACE FOR WOMEN TO CONNECT WHILE HAVING A POSITIVE IMPACT IN THE LOCAL COMMUNITY organisations including The Foxton Centre, Preston Domestic Violence Services and Preston Youth Zone. Their recently launched book club, hosted at The Foxton Youth Centre in Avenham,

down. Plans are underway for a milestone celebration that reflects the journey so far. “We have been so lucky to work with some amazing local businesses during our first year,” Grace says. “For our big celebrations we really wanted to revisit somewhere special to us. We are excited to be hosting our first birthday celebrations at the fabulous Floriana’s Restaurant and Bar. We’d love to see as many people there as possible to celebrate not just GWWP, but the power of community the group has fostered in such a short amount of time.” n

Tickets and full event details can be found via Girls Who Walk Preston’s social media channels: @girlswhowalkpreston

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By starting the conversation early, you can access deals up to six months in advance and avoid the pressure of last-minute decisions. If you’re aged 55 or over, a lifetime mortgage could help you unlock tax-free equity from your home while staying exactly where you are. Whether you want to support children, repay an existing mortgage or make your home more future-friendly, it can provide a welcome financial boost. According to Sharon, the emotional impact is often just as significant as the financial one: “The word we hear most is ‘relief’. Clients feel reassured knowing they can strengthen their finances without moving or compromising the lifestyle they love.”

NEW YEAR, NEW FINANCIAL CONFIDENCE With 2026 underway, homeowners across the region are reviewing their mortgages in search of clarity, stability and confidence

Photography: Michael Porter

right now are around remortgaging and lifetime mortgages. Both can make a meaningful difference to household finances – they simply support clients at different stages of life. If your fixed-rate deal ends in 2026, now is the perfect time to start exploring your options. Remortgaging isn’t only about securing a better rate – it’s about shaping your mortgage around your goals.

t’s the best time of year to reassess your finances and make sure your mortgage still works for you. Sharon Duckworth, Director of Key Mortgage Advice, puts it simply: “Your mortgage shouldn’t be a source of uncertainty. With the right guidance, you can make informed decisions that support both your lifestyle and long-term plans.” Two of the most valuable conversations

A REMORTGAGE GIVES YOU THE CHANCE TO REALIGN YOUR FINANCES WITH WHERE YOU ARE NOW – NOT WHERE YOU WERE FIVE YEARS AGO You might want to lower monthly payments, shorten your term, consolidate borrowing or release funds for home improvements. Sharon explains: “People are often surprised by how many choices they actually have. A remortgage gives you the chance to realign your finances with where you are now – not where you were five years ago.”

With offices in Bamber Bridge, Garstang and Southport, Key Mortgage Advice offers a personal, independent service built around your needs. “We want you to feel comfortable, informed and in control,” says Sharon. “That’s what good advice should do.” If you’d like to explore your remortgage or lifetime mortgage options, the team is ready to guide you with clarity, care and confidence. Start 2026 with your finances firmly in hand. n

Key Mortgage Advice 276 Station Road Bamber Bridge, Preston PR5 6EB 01772 620000 12 Hoghton Street Southport PR9 0TF 01704 829888 Inside Towers & Gornall Accountants River View, Garstang PR3 1WZ 01995 676211 keymortgageadvice.co.uk

lifestyle simply be to pause. Taking a short break before things escalate can be the difference between a heated argument and a calm conversation. The key to changing how couples fight lies in how they communicate. Too often, people approach disagreements like a debate that must be won. This ‘right versus wrong’ mindset turns conversations into battles. Instead, approaching conflict with curiosity can completely shift the tone. Asking questions such as, ‘Can you help me understand why this is so important to you?’ shows a willingness to listen rather than attack. Active listening, giving full attention, reflecting on what was heard can defuse defensiveness. When someone

MIND MAT TERS From fighting to finding each other, therapeutic coach Lynn Scholes looks at how couples can break the cycle of constant arguing into a pathway for deeper understanding and connection.

Most constant arguing doesn’t stem from the issues being discussed, but from deeper, unspoken frustrations or unmet needs. Many couples fight about trivial matters when the real problem is that one or both partners feel unheard or unappreciated. These unacknowledged feelings can sit just beneath the surface, waiting for the next disagreement to ignite them. For example, if one partner feels that their contributions at home go unnoticed, they might snap about something seemingly minor, like dishes left in the sink. In reality, they’re expressing a longing for recognition, not irritation about the dishes themselves. Recognising these emotional undercurrents can prevent small disagreements from spiralling into major fights.

When two people share their lives, differences in opinions, needs and communication styles are bound to surface. But when disagreements turn into constant arguing, the relationship can become emotionally exhausting. What begins as a small dispute about household chores or social plans can evolve into a destructive pattern of tension and resentment. The good news is that the cycle can be broken. With awareness, empathy and consistent effort, couples can learn to transform conflict

It also helps to understand that arguments tend to follow predictable patterns. One person raises a concern, the other gets defensive and before long, both partners are trading accusations instead of solving the problem. Breaking that cycle starts with noticing the pattern itself. Each partner can ask themselves what typically sets the argument off? Becoming aware of triggers and the physical signs that accompany them, like a raised voice or tense posture, creates space for a different response. Sometimes, that response might

rguments are a natural part of any relationship, especially at this time of year when couples have spent more time together over the holidays. When we get to the New Year, it’s not surprising that lawyers see a substantial rise in clients seeking a divorce. But it doesn’t have to be that way.

feels truly heard, they no longer need to shout to make their point.

Managing emotions during arguments is another crucial skill. When tempers flare, the brain’s stress response kicks in, making calm discussion nearly impossible. In those moments, both partners need tools to selfregulate. Simple grounding techniques, like taking slow breaths or stepping outside for a few minutes, can help restore perspective. Using ‘I’ statements, such as ‘I feel anxious when our conversations get loud’ instead of ‘You always yell at me,’ can make a world of difference. What separates couples who thrive, from those who fall apart, is their ability to repair after conflict. Apologies and accountability go a long way in rebuilding trust. Small gestures like a hug, a kind note, a shared laugh, can re-establish emotional safety after tension. These repair attempts are like emotional glue – they keep the bond strong, even when it’s been stretched by conflict. Ultimately, breaking the cycle of constant arguing isn’t about avoiding conflict altogether. It’s about changing how conflict is handled – moving from hostility to understanding, from blame to collaboration. It requires patience and humility, as well as a shared commitment. n Lynn Scholes is a writer, therapeutic coach, trainer and speaker working with individuals and companies.

To find out more contact Lynn on 07753 579745 or go to: focus101.co.uk

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THE TRUE GIFT OF A LEGACY As the dedicated charity of Blackpool Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Blue Skies Hospitals Fund works to enhance patient care across the Fylde Coast, writes Katie Hammond

he charity funds vital improvements which sit outside the standard NHS provision, from modern equipment and upgraded facilities to wellbeing projects which create more comforting, dignified environments for patients and their families. One of the most powerful ways supporters can help make this happen is through gifts left in their will. Support from legacies enables Blue Skies to improve facilities, purchase equipment and enhance services which directly impact the quality-of-care patients receive at Blackpool Teaching Hospitals. These generous gifts can range from a few hundred to several thousand pounds, but no matter the size, each one is enormously important.

loved ones for years to come.” Leaving a gift to Blue Skies is straightforward. A simple instruction within the will, alongside any other arrangements, is all it takes. It is advisable to list the charity’s full name, address and charity number and to consult a solicitor when preparing or updating a will.

BECAUSE LEGACY GIFTS OFTEN ARRIVE IN THE FUTURE, THEY PROVIDE THE CHARITY WITH STABILITY, ALLOWING THE TEAM TO PLAN AHEAD WITH CONFIDENCE Kila Redfearn, Blue Skies Head of Charity, explains: “Because legacy gifts often arrive in the future, they provide the charity with stability, allowing the team to plan ahead with confidence. This financial security gives Blue Skies the flexibility to invest in meaningful projects which will benefit patients and their

Having a will in place ensures wishes are respected and that loved ones are provided for. Without one, the distribution of possessions is decided by the state, removing the ability to direct a legacy. Gifts to UK charities such as Blue Skies are also exempt from Inheritance

Tax, meaning the chosen charity receives the full amount of the bequest. Kila continues: “Legacies received in the past have allowed Blue Skies to deliver tangible improvements across the Trust. Thanks to these acts of generosity, the charity has been able to fund RITA (Reminiscence Interactive Therapy Activities) systems to support dementia patients, fold-down beds for loved ones staying overnight, artwork installations which create calmer, more welcoming hospital environments, comfortable seating in waiting areas and TVs for side rooms to provide comfort and distraction during recovery. Each of these enhancements makes a real difference to the experience of patients and families at some of the most vulnerable moments of their lives.”

EVERY LEGACY LEFT TO BLUE SKIES BECOMES PART OF A LASTING COMMITMENT TO EXCEPTIONAL LOCAL HEALTHCARE One of the most transformative legacyfunded projects was the purchase of a CT Scanner for the Emergency Village. This investment has significantly improved access to urgent imaging, reducing waiting times and enabling faster diagnosis. As a result, far more stroke patients can now be scanned quickly – a time-critical step which can dramatically affect recovery outcomes. This single legacy has already helped countless local people receive faster, potentially life-saving care. Every legacy left to Blue Skies becomes part of a lasting commitment to exceptional local healthcare and the amazing gifts ensure the charity can continue enhancing patient experience today, tomorrow and well into the future. n blueskiescharity.co.uk

YOUR LEGACY

a gift for future generations

No matter how large or small the amount, anyone can leave money to a charity in their will. even leaving us 1% will make a big difference!

lifestyle and attention to detail, which can improve cognitive functions, hand eye coordination, patience and the ability to be present in the moment. Setting and achieving personal goals, such as mastering a new technique or landing a targeted species, provides a sense of accomplishment and increases confidence. Angling also offers an escape from technology and the demands of daily life, providing a mental reset. When shared with family and friends it can help build and strengthen bonds. Joining angling clubs or participating in events allows people to meet like-minded individuals, fostering a sense of belonging and combating social isolation.

FISHING FOR HEALTH record numbers of angling clubs, matches and even school fishing teams across the UK. One of the ways we track the health of the sport is to look at the sale of rod licences, a legal requirement to fish in freshwater across England and Wales. The 2009/2010 period recorded the highest number of sales at nearly 1.4 million. There was another increase in 2020-2021 during the Covid pandemic – mainly attributed to angling being one of the first outdoor activities permitted when lockdown restrictions were eased.

The links between angling and good mental health are now well established. Fishing coach Justin Cavalier from Off The Scale Outdoor Education explains more

ngling in the UK has seen many fluctuations in popularity in recent history – and we now understand surges may be linked to the country’s mental health and wellbeing. One of the most obvious booms was shortly after the Second World War, a period where the population was still recovering after years of conflict – and psychological conditions, although widely undiagnosed, were rife. The 70s saw economic uncertainty hit much of Britain but by the end of the decade there were

THE RESULTS OF STUDIES HAVE PROVED THAT BEING NEAR WATER AND CONNECTING WITH THE COUNTRYSIDE CREATES A MEDITATIVE STATE WHICH CAN LOWER STRESS It was around this time that the correlation between angling and mental health started to gain more recognition. The results of studies have proved that being near water and connecting with the countryside creates a meditative state which can lower stress by reducing the production of the hormone cortisol, inducing a sense of calm and relaxation. Spending time outdoors and in nature has also been linked to higher levels of serotonin, which helps to boost mood and reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety. Vitamin D has positive effects on mood regulation too. Fishing requires focus, organisation

In 2021 angling was formally recognised by the NHS as a socially prescribed activity – one that could be offered to patients as an alternative to medication such as antidepressants. With approximately 80 per cent of anglers being male, having this option available as a therapy became even more important, especially because men are statistically less likely to seek help from a doctor for mental health issues. A fear of being seen as weak and a reluctance to appear vulnerable are all contributing factors but going on a fishing adventure may feel more acceptable. Under 13s do not require a rod license so there is uncertainty as to whether enough are taking up the sport to replace an ageing demographic. However, the demand for junior fishing events seems to be increasing and even if your family lacks someone to pass down knowledge from generation to generation, companies such as Off The Scale Outdoor Education will hopefully always be here to fill that gap. n

07723 072688 offthescaleoutdooreducation.com

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and personal belongings are distributed as you wish, removing the ambiguity of intestacy and family disagreements.

GET AHEAD OF YOUR TAX PLANNING

Taxes are changing for some following the Chancellor’s budget in November. Proactive planning now can free up resources and allow you to keep more of your money for loved ones. A well-drafted will following legal advice, ensures your will is tax efficient, allowing your estate to benefit from available allowances and exemptions.

A WELL-DRAFTED WILL FOLLOWING LEGAL ADVICE, ENSURES YOUR WILL IS TAX EFFICIENT, ALLOWING YOUR ESTATE TO BENEFIT FROM AVAILABLE ALLOWANCES AND EXEMPTIONS LASTING POWERS OF ATTORNEY

NEW YEAR STATE OF MIND

e welcome in the New Year with good intentions and resolutions about health, fitness and career goals. However these good intentions should extend to family stability, wealth preservation and future planning.

As a Private Client Solicitor, I cannot stress the importance of ensuring your testamentary wishes and estate planning is up to date and reflects your current financial position and that of your beneficiaries. If you have previously acted as an executor in a will, you will appreciate how challenging administering an estate can be. Leaving a solicitor-drafted will offers clear guidance ensuring your wishes are fulfilled and your family is taken care of.

A new year is a natural reset point. Jenna Chapman, Associate Partner at Farleys, gives her tips on what you should be YOUR WILL Your will is a gift left to your executors and considering for 2026

beneficiaries ensuring your financial assets

We never want to imagine that there will come a time in our lives where we are unable to manage our finances or decisions about our health. Preparing and registering Lasting Powers of Attorney (LPA) allows peace of mind, ensuring you have assistance with these decisions as you have appointed attorneys who will ensure your affairs are taken care of.

DIGITAL LEGACY AND CYBERSECURITY

Social media, cloud storage and cryptocurrency is often overlooked when undertaking a review of assets. Planning for what happens to your digital assets when you’re no longer here is also essential. Using secure portals and tech-driven estate tools will enable you to leave digital assets to your loved ones without leaving them the stress of trying to access them. As you consider this advice for your plans for the year ahead, the team at Farleys wishes you all a happy and prosperous New Year. n

If you need advice and legal support on anything mentioned in this article, please contact our private client specialists at Farleys on 01254 368040 email: info@farleys.com or visit: farleys.com

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LONELY DOESN’T MEAN ALONE Loneliness can quietly settle in as we get older. The house may feel emptier, friends are no longer close by, or mobility issues make getting out harder, writes Gavin Preston

oneliness is more common than many realise but there are gentle steps you can take to feel more connected again.

Here are five simple but powerful ways to help ease feelings of loneliness and rediscover a sense of connection:

1. Join a Local Group or Activity Whether it’s a walking group in Longton, a knit-and-natter session in Penwortham, or a men’s shed group in Preston — there are welcoming spaces all around South Ribble. Trying something new can boost confidence and bring new friendships.

2. R each Out to a Friend or Neighbour

A phone call or handwritten letter to someone you’ve lost touch with can be a lovely surprise – for both of you. You don’t have to wait for someone to call. You might be the lifeline they’ve been hoping for too.

3. Attend Community Events Many local churches, libraries and community centres host drop-ins, memory cafés and afternoon teas. Even going along for a short time can break up the week and bring a real lift to your spirits.

4. Enjoy Nature and Fresh Air Spending time outdoors – even just sitting in the garden or walking to the post box – can make a big difference to your mood. Being out in the fresh air helps us feel more grounded and less alone as well as maintaining strength in your legs keeping your mobile for longer.

5. Explore Digital Connection

Learning how to use video calls on your mobile phone or messaging apps can open up a whole new world. Charities and libraries often run free digital skills sessions and family members are usually happy to help you get set up. A quick ‘hello’ from a grandchild on a video call can brighten a whole afternoon.

