Live Ribble Valley Issue 124 (April 2021)

LANCASHIRE’S PREMIER GUIDE TO LUXURY LIVING I S S U E 12 4

HERE COMES SUMMER FRESH AIR, FUN & FESTIVALS GISBURNE PARK POP-UP FULL LINE-UP RAGAMUFFINS ON THE ROAD FRONTMAN DAVID JOHN JAGGS TEE-TIME AT CLITHEROE DIRECTOR OF GOLF WAYNE JOHNSON

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CONTENTS 12

F E AT U R E S 12 LEADING ROLE Amber Mead-Hindley has enjoyed considerable success as an actress in the US. Now she is playing an important part in the regeneration of an impressive country estate here in the Ribble Valley.

36 MEET THE DESIGNER Jan Woolley meets textile designer Jo McEwan, who began her career in a small design house in Paris. Three decades later, she has established her own interiors business that features beautiful soft furnishings and home accessories.

88 DIRECTOR OF GOLF David Fearnhead speaks to the new Director of Golf at Clitheroe Golf Club, Wayne Johnson, a big name with a worldrenowned track record.

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ON THE BALL Young tennis players at Stonyhurst College and Stonyhurst St Mary’s Hall are enjoying continuing success under their awardwinning coach David Shaw.

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PLAYING THE FIELD Sarah Varley chats to The Ragamuffins frontman David John Jaggs about his career, the global success of their charity football single and exciting plans for the future.

REGULARS 8 EDITOR’S LETTER

15 HOMES INSIDE OUT 54 FASHION 64 HEALTH & BEAUTY 74 LIFESTYLE 106 EDUCATION 110 BUSINESS 116 MOTORS 124 FOOD & DRINK 144 ENTERTAINMENT

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147 ARTS & CULTURE 149 PROPERTY

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LIVE MAGAZINES Chairman: Simon Smith Managing Director: Tedd Walmsley Company Secretary: Elizabeth Walmsley Editor: Jan Woolley Graphic Designers: Nick Dittrich and Rob Walmsley Operations Manager: Kate Hyde Production Manager: James Britton Sales Account Managers: Michele Preston 07872 461 561 Jane Hughes 07875 696 928 Photography: Vanessa Fry, Robin Lyndon, Roger Moore, Kirsten Platt and Sarah Valentine Editorial contributors: Paul Agnew, Gail Bailey, David Fearnhead, Kate Hyde, Meena McDonald, Lauren Molyneux, Anna Souroullas, Sarah Varley, Jenni Walmsley, Robert Walmsley, Liz Walmsley and Tedd Walmsley

RIBBLE VALLEY OFFICE Office 2 The Old Bakery, Green Street, Lytham FY8 5LG T: 01772 366 002 LIVE RIBBLE VALLEY magazine is hand delivered to selected households and businesses in Balderstone, Barrow, Barrowford, Bashall Eaves, Bolton by Bowland, Brockhall Village, Broughton, Chaigley, Chatburn, Chipping, Clitheroe, Copster Green, Dinckley, Downham, Dutton, Fence, Gisburn, Goosnargh, Grimsargh, Grindleton, Higham, Holden, Horton in Craven, Hothersall, Hurst Green, Knowle Green, Langho and Billington, Longridge, Mellor, Osbaldeston, Pendleton, Pleasington, Read, Ribchester, Rimington, Rivington, Sabden, Salesbury, Samlesbury, Sawley, Simonstone, Twiston, Waddington, West Bradford, Whalley, Whittingham, Wilpshire, Wiswell, Worston.

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Magazines Editor As we get some normality back in our lives, we can expect to see our towns and villages come back to life. As retail and hospitality gradually opens up, we must support them in order for them to bounce back stronger than ever. Many have been incredibly inventive and creative over the past year – from gourmet food boxes to home-made brownies sent out in the post, their resilience has been amazing!

In this month’s issue of Live Ribble Valley we meet Amber Mead-Hindley, who is working alongside her husband Guy, to diversify what they do on their 1,000-acre country estate Gisburne Park. Last year they held their first socially-distanced pop-up festival, which was a huge success with 150 events, attended by 40,000 people. This year they are doing the same with a five-day open-air pop-up at the end of May – it will be the UK’s first festival of the summer.

Also, in this issue we meet golfer Wayne Johnson a big name with a global track record. Working in Texas, Wayne met the likes of Tiger Woods, Adam Scott and David Duval - he has worked all over the world but more recently, he has returned to his roots and has been appointed the new Director of Golf at Clitheroe Golf Club.

Staying on the sports theme, we chat to David Shaw, an award-winning tennis coach working with students on Stonyhurst’s Tennis Academy Programme. David, who turned pro at the age of 17, went on to compete against some of the world’s best players, including 1987 Wimbledon champion Australian Pat Cash.

In our Food & Drink section we meet entrepreneurial twin sisters Rachel Finch and Lauren Sinclair, who have become social media sensations with their extravagant cakes and bubbly personalities. It has been a busy year for the duo – while their shop was closed, they delivered their delicious cakes to customers across the region and they also secured a book deal with publishing giants DK – another business that has survived and thrived!

There’s lots to read about in your April issue of Live Ribble Valley – we hope you enjoy!

Jan Woolley Editor

LANCASHIRE’S PREMIER GUIDE TO LUXURY LIVING I S S U E 12 4

YOUR PREMIER GUIDE

TO LUXURY LIVING • ISSUE 98

LANCASHIRE’S PREMIER GUIDE TO LUXURY LIVING I S S U E 12 3

Live Ribble Valley Morsø Grill Forno available from FuelMizas.com BRIGHTER DAYS LIGHTER NIGHTS ENJOY THE GREAT OUTDOORS! SOCIAL MEDIA SUPERSTAR LIV COOKE DRAMA & INTRIGUE AUTHOR DAVID ROBINSON MARATHON MUM RUNNER’S JOURNEY

ROCK ON TOMMY BOBBY BALL, THE LEGENDARY COMEDIAN A BLACKPOOL RISING STAR NETBALL PLAYER REACHES FOR THE SKIES GET YOUR GARDEN SUMMER READY HOW TO ENHANCE YOUR OUTDOOR SPACE

Part of the Live Magazines portfolio, including Live Preston & Fylde

Fuelmizas Bee Mill Preston Road Ribchester PR3 3XJ 01254 878368

HERE COMES SUMMER FRESH AIR, FUN & FESTIVALS GISBURNE PARK POP-UP FULL LINE-UP RAGAMUFFINS ON THE ROAD FRONTMAN DAVID JOHN JAGGS TEE-TIME AT CLITHEROE DIRECTOR OF GOLF WAYNE JOHNSON

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A second Kitchen Design Centre kitchen …20 years after the first!

Chris and Andrew were so delighted with their Kitchen Design Centre kitchen that when it came to replacing it twenty years later, they turned to Kitchen Design Centre again.

Living in Thornton-in-Craven near Skipton, it was only a 20-minute drive to the Barrowford showroom where they were impressed with the fantastic showroom and the wide range of displays. They met with designer Suzanne Ryan and loved her ideas.

Chris liked a traditional display in the showroom but Andrew wanted something more modern. They considered a sleek, modern, handleless look but after speaking to Suzanne and looking at a range of styles in the showroom, they decided a modern shaker style kitchen would suit their house perfectly.

Despite their first visit happening just before the first national Coronavirus lockdown, Suzanne and Kitchen Design Centre delivered the kitchen with minimal hold ups and everything from design to installation continued in a safe way.

Chris and Andrew are delighted with the finished space and Kitchen Design Centre, “We’re so glad we turned to Kitchen Design Centre again. We loved the first kitchen and love this one even more. The service from Suzanne down to the fitters was first class and we can’t thank them enough for ensuring everything still went ahead despite lockdown.”

Designer Suzanne Ryan says, “It’s always lovely to have customers return to us after so many years as it’s really nice to know they’re happy with the quality and service we offer. Chris and Andrew were easy to work with and the finished kitchen sits perfectly in their stunning home.”

To read more about how we designed this kitchen and to view the video tour of it visit: www.kitchendesigncentre.com

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localfocus

LEADING ROLE Amber Mead-Hindley has enjoyed considerable success as an actress in the US. Now she is playing an important part in the regeneration of an impressive family estate here in the Ribble Valley, writes Jan Woolley

L

ast year California-born actress Amber Mead-Hindley relocated permanently from Los Angeles to Lancashire in order to play a major role in evolving the 1,000-acre country estate inherited by her husband Guy Hindley.

The couple have divided their time between the US and UK for many years – over that time Gisburne Park, which is one of Lancashire’s finest private estates, has flourished and diversified. It now hosts hugely successful pop-up music festivals, is a much sought-after wedding venue and also on site is the original luxury lodge park and boutique café.

But the pair, who have two sons, have ambitious plans to further improve the estate.

“With two young boys we thought the lifestyle in LA would be so nice, sunshine every day and the beaches. But as they got older, I wanted them to learn all about their English heritage and the estate. It is such a beautiful place with so much land and so much potential,” says Amber who, as an actress, has worked alongside Jennifer Lopez, Ben Stiller and Jack Nicholson.

She met her husband by chance when she was invited to London by a friend: “I flew over from New York and we went to a party at the Voodoo Lounge. I saw this man across the room, and I told my friend, ‘That’s the man I am going to marry!’. It turned out it was Guy’s party and we got chatting and he knew a lot of the people I knew at the time, as he was then working

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in the art world in New York.”

They went on to share a home in Manhattan, he as an artist whose career was burgeoning and Amber working as an actress, landing roles in movies such as Monster-in-Law starring Jane Fonda and appearing in a remake of Starsky and Hutch.

However, in 2003 tragedy struck when Guy’s father Christopher died. Guy, whose great-grandfather Harold Hindley founded the BHS empire, made the decision to abandon his career as an artist in New York and return to Lancashire to manage the country estate he had inherited.

WE WILL BE LOOKING TO GROW THE BUSINESS – AND GROW IT BEAUTIFULLY Over the years Guy set about diversifying and created Ribblesdale Park a thriving tourist destination featuring luxury lodges, Hindelinis café and more recently, the estate has become an events venue. Since her return from Los Angeles last March, Amber has been working closely with Robyn Isherwood, who has 10 years’ experience as an events organiser, working all over the world.

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“We arrived back from LA and just days later we were in lockdown, so it was the ideal time to take a look at how we could take the business forward. I was really keen to get involved as it’s been a big dream for both Guy and myself over the years to see how we can diversify. It’s been our brainchild and lockdown provided the perfect opportunity.

“We looked at it from every angle in terms of re-branding and pushing everything up to a really high standard in terms of the luxury lodges. We have looked at Hindelinis and I think it would be good to go down an organic route,” says Amber, who has helped propel the estate into one of the most successful wedding venues, offering luxury lodges, a party house, holiday cottages and land on which to site tepees – all in a stunning rural location.

Robyn who spearheaded the re-brand of the estate along with Amber, is also at the forefront of organising events at Gisburne Park, as Amber explains: “Robyn works on the creative side of the business and one day last year we were all sitting by the pool brainstorming ideas as to what could be next for the estate.

“We were thinking about hosting an event with musicians and how we could socially distance. We discussed putting groups of guests in allocated squares, then we came up with hexagons and bookable bubbles, and it went from there,” recalls Amber, who was pivotal in helping organise Gisburne Park’s first pop-up festival last summer, which saw 150 events attended by 40,000 people, all socially distanced.

“It was amazing! It was so well received that we extended it for an extra month.

We were so thankful that it was so well supported.”

This year, Gisburne Park will be the first festival of the summer in the UK –

there will be a long weekend of eclectic daytime and evening entertainment that kicks off from Thursday 27th May and runs until Monday 31st. Set against the stunning backdrop of the estate, this year’s festival will see a jam-packed weekend of live entertainment, from an Ibiza Orchestra to Mamma Mia Live, food and drink and the option to enjoy a weekend of boutique glamping.

I WAS REALLY KEEN TO GET INVOLVED AS IT’S BEEN A BIG DREAM FOR BOTH OF US OVER THE YEARS TO SEE HOW WE CAN DIVERSIFY The socially distanced pitches give guests a designated plot of their own, complete with deckchairs and table service for a VIP festival experience.

Guests have the option of booking day tickets or boutique glamping tickets which come with a stay in one of the site’s luxury

GISBURNE PARK POP-UP FESTIVAL Thursday 27th May: Symphonic Ibiza Friday 28th May: Sam Divine, Monki & Jess Bays Saturday 29th May (daytime): The Family Show Saturday 29th May (evening): Solardo and Maur Sunday 30th May (daytime): Fleetwood Bac Sunday 30th (evening): Eats Everything & Mele Monday 31st May (daytime): Mamma Mia Live Day tickets start from £35 (child) and £55 (adult)

bell tents. The exclusive glamping village is set in a six-acre field within the estate and is made up of 20 widely spaced bell tents, each with double bed, electric, outside decked area, a fire pit and, of course, stunning views over the Ribble Valley countryside.

Other accommodation includes the luxury lodges complete with private hot tub and holiday cottages that can accommodate up to 16 guests.

With a history that dates back to 1614, the estate is rich in history – from Oliver Cromwell, who marched his troops onto Gisburne Park and stayed at the Great Hall to present-day royalty: “Prince Charles used to come here regularly when Guy’s dad ran the shoot,” says Amber, who adores walking her Pyredoodle on the estate – often followed by two reindeers she acquired for a Christmas event last year.

As for the future, with Amber’s input and enthusiasm there looks to be even more opportunities for the Gisburne Park Estate: “We are both really interested in bringing the estate back to its former glory – I really like to strategise and think things through.

For example, it would be lovely to give children, who are growing up in towns and cities, an experience of rural life.

“But for the time being we will be looking to grow the business – and grow it beautifully.” n gisburneparkpopup.com

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CLASSICAL HEAD OUTDOOR PLANTER £95 audenza.com

MONTANA INDOOR/OUTDOOR EGG CHAIR £495 ellajames.co.uk

EXTREME LOUNGING OUTDOOR BED BEAN BAG IN AQUA £249 cuckooland.com

AL FRESCO ACCESSORIES Look forward to relaxing in the outdoors with these stylish accessories that will look perfect on a garden terrace or beautiful lawn TULUM OUTDOOR BEAN BAG IN TAUPE £206 lujo.com

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While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, all prices and stockists are subject to change.

RAVELLO FIVE/SIX SEATER HOT TUB FROM £7495 ribblevalleyspas.co.uk

MULTICOLOURED OUTDOOR LED CUBE TABLE/STOOL £265 limelace.co.uk

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THE ECO CHOICE FOR YOUR HOME Known for its richly pigmented paints and handcrafted wallpaper, Farrow & Ball has become a must-have staple in the homes of the style conscious, but did you know it’s also the eco-conscious choice for your home?

H

ere are seven reasons why Farrow & Ball is crafted to be kinder to the planet and everyone who shares it.

1. It’s child safe – you can be safe in the knowledge that the Estate and Modern ranges are certified safe for use in nurseries and children’s bedrooms and in accordance with Toy Safety Standards. So perfect for sprucing up not only the walls but also toy boxes, cots, headboards, bookshelves or wardrobes.

2. Eco-friendly paint formulations – the entire range of Farrow & Ball paints are water based so are safe to use in all rooms of the home, kinder to the environment, and also makes brushes easier to clean with no need for harmful solvents – not to mention quicker drying times.

3. Comfortable to apply – the low or minimal VOC content in the paint means they are low odour and you don’t have to breathe in nasty fumes.

4. The packaging is infinitely recyclable – metal tins can be recycled over and over

again, it may even turn up in your home again one day!

5. All of the paper used for its wallpaper is sourced from sustainable forests and responsibly manufactured. It’s printed

with Farrow & Ball’s own water-based paints, so environmentally friendly from start to finish – and, because it doesn’t contain any vinyl, any leftover paper can be easily recycled.

6. Zero dry waste – everything is created with care at Farrow & Ball’s home in Dorset and that means 100 per cent of the dry waste from its manufacturing plant is now recycled or converted into energy. The brand’s work has been recognised with environmental accreditations and being winners and finalists for the Coatings Care Awards for the last four years. The water used

by Farrow & Ball is recycled in its own water treatment facility which pre-treats it before sending clear water to local authority treatment plants. There are 132 colours, from soft neutrals to bold reds or soothing blues so there is a colour scheme for all kinds of homes, and each shade even has a complementary white – so being green has never been easier! n farrow-ball.com Local stockist rockform.co.uk

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YOUR OWN HOME IS THE BEST HOME Are you having difficulties using your current bathing facilities? Getting in and out of the bath becoming a struggle?

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Call us now for a free no obligation consultation and take the first step towards making your home the best place to be.

THE NEW ASSISTED LIFESTYLE POD If you need a quick accessibility solution, we can help.

The Assisted Lifestyle pod can often be installed within a day in any room in your property where there is water, waste and power. It will allow you to bathe in your own home in safety. Installation is simple with hardly any disruption.

Call us now to see how you can benefit from the new Assisted Lifestyle Pod. We also offer assistance kitchens and carry out all types of adaptation building work.

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HEAVENLY GATES

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hether we want to create more privacy or make our drives and patios into safer outdoor play areas for our children and pets, effective gates and railings are an essential part of our homes and gardens.

There are many styles to choose from, would traditional wrought iron designs look best outside your house? Perhaps you would prefer modern metal framed gates infilled with either timber, composites or aluminium?You might also want to consider the extra options for security and ease of use, such as electrical access control.

Luckily the craftsmen at MC Fabrication in Lostock Hall are on hand to understand your requirements, and to create and install bespoke designs to enhance your property.

As business owner Martin Cunningham explains, none of the gates and railings are off-the-shelf products, but are manufactured within the MC Fabrication workshop, using locally sourced materials.

“The design aesthetics are down to the customer, with our professional input,” he says. “Whether your home is a contemporary or traditional build, I can advise which style and colour of gate would be best suited to your home.”

The new outdoor display area which Martin has built next to the Lostock Hall

The new outdoor display at MC Fabrication shows how gates and railings can enhance the style and security of your home, says Stephanie Sparrow. Photography: Andrew Clutterbuck workshop is filled with inspiring ideas. Just opened this spring, it means customers can walk around examples of gates, railings and finishes, all in the fresh air.

WHETHER YOUR HOME IS A CONTEMPORARY OR TRADITIONAL BUILD, I CAN ADVISE WHICH STYLE AND COLOUR OF GATE WOULD BE BEST SUITED TO YOUR HOME From the sleek Iroko hardwood panels for infilled privacy gates, to finials and collars for railings, Martin offers a range of design details. He can bring samples of woods and finishes to home visits if required.

Gates and railings are heavy objects requiring expert installation, particularly if you choose automated electric gates.

Martin, who holds a Gate Safe installers certificate, advises customers to buy their gates and their electrification together in one package to be sure that they work

together and suit the location.

He launched the business in 2014. It has earned five-star reviews in the Lancashire Safe Trader scheme and is renowned for using quality materials.

“All our iron gates and railings are galvanised and powder coated as standard, offering a large range of colour options and patina finishes,” says Martin, “while our hardwood gates are treated in a widely available teak oil so are easy to re-coat. We want our gates to enhance your home for decades to come.” n

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MC Fabrication gates & railings MC Fabrication Unit 7, Tardy Gate Trading Estate Coote Lane, Lostock Hall PR5 5JD 01772 396680 irongatesnorthwest.co.uk

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WELCOME BACK! If you’re looking for inspiration for your home then look no further than Gainsborough Flooring, writes Meena McDonald

G

ainsborough Flooring can provide you with a vast range of carpets, wood type flooring or rugs from world-leading manufacturers.

Even though we’ve made a tremendous success of our home selection service over the past year, the thought of actually welcoming customers back into our showroom fills us with great excitement.

We truly believe the success of our business can be attributed to the team’s commitment to delivering a personal service to every customer. That has always been our focus and priority, and over the past 70 years we’ve built the most amazing relationships and friendships with customers, So much so, that they come back to us again and again, have invited us to their weddings, and their children and grandchildren are now buying their flooring from us too – a true family business!

Even though we’ve faced numerous challenges over the past 70 years, the showroom being closed for a large proportion of the past year has certainly been the greatest one. However, with the team’s resourcefulness and commitment combined with the support of our loyal customers we have managed to get

through it and come out even stronger.

Our business success isn’t just down to our customers and our team, but also our manufacturers and suppliers. The reason we’re able to source such a wonderfully eclectic range of flooring from some of the most reputable manufacturers in the world is because our expert team have established long-lasting partnerships with suppliers, which is built on professionalism and mutual respect. This enables us to provide customers with the most stylish flooring on the market, at extremely competitive prices. We’ve got such an extensive selection, so there’s always something for everyone.

Of course we’re very conscious of the fact that as we slowly come out of lockdown, some customers would prefer to continue with our home selection service, therefore, this will remain in place for anyone who wishes to utilise it.

Do come and view our superb showroom if you can though and we can guarantee you won’t be disappointed.

There is such an array of flooring to choose from and we cannot wait to welcome you with a friendly smile, even though it may be hidden behind a mask! n

01772 250 682 gainsboroughflooring.co.uk Gainsborough Flooring 26 Heatley Street Preston PR1 2XB

Opening times: Mon - Fri 8.00am - 5.00pm Sat 9.00am - 4.00pm

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BE AU TIFUL ON Your home is your unique space and this super-talented design team will ensure your interiors are as individual as you are, writes Kate Ford

W

hether buying a brand-new home, undertaking a large-scale renovation or embarking on a complete refurbishment, changing where you live is a substantial investment. If you’re to benefit fully from that investment, you need to make sure the interiors are as stylish, original and functional as the bricks and mortar are robust.

“Your home’s interior is an extension of your personality and individuality,” says Alisa Bowen, creative director of Inside Studio in Preston. “If your home reflects

your personality and is designed to work for you practically,it will always be a place which makes you happy.”

YOUR HOME’S INTERIOR IS AN EXTENSION OF YOUR PERSONALITY AND INDIVIDUALITY Alisa and her team specialise in high value residential property transformations, usually focused on large scale renovation projects, extensions, barn conversions and similar. She is also an expert in bespoke interiors for new build projects, often working off plan. Her service includes everything from space layout, lighting designs and furniture sourcing, to the finer details of accessorising.

“I believe we have unparalleled trade and supplier contacts,” says Alisa. “When it comes to furniture and furnishings, we’ve

hand-picked the very best from Europe and beyond, and our excellent trading relationships mean that clients can access unique items of exceptional quality, at a price they wouldn’t be able to secure for themselves.”

When embarking on a project, the first thing Alisa does is meet her clients to find out as much about them as she can. Whilst she’ll also assess the space in question, the most important thing is getting to know a client’s personality and what they hope to achieve from the space. Only then, will the final design truly reflect their hopes and dreams.

Luckily, Alisa is a natural reader of people and her proposals are often met with more than a degree of surprise, as clients marvel at her genius ability to deliver designs which embody their unique style and aspirations.

Alisa is talking to me from her design

homesinsideout

TH E I N SI DE studio based within a converted coach house in the centre of Preston. Although the space has been renovated to accommodate this multi-talented team, it has retained much of its original character. “It’s a quirky space, a very creative space,” smiles Alisa.

“Clients often comment that there’s a real ‘buzz’ around the studio and that’s perfect for generating ideas.”

The studio features a dedicated presentation room with a large screen for showing clients the design ideas for their homes and all the material samples.

“We often use computer-generated, 3D, photo-realistic images which enable clients to clearly see how their rooms will look once the project has been completed.”

If you’re considering a large building or renovation project, Alisa and her team can work alongside your chosen contractor to ensure the completed scheme is co-ordinated down to the finest detail. “It’s a great

benefit to involve us from the earliest stages, so we can make sure everything – layout, furniture and in particular lighting – is absolutely right. Nothing is overlooked, it is the complete service.

OUR BUSINESS IS SMALL ENOUGH TO BE PERSONAL, WHILST EXPERIENCED AND EQUIPPED TO TAKE CARE OF MULTI-MILLION-POUND PROJECTS “I think what sets us apart is that our business is small enough to be personal, whilst experienced and equipped to take care of multi-million-pound projects.”