How We Can Help

If you’d prefer support at home or find it difficult to get out, Right at Home Preston & South Ribble can help. Our Carers provide friendly companionship visits tailored to you – someone to chat to, share hobbies with, or accompany you on outings. We support clients across Preston, Leyland, Fulwood, Tarleton, Longridge and beyond – with warmth, respect and genuine care. If you or someone you love could use a little extra connection, we’d love to help. Let’s start a conversation and bring a little more light into your day. n Call us today on 01772 619106 or visit: rightathome.co.uk/preston

A little help… goes a long way A local family run business that prides itself delivering a high quality of care. Now providing Nurse Lead Complex Care & Private End of Life Services

Right at Home Preston & South Ribble can help you with: • Companionship & House Keeping

• Holiday and respite care

• LIVE IN Care

• Specialist Dementia Care

• Trips out to the shops, to see friends, to your favourite local places

• Palliative Care

• Personal Care & Medication

• Our free monthly Rest & Reminisce coffee mornings

We also work with Direct Payments clients Call our friendly team on 01772 619 106 Scan here Visit our website www.rightathome.co.uk/preston Or pop into our office 5 Navigation Business Village, Navigation Way, Preston PR2 2YP

lifestyle 3. Turn right up steps to go through a kissing gate, and straight across to another kissing gate. Turn right and follow the field boundary. Turn right onto a track and continue to the end. 4. Turn left and walk across the front of a house (Greenhalgh Castle House). Go straight over to cross a stile onto an enclosed path through woodland. Go over another stile and follow the right field boundary. Go over a stile, pass a farmyard and through a small gate. Go straight ahead over a field to cross another stile. 5. Turn right through a large gate onto an enclosed lane and cross a canal bridge. 6. Turn right along the towpath and follow it for just over a mile. 7. Immediately before crossing an aqueduct go down wooden steps on the left.

LET’S TAKE A WALK… This simple, relatively short and easy gastrowalk utilises riverside paths, a disused railway line and a canal towpath GARSTANG Hugos Café Bistro/Royal Oak/Pipers Restaurant Distance 3.25 miles/ascent negligible

here are buses to Garstang from Blackpool, Lancaster and Preston. This really is a gastrowalk! Even in windy weather most of this walk is sheltered, which makes it a year-round walk. It starts from the High Street car park, so it is only a short distance to walk from wherever you choose to eat. There is an abundance of good quality eateries in Garstang.

Pipers Restaurant, not surprisingly, also has an excellent rating on Tripadvisor. And if you, like us, enjoy good food, all you have to do is visit the website. The menus are absolutely mouth-watering. Guaranteed to satisfy.

Turn right onto the riverside path and continue to the end, passing through the car park of a nursing home.

8. Turn left and cross the bridge. As you bear right onto Market Place Hugo’s is on your right. Just as you bear right the Royal Oak is on your left. Continue through High Street, passing Pipers on the left, to the end to return to the car park. n

We first discovered Hugo’s Café Bar Bistro after the initial recce for this walk and we were gasping for a drink. Then we saw the menus and the terrace overlooking the river. You can choose from breakfast, coffee and cake, lunch, nibbles or an evening menu. Excellent rating on Tripadvisor. Next up is the Royal Oak. A fascinating history – it was a principal staging post on the London-Edinburgh stagecoach service. Great cask ales and generous portions of good pub food – we’ve sampled them both and were very impressed. Staff were friendly and helpful. Good website and plenty of rooms available to book. Lovely pub with authentic traditional wooden décor and a large car park.

1. Walk out of the bottom left (away from the entrance) of the car park and follow the Wyre Way, alongside the river, for 300 yards. Go up the steps on the left of the bridge. 2. Turn right onto the path, which follows the route of the disused Garstang to Pilling railway, for 3/5 mile.

Signed copies of Lancashire Gastrowalks by Steve Garrill are available for £14.95 from Plackitt & Booth in Lytham.

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what they saw. For many visitors it was enough to simply enjoy the snowy white carpet but for others there was sheer excitement at the numerous variations. Many had double blooms, some had different markings on the petals, whilst others had folded leaves. Bank Hall has a unique collection of snowdrops which have cross pollinated to produce many unique variations simply because the grounds were left undisturbed for over a hundred years. This was a pivotal moment in the campaign and the attraction of thousands of visitors over the years has been instrumental in providing much needed funds critical to saving Bank Hall. In 2026 visitors are once more able to visit the grounds and see the beautifully restored building. Volunteers from the Friends of Bank Hall have prepared the paths and grounds to ensure the visitor experience is one

SNOWDROP SERENITY There is something very special about the fragile little snowdrop that delights us every year. Such a delicate little flower blooming whilst the country is in the grip of winter is often regarded as a sign of spring, new life and a new year

his beautiful little flower has proved to be such an important player in the long-running campaign to save the once derelict Bank Hall at Bretherton. It is now 25 years since the Friends of Bank Hall cleared the grounds of neglect and overgrowth. Very soon after small shoots started to grow all over the cleared areas. In February the little white petals appeared of the now famous Bank Hall Snowdrop collection and the rest as they say is history. During the Victorian era snowdrops were fashionable in the grounds of grand country houses such as Bank Hall. Originating in Ukraine, many were of the Galanthus nivalis type but the other notable species were Galanthus elwesii from Turkey.

DURING THE VICTORIAN ERA SNOWDROPS WERE FASHIONABLE IN THE GROUNDS OF GRAND COUNTRY HOUSES SUCH AS BANK HALL In 2001 the very first visitors came to the grounds of Bank Hall, to walk amongst the trees along woodland paths and marvel at

of the best. During February the grounds will be open on all four Sundays and Wednesdays. Refreshments will be available on Sundays together with a limited number of snowdrop bulbs for sale. Tower Tours of the Hall will also be available on Sundays.

To book a tour visit the website. Entry to the grounds is £4 payable by cash or card on the gate, for children under 16, entry is free. The grounds are open from 12 to 4pm. New for 2026 is a Winter Fairy Trail – come and find the fairies amongst the carpets of wonderful white snowdrops. Funds raised from the snowdrop open days will go towards phase two of the project to restore the walled garden and potting sheds. Twenty-five years on and this humble little flower just keeps on giving. n

bankhall.org

lifestyle

BIG BRANDS, BIGGER SMILES

to mark their calendars for February Half Term, when Affinity Fleetwood hosts its free Enchanted Realms Week. Packed with imagination and excitement, the week promises something truly magical for younger visitors. Unicorns, bubbles and heroes await, with a programme of free events designed to delight.

If you’re looking to shake off the winter blues and start the year with a treat, Affinity Shopping Outlet in Fleetwood is the perfect destination. Photography: Michael Porter

ith the January sales in full swing, there’s never been a better time to enjoy an outlet shopping experience that already promises great value – and then makes it even better. By targeting the sale at an outlet, savvy shoppers can enjoy even bigger bargains, with major brands offering significant reductions on top of their already discounted outlet prices. From fashion and footwear to homeware and gifts, Affinity Fleetwood makes it easy to update wardrobes, pick up early presents or simply enjoy a guilt-free browse. The relaxed, open-air setting means shopping never feels

rushed and with plenty of places to stop for a coffee or bite to eat, it’s ideal for turning a practical shopping trip into a full day out. What really sets Affinity Fleetwood apart is how welcoming it is for the whole family – including four-legged members. The centre is proudly dog friendly, so there’s no need to leave your canine companion at home. Well-behaved dogs on leads are welcome to stroll alongside you as you shop, making Affinity a favourite for dog owners who want a day out without compromise. It’s a small touch that makes a big difference and is always worth celebrating. Looking ahead, families will also want

THE CENTRE IS PROUDLY DOG FRIENDLY, SO THERE’S NO NEED TO LEAVE YOUR CANINE COMPANION AT HOME Highlights include Unicorn Ponies on Wednesday 18th February, perfect for little ones who love all things sparkly and mythical. On Thursday 19th February, families can take part in the Mystic Hunters Trail, adding an adventurous twist to their visit. The week concludes with a bang on Saturday 21st February, with a K Pop Demon Hunters Meet, Greet and Singalong – an energetic and unforgettable experience for fans. With unbeatable January sale bargains, a warm welcome for dogs and exciting free events on the horizon, Affinity Fleetwood proves it’s much more than a shopping centre. It’s a place where great value meets great days out, whatever the season. n

Affinity Lancashire Anchorage Road, Fleetwood FY7 6AE 01253 877377 affinitylancashire.com

S E C I R P W O L t a S D N TOP BRA

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HAIR HIRE C L E E H W EE

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www.affinitylancashire.com

DLY

lifestyle

CHARITY F O C U S Live Preston & Fylde takes a look at ongoing fundraising projects that see thousands of pounds donated to good causes around the region If you want to highlight a charity, please email: ali.gudgeon@live-magazines.co.uk

GOING THE DISTANCE FOR VETERANS A 22-year-old Royal Marines Commando is preparing for what many consider impossible: completing five full Ironman triathlons in five consecutive days – all to raise vital funds for a veterans’ charity close to his heart.

Jack Nichol, originally from Lytham, devised what he now calls Challenge 5 after floating the idea to friends last year. “I fell in love with the idea after the first three people I told responded saying it wasn’t physically possible,” he laughs. “To everyone it was unimaginable – even to me, at first – but it seemed like the perfect challenge.” From 31st March to 4th April, Jack will take on the extraordinary feat in support of Veterans into Logistics (VIL), a UK non-profit founded in 2020. The charity helps ex-military personnel, service leavers, reservists and other vulnerable individuals – including people with convictions or those facing homelessness or employment barriers – retrain as HGV drivers and move into stable work within the logistics sector. The transition from military to civilian life can be fraught with challenges – the loss of routine, difficulty translating skills, unemployment and, in some cases, homelessness or reoffending. VIL directly tackles these issues with practical training and long-term employment support – something Jack believes makes a tangible difference. A lifelong athlete, Jack has represented the Royal Marines with accolades in leadership and marksmanship, plus he previously boxed for 13 years. But it was a personal turning point in 2024 that

set him on his current path. “I was in a strange position and very unsure what I wanted from life,” he recalls. “I decided to run 100km for charity to learn what kind of person I really was when things got tough.” He completed the run in 10.5 hours and raised more than £7,500. “In doing that challenge, things became clearer – what I wanted in life, how capable I was and that helping others achieve tough challenges is a blessing. Doing something tough changed my life.”

Preparing for five Ironman events back-to-back, however, is a challenge on a different scale. Jack is currently seeking sponsorship for essential nutrition and hydration supplies – electrolytes, highcalorie race fuel, carb packs and gels – as well as technical gear and clothing for the five-day event. For context, a single Ironman involves a 3.8km swim, 180km bike ride and a full 42km marathon run. Completing one is an achievement in itself – completing five in five days is extraordinary, especially as fewer than 45 people worldwide have ever achieved anything like this. Good luck Jack!

To support Jack in his Challenge 5 event, please email: nicholjack2003@gmail.com or visit JustGiving: justgiving.com/page/jacknichol-challenge5#supportersList

lifestyle

HOW TO PROTECT YOUR WELLBEING WHILE NAVIGATING FAMILY CHANGES emotional complexities. There may be some

can be very therapeutic.

for reducing stress and improving mood. Even a daily walk can make a huge difference.

Children: Keeping children and their physical and emotional wellbeing at the forefront of decision-making will ensure they are supported as much as possible during these changes.

January is often considered a services available through the NHS or you Self-care: Take time for things that help you time for change. After the bustle can explore private practitioners. relax – doing small things to care for yourself of Christmas and the start of a Support groups: Many communities have can make a big difference. New Year it’s a time for reflection support groups for people going through 5. Legal Considerations divorce or family changes. These can provide Divorce: If you’re considering starting a and possibly making significant a sense of solidarity and help you realise divorce application, it’s helpful to have early changes, writes Sarah Robson, you’re not alone. legal advice. Get in touch and we can guide Associate Solicitor, Family and 2. Maintain Healthy Routines you through the process as well as advising Divorce Law at Forbes Solicitors Exercise: Physical activity is a powerful tool on the financial implications of a divorce. Sleep: Divorce or change can be stressful but try to maintain a good sleep routine. Eat well: Eating balanced meals can boost your mood and energy.

3. Manage Your Finances

or some people, this period of reflection brings changes to family life, such as separation, divorce, or a shift in family arrangements. These changes to your family can be a very difficult time. It’s important to maintain your own wellbeing to enable you to move forward through these changes in the most positive way. In this article I look at ways in which this can be achieved.

Understand your finances: Divorce can bring financial changes. It’s vital to get a clear picture of your income, debts and assets. Consider speaking to a financial advisor if necessary. Legal advice: If you’re unsure about how assets will be split, or about child arrangements, getting professional legal advice is crucial. Forbes Solicitors have specialist family law advisors that can guide you through the process at a pace that works for you.

4. Take Time for Yourself

Talk to friends and family: Surround yourself with supportive people who can listen without judgment.

Boundaries: If you’re trying to co-parent and maintain good communication with your former partner it’s also important to set boundaries that protect your emotional wellbeing.

Professional support: A therapist or counsellor can help you navigate the

Hobbies and interests: Engage in activities you love – finding an outlet for your emotions

1. Seek Emotional Support

caring Lancashire • Manchester • Leeds

6. Mental Health Support

It is vital to reach out to support services if your mental health is affected by the changes and you need professional support.

7. Be Kind to Yourself

Avoid self-blame: Divorce often involves a lot of guilt and self-doubt. There’s very rarely only one reason why a marriage or relationship breaks down. Give yourself time: Healing from a separation takes time. Forbes Solicitors can guide you through the legal challenges that you will face when a marriage or relationship breaks down. We have members of our team who specialise in all aspect of family law – divorce, financial matters and child arrangement agreements. n Consultations are available by phone, video call or in person at our offices nationwide. For dedicated legal support, please contact Forbes Solicitors on 0800 689 1058.

Life has its moments. Some happy, some heartbreaking, and some where you’re going to need legal advice. With Forbes, you can embrace life with confidence, safe in the knowledge that whatever happens, we’ll be here for you.

forbessolicitors.co.uk

0333 207 1130

lifestyle

CELEBRATE IN LUXURIOUS STYLE If you’re looking for luxury and breathtaking scenery to make that special occasion perfect, your search is over. Gilpin Lake House offers all of that and more

hether you’re planning the perfect proposal, dreaming of saying “I do” in unforgettable style, or searching for a breathtaking backdrop to celebrate a milestone moment, Gilpin Lake House might just be the luxury lakeside venue you’ve been wishing for. Whatever the occasion, this is a place made for moments that matter. Set on a picture-perfect private estate in the heart of the Lake District National Park – just a stone’s throw from Windermere – the five-star Gilpin Lake House is a charming country-house hotel with grand spaces, beautiful bedrooms, Michelin-starred dining and enchanting grounds. Inside, you’ll find a cosy bar and lounge with a wood-burning stove, a spacious and stylish function room with floor-to-ceiling windows and a balcony boasting breathtaking views and well-appointed bedrooms sleeping up to 16 guests. There’s also a state-of-the-art kitchen for their Michelin-trained team to work their magic, plus superb spa facilities including an indoor pool, sauna, treatment room and outdoor hot tubs. Step outside and the estate opens into gardens to wander, woodland to explore and gorgeous views to soak in.

Tie the knot just you two, in their romantic boathouse or with guests galore (up to 60) in the contemporary conservatory with bi-fold doors opening up onto the terrace – your ceremony can be as intimate or grand as you wish. If the weather is fine, an outdoor ceremony might be just the thing, so you can soak up the sunshine as well as the spectacular scenery. Alongside their ‘You & Me’ elopement package, Gilpin offers ‘The Love Story,’ a completely exclusive two-day celebration for you and your beau, plus up to 14 guests. This includes two nights of luxury accommodation, exquisite dining, Champagne and full access to all facilities. You can even invite additional day guests so all your nearest and dearest can celebrate with you. If you’re planning to pop the question, Gilpin Lake House offers a setting that blends luxury, intimacy and natural beauty in the most effortless way. Declare your love beside the still waters of their private tarn, from their secluded fell-top viewpoint, or in the comfort of your elegant room. Their discreet team is always on hand to help plan the perfect proposal and there’s even a dedicated package that can be tailored to suit your vision.