Talking to Alisa, it becomes clear that, above all else, she really wants to make her clients happy. “People deserve happiness, comfort and a little bit of luxury. They deserve to work with people

they trust and who are passionate about what they do.

“I feel privileged that clients let me into their homes, and I will never tire of seeing how happy they are when they achieve their finished space. I like to think that, with their interiors designed by us, our clients will always look forward to going home.” n

Inside Studio The Coach House 5 East Cliff, Preston PR1 3JE 01772 200727 insidestudio.co.uk

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LIFESTYLE TRENDS The past year has seen us mulling over home decor ideas which make us feel safe, comfortable and happy, those which give the impression of space, connect us with nature and enable households to live together harmoniously

T

hese are not so much design trends, but rather lifestyle trends which have taken hold as an instinctive response to the way our lives have had to alter – and they are likely to be around for many years to come.

COTTAGECORE

Cottagecore is not a new concept, but since lockdown, it seems more relevant than ever. It’s like a warm comfort blanket that embraces the home, and is a global phenomenon, uniting young and old, from all walks of life. It’s a romantic reflection of rural life and a less complex world of a bygone era. In a nutshell the trend uses colours, patterns and details your granny might well have adopted for her home!

The essence of cottagecore is whimsical and nostalgic, but with quirky and green elements that reflect our need for beauty, sustainability and security. With more time on our hands, we’re taking up traditional skills and crafts including flower arranging, gardening, baking and pottery. Cottagecore design can work in any home, but if yours has interesting features, such as exposed beams, original floorboards or panelled walls (also a growing trend in its own right) these elements give your interior intrinsic cottagecore value.

JAPANDI

Japandi is a minimalist trend that’s all about clean lines and no clutter. With many homes at full capacity over the last 12 months, a light and spacious feel to our interiors is certainly an appealing vibe many of us have been craving. This trend is a fusion of east meets west, in which Scandinavian elements are teamed with the design traditions of Japan.

Japandi is the perfect trend for those who relish a bit of order – the organisational and functional element of the look creates a calming feel with its pared-back aesthetic,

natural materials and muted shades, which make it a versatile trend for use in any room in your home. Natural motifs and textures also play a key role.

Stoneware and ceramics particularly symbolise this look, usually in organic shapes and colours, with a homemade vibe. Colours are muted in hues of grey and white, with plain walls, although wallpaper in earthy colours incorporating natural prints also embodies the trend.

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homesinsideout the air, filtering out pollutants and releasing oxygen. Choose either large plants for a bold feature, or a throng of smaller ones.

Green walls in earthy, organic hues such as olive and sage are very on trend. Science shows that just looking at something green can slow the heart rate and reduce stress, so from a mental and a physical wellbeing standpoint, biophilic design won’t be disappearing from our homes any time soon.

BIOPHILIC DESIGN

Biophilia describes design and architecture that focuses on our innate human connection with nature. It’s all about bringing the outdoors in and taking the indoors out.

Outdoor space has become a key part of any home as we spend more time enjoying nature. We are also demanding more of our gardens throughout all the seasons.

Our outdoor areas are extensions of our living space, providing us with places where we can relax and switch off, with the possibility of remaining social. Flexible soft seating, outdoor kitchens and heating provision, along with some form of allweather shelter, will all ensure we can use our outside space all year round.

those which will make us feel positive and good about ourselves. Sometimes all we need to boost our mood are little reminders of what makes us happy. Surrounding ourselves with things that make us smile can have a huge impact on how we feel – whether it’s a gallery of wall art, treasured trinkets or a windowsill of herbs and succulents.

There is something comforting about arranging selected treasures, reviewing them and adding new elements into the mix. Depending on what you’re displaying, floating shelves can be an ideal way of showing off your accessories, and a thoughtfully curated shelf makes for the model Zoom backdrop!

FLEXIBLE SPACES

For many of us, working from home is looking like a permanent fixture, even if it’s on a part-time basis. Living and working in the same space isn’t easy. Multi-purpose furniture is ideal for creating versatile spaces.

Fit a wall-bed in your guest bedroom and a desk with bespoke storage and you’ve created two rooms in one.

As you’d expect, this year’s garden trends are reflecting those indoors. In the same way that today’s homes now have to multitask, so too do our gardens. Garden offices and studios have become immensely popular, further reflecting the importance of our outdoor spaces.

At Hartleys we’re good at creating bespoke furniture which will achieve the versatility you’re looking for in your home. Our multipurpose designs will optimise your interiors, such as our wall-beds and fitted window seats, creating more space for living and storage provision, and ultimately making your home a more organised and harmonious environment to live in. n

HAPPINESS ON DISPLAY Caring for lush houseplants keeps us in touch with nature. Greenery is said to promote feelings of calm, as well as purify

Spending so much time at home has made us survey our living spaces and create new areas for new activities. Likewise, it’s made us examine the aesthetics of our homes and consider the updates we’d like to make –

If you’d like to speak to us about your fitted furniture plans, we’d love to hear from you on 01756 700471 or via our website at: hartleysbedrooms.co.uk

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LANCASHIRE’S PREMIER GUIDE TO LUXURY LIVING

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MARATHON MUM RUNNER’S JOURNEY

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Live Magazines need enthusiastic and reliable delivery people to join our established teams across the Ribble Valley.

These opportunities are ideally suited to distributors working independently across two or three areas.

polished with precision

To do this you’ll need to be physically fit, have access to your own transport and have somewhere to store the magazines.

WE ARE CURRENTLY LOOKING FOR DELIVERY PEOPLE IN THE FOLLOWING AREAS:

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To request your FREE design visit, call 01756 700471

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CELEBRATION TIME Katie Green, founder of award-winning Heart of your Home Kitchens is celebrating five years in business. Over that time, she has worked on many stunning projects in prestigious homes across the Ribble Valley

I

t’s been five years since Katie Green, founder of Heart of your Home Kitchens, set up her hugely successful business.

Katie’s eye for design is classically elegant and her attention to detail has put Heart of your Home Kitchens way ahead in terms of design and practicality.

Working from her beautiful studio in the Waddington countryside, Katie says: “Potential clients make an appointment to come here and what they see in the studio really influences them. They love the 1909 Collection and they are greatly influenced by the colour combinations, often choosing the same because it works so well.”

The 1909 Collection features numerous designs that are available in many different colourways and Katie can also advise on

complementary worktops, appliances and handles. When potential customers visit the studio they can see this for themselves – the beautiful Half Pencil and Scalloped

1909 cabinetry is displayed in Partridge Grey, Charcoal and Chalk, a fabulous colour combination that really appeals to clients: “When people visit my studio it really makes

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an impact,” says Katie, who has far surpassed all her expectations in the number of kitchen installations she has been involved with since the start of her business.

“As the years have gone by the business has evolved. I set out to become a designer and installer of exclusive bespoke kitchens and that’s what I have achieved.

“We are not your typical high street kitchen store, we are an appointment only design studio, which gives us exclusivity and

WE ARE NOT YOUR TYPICAL HIGH STREET KITCHEN STORE, WE ARE AN APPOINTMENT ONLY DESIGN STUDIO WHICH GIVES US EXCLUSIVITY AND WHEN CLIENTS VISIT THEY KNOW FROM THE OUTSET THAT THEY ARE DEALING WITH ME PERSONALLY, THAT’S MY USP

when clients visit they know from the outset that they are dealing with me personally, that’s my USP. I will talk them through all the options available, carry out a home design survey and put together a unique design concept for them to view on my big screen in the studio.

“One of the most challenging and memorable kitchens I installed between the lockdowns last year was at a five bedroom farmhouse in the heart of the Ribble Valley.

“It was one of the most extensive projects I have completed – it involved opening up what was a small kitchen and creating a lovely living space, pantry and

boot room. The clients had a really good idea of what they wanted in terms of the style and the look they wanted to achieve.

“The couple installed a traditional AGA and an elegant mix of Ovolo, Half Pencil and Scalloped style cabinetry from the 1909 Collection. They opted for Charcoal and Dove Grey with brass handles which worked really well, together with farmhouse sinks from Shaw’s of Darwen and Perrin and Rowe for the gold filter and boiling water taps.”

At Katie’s suggestion the clients chose a pantry in Dove Grey with matching Carrera White Marble worktops running through from the kitchen. As always, throughout the project Katie kept in touch with her clients giving them regular updates.

“It really was a pleasure to work alongside them on their extensive renovation project,” she recalls.

I AM DELIGHTED THAT I CAN NOW RE-OPEN MY STUDIO AND AM ABLE TO BE FULLY OPERATIONAL AGAIN AFTER THE EASING OF THE LOCKDOWN REGULATIONS. I HAVE SOME REALLY EXCITING 1909 COLLECTION PROJECTS IN THE PIPELINE, WHICH I AM REALLY LOOKING FORWARD TO “I am delighted that I can now re-open my studio and am able to be fully operational again after the easing of the lockdown regulations. I have some really exciting 1909 Collection projects in the pipeline, which I am really looking forward to.” n

Heart of your Home Kitchens Heart of your Home Kitchens Backridge Farm Business Centre Twitter Lane Waddington BB7 3LQ FINAL ARTWORK 01200 444540 HEART OF YOUR HOME - ARTWORK 28/03/2016 heartofyourhomekitchens.co.uk

© ARTURAS JANUSAS 2016 ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

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Christian Davies Antiques have now re-located to The Ribble Valley with a small www.christiandaviesantiques.co.uk showroom and warehouse on The Garden Village within Mrs. Dowsons farm site.

We are open by appointment anytime but in the future will be hoping to open more regularly.

Please check our website, Instagram and Twitter for our current stock inventory.

Our stock includes Period oak and furnishings, high quality 19th Century furniture through to the Arts & Crafts and Art Deco Period.

A Victorian period burr walnut, marquetry and ormolu antique credenza 60” wide x 40.5” high x 15” deep

A Large Circa Scale1870 Victorian Period Burr £3950.00 Walnut Antique Coffee Table C1870 £1150.00

A fine Victorian period burr walnut & marquetry antique display cabinet A superb early Victorian period mahogany extending antique dining table. Circa 1850.

An Exhibition Quality Victorian Period 116” long fully extended x 29” high x 56” wide Burr(each Walnut, Ormolu leaf insertAmboyna 19”) Minimumand length 59” Side Cabinet C1870-1880 £4750.00 £4500.00

Christian Davies Ltd, Units C3 & C4 Hulme Court,US J4 service PLEASE RINGAntiques OR EMAIL ANYTIME TO VISIT AT: area M65, Blackburn Trade Park, Longsight Commercial Road, Darwen, Lancashire.

BB3BB2 0DB7JA The CalderInterchange Studio, Garden Village, Road, Clayton Le Dale, Blackburn 01254 873187 | 07774 99146007774 | 07733 056617 Tel: 01254 873187 | Mobile: 991460 | Email: info@christiandaviesantiques.co.uk www.christiandaviesantiques.co.uk | christiandavies@btconnect.com

54” wide x 14” deep x 42” high

1860-1870 A Fine QualityCirca Victorian Period £3500.00 Mahogany Pedestal Desk by James Shoolbred C1890-1900 £1250.00

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Hepplestone Fine Art Limited, Heskin Hall Shopping Village, Wood Lane, Heskin, Chorley, Lancashire, PR7 5PA. 01257 451121 sales@hepplestonefineart.com www.hepplestonefineart.com Visit the Gallery - we are 5 minutes from Junction 27 off the M6. Open 7 days with Ample Free Parking or Buy On-line with FREE UK Mainland Delivery.

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the outside in, having greenery in our homes it’s what I have been doing all my working life. It makes me feel better, it makes me feel good.”

Educated at Westholme School, Jo went on to study for a BTech in Art and Design before gaining a BA degree at the prestigious Glasgow School of Art, one of the best art institutions in the country. “It was a real eye opener,” recalls Jo. “I got to work on projects with Paul Smith and rug designer Helen Yardley. Glasgow was very creative and students who graduated were really put on a pedestal. So many students left thinking it was going to be easy getting a job working in textiles – but it wasn’t.

I WAS LUCKY. I WAS OFFERED A JOB WORKING IN A DESIGN HOUSE JUST OUTSIDE PARIS

MEET THE DESIGNER Textile designer Jo McEwan began her career in a small design house in Paris. Three decades later, she has established her own interiors business that features beautiful soft furnishings and home accessories, writes Jan Woolley

W

hen considering a name for her newly-founded interiors company, designer Jo McEwan opted for Textured Lives, which very much reflects her ethos: “Each of us has lived a life that is full of texture, we are all individuals and it’s about building our own story,” enthuses Jo, who was born and educated in the Ribble Valley.

Her new lifestyle website features her own design collections along with beautifully curated home accessories that have been chosen to complement each other. The palette has been created for homes that are lived-in and calm: “Now more than ever, our homes are our sanctuary. All my designs are inspired by nature and my love of gardening, walking, running with my dog, it’s such a nice feeling. It’s about bringing

“I was lucky. I was offered a job working in a design house just outside Paris. It was 30 years ago and I was paid £60 a week with accommodation provided. I was prepared to work for so little because I knew I would learn so much. I grew up pretty quickly.”

While in Paris Jo would hand sketch designs that would be transferred to textiles, she learned about the design and manufacturing process and it wasn’t long before she found work at one of the world’s leading fabric design and manufacturers – Crowson.

“It was then in its heyday,” Jo recalls.

“It was a fantastic opportunity, working at Crowson was the ultimate on a CV.” During her time at Crowson Jo’s designs became very successful: “It was a great place to work and I met some lovely people there.

But I knew it was an experience, a stepping stone to get where I wanted to be.”

Jo’s next step was working for Rosenthal in Manchester – a more diverse manufacturer that gave Jo commercial experience learning about how the design retail sector worked.

She worked there for three years before her dream job landed when she was appointed

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design manager at Montgomery in Chester.

She worked there for 18 years during which time she became design director, responsible for 180 retail outlets in the likes of House of Frazer and Fenwicks, with more than 1000 staff.

“It was a company with a great work culture, but unfortunately we were one of the first casualties of the high street.”

Luckily Jo had become a well-known name within the industry and she was very much in demand as a design consultant, however she also nurtured a dream of designing her own products: “I knew I had a great cross section of skills that I had built up over the years. I knew that my designs had sold throughout the UK so I thought, ‘Let’s give it a go’.”

Eighteen months ago, Jo started designing her own website for her latest enterprise Textured Lives, she began creating her own digital designs and set about finding manufacturers and makers in the UK and abroad.

to get everything right before I launched.

“My dream was to create the complete home offering. For it to have integrity, I felt I needed to have a complete collection featuring items that really complemented each other and that reflected my ethos too.”

SHE HAS SOURCED CROCKERY AND GLASSWARE THAT SIT BEAUTIFULLY ALONGSIDE HER PERSONALLY DESIGNED SOFT FURNISHINGS “The launch of Textured Lives is the culmination of 30 years’ experience not just in design but in operations and finance too, it’s been hard work but ultimately worth it. I did everything myself, I designed the product, created the website, produced the photography, wrote all the text and implemented all the business software. I had

Once Jo develops a design idea, she will send a digital drawing specifying design details and colourings to one of her chosen mills and while many of her fabrics are made here in the UK, items from her lifestyle

collection are made overseas.

Beautiful made-to-measure curtains, soft furnishings and accessories all take time as many items are exclusively bespoke: “The embroidery cushions I designed took six months to make. But I’m not in any rush – I am very ambitious for this to work,” adds Jo, who has also developed her own body and bath collection which is made in the UK. She has also sourced crockery and glassware along with other home accessories that sit beautifully alongside her personally designed soft furnishings.

“I am very much in favour of people choosing what they like for their home – not choosing to go along with trends. It’s okay to still have a 20-year-old rug that you love as that’s what makes your home personal to you. It reflects you and your textured life – it tells your story.” n texturedlives.co.uk

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Operated by a tubular motor, complete with a manual override facility and controlled by a comprehensive remote control system to Prices include start from courtesy light and full safety system, £800we guarantee all year round access.

Features include a unique auto-lock system to prevent the door from being lifted when in fully closed position and a safety brake mechanism to prevent the door from falling when in the fully open position, making your garage safe The Premier Garage Door range theat convenience andblends secure all times.of power operation with smooth, vertical opening and the benefits of insulation toAdditional provide the perfect solution for any garage. benefits compared to conventional Features include a unique auto-lock system to garage doors are thethereduction and prevent door from being in liftednoise when in fully closed position and a safety brake mechanism to heat loss whilstprevent freeing up the door fromvaluable falling when ingarage the fully open making your garage safe and secure at space. A vehicleposition, can be parked within 50mm all times.

Operated by a tubular motor complete with Additional benefits compared to conventional of the door inside or out without disrupting a manual override facility and controlled by garage doors are the reduction in noise and heat loss a comprehensive remote control system to whilst freeing up valuable garage space. A vehicle operation.

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A LITTLE HELP Over the past 12 months The Helping Hands Group Home Help Service has really come into its own. Founder Suzanne Waring explains how this service has become a lifeline to many

T

he past year has been a worrying time for most businesses and while some were able to continue working others were forced to close.

For Suzanne Waring, founder of Ribble Valley-based The Helping Hands Group, it has

been somewhat of a rollercoaster ride – at one point, with all her team furloughed, she found herself on her own, working five days a week at three different sites cleaning for a major client.

Today her cleaning business is as successful as ever. Thanks to The Helping Hands’ scrupulous approach to safety, the majority of commercial and domestic clients have returned and many new ones have been enquiring about their services. But lockdown has brought to light

an ever-increasing problem that Suzanne is currently addressing: “The past year has had a huge impact on the elderly. Many have been frightened to go out and have had no support or family around them.”

Having a good number of elderly clients, Suzanne has adopted a rigorous safety regime – she has invested in full PPE, but while safety has been a priority, loneliness among the elderly has become a real issue: “I started to notice that many of my elderly clients were simply lonely – they had no-one to talk to and no-one to help them with day to day tasks, so during lockdown we started calling them two to three times a week just for a

homesinsideout chat and to see if they needed our help with anything at all.”

Giving her clients more confidence and someone to talk to has since led to a surge in business for The Helping Hands Group, which historically has provided home help, but on a low key basis.

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a hip operation, but was not confident taking her morning shower as she was afraid that she may fall. All she needed was for someone to be in the house, so one of our team makes breakfast for her while she showers.

“Another client who suffers from dementia and who loves to

COMMERCIAL CLEANING No matter how small or large your company, the Helping Hands Group can help clean and maintain your property and offices.

DOMESTIC CLEANING

THEY REALLY DO CARE ABOUT WHAT THEY DO – THEY ARE MAKING A REAL DIFFERENCE “We don’t offer home care, we offer home help to those in their own homes, who are quite capable but need additional support. It may well be that they don’t have a family or their family live away. We provide that extra help – it may be arranging a dental appointment, shopping or helping them with a task in their homes.

“It is clear that this is a rapidly growing area within our business.”

With cleaning at the core of the company, The Helping Hands Group has bounced back stronger than ever from lockdown – investing in a new van and new team members.

“On the cleaning side of the business we have many clients returning and a good number of new clients. On the home help side we have really noticed a difference – the past year has really brought to the fore, what had been a quieter side to the business. We are fit for purpose and we can adapt to suit our clients’ needs,” adds Suzanne.

“For example, we have an elderly lady who returned home from

cook, had lost all her confidence so a member of the home help team visits and together they prepare a meal from scratch two or three times a week, and it’s working incredibly well.

“Our full and part time home help team really do care about what they do – and they are making a real difference. The team I have recruited into this area of my business are people who genuinely have a caring nature and who I would trust to help me look after my parents.” n

Helping Hands Group 5 Windmill Cottages Preston New Road Mellor Brook Blackburn BB2 7NT 01254 812144 helpinghandsgroup.co.uk

Helping Hands Group can do as much or as little as you require from a one-off super-deep clean, a regular weekly or monthly clean or assistance with anything from laundry to shopping.

PROPERTY MAINTENANCE From window cleaning to mowing the lawns, landscaping and laying patios, for both commercial and domestic customers, Helping Hands Group carry out all property maintenance inside and out.

HOLIDAY HOMES Helping Hands Group has a ‘fast-track’ cleaning and maintenance facility to service holiday homes. They work with a number of Ribble Valley holiday homes, providing a quick turnaround, changing beds, cleaning and stocking the fridge, before the next holidaymakers arrive.

HOME HELP Whether it’s daily chores, taking someone to a doctor’s appointment, helping with the shopping, meal-making or a friendly chat, the team at Helping Hands can provide as much or as little help as required. Long and short-term respite care can also be provided.

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homesinsideout

BUZZING NEW DESIGN British homewares brand, Sophie Allport, is pleased to announce the launch of her new Bees Teal design

B

eautiful bees buzz around a teal background on this stylish new colourway from Sophie Allport which complements her everpopular Bees collection. As a keen gardener herself, Sophie was inspired by the bees in her garden to create this fine collection.

The new teal design features on a wide range of homewares and accessories, including Oundle bags, a pet bed, table linens and kitchen linens. Prices start from £7.50 for a Bees Teal fabric placemat and up to £76 for a Bees extra-large pet bed.

Designer Sophie explained: “Our very first design was Busy Bees and we’ve come so far since 2007, so we’re really excited to launch this new Bees Teal design, it’s perfect for adding a touch of colour to any interior all year.”

Further items being added to Sophie’s existing Bees collection include a kettle and toaster in collaboration with Dualit, new summer pyjama shorts, a camera bag, a thermal water bottle, t-shirts and bees embroidered bedding. You’ll also spot a lovely new collection of gardening and outdoor accessories in the Bees collection which features gardening toolsets, a selection of display stoneware and ankle wellies. n

The new Bees Teal collection is now available from: sophieallport.com

PRESTIGE BEDS www.prestigebeds.co.uk

w w w. b o l d s t re e t b e d s . c o . u k

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BUSY TIME FOR GARDENERS April is a busy month for gardeners – there’s sowing and planting to be done – and it’s time to turn your attention to long lost friends such as your vegetable patch

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t’s a key month for planting vegetables and fruit in the garden, and from now on until late autumn you will be sowing, planting and harvesting. Finish off sowing seeds for early lettuces, summer carrots, dwarf peas, summer spinach and broad beans and start sowing beetroots, brassicas (broccoli, cauliflower, sprouts and cabbage), peas, turnips and swede.

You can also plant the first early potatoes, weather dependent. For beginners, some of the easiest fruits to grow are berries.

Strawberries and blueberries love containers or open ground and both will crop heavily once established.

A simple garden solution for April is to create your very own veg patch. Mark out the area well, prepare the soil, dig in compost and then sow a variety of seeds that will provide you with veg all year round. It’s a common misconception that you need a lot of space to be able

to grow vegetables. You can still achieve real success with container grown plants.

Tomatoes will thrive in pots and grow bags and can also be grown in the ground.

Another plant that loves container life (and being in borders as well) is lavender – and it’s the perfect time to plant it so that you can enjoy it throughout the summer.

It’s a favourite with gardeners not just for its beautiful form and fragrance but also

because it attracts essential pollinators such as bees and butterflies. It’s considered a romantic flower that most gardeners get the urge to plant in their garden sooner or later and can add real value with its scent and shades of purple flowers and silver leaf backdrop. To successfully grow lavender, it needs to be planted in a warm, well drained soil with full sun. It is often planted as an edging plant with roses or grown as an informal hedge. However, lavender does not like ‘wet feet’ as it promotes root rot and ‘dampness’ is often the reason that it doesn’t perform well. It’s a tough plant though and once established only requires regular pruning after flowering has finished in the Autumn. n THIS MONTH: April not only sees the start of National Gardening Week from 26th April to 2nd May, but it really kicks off the gardening season so here are some top tips for this month from the Royal Horticultural Society: • Tie back climbing and rambling roses • Keep an eye out for pests and keep weeds under control • Start feeding plants in the garden from now to the end of the summer • Sow seeds directly into the soil so they can flower in the summer • Sow vegetable seeds directly into prepared beds • Plant summer flowering bulbs • Sow new lawns or repair bare patches • Prune shrubs and trees • Apply mulch or manure to flower beds and pots • Prepare hanging baskets

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OPEN FOR APPOINTMENTS ONLY, SHOWROOM OPEN FOR OPEN APPOINTMENTS FOR APPOINTMENTS ONLY, ONLY, SHOWROOM FOR APPOINTMENTS ONLY, OPEN FOR APPOINTMENTS ONLY, PLEASE CALL OR EMAIL TO ARRANGE. sq sqoftm CALLPLEASE 0 3sq 0 ro 3sh0o0ftw 00uft0r 3sq0o0uft0r PLEASE o PLEASE OR EMAIL TO ARRANGE. PLEASE CALL OR CALL EMAIL OR TO EMAIL ARRANGE. TO ARRANGE. CALL PLEASE OR EMAIL TO ARRANGE. Please call or email showroom@originalbathroomcompany.co.uk CALL OR EMAIL ARRANGE. We are TO adhering to social distancing guidelines. m m m o o o o ro ro m w w o o Evening appointments are also available upon request sh sh We are adhering howro We are to adhering to social distancing guidelines.

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The Original Bathroom Company The The Original Bathroom Company The Original The Original Bathroom Bathroom Company Company The Original Bathroom Company Original Bathroom Company DESIGN • SUPPLY • INSTALL UE•PS•PI N LS D Y NY S P•TP•AI LN LSYLSUT•P API N G •SP ILSG DESIGD N E •S ISGD UNEP SP•ILGSYDN SNTEP•A LUN U LL LYS T• AILNL S T A L L

tel: 01772 611622 www.theoriginalbathroomcompany.co.uk tel:611622 01772 www.theoriginalbathroomcompany.co.uk tel:611622 01772 tel: 611622 01772 Road, 611622 www.theoriginalbathroomcompany.co.uk www.theoriginalbathroomcompany.co.uk tel: 01772 www.theoriginalbathroomcompany.co.uk tel: 611622 01772 www.theoriginalbathroomcompany.co.uk 84 Liverpool Longton, Preston PR4 5NB • Next to Booths Supermarket

84 Liverpool Road, Longton, Preston PR4 5NBPR4 NextPR4 toSupermarket Booths 84 Preston Liverpool Liverpool Road, Longton, Preston Preston 5NB PR4 • Supermarket Next 5NB to•Supermarket Booths Next toSupermarket Booths Supermarket verpool Road,84Longton, 5NBLongton, • Road, Next to• Booths Liverpool Road,84PR4 Longton, Preston 5NB Next to Booths EVENING AND• WEEKEND APPOINTMENTS AVAILABLE AND WEEKEND APPOINTMENTS AVAILABLE EVENING EVENING AND WEEKEND AND WEEKEND APPOINTMENTS APPOINTMENTS AVAILABLE AVAILABLE EVENINGEVENING AND WEEKEND APPOINTMENTS AVAILABLE EVENING AND WEEKEND APPOINTMENTS AVAILABLE

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I N SI D E OUT You can create a lovely outdoor haven that the whole family can enjoy this summer. With a little thought and imagination, your garden can be transformed!

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eing outdoors gives us the opportunity to swap smartphones for salvias, tablets for terrariums and desktops for daffodils and enjoy our gardens. With more accessories available than ever before, the garden is fast becoming an extra room in the home, with kitchens, firepits, chill out areas and even bars becoming the must haves for our outdoor space.

With the increased popularity in TV programmes such as Love Your Garden and Garden Rescue, these have given us ideas and inspiration to be more creative outside.

If you are thinking of making big changes to your garden, it might be worth getting in a landscaper, who can not only make the best use of the space you have but guide

you on what plants to plant and where.

Furnishings such as patio dining sets and barbeques can be expensive, as can plants, so do some research and look round first.

Visit recycling centres for unusual containers rather than buying pots. You might even pick up tools there. Reclamation yards are also a good hunting ground for all things exterior. As are car boot sales.

Grow your plants from seeds or ask for cuttings from friends and neighbours.

Make your own compost and be smart with bulbs. They are less expensive in the autumn.You can make some small changes by simply changing the colour of your fence.

Go for something which brightens up the garden rather than sticking to brown or grey. Make containers up from old items

around the house. Wheelbarrows, tyres, chimney pots, all could be made into a feature if you just use a bit of creativity.

Lighting has become big in the garden.

There are plenty of solar lanterns on the market, but you could make your own, either out of an old clean tin can and put some holes in it, creating your own pattern, then place a tea light inside or an LED tea light for safety. Alternatively use a glass jar.

THE GARDEN IS FAST BECOMING AN EXTRA ROOM IN THE HOME Illuminating your garden needn’t be with actual lights. You could make striking features that glow in the dark by using special paint on objects around your garden.

Mostly for decorative light, you could transform an area of your garden and make it personal to you, whether it’s a planter, pebbles or the side of your shed.

You don’t have to spend a fortune to appreciate your garden. What will give you more pleasure is making it your own personal space for you and the family to relax and enjoy and hopefully soak up the sun. n

fuelmizas stoves, cookers, fireplaces since 1975

Bee Mill Preston Road Ribchester PR3 3XJ 01254 878368 fuelmizas.co.uk

BE INSPIRED… Come rain or shine, Holden Clough is a place where visitors are inspired by the beautifully curated plants and the stunning collections of homeware, pots, glassware, plants and vintage memorabilia.

Photography: Kirsten Platt

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ime spent at Holden Clough Nursery is always magical no matter what the season, and as spring blossoms into summer, buds start to bloom and everything comes to life – there’s no better time to visit!

Novice and experienced gardeners will love the new developments that have evolved around this four-acre, family-run nursery, which is tucked away in the pretty hamlet of Holden.

From a new summer menu in the Shepherd’s Hut to an eclectic collection of vintage and contemporary collectables in the Garden Room, the Holden Clough experience is ultimately relaxing. Wander through the pretty shale pathways to the sound of the birds and bees, sit quietly on a bench with a warm drink and watch the world go by – or visit the stunning larch

clad Potting Shed featuring everything you need for the gardening world including trugs and trowels, secateurs and watering cans, fertilisers and fungicides, and for junior gardeners there are children’s gardening tools, den building kits and activity sets to make outdoor play so much fun! The Potting Shed is also where it all begins, a place where you can watch thousands of young plants in their new beginnings.

This spring the original Frame Yard, which was built with the nursery in 1927, has come alive with a wonderful show of plants and, new to Holden Clough, are David Austin roses – rambling and shrub.

Renowned for their beautiful, often many petalled, repeat flowering blooms and rich fragrances, David Austin roses grace prestigious gardens around the world, so if you want a very special addition to your garden, they make a fantastic focal point.

It is within the Frame Yard that your choice of plant is made easy as they are

lifestyle

grouped by association so you can find a plant that will thrive. The inspirational plant collections are carefully curated to give you perfect planting combinations for beautiful borders from spring through to summer and beyond. Choose from cottage garden, wildlife friendly, shade loving and of course, the classic white garden collection. All the plants and shrubs at Holden Clough are of the highest quality and grown to withstand the unpredictable northern weather so you can be sure that you are getting only the very best when buying for your garden.

Moving on to Holden Clough’s Glasshouse which continues to showcase vintage furniture, beautiful mirrors and lighting from Europe, house plants and terrariums as well as more exotic orchids, lemon trees and cactus – the plant selection is second to none!

Also new and exclusive to Holden Clough are Pots and Pithoi, a manufacturer that produces a wonderful selection of Cretan terracotta pots available in different shapes and sizes. Stunningly handcrafted and frost resistant, the world-renowned terracotta pots will add beauty and form to any outside space.

The pots are capable of withstanding the harshest of UK winters due to the unique blend of clay and the way they are fired – at high temperature using crushed olive stones and grape seeds. The Pots and Pithoi brand is also a favourite with the Royals, Prince Charles is rumoured to have chosen the Pots and Pithoi Honeypot for the gardens of Highgrove.

Always mindful of safety, a visit to Holden Clough is a quiet oasis of calm – and in times when people are looking to create relaxing work spaces in their gardens, Croft Pods have a fully kitted out pod for viewing.

If you’re feeling peckish you can stroll through the nursery grounds to the Shepherd’s Hut where you will find a mouth-watering selection of hot and cold

WEEKEND MARKETS AT HOLDEN CLOUGH CHERRY MARKET: 16th & 18th April 9am - 4.30pm TULIP MARKET: 23rd, 24th & 25th April 9am - 4.30pm Booking is essential via the website Visit: holdencloughnursery.com

dishes and snacks. From buddha bowls to Scotch eggs and delicious stews, visitors can look forward to curry Mondays and pie Fridays – all equally delicious!

Looking to the future, Holden Clough is set to hold two spring markets Cherry and Tulip, when artisan producers will gather in the outdoor pergola that has been especially adapted so visitors feel safe in the charming new marketplace. Booking for the weekend markets is essential and this can be done via the Holden Clough website.

So, what are you waiting for? As spring unfolds into summer, visit Holden Clough for a wonderful outdoor experience – the beautifully curated collections of plants and memorabilia, will boost your senses and enliven your day. n

Holden Clough Nursery Holden, Bolton-by-Bowland BB7 4PF 01200 447615 holdencloughnursery.com

Open seven days: 9am-5pm Bickham Script Pro

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Hey Siri mow the lawn!

It’s Saturday morning, you’ve had a tough week at work and typically - it’s raining again! Is it any surprise you don’t feel like mowing the lawn?

You skipped doing it last week though, so now unfortunately you don’t really have a choice, otherwise it’s going to be a really big job next weekend.

Wouldn’t it be great if you could just say “Siri Mow the lawn” then sit back and enjoy another coffee?

AutoMowIt are Lancashire’s approved Ambrogio robot mowers distributor - it’s a newly launched business for Tyler Stevenson who owns the Blackburn & West Lancashire Greenthumb lawn care treatment franchises.

Are robot mowers just a fad?

So why did he start AutoMowIt?

I can provide free site assessments to determine suitability and advise on the variety of features across the range, so clients can make an informed choice. Ambrogio robot mowers can be fully automatic, programmed to mow your lawn on a schedule that suits you. Alternatively they can be instructed via the Ambrogio App on your phone from anywhere in the world - even if that’s just your bed!”

“We have a large lawn at home, with a busy business and a young family I just didn’t have the time to mow my lawn as often as I advised my Greenthumb customers. But, I obviously want my own lawn to be in tip top condition.

So I started looking at robot mowers. I did my research, checking out product reviews on line and quickly realised Ambrogio were unparalleled. I was extremely impressed with the product range so my mind was made up.

My installer had to travel from Lincolnshire so seeing a gap in the market, I decided to qualify as an approved installer and dealership, serving Lancashire.

Ambrogio have been manufacturing for over 25 years. But to the UK market it feels like robot mowers are a bit new, and there’s a lot of uncertainty in consumers minds. The benefits are clear and the technology is always improving, so they are definitely not just a fad!

How does someone choose the right mower?

AutoMowIt are happy to offer a free assessment of your lawn, virtual via FaceTime or in person to discuss suitability and features of the various models. Call 0800 1522123.

The easier way to a perfect lawn

Talk to Tyler today…

• Advice, supply, install and maintenance • Authorised distributors for Ambrogio • Free remote lawn analysis and quote

Call 0800 15 22 123 Visit www.automowit.co.uk Find us on Facebook @automowit

lifestyle

FIRED UP…

be compliant with a new legal requirement to burn only wood supplied by Woodsure Ready to Burn companies.

Having recently diversified, Firewood Supplies & Stoves is now a recognised retailer of quality wood-burning stove brands, including a selection of outdoor stoves made from Corten steel that naturally rusts to create a characterful stove that sits well within a garden landscape.

which is one of the quietest on the market, and the LED lighting, which means only a low 240v power supply is required.

Regardless of the weather, your Cotswold Eco Tub is built to last, as only the highest quality wood and fibreglass is used in the construction.

Imagine a summer garden get together, warmed by the glow of an outdoor wood-burning stove and the fun and relaxation of an eco-friendly, wood-fired hot tub with atmospheric lighting – just perfect!

COMPARED WITH ELECTRIC TUBS THE RUNNING COSTS OF AN ECO-TUB ARE EXTREMELY LOW

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“We have had a huge amount of interest in the Cotswold Eco Tubs,” adds Lucy, who works alongside Lauren Bracewell, whose father founded the business.

Supplying first class kiln dried firewood and all the accessories needed for wood burning, Firewood Supplies & Stoves are Woodsure Ready to Burn certified, which means that on 1st May this year, they will

The outdoor stoves feature air wash glass technology, and because the fire is enclosed the fuel lasts longer. They also feature a two-metre flue, which draws any smoke upwards giving them a huge advantage over fire pits – and one model has optional modifications that means it can be easily moved to any part of your garden! n If you would like to view a wood-fired Cotswold Eco Tub or one of the efficient outdoor woodburning stoves call in to the Firewood Supplies & Stoves showroom

Photography: Kirsten Platt

amily business Firewood Supplies & Stoves initially forged a reputation for top quality firewood however, in recent times it has been brought well and truly into the 21st century with a collection of super-efficient indoor and outdoor stoves along with eco-friendly wood-fired hot tubs that can be used all year around.

Firewood Supplies & Stoves are the Lancashire and Greater Manchester dealer for prestigious Cotswold Eco Tubs, a brand that promises to soothe body and mind – adding a touch of luxury with the captivating crackling and sweet aroma of firewood.

The eco-tubs can be used in all seasons and in summertime they take just one-anda-half hours to heat up – and you’re ready to go!

“Compared with electric tubs the running costs of an eco-tub are extremely low,” says Lucy Webbe, who is part of the team at Firewood Supplies & Stoves. “Also, the tubs have excellent heat retention so if you replace the lid after use, you can contain much of the heat – meaning re-heating your eco tub is so much quicker.”

The wood-fired boiler means that electricity is only required for the air bubble system,

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Firewood Supplies & Stoves Acewell Units, Simpson Street Hapton, Burnley BB12 7LJ 01282 778350 firewoodsupplies.co.uk

Beautiful designs and affordable prices KITCHENS AND BEDROOMS

REDSCAR KITCHENS (PRESTON) LTD A23 Red Scar Business Park (off Longridge Road) Preston Lancashire PR2 5NE 01772 700012 | jlholderness@outlook.com | redscarkitchens.com

Takeaway Tea & Co f fe e available

Bring the inside out!

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Style your outdoor entertaining space with Al fresco accessories from Emporium Interiors theemporiumclitheroe.co.uk/interiors Moor Lane, Clitheroe, BB7 1BE | T. 01200 444371

HERE COMES SUMMER

Dea Kudibal pure silk dress £POA Hope Ladieswear First Floor 42 King Street Clitheroe BB7 2EU 01200 426293 hopestores.co.uk

Ilse Jacobsen Rain 128 Army £220 Precious at Whalley 33 King Street Whalley Clitheroe BB7 9SP 01254 822620 preciousatwhalley.co.uk

Yaya dress £99.95 Opposite page left:Yellow spot midi shirt-dress £75 oliverbonas.com Precious at Whalley Opposite page right: Co Couture sleeveless top £69.50 Precious at Whalley 33 King Street Whalley BB7 9SP preciousatwhalley.co.uk King Street Whalley BB7 9SP Above left:Felicity midi high neck dress £300 now £180 phoebe-grace.co.uk preciousatwhalley.co.uk Above right: Tan jumpsuit £79.95, red shoes £75, yellow handbag £45 seasaltcornwall.co.uk

Joules Miranda luxe navy stripe £69.95 Varey’s Town and Country 2 Market Place Clitheroe BB7 2DB 01200 423267 kenvarey.co.uk

Roy Robson bright blue, slim fit, pure wool suit £365 and Roy Robson casual boot £159 Hope Menswear 42 King Street Clitheroe BB7 2EU 01706 643369 hopestores.co.uk

BARBOUR TARTAN 12 TAILORED SHIRT SAGE £69.95 kenvarey.co.uk

NAVY OVER SHIRT £155 DRAWSTRING TROUSERS £109 T-SHIRT £59 ALL ROY ROBSON Hope Menswear 42 King Street Clitheroe BB7 2EU 01706 643369 hopestores.co.uk

BARBOUR BRENDON SHIRT OLIVE/MIST TARTAN £59.95 kenvarey.co.uk

SUMMER CASUALS From relaxed rugby tops and tees to bright, chunky-knit sweaters, the new summer collections are casual and comfortable TRAVEL TROUSER COFFEE £69 crewclothing.co.uk

MEN'S WAYFARER SUNGLASSES £55 crewclothing.co.uk

JOULES CLOVER SWEATER IN MUSTARD 69.95 Varey’s Town and Country 2 Market Place Clitheroe BB7 2DB 01200 423267 kenvarey.co.uk CATH KIDSTON TRIPPER TOTE £65 cathkidston.com

SUEDE MOCCASIN WITH LACES DARKNAVY SIDE £79 crewclothing.co.uk

SALTBURN JUMPER £65 SKINNY JEAN £65 crewclothing.co.uk

BARBOUR KEEL NAVY SHOES £89.95 kenvarey.co.uk

RUGBY TOP NAVY-MULTI £59 crewclothing.co.uk

While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, all prices and stockists are subject to change.

HOPE SPRINGS BACK CLITHEROE | 42 KING STREET | WOMEN 01200 426293 | MEN 01200 423723 | WWW.HOPESTORES.COM FREE PARKING AT THE REAR

@hopeladieswear

@hopemenswear_clitheroe_

THE LARGEST STOCKIST OF QUALITY COUNTRY CLOTHING IN THE NORTH WEST If you are looking for the very best in countrywear, footwear, accessories and quality giftware then look no further than Ken Varey Town and Country

SS21 RANGES AVAILABLE IN STORE AND ONLINE VAREYS TOWN AND COUNTRY 2 MARKET PLACE, CLITHEROE T: 01200 423267 • www.kenvarey.co.uk • E: info@kenvarey.co.uk VAREYS FOOTWEAR GALLERY 4 NEW MARKET STREET, CLITHEROE BB7 2JW

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SAME PEOPLE, SAME SERVICE… NEW NAME Fitright Footwear is the brand-new name for ShoeMed Clitheroe!

But not only is it a brand-new name it’s also an exciting, brandnew look! Photography: Kirsten Platt

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on’t worry, Fitright Footwear will still offer the same immensely popular one-to-one, outstanding, professional, measuring and fitting service for people who have awkward or hard to fit feet that they have always done, and the same Fitright Footwear team are delighted to be open once more. We can promise and assure you that absolutely nothing has changed but the name!

In addition to all the excitement of reopening in Clitheroe, Fitright Footwear are absolutely thrilled to announce that they will also be opening a brand new Fitright Footwear shop, offering an identical outstanding service, in Harrogate in May 2021.

Bursting with a fabulous collection of spring and summer footwear, our Society of Shoe Fitter qualified staff invite you to step through the door, relax and allow them to treat your feet. With their in-depth product knowledge, they will guide you every step of the way to help you find shoes that are right for you.

Fitright Footwear firmly believe you simply cannot beat the personal instore experience and service that they offer.

When you buy online you can’t touch, feel or, most importantly, try on the footwear you wish to purchase.

Our high quality, complimentary, unique fitting service is like no other. At Fitright Footwear we pride ourselves on being passionate about footwear and ensuring that each fitting is as individual as every customer that steps through our door. By listening to our customers, we help them to choose the footwear that meets their needs best.

Like fingerprints everyone’s feet are different. There is no such thing as a standard size or fit. When we measure it is only a starting point – a guide for us. It may come as a surprise to learn that our feet are changing all the time becoming flatter, wider and longer as we get older.

In addition to these changes, it’s also common to start developing foot problems such as bunions, hammer toes, Morton’s

Neuroma, Plantar Fasciitis and corns.

At Fitright Footwear we endeavour to stock a fabulous range of footwear in a variety of sizes, widths and depths to ensure we have something to fit everyone, whatever their needs.

We also want our customers to know that we will be continuing to focus on our customers’ safety by operating an appointment system and locked door policy to restrict the number of customers in store at any one time. This also allows us to maintain the correct level of social distancing required and keep track of and monitor all surfaces that are touched so that the right level of cleaning takes place between each customer.

Fitright Footwear – with you every step of the way. n

Fitright Footwear 32D King Street, Clitheroe BB7 2EP 3 Bower Road, Harrogate HG1 1BB Book your appointment on 01200 425399

FOR THE INDEPENDENT WOMAN A new face for the Twenty~4, the Patek Philippe ladies’ watch, born to accompany every moment of the modern woman’s life

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atek Philippe is stepping up the allure of its Twenty~4 collection exclusively for women with a fresh interpretation of the original ‘manchette’ or cuff-style quartz model in steel of 1999.

Patek Philippe have launched two new versions in stainless steel, and one in rose-gold, adorned with applied Arabic numerals and applied trapeze-shaped hour markers. Designed as stylish companions to every facet of an active lifestyle, these new Twenty~4 references stand out

more than ever as paragons of timeless feminine elegance.

In 1999, Patek Philippe strengthened its privileged links with feminine watch lovers by launching its first collection dedicated exclusively to women. The aim was to meet the demands of the independent active woman who sought a timepiece with an assertive personality able to adapt to her modern lifestyle. A watch of timeless elegance that would complement her fashionable business-wear and most elegant evening-wear. It would

be her ally on every occasion, uniting contemporary design, technical excellence and impeccable craftsmanship.

A WATCH OF TIMELESS ELEGANCE THAT WOULD COMPLEMENT HER FASHIONABLE BUSINESSWEAR AND MOST ELEGANT EVENING-WEAR Conceived, as its name suggested, for every hour of the day and night, at work, at home and during leisure activities, the new Twenty~4 stood out by its original art-deco-inspired ‘manchette’ or cuff design, featuring a cambered rectangular case that

fashion followed the contours of a woman’s wrist and a metallic bracelet that felt exceptionally smooth and comfortable.

In 2018, Patek Philippe responded to women’s increasing interest in mechanical watches by launching the Twenty~4 Automatic. While its bracelet retains the same exclusive design, with the broad, gently cambered central links framed by delicate two-tier outer links, this Reference 7300, endowed with a calibre 324 S C self-winding movement, stands out from the quartz-driven ‘manchette’ model by its round case, its bezel lit with a double row of diamonds in a ‘dentelle’ (lacework) setting and the applied Arabic numerals on the dial.

The launch of this new incarnation of timeless feminine elegance gave centre stage to a ‘Twenty~4 woman’ – independent, sure of her taste and making her own way in the world.

THE TWENTY~4 COLLECTION IS A MODEL OF TIMELESS DESIGN THAT HAS BECOME A MODERN CLASSIC AND THE GOLD STANDARD FOR THE ‘MANCHETTE’ WATCH With the new Twenty~4 references, Patek Philippe is continuing the renewal of its Twenty~4 collection by reinterpreting the original model, the medium-size (25.1 x 30 mm) quartz ‘manchette’ watch in steel and rose-gold.

The original Roman numerals give way to the gold applied Arabic numerals 12 and 6 and the diamond hour markers are replaced by applied trapeze-shaped hour markers, also in gold. This new face constitutes the first major change to the Twenty~4 of 1999 – and an aesthetic evolution in step with the design of the Twenty~4 Automatic. The three new references feature a dial decorated with a blue sunburst (4910/1200A-001), a grey sunburst enriched by a gradation to black at the periphery (4910/1200A-010) and in rose-gold, a chocolate brown sunburst (4910/1201R-001).

Their gold applied numerals and hour markers and gold baton-style hands all have a luminous coating ensuring excellent legibility in the dark. The fine grooved rays of the sunburst emanating from the centre of the dial play with the light, lending a refined but dynamic touch.

The distinctive shape of the two-tier rectangular case is underlined by two rows

of 18 Top Wesselton pure diamonds (approx.

0.42ct) set with textbook precision.