WHATEVER THE OCCASION, THIS IS A PLACE MADE FOR MOMENTS THAT MATTER From big birthdays and special anniversaries to corporate retreats, Gilpin Lake House – with all its facilities – can be hired exclusively for a truly bespoke getaway. Add curated experiences from trusted local partners, whether you fancy candle making, clay pigeon shooting, or something entirely different. As a five-star, family-owned venue, Gilpin Lake House prides itself on providing exquisite, tailored experiences with personal and professional service at the heart of everything they do. Their Relais & Châteaux-trained team look after each event from start to finish with warmth, professionalism and extraordinary service to make your occasion uniquely yours. n

Gilpin Hotel & Lake House Crook Road Windermere 01539 488818 thegilpin.co.uk

weddings

LOVE IN FULL BLOOM Wedding planning in 2026 is all about vibrant style, sustainable choices and deeply personal moments that make each celebration unforgettable

that cuts down on waste. Thrifty décor, pre-loved wedding gowns and eco-conscious favours like seed packets or local honey add

s the new year unfolds, 2026 is shaping up to be a beautiful blend of innovation, personalisation and heartfelt tradition. Whether you’re newly engaged or deep in the details, this year’s weddings are all about creating experiences that feel deeply personal while embracing thoughtful design and meaningful moments. This year’s bridal fashion is delightfully diverse. Sleeves – puffed, draped or pearlstudded – are stealing the spotlight. Bold accessories like oversized bows and playful veils bring personality to every look. Grooms are leaning into textured fabrics, velvet tuxes and patterned ties. And for both? A growing trend toward outfit changes that take couples from ceremony elegance to after-party fun. Sustainability is no longer a niche trend – it’s a priority. Couples are opting for venue decor that can be reused or repurposed, digital RSVPs and locally sourced catering

AS THE NEW YEAR UNFOLDS, 2026 IS SHAPING UP TO BE A BEAUTIFUL BLEND OF INNOVATION, PERSONALISATION AND HEARTFELT TRADITION

thoughtful, planet-friendly charm. Even with larger guest lists making a comeback, intimate experiences remain key. Private first dances, handwritten letters to each guest and unplugged ceremonies all help couples carve out moments of presence. A growing favourite – ‘last look’ photos captured after the reception ends, when the couple has a quiet moment alone in an empty venue lit by lingering candles. From cinematic drone footage to AI-assisted planning tools that help with timelines and moodboards, technology is making the planning process smoother than ever. But the biggest shift? Tech that enhances connection. Livestreams mean distant relatives can join the celebration, while custom audio guestbooks record messages that feel personal and nostalgic. Perhaps the most meaningful trend of 2026 is the emphasis on local. From regional menus to artisans crafting bespoke décor, couples are weaving their community into their celebration. It’s a beautiful way to support small businesses while creating a wedding that feels genuine to who they are – and where they’re from. As we step into 2026, weddings are less about perfection and more about personal expression. And that’s something worth celebrating. n

er v e or F ur o Y Starts with us...

Forever &

Always

A New Ch

apter of Lo

ve Begins

Locked in Love

Multi-award-winning Crow Wood Hotel has become the wedding venue of choice for style-conscious couples. With a breathtaking panorama, it has all the grandeur of a bygone era in an ultra-modern setting.

Arrange your visit to our multi-award-winning venue

crowwoodhotel.com

weddings

JUST ENGAGED?

YOUR WEDDING STORY STARTS HERE If a little sparkle appeared on your finger over Christmas (congratulations!), January suddenly becomes the month of big dreams, Pinterest boards and one very important question: where shall we get married?

t Ribby Hall Village, we believe choosing your wedding venue should feel as exciting as the proposal itself. Set within Lancashire’s only 5-star holiday village, Ribby Hall offers something refreshingly rare – space, flexibility and genuine warmth, all wrapped up in over 20 years of wedding expertise.

Our weddings team are renowned for going the extra mile. They don’t just plan weddings – they build relationships. From first viewing to last dance, you’ll be supported by people who genuinely care about bringing your day to life, exactly as you imagined it.

What makes Ribby Hall Village truly special is its diversity. From beautifully styled ceremony spaces to outdoor areas perfect for post-ceremony celebrations, everything sits

FROM BEAUTIFULLY STYLED CEREMONY SPACES TO OUTDOOR AREAS PERFECT FOR POSTCEREMONY CELEBRATIONS, EVERYTHING SITS WITHIN ONE BEAUTIFULLY LANDSCAPED VILLAGE within one beautifully landscaped village. Your guests can stay on-site in a wide range of accommodation, while you enjoy the ultimate newly engaged indulgence with luxury spa hotel stays. It’s a destination wedding feel… without the airport stress.

And for couples ready to turn ‘just engaged’ into ‘date booked’, there’s even more reason to say ‘yes’ to Ribby Hall Village. New 2026 Wedding Late Offers have just been released. Book a Complete, Twilight or Asian & Multicultural Wedding Package for 2026 and receive a FREE overnight spa break for two at our award-winning Spa Hotel, the perfect way to unwind and celebrate your engagement. Plus, couples booking Saturday 25th April or Saturday 16th May 2026 will also enjoy £1,000 off, alongside the complimentary spa break. If you’re newly engaged and looking for a venue with heart, experience and unforgettable moments built in, Ribby Hall Village might just be the start of your forever. n

ribbyhall.co.uk/weddings

Weddings at Ribby Hall Village

RELAXED, HAPPY &

full of love

Set within 130 acres, Ribby Hall Village offers breathtaking backdrops, a passionate team with years of expertise, and tailored packages designed to make your special day truly unforgettable.

Arrange a private showround

ribbyhall.co.uk/weddings

AMELIA SCOTT ISLA ART DECO HOOP BAROQUE PEARL EARRINGS £99 (Also available in silver and rose gold colours) sarahlayton.co.uk

SEIKO PROSPEX SPEEDTIMER ‘MOTORING’ EUROPEAN EXCLUSIVE LIMITED EDITION £730 huppach.co.uk

18CT GOLD FRESHWATER PEARL AND DIAMOND PENDANT £480 sarahlayton.co.uk REMI V-NECK RUFFLE MAXI DRESS £250 monsoon.co.uk

PERFECT DAY Discover a curated selection of stunning pieces to elevate your wedding day look from timeless jewellery to elegant accessories HERRINGBONE BLAZER NAVY £110 joebrowns.co.uk BAUME ET MERCIER HAMPTON LADIES WATCH £3100 huppach.co.uk

WINNIE PRINT DRESS £142 busbyandfox.com While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, all prices and stockists are subject to change. DUNE LONDON COMPASSIONATE HEELS £99 dunelondon.com

CLOGAU PAST PRESENT FUTURE TOPAZ BRACELET £189 sarahlayton.co.uk

PETITE TRIM NECK SHORT SLEEVE DRESS £65 roman.co.uk

BRIDAL EMBELLISHED CLUTCH £30 accessorize.com DUNE LONDON SEGRED BLACK LEATHER £119 dunelondon.com

weddings

DISCOVER YOUR DREAM WEDDING A fabulous new space featuring everything you could possibly wish for when it comes to wonderful weddings has opened in the heart of Clitheroe

elcome to James’ Places Weddings and Events Boutique @ The Emporium – a unique space where visitors can discover and explore the amazing Dream Venues collection and meet the ever-so-friendly and ever-so-knowledgeable weddings and events coordinators.

THE BOUTIQUE OFFERS VIDEO SHOWCASES AND WALKTHROUGHS FOR EACH VENUE IN THE COLLECTION The boutique offers video showcases and walkthroughs for each venue in the collection and the team prides themselves on having an answer to every question that might be asked – from styling and décor, ambience and atmosphere to the nitty-gritty of room capacities, bedroom numbers, car parking, lifts and even the loos.

is a great introduction to the Dream Venues collection and it’s a superb way of presenting all the venues in one place, at the same time, to allow couples to start working out the perfect venue for their big day. Of course, nothing compares to visiting the venue itself as each has its own personality, charms and characteristics. One-to-one tours can be arranged to suit individual diaries and availability.

IT’S A SUPERB WAY OF PRESENTING ALL THE VENUES IN ONE PLACE, AT THE SAME TIME As well as information, there is lots of inspiration in store too! James’ Places has teamed up with some of the hottest names in venue dressing and styling, music and entertainment, videography and photography along with bridal and formal wear. The aim is to change the displays with the seasons to really embrace the colours and tones of the day to bring classic and contemporary seasonally-themed styling. The new Weddings and Events Boutique

Being based at The Emporium also means visitors are never too far away from a wonderful cup of coffee or two, or perhaps a light lunch to enjoy while they take it all in. The boutique will be open 10am-4pm Monday-Saturday, Sunday and bank holiday Mondays by appointment only during the winter months, with longer hours coming in the spring. Appointments with the coordinators can be booked by emailing dreamvenues@jamesplaces.co.uk or visitors are welcome to simply pop in and explore – both are absolutely fine with the team. They can’t wait to see everyone! n The James’ Places Weddings & Events Boutique occupies the lower ground floor of The Emporium, Moor Lane, Clitheroe. It can be accessed via The Emporium doors on Moor Lane, or from Sainsbury’s car park.

dreamvenues.co.uk

Scan to view the Collection

A collection of six Dream Venues across the Ribble Valley, Yorkshire Dales & South Lakes. W W W. D R E A M V E N U E S . C O . U K

Exceptional

WEDDINGS & EVENTS A collection of six award-winning venues across the Ribble Valley, Lune Valley & Yorkshire Dales. The butterflies, the excitement, the ‘this could be the one’ moment— our Wedding Fair dates are here to help you find it.

F E B RU A RY FIRST LOOKS Shireburn Arms & Falcon Manor

Sunday 8th February

Eaves Hall & Mitton Hall

Sunday 15th February

Holmes Mill & Wennington hall

Sunday 22nd February

Or to book a private viewing, please visit

D R E A M V E N U E S . C O. U K

PHOTOGRAPHERS: DaisyBell, Ally M, Emilie May, Rachel Ovenden & Nick English

weddings together to brighten dark circles, hydrate and de-puff the delicate under-eye area.

NIGHT BEFORE AND IN THE MORNING

Avoid exfoliation or strong treatments in the final few days. Instead stick to calming moisturisers and gentle cleansers. A light hydrating mask or under-eye patch the night before can help calm any redness.

GLOW GOALS ONE – TWO

Give your skin the star treatment WEEKS BEFORE long before the big day so your As the big day approaches makeup glides on smoothly and shift into maintenance stays flawless from ‘I do’ to the mode. Use hydrating masks once a week and double last dance down on moisturiser and

lanning your wedding makeup begins long before you open the makeup bag. Think of your skin as the canvas – the smoother and more hydrated it is the more luminous your final look will be. Follow this step-by-step prep guide to nail that picture-perfect finish.

START: FOUR – SIX WEEKS OUT

Experts recommend starting your bridal skincare routine at least a month before the wedding. Keep it simple – cleanse gently, use a hydrating serum and moisturise daily. A gentle exfoliation, once a week, helps remove dead skin cells and promotes a smooth, even complexion. Resist the temptation of new, strong products too close to the day.

water intake. Dr Haushka Soothing Face Mask, calms and fortifies the skin, guiding it back to a state of balance. This is the time for introducing targeted treatments – especially if you want to smooth out fine lines or reduce puffiness under the eyes.

Available from The Spa Hotel, Ribby Hall Village ribbyhall.co.uk

MEDIK8 ADVANCED DAY TOTAL PROTECT SPF30 £57 Available from Melt, Waddington 01200 443377 themeltco.com

DON’T FORGET THE LIPS

Wedding makeup fails fast if lips are flaky or dry. A smooth hydrated pout makes lipstick glide on and hold colour better. For instant softening, the Mii Hydra Boost Lip Lover is ideal. Use it daily (especially the night before) to lock in moisture and give lips a healthy shine.

Under-eye tip: The Mii Bright Eyed Hydrogel Mask is a clever choice. Its hydrogel patches are enriched with niacinamide, caffeine and sodium hyaluronate which work MII HYDRA BOOST LIP LOVER £18.50

MII BRIGHT EYED HYDROGEL MASK £24

On the morning itself cleanse, serum, moisturise but skip heavy oils. Use a lightweight, non-greasy day cream and don’t skip SPF – even for an indoor wedding. Try Medik8 Advanced Day Total Protect SPF30, a lightweight moisturiser and sunscreen in one. Finish with a primer suited to your skin type so your makeup stays fresh all day.

Available from The Spa Hotel, Ribby Hall Village ribbyhall.co.uk

LIFESTYLE MATTERS

Hydration is as much from the inside as the outside. Drink plenty of water, eat nutrient-rich foods and get good sleep. Reducing stress helps prevent breakouts and dullness – exactly what you don’t want before you walk down the aisle. n

DR HAUSHKA SOOTHING FACE MASK £42 Available from Melt, Waddington 01200 443377 themeltco.com

YOUR DREAM WEDDING I N

T H E

R I B B L E

VA L L E Y

WWW.BASHALLBARN.CO.UK Bashall Town, Clitheroe, Lancashire, BB7 3LQ | Tel. 01200 428964 | Email. weddings@bashallbarn.co.uk PHOTO CREDIT: KISS THE BRIDE PHOTOGRAPHY

Scan Me

weddings

LOVE AT FIRST BITE

nown for its creativity, attention to detail and warm, personal service, Chelcie’s Cakery specialises in bespoke designs that feel truly tailored to each client. Whether you’re dreaming of an elegant multitiered wedding cake, a fun themed birthday centrepiece, or a dessert table filled with treats, Chelcie works closely with customers to bring their ideas to life. For weddings, the cakery’s bespoke approach allows couples to design a show-stopping centrepiece that reflects their personality, colour palette and overall vision for the day.

Penwortham-based Chelcie’s Cakery is making a name for itself creating beautifully crafted celebration cakes and it’s easy to see why couples and party-planners alike are turning to this small business for their most important occasions Working from a charming mobile pod, the business also offers private hire for weddings, corporate events, baby showers and engagement parties – bringing beautifully crafted bakes directly to your celebration.

What makes Chelcie’s Cakery stand out is the combination of artistry and flavour. Every cake is made to order using quality ingredients, resulting in bakes that look spectacular and taste just as impressive. This includes

EVERY CAKE IS MADE TO ORDER USING QUALITY INGREDIENTS, RESULTING IN BAKES THAT LOOK SPECTACULAR

3D cakes and everyday favourite treats such as carrot cake, mint rocky road and Viennese whirls. For anyone seeking a truly personalised, handcrafted celebration cake, Chelcie’s Cakery is a standout choice in the Preston area. n

07427 687513 Chelcie’s Cakery @chelciescakery

COUNTRY ELEGANCE

n the heart of the Ribble Valley, Longridge House, formerly Ferraris Country House, has recently undergone a stunning renovation. Period details run throughout promoting timeless appeal, while fresh finishes and thoughtful touches keep every space luxuriously modern. Guests can choose from elegant spaces for weddings and receptions, corporate events, private dining in The Library or relaxed meals in the bright stylish Dining Room overlooking immaculate gardens. With 23 bedrooms including some that are dog (and child) friendly, it is a place to settle in, enjoy the ambience and savour the food. Weddings at Longridge House range from small intimate ceremonies to celebrations with 150 daytime guests and up to 250 in the evening. The Garden Room is a magnificent, high ceilinged, walnut panelled wedding space, where large events take place. Couples shape their own menus supported by chefs who put seasonal local produce at the heart of every plate. The Dovecote is the outdoor ceremony pavilion, surrounded by stylish gardens – it is a space where everyone feels part of the moment. Longridge House also boasts Blackmoss

Cottage, which offers spaces for the bride and wedding party to stay the night before, to get ready in the morning, with a light filled hair and make-up prep area and outdoor patio with countryside views. At Longridge House each couple also has an experienced wedding coordinator dedicated to making their dream a reality.