A Calatrava Cross, emblem of the Patek Philippe manufacture, embellishes the crown.

The supple, comfortable bracelet, fitted with a fold-over clasp, is a jewel in its own right. Each component is manually finished and fully polished.

The Patek Philippe calibre E15 quartz movement is made with the same devotion to fine workmanship as the manufacture’s mechanical movements.

The Twenty~4 collection is a model of timeless design that has become a modern classic and the gold standard for the ‘manchette’ watch. All of which is set to strengthen Patek Philippe’s increasing

success in the ladies’ watch segment and in the hearts of women for whom style and beauty must pass the test of time.

The new Patek Philippe Twenty~4 collection is available in Lancashire and Cumbria at Leonard Dews Jewellers. n

Leonard Dews Church Street, Blackpool FY1 1EW 01253 754940 leonarddews.co.uk

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health&beauty

BEAUTY FIXES Have you managed to secure your hair and beauty appointment yet?

Yes? Lucky you! For those who haven’t been so blessed we look at a couple of short-term fixes so you can face the world with style

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The hair on our head is one thing, but what about our facial hair? Well, I am pleased to say that there are some easy to use products on the market to help keep the moustache and chin hairs at bay, ranging from wax strips (ouch), hair removal cream, dermaplaning and electrolysis – and not forgetting good old tweezing. If like me and you are a little lazy the Hollywood Browzer is amazing!

This fab hand-held no electric device effectively removes peach fuzz, more adamant lip and chin sprouts and can even assist in your eyebrow shaping and is small enough to be in your bag at all times for that ‘magic’ hair.You know the one – it wasn’t there yesterday, yet today here it is standing loud and proud!

Yet a quick flick of the Hollywood Browzer and the offender is no more.

airdressers the world over have been cringing at the self-hacking some of us have been compelled to do. For the less brave we have been resorting to our inner child and wearing pony and pig tails, plaits, Alice bands and even a good old hat!

But what about the grey? According to Glamour magazine the best professional at-home hair dye is Josh Wood Permanent Hair Colour.

Their at-home dye kit delivers the same contemporary, salon-grade colour as his in-salon service, with 12 hues from the deepest brown to the lightest blonde to choose from.

If the fear of at-home dyeing is too much, you could always try a temporary root touch up like the Colour WOW root touch-up. With eight shades to choose from, this product holds well enough if you were caught in a rain shower and even for swimming but easily shampoos out. Or alternatively you could simply embrace the silver goddess as grey is now the new blonde!

So my hair is tied back – I’m accepting of the grey until I can get an appointment, and my face is relatively fuzz free, but more importantly a smile is on my face as I ready myself to enjoy our extended freedoms. n

JOSH WOOD PERMANENT HAIR COLOUR £19 joshwoodcolour.com

COLOURWOW ROOT TOUCH UP £28.50 colourwowhair.com

HOLLYWOOD BROWZER £8.95 hollywoodbrowzer.com

IF THE FEAR OF AT-HOME DYEING IS TOO MUCH, YOU COULD ALWAYS TRY A TEMPORARY ROOT TOUCH-UP

Rosacea symptoms WHAT TO WATCH OUT FOR...

• Facial flushing • Persistent redness on cheeks, nose, chin or forehead • Acne-type symptoms • Broken veins

RED FACE RECOVERY Doctor Miguel Montero is one of the UK’s leading doctors on the subject of vascular treatment. We discover what Rosacea is and why people travel from all over the world to have treatment at his medical skin clinic in Burnley

R

osacea typically begins as redness on the cheeks, nose, chin or forehead. A blood vessel disorder of the face, it affects women and men usually after they turn 30. Over time, redness often becomes ruddier and more persistent, and blood vessels may appear.

Left untreated, pustules often develop, and in severe cases skin may swell and thicken.

“A lot of people are unaware they have Rosacea”, says Dr Montero. “They initially wonder why their skin is so red, flushed and suddenly prone to breakouts.

“These persistent symptoms, coupled with not knowing what’s causing them, can be very distressing. When I explain they have Rosacea and how it can be managed, this instantly gives them a sense of relief.

“Firstly, I use a skin-imaging system to look 2mm beneath the skin so I can make an accurate Rosacea diagnosis and then advise on the best combination of treatment.

“People travel to my clinic from all over the UK and beyond - they go to great lengths to get relief from their symptoms.

Seeing someone’s self-confidence grow so dramatically by the end of treatment is just wonderful. It’s a real privilege to help.”

Dr Montero has been helping people with Rosacea for over 12 years at his multiaward-winning medical skin clinic. Using unique laser protocols and his own threepart treatment combination, he dramatically reduces Rosacea symptoms giving his patients long-lasting relief and increased confidence.

His patients are delighted with the results,

as one commented: “As a long-term sufferer of Rosacea, I have been delighted with the huge improvement.

“There has a been a significant reduction in flushing episodes - virtually to zero. Skin breakouts similarly are rare and by no means as distressing as they were before. Changes to my skin tone and appearance are definitely noticeable and have been commented on by family, friends and work colleagues.

“I had resigned myself to living with the condition before Miguel was recommended to me, and did not expect the vast improvements that he has managed to achieve in relatively few sessions.”

What causes Rosacea? - The exact cause is unknown. Blood vessels change, becoming leaky and over-responsive to stimuli such as sun exposure, heat, stress, anxiety, caffeine and alcohol.

Who is affected? - Rosacea affects about one in 10 people, usually starting between 30-60. Women are more commonly affected, but in men it can be more severe.

Can it be cured? - There is no permanent cure but laser treatments significantly reduce symptoms.

When should I seek treatment?

Each sign or symptom may progress from mild to moderate to severe. It is best to get an early diagnosis and treatment with a knowledgeable medical practitioner or dermatologist.

To book your ROSACEA Consultation call Discover Laser on 01282 420886

DISCOVER LASER, CROW WOOD ROYLE LANE, BURNLEY BB12 0RT

www.discoverlaser.co.uk

Acne type symptoms - Before

Acne type symptoms - After

... AS A LONG TERM SUFFERER OF ROSACEA, I HAVE BEEN DELIGHTED WITH THE HUGE IMPROVEMENT ... ~ DISCOVER LASER PATIENT, SWINDON ~

Visible veins - Before

Visible veins - After

Redness - Before

Redness - After

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ON THE MOVE! working hard at their fitness,” explains

Get your mobility, posture and gym-owner Nicola Rowlandson. flexibility back with a workout that can be as tough or as gentle as you like at a ladies-only gym, which has friendliness and motivation at its heart

B

ack up and running and with all the necessary safety equipment, Enjoy! Wellness Centre in Clitheroe is now welcoming members to this popular, ladies-only gym.

With a state-of-the-art machine that cleans the air and screening between each of the specially-designed, sanitised exercise machines, ladies can be assured that their time spent at Enjoy! will be safe.

The Enjoy! Wellness Centre has a range of power-assisted machines that can help tone and strengthen muscles – the powerassisted facility means ladies can enjoy a tough workout or a more gentle exercise regime – so for those with mobility issues this is perfect.

“Many of our members are over 50 but we do have some much younger. The machines can help those with fibromyalgia, arthritis and MS – conditions that often will put them off going to an ordinary gym as they don’t want to be seen as not

EVERYONE’S GOALS ARE DIFFERENT – SOME MAY FOCUS ON WEIGHT LOSS, OTHERS ON TONING BUT FOR MANY IT’S ABOUT IMPROVING MOBILITY “On the power-assisted machines, others can’t tell how hard you are working. The machines can also target specific areas – at Enjoy! we will work out a personal programme for each individual.

“Everyone’s goals are different – some

may focus on weight loss, others on toning but for many it’s about improving mobility.”

Whatever your goal, Nicola and the team at Enjoy! are all trained in using the toning machines, vibration plates and balance master, which is used and recommended by hospitals following hip and joint replacement surgery.

When working on the machines, which have been specifically designed to perfectly position the body, ladies are actually performing isometric exercises usually associated with Pilates and yoga, which really helps in strengthening and toning. The exercises also help circulation and regular use will improve posture by improving flexibility and mobility as well as lubricating joints.

Having enjoyed considerable success since opening 10 years ago, Enjoy!

Wellness Centre is a small club offering annual membership and a one-to-one service that can help to get you moving.

Why not give Nicola and the friendly team a call and see how they can help improve your mobility, your confidence and your life! n

Enjoy! Wellness Centre Shawbridge Saw Mill Taylor Street, Clitheroe BB7 1LY 01200 444335 enjoywellnessclitheroe.co.uk

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LOOK A MORE YOUTHFUL YOU

EMA Skin Aesthetics Ltd founder Emma Pearce tells us about a brand new ground-breaking treatment, the EMA Fractional Facial

E

mma Pearce is the founder of renowned non-invasive skin clinic EMASkinAestheticsLtd in Preston. Her passion for transformative results is clear and her latest treatment is possibly her most exciting offering yet.

“The EMA Fractional Facial is my new fractional skin treatment offering the most advanced aesthetic facial available today,” Emma says. “It combines two top level technologies to deliver truly remarkable and transformative results for your skin.

“The EMA Fractional Facial is ideal for remedying sagging skin, loss of elasticity, deep wrinkles, expression lines, fine lines, puffy eyes or drooping jowls,” says Emma. “It’s the answer you’ve been searching for if your skin is tired, dull or has lost its overall youthfulness.”

Emma explains how the EMA Fractional Facial works: “Nitrogen plasma energy transfers personalised mesotherapy to the

permeating Plasma Pen tips evenly distribute plasma. Dermapen mesotherapy then stimulates natural regeneration, releasing

four treatments are recommended.

Emma’s loyal clientele turn to her for non-invasive, transformative skin treatments. Plasma pen at EMA is the leading targeted area treatment. “Plasma Pen achieves desired results without resorting to surgery or invasive treatments. It effectively regains your youthful looks beautifully and safely – while ensuring you still look like you,” says Emma.

My face felt absolutely amazing after the EMA fractional facial and my results just kept on improving weeks after the treatment. My cheeks look more defined and my skin is definitely more lifted and tighter.

I just felt energised, refreshed and was delighted with the results.

My colleagues all complimented me and said how youthful my skin looked. It without a doubt gave me the skin confidence I needed particularly with the stresses of lockdown. The results and treatment experience from EMA was just what I needed.

Ruth Nichols

skin’s epidermal layer, heating and disrupting the deeper dermal structure, particularly the fibroblasts. It rebuilds, strengthens and renews your skin from the core.

“The unique fractional and

natural growth factors to stimulate fresh restructuring collagen.

Combining both therapies enables me to deliver truly extraordinary results, transforming skin making it more youthful,” says Emma.

There is little to no downtime and

“It’s phenomenal for the lower face and neck, tightening and erasing sagging jowls, turkey necks, marionette lines, smile and smokers’ lines, crows feet, puffy eyes, drooping eyelids and chest lines. Plasma Pen provides incredible results lasting up to three years with minimal downtime, a treatment that achieves true value.” n

SPECIAL LAUNCH OFFER EMA FRACTIONAL FACIAL

One time only introductory offer of 20% OFF and a FREE homecare kit, saving you £100.

To be redeemed by 15th May 2021.

PLASMA PEN SPECIAL OFFER

TO CELEBRATE THE LIFTING OF LOCKDOWN EMA has extended the most popular offer to Live readers of £175 off each area. Areas start at £250.

EMA Skin Aesthetics Ltd Upstairs at Toni & Guy 86 Fishergate, Preston PR1 2NJ 01772 821600 07547 802062 info@emaskinaesthetics.co.uk emaskinaesthetics.co.uk

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health&beauty Angela can also offer subtle enhancements:

WRINKLE RELAXING INJECTIONS

Minimally invasive, this works by blocking nerve impulses, creating a smoother appearance to the skin. The muscles are unable to create the frown that causes lines to appear and it can also lift the brow area slightly to give a more ‘awake’ look. Areas targeted can include the forehead, vertical lines between the eyebrows and crows’ feet around the eyes.

DERMAL FILLERS

This is a fantastic procedure to fill fine lines or deep wrinkles around the mouth, smoker’s lines or the nose to mouth lines. It is also used plump out lips. Angela doesn’t create

GET BACK TO YOUR BEST!

Experienced therapist Angela Kay is now offering the latest vitamin-boosting injections that can transform your life and get you back on track for summer

Many of us take supplements in tablet form.

However, some of the efficacy is lost when passing through our stomach. Having an injection once every three to six months is easy and you know it’s going straight into your system.

‘the trout pout’, only natural enhancements are her aim. Bio-degradable hyaluronic acid, naturally found in our skin, is injected beneath the skin’s surface to smooth wrinkles and add volume and contour.

VITAMIN D

“Profhilo gives results that speak for themselves, it is amazing!,” says Angela.

Profhilo is also hyaluronic acid (HA) but it doesn’t sit in the wrinkle, it spreads underneath the skin, rehydrating and plumping, smoothing and tightening the skin and it also stimulates collagen. Two sessions four weeks apart are required for maximum results. £400. n

At this time of year vitamin D – known as the sunshine vitamin – is important. To gain the right amount of vitamin D you need to expose your body to the sun for 15 minutes three times per week – no wonder many of us are deficient! Vitamin D can aid healthy bone structure, regulate calcium metabolism and reduce the risk of strokes and heart attacks. It can also help us from feeling anxious. One injection every three to six months at £35 each.

I

f you’re feeling tired and run down, suffering from unexplained aches and pains, colds and other infections, then you may well have a vitamin deficiency.

Vitamin B12 and Vitamin D are essential to get our body and mind working at optimum levels and at Angela Kay’s these vitamins are available in injectable form, giving you an instant boost!

“Vitamin injections can certainly give you a terrific boost and get you back on track.

In clinical trials vitamin D is proving to be beneficial in the fight against Covid,” explains Angela.

PROFHILO

For more information please take a look at Angela’s website: angelakays.co.uk for more treatments that are available

SPECIAL OFFER! 20% OFF vitamin injections, wrinkle relaxants, dermal fillers and Profhilo Offer closes end of June 2021

VITAMIN B12

This is a fantastic energy booster and can also aid weight loss. If you are feeling tired and need a pick-me-up, this vitamin can really help physical and mental wellbeing! Vitamin B12 can reduce tiredness and fatigue, it can boost metabolism and reduce stress. One injection every week for four weeks then every six to 12 months at £25 each.

Angela Kay’s Beauty Salon 46 Warner Street Accrington BB5 1HN Angela Kay’s Brockhall Village 07813 195888 angelakays.co.uk aklaser.co.uk akbrows.com

5* rating on Google, Trip Advisor and Facebook – Top-rated salon on Treatwell

£10 PT OFFER Our highly qualified personal trainers are ready to help you smash your goals! Members and non-members can take advantage of this offer.

Expires May 12th 2021.

3 MONTHS FREE! Get 15 months for the price of 12 when you sign up for a 12 month membership. Offer expires May 12th 2021.

Can I have a tour of the gym before signing up?

Who can sign up for this offer?

What happens if the gym has to close again?

Of course! We are offering a 1 week free trial so you can check out our facilities before committing to a membership.

Both new and current members can take advantage of this great offer!

Hooray!

Nobody loses out through lockdown. We will freeze memberships that are paid monthly or add the months on to your membership if you paid annually.

All memberships include: • Fully-refurbished gym including the latest TechnoGym™ resistance and free weight equipment • Discount when using our sports facilities such as the new 3G Pitch and refurbished Sports Hall • Access to our relaxing sauna* • Free Parking • Free Wi-Fi

• Guidance from our fully-qualified instructors and PT’s • New spin studio with over 60 Les Mills Sprint™ and RPM™ classes a week • Over 120 classes a week with more Les Mills than any other gym, including: BodyPump™ BodyCombat™ and Grit™

For more information visit oakhill-leisure.com or contact us on 01254 824333 Follow us on:

In partnership with:

hello@oakhill-leisure.com | 01254 824333 | Oakhill Leisure, Wiswell Lane, Whalley, Lancashire, BB7 9AF * Please call the gym to check the current rules and regulations. These will be in line with the government requirements.

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SHOW A LEG!

A

s we look forward to coming out of lockdown and to finally being able to book a holiday in the sun, now is the ideal time to deal with varicose veins which may be affecting your confidence.

The team at RejuvaMed Vein Centre can help. Based at the historic Holmes Mill in Clitheroe, RejuvaMed incorporates the only dedicated varicose vein treatment centre in Lancashire.

RejuvaMed has built a nationwide reputation for quality care and exceptional results.

The vein centre is led by consultant vascular surgeon Rob Salaman and has established itself as a leading provider of varicose vein treatment in the north west, at prices way below Lancashire’s private hospitals.

Mr Salaman has worked both within the NHS and privately for over 30 years and is clinical director of vascular surgery at The Royal Blackburn Hospital.

He now consults privately, solely at RejuvaMed and has carried out many successful procedures at the clinic, so patients can be sure they are in safe hands.

Dr McKeating, RejuvaMed’s medical director, explains: “Funding for treatment for

Ensure your post lockdown legs are summerready at RejuvaMed’s varicose vein treatment centre in Clitheroe varicose veins has been rationed by the NHS, meaning that patients often have to pay for their procedure. Where NHS treatment is available, waiting lists are now through the roof because of Covid-19. We are therefore pleased to provide safe, relatively painless treatments with

for up to £2500 less.

“There is no need to undergo expensive and risky surgery under general anaesthesia if you wish to say goodbye to your varicose veins, or to travel further afield for your treatment. We welcome patients with private medical insurance and are approved by

excellent results and minimal recovery time. Our appointments are available within three weeks, meaning you can get the treatment you need quickly. We don’t have the same overheads as large private hospitals, so we can offer the same treatment

the major private health insurers.”

As well as offering radiofrequency (RF) ablation treatment for varicose veins, the vein centre also offers the innovative VenaSeal™ procedure, which uses a medical adhesive rather than a heat source to

seal the diseased vein. A small cut is made into the skin under local anaesthetic, and a narrow plastic tube is placed into the vein. A long catheter is then inserted through this sheath and small amounts of adhesive are then injected at intervals along the vein under ultrasound guidance.

Once the procedure is complete (which may be in as little as 20 minutes), an adhesive plaster is applied over the small cut, and you are immediately able to be up and about.

The procedure is quicker and more comfortable than RF and laser ablation, both during and after treatment, as there are fewer injections required and there is less bruising. A huge benefit of VenaSeal™ over other treatments is that you are not required to wear compression stockings afterwards, meaning you can return to normal activities immediately.

In UK clinics and hospitals this treatment is typically offered at a price of £4000.

However, RejuvaMed has priced this treatment at only £2295 for one leg, and £2595 for both, which we believe is the cheapest clinic for VenaSeal™ in the UK. n For more information on pricing, or to book a consultation with Mr Salaman, please email us now at: info@rejuvamed.co.uk, or call the vein centre after we reopen on 13th April on 01200 538668

RejuvaMed Vein Centre Holmes Cottage Woone Lane, Clitheroe BB7 1BG 01200 538668 www.rejuvamedveincentre.co.uk

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disorder), diet or age-related hair loss and medication. The mesh integration system is the perfect solution to help mask any hair loss issue and help clients feel more confident on a daily basis.”

THE MESH INTEGRATION SYSTEM IS THE PERFECT SOLUTION TO HELP MASK ANY HAIR LOSS ISSUE AND HELP CLIENTS FEEL MORE CONFIDENT ON A DAILY BASIS

Photography: Kirsten Platt

The mesh, which sits comfortably on top of a clients existing hair is secured with silicone lined micro rings. The natural hair is not cut or shaved and will just hibernate underneath the breathable mesh. Master partings which are used to disguise visible hair loss on the top/crown areas of the hair and wefts (individual hair strands) are then attached to the mesh system to create a discreet and very real looking head of hair.

Cass is able to offer a bespoke one-to-one

EXPERIENCE PURE LUXURY service to discuss a client’s exact needs at

Cass Preston has a wealth of hairdressing experience and is using the new salon – the moment you step into her knowledge and expertise to help those suffering the devastation The Volume Clinic you feel a sense of calm.

With the added convenience of more flexible of hair loss at her luxurious new salon, writes Gail Bailey

“H

air loss is incredibly distressing for the person involved and at The Volume Clinic, as well as supplying and fitting high-quality wigs, we are also pleased to be able to offer an innovative new mesh integration system,” explains Cass.

This mesh system is custom-made and colour-matched to the hair, achieving a seamless, natural appearance. It is

BEFORE

hypoallergenic and breathable, which means that the system will remain comfortable and feel just the same as natural hair would.

“It is a fantastic product,” Cass further explains. “The beauty of the technique is the freedom it gives clients, as it looks and feels just like their real hair. It can be washed, brushed and straightened, curled and styled as normal and is perfect for clients suffering with all causes of hair loss including alopecia, chemotherapy, trichotillomania (hair pulling

AFTER

appointments, the studio has the same high level of luxury that has always been synonymous with Cass’s former salon, Lusso Hair of Whalley.

“We understand totally how people feel if they are suffering hair loss, for whatever reason, and at The Volume Clinic we can offer a free 30-minute consultation in completely private surroundings,” says Cass. n For further information and appointments call 01254 823333 or email: hello@thevolumeclinic.co.uk

The Volume Clinic 2 Eden Gardens, Brockhall Village Old Langho BB6 8HW 01254 823333 thevolumeclinic.co.uk

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VERY BEST TURKISH COTTON

which becomes softer and loftier with every wash, giving that hotel and spa-quality feel.

The branding for the collection was chosen to reflect the colours of the ancient springs and the warmth of Turkish hospitality, fittingly featuring the azures of Pamukkale.

But why Turkish cotton is the question Ilkay is often asked – when we are all so aware of Egyptian cotton – what is the difference? Ilkay explains: “Fibres of the cotton are longer and grown exclusively in the Aegean region. Long fibres mean they are softer than regular cotton and crafted with care from ancient cotton, which spins into strong and soft threads. The result is a much superior quality, extremely durable, long-lasting and highly absorbent towel.

I am proud to share the heritage of Turkish cotton so everyone can enjoy a little bit of luxury in their homes, every day.”

We heard many uplifting stories during lockdown, not least the story behind the Ilkay Collection, which is both genuine and inspirational

L

ongridge based, Ilkay, the founder of Ilkay Collection, comes from humble beginnings in Turkey and has always had a passion for textiles from an early age, spending much of her time as a young girl at the local markets being mesmerised by the wonderful colours and fabrics. It is Ilkay’s passion to bring the very best of Turkish cotton to homes across the UK! At the beginning of 2020, her partner Simon was made redundant and Ilkay, still working full-time, shared the idea of creating a luxury home linen brand made from

superior Turkish cotton. They combined their knowledge of home textiles, and with all their savings, began working on product design.

Searching for the right supplier in a climate of wariness and travel restrictions was less than ideal, but they knew it was key in delivering a luxury brand.

I AM PROUD TO SHARE THE HERITAGE OF TURKISH COTTON SO EVERYONE CAN ENJOY A LITTLE BIT OF LUXURY IN THEIR HOMES, EVERY DAY Several trips were made to Denizli, near Pamukkale (meaning cotton castle in Turkish) a natural site in south western Turkey famous for a carbonated mineral left by the flowing water. These healing ancient thermal springs have been drawing people to the area for hundreds of years and are the inspiration for Ilkay Collection towels. Legend has it that the formations are solidified cotton, which happens to be the main crop in Denizli.

Ilkay Collection towels are finely crafted from 100 per cent long staple cotton with a zero-twist core, weighing a hefty 600 gsm,

Although it is a small start-up with a simple luxurious white towel collection, Ilkay believes passionately in supporting small businesses like herself and has added other luxury products locally from the Ribble Valley area, where they live, and small independent businesses across the UK. This exciting journey has just begun, Ilkay and Simon are adding to the collection with grey towels and dressing gowns for a luxury spa experience to enjoy in the comfort of your home. n

ilkaycollection.co.uk Trade enquiries: ilkaygregory@gmail.com TM

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LOVING THE SKIN YOU’RE IN...

Part two of melt’s timeless quest to feature world class, results-driven, skincare – Medik8 throughout the industry as the gold standard for protecting younger skin from the effects of ageing, and helping older skin behave in a younger way. It is grounded in science and is proven to work – use a vitamin C plus sunscreen by day and a vitamin A (Retinoids) by night. That’s it.

if you do that, expect to see a dramatic improvement in the way your skin looks within a few weeks – and this continues resulting in smoother, brighter, firmer skin with increased tone and that all elusive luminosity.

With these products, slow and steady wins the race. Go too strong or too fast and it may be too much for your skin to handle, so melt can guide you on the correct use and entry level for your skin type and age, and advise when to step up to the next level for continued improvement.

Prices from £29. Loyalty scheme with purchase. n

M E E T T H E E X P E RTS I N V I TA M I N A

For a more in-depth telephone consultation, or to book an appointment to discuss this in person, please call 01200 443377

If it’s so simple, then the question is, ‘Why aren’t other companies offering this?’

The answer, is vitamin C and Retinoids are notoriously difficult to stabilise and so cease to be effective at best – and can be irritating at worst. Medik8 has developed and patented ways to preserve the power of these ingredients so that your skin enjoys optimum results without irritation.

If you follow their simple advice, they believe you can look 40 when you’re 50.

As with all these things, a healthy dose of realistic expectation is necessary, as is a willingness to invest five minutes twice a day to deliver these formulations. But

We understand the exceptional importance of vitamin A to skin. This powerful molecule family helps to combat fine lines and wrinkles while promoting a brighter, more even-toned complexion. Discover more today.

Meet the experts in vitamin a (A1 Poster).indd 1

MED806

THE PROBLEM Good skin health rarely happens by chance.

No matter how genetically lucky we may be, there comes a time when our skin just doesn’t feel, or look, how we want it to.

Advancing years, too many holidays chasing the sun and the onset of the perimenopause, all take their toll. Lines and wrinkles become much more pronounced, tone and elasticity decrease, pigmentation increases and that all elusive luminosity becomes, well… elusive!

WHAT WORKS Our own challenges with the above, led us to look at what REALLY works to make skin look healthier and younger. We quickly realised that injectables weren’t for us. They may help with fine lines and wrinkles, but they don’t improve the health of the skin or make it glow – and they can create an unnatural look.

So our first step was to work from the inside out and we introduced Rejuvenate – the award winning collagen drink – to our skincare portfolio. Using marine collagen, it stimulates our own collagen production to replace what we are losing with age.

THE SCIENCE Our next step was to find a skincare brand that went far beyond pretty lotions and potions, where most of your money is taken up by the marketing and packaging. We were looking for serious science and clinically proven ingredients that challenged the skin to become fitter and healthier. Which is how we came to stock Medik8.

WHY MEDIK8 In 2009 Medik8 invented the CSA Philosophy, a method which is becoming widely accepted

Melt Backridge Farm, Waddington BB7 3LQ 01200 443377 themeltco.com

18/07/2018 13:22

/meltcandles themeltco @meltcandles

RVBA Small Business Award 2018 Independent Retailer 2017 Artisan Business 2017

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BEAUTIFUL BOWLAND A new guide chronicles how rural businesses have reinvented themselves to welcome visitors back to the Forest of Bowland

R

ural businesses in the Forest of Bowland will soon be ready to welcome visitors back to Bowland as demand for domestic staycation holidays in the countryside looks set to rocket.

As the Forest of Bowland Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty launches its 2021 Discover Bowland guide, members of the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) Sustainable Tourism Network are gearing up for a busy year.

As well as offering practical advice and information on making the most of their holidays and short breaks in Bowland, the Discover Guide also tells the stories of how a number of local businesses reinvented themselves.

These positive ‘lockdown diaries’ include: • Courtyard Dairy, which pivoted to online tastings and nationwide delivery to replace some of the business lost during the closure of the hospitality industry • Slaidburn Central Stores, which became a community groceries hub and essential lifeline for outlying communities • Bowland e-bikes, which accelerated its growth plans as demand for eco-friendly electric bikes rocketed as lockdown lifted

The 112-page guide also includes a series of five detailed short break itineraries and useful information on accommodation, hospitality, events and outdoor activity providers.

Publication of the Discover Bowland guide is partially funded by continuing support from the members of the Sustainable Tourism Network who advertise within it. The guide accompanies the launch of the Discover Bowland website last September – funded by the AONB and Champion Bowland, a local charity which provides small grants for environment and community projects in the AONB. The AONB and Champion Bowland provided the seed capital to launch the site with future funding to come from rural businesses who have signed up to participate.

The website is designed to promote the opportunities of a 300 square mile rural oasis and to showcase the lesser known hidden gems of the AONB. A deep well of original content includes information on accommodation, outdoor activities, courses and experiences and the Forest of Bowland’s outstanding food and drink offer.

Both the guide and the destination website, launch with a deliberate focus on bringing in bookings for the 2021 season and extending the season into the autumn and winter months.

Rural accommodation providers were hit hard by last year’s restrictions, but this year, many visitors are expected to seek fresh air and plenty of outdoor activities on UK staycations in rural settings.

Forest of Bowland AONB sustainable tourism officer Hetty Byrne said: “2020 was a very challenging year for the rural economy, but we’ve been encouraged and inspired by the resilience and innovation shown by rural businesses in the Forest of Bowland and their determination to welcome tourists back when restrictions are lifted.

“Many of these enterprising small businesses really stepped up to support their local communities and have been busy preparing to welcome back visitors with even better facilities this year.

“We hope the Discover Guide and the new website will significantly increase awareness of Bowland and inspire visitors to stay longer and – ideally – spend more money with local businesses to do their bit to help the rural economy recover.” n

Visit: discoverbowland.co.uk to plan your Bowland escape!

LUXURY LODGES FOR SALE www.ribblesdalelodges.co.uk

A division of Gisburne Park Estate Ltd.

GLOBAL LEADER R The opening of Ribble Cycles’ fantastic new showroom has sparked a wave of excitement, which isn’t surprising as it’s undoubtedly the best in the world – and it’s right here in the Ribble Valley

eturning to its prestigious heritage, world-renowned Ribble Cycles has opened a state-of-the-art flagship showroom in the heart of the Ribble Valley. Leading this exciting project is Commercial Director David Stacey, who says: “Personally I am really passionate about this, it is a world class experience in the Ribble Valley, which is the perfect location for cycling as we have beautiful countryside and an abundance of quiet lanes along which to explore it! Fantastic riding like this is the ideal backdrop for our world-class range of bikes.”

Located at Barrow Brook, just off the A59, the flagship showroom is just a few minutes’

drive from the M6, M65 and the national motorway network: “This was really important to us as people travel from all over the UK to visit us,” explains David.

“We needed ease of access and a unit that was a blank canvas, which is exactly what we got.”

In a brand-new unit spanning a generous 2,000 sq ft, Ribble Cycles, which dates back to 1897, is bringing the brand truly into the 21st century. At the foot of majestic Pendle Hill and surrounded by stunning countryside, visitors to the flagship showroom will be greeted by Europe’s largest indoor 4K display at nine metres wide, and a fully digital retail experience.

lifestyle

“It is a focal point that is engaging.

The showroom is of a standard that is commensurate with our worldwide brand.

We wanted something that is truly the best of its kind globally,” adds David.

WHICHEVER WAY THE CUSTOMER WANTS TO BUY THEIR BIKE, WE HAVE ALL THE DIFFERENT OPTIONS. WE JUST WANT THE BEST BIKE FOR THEM While manufacture will continue at the Preston site, the new Ribble Cycles showroom is leading the way in omnichannel retail whereby customers can engage with the brand however they prefer.

Customers can now shop online on the website, come into the new showroom, speak to the UK-based customer service team via phone, email or text chat – or even use the ‘Virtual Showroom’ feature on the website which will connect customers to an agent in the Clitheroe store via a live video link. There has never been more ways to engage, and Ribble are confident of delivering an exceptional experience however customers choose to interact with them.

“Whichever way the customer wants to buy

their bike, we have all the different options available. We just want to make sure they ultimately get the best bike for them.”

Unlike most bike retailers who stack their cycles closely together to maximise space, Ribble Cycles showcase their bikes so customers have a 360 degree view: “The way we have done it means customers can see the bikes properly, like pieces of art. They are on plinths but can be taken down so customers can touch and feel them.”

Next to each bike is a digital tablet looping a video of that particular bike in action: “It is a very immersive, sensory experience showing what the bike can do. Customers can also use the tablet to get content on the bike from our website, such as imagery and FAQs and even customer and press reviews.

With each tablet customers have all the information in front of them – it’s a really exciting showroom concept.”

One of Ribble Cycles’ unique selling points is the customisation of bikes, which makes them very different to other retailers: “With our Bike Builder experience we can customise to any specification and in the new showroom we have all the options on display. If customers want to see the difference between an alloy and carbon wheel, for example, we have them here to touch and feel.

“Similarly, with our CustomColour service we have a designated area in the showroom with tube samples in a colour wheel so you can see exactly what your chosen shade looks like ‘in the flesh’ and how it will look teamed with a different shade.”

With a friendly, experienced team at the Barrow Brook showroom, customer service remains at the heart of Ribble Cycles:

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“If customers have never ridden a bike before – or if they are riding at professional level, we have staff that have the relevant technical experience.

WE CONSIDER THE SHOWROOM TO BE OF A STANDARD THAT IS COMMENSURATE WITH OUR WORLDWIDE BRAND. WE WANTED SOMETHING THAT IS TRULY THE BEST OF ITS KIND GLOBALLY “First and foremost, we want the flagship showroom to be a fun and engaging experience for everyone. We want customers to get up close and personal with our bikes, whether that’s one of the latest e-bikes, a new bike to commute to work on, or a pro-level bike to win their next race.

“The showroom and the brand have a legacy that will continue for many generations to come and we want people to be blown away by this latest chapter in Ribble Cycles’ history.” n The new Ribble Cycles showroom, just off the A59 is now open – free parking is available

Ribble Cycles Unit 1 Barrow Brook Trade Park Barrow Brook, Clitheroe BB7 9BQ ribblecycles.co.uk Monday to Friday: 9.00-20.00 Saturday: 9.00-18.00 Sunday: 11.00-17.00

THE ULTIMATE IN LUXURY & STYLE Sarah Varley catches up with the Everything Retreat team as they add the final touches to the brand new luxurious woodland hideaway in Mellor.

Photography: Kirsten Platt

Guests will also be able to experience every luxury they could want via the in-house concierge service, with breakfast hampers, cheese boards, afternoon tea and dinner with champagne for guests and a chauffeur service for those wanting to eat out.

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s The Everything Retreat launches this summer, founder and CEO Louise Monk will see her dream project unfold in the form of a luxury woodland lodge retreat featuring private hot tubs and beautiful gardens coupled with an exclusive concierge service, all surrounded by spectacular countryside in the heart of the Ribble Valley.

The Everything Retreat features 12 exclusive cedarwood lodges with each lodge offering stunning open plan living with log burners, comfy sofas, bespoke kitchens, sumptuous beds and crisp linen, along with full length glass windows with panoramic views overlooking the stunning Ribble Valley.

Each lodge represents the ultimate in luxury and style where every detail has been considered, providing the perfect setting for a peaceful and quiet break away.

THIS EXCITING DEVELOPMENT WILL ALLOW DISCERNING GUESTS TO IMMERSE THEMSELVES IN UNIQUE SURROUNDINGS The development build is on schedule and The Everything Retreat will be ready to welcome guests this summer. Bookings will be accepted from May, with the website launching imminently. Bespoke

interior designs have been conceptualised and furnishing is in progress, with each unique interior being finished to the most exquisite standard.

Landscaping is the next priority with the planting of trees and shrubs underway.

The team are busy creating a haven for wildlife and beautifully themed garden areas for guests to enjoy. Attracting a diverse range of wildlife is close to the team’s heart with owl nesting boxes, hedgehog boxes and a large nature-filled pond all in progress.

Rest and relaxation begins upon arrival.

Guests can simply park up and enjoy the welcoming reception area with complimentary drinks and homemade treats from local artisans. A golf buggy ride through the quiet seclusion of the countryside transports guests to their chosen lodge.

“The Everything Retreat has been designed for the ultimate experience for our guests,” says Louise. “I have taken inspiration from some of my favourite corners of the world and brought them all together to create this luxury development. The amount of hard work and planning we have been doing over the last six months is really beginning to take shape. I am delighted with the progress so far and I’m so lucky to have an incredible team with Kelly and Daniel on board and also the fantastic contractors and skilled tradesmen who have worked tirelessly to make this dream come true.”

Kelly Slater, The Everything Retreat’s

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THE EVERYTHING RETREAT LAUNCHING SUMMER 2021!

BOOKINGS BEING TAKEN FROM MAY A luxurious woodland retreat featuring every luxury you can imagine!

07816 229617 Business Development Manager, adds: “I’m really excited to be working with Louise to help her realise her unique vision. There is so much going on at the moment with planning, designing and building and we are so lucky to have such an amazing team on site.”

Daniel Smith, Brand and Creative Director, explains: “I’m incredibly excited to be working on this project with Louise and her team. Being able to use my 10 years’ experience in hospitality and events to help bring Louise’s vision to life has been amazing and I am excited to show everyone the final product.”

I HAVE TAKEN INSPIRATION FROM SOME OF MY FAVOURITE CORNERS OF THE WORLD AND BROUGHT THEM ALL TOGETHER TO CREATE THIS LUXURY DEVELOPMENT This exciting development will allow discerning guests to immerse themselves in unique surroundings, enjoying the unbeatable combination of impeccable attention to detail of each lodge and the treasure trove of experiences the Ribble Valley has to offer.

The Everything Retreat team are now working on creating partnerships with key local businesses to build relationships and ultimately enhance their guest experience. n

EVERYTHING retreat

The Everything Retreat 07816 229617

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SUMMER DATE SET The founder of Slaidburn Steam and Vintage Vehicle event is confident that this country fair, which attracts exhibits from far and wide, will go ahead this summer

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laidburn Steam and Vintage Vehicle Fair is celebrating its 40th event this summer and it promises to bigger and better than ever!

Following the cancellation of the event last year, hopes are high that this year’s event will take place on Saturday 26th and Sunday 27th June at the Hark to Bounty, Slaidburn, which has been the location of the event since it began.

“We are cautiously optimistic that this year’s event will go ahead,” explains event

founder and organiser David McNamee.

“With the restrictions hopefully lifted by 21st June, we have chosen 26th and 27th and in the run up to those dates, I think we will have a pretty good idea whether it can take place. The way things are going, we are very hopeful.”

Already the event has attracted attention: “We have a dozen steamers wanting to come,” adds David. “We also have 50 plus vintage tractors and the same number of vintage and classic cars, so there is plenty of interest already.”

Traditionally the event also attracts many and varied craftsmen and women including basket weavers and clog makers along with country entertainment, with the proceeds this year to be split between Slaidburn Primary School and Dunsop Bridge Primary School.

“The recipients will be heavily involved

in the event too,” adds David. “At the last event we organised a Sunday barbecue and it was a great success. Everyone was very enthusiastic.”

With no committee, the show accepts all exhibits: “We have never turned any away,” recalls David, who is helped by his wife Jean along with a small local team, in organising the event.

Held outdoors in fields surrounding the Hark to Bounty inn, the fair has been a long-standing country attraction for four decades: “People really look forward to it,” adds David. “Because of where it is held, and the rural nature of the event, it traditionally attracts many folk from surrounding villages – so sometimes these people don’t see one another from one show to the next. It’s a really nice way of getting people together and it is always much anticipated. We have had lots of positive feedback.” n

SLAIDBURN STEAM & VINTAGE VEHICLE DISPLAY We are pleased to announce that the 40th event will take place on Saturday 26th June & Sunday 27th June 2021 at the

HARK TO BOUNTY FOR FURTHER DETAILS CONTACT 01200 446605

If you go up to the woods today...

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Nestled in the heart of the Ribble Valley countryside and the Forest of Bowland AONB, but still only a couple of miles from the hub of Clitheroe, Three Rivers has stunning views and outstanding on park facilities including, swimming pool, two bars, cafe and shop. It is the ideal base to unwind and recharge in the peaceful woodland setting or have your own wilderness adventure.

With great prices on a range of new and pre-owned holiday homes now is the perfect time to discover a hidden gem in the Ribble Valley and your very own, beautiful, family home from home up in the woods.

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01200 423523

www.threeriverspark.co.uk • enquiries@threeriverspark.co.uk

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lifestyle Lots of members signed up, eager to see their Pony Club friends again and begin exercising their horses in time for the summer competitions. With excellent tuition from Louie Atkinson and Jo Baxter, members finessed their flatwork skills before working on some technical show-jumping, with younger members even doing some mounted games.

IN THE SADDLE As lockdown restrictions begin to ease, Chipping Pony Club has finally been able to resume its action-packed timetable, both on horses and on foot, writes Megan Conlon

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hipping Pony Club members have had to dust off their Pony Club ties and shine their boots in preparation for a month of jam-packed horsey fun.

This was kick started by the Area Quiz competition for which Sarah, Lexi, Bea and myself spent hours revising! For this is no ordinary quiz – as usual, we revised for all the rounds, including the Equine Nervous System, Showjumping and Endurance Rules, Children’s Equestrian Literature (this one had us digging up some old favourites) and a picture round on Equestrian Equipment.

After spending all our Friday nights doing practices on Zoom, I’m glad to say it paid off, with Chipping coming third place overall!

The event was really well organised and enjoyed by all.

Following on from this excitement, we began preparation for our Easter Egg Hunt which doubled as a Badge Day. Members from ages four to 11 spent time learning all about safety equipment, how to be properly

Rallies are a great way for members to learn in accordance with the Pony Club training pyramid, and they allow members to work towards their Pony Club tests which, at a certain level (B-test), are widelyrecognised achievements in the equine world

dressed at Pony Club events, and equine behaviour, which had some older members excellently demonstrating what a buck, a rear and a shy looked like! Everyone learnt a lot and were subsequently rewarded with the Easter Egg Hunt! It was not all fun and games though, as members also had to find pieces of paper with pictures of wild animals

and can aid members should they choose to pursue a future in an equine career. Rallies are also perfect opportunities to see good friends and learn in tandem with your horse.

Events and training sessions will continue in the coming months and there is an action-packed calendar for all! Watch this space for future updates on life at Chipping Pony Club! n and parts of a grooming kit on and tick them off a list as they went – although at one point, I admit, the picture of the mole was nowhere to be found as it had escaped in the wind! We found it eventually in a nearby field. After a successful day, everyone went home with a paper bag full of chocolate eggs, two badges each and big smiles all round.

The Easter fun didn’t stop there though, as our next event was the Easter Rally!

If you are interested in joining, please contact Chipping’s District Commissioner Joanne Conlon 01200 445143 or email: chipping@pcuk.org

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TWO CODES… TWO WINNERS Jason Fildes of Highclere’s northern syndicate tracks two horses who have had emphatic wins – one at the close of the National Hunt season and the other in the opening Flat season

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t is a fascinating time of year for racing with the National Hunt season drawing to a close and the Flat season just starting.

It has therefore been very pleasing to have winners under both codes within seven days!

Evander enhanced his growing reputation with a fifth success at Ludlow recently.

Always at the head of his field in his usual front-running style, he fought off opposition carrying less weight than him to come home a ready winner.

ALWAYS AT THE HEAD OF HIS FIELD IN HIS USUAL FRONT-RUNNING STYLE, EVANDER FOUGHT OFF OPPOSITION CARRYING LESS WEIGHT THAN HIM, TO COME HOME A READY WINNER He has now run 14 times, winning five and placed seven – he has an extraordinary record and a lovely horse to be involved with.

His trainer, Oliver Greenall, has decided that’s enough for this season so he’ll go out into the fields at Stockton Hall Farm in Cheshire for a summer of eating grass with the sun on his back – hopefully!

He will then return to training in August to build up for a restart over fences in October.

Meanwhile one of our promising Flat horses, Spycatcher, started his season off in style with an emphatic first success at Pontefract. He ran four times last year as a two-year-old without quite winning.

On his first start at Redcar, he stumbled coming out of the stalls and was a long last after the first furlong of a six-furlong race. But he managed to pass most of the 20-runner field in a fast-finishing fourth place.

His astute trainer, Karl Burke, whose yard at Spigot Lodge, Middleham is in great form, decided to go for a big prize in the Acomb Stakes at York’s Ebor meeting.

Although there was no crowd at the meeting last year, we had a large group of enthusiastic owners present and despite starting relatively unfancied at 20-1, Spycatcher ran an absolute cracker of a race to finish second – he was in front 50 yards from the winning post but was just caught close to home by Gear Up, who went on to win a Group 1 race in France.

After the excitement of York, Spycatcher disappointed at Doncaster next time, overheating before the start on a hot day, before being on the wrong side of the draw in his final start on soft ground back

at Redcar, finishing second. As he didn’t therefore win a race last year, we started him off in a Novice this season and he duly obliged – easily. It’s now up to Karl as to his next target, but we should know more after a stable visit. He’s a horse to follow this season! n

Highclere – Jason Fildes 01200 444622 07721 311778 jason@highclere.co.uk highclereracing.co.uk

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WORLD CLASS EVENTS Northcote Stud is a premier equestrian events venue with a unique approach. Gail Bailey meets owner Emily Whiteside to learn more about how the business is evolving.

Photography: Kirsten Platt

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iding for over 18 years and competing in Europe and Florida, experienced equestrian Emily Whiteside always had a vision of owning an events centre: “Having competed at a high standard worldwide I’ve been lucky to see some of the very best event facilities, and it’s given me the determination to create the same, and more, here at Northcote,” she explains.

The ethos at Northcote Stud is focused on providing outstanding sport in surroundings that competitors and visitors enjoy being a part of. Historically, a lot of the best homegrown equestrian talent spends a proportion of their year competing in mainland Europe. However, due to the changes brought about by Brexit, this is now far more expensive and complicated to do.

“It’s a fantastic opportunity for us to offer these facilities as we have many of

the elements that makes competing abroad attractive,” explains Emily. “Whilst we can’t guarantee the weather, we have put together a number of multi-day events that offer a progressive schedule, good prize money, leading rider bonuses, live global streaming via Clip My Horse TV and luxury, affordable stabling.”

Having an experienced course designer is pivotal to the success of show jumping events and Northcote have assured the services of one of the very best as Emily explains: “We have engaged international

talent Alan Wade. He was responsible for building the FEI World Equestrian Games and World Cup Final, and has built courses at Olympia – we are thrilled to be working with him here at Northcote.”

The Young Horse of the Year Show on 2nd-6th June is one of the centre’s main events and has already attracted a host of well-known riders including Olympic silver medallist Steven Smith: “Our events usually sell out within 48 hours,” says Emily.

“We have over 300 horses staying on-site and over 350 horses jumping per day.”

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This, of course, brings with it a huge daily footfall to Northcote Stud and therefore revenue for local hotels, restaurants, shops and other businesses, bringing promotion for businesses themselves and the brands they use.

OUR EVENTS USUALLY SELL OUT WITHIN 48 HOURS. WE HAVE OVER 300 HORSES STAYING ON-SITE AND OVER 350 HORSES JUMPING PER DAY Having recently made a programme of major improvements and investment to ensure athletes enjoy competing, Northcote is now keen to develop collaborations with commercial partners: “We work with each of our commercial partners individually to ensure they receive maximum return and recognition for their investment,” Emily explains. “There are a number of different opportunities to suit those looking to be represented across our key events, and also for those who would simply like to join us for a single show or competition.”

Collaborative packages at Northcote Stud are bespoke but may include being a Title, Class, Jump or Broadcast partner: “We work hard to ensure our sponsors see and receive the benefits,” says Emily.

Depending on how businesses choose to be involved, this can include an advert on the live stream, an arena board, the commentator promoting the brand,

preferential stabling and parking, hospitality for businesses to bring their clients with VIP seating, social media promotion and links on the website, branded merchandise, trade stand space and a chance to meet the winning athletes with presentation photographs. The list is endless – and a wonderful way to market your company and be part of a thrilling sport.