Photography: Nick English

Longridge House is a relaxed countryside retreat where weddings, dining and events unfold with ease offering seasonal food and luxurious, boutique comfort

Not wanting to forget the grooms, The Snug is where they can enjoy a drink from the bar and prepare for the day. Cooking over fire is set to become a standout feature for weddings and events at Longridge House, which has a dedicated outdoor kitchen and grill on which the chefs prepare the signature Fire Feasting Menu.

LONGRIDGE HOUSE WEDDING SHOWCASE 10th & 11th January 2026

Personal appointments running throughout the day until 5pm. A guided tour plus a selection of trusted collaborators. To book your appointment, please email: beccy@longridgehouse.com

“It is a totally different style of dining,” says Lucy McCarthy, one of the three siblings who own Elle R Leisure. “It is modern day feasting and exclusive to Longridge House.” Although homely, Longridge House, has well considered spaces for celebrations, both indoors and in the beautiful gardens. The house is equally suited to corporate events, baby showers and christenings and weddings with flexible rooms and tailored menus including afternoon tea. Dining at Longridge House ranges from sandwiches and deli boards in The Bar complete with a cosy fire (no need to book) to lunches and dinners in The Dining Room. January will see the launch of a set lunch menu, which will be of exceptionally high quality – but the price not so much. For dinner, the Head Chef, Jack Wilkinson, focuses on the finest Lancashire produce. Sunday lunch has already proved very popular with fire cooked roasts. Longridge House is an impressive country retreat – visit for the food, stay for the rooms and enjoy the calm and tranquillity that envelopes this rural retreat. n

GIFT CARDS

Gift cards available for rooms, restaurant bookings and afternoon tea. Longridge House Chipping Lane, Thornley Chipping PR3 2TB 01772 233142 longridgehouse.com

Photography: George Ward

Photography: Bobtale

Photography: Emily Robinson

Photography: Bobtale

weddings

YYO O UU RR DDAY, AY, YYO OUURR WAY WAY Mytton Mytton Fold Fold Hotel, Hotel, located located in in the the heart heart of of the the Ribble Ribble Valley Valley is is aa wedding wedding venue venue for for all all seasons seasonsand andstyles, styles, with with accommodation accommodation onsite onsite for for your your entire entire wedding wedding party. party. The The light light and and airy airy Abbey Abbey and and Ribble Ribble suites suites offer offer the the most most elegant elegant settings settings and and are are completely completely vertistile vertistile when when itit comes comes to to your your ‘I‘I Do’ Do’ moment moment -- with with dates dates available available for for 2026 2026 and and beyond. beyond.

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EDUCATION N E W S SCOTT STRIKES TWICE

CHRISTMAS CELEBRATION

PREP PUPILS SHINE

FOOTBALL MASTERCLASS

NATIONAL YOUTH ORCHESTRA SELECTION

SPORTING COMPETITION

Stonyhurst Poetry (Year 12) pupil Scott celebrated an outstanding double success at the North West Junior Fencing Championships, securing silver medals in both the Épée and Sabre events. His impressive performance reflects his dedication, skill and growing reputation in the sport. As a Year 12 boarder at Stonyhurst, Scott balances his fencing commitments with strong academic focus, embodying the school’s ethos of developing well-rounded, high-achieving young people. A fantastic achievement and one to watch for future competitions.

Over 50 pupils from Years 7 to 10 took part in an exciting football masterclass as Westholme welcomed five coaches from Blackburn Rovers Academy to school. Boys and girls trained together across five dynamic stations focusing on ball control, attacking play, positional awareness and small-sided tactical challenges. The morning provided pupils with a valuable insight into the standards expected within a professional academy environment. Coaches were impressed by the pupils’ effort and enthusiasm, and this event marks the beginning of an exciting relationship between Westholme and Blackburn Rovers Football Club.

Westholme’s Carol Services at Blackburn Cathedral were a beautiful celebration of music and reflection to start the festive period. Against the grandeur of the cathedral, students, staff and families joined together to celebrate and raise funds for St Catherine’s Hospice. Traditional carols, including Once in Royal David’s City and Angels from the Realms of Glory, filled the air, while the choir and orchestra performed. Thoughtful readings and sensitively delivered vocals created a moving atmosphere, perfectly capturing the true spirit of Christmas whilst raising an impressive £1,862 for charity.

Ellis Hollows, a talented percussionist and Kirkham Grammar School pupil, has achieved outstanding success in being selected to join the National Youth Orchestra of Great Britain (NYO) for 2026 – the world’s greatest orchestra for teenagers and one of the most prestigious ensembles of its kind. Following a record number of applications from across the UK, Ellis is one of just 160 young musicians to have been chosen to represent the next generation of exceptional orchestral talent. His selection places him among the most gifted teenage musicians in the country – a remarkable personal and musical achievement.

The youngest pupils at Westholme lit up the Croston Theatre with their joyful performance of I’m Gonna Shine, for the enchanting Lower Prep Nativity. The story followed Gloria, the brightest star in heaven, as she guided the Three Wise Men to Bethlehem, taking centre stage on her special journey. From the charming Mary and Joseph to the angels, shepherds and even a comically grumpy King Herod, every child performed with confidence. Colourful costumes, lively songs and expressive acting made this a truly heartwarming celebration to mark the start of Christmas at Westholme.

Hundreds of schoolchildren descended on the University of Lancashire to compete in this year’s Preston Primary Schools Indoor Athletics Final. More than 400 pupils from 20 local primary schools participated in a range of running, throwing and jumping events while receiving coaching from first year Sports Coaching & Development and Physical Education & Sport students. Schools attending included Ashton Primary School, Broughton-in-Amounderness CE Primary School, Deepdale Community Primary School, Fulwood & Cadley Primary School, Harris Primary School, Moor Nook Community Primary School and St Maria Goretti Catholic Primary School.

Highfield Priory Independent School & Nursery

Reception Places Available Award-Winning Nursery

Our beautiful, state-of-the-art Nursery is a DayNurseries top 20 award winner, coming 1st out of the 420 Nurseries in Lancashire.

Academic Excellence

Established in 1938 as a centre of academic excellence, we continue to encourage our children to ‘Aim High’ in all that they do, achieving National recognition for our NCT results.

Extensive Extra-Curricular Programme We encourage your child to discover and develop their talents, as well as their social skills, across a wide range of interactive activities and sports.

Get Involved!

At Highfield Priory, we make sure each child has the opportunity to get involved and challenge themselves, on the stage (Preschool -Year 6) and in competitive sporting fixtures (Years 3-6). “I can’t!” isn’t in a Highfield Priory pupil’s vocabulary!

Be Prepared!

Each pupil receives dedicated training to access their chosen Secondary School, including Entrance Examination and interview practice, with excellent results.

Mental Health and Well-Being

Our award-winning Highfield Heights well-being programme encourages self-awareness and self-belief whilst building strength and resilience, helping to equip your child for life beyond Primary School.

01772 709624 | Fulwood, Preston schooloffice@highfieldpriory.co.uk

A MODERN BOARDING MODEL Stonyhurst offers a modern approach to boarding that is designed to meet the needs of today’s families, providing full term, weekly and flexible boarding options

tonyhurst’s tailored, flexible boarding model ensures that pupils can fully engage with school life while accommodating the busy schedules of families, whether they live locally or further afield. With its rich Jesuit ethos, tailored boarding at Stonyhurst helps pupils thrive academically, socially, emotionally and spiritually. With 37 different nationalities at Stonyhurst, for some boarding is a way of life. However, tailored boarding also appeals to local families and those living between 45 and 90 minutes away, for whom the daily commute is often impractical. Tailored boarding allows pupils to

immerse themselves in school life and spend time with friends, as Reuban Strain, Stonyhurst’s Deputy Head of Pastoral, explains: “Essentially a Jesuit education is about learning and living. Learning takes place in the classroom and living means making friends from other countries and cultures and taking part in the many and varied co-curricular and extra-curricular clubs, sports and cultural activities.”

PUPILS DON’T WANT TO SPEND TIME TRAVELLING, THEY WANT TO GRASP EVERY OPPORTUNITY THERE IS HERE Boarders can take advantage of early morning swims in the pool, go for a run around the 1000-acre estate, play tennis in the indoor tennis dome or enjoy a session in the gym before starting school, taking full advantage of the facilities set within the extensive grounds. “Pupils don’t want to spend time travelling, they want to grasp every opportunity there

is here,” adds Reuban. Working closely with Reuban is Senior Houseparent Marta Gallego, who oversees more than 300 boarders at the College. She explains that boarding fosters a sense of togetherness, where friendships with peers from around the world last a lifetime: “There is a real sense of community, and everyone contributes to it, supported by the fact that all our boarding houses are under one roof,” she says.

“The many different nationalities all live and work together, giving pupils a global perspective that enriches their education.” Alongside an unrivalled academic curriculum sits a vast array of mainstream and niche clubs, sports and cultural activities. Higher Line (Sixth Form) pupils have recently launched their own Gastro Club, visiting the many and varied eateries the Ribble Valley has to offer. Other clubs include the Heavy Metal Appreciation Society,

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MedSoc (Medical Society), for potential medics and a build-a-go-kart project. An exciting array of opportunities awaits, including a programme of adventurous activities, from climbing and mountain biking to kayaking, led by the College’s recently appointed Director of Adventure. “If pupils make a suggestion for a new activity or opportunity, we always like to respond and make it happen,” says Reuban. “Pupils are in their element when they’ve discovered a sport or pastime they enjoy, it allows them to find their place amongst friends with similar interests. They are truly alive when they’ve found their sense of belonging.”

While many local schools end their day by mid-afternoon, Stonyhurst has structured supervised studies (homework) with access to teacher support later in the day. With evenings free from travel, boarders can participate in clubs, sport, music and interline activities. “Pupils don’t want to miss out. The structure of the Stonyhurst day avoids the often-typical family situation whereby children come home from school mid-afternoon and they’re on their screens for much of the evening.” Weekends for Stonyhurst boarders are designed to be adventurous and fulfilling with sporting activities and trips that often have an educational or cultural element. The boarding experience helps pupils develop confidence and responsibility with routines that promote not only academic growth but essential skills that will serve them in later life. “Parents trust us to educate their children, guide them spiritually and culturally. They are in a safe environment, learning independence and surrounded by pastoral care that prepares them for adulthood.” Senior pupils can choose to make use of their own kitchen and laundry facilities, helping them develop the practical life skills they will rely on at university and beyond. For families living closer to Stonyhurst, within five to 15 minutes, the appeal of the boarding experience lies in the deeper engagement it offers. These families want their children to experience the full breadth

of school life, beyond the classroom. Staying in school during the week allows pupils to form stronger friendships with their peers, strengthening the bonds that come from living and learning together. The structure of the school week for local boarders ensures academic work is completed, leaving weekends free for family time. It also means that pupils are fully involved in school life, with a deeper connection to the community.

THE BOARDING EXPERIENCE HELPS PUPILS DEVELOP CONFIDENCE AND RESPONSIBILITY WITH ROUTINES THAT PROMOTE NOT ONLY ACADEMIC GROWTH BUT ESSENTIAL SKILLS THAT WILL SERVE THEM IN LATER LIFE At the heart of the school’s ethos is care, structure and a deep commitment to personal and academic development. Prayer, faith-led activities and regular moments of reflection and gratitude help guide pupils toward becoming well-rounded individuals with a strong moral compass. Ultimately, Stonyhurst’s tailored boarding options are more than just a solution for families with busy schedules. Boarding gives pupils a chance to thrive in a supportive, dynamic environment that encourages independence and academic excellence, providing a flexible, enriching experience that meets the needs of today’s modern family.

Reuban adds: “The Jesuits are known as the educators of Europe, teaching people how to become the best version of themselves, both inside and outside the classroom. At

Stonyhurst we believe by giving our pupils a vast array of opportunities, they can develop and grow into men and women who will go on and change the world for the better.” n

Scan to discover more

during an Open Day Stonyhurst Clitheroe BB7 9PZ 01254 827073 stonyhurst.ac.uk ukadmissions@stonyhurst.ac.uk

A TRIUMPH! Over four unforgettable nights, the musical Miss Saigon highlighted the exceptional talent, commitment and passion of Westholme’s performing arts students

s the lights dimmed in Westholme’s Croston Theatre, the audience was transported from the heart of the Ribble Valley to wartorn 1970s Vietnam – a world of love, sacrifice and heartbreak brought vividly to life by the extraordinary students of Westholme Senior School and INSPIRED Sixth Form.

Over four nights, Miss Saigon captivated audiences with breathtaking performances, stunning staging and the unmistakable energy that comes from young talent performing at its very best. From the moment the orchestra struck its first note to the show’s triumphant finale, it was clear this was no ordinary school production. Every element from the

soaring vocals of the leads to the intricate choreography and impressive technical mastery, reflected months of dedication, teamwork and a passion for storytelling that defines Westholme’s Performing Arts tradition.

MISS SAIGON HAS BEEN A SHINING EXAMPLE OF WHAT MAKES WESTHOLME SO SPECIAL “It has been an absolute privilege to see our students take on such a powerful, challenging musical with such maturity and heart. Every rehearsal revealed more layers of their understanding and their commitment to approaching the material with respect and authenticity has been

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truly inspiring,” said Mrs Roberts-Lyle, Head of Drama. At the heart of the production was a cast whose talent belied their age. Olivia and Darcie shared the iconic role of Kim, each delivering a moving portrayal filled with raw emotion and breathtaking vocal control. Milun and Louka took on the role of Chris, bringing complexity and authenticity to the character’s journey. Meanwhile, Zak, Elley and Scarlett brought humour and humanity to their portrayal of the Engineer. “Playing the Engineer was fascinating,” said Zak, Year 13. “He is a complicated character, funny, ambitious and sometimes ruthless but underneath all that, he is just trying to survive. Learning to show both his charm and pain was an amazing challenge.”

Behind the scenes, staff and students embodied the ethos of Westholme’s Performing Arts department – excellence on stage is built upon teamwork and shared passion. “Playing the piano in such a difficult show has been such a rewarding experience,” said William, Year 12. “I have loved learning the new music and trying out the school’s new piano. The hours of rehearsals mean I will never forget the songs (even if I wanted to). I am so grateful to have had this opportunity.” The National School Theatre Awards who attended Miss Saigon on the Saturday performance left glowing reviews, remarking: “Westholme’s Miss Saigon showcased the extraordinary impact of performing arts in education. The commitment, artistry and emotional intelligence displayed by the pupils on stage was truly remarkable.” Westholme has a long-standing tradition of outstanding performing arts. Its exceptional Croston Theatre and purpose-built studios offer students unparalleled opportunities to discover their creative voices, whether in acting, dance, music or technical production. “Miss Saigon has been a shining example of what makes Westholme so special. Our students performed with extraordinary

IT HAS BEEN AN ABSOLUTE PRIVILEGE TO SEE OUR STUDENTS TAKE ON SUCH A POWERFUL, CHALLENGING MUSICAL WITH SUCH MATURITY AND HEART maturity and talent and it was a joy to see the entire Westholme community come together in support,” said Principal Paul Taylor. “We were honoured to welcome so many distinguished guests including former Principal Lillian Croston, the Mayor of Blackburn and a wonderful number of Old Westholmians, who returned to cheer on the next generation. Their presence made the

atmosphere even more memorable. I could not be more proud of our students and staff for delivering a production of such ambition, depth and professionalism.” From Shakespeare to modern musicals and from orchestral concerts to evenings of dance and cabaret, Westholme students are encouraged to explore every facet of performance. The department’s national recognition as a finalist for Independent School of the Year for Performing Arts (2024 and 2025) is a testament to its unwavering commitment to nurturing talent and innovation. For the students, the experience was transformative, an opportunity not only to perform, but to grow in confidence and demonstrate the key 21st century skills that are at the core of Westholme’s curriculum. n

Westholme School Meins Road Blackburn BB2 6QU 01254 506070 westholmeschool.com

Jim was a Salford man and a devoted Mancunian, as his daughter Lucy McCarthy, explains: “He was very proud of his Salford roots and was passionate about Manchester.” Lucy along with her brother James Ramsbottom (both pictured) and sister Beth Adams, now steer the company forward, combining entrepreneurial spirit with deep local roots.

THEIR BOLDEST PROJECT TO DATE IS THE ACQUISITION AND FULL RENOVATION OF LONGRIDGE HOUSE IN THE RIBBLE VALLEY Housed in a former stable block, Dukes 92 was reimagined after a million-pound refurbishment in 2016, taken back to brick, embellished with green foliage and the interior elegantly furnished. The space blends indoor sophistication with a stylish city garden – testament to Elle R Leisure’s eye for character.

Elle R Leisure is a family-owned hospitality group that has hotels and restaurants across the North West – their most recent acquisition being the beautifully-restored Longridge House in the Ribble Valley

From Dukes, Lucy, James and Beth were keen to open a restaurant and started with Albert’s Shed in Castlefield – so called because Jim’s uncle Albert had helped with the initial restoration of Dukes, as Lucy

Photography: Bobtale Photography

lle R Leisure has quietly built one of the region’s most respected independent hospitality empires. Founded by the late Jim Ramsbottom in 1991 with the now-iconic Dukes 92 canal-side bar in Manchester, the business has grown into a multi-concept group spanning restaurants, bars and boutique hotels.

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recalls: “He said we could have his shed, if we named the restaurant after him so Albert’s Shed was the first in our Albert’s brand!” That first restaurant model proved a huge hit and over time they expanded to Albert’s in Worsley, Didsbury and Standish, each blending bold seasonal menus with a relaxed, inviting style.

Photography: Nick English Photography

In 2016, Elle R Leisure acquired Soughton Hall, a spectacular Grade II listed Georgian house in North Wales. The hall, which dates back to the 18th century, now operates as an exclusive-use wedding and corporate venue. The team invested heavily, breathing new life into the historic property. Meanwhile, over in Leeds sits Woodlands, a restored boutique retreat set in landscaped grounds. With 22 individually designed rooms and three elegant event spaces, your own business, every decision, every detail, is important. We have changed almost everything internally to make the house really feel like a home.

Photography: Bobtale Photography

Photography: Emily Robinson Photography

FAMILY VALUES REMAIN AT THE CORE OF THE BUSINESS WITH LUCY, JAMES AND BETH OPERATING NOT JUST AS OWNERS, BUT AS CUSTODIANS OF THEIR FATHER’S LEGACY “Very little needed changing in the gardens. We just had to retain their beauty, but the interiors are all-new, tailored to evoke calm and provenance.” Across their restaurants, bars and hotels, the group prides itself on northern hospitality – including an orangery that can host up to 250 people, it offers rural calm just a short drive from the city.

“We have totally reimagined the layout of the house to create many different spaces each with their own character,” says Lucy. “I had a very defined style in mind. When it’s

Family values remain at the core of Elle R Leisure with Lucy, James and Beth operating not just as owners, but as custodians of their father’s legacy. From Castlefield to the Ribble Valley, from canal-side cocktails to countryside weddings, they have grown their business with long-term investment in mind.

Photography: Bobtale Photography

In 2024 Elle R Leisure pulled off perhaps its boldest project to date – the acquisition and full renovation of Longridge House in the Ribble Valley. The 23-bed property now exudes country-house charm, with a thoughtful layout of rooms, two cottages, multiple event spaces and interiors that feel homely and warm. Lucy oversaw the redesign personally, focusing on soft, natural tones and a welcoming hallway reminiscent of that in a family country house, instead of a traditional hotel reception.

looking after their guests is the number one priority.

Their portfolio now spans vibrant city venues and tranquil country retreats, each with its own identity but all united by quality seasonal food, generous hospitality and a commitment to providing great customer service. At each of their hotels and restaurants, the story feels personal and rooted in a vision that has made this family- owned business so resilient in a fast-changing industry. n

NEW YEAR: NEW FINANCIAL PLAN Happy New Year! Everybody in the Raymond James, Ribble Valley team sends you and your family every good wish for 2026

ow are your New Year’s resolutions going? Do you even make any? Most people’s resolve fades by the end of January but at Raymond James, Ribble Valley we can help you keep at least one excellent resolution – to review, understand and manage your financial future. A new year makes a great time to talk to our team! Rachel Reeves’ second budget, delivered in November 2025, included measures which will have an impact on nearly everyone – the freezing of income tax thresholds, increases in the tax rates on dividends, savings and property income, changes to salary sacrifice schemes, new National Insurance charges for landlords, a so-called mansion tax and changes to cash ISAs. Whether your main financial objective for the year ahead is making sure you can

fund a three-decade retirement, planning an exit from your business, funding a child’s education, or perhaps making sure your estate will end up with the people you want it to, for the reasons you choose, our team could help. Your goals are, of course, unique to you, but changes brought by the budget mean that everyone should take the time and where necessary, seek professional advice, to understand their impact on their financial position, now and in the future.

WE’LL HELP YOU TO GET ON TRACK AND STAY ON TRACK TO MEET YOUR FINANCIAL GOALS AND ASPIRATIONS So, is 2026 the year when you take control of your financial future? At Raymond James, Ribble Valley, our philosophy is built around understanding your goals and where you’re trying to get to – what would you like to be able to do, when would you like to do it and who do you want to share it with?

We’ll work with you to help review your current financial position. Pensions are often people’s second most valuable asset after their home, yet they are frequently neglected. It’s important that they’re serviced and looked after accordingly, just like you would a car. For instance, such a considerable asset being invested largely out of line with your risk tolerance, or an inappropriate asset allocation, could have a detrimental impact on your retirement plans. How much will your pension provide in retirement? How much should you be saving? How many years will your pension last at your desired standard of living before running out? We’ll help you consider whether changing your strategy or consolidating your existing assets is appropriate. It’s often the case that we amass a variety of pensions, investments and policies over our lifetime. Consolidating two or more existing pensions into one plan can bring many advantages including the benefits of having to review only one savings plan, the potential to save on plan charges and

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ensuring your investment risk is understood holistically rather than across multiple portfolios. We’ll help you to get on track and stay on track to meet your financial goals and aspirations. For example, the Chancellor’s changes to the UK tax regime, last year and this, have given rise to a significant increase in the number of conversations the Raymond James, Ribble Valley team is having with our clients. Taxes are part of life but we don’t want you to have to pay any more tax than is necessary. Of particular significance to our existing client base are the changes around Inheritance Tax, particularly in respect of agricultural assets and Capital Gains Tax, especially regarding business owners looking to exit their business, whether by sale or passing to a family member. If you believe that any of the changes may affect you, then we’d love to hear from you. By building a close personal relationship with you we can help assess risks to your financial plan. What could cost you your financial security and independence and what do we need to protect you from? What will happen to your financial security if the

unexpected happens to you? The new tax charge on pension death benefits represents a new risk which we can help you to understand and navigate.

WHY NOT MAKE 2026 THE YEAR YOU RESOLVE TO HAVE A FREE INITIAL CONVERSATION WITH THE TEAM? At Raymond James, Ribble Valley we aim to help clients grow their wealth, live off their wealth and pass on their wealth to loved ones. Our key service areas are savings and

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investments, pensions, tax-efficient retirement income, business exits, family investment companies, stockbroking and estate planning. More than that we offer the financial strength, infrastructure and resources of a large multinational investment company, with access to world-class systems and research. We don’t subcontract out to other service providers or companies. So why not make 2026 the year you resolve to have a free initial conversation with the team at Raymond James, Ribble Valley? A warm welcome awaits. n Risk warning: This article is intended for informational purposes only and no action should be taken or refrained from being taken as a consequence without consulting a suitably qualified and regulated person. With investment, your capital is at risk. Tax treatment depends on an investor’s individual circumstances and may be subject to change.

Raymond James Investment Services Limited 8 Berry Lane Longridge PR3 3JA 01772 780300 ribblevalley.raymondjames.uk.com

business

BUSINESS MATTERS

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The entrepreneurial spirit is alive and well in Preston and Fylde, where business always matters If you have any Business Matters news items contact: ali.gudgeon@live-magazines.co.uk

INDEPENDENT FURNITURE RETAILER SHORTLISTED FOR MAJOR INDUSTRY AWARD Loom Loft Furniture & Interiors has been shortlisted for Independent Retailer of the Year at the inaugural Excellence in Furniture Awards 2026. Created by The Furniture Show, the awards will be held on Monday 19th January. “We are absolutely delighted to be shortlisted amongst such respected names in the industry,” said Tracy Leeming, Head of Marketing. “Being recognised in the very first Excellence in Furniture Awards is a testament to our team’s passion, our customers’ loyalty and the vision that has shaped Loom Loft since day one. We’re incredibly proud to represent independent retail and Lancashire on a national stage.”

PROUD PRESTON AWARDS The Lancashire Post, in collaboration with Preston City Council, has launched the Proud Preston 2026 Awards to spotlight the individuals and organisations driving the city forward. Supported by media partners Blog Preston and Central Radio, the awards will honour Preston’s often-overlooked champions who make a real difference in their communities. With categories spanning the business, public, voluntary and charity sectors, the initiative offers broad recognition for those who go above and beyond in daily life. The awards aim to bring people and organisations together to celebrate the unsung heroes whose dedication strengthens Preston and supports its future. Nominate at: nationalworldevents.com/ppa-2026/categories Voting closes on 22nd January. Winners announced in March.

IMPACT REPORT RELEASED

DIGITAL AND CYBER SKILLS BOOST

Marsden Building Society has released its 2025 Impact Report, highlighting a year of strengthened community support and member-focused investment. The Society donated over £30,000 to Lancashire projects through its Charitable Foundation and contributed 228 volunteer hours to local organisations including Barnardo’s and the Ribble Rivers Trust. A new solar panel installation at its Principal Office is expected to generate 58,000 kWh of clean energy and cut carbon emissions by 7 tonnes annually. Branch refurbishments continue, alongside the launch of a Workplace Savings scheme for local employers. The Marsden also celebrated major wins, including Customer Service Award and Employer of the Year.

Lancashire’s cyber and defence sectors are set to get a massive skills boost, thanks to the work of the Lancashire Skills and Employment Hub. Following a successful pilot programme, a further 500 students in the county are set to benefit from major expansion of the Government’s Digital & Cyber Bursary Programme. According to the UK Ministry of Defence: “students will pursue cutting-edge qualifications in subjects including computer science, cyber security, engineering, data science and AI across 10 colleges in Lancashire.” It’s great news for Lancashire, and a testament to the work of Kerry Harrison and colleagues at the Skills & Employment Hub, who have worked closely with the MOD’s Digital Skills for Defence team to develop the bursary scheme.

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1 NO O W WR RO ON NG G T TU UR RN NS S .. 10 00 0 '' S S O OF F C CA AR RS S .. N We are a credit broker & not a lender. Terms & conditions apply. Representative example (PCP) I Cash price: £22,220.00 Total Customer Deposit £2,600. Credit amount: £19,620, Total credit charge: £8,227.72, Total amount payable: £30,447.72, Per £299.03 for&48 payment: £13,793.31. 12.9%example APR. Hippo Vehicle Limited t/a Hippo Approved is authorised & regulated by£19,620, the FCA Total [FRN credit - 658076]. We work withTotal a select group of lenders and will We month: are a credit broker notmonths, a lender.Optional Terms &final conditions apply. Representative (PCP) I CashSolutions price: £22,220.00 Total Customer Deposit £2,600. Credit amount: charge: £8,227.72, amount payable: £30,447.72, receive commission. fullmonths, details of how thefinal commission work will be Hippo provided before you proceed with arrangement. subject&to status and Conditions The advice provide is not impartial Per month: £299.03 The for 48 Optional payment:arrangements £13,793.31. 12.9% APR. Vehicle Solutions Limited t/aany Hippo ApprovedFinance is authorised regulated by income. the FCATerms [FRN and - 658076]. We apply. work with a selectwe group of lenders and will due to our commercial relationships with lenders. ICO number [Z1246427] receive commission. The full details of how the commission arrangements work will be provided before you proceed with any arrangement. Finance subject to status and income. Terms and Conditions apply. The advice we provide is not impartial due to our commercial relationships with lenders. ICO number [Z1246427]

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NEW ERA OF ELECTRIC The all-new BMW iX3 is leading the way in sheer driving pleasure. It is redefining long distance electric travel, signalling a bold new era for BMW, writes Paul Agnew

or those who follow the evolution of modern mobility, the arrival of the new BMW iX3 marks a defining moment for the brand. As the first series-production model of the Neue Klasse, it represents far more than a new vehicle launch – it signals the beginning of a new design era and a step-change in BMW’s technological ambition. From its minimalist aesthetic to its advanced electric drive system, the iX3 gives the impression that BMW has quietly moved an entire generation ahead. At Bowker BMW, there is clear excitement surrounding the debut of this next-generation Sports Activity Vehicle. The exterior instantly

FROM ITS MINIMALIST AESTHETIC TO ITS ADVANCED ELECTRIC DRIVE SYSTEM, THE IX3 GIVES THE IMPRESSION THAT BMW HAS QUIETLY MOVED AN ENTIRE GENERATION AHEAD

conveys BMW’s future direction – clean, confident surfaces, a newly interpreted kidney grille and a strong, upright stance that feels both contemporary and unmistakably BMW. Beneath its sculpted lines sits sixth-generation BMW eDrive technology – the most efficient and advanced electric powertrain the brand has produced to date. The new iX3 50 xDrive offers a range of up to 500 miles (WLTP) making it the longest-range battery electric vehicle on sale in the UK at launch. With 800-volt architecture and rapid-charging capability of up to 400 kW, drivers can add approximately 231 miles of range in just 10 minutes, redefining what long-distance electric travel can look like. A significant part of this leap forward lies in the vehicle’s new digital infrastructure. BMW has introduced an entirely new electronics architecture powered by four high-performance control units – its so-called ‘superbrains’. At the centre is

motors the Heart of Joy, responsible for driving dynamics, energy recuperation, braking and steering. Working up to 10 times faster than conventional systems, it ensures the iX3 responds with the precision, smoothness and agility expected of a BMW, while enabling 98 per cent of braking manoeuvres to be performed using recuperation alone. Inside, the atmosphere shifts from cuttingedge performance to quiet, modern refinement. The cabin is spacious, minimalist and sustainably crafted, with leather-free Econeer materials as standard. The centrepiece is the all-new BMW Panoramic iDrive, featuring a full-width windscreen display supported by BMW Operating System X. This pioneering interface creates a clean, intuitive environment where key driving information appears exactly where it is needed, enhancing BMW’s long-standing ‘eyes on the road’ philosophy.

A SIGNIFICANT PART OF THIS LEAP FORWARD LIES IN THE VEHICLE’S NEW DIGITAL INFRASTRUCTURE Customers will be able to choose from three well-equipped variants – iX3, iX3 M Sport and iX3 M Sport Pro – each offering a generous level of specification and signature BMW comfort. With 469 hp, 0-62mph in 4.9 seconds and intelligent all-wheel drive, the iX3 couples impressive performance with exceptional efficiency. Priced from £58,755 OTR, the BMW iX3 is set to arrive at Bowker BMW early 2026. As one of the first models heralding BMW’s bold new era, the iX3 sets a powerful tone for what is to come. For those eager to witness the future direction of the brand, Bowker BMW will offer a look at a vehicle that blends range, innovation and design more seamlessly than ever before – and firmly establishes the Neue Klasse as the next chapter in sheer driving pleasure. n

Bowker Preston Channel Way Preston PR2 2YA 01772 769976 bowkerprestonbmw.co.uk @BowkerBMW @bmw_bowker @bowker-motor-group @bowker.bmw

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PURE LUXURY From Porsche fridges and flasks to branded baby seats, Paul Agnew discovers an unrivalled collection of Porsche luxury lifestyle accessories

or any motorist with an eye for style, a craving for sport and an appreciation of excellence, a Porsche is just about as good as it gets. But, hang on a minute, owning a Porsche these days is so much more than an iconic car – it is a way of being. A genuine lifestyle. Trust me, you can actually revolve your entire day-to-day being around the famous brand and we are talking, as you might expect, the highest quality. From what you wear, to how you furnish your home (particularly your kitchen) to the accessories you carry – gosh, there is nothing you cannot acquire through Porsche and its high-end partners. A truly mind-blowing array of goodies and, just the other day, I was invited to Porsche Preston to have a closer look. Was it impressive? You bet it was! With other brands you might be lucky to find a pen, a keyring or a maybe a teddy bear. Not with Porsche.