As the marquee goes up, renowned commentator and broadcaster Adam Cromarty from Impact Media will be hosting key events. Adam, who is an

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experienced equestrian along with being well known for his informative and entertaining commentary, has worked for the BBC, Sky Sports, Eurosport and many more well-known outlets: “I’m so pleased that we have Adam working with us – he is an experienced journalist, broadcaster, presenter and judge so is perfectly placed to host our events and be a part of what we are creating at Northcote Stud,” Emily explains.

WE WORK HARD TO ENSURE OUR SPONSORS SEE AND RECEIVE THE BENEFITS So, whether you have never been to a show jumping event before, are already an avid enthusiast or a business hoping to collaborate, contact Emily to find out more and be a part of their exciting equestrian journey. n Contact details below for further information about both sponsorship and events

Northcote Stud Northcote Road Old Langho, Blackburn BB6 8BE 01254 790025 northcotestud.com

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lifestyle Woodlands Country Park is a family business run by husband and wife Chris and Natalie Cox. “It’s a very friendly and supportive environment,” says Natalie.

“We have people who have been here for over 15 years, and lots of strong and lasting friendships have been made.”

A PLACE IN THE COUNTRY From summer sunshine to a winter wonderland, this tranquil corner of Lancashire offers the perfect escape whatever the season.

Photography: Vanessa Fry scrambling up fences and over arches, window boxes and hanging baskets are tumbling with colourful displays. It really is a beautiful setting.

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magine sitting on your decked terrace overlooking a lake where water hens and ducks are swimming freely and there’s even a heron fishing for its lunch.You look up to wave to your neighbours walking their dog and catch a glimpse of the Lancashire fells in the distance. All is peaceful.

This is the way of life at Woodlands Country Park, an idyllic community of attractive wooden lodges set in 40 acres of rolling countryside with its own woodland, lakes and waterways. All the lodges here have their own gardens and private space, many on the water’s edge and others with their own private wooded area.

Walking around the park, it’s immediately clear that people take great care of their properties. Visit in the summer and everywhere you look you’ll see gardens packed with colour. There are clematis

Woodlands is open all year round and each season offers something new to see.

All the lodges are central heated, with double glazing and modern kitchens.

Properties currently available to buy range from £145,000 to £200,000. They include a three-bedroom lodge on a large plot with a stunning garden which has fabulous views over the waterway and all its resident wildlife.

The best way to appreciate the tranquillity and beauty of Woodlands is to see it for yourself. You can visit the park any time by appointment. Visitors can walk around the park, experience the views and see inside the lodges which are for sale.

THESE ARE LUXURY LODGES IN VERY GENEROUS PLOTS AND THEY OFFER A VERY HIGH STANDARD OF LIVING Despite that much sought-after ‘middle of nowhere’ feeling, you’re within easy reach of the pretty town of Garstang, with its eclectic collection of shops and eateries, weekly market, leisure centre and golf course. The Lake District, Blackpool and Lytham St Annes are also close by so you can enjoy days out aplenty from your relaxing rural retreat.

“These are luxury lodges in very generous plots and they offer a very high standard of living,” says Natalie. “Many of our residents came to us after visiting similar parks elsewhere and they always say they love the space they have here, with room for friends and family to visit.”

Which is important, obviously, because if you’ve found your dream retreat, you’ll want to share it with the people you love. n

Woodlands Country Park Skitham Lane, Pilling PR3 6BD 01995 601100 info@woodlandscountrypark.com woodlandscountrypark.com

Imagine...

A magical private wedding in the Lake District Enter through electric gates to discover this beautiful sanctuary in the Lake District. Surrounded by stunning woodland in the heart of a hundred acre estate, Gilpin Lake House is quiet, untouched, and devoid of traffic or people – a place to forget about everything.

Perfect for both small and large weddings, the Lake House is fully serviced with Relais & Châteaux trained staff and Michelin starred chefs, and our dedicated team balance warmth and friendliness with extraordinary service, exquisite décor and stunning culinary experiences.

With its own lake and pool, the house and grounds provide an inspiring and peaceful location with an abundance of natural beauty. Set on three levels with a beautiful entrance and sweeping staircase, the interiors are stylish, comfortable and warm, with a touch of home.

The six sumptuous bedrooms are individually designed and furnished, with crisp white linen, exquisite fabrics, wonderful upholstery, and delicious art. The lounge is scattered with sofas, armchairs and bookcases, and the huge adjoining conservatory has floor to ceiling glass on two sides; both rooms overlook the private lake. On the lower floor the heated indoor pool and sauna lead to the lake, cedarwood hot and gardens.

Elsewhere in the grounds there are kitchen gardens, a boat house, mature woodland, moorland, grassland, wild ponds, and a lovely walk with 360° panoramic views of the Lake District, including Coniston and the Llangdales in the distance.

We hope to welcome you to Gilpin soon.

love ◦ laughter ◦ happily ever after

Gilpin Hotel & Lake House ◦ Windermere ◦ 015394 88818 ◦ hotel@thegilpin.co.uk ◦ www.thegilpin.co.uk

BUILDING ON BRAID

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ate January in Dubai is a pleasant place to be. The unrelenting heat which sees the mercury climb into triple figures is yet to arrive. It’s in this Aquarian time of year when many of the world’s finest golfers gather for the Desert Classic. You’ll find them on the driving range, working on that endless quest for perfection — the golf swing.

Some years you’ll find amongst them a mortal who, for a while, achieve it. From the furtive glances of his fellow professionals, to the hush which ushers his every swing, there is a reminder that whilst he is a part, he will always be apart.

Tiger Woods uncoils from his practice swing and glances towards the gallery.There he spots a familiar face. A smile breaks: “Hey Wayno!” he calls out. It’s a reunion of sorts. The man he’s called over is Wayne Johnson, one of the key men in managing the tournament and former protégé of the legendary golf coach Butch Harmon. Their relationship goes all the way back to Las Vegas where Tiger would regularly visit the guru. Pleasantries are exchanged, but Tiger has business on his mind. It isn’t long before the 15-time Major winner invites Wayne inside the ropes to cast his eye over a swing he is very familiar with.

With golf’s long-awaited return, a Ribble Valley club is now looking to build on its legacy and has landed a big name with a global track record for success. David Fearnhead speaks to Wayne Johnson, the new Director of Golf at Clitheroe Golf Club “When Tiger knows someone, he embraces them,” says Wayne, Clitheroe Golf Club’s new Director of Golf. “Once you get to

know some of these players they’re very friendly, but if you don’t know them they can have the blinkers on. It’s a shame in some ways. I think it’s just the circumstances they are in. Everyone wants a piece of them and there’s no escaping Tiger is a special individual. Not only has he been gifted with a god-given talent, he has got an immense work appetite. He has worked incredibly hard at his game and also the physicality in terms of the strength conditioning he used to do as well.”

For someone from North West England to be welcomed into Tiger’s inner circle sounds like one of those dreams you hate to wake up from. However, Wayne admits he’s seen so much talent over the years it can make you a little blasé.

“When I worked in the States, Monday was our day off but I’d regularly get a call from work: ‘Just to let you know David Duval is popping in with Tiger.

I know it’s a Monday, but do you mind coming in?’ And, you think, oh jeez do

lifestyle I have to?” he laughs. “I’m aware of how crazy it sounds now!”

“We’d have this group of businessmen come in from Texas for the day and they’d be hitting balls and 20 metres away you’d have Adam Scott working on his swing.

I remember days when we would have Tiger, Adam Scott and Darren Clarke all in at the same time. That’s how Tiger and Darren became such good friends.

A lot of people met through the Harmon connection.”

Wayne’s own involvement with Butch Harmon goes back decades. He’d first met him years previous when Butch’s son Claude came to work with Wayne in Portugal.

“We got on very well and whilst I was later working in Austria I got a call from Butch saying they were going to open a new golf school in Vegas and he’d like me to come and work for him.”

I ask Wayne to give us a glimpse behind the curtain. To gain an understanding of what it’s like to work with the most enigmatic and ‘winningest’ coach in professional golf.

“In the first five minutes with Butch he’ll say there isn’t one way to swing a golf club.You take a Jim Furyk, Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus, Tiger Woods, Greg Norman, Ray Floyd, all with totally

different swings of a golf club. What they all do is to deliver the club to the ball square to the direction they are hitting it in and they do it consistently. A good coach will work with the swing you have and try to enhance the good things. Butch doesn’t go in with a carving knife and chop this and that out, he’s going to try and refine the things you do well.

“Dustin Johnson is a great example.

He plays with a very, very, closed face and a very bowed wrist at the top of his backswing. Now to a lot of coaches they’d immediately try and change that, but what Butch was saying is, he’s seen players play from that position before and seen them

play well. So, with Dustin it was just about getting better rotation through the shot which then squares the club face up and delivers a tremendous amount of power.

“You can quite easily wreck a player’s career as well as enhance it,” Wayne cautions. “You have to be incredibly careful – and confident in your ability to make a positive difference.”

He’d been working with Butch in Las Vegas and at his Academy in the Bahamas for four years when an opportunity came up in Dubai. It was yet another stop on what has been a nomadic career – one borne from opportunity rather than by design. Having been at the Wisley Club,

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the esteemed private members club close to London, since its founding in 1991, he followed one of its creators to Portugal.

“They’d been involved in property development for Pinheiros Altos and asked me to come and set up the golf operation.

That was my first step overseas and I enjoyed it. That in turn led me to Austria, where I was for three years, teaching in Zell-am-See. I also worked for Calloway Golf, helping start them up in Austria.”

That’s when Butch made his call. There’s not enough ink to cover his subsequent extended stay in Dubai, a return to Portugal, France, setting up the Race to Dubai, the MENA Tour – which begs a question. With a CV that is as impressive as it is surprising – he helped start a golf revolution in Vietnam for example – why would someone who specialises in start-ups choose to come to a club with 130 years of history and a course which dates back to 1932? For Clitheroe he’s a stellar appointment, but what’s the pull for Wayne?

“I grew up in Windermere and many years ago there used to be a reciprocal friendly match between the two clubs.

So, I’ve known Clitheroe for many years, even as a junior. It’s always had a lot of prestige in the North West. It’s a good test

of golf and obviously hosting the regional qualifiers there for The Open it’s got the status. I already knew the reputation and how good of a product the club was.”

For members worried he might take a plough to the course, Wayne is quick to allay any concerns. He says it’s important to protect the course’s legacy. “You have James Braid, a five-times Open Champion,

involved in the first design of the project.

There’s a bunker renovation project in place at the moment, which looks fantastic. I think it’s about taking it to another level and taking it forward for golf as it is today, but I don’t think you need to do too much to the course to make it a great golf course.

It’s already a great golf course!”

Wayne says his involvement will be more from the academy side. His brief is to enhance the range and practice areas for the short game. “I think it would be great for Clitheroe to be a place where people can benefit from access to great facilities and learning without necessarily being a member of the club. And potentially they will become our members in due course, but first you have to provide the opportunity.

“My goal is to do whatever I can to enhance service standards and engage with the members to develop an amazing academy project which, down the road, will benefit the existing membership and those coming into the game.” n

Post this interview Tiger Woods was involved in a serious traffic accident and is currently recovering – we wish him well

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Printed using sustainable material. Please recycle.

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Prairie Sports Village

T A E R G Y ENJO

S E I T I V I T GOLF AC OLOGY AND N H C TE E G N A R G IN IV R TOPTRACER D G FOR EVERYONE IN H ET M SO ER FF O SE R MINI COU GE AT PRAIRIE SPORTS VILLA

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Opening times

New! Toptracer traces your golf shots just like the best players on TV. A fun, tech-driven experience for all abilities.

Challenge your friends to games of Long Drive, Go Fish or Scramble. Beat your personal best. Toptracer offers more for everyone: Seasoned players | First-time golfers | Range rivals Friends and family | Games and stats | Social media app

MINI GOLF MON- FRI: 10AM - 8PM SAT-SUN: 10AM - 5PM

TOPTRACER DRIVING RANGE MON- THURS: 10AM - 10PM FRI: 10AM - 9PM

9-hole mini golf shaped by the world’s best courses

SAT-SUN: 10AM - 5PM

Bring family and friends to enjoy this beautifully landscaped course with twists, turns, slopes and bridges, sponsored by Lloyd Mini of Colne. The short game practice area complements Prairie’s driving range.

Practice full shots | Putting | Chipping | Bunker shots | Practice area is free for driving range users.

Social distancing measures at all Burnley Leisure attractions keep everyone safe and happy.

Please read signs carefully and follow instructions from our helpful, professional staff.

Pre-booking for all golf activities is required. Please call 01282 477201.

General enquiries: 01282 664444 | Prairie golf range: 01282 477201

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• Add Burnley Leisure Gym, Swim & Fitness Classes for £100 one off payment or £10 DD • Free Golf at Marsden Park Golf Course

PRAIRIE SPORTS VILLAGE

1955 Kitchen & Bar NEW MENU, LONGER OPENING HOURS AND A BRAND-NEW LOOK! The 1955 Kitchen & Bar at Prairie Sport Village is an informal, British-led dining experience serving breakfast and lunch, which will be reopening on 17th May. The bistro is set within a light, airy contemporary pavilion building. An £80,000 redevelopment has created great new spaces for hospitality, business and sports guests. With panoramic views of Pendle Hill, Prairie is the ideal place to work, play, relax or celebrate a special occasion with colleagues, friends or family.

Our delicious menu includes classic British and regional favourites plus global street food and vegan options. The venue is available for private hire for birthday parties, wedding receptions, christenings, and baby showers.

For details, please call 01282 477201.

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lifestyle that many of us have been at home and sitting down more than usual.

But with lockdown now easing it’s very important for people of all ages and abilities to be as active as possible and the World Health Organisation’s Be Active campaign aims to help you do just that – and to have some fun at the same time.

Remember to take a short break regularly, even if it’s just for a few minutes to improve blood circulation and muscle activity.

REMEMBER TO TAKE A SHORT BREAK REGULARLY, EVEN IF IT’S JUST FOR A FEW MINUTES Regular physical activity benefits both the body and mind. It can reduce high blood pressure, help manage weight and reduce the risk of heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, and various cancers.

Regular physical activity can help give our days a routine and be a way to stay in contact with family and friends. It’s also good for our mental health – reducing the risk of depression, cognitive decline and delay the onset of dementia – and improve overall feelings.

CIMPSA (Chartered Institute for the Management of Sport and Physical Activity) has been working hard to promote all these benefits and has been urging government and local authorities to help gyms to safely re-open for everyone’s health and wellbeing.

LET’S KEEP MOVING Last year was unprecedented and tested everyone both physically and mentally. One area which was particularly affected was the leisure industry, writes Tracy Hargreaves

physical support to their members.

Exercise has long been associated with health benefits but the pandemic has meant

D

uring the first lockdown the weather was glorious and a lot of people got out on their bikes or took up walking, but for those who worked in the fitness industry they had to adapt to a new way of working.

Gyms were closed, leaving hundreds of fitness instructors out of work, but more importantly unable to provide mental and

IT’S VERY IMPORTANT FOR PEOPLE OF ALL AGES AND ABILITIES TO BE AS ACTIVE AS POSSIBLE

It has also been protecting its members by recommending other ways of teaching such as zoom and online classes, offering opportunities for fitness instructors to retrain and reactivate with free online training courses, as well as providing up to date information on what the safety guidelines mean for gyms, classes and personal trainers.

But whether you go to a gym or not, adults should aim to do at least 150-300 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic physical activity, or at least 75-150 minutes of vigorous-intensity aerobic physical activity, or an equivalent combination of moderate and vigorous-intensity activity throughout the week. Find something you enjoy and you will soon see the benefits, both physically and mentally. n

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HOME TRUTHS

I

was thrilled to receive confirmation from Her Majesty the Queen that I am to be appointed to her most honourable Privy Council.

It’s a hugely historic and prestigious appointment and I am thrilled! Along with the simple honour comes the opportunity to attend a small ceremony where I get onto one knee and swear the Privy Council oath. At my age I just hope I can get up easily after getting on one knee!

I met the Chancellor of the Exchequer to talk about the recovery plan for the UK post Covid. We are all thrilled at the incredible rollout of the vaccine and applaud all involved. I’m looking forward to the easing of restrictions following the huge drop in hospitalisations and deaths from Covid. At last the vaccine rollout is delivering a cautious reopening of retail, gyms, hairdressing and beauty salons

along with life getting back to something more like normal. I explained to Rishi Sunak how vital the wedding industry is to the Ribble Valley and its hotels and dedicated venues and told him they need more support and greater certainty with regards to larger weddings being allowed.

PLEASE SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL BUSINESSES AS THEY RE-OPEN. THEY ARE THE VERY HEARTBEAT OF OUR COMMUNITY AND DESERVE OUR CUSTOM On one of my walks around London I saw businesses getting ready for outdoor dining. Sadly, for us the weather has taken an unseasonal turn for the worst and quite frankly seeing snow in Clitheroe in April was the last thing I expected. I am ready to brave whatever the weather brings as long as I get that much-awaited pint! Please support your local businesses as they re-open. They are the very heartbeat of our community and deserve our custom – good luck to all of them.

At the beginning of the month I attended a ceremony to dedicate three new flag poles located on a raised garden outside Westminster

Ribble Valley MP Nigel Evans meets Chancellor Rishi Sunak to discuss the UK’s business recovery plan and celebrates the news that he is to be appointed to Her Majesty’s Privy Council

Hall. The first three flags to be flown celebrated International Women’s Day, Commonwealth Day and the third flag is the Union Jack.

However, as I entered the Commons just after Easter I noticed all three flags were at half-mast. This was to mark the death of a dear friend of mine, Dame Cheryl Gillan MP. Cheryl entered the Commons with me in 1992 and she was a champion of raising awareness of autism and a campaigner against HS2. I will miss her and our chats.

I received another blow with the news that a former MP and an amazingly wonderful chum Peter Ainsworth had died. Peter entered the House in 1992 and left in 2010. He and I both sat on the Shadow Cabinet and Peter had charm, wit, style, class and humour. He once chatted to me outside the Groucho Club where we both celebrated the birthday of music genius Mitch Murray.

He puffed on a cigarette and with a glint in his eye, he would refer to certain colleagues as ‘ghastly’, but on the majority he would heap praise.

Finally, I would like to pay tribute to Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, whom I met on several occasions. It is a great loss and such sad news and once again the flags will be flying at half mast. n

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Enjoy an exquisite menu designed by The luxurious suite is ground located on the floor of26Northcote, abedroom 26 bedroom Executive Chef Goodwin-Allen and her team he s wedding luxurious The suite wedding luxurious is located suite wedding oniswedding the located ground suite on the floor located ofLisa onthe floor the ground ofground aNorthcote, 26 floor bedroom aNorthcote, bedroom a 26 bedroom The luxurious wedding suite is islocated onNorthcote, ground floor ofofNorthcote, a 26 hotel on the edge ofpicturesque the picturesque Ribble Valley. otel on situated the edge hotel on of the situated thesituated edge picturesque ofthe theedge picturesque edge Ribble ofthe Valley. the picturesque Ribble Valley.

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Our dedicated wedding co-ordinator will discuss detail of to your special to create wedding ur dedicated co-ordinator Our wedding dedicated will co-ordinator discuss wedding every will co-ordinator discuss last detail every will ofdiscuss your last discuss detail special every ofevery day your last tolast detail special create day your your special create your day to create youryour Our dedicated wedding co-ordinator will every last detail of ofyour special day today create your beautiful occasion. on. autiful occasion. beautiful occasion. beautiful occasion.

Northcote Road, Langho, Blackburn, Lancashire BB6 rthcote ho, Blackburn, Road,Northcote Langho, Lancashire Northcote Blackburn, Road, BB6Langho, 8BE Langho, Lancashire Blackburn, BB6 8BE Lancashire BB6 8BE Northcote Road, Road, Langho, Blackburn, Blackburn, Lancashire Lancashire BB6 BB6 8BE 8BE 8BE | | www.northcote.com | | | | | || www.northcote.com Telephone: 01254 240 555 Email: events@northcote.com | | www.northcote.com | ephone: 555 Email: 01254 events@northcote.com 240 Telephone: 555 01254 Email: 01254 events@northcote.com 240 www.northcote.com Email: events@northcote.com www.northcote.com Telephone: 240 555555 Email: events@northcote.com Telephone: 01254 240 555 Email: events@northcote.com www.northcote.com | | | | | | | @NorthcoteUK /NorthcoteUK northcoteuk | | | | @NorthcoteUK /NorthcoteUK @NorthcoteUK /NorthcoteUK northcoteuk /NorthcoteUK /NorthcoteUK northcoteuk northcoteuk @NorthcoteUK @NorthcoteUK /NorthcoteUK northcoteuk northcoteuk

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DIVORCE LAWYER’S Divorce lawyer, Elspeth Kinder, from JMW explains why it’s important to have a team of experts, who can help her clients during separation

A

s humans, we all cope and respond to life’s challenges in different ways. I am an expert in the legal implications of a separation and through my advice I can empower my clients to make difficult decisions. I consider it essential that I help a client to think through the wider implications of their legal options, and that comes by ensuring the right team is in place to work with me and my client through the minefield of their separation.

My starting point is to recommend to every client that they consider working with a counsellor throughout the legal process and beyond.

The emotional impact of a separation can be wide-reaching and often clients tell me that they are concerned about how the separation will affect their children, wider family, as well as themselves.

I observe, time and again, the positive impact that working with a good therapist can have on clients, giving them an outlet for their fears and helping them to achieve clarity in their thoughts. This can be beneficial to clients when faced with making significant legal decisions and can also help them to conclude the legal process in a more costefficient manner.

My advice to clients with school-aged children is to ensure to communicate with the school about the circumstances of the separation. Schools often have fantastic pastoral support and are well-equipped to support students who are living through the breakdown of their family unit. It can reassure clients to know that a trusted teacher is keeping an extra watch on their child.

The financial implications of a separation clearly require careful consideration. There are often underlying tax consequences arising from how a couple’s assets are shared,

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particularly capital gains tax which might be mitigated if a settlement is structured and planned so that assets can be transferred between a couple within the same tax year that they have separated.

We have just entered a new financial year on 6th April 2021 and I have today advised a new client who is contemplating separating from his wife that doing so now will essentially give them the best part of a year within which to agree how to share their assets during this financial year with minimal tax incurred. For this reason, I will always ensure that my clients have access to expert accountancy advice at an early stage so that tax savings can be planned for and achieved wherever possible.

The last member of the team would be a good financial adviser, who can help my clients to make informed decisions about their financial settlement. I’m currently negotiating a settlement for a lady who has the benefit of working with an independent financial adviser whom I introduced her to, ensuring that the structure of the settlement will meet my client’s needs for the rest of her life. n

in your corner

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lifestyle drawn maps of the estate in 1765, which shows a lost ‘wilderness garden’ in the form of the Union Jack! As a result, we are currently reinstating this wilderness with each segment featuring unusual trees, shrubs and spring bulbs.”

Professional archivist Anna Watson, who has begun the task of cataloguing the documents, says: “The ripples from historic records are absolutely fabulous. You are finding out about people in the past and that’s my great love – people.”

Robert adds: “A professional archivist like Anna and the volunteers that she will train, are essential to putting down a good

UNCOVERING THE PAST foundation for the archive to show how

A fascinating project that is set to reveal detailed information on these documents may inform us of the everyday life in previous centuries is underway at Browsholme Hall past and how they may help us with

S

et in the heart of the Ribble Valley, Browsholme Hall is a Grade I listed historic house that has been lived in by 14 generations of the Parker family since it was built in 1507.

Now, thanks to a grant from Historic England’s Culture Recovery Fund, previously unseen documents, including letters, diaries, drawings and maps that give a unique insight into the past, are to be catalogued for a new archive.

Robert Parker, whose family are the current owners and custodians of this historic estate, explains: “If these documents aren’t catalogued no-one knows they exist.