Here you’ll discover a plethora of statement clothing (male and female) across T-shirts, jackets, baseball caps, yoga wear and on-trend jackets and some of the finest homeware products including thermos flasks, cups, glasses plus a kitchen range, in conjunction with SMEG, covering toasters, kettles, blenders, coffee machines – even fridges. Yes, you read right, an actual Porsche fridge! There’s laptop and cabin bags, holdalls,

suitcases, icon keyrings, wallets and purses and card holders, espresso cups, sunglasses and some of the smartest trainers out there – even children’s items like baby racers and babygrows. The list goes on and on. If you really feel like pushing the boat out, how about a bike from a range of Porsche e-bikes that is second to none? Having enjoyed a guided tour of the in-dealership shop, seen first-hand the stock carried in the dedicated warehouse, I met up with the enthusiastic staff who make it all possible. You cannot fail to be enthralled.

motors It is Porsche heaven! But, that said, you don’t have to be a Porsche owner to take advantage. You might just want to buy a gift for a lucky relative or friend or, better still, yourself. Take the particularly stylish thermos flasks which are available in a range of colours and styles to precisely match your car’s exterior or interior – and priced from £44. Indeed, many of the items on show fall within what might be considered ‘affordable’ and full credit to Porsche for that. However, there is one particular piece holding pride of place at the Preston showroom – a miniature model of the famous Porsche 911 Spirit 70 in stunning Olive Neo – one of only 300 available across the globe. Did I ask about the price? Let’s just say POA. There are, of course, any number of wonderful items to dress up your car or brand your travel experience, like super-smart driving gloves, elegant enamel crests, classy-looking document and key fobs, ice scraper with glove attached, aluminium petrol tank cap, even a super cute Porsche baby car seat – for the baby who has everything!

THERE ARE, OF COURSE, ANY NUMBER OF WONDERFUL ITEMS TO DRESS UP YOUR CAR OR BRAND YOUR TRAVEL EXPERIENCE No other car brand can match the Porsche collection of lifestyle accessories and there is just something so special about the logo that makes every item look and feel even better. But don’t take my word for it, simply tap in at porsche.com or perhaps better still, pop into Preston Porsche and judge for yourself. Online is fine and dandy, but seeing, touching and trying right there and then is always preferable – especially to those of a certain vintage! I’ll leave the invitation with you. Enjoy. n Porsche Centre Preston Centenary House Watery Lane Preston PR2 1QJ 01772 911911 porschepreston.co.uk @PorscheCentrePreston @Porsche_Preston @PorschePreston

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ON TRACK TO THE TOP From local lanes and chain gangs to world championship gold, Preston cyclist Phoebe Taylor shares the journey, mindset and community support behind her rise to the top of British cycling, writes Ali Gudgeon

eventeen-year-old Phoebe’s journey into cycling began almost as a family reunion with the sport. Her dad had been a keen downhill mountain biker, but when Phoebe was born, riding took a back seat. That changed when she was around eight years old, when father and daughter lined up together at a cyclo-cross race run by the North West Cyclo-Cross

Association. Phoebe didn’t have instant success – far from it – but something clicked. “I didn’t do great in my first race,” she

BEING NERVOUS IS PART OF THE SPORT. IT ACTUALLY MAKES ME A BETTER ATHLETE

admits, “but I really wanted to get onto the podium.” That quiet determination became the driving force behind her early years in cycling. She kept racing, kept learning and eventually stood where she’d always imagined herself – on the podium. Unlike many young athletes, Phoebe never saw cycling as a casual pastime. Even at a young age, it felt bigger. “I’ve never seen cycling as just a hobby,” she says. “I’ve always believed it’s something I could have a future in if I worked hard enough.” While her love for the sport runs deep, she’s also motivated by the dream of turning that passion into a career – one that could one day take her to the Olympic Games.

sport

That sense of progression has defined Phoebe’s career. Her first taste of representative racing came when she rode for Team North West at inter-regional road and track events. Representing her home region alongside riders she loved training with was special – but pulling on a Great Britain jersey took things to another level. “I can’t even begin to explain the feeling of putting that jersey on for the first time,” she says. Racing in British Cycling colours wasn’t just a personal milestone; it was the realisation of something she’d aspired to for years. Even more meaningful has been sharing success with teammates she’s grown up racing alongside - friends turned fellow internationals. Despite her growing list of accolades, Phoebe remains deeply rooted in Preston. She still lives locally and trains on familiar roads and trails that have shaped her as a rider. Beacon Fell and the Trough of Bowland are firm favourites, offering both physical challenge and mental escape. Another cornerstone of her development has been the Preston Chain Gang – a fast-paced group ride she’s grown up riding in. “I’ve spent so much time there over the years,” she says. “It’s definitely helped me become the rider I am today.” While Preston remains home, much of her training now takes place in Manchester, where the velodrome and British Cycling headquarters host regular camps. A typical training week is demanding and varied – Monday Night Track League in Manchester,

intense turbo sessions midweek, the Preston Chain Gang on Saturday mornings and longer endurance rides over the weekend. The physical demands are relentless, but Phoebe is keenly aware of the mental side of elite sport. “Racing is really hard mentally,” she explains. Expectations – both internal and external – can create pressure. Music plays a key role in her preparation, helping

WE WORKED SO HARD ALL YEAR AND TO WIN WITH YOUR TEAMMATES WAS AN INCREDIBLE FEELING her stay calm while also building adrenaline before races. She’s learned not to fear nerves, but to embrace them. “Being nervous is part of the sport. It actually makes me a better athlete.” That mindset paid off spectacularly last year when Phoebe helped Great Britain win the Team Pursuit at the World Championships – setting a world record along the way. “That achievement means the most to me,” she says. “We worked so hard

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all year and to win with your teammates was an incredible feeling.” The road hasn’t been without challenges. Self-belief, she says, has been one of the toughest hurdles. Throughout it all, support has been crucial. Family, coaches and local clubs have provided not only training expertise, but emotional and financial backing. “I wouldn’t be where I am without them,” she says simply. As for role models, Phoebe grew up inspired by Laura Kenny – initially for her medals, now for her resilience. “She’s faced so many setbacks and still comes back stronger. She’s an incredible role model for female cycling.” Away from the bike, Phoebe values balance. Time with friends – whether meeting up or catching up on FaceTime – helps her switch off and reset. She takes each day as it comes, accepting that not every day will feel perfect. “You have to get through the bad days to make it to the good ones.” Looking ahead, Phoebe’s ambitions are clear – winning a Road Nations Cup, returning to the Track World Championships and targeting victories in the Omnium, Team Pursuit and Madison. More than medals, though, she hopes to keep growing – as an athlete and as a person – with a strong mindset and purpose in every training session. From muddy cyclo-cross courses to world championship gold, Phoebe Taylor’s journey proves that big dreams can grow from local roads – and that Preston has played a quiet but powerful role in shaping a world-class athlete. n

IN THE

KITCHEN

WITH…

Food is never just food. It’s the memories, passion and stories behind the plate. In this series, we sit down with some of the region’s most inspiring chefs – here we talk to The Cartford Inn’s Head Chef, Chris Bury

hris quickly made his mark on the menu of the already highly regarded country inn as he brought his enthusiasm for a variety of underused techniques, including curing, home-smoking and preserving. He is passionate about seafood, which the inn has a reputation for serving, and enjoys foraging (notably for wild mushrooms) to give dishes authentic terroir. We sat down with Chris to chat about where it all began, what inspires him and the simple dishes that keep him grounded.

THE JOURNEY

What first drew you into the world of food and how did you know it was going to be more than just a job for you? I grew up with a front-row seat to hospitality. My grandad and mum owned a hotel in Blackpool – Grandad lived there, Mum worked there – and on weekends and during school holidays I’d help out. I was always drawn straight to the kitchen with Grandad, cooking breakfasts and resetting the dining room for evening service. As a 12-year-old, it felt exciting and grown-up and I instantly knew I loved it.

I STARTED AN APPRENTICESHIP AT TWELVE RESTAURANT IN THORNTON AND COMPLETELY FELL IN LOVE WITH THE KITCHEN, THE FOOD AND THE WHOLE WORLD OF HOSPITALITY By 14, I was even left to cook the evening meal for eight guests on my own: mushroom soup, chicken-tonight-style sauce with vegetables and peaches with ice cream. I was so proud and the guests loved it. That moment really cemented things for me.

Right after school, I started an apprenticeship at Twelve Restaurant in Thornton and completely fell in love with the kitchen, the food and the whole world of hospitality. I never considered another career. This was always going to be it.

INSPIRATIONS & INFLUENCES

Who or what has been your greatest culinary inspiration, either inside or outside the kitchen? Along the way, you meet chefs who shape you into who you eventually become. Everyone I’ve worked with has influenced me in some way – the camaraderie, the shared passion the creativity. That collective energy is a huge part of what inspires me. Gary Rhodes was the first celebrity chef I really followed. His books fascinated me – his attention to detail, the precision of his recipes. Later, Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall had a big impact with ‘Cook on the Wild Side’ and ‘River Cottage’. Those programmes definitely helped spark my love of foraging and wild food. These days, my biggest inspiration is simply the seasons. Letting nature and our incredible local suppliers dictate what’s available keeps my cooking grounded, honest and exciting.

SIGNATURE DISH

If you had to choose one dish which truly represents you as a chef, what would it be and why? My black pudding doughnut with tarragon mustard meringue and celeriac-apple remoulade. It has followed me throughout my career, evolving with me and it still appears on The Cartford Inn’s menu from time to time. I’ve always loved black pudding – and with the surname Bury, how could I not? For this dish I use an exceptional pudding from Silfield Farm in Barrow-in-Furness. It’s deep-fried inside choux pastry – the remoulade is sharp

and crunchy – the meringue is sweet with a fiery, anise kick from the tarragon mustard. Jay Rayner once came in and tried it and he loved it. That was a very good day.

CULINARY HEROES

Which chef (past or present) would you most love to cook alongside and what would you make together? Keith Floyd without a doubt. What an adventure that would be. I can picture it now: the two of us in some far-flung corner of the world, chatting with locals, discovering ingredients, recreating dishes in a beautiful setting, drinking copious amounts of wine and having a brilliant time.

food&drink

Travel and food are two of my greatest joys. The cuisine of a country often dictates where I travel next and I make a yearly foraging trip to Scotland – it keeps my creativity alive.

KITCHEN WISDOM

What’s one piece of advice you wish someone had given you when you first started cooking professionally? When you first step into a professional kitchen, it’s easy to feel intimidated. But the stereotype of the aggressive, cut-throat environment is outdated in most good kitchens now. Yes, it’s high-

pressure but it’s also creative, supportive and collaborative. If you have passion, there’s a place for you here, at any age. My advice is actually to parents – if your child is leaving school and unsure of their path, consider encouraging them toward a good hospitality or culinary college. The industry teaches confidence, discipline, teamwork and social skills that shape you far beyond the kitchen. Hospitality is an incredible foundation for life.

GUILTY PLEASURE

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When you’re off duty, what’s the dish, snack or drink you secretly love – no matter how simple? Pizza, without hesitation. I can eat one anytime, anywhere – never get bored, always hungry for another – and ideally washed down with a good red wine or a beer. Tacos are a close second. But my true guilty pleasure? A whole tray of shop-bought tiramisu to myself. Sometimes the cheaper, the better! thecartfordinn.co.uk

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food&drink

CAJUN STYLE CHICKEN THIGH TRAYBAKE

This spicy traybake brought to you by Booths, makes a delicious, warming supper on a cold winter evening

Serves: 4

Prep time: 30 minutes

Cook time: 45 minutes Ingredients:

8 chicken thighs

50ml vegetable oil

1 tbsp Cajun spices 75g chorizo, diced

1 green pepper, diced 1 red onion, diced

4 spring onions, sliced 1 celery stick, sliced 200g okra, sliced

400g chopped tomatoes 2 bay leaves

3 garlic cloves, crushed 1 tsp dried thyme 1 red chilli, sliced

Salt and pepper to taste Method: • Preheat the oven to 180°c/160°c Fan/ 356°F/Gas Mark 4.

• Drizzle each chicken thigh in vegetable oil and sprinkle Cajun spices all over to coat. • Place in a deep sided baking tray and roast in the oven for 15 minutes. • Add the chorizo and chopped vegetables to the tray and continue to cook for another 15 minutes. • Add the chopped tomatoes, bay leaves, crushed garlic, thyme and chilli then cook for a further 15 minutes, stirring every five minutes. • Remove from the oven, season to taste and serve with rice. n Chef’s tip: Perfect for batch cooking, try adding some seafood like cooked king prawns, crab claws or crab meat when you reheat for an authentic Louisiana style.

booths.co.uk

SURPRISES

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Pop in store to discover surprises you’ll love this New Year Scan me

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A CULINARY JOURNEY Shaun Rankin, Chef Patron of Shaun Rankin at Grantley Hall, shares the inspiration behind his new book, A Taste of Home. Photography: Justin DeSouza

or Michelin-starred chef Shaun Rankin, food has always been more than technique or presentation. It has been a place – a landscape, a memory, a story. From his Yorkshire childhood to kitchens in Chicago and Western Australia, through his acclaimed years in Jersey and finally to his homecoming at Grantley Hall, Shaun’s culinary journey has been shaped by the idea that ingredients carry meaning. Now, for the first time, that journey has been distilled not into a menu, but a coffee-table book – a celebration of the people, philosophies and produce that define his work at Grantley Hall.

“It felt like the right moment to bring all of that together,” Shaun says. “The book is about the journey of the restaurant – the inspiration behind setting it up and the people who shaped it.”

SHAUN’S CULINARY JOURNEY HAS BEEN SHAPED BY THE IDEA THAT INGREDIENTS CARRY MEANING Rather than producing a typical chef’s tome of stylised plates, Shaun wanted to capture the sensory world of the restaurant, its kitchen garden, the textures of handforaged ingredients, the changing seasons. “I’m led by what’s in season and what our growers and foragers bring in,” he says. At Grantley Hall, the garden is planned twelve months ahead, foraging takes place across the estate. “The visuals lean into texture, place and produce rather than staging.” This sense of place has always been central to his cooking, though the landscapes

have changed. In his early career, Shaun travelled widely – working at Charlie Trotter’s in Chicago, then in Western Australia. These experiences left a lasting mark. “Travel is amazing for a chef,” he says. “I remember tasting Kobe beef in Chicago for the first time – it completely blew my mind. There was no expense spared and it gave me real insight into top-quality ingredients and how to pair them to create exceptional dishes.” Yet it was Jersey, where he lived and cooked for over two decades, that defined the first half of his culinary identity. His 2010 cookbook was steeped in the island’s unique “nine-mile-long garden”, using hyper-local produce grown, caught or foraged daily. Moving to Grantley Hall in North Yorkshire offered both contrast and continuity. “The Jersey book was rooted in an island pantry,” he explains. “Moving to Yorkshire gave me access to different local ingredients and an opportunity to return to my roots.” The parallels between the two are subtle but powerful. “Both are defined by a strong

food&drink sense of place – Jersey by sea and gardens, Yorkshire by its fields, hedgerows and coast. Each gives you a different larder that guides your cooking.” Today, Shaun aims to source within 30 miles where possible, with only a few exceptions such as Scottish seafood. “We taste what’s in peak season and listen to what growers are excited about before building dishes around that.” This reflects his broader philosophy: “Buy the best you can, cook it in season, don’t overwork it.” Respect for ingredients guides everything and sustainability naturally follows. “Seasonality and close relationships with producers push us toward responsible sourcing – using what’s at its best and wasting less.”

I REMEMBER TASTING KOBE BEEF IN CHICAGO FOR THE FIRST TIME – IT COMPLETELY BLEW MY MIND Classical technique remains his foundation. Reinvention comes from collaboration and a sense of British regionality – elegant service, tableside touches and dishes that honour local heritage. He distils it simply: “Inspiration comes from the ingredients, always.” Among the dishes featured in the book, one holds particular emotional weight: Bread, Butter, Dripping and Beef Tea. “It comes from one of my signature courses on the Taste of Home menu,” he explains. “It’s inspired by childhood memories of dipping soft bread into leftover gravy during Sunday lunches at home – and it pays homage to Yorkshire’s reputation for tea.” It is a plate where nostalgia meets refinement and precisely the type of storytelling that shapes the tenor of the book. Although the book is rich with culinary craft, for Shaun, its heart lies closer to home. His love of food began as a child, watching his mother cook and feeling the warmth of family gathered around the table. “Food became a way of bringing people together and creating positive memories,” he says. Those early experiences continue to guide him – through every kitchen he has worked in and every chapter of this book. When readers reach the final page, Shaun hopes they feel something simple yet profound: “I hope they feel inspired to come together, cook and make memories.” Perhaps that is the true essence of the book: a beautifully crafted invitation – not just to admire, but to gather, taste and connect. n grantleyhall.co.uk

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food&drink

BEATING THE JANUARY BLUES The Black Bull Old Langho is kicking off the new year with a smart midweek offer – great food, warm hospitality and real value, writes Tedd Walmsley

told me. “The standards stay exactly the same. We just wanted to give people a reason to come out, enjoy themselves and not feel guilty about it.”

caught up with Becky over a strong coffee on a crisp January morning, the festive rush now behind them but the warmth very much intact. “We always feel it in January,” she smiled. “But this is when looking after people matters most.” Set in the heart of the Ribble Valley, The Black Bull at Old Langho has long been recognised as one of the region’s pre-eminent pub restaurants. Award-winning, beautifully run and consistently welcoming, it’s the kind of place people return to not just for the food, but for how it makes them feel. From the moment you step inside – logs glowing in the fire, staff greeting you by name – you sense a confidence built on experience rather than hype. January, however, is never straightforward for hospitality. Rather than retreat, Becky and her team have responded with a generous, no-nonsense ‘VAT-free’ midweek offer, running from mid-January through to early February. In real terms, it’s a 20 per cent saving, but with absolutely no compromise. “The menu stays exactly the same,” Becky

That matters when the food is this good. The Black Bull’s à la carte menu is one of the Ribble Valley’s most dependable; seasonal, generous and quietly confident. While the Sunday lunch has become something of a benchmark, widely regarded as one of the best around. It’s the sort of cooking that rewards a midweek visit just as much as a weekend one, especially when paired with attentive, unshowy service that never misses a beat.

THE BLACK BULL IS IN WORTH-THE-DRIVE TERRITORY – WHERE GREAT FOOD, GENUINE HOSPITALITY AND VALUE SIT COMFORTABLY TOGETHER “It’s about looking after our community,” Becky explained. “January can feel long, so we wanted to make it a little brighter.” And people are prepared to travel for it. Whether you’re coming from Preston, the Fylde Coast or further afield, The Black Bull is firmly in worth-the-drive territory – a place where great food, genuine hospitality and value still sit comfortably together. There’s more to come too, including a Valentine’s celebration and a thoughtful offer for fellow hospitality workers, with details to be announced soon. For now, though, the invitation is simple. Book a table, settle in by the fire and let one of the Ribble Valley’s finest pub restaurants remind you that January doesn’t have to feel grey at all. n

SPECIAL VAT-FREE OFFER 20% OFF FOOD & DRINK To redeem scan the QR code and download the voucher.

Offer applies Monday – Friday (only up to 4pm on Friday).

The offer is not valid on drinks only. Valid from Tuesday 13th January – 4pm Friday 6th February.

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The Black Bull Old Langho Road, Old Langho BB6 8AW 01254 248801 enquiries@theblackbulloldlangho.co.uk theblackbulloldlangho.co.uk Black Bull Inn – Old Langho blackbull_oldlangho

TASTE MAKERS The Rum Fox continues to shine thanks to Chef Patron Bob Geldeard and his partner Kiaja Monk who have steered it through an exceptional 2025, collecting awards and national attention along the way

here is a particular energy around the Rum Fox as the new year begins. Regulars feel it the moment they push open the door and visitors sense it before they sit down. Part of that energy comes from Bob, whose cooking has become increasingly assured with every season. The other, from Kiaja who has shaped the hospitality style with an approach that is warm and polished without becoming formal. Together they have created something recognisable, something confident and something that feels unusually personal. Their success in 2025 was impossible to miss. Being named a ‘One to Watch’ finalist in the 2025 Estrella Damm Top 50 and securing a coveted place in the 2025 Michelin Guide, which quotes the restaurant’s ‘well sourced produce and textbook execution’. It was also recognised by the Good Food Guide 2024, as one of Britain’s cosiest pubs. The momentum continued with confirmation

that the Rum Fox will enter the 2026 Estrella Damm Top 50 Gastropubs with its exact position to be announced in January. These accolades have helped pull more eyes toward the Ribble Valley, but those who know the restaurant understand that the acclaim has been earned one plate at a time. Awards aside, the restaurant continues to evolve in thoughtful ways. One of the most significant developments has been the growing use of its event spaces, which have opened the doors to celebrations of every size. The den, a snug and intimate hideaway, has become a favourite for evenings that feel like a privilege to attend. Groups of 12

can enjoy private dining that is entirely their own, with menus shaped around the occasion. For larger parties the garden room has emerged as a quietly glamorous setting now used for weddings and milestone celebrations.

THESE ACCOLADES HAVE HELPED PULL MORE EYES TOWARD THE RIBBLE VALLEY, BUT THOSE WHO KNOW THE RESTAURANT UNDERSTAND THAT THE ACCLAIM HAS BEEN EARNED ONE PLATE AT A TIME While the Rum Fox is well known for its weekend buzz, the midweek rhythm has been gathering pace, helped by the increasingly popular set menu. At lunch and early supper, this has become something of an insider secret, offering guests a chance to experience the heart of Bob’s cooking at a gentler price point. It has also brought a new mix of diners through the door. From walkers lingering after a morning on the fells, to midweek celebrators who prefer a quieter room and a slower pace. The structure of the set menu allows the kitchen to flex creatively with dishes that change as ingredients peak. It also gives visitors a compelling reason to return since no two weeks look entirely alike. Of course, some traditions remain untouchable, including Sunday lunch, which continues to sell out with enviable speed. For many in the Ribble Valley, Sunday at

food&drink

the Rum Fox has become a ritual, equal parts social and culinary, with plates that feel generous and quietly indulgent. The smell of slow cooked meats, the hum of families settling in and the steady rhythm of the bar, all contribute to a weekly atmosphere that feels celebratory without needing an occasion. Speaking of occasions there is already chatter about Valentines Day. The team has earned a reputation for creating evenings that feel romantic, without leaning into cliché and early booking is well advised. Bob’s seasonal ingredients lend themselves naturally to richer intimate dishes, while Kiaja’s feel for atmosphere, gives the room a glow that regulars recognise instantly. It is expected to be one of the first major dates of 2026 for the restaurant, a marker of the year ahead.

What makes the Rum Fox so compelling is not simply its food or the accolades that follow it. It is the sense that the restaurant is moving with purpose yet still anchored to its village. Bob and Kiaja talk often about the responsibility of being part of the

WHATEVER HAPPENS NEXT WILL BE SHAPED BY THE SAME THINGS THAT CARRIED THEM THROUGH 2025 – TALENT, HARD WORK AND GENUINE HOSPITALITY

They are also planning another of their hugely popular and successful wine nights where you can enjoy a specially curated five-course menu, with guest wine specialist Richard Bracken from Milestone Wines hosting the evening. Whether you’re a vino novice or a more seasoned connoisseur, the evening is designed for everyone to have a fantastic night of fun, flavour and fine wine! Keep an eye out on social media for confirmation of the date.

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community and that sentiment is reflected in the welcome guests receive. The success of 2025 has brought attention, but it has not altered the character of the place. If anything, it has strengthened the team’s confidence, encouraging them to refine and expand, while staying true to the things that matter most. As January settles in and the valley edges closer to spring the Rum Fox feels poised for another notable year. There is anticipation in the air, but also a quiet certainty that whatever happens next will be shaped by the same things that carried them through 2025 – talent, hard work and genuine hospitality. For those already familiar with the restaurant, there is comfort in knowing that the heart of the Rum Fox remains unchanged. For everyone else there has never been a better time to visit, since the story of 2026 is already beginning to write itself plate by plate and evening by evening, in a Grindleton dining room that continues to shine. n The Rum Fox Sawley Road Grindleton Clitheroe BB7 4QS 01200 871691 info@therumfox.co.uk therumfox.co.uk

SERVING UP A RECIPE FOR CHANGE Blackpool and The Fylde College’s (B&FC) pioneering The Sustainable Chef Skills Bootcamp has officially wrapped up its inaugural six-week programme – inspiring a new wave of chefs to lead with purpose, innovation and environmental awareness across Lancashire’s hospitality sector

elivered in partnership with the Lancashire Skills Hub, the Bootcamp brought together chefs from across the county – many taking the next step in their culinary careers – to explore the future of sustainable cooking. The Skills Bootcamp focused on building new skills and confidence, empowering participants to become leaders in sustainable hospitality. “The Bootcamp changed how I see my role as a chef,” said Tyler, reflecting on his experience of the programme. “It’s not just about great food anymore – it’s about purpose. We all left feeling like part of a movement.” A standout feature of the Bootcamp

was an immersive session with Chef Doug Crampton, Chef Patron at award winning Eight at Gazegill, one of the UK’s few truly off-grid restaurants. Doug shared his

experience of running a kitchen powered by renewable energy and supplied by its surrounding organic farm.

SEEING HOW OPEN THIS GROUP WAS TO NEW WAYS OF WORKING – FROM WASTE REDUCTION TO ETHICAL SOURCING – GIVES ME HUGE CONFIDENCE IN THE FUTURE OF OUR INDUSTRY In this hands-on workshop, participants experimented with foraged herbs from Gazegill’s pastures, made cheese using surplus ingredients from other parts of the meal and pickled seasonal vegetables to extend shelf life and reduce waste. The session demonstrated how creativity and sustainability can work hand in hand – proving that nothing in the kitchen should go to waste. “Working with Doug was incredible,” said Lucy, a chef from Blackpool. “Hearing

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sustainability underpins one of the UK’s most celebrated dining experiences: from regenerative sourcing to energy-efficient operations. “It was eye-opening to see how deeply sustainability is woven into every detail at Moor Hall,” said Tyler. “It’s about cultivating a culture where excellence and environmental responsibility flourish side by side.” The Skills Bootcamp culminated in a Charity Lunch at B&FC’s Level Six Restaurant in October, in aid of Hospitality Action, the UK’s leading charity for hospitality workers.

and seeing how he and the team at Eight at Gazegill connect the land, the animals and the ingredients reminded us of all what real sustainability looks like – it is a way of life, not just a catchphrase.” Another of the Bootcamp’s most impactful sessions came from Adam Smith FRSA, founder of SurplusToPurpose (SToP), whose powerful and practical masterclass challenged chefs to rethink how kitchens manage surplus food. Smith, a national voice for food waste reform, demonstrated how to turn potential waste into high-quality dishes while reducing costs and carbon footprints. “Chefs are on the front line of change,” said Smith. “Seeing how open this group was to new ways of working – from waste reduction to ethical sourcing – gives me huge confidence in the future of our industry.” Lucy said the lessons learned across both kitchen sessions have already influenced her day-to-day practice: “The Bootcamp really opened my eyes to how much impact we can make as chefs,” she said. “Small changes, like rethinking waste or working with local suppliers, can completely transform how a kitchen operates. I am already putting what I’ve learned into practice.” The Bootcamp also tackled one of hospitality’s most pressing challenges – mental illness. Through a dedicated session led by The Burnt Chef Project, participants gained valuable resilience training to support their wellbeing and thrive in demanding kitchen environments. Founder Kris Hall praised the Lancashire Skills Hub initiative: “Sustainability is not just about the planet – it’s about people. This Bootcamp gave chefs the tools to protect

I NOW UNDERSTAND HOW VITAL IT IS TO CREATE A KITCHEN WHERE PEOPLE FEEL SAFE, VALUED AND MOTIVATED their mental health and foster stronger, more supportive kitchen cultures.” Tyler added: “The wellbeing sessions really changed how I think about leadership. I now understand how vital it is to create a kitchen where people feel safe, valued and motivated.” Participants were also treated to a behindthe-scenes experience at Moor Hall, West Lancashire’s three-Michelin-star and one Michelin Green Star restaurant. Led by General Manager Adam Wilkinson, the visit offered rare insights into how

Working alongside Chef Doug Crampton, the Bootcamp chefs designed a seasonal menu using organic produce from Gazegill Farm, reflecting the principles of low-mileage, ethical dining. The sold-out event drew local business leaders, educators and industry figures – all raising funds to support hospitality professionals across Lancashire. “The skill and collaboration on show was outstanding,” said Crampton. “The Sustainable Chef Skills Bootcamp empowers chefs to lead with purpose – driven by care for the planet and a commitment to making a difference.” With the county’s food and hospitality sector supporting more than 57,000 jobs and generating £5.4 billion in annual tourism-related activity, initiatives like The Sustainable Chef Bootcamp are crucial for its long-term growth and resilience. “This is about futureproofing the sector,” said Melanie Fielden, Curriculum Manager Apprenticeships & Commercial, at B&FC. “Our graduates are not just better chefs, they are ambassadors for a more sustainable, inclusive and forward-thinking industry.” As Tyler says: “It’s changed how I cook, how I lead and how I think about food. It’s not just a course – it’s a turning point.” n blackpool.ac.uk

Rather than telling the story of the band itself, Here & Now uses the group’s buoyant pop hits to soundtrack an original narrative set in a seaside superstore called Better Best Bargains. We meet a group of friends – Caz, Vel, Robbie and Neeta – who are determined to make this their Summer of Love. But when hidden truths emerge and dreams are challenged, they must decide whether they’ll find their happy endings together or go their separate ways. What truly sets Here & Now apart from many jukebox musicals is the band’s hands-on creative involvement. The five members – Claire Richards, Faye Tozer, Ian “H” Watkins, Lee Latchford-Evans and Lisa Scott-Lee – produced the show themselves alongside ROYO and pop heavyweight Pete Waterman.

FEEL-GOOD JUKEBOX MUSICAL HEADS TO BLACKPOOL Happiness is only a heartbeat away this April as Here & Now – The Steps Musical brings its glittering celebration of friendship, love and iconic pop hits to Blackpool’s Winter Gardens

resh from a record-breaking world premiere, this hilarious and heartwarming new production is set to light up the Blackpool Opera House with colour, nostalgia and the unmistakable sparkle of Steps. It’s Friday night and the vibe is right as Caz and her fabulous friends dream of the perfect summer of love. But when Caz’s ‘happy ever after’ suddenly falls apart – and the gang’s romantic escapades go spectacularly wrong – they’re left wondering whether love will ever get a hold on their hearts. Maybe it’s time to stop worrying and simply take a chance on a happy ending… Filled with the iconic anthems of a generation, Here & Now features hits including One for Sorrow, 5, 6, 7, 8, Deeper Shade of Blue and Better the Devil You Know. The result is a vibrant night of ‘musical heaven,’ bursting with energy, humour and irresistible choreography that invites the whole audience to move their feet and feel the beat. For anyone who grew up with Steps, this musical isn’t just another jukebox show – it’s a steptacular celebration of friendship, love and community set against a soundtrack that defined a generation. With a book by Shaun Kitchener, direction

by Rachel Kavanaugh and choreography by Olivier Award-winning Matt Cole, the show premiered in autumn 2024 in Birmingham and immediately broke box-office records there. September 2025 saw the Manchester gala night, complete with a megamix performance from the band themselves for the finale. The musical is currently touring 30 towns and cities across the UK.