For example we have discovered over 200

handwritten recipes from the 18th century and only the other day we came across a letter that describes life in the trenches during the first world war.

IF THESE DOCUMENTS AREN’T CATALOGUED NO-ONE KNOWS THEY EXIST “We have diaries and pocket books that belonged to Elizabeth Parker dating from 1780 to 1796 – these and many other letters may not record dramatic events, but they do give a detailed insight into the daily lives of family, their friends and life on the estate for over four hundred years.

“We have a cartography book of hand

conservation in the future.”

Volunteer archivist and tour guide at Browsholme, Linda Sawley added: “It’s amazing, you can’t believe what there is here! These documents will help inform to know more about the Hall, family and its contents, which we can then include in guided tours for visitors.

It’s like a relay race, you hand the baton on to the next generation and that’s what Browsholme has done, by handing all its contents and knowledge of all its people onto the next generation.”

It seems that this archive will become a fabulous resource for Lancashire to give a glimpse into the past. n Browsholme Hall gardens and tearoom will be open Tuesdays and Wednesday from the end of April 2021 until the end of September, for more information visit the website

Browsholme Hall Clitheroe Road Clitheroe BB7 3DE 01254 827160 browsholme.com

BROWSHOLME HALL Lancashire’s oldest historic family home EST 1507

Welcome to Browsholme Hall

It feels wonderful to be able to say, and it will be even more wonderful to see you all, when we open our gates to visitors again from 20 April.

We will be open every Tuesday & Wednesday, so why not pop a date on your calendar to take a wander through our beautiful gardens and woodland, to explore the lake & lily pond, and generally enjoy the estate as it springs into life?

From mid May we’ll be welcoming back visitors to the Hall for guided tours, and the Cart Shed Tearooms will be open, serving delicious meals, snacks and locally made cakes, all washed down with hot or cold drinks. Eating out is going to taste so good!

Robert Parker, who’s family have lived at Browsholme Hall for 14 generations, said “We welcome visitors from all over the country to discover Browsholme’s history and to enjoy the Hall and gardens, but it never fails to surprise me that even though we are only 10 minutes from Clitheroe how many locals don’t know we’re here, or what we have to offer.”

“

“

Bring your mum, bring your kids, bring the dog – there’s something for everyone to enjoy!

Gardens

Hall, Gardens & Cart Shed Tearooms

Open every Tuesday & Wednesday 11am - 3pm from Tuesday 20 April.

Open every Tuesday & Wednesday 11am - 3pm from Tuesday 18 May to 27 September plus Bank Holiday Monday 31 May.

Tel: 01254 827160 or plan your visit at www.browsholme.com

Guided Tours: 11am, 12noon, 1pm, 2pm

Did you know we have ten Bijou Lodges nestled in a beautiful woodland glade?

See website for more details.

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SEVEN GOOD REASONS… 4. Shopping local creates jobs By shopping on your local high street and supporting independent Independent businesses create local businesses, you will be boosting prosperity within the community employment and self-employment. These people in turn spend in the local economy. and creating more jobs

N

ow that we can all get out and about, here are reasons why we should be supporting our local businesses by shopping on the high street.

1. Your spending boosts the local economy

Research on spending by local authorities shows that for every £1 spent with a small business 63p stays in the local economy, compared to just 40p with a larger business.

A good example is Ribble Valley-based Crafty Vintage where more of your money is used to make purchases from other local businesses, service providers, and farms – continuing to strengthen the economic base in the North West.

2. You will be supporting British entrepreneurs

Crafty Vintage markets help foster the talents of the next generation of British designers and retailers. There is a constant turnover of new products, and sellers listening to customers’ demands.

3. Help keep the area unique

Where you shop, where you eat and have fun – it all adds to the culture of this area.

These one-of-a-kind businesses are an integral part of the distinctive character of the Ribble Valley. Other tourism businesses also benefit.

When people visit the area they generally seek out destinations that offer them the sense of being someplace, not just anyplace.

By visiting local markets and outlets, you will not only be helping to support the artisan exhibitors you see, but also an array of suppliers such as local farmers, artists, musicians, barbers, makers, brewers and growers.

5. Reduce environmental impact

Locally owned businesses make more local purchases requiring less transportation. This generally means contributing less to sprawl, congestion, habitat loss and pollution.

6. Local shops value you more Evidence from numerous surveys shows people receive better customer care and service in local shops. Traders survive by their reputation and repeat business – so shopping local means that you get a higher standard of service.

7. Encourage local prosperity

Economic research shows that in an increasingly homogenised world,entrepreneurs and skilled workers are more likely to invest and settle in communities that preserve their one-of-a-kind businesses and distinctive character. n

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LET’S TAKE A WALK… HURST GREEN TO CHAIGLEY AROUND LONGRIDGE FELL

the house but aim for the stile and waymarker found close to the right of the house. The path is now easy to follow – after the next stile the path skirts the wood and leads on to a wooden bench.

Panoramic views are seen over Clitheroe towards Pendle. The path ends at the road at Kemple End. (50 min)

Start point: Hurst Green Distance: Approx 8 miles Time: Approx 3 hours

Walk up the main street of Hurst Green turning right just before the Stonyhurst Estate and follow the bridle path. The path keeps to the high ground and descends to Dean Brook. After the bridge bear left and carry on along the bridleway to meet the road just before Greengore.

The path now continues through a series of gates and stiles to Crowshaw House and then on to the main road. (35 min) 1

2 At the road turn right for a few yards and then immediately

left into the wood. A stream is crossed via a wooden bridge after which the path becomes quite muddy. Avoid the mud by walking a few yards into the wood and walking parallel to the path. After Green Thorn a gentle climb up the fellside ensues. The path soon leaves the wood and continues up to meet the forestry road.

Looking back from here gives a panoramic view over the Ribble Valley towards Blackburn in the distance. The forestry road leads to Kemple End. The path continues across the road. After about 200 yards the next forest road is encountered at the top of the fell. Cross the road but be careful to take the second footpath on the left which is clearly waymarked. A gentle descent now starts – after about 200 yards the path meets a T-junction, take the left hand fork.

After 100 yards look for a small path on the right-hand side. Now follows a steep descent with the

path zig-zagging down the fellside through the trees. The path is steep in places and towards the end it is not too well defined. But eventually a well defined path is found. Turn right and after 100 yards turn left at the wire fence corner. After 10 yards a wide path is seen on the right, which leads on down to the main road. (50 min) Turn right at the road to Walker Fold. About half a mile after leaving the hamlet, look for the footpath sign and stile on the right. The path is across pasture but is not well defined. Aim for the edge of the wood on the fellside seen in the distance. The next stile is found where the path crosses a brook. Follow the wire fence on the left to the next stile (100 yards).

3

Continue to follow the fence to its end and thereafter look for the dirt road after a further 200 yards. Follow the road towards 4

5 Cross the road and follow through the Kemple complex.

After the farm the path follows an old quarry road to Stockbridge.

Turn right at the road – the path continues after 250 yards on the left-hand side along the farm road to Higher Deer House. (25 min) 6 At the house turn left and walk downhill over the pasture to the stile at the edge of the wood.

The path descends to a footbridge over the brook and then a stile leading onto Stonyhurst golf course. Follow the fence on the right to the footpath sign, turn left and walk across the course to the copse following waymarkers to the road next to the club house.

Turn right along the road and then right at the white gates. Walk along the Avenue back to Hurst Green. (20 min) n With thanks to Michael Wainright of Fellscape. Please go to the Fellscape website: www.fellscape.co.uk for full details and an OS map

INTRODUCING 2 NEW ARTISTS FOR RE-OPENING 12 APRIL 2021

Kimberley Harris Shine on Through

Grillo Tuscan Dreams

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EDUCATIONN E W S

PUPILS CELEBRATE

TIGER SPONSORSHIP

Year 4 Oakhill pupils proudly put on their jazzy odd socks to celebrate World Down Syndrome Day and their equally jazzy costumes as they got to celebrate World Book Day together. They enjoyed teamwork and learning together in the nature area and were immensely proud of their efforts at the Prep school cross country tournament, where their positive attitude saw them all doing far better than they ever expected.

Oakhill Year 5 pupil, Francesca, is passionate about animals and decided to use some of her own money to sponsor an endangered animal.

She chose a tiger as sadly tiger populations have declined by around 95 per cent since the beginning of the 20th century. Francesca has received her adoption certificate from the World Wide Fund for Nature, which she proudly brought in to show her classmates.

PIANO ACADEMY Rossall School is to become an All-Steinway School this summer and their Piano Academy will be accepting pupils from all over the globe from September. The inaugural piano competition, to be held online, will take place this Spring, providing an excellent performance platform for young pianists from across the world. The competition will comprise of three categories – age 12 and under, age 15 and under and age 17 and under.

Rossall is delighted to have appointed one of the UK’s best loved classical pianists, Mr Martin Roscoe as the Piano Academy’s Associate Professor.

He will also be one of the adjudicators for the competition. Prizes range from £750 to £100, and there is a best overall competitor prize of a pupil’s own recital at Steinway Hall, Marylebone, London and a Thomas Beecham Scholarship Award to attend Rossall School. rossall.org.uk

INVITATION FROM ALBERTA

RIVER WALKS

In 2019, one of Moorlands’ Ballet students, Hannah, competed at the YAGP (Youth America Grand Prix) in Paris. Whilst there, she was approached by the Alberta Ballet School and invited to go to Canada to participate in some classes at the prestigious school. Unfortunately, Hannah was unable to make the trip due to ongoing covid restrictions.

Although disappointed, Hannah was offered the chance to take part in a Zoom evening with the school which included ballet, contemporary and pointe classes.

Stonyhurst and its pupils featured on BBC2’s ‘River Walks: The Hodder’ last month. Throughout the episode broadcaster Stuart Maconie followed the flow of the River Hodder in the Forest of Bowland, eventually making it to Stonyhurst. The filming took place in 2018 and scenes broadcast included some spectacular drone footage of the college and the Ribble Valley. The television crew was guided along the river by Curator of the Stonyhurst Collections Dr Jan Graffius, who spoke about the Cromwell legends. The episode is available to view on BBC iPlayer.

exceptional experiences every day

reception places available for september

EDUCATIONN E W S

RED NOSE FUN

ESSAY COMPETITION

On Red Nose Day the students at Westholme dressed up to raise money for Comic Relief. The Infants and Juniors dressed in the brightest clothes they had to reflect the theme of ‘Brighter Days Ahead’. The theme for Senior School students was ‘Movie Madness’, so they dressed as their favourite character from TV or film. The Sixth Form Charity Team organised a ‘Best Costume Competition’ judged by the Principal, Dr Robson.

They are delighted that over £2000 was raised for this worthy cause.

Congratulations to Oakhill Year 11 pupils, Emilie-Anne and Ben, whose stories have been selected to represent Oakhill School in the ISA Essay Competition 2021. The competition is the annual opportunity for pupils at ISA Member Schools to allow their writing skills to shine.

Wordsmiths are invited to submit entries for a range of competition prizes aimed at age groups from Year 5 through to Sixth Form. We wish them every success in the competition.

​WORLD BOOK DAY

QUALITY MARK

Each year, Stonyhurst St Mary’s Hall looks forward to World Book Day, where there is an extra opportunity to focus on the importance and delights of reading books. This year pupils and staff celebrated World Book Day, despite the lockdown restrictions, and hosted many online events including a virtual visit from author Sarah Oliver who has written a variety of celebrity biographies, non-fiction and picture books. Her talks and activities stimulated thought and discussions about reading, books and the process of becoming a writer. A video of St Mary’s Hall staff reading ‘The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse’ was produced, alongside a ‘Masked Reader’ film which was shared with pupils where 10 teachers, disguised in masks, read stories of their choice. Many St Mary’s Hall pupils also took part in a TikTok chain video where they shared their favourite books.

The Association for Physical Education (AfPE) have awarded QEGS with the ‘Quality Mark with Distinction’, following a rigorous review process last year. Sue Wilkinson MBE, AfPE Chief Executive Officer, confirmed the award in writing, stating that QEGS has been recognised for demonstrating outstanding commitment to improvement in physical education, school sport and physical activity. This is the second time the faculty has been recognised by the organisation, following a successful application in 2017. The school can now proudly promote their status and received an engraved plaque in recognition of the faculty’s success. Head of PE and Games, Dr Mark Butler, commented: “We are delighted to have received this recognition from AfPE in what has been a very challenging time for our faculty and the school as a whole, due to the pandemic.”

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HIGH SHERIFF HONOUR Edwin Booth is to target crime, homelessness and education during his forthcoming year as High Sheriff of Lancashire

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er Majesty the Queen has appointed Edwin Booth CBE DL to be the High Sheriff of Lancashire. Edwin is the Chairman and CEO of Booths supermarkets and represents the fifth generation of the family to lead the business since 1847.

He took the High Sheriff office after signing a sworn declaration earlier this month.

The Office of the High Sheriff is an independent non-political year-long appointment supporting the Crown and the judiciary, lending support to crime prevention agencies, emergency services and the voluntary sector.

Edwin intends to address his attentions to three issues namely crime, homelessness and education.

“It is a privilege to be recognised for this role and I want to celebrate everything that is good about Lancashire, a county my family has called home for nearly 200 years. There is a great deal of opportunity in Lancashire, and it is my wish to give others the same inspiration and chance to succeed that I have been fortunate to receive.

“Access to education, and by that I don’t just mean academic education, but inspiring people to find and celebrate what they are good at, can be a driver in solving the larger societal issues of crime and homelessness,” says Edwin.

“I often use the phrase, ‘there is no such thing as a dull person’. Finding and cultivating what excites people is key to education. My great, great grandfather Edwin Henry Booth believed in giving back.

Orphaned at the age of 11, by age 19 he was a tea dealer, opening his first shop in Blackpool. He found what he excelled at and became a founding trustee of the Harris Childrens’ Homes – now the Harris Charity, which supports young people in difficulty, ensuring that talents are not constrained though lack of opportunity.”

Edwin’s commitment to serving the communities of Lancashire is wide ranging and long standing. In June 2011 Edwin was appointed Chairman of the Lancashire LEP (Local Enterprise Partnership), a post he held for over seven years, positioning Lancashire as one of the highest performing LEPs in the country.

THERE IS A GREAT DEAL OF OPPORTUNITY IN LANCASHIRE, AND IT IS MY WISH TO GIVE OTHERS THE SAME INSPIRATION AND CHANCE TO SUCCEED THAT I HAVE BEEN FORTUNATE TO RECEIVE He has worked with the Lancashire universities in the areas of leadership and business change programmes, receiving an Honorary Doctorate from Lancaster University for his services to the region and industry. He chaired the Business in the Community (BITC) Advisory Board for the North West from 2007 to 2014 and was instrumental in developing a programme to engage schools with business.

He is Chairman of the Preston-based Harris Charity and is a founding trustee of the Prince’s Countryside Fund.

In 2019 Edwin was appointed a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in Her Majesty’s New Year Honours List for services to business and charity. He has been a Deputy Lieutenant of Lancashire since 2005. n

High Sheriffs receive no remuneration and no part of the expense of a High Sheriff’s year falls on the public purse

BUSINESS MATTERS

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The entrepreneurial spirit is alive and well in the thriving Ribble Valley, where business always matters If you have any Business Matters news items contact: jan.woolley@live-magazines.co.uk

NEW LOOK This year, local creative marketing agency Root Fifty-Two turns 13, and to celebrate, they’ve been working hard to develop a new look which will mark the occasion, realigning the brand with their values, position in the market and company philosophy following years of gradual development.

“Root Fifty-Two began with me working from home, growing a client base and spending most of my time on design for print projects,” explains R52 Managing Director, Kimberley Thompson. “In the 13 years since I set up the company, it has continued to grow steadily, with three new members of staff welcomed into our midst in the last 12 months alone, bringing our total to eight. We’ve also expanded beyond design for print to offer web design and development services and, most recently, we’ve brought on board a copywriter and a social media executive so that every service we offer is now managed in-house by a member of our own team.”

COVID-SAFE REOPENING

BUSINESS RATES BILLS

Two Ribble Valley sports centres netted £70,000 to fund a covid-safe reopening. Ribble Valley Borough Council is one of 266 local authorities across the UK to secure a slice of the £100million National Leisure Recovery Fund aimed at supporting the reopening of publicly-owned sports centres.

The cash has been used to reopen Roefield Leisure Centre in Clitheroe and the Longridge Community Gym.

Some businesses in Ribble Valley can expect to receive two business rates bills this year. In the 2021 budget, the Chancellor extended the 100 per cent discount in business rates for eligible nurseries and retail, hospitality and leisure businesses to 30th June. A further 66 per cent discount will apply from 1st July to 31st March 2022 subject to certain criteria.

Councillor Ricky Newmark, chairman of Ribble Valley Borough Council’s community services committee, said: “Leisure facilities play a vital role in supporting the health of our residents, particularly those living in isolated communities.”

Legislation requires local authorities to assume entitlement to the discount when issuing bills, meaning Ribble Valley businesses will soon receive bills showing a 100 per cent discount for the whole year. They will then receive a revised bill in July for the 33 per cent in business rates due for the remainder of the financial year.

SITE ACQUIRED Redrow has completed the purchase of a 3.5 acre site in Lancashire’s scenic Ribble Valley as it builds its portfolio of land in the region. Situated off Dale View, in the village of Billington, Redrow’s proposals for the location, subject to planning, include 26 detached homes for private sale, plus eight affordable apartments and two affordable semi-detached bungalows for over-55s. The land purchase follows another acquisition by Redrow of almost five acres in Fulwood, Preston.

Claire Jarvis, managing director for Redrow (Lancashire), said: “These two new acquisitions are part of our ongoing drive to buy land in 2021 and build a strong pipeline of sites for the future. We are actively looking for new development land in the Ribble Valley area.”

Redrow is already active in the Ribble Valley, currently selling new homes at Oak Leigh Gardens in Barrow and believes the property market in the area is strong.

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WHEN IS A GIFT NOT A GIFT?

It is sadly not uncommon for disputes to arise where there have been informal arrangements in place and ‘gifts’ made. In this article Nicola Turner, a specialist in inheritance disputes at Napthens, considers a case that highlights the issues

I

t is common for individuals as they get older to look to family members to take over management of their finances, whether formally or informally, by allowing access to bank accounts and assets. They may also want to make gifts to their family and friends during their lifetime.

In a recent court case, the claimant, an elderly woman, allowed her daughter-in-law to manage her finances for her on an informal basis. She gave her daughter-in-law access to her bank accounts and later claimed her daughter-in-law had taken advantage and without authorisation, transferred large sums of money to her own son.

The woman had also signed documents transferring ownership of her own home to another family member and had contributed

thousands to the purchase of her daughterin-law’s parents’ house. The defendants argued that these were gifts.

The court found that the defendants had abused the woman’s trust and that the ‘gifts’ could not possibly have been considered as gifts as they were made without her knowledge and intention.

This is a sad case and while it may not have provided complete protection from this financial abuse, if the claimant had executed a formal Lasting Power of Attorney, additional safeguards could have been put in place to protect her, including the ability to ask the Office of the Public Guardian to investigate any abuse.

In this case, the court detailed the importance of ensuring that parties to a gift know and understand that the transaction is intended as a gift. Without proof of the full knowledge and intent of all parties, the gift can be challenged.

The best approach if considering making a substantial gift is to seek advice from a

solicitor, who will advise on the consequences of the gift and then prepare a Deed of Gift to sign. If the gift were to be challenged later, the solicitor can confirm they gave advice and that the person making the gift understood the consequences and made it of their own free will.

There can also be estate planning advantages to the use of a Deed of Gift. Many people look to minimise inheritance tax payable on their estate by making gifts of assets during their lifetime. A Deed allows individuals to keep a clear record of lifetime gifts so they can track when and to whom a gift was made.

Napthens has a wealth of experience in relation to drafting Deeds of Gift, Lasting Powers of Attorney and dealing with any disputes that may arise in relation to financial abuse. n Nicola Turner is a senior associate solicitor specialising in inheritance and probate disputes at regional law firm Napthens napthens.co.uk

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04/09/2019 10:06

WHY IT HELPS TO SPEAK WITH AN EXPERT… Help! We all need it now and again. Our loved ones are usually the first we turn to for advice, but should they be the first port of call for financial guidance? The experts at Raymond James explain

W

e all have important financial decisions to make throughout our lives. Typically, as we get older, some of the major life choices we make become all the more critical. Decisions around your retirement planning could shape what the next three decades of your life look like,

so it is imperative you get a professional second opinion.

DECISIONS AROUND YOUR RETIREMENT PLANNING COULD SHAPE WHAT THE NEXT THREE DECADES OF YOUR LIFE LOOK LIKE Relying on informal chats with friends might not be the best idea when making important financial decisions. While friends and family will do their best to help, they tend not to have the qualifications, knowledge and expertise that a professional financial adviser can offer. Have you ever tried fixing the toilet and flooded your lounge?

Leave it to a professional.

You can get free guidance from places like Pension Wise, the Money and Pensions service or Citizens Advice. These sources are certainly useful but won’t get the personalised or in-depth recommendations you’d get from a financial adviser.

Here are a few reasons why you should consider speaking to an expert.

IT’S NOT ALWAYS EASY TO TALK ABOUT MONEY This can be particularly true when going to your family for advice. Family

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members who’ve ‘been there, done that’ might speak from experience, but it’s likely times have changed since they needed to make the decisions you’re facing now.

ALTHOUGH YOUR FAMILY WILL HAVE YOUR BEST INTERESTS AT HEART, A FINANCIAL ADVISER IS MORE EMOTIONALLY REMOVED Your family are also likely to be the ones you speak to at during difficult times, like after a divorce or the loss of a loved one. When major financial decisions need to be made, emotions are often running high, so it’s easy to take advice from family and friends just to get it off your plate.

Although your family will have your best interests at heart, a financial adviser is more emotionally removed. They can offer clear-minded advice that your family might not be able to. They’ll still treat your situation delicately, but they’ll be able to advise you objectively.

YOUR SITUATION IS UNIQUE Our finances are a personal subject, and it’s likely information like your salary and spending habits are only known by a select few.

Because of our reluctance to share too much with our friends and family, they’ll never get the full picture. Any advice they give might not help your financial situation as much as you first thought.

A financial adviser is impartial and disconnected. This lets you share more detail

with confidence. With an understanding of the full picture, an adviser can build you the most suitable and efficient financial plan and investment strategy.

Just because someone you know might have made money on an investment in the past, doesn’t mean it’ll happen again, or that it’ll form the best strategy for your own situation.

A financial adviser will consider your full financial circumstances now, where you want to be in the future, how to get there and stay on track. We also analyse things such as your previous investment experience, risk tolerance, tax allowances, life goals and timescales and knowledge.

pressure, no commitment and no obligation.

You can then make the informed decision as to whether we are the right company for you to work with. n Risk Warning: Opinions constitute our judgement as of this date and are subject to change without warning; with investing, your capital is at risk

CONVERSATION COSTS NOTHING

We offer a free initial consultation. The journey starts with a no-obligation call back or meeting with one of our qualified team members. They will initially help you decide if advice is right for you and answer any questions you might have. There is no

Raymond James 8 Berry Lane Longridge, Preston PR3 3JA 01772 780300 ribblevalley.raymondjames.uk.com

SOUL FUEL Paul Agnew takes a look at the all new BMW Motorrad R 18 and hails it a magnificent machine offering hours of relaxing touring enjoyment. Photography: Roger Moore

T

hey say that beauty lies in the eye of the beholder or, perhaps in this case, the bike holder. So, if you want a piece of pure motorcycle beauty then get a grip of the new BMW Motorrad R 18.

Launched in Autumn 2020, the acclaimed R 18 is a bike like no other, capable of combining the best of now with the best of then. Even a slow stroll around the magnificent machine is a visual feast – there is so much to see, enjoy, savour.