Their input extended far beyond the music, from assembling the creative team and casting the production to shaping the look and feel of the costumes. “We have such strong fan bases around the country, and because the musical is set by the sea, Blackpool feels like the ideal home for it,” Faye explains. “It’s famous for its colourful nightlife and its welcoming LGBTQ+ community.”

THE PRODUCTION IS A FEAST FOR THE SENSES – HIGH-OCTANE DANCE SEQUENCES, COLOURFUL COSTUMES AND A STORY THAT COMBINES COMEDY AND HEARTFELT EMOTION The feel-good musical weaves humour with heartfelt moments, infusing familiar Steps songs into moments of joy, heartbreak and discovery. It’s light-hearted where you want to dance and surprisingly poignant where you least expect it. The band say the show’s appeal lies in its warmth and relatability. “The story is about real people with real situations and dilemmas – we’re so proud of this,” says H. For Lee, watching it all unfold on stage has been especially moving. “Seeing the characters come to life, it’s really emotional,” he explains. H adds that at its heart, the production delivers exactly what audiences want from a night out: “It’s escapism and pure

arts&culture joy going to the theatre – it ticks all the pop boxes.” And for Faye, it’s the humour and theatrical polish that complete the experience. “Comedy and one-liners,” she says. “It’s a great musical theatre production.” The musical was 8-10 years in the making, driven by fans’ questions, including: “Where is the Steps musical?” As the band has shared publicly, they wanted a story that felt just right for their music – not merely a catalogue stitched together, but a narrative that allows the songs to uplift, inspire and entertain within the plot. Their involvement doesn’t stop at the creative; the show’s success so far reflects the group’s lasting popularity. Steps are the UK’s most successful mixed-sex pop group of all time, with 14 top-five singles, four number one albums, 22 million records sold and hundreds of millions of streams, and their devoted fanbase has helped Here & Now become one of the buzziest new shows on the touring circuit.

WE HAVE SUCH STRONG FAN BASES AROUND THE COUNTRY, AND BECAUSE THE MUSICAL IS SET BY THE SEA, BLACKPOOL FEELS LIKE THE IDEAL HOME FOR IT The production is a feast for the senses – high-octane dance sequences, colourful costumes and a story that combines comedy and heartfelt emotion. Whether you’re nostalgic for the ’90s and early 2000s pop scene or simply love a musical that makes you feel good, this is a night at the theatre with broad appeal. In an era where musicals based on pop catalogues are increasingly popular – from Mamma Mia! to We Will Rock You – Here & Now stakes its claim by offering more than nostalgia. It’s a story about friendship, loyalty, love, setbacks and resilience set against a soundtrack that once got millions to the dancefloor and now brings them to the theatre. From lifelong Steps devotees to theatregoers in search of a joyful night out, Here & Now is shaping up to be one of spring’s must-see productions. As it dances into Blackpool’s Winter Gardens, be prepared for pure pop escapism delivered on a grand theatrical scale. n

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GOOD READ Fresh starts, bright ideas and a little motivation go a long way. Here are three inspiring books to reset and recharge for the New Year As we sweep away the last of the tinsel and step into a new year, many of us feel that quiet urge to reset. January has a rhythm of its own – it is hopeful, reflective and full of possibility. Whether you’re looking to refresh your wardrobe, reboot your health or find new direction in work and life, these three stand-out reads offer inspiration and momentum just when you need it most. Books like these remind us that change doesn’t have to be dramatic to be powerful. Whether you’re turning pages in a quiet moment or sharing insights over brunch with friends, the right read can help you see the year ahead not as a mountain to climb, but as an adventure to step into. New year, new energy, new ideas and maybe even a new favourite book to carry you forward.

STYLE: STYLE & SUBSTANCE Bay Garnett

HEALTH: FEEL GOOD IN 15 Joe Wicks

BUSINESS & SELF: BE USEFUL Arnold Schwarzenegger

Effortless, sustainable and brilliantly empowering, Bay Garnett, fashion stylist and the original queen of thrifting, shares her wisdom on dressing well without buying new. Style & Substance is part memoir, part manifesto celebrating second-hand fashion, self-expression and finding confidence in your clothes.

Accessible, practical and packed with positivity. In Feel Good in 15, fitness coach and national treasure Joe Wicks offers quick wins for body and mind. From speedy recipes to bite-sized workouts and wellness hacks, it’s designed to fit around real life, whether you’ve got kids, a commute or just five minutes to yourself.

Bold, straight-talking and surprisingly wise. In Be Useful, Arnold Schwarzenegger draws on his extraordinary journey from bodybuilder and Hollywood star to governor of California, to deliver life lessons with real bite.

Garnett’s approach is refreshingly unsnobby. She champions creativity over consumerism, urging us to see style as a form of play rather than pressure. With contributions from names like Chloë Sevigny and Bella Freud, this is a read that will leave you inspired to raid your own wardrobe and dress for joy.

This isn’t about perfection or pressure. It’s about small, achievable changes that build into something meaningful over time. Joe’s energy leaps off the page and his philosophy is simple – move a little, eat well and be kind to yourself.

Read it with: A morning coffee and your favourite knitwear as this is about how you feel, not what you buy.

Read it with: Trainers at the ready and a notebook nearby as you’ll want to jot down your own goals as you go.

This is not a celebrity memoir. It’s a call to action. Arnie urges readers to cut the excuses, work hard and find purpose in service to others. Whether you’re building a business, considering a career shift or simply feeling a little stuck, his words hit home. With grit, humour and an unmistakable voice, this is New Year motivation with muscles. Read it with: A fresh diary and an open mind as this one’s for your goal-setting days.

property

ON THE MOVE If you’re planning to relocate this year, expect a mix of opportunity, challenge and plenty of exciting new possibilities

oving home is being redefined – shaped not just by changing mortgage rates and tax rules, but by evolving lifestyles, technology

and values. Moving costs remain a real consideration. Recent estimates suggest that typical costs – including deposit, conveyancing, removal, Stamp Duty and other fees – have climbed sharply. For many, this means a careful budgeting exercise before committing to a move. At the same time, though, lending options are slowly becoming more flexible: low-deposit and even some no-deposit mortgages are making a comeback, giving hope to first-time buyers and those with smaller savings.

But moving in 2026 is about more than affordability – what buyers want is shifting. The rise of hybrid working has transformed what a ‘home’ means. Many are now on

MOVING IN 2026 IS ABOUT MORE THAN AFFORDABILITY – WHAT BUYERS WANT IS SHIFTING the lookout for properties with a dedicated workspace, good broadband connectivity or multipurpose rooms that can flex as work, leisure or family spaces. Outdoor space continues to matter too – gardens, balconies or even small green areas

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remain highly desirable, especially for those balancing family life and remote working. Expect smart-home technology to move firmly into the mainstream. In 2026, features like programmable lighting and heating, smart security and integrated home automation are no longer ‘nice-to-have’ extras – they increasingly define modern homes. Meanwhile, sustainability and energy efficiency are shaping how people buy and build. Homes with good insulation, efficient heating or renewable energy options often command higher value – and are more attractive to those thinking long-term. Looking ahead, the homes people are choosing tend to reflect broader lifestyle changes – working patterns, environmental concerns and a desire for flexibility. For movers in 2026, that means being prepared for higher upfront costs but also having access to more flexible financing and a richer set of home-features. For many, moving home now means upgrading the way we live, not just where we live. n

HOMES ON

THE MOVE

As we enter 2026, there’s signs that confidence is returning to the property market across Preston and South Ribble, making it the ideal time to start planning your next move, writes Emma Brereton. Photography: Michael Porter With more than 13 years in business and a team boasting an impressive 175 years’ combined experience, Roberts & Co Estate Agents are well placed to guide buyers, sellers, landlords and tenants through what promises to be an interesting year for residential property. Based in the heart of Penwortham, the agency has built its reputation on consistency, communication and genuine care for their clients. Many members of the team have been with the business for years, and around half live locally, giving them deep insight into

Preston and South Ribble’s neighbourhoods - from Penwortham’s bustling high street to Fulwood, Walton-le-Dale and beyond. “We’re here to support people through the sale and purchase of their biggest asset, while also managing property portfolios and ensuring tenants have good homes to live in,” says Managing Director Emma Roberts. That balance between buying, selling and lettings, as well as unrivalled regional knowledge, has helped the agency become one of the most trusted names in the area. Today, the award-winning agency is proud to say they sell one in three properties in Penwortham.

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After several turbulent years in the property market, 2026 is set to bring stability and renewed confidence. Interest rates have settled, buyers are returning and the post 2023 uncertainty has eased. “I think 2026 will be a positive year for the property market. Confidence is growing, interest rates remain stable and we are out of the effects of the budget implemented by Truss in 2022,” says Emma.

WE’RE HERE TO STAND ALONGSIDE BOTH LANDLORDS AND TENANTS. THEY GO HAND IN HAND Movement is already visible across the region. Properties up to £250,000 continue to perform strongly, reflecting demand from first-time buyers, small families and downsizers. The higher end of the market has been slower, with some buyers waiting to see how recent economic changes play out, but all signs point to increasing activity. However, with so much information available online, Emma emphasises that today’s buyers are well informed and it’s this transparency that will shape the market more than ever. Emma adds: “If you’re thinking of selling, you need to be realistic on price. Buyers are savvy and they know what a property is worth. Pricing realistically will give more promising results for buyers and sellers alike.” Roberts & Co combine that honest advice with high-quality marketing, including 360° tours, professional photography and clear floor plans. This ensures every property is presented in its best light. The lettings side of the business continues to grow, with Roberts & Co committed to supporting both landlords and tenants, an essential balance, especially with major changes approaching. Emma explains: “With the Renters’ Rights Act due to come into force in May 2026, we’re planning to produce educational videos and webinars to help clients navigate new obligations. We’re here to stand alongside both landlords and tenants. They go hand in hand.” At a time when the region faces a housing shortage and high demand for rental properties, Roberts & Co is encouraging landlords to remain invested. Penwortham remains one of the most desirable areas in the region, with excellent schools, a vibrant high street and a strong sense of community. That local understanding is central to Roberts & Co’s reputation.

THE AWARD-WINNING AGENCY IS PROUD TO SAY THEY SELL ONE IN THREE PROPERTIES IN PENWORTHAM Emma adds: “It’s important to work with an agent who knows the intricacies of an area.” And with half the team living in Penwortham, they’re as local as it gets. The team know the school catchment areas, commute patterns, hidden gems and neighbourhood nuances that data simply can’t capture. It’s this knowledge that helps buyers find the right home - not just the right house. Furthermore, in a world of automated responses and unanswered messages, Roberts & Co takes pride in something refreshingly simple - the phone is always answered.

Communication is especially crucial when a chain is involved. The Roberts & Co team stay in close contact with solicitors, buyers, sellers and other agents, ensuring everyone knows exactly where things stand, every step of the way. It’s this proactive approach that frequently turns stressful moves into smooth transitions. Emma concludes: “We believe in the power of conversation. Sometimes you just need to speak to a human being.” For anyone considering a move in 2026, Roberts & Co offer the clarity, experience and local understanding that make all the difference.

Roberts & Co 36e Liverpool Road Penwortham Preston PR1 0DQ 01772 746100 hello@roberts-estates.co.uk roberts-estates.co.uk

Proper t y Agent s • Char tered Sur veyors • Valuers

Lytham St Annes, Lancashire An estate of presence, of poise and of past. Hidden on the quiet edges of Lytham and within its very own grounds, stands this absolutely exceptional, Georgian manor house, cocooned in 5.7 acres (2.3 ha) ensuring exceptional levels of privacy. This important yet elegant looking home has a grandeur that is hard to rival in the local area. The current owners have meticulously upgraded the hall sympathetically to honour the beautiful architectural, period features whilst infusing the very best of modern living. Completed to very high standards throughout, there are 5/6 reception rooms and 4 bedrooms along with an annex facility. Externally there are expanses of lawn encompassed by mature trees and beautifully landscaped areas. To the side of the house, stepping stones lead you to the ’wellness and leisure retreat’ of the property, featuring a sauna, a hot tub area and an outdoor summer house.

Offers Over £3,750,000

North Lancashire 01995 603 180

South Lancashire 01704 895 995

Cumbria 01539 751 933

Ribble Valley 01200 411 155

northlancs@abarnett.co.uk

southlancs@abarnett.co.uk

cumbria@abarnett.co.uk

ribblevalley@abarnett.co.uk

Proper t y Agent s • Char tered Sur veyors • Valuers

Barton

Bowgreave

Freckleton

Garstang

Goosnargh

Great Eccleston

Hambleton

Lower Bartle

Lytham St Annes

Scorton

Woodplumpton

North Lancashire 01995 603 180

South Lancashire 01704 895 995

Cumbria 01539 751 933

Ribble Valley 01200 411 155

northlancs@abarnett.co.uk

southlancs@abarnett.co.uk

cumbria@abarnett.co.uk

ribblevalley@abarnett.co.uk

ON SCREEN

Check out the latest films coming soon to The Flower Bowl in Preston. Book now at theflowerbowl.uk

ROYAL BALLET: WOOLF WORKS

Release Date: 6th February Director: Wayne McGregor Starring: Lauren Cuthbertson and Marianna Hovanisyan BBFC Certificate: TBC One of the most groundbreaking writers of the 20th-century, Virginia Woolf defied literary conventions to depict rich inner worlds – her heightened, startling and poignant reality. Moving away from traditional narrative storytelling, Woolf Works evokes Woolf’s stream of consciousness writing style with a collage of themes from Mrs Dalloway, Orlando, The Waves and her other writings. n

WUTHERING HEIGHTS

Release Date: 13th February Director: Emerald Fennell Starring: Margot Robbie, Jacob Elordi and Martin Clunes BBFC Certificate: 15 A passionate and tumultuous love story set against the backdrop of the Yorkshire moors, exploring the intense and destructive relationship between Heathcliff and Catherine Earnshaw. n

NATIONAL THEATRE LIVE: THE AUDIENCE Date of showing: 26th February Director: Stephen Daldry Starring: Helen Mirren, Richard McCabe, David Peart, Rufus Wright, Haydn Gywnne, Bebe Cave, Geoffrey Beevers, Michael Elwyn, Paul Ritter, Nathaniel Parker and Edward Fox BBFC Certificate: Expected to be U

Returning to cinemas for the first time in over a decade, Helen Mirren plays Queen Elizabeth II in the Olivier and Tony Award® -winning hit. For 60 years, Queen Elizabeth II met with her prime ministers in weekly meetings, known as The Audience. From Winston Churchill to Margaret Thatcher and David Cameron, she advised on matters both public and personal. These audiences give glimpses of the woman behind the crown and shaped a monarch. n

MOTHER’S PRIDE

Release Date: 27th February Director: Nick Moorcroft Starring: Gabriella Wilde, Martin Clunes, Mark Addy and James Buckley BBFC Certificate: TBC (Likely to be a 12a) About a failing pub, a divided community and a grieving family whose lives are changed by brewing real ale and entering the Great British Beer Awards. n

Empowering young minds through respect and nurture

Find out more! Ashbridge Independent School Lindle Lane, Hutton, Preston, PR4 4AQ 4 - 11 years Nurturing care and education in a unique setting. High-quality outdoor learning. Open 7am - 6pm all year round. Excellent academic results and senior school success. Unrivalled facilities and resources.

Ashbridge Independent School and Nurseries www.ashbridgeschool.co.uk

2026 Open Events Prep In Action | Friday 23 January | 09:15 - 15:00 Senior Open Evening - Thursday 26 February | 17:00 - 19:00 Year 7 Taster Day - Thursday 5 March | 09:15 - 15:00 Sixth Form Taster Day - Wednesday 18 March | 08:30 - 16:00 Sign up via the QR code