A truly modern cruiser with a nostalgic sense of BMW design, this is a reminder of the very first cruisers suitable for touring. It also invokes timeless marks of BMW motorcycle history, such as with the white double lining found on the R 18 Classic First Edition.

The heart beats around the superlative boxer engine with the most displacement the manufacturer has ever built. It stands for hours on relaxing tours offering pure enjoyment.

The drop-shaped tank is another icon from history and emphasises – as does the elongated end silencer – a streamlined flyline.

WITH THE WARMER WEATHER AND LONGER DAYS NOW UPON US, THE R 18 IS FULLY READY, ENTIRELY WILLING AND PERFECTLY ABLE TO SPRING INTO LIFE With the warmer weather and longer days now upon us, the R 18 is fully ready, entirely willing and perfectly able to spring into life – a high-quality bike for a discerning customer who isn’t averse to admiring glances. Cruisers’ popularity stems from their presence and power – perfect for stylish, cool and confident motorcycling, from smooth urban riding through the Lancashire highways to unhurried expeditions on long-distance road trips.

BMW has counted on the boxer engine since 1923 when it launched the R 32, equipped with an air-cooled, twin-cylinder, flat-twin boxer engine.

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The all-new R 18 boasts the biggest boxer engine yet, with a capacity of 1802cc, delivering a torque of 158Nm at 3000 rpm.

All this helps generate a top speed in excess of 180km/h.

THIS MEAN MACHINE HAS BEEN HAILED AS NOTHING LESS THAN ‘ROLLING MOTORCYCLE ART’, A FEAST OF BMW HERITAGE WRAPPED IN A CASE OF MODERN TECHNOLOGY There’s a beast within the beauty and here are some of the many highlights and options: • Iconic style blending modern technology with authentic materials.

• Exposed drive-shaft based on the classic role model.

• Elaborately crafted double-loop steel tube frame.

• Harmonious ergonomics for relaxed riding and optimum control.

• Disc brakes front and rear, with wire-spoked wheels.

• State-of-the-art LED lighting technology, classically interpreted.

• Adaptive turning light for even better illumination of the road when cornering.

• Classically designed circular instrument with integrated display.

• Keyless Ride for convenient function activation by remote control.

• Reverse assist for convenient manoeuvring and hill-start control.

• The First Edition has an exclusive look in paint and chrome.

And if you’re going to own a cool bike, then surely it makes perfect sense to dress the part.

Introducing Ride & Style (part of the BMW Motorrad Heritage Collection) with a full range of new clothing items, from leather jackets to denim outfits, gloves and signature boots.

Traditional style with the very best in contemporary and authentic motorcycle lifestyle clothing, all the materials and textiles used are robust and long-lasting to fulfil the highest standards of safety and functionality.

The famous colour identity of the early classic motorcycles – bold black metal parts adorned with the fine white decorative lines, the so-called TwinStripes – is reflected

throughout the entire collection. The original branding and the BMW metal emblem are also incorporated in the design.

The copper-coloured details and visual accents displayed in these garments hark back to the materials used in classic BMW motorcycles going back for close on a century.

type of weather and the elastic denim fabric also allows you to ride over longer distances comfortably. With a snug and perfect fit, this gear is perfect for relaxed rides.

Bike aficionados reckon that BMW had been teasing for some time about the merits of the R 18, before finally revealing all in 2020.

Now that same knowledgeable group – alongside the global (and often cynical) critics at large, are hailing this mean machine as nothing less than ‘rolling motorcycle art’, a feast of BMW heritage wrapped in a case of modern technology.

The flexible concept of the R18 and its extensive equipment range also allows endless customisation options. You have the complete freedom to adapt your bike to your personal taste and preferences.

To make it your own.

If all that isn’t enough, you get a three-year warranty on all new machines.

The R 18 is your ticket to ride in style.

Go on, fill your boots. n Motorrad is the motorcycle brand of BMW

Created with passion, the Heritage Collection helps provide maximum riding enjoyment with its low weight, flexibility and high comfort. With regular wear, the leather components take on a nice patina that underlines the vintage look.

Robust, durable, striking and long-lasting, suitable for every kind of adventure, the non-abrasive leather will cope with every

Bowker Motorrad Customs Way, Preston Docklands PR2 2UW 01772 767300 bowkermotorrad.co.uk /bowkermotorrad @bowkermotorgroup

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motors

STAR-STUDDED ONLINE LAUNCH Local automotive aftermarket specialists, Sterling Automotive, made their entrance into the luxury vehicle customisation world last month, unveiling their new brand and latest project, Heritage, during a star-studded online launch

F

ollowing high levels of celebrity pre-launch anticipation, including special mentions from Olly Ollerton of Channel 4’s SAS Who Dares Wins and Boyzone star and car enthusiast, Shane Lynch, the stage was set for Sterling to reveal all during a live, invitation-only event broadcast from Hippo Motor Group’s state-of-the-art showroom in Blackburn.

As part of the evening’s entertainment, Sterling Managing Director, Carl Williamson, talked host and motor journalist, Nick Daman around some of the automotive detailing

experts’ creations, such as the Audi Q8, Ford Ranger, Jeep Wrangler, Volkswagen Caddy and Ford Transit Custom.

However, the main attraction of the evening was undoubtedly the introduction of Sterling’s all-new Heritage brand, from which came the unveiling of two reimagined British icons, the classic and brand-new Land Rover Defenders.

Brand Director, Doug Topott, explained how Sterling had masterminded and crafted the Defenders to live alongside one another: “It’s impossible for us to be a British automotive design house without

addressing the most iconic British vehicle ever produced, the Land Rover Defender,” Doug said.

“Almost all aftermarket companies customise the Defender, but we wanted to approach the project in a different way.”

The reimagined Land Rover Defenders, as well as Sterling’s other creations are all available to view at www.sterlingautomotive.co.uk.

If you would like to see the star-studded launch you can catch up via Hippo Motor Group’s YouTube channel or visit Sterling Automotive’s social media channels. n

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THE LAND ROVER DEFENDER IS REBORN IN LANCASHIRE T he L and R ov er D e f e n d e r is o n e o f the m os t re c o gn i sabl e ve hic le s in th e wo rld . W ith a h eroic, g o- any wh ere attitu d e at its he art, i t’s a c ha ra c t er ful m a ch in e wh ic h tru ly represen ts th e b es t of Br i ti s h .

U nf orgi vi ng a n gu lar e x te rio r des ign and an i n te ri or wi th l i ttle mo re th an th e e s s e ntials , the D ef end er re pre se n ts a u n iqu e e ra o f tim e a nd p ro vides a be sp o k e d rivin g e x p e rie n c e .

S i nc e i ts bi rt h i n 1 9 4 8 , th e De f e n d e r has b ee n a n e ve r-c onstan t. Litte ring En glan d ’s gre e n belts for o ve r 70 ye ar s , its large ly-u n c h an g ed boxy s i l ho uet te ha s b e c o me b e lo ve d an d ic o nic. T ha t w as u nti l l a st year.

In 2020, La n d Ro ve r mad e the b rave c all t o ref resh th e De f e n d e r. A n d alth o u gh th e n ew a ddi ti o n t o th e f amily tre e h as s o me for m at ive n od s t o i t s prede c e s s o r, its o ve rall d es ign l a ngu age i s ve ry, ve ry diff e re n t.

C ur vi er edge s an d a re fin e d c ab in s h owcas e a mo der n i l l us t r atio n of the all-c o nq uer ing w or k ho rse , a nd b rin g it mo re in lin e wit h the c om pa ny’s c l as s ie r Ran g e Ro ver mo d e ls .

B ut o ne L an c as h ire-b as e d c o mp an y is helping to re -esta bl i sh th e con n e c tio n be twe e n c lass ic a nd n ew ; S t e r li n g A utomoti v e.

St er l i n g wa s bo rn from a vis ion to uplif t ve hicles to a l u x ury st and ard with bes p ok e detailing . As part o f t hei r ne w Heritag e rang e , which w as l au nc h ed o nl i ne earli er this m onth, St er ling un ve i l e d t hei r all-new De f e nder c o nvers ion . “ T h e i deo l og y be h in d our D e f ender pro jec t i s to so ften th e j u x t ap o s in g arc h ite c ture o f the tw o ve hi c l e s an d es tablis h a more c oherent aes the tic between th e m ,” Carl W illiams on , Ster ling ’s M a nag i ng Di re c to r said.

We’ve c reated a fam i l y of vehi c l es t hat c an l i v e al o n g si d e o n e an o th e r i n a sy n erg eti c ac c o rd .

“ We’ ve c reated a fam ily of vehicles t h at can l i ve along sid e on e an ot he r in a syn erge t i c acco rd.”

A s p art of th e H erit ag e p roject , bo th vehi cl e s rec ei ve a f ull exte rior and inte ri o r co nv e rsi o n us ing only t he fines t m ate ri al s and craftsm an sh i p.

T hat i nclude s h an d- t rim m ed , p e rfo rate d l u xu ry l eathe r upholst er y fi ni shed in Ster l i ng’s si gn ature 3 D b lad e d es ig n, full-forg ed alum i ni u m five -axi s alloy w he el s fi tt ed wit h Dava nt i high -pe rfo rm ance ty res, and accent ua te d ex te rior el e m e n ts to const ruc t a m ore im p os ing p rofile.

T hroug h Sterling ’s work, t he cl assi c an d new D ef end er are no l ong er es tra nge d re l ati v e s.

T here’s now a har m onic sy ne rgy th at co ur ses th roug h th e m uch-ad ored bl oo dl i n e , an d w hicheve r y ou favo ur; past o r prese n t, t h e St erling H eri tag e p roject ha s b orn a n e w dawn fo r th e La nd R ov er Def end er here in L an cashire.

Y O U C A N W AT C H T H E E N T I R E S T E R L I N G AUTOMOTIVE LAUNCH EVENT ON THE C O M PA N Y ’ S S O C I A L M E D I A A N D Y O U T U B E CHANNEL. OR, IF YOU’D LIKE TO FIND OUT MORE ABOUT STERLING’S DEFENDER P R O J E C T, V I S I T W W W. S T E R L I N G - A U T O M O T I V E . C O . U K

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08/04/2021 17:20

ON THE BALL… Young tennis players at Stonyhurst College and Stonyhurst St Mary’s Hall are enjoying continuing success under their award-winning coach David Shaw

H

aving won two major tennis awards, Stonyhurst’s Tennis Academy has gone from strength to strength under the directorship of David Shaw and his team of coaches, who have developed a cohort of national and regional players.

Earlier this year, David was named Performance Coach of the Year at the Tennis Lancashire Awards, who also gave their Education Award to Stonyhurst College and St Mary’s Hall: “I was really hoping that we would get the Education Award, so when I was named Coach of

the Year it was a real bonus and a bit of a surprise!” says David, who has enjoyed enduring success, spanning more than four decades, as a professional player and inspirational coach.

Having turned professional at the age of 17, tennis ace David went on to compete against some of the world’s top players, including the 1987 Wimbledon champion Australian Pat Cash.

He spent seven years travelling the world playing professional tennis competing internationally – not bad for a boy who hadn’t picked up a racquet until he was 13!

“My parents moved to Southport and I was invited to the local tennis club. I took to it like a duck to water,” recalls David.

“I was always good at sport at school, but I just loved tennis. Within four years I was spotted by national GB coaching staff and had turned professional.”

STONYHURST PUPILS HAVE ALL-YEAR ROUND ACCESS AND TRAINING, WHICH HAS RAISED THE LEVEL OF TENNIS SKILLS UNDER DAVID’S COACHING Turning professional changed David’s life – he had one of the UK’s best coaches who was then coaching the likes of Jo Durie, a former UK World No 5 player, he moved to London and travelled the world competing in Europe, Mexico, Australia and South America.

When he retired aged 24, he made the transition to coaching, attaining Elite Level 5.

sport

“Over the years tennis coaching has changed dramatically, it is totally different,” explains David. “It is so much more advanced in terms of conditioning, nutrition and safeguarding.

We have far more knowledge now and access to so much more information.”

Now playing a huge part in the success of the Stonyhurst Tennis Academy, which he joined in 2018, David designed the Tennis Academy Programme, which creates player pathways for pupils aged three to 18, of any ability, enabling them to play tennis on a regular basis. “The programme is for all standards and we now have 200 pupils taking part,” explains David.

“I have had a lot of experience designing programmes for various clubs but this one was quite a challenge considering the wide age range and varying school timetables, which span from 7am to 6.45pm across six days a week. We have had to be very committed, but it has been great fun.”

For the youngest members on the programme, their one lesson a week

involves hand-eye co-ordination and basic balls skills: “You can spot the ones with a natural ability to do sport – to run, catch and throw but they all develop at different paces. For all ages we try to make it enjoyable.”

HE WENT ON TO COMPETE AGAINST SOME OF THE WORLD’S TOP PLAYERS, INCLUDING THE 1987 WIMBLEDON CHAMPION PAT CASH At the other end of the age spectrum the programme has already developed national and regional players: “They will be involved in the programme 10 or 11 hours each week. We build a programme around their school work, which can be challenging but we work alongside all members of staff which has worked very well. Stonyhurst’s speciality is blending sport with academic education. Pupils can

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have the best of both worlds.”

With 10 outdoor tennis courts and a further two indoor in the Grand Slam standard tennis dome, Stonyhurst pupils have all-year round access and training, which has raised the level of tennis skills under David’s coaching.

Among the pupils developed under David’s programme is 17-year-old GB player Lily, regional player James, Lancashire champion Hima and county player Noah.

“The Tennis Academy Programme provides a good support unit for players at that level,” says David, who is looking forward to upcoming tennis competitions including the LTA Aberdare Cup, the LTA Glanville Cup and County Cup. “We have been without fixtures for 12 months, so all the pupils are getting excited about taking part in competitions again.” n

stonyhurst.ac.uk

BAKING SENSATIONS

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win sisters who have become social media sensations thanks to their extravagant cakes and bubbly personalities, have secured a book deal with publishing giants DK. Rachel Finch and Lauren Sinclair, from the Ribble Valley, are self-taught bakers, who in their younger days, experimented in their parents’ kitchen and went on to bake for friends at university.

“While at university I was writing a dissertation on social media and small businesses,” recalls Lauren, who was studying for a business degree. “We had a Facebook account and we were posting images of our cakes, it was a bit of an experiment really as it was back in the day when no-one even made cup-cakes!”

On graduating the sisters travelled together to Thailand and Australia and on their return both got office jobs. But it soon became apparent that the girls were becoming hugely popular on social

With more than 130,000 followers on Instagram, twins Rachel Finch and Lauren Sinclair have created a hugely successful brand through social media. Photography: Nic Taylor Photography media and famed for their legendary cakes: “We had been baking for family and friends for years, so we eventually decided to open a little shop. We didn’t have any proper business experience, or a brand as such, it was all very basic.”

Five years later and Finch Bakery now employs 34 people and will soon be operating from new premises four doors down from where they began in Queen Street, Great Harwood.

“To be honest we still work on the same philosophy. First and foremost we bake the most delicious cakes and secondly we love interacting with our customers,” adds Rachel, who together with Lauren, launched one of their most popular products – the cake jar.

“We can’t say we invented it, but we were using so much jam that we decided to use the jars as cake jars. But we certainly were the first to do giant, one-litre cake jars!

It was really by accident – an old school

food&drink

friend contacted us to see if we could make use of some giant jars so we made a huge cake jar! We posted a pic on social media and all of a sudden everyone wanted one!”

Today Finch Bakery produces hundreds of smaller cake jars that have been hand crafted and sent out for delivery during lockdown along with delicious brownies, blondies, cupcakes, cheesecakes and sticky toffee pudding cakes – one of their most popular creations!

Having grown up in Wilpshire and attended Clitheroe Royal Grammar School, the girls now live in Whalley and Brockhall. Their success has undoubtedly been a magic mix of sparkling personalities and a brilliant product that is manna from heaven for social media fans, who love to devour the sensational images of the twins’ delicious cakes!

Over the years the sisters have evolved their wholesome and homely brand identity: “It started on a mainly black and white theme and along the way we have thrown in some pink here and there. Wholesome and homely is what cake should be. We don’t take ourselves too seriously,” explains Lauren.

“We are the main controllers of our social

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media and it works exceptionally well.”

Lauren, according to the Finch Bakery website is ‘the go-to gal’ when it comes to stunning wedding cakes and with a business degree under her belt, she is the one who keeps on top of the FB cake booking system and company finances.

Rachel, who always has a joke and a smile for the team, is a fabulous cake-maker and the creator of the famous Finch Bakery ‘half and half’ cake.

Unsurprisingly, it was never going to be long before the two got noticed, given

The twins are keen to point out that the book is not just a recipe book: “It contains lots of techniques and cake-making tips and tricks that we have figured out along the way. It has tips on how to assemble a cake, niche equipment and of course there are recipes – but we have tried to keep it simple.

For example, there are tips on how to make and build a cookie ganache sandwich!

“The book will be out this summer, which is exciting! We’ve never really done anything like this, so we didn’t have any expectations, but we have really enjoyed it.

their prolific social media presence.

“We were contacted by DK publishers last summer asking if we would like to write a book. We said, ‘Yes!’ It was totally out of the blue but we thought it would be fun, so we signed a contract with them in November. It was the right time as during the last lockdown we were really able to experiment.”

We are so lucky to do what we do with such a lovely team.” n

finchbakery.com

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BE KIND, KEEP SAFE & HAVE FUN! By supporting our local pubs, inns and restaurants we can ensure that the hospitality industry in the Ribble Valley will bounce back better and more robust than ever, writes Tedd Walmsley

I

t’s almost unbelievable to think that’s its six months or more since our award-winning restaurants pubs and cafes served their last meals.

Couple this with the draconian tier systems in place last year and the first lockdown, and I’m sure you’ll agree our hospitality industry has been hit very badly.

I have been both amazed and inspired by the resilience shown by the industry during the pandemic and also their innovation and creativity.

We’ve had everything from brownies by post to full Michelin-star food to recreate at home and everything in between, such as takeaway Sunday lunches, some quietly supporting local charities along the way.

I applaud and respect them all.

Now at last we can see the signs of lockdown easing – the first re-opening of those with outdoor space that can satisfy the government rulings on social distancing measures.

At the risk of controversy, why has the hospitality industry been the scapegoat of unproven accusations of venues being a source of spreading Covid-19? Many of them have since spent even more money on developing their outside space and making it safe for our return. I therefore read with horror in the national press that Ribble Valley Borough Council had added even more draconian measures

on the wearing of face masks outdoors which appears to go against the central government advice. I can only hope that by the time you have read this article the council will have done the right thing and stood down on this decision. We need no more hurdles in the way of re-opening.

CAN I ASK IF TIME AND BUDGETS ALLOW, THAT YOU WILL SUPPORT ALL OUR LOCAL BUSINESSES AS MUCH AS YOU CAN It’s hard enough as it is to bounce back from the enforced closures, the retraining of staff, new teams and finding new ways of keeping us safe – this will all take time and money and I ask that we play our part by being patient and kind as we

return to our favourite eateries over the next few weeks.

Can I ask if time and budgets allow, that you will support all our local businesses as much as you can. So much is at stake for both venues themselves and of course the supply chains and staff of all those involved in the hospitality industry. Let’s hope and pray that the weather is kind and as the lockdown continues to ease we have the best summer here in the Ribble Valley.

With your support hospitality will re-emerge strongly bringing more people to the area and helping the wider economy.

Tell all your friends and relatives to support our friends in the industry and remember to be kind! n @TeddWalmsley TM

Thank you to all who have supported us over this rollercoaster year...

Through TOTI, our online shop, our takeaways, and our cook at home boxes. It’s been fun but now we can’t wait to welcome you back to the Inn and do what we do best!

Over the past few months we’ve made some exciting changes and are looking forward to showing you our new bar, fireplace and refurbished bedrooms.

When we can reopen inside we will be stopping our takeaway service, however, we are growing our online presence with a full TOTI rebrand alongside the launch of some exciting new products.

www.thecartfordinn.co.uk T: 01995 670166 E: office@thecartfordinn.co.uk Cartford Lane, Little Eccleston, Lancashire, PR3 0YP

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CLASSIC COUNTRY PUB The landlord and landlady of a classic, rural inn with delicious home-cooked food and an outdoor area with TV are delighted to be welcoming back guests. Photography: Kirsten Platt

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he Lord Nelson in York Village is now open and is providing outdoor table service and, looking ahead, will be opening its doors to indoor diners from Thursday 20th May. “We can’t wait to welcome our customers back,” says landlord Darren Wilkinson, who runs the pub with his wife Angela. “There will be a limited menu when there is outdoor service only, but we will be back to a full menu when diners can come indoors. We are very much looking forward to it.”

Featuring traditional food, premium cask marque ales, the Lord Nelson is well known for its hearty, wholesome menu featuring popular classics that have been revised and refined.

Using locally sourced ingredients, diners can expect to see among the starters, black pudding and Lancashire cheese croquettes and delicious brie bonbons served with honey-roasted tomato chutney.

The main courses on the menu reflect the pub’s traditional roots, and classics include a roast with all the trimmings served on Sundays, beer battered haddock with chips and mushy peas along with an

NOW OPEN FOR OUTDOOR SERVICE ONLY Monday – Thursday drinks only 2pm to 10pm Friday – Sunday food served 12noon to 8pm Friday – Sunday drinks served 12noon to 10pm Limited menu weather permitting

BOOKINGS NOW BEING TAKEN! Open from Thursday 20th May with indoor service Full menu available

ultimately traditional mixed grill served with a Diane or peppercorn sauce.

DINERS CAN EXPECT TO SEE AMONG THE STARTERS, BLACK PUDDING AND LANCASHIRE CHEESE CROQUETTES AND DELICIOUS BRIE BONBONS SERVED WITH HONEY-ROASTED TOMATO CHUTNEY The pub, which has three attractive en-suite B&B rooms, has an under-cover outside beer garden and a heated outdoor area with seating and a TV with BT Sport and Sky Sport: “The Euros start in June so we are expecting to be busy,” says Darren.

“It’s a great space to watch a game and enjoy a pint outdoors.” n Dog friendly and with some great local walks in the Ribble Valley countryside, the Lord Nelson is open for outdoor service only and indoor service from Thursday 20th May

The Lord Nelson Whalley Old Road York Village, Langho BB6 8DU 01254 246666 lordnelsonlangho.com lordnelson

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A WARM WELCOME AWAITS YOU…

I

t’s hard to believe that it’s been over six months since Steve Smith and the talented team at the Freemasons served their last customers.

The resilience and commitment shown by them has been astonishing – the ‘Freemasons From Home’ range of take-aways and ‘Cook at Home’ boxes have delighted those close enough to enjoy and will remain available until 19th May – D-day for re-opening. Firmly alongside Steve is the very talented head chef Matt Smith – Matt will be running the kitchen day to day and alongside Steve will create and design the ever-changing and evolving menu. The Smiths ‘dream team’ will allow continuity and creative flair to flourish.

We must not forget just what an award-winning venue we have on our doorstep. A tenth successive year in the top 10

reservations – a combination of

When the doors re-open at the Freemasons in Wiswell, pent-up demand and an exciting there will be exciting new menus featuring the finest new menu is a guaranteed recipe local ingredients. Tedd Walmsley finds out more for success. For those wanting of the much-acclaimed Estrella Damm Top 50 Gastro Pubs is testimony to consistency and longevity of the Freemasons.

So, what’s on offer when the

A COMBINATION OF PENT-UP DEMAND AND AN EXCITING NEW MENU IS A GUARANTEED RECIPE FOR SUCCESS doors finally re-open? Let me remind you of the versatility and value of all options for you to consider. Without doubt the best value is the lunch and early supper menu served Wednesday to Saturday, lunchtimes and

evenings Wednesday to Friday.

This is one of my favourites as Liz and I have always enjoyed lunch with friends, family and even the odd client.

The new menu is already exciting me with the seasonal starter of asparagus soup, battling it out with my all-time favourite, pork pie and pickles as a choice.

Mains of lamb, cod and chicken look and sound divine and, to finish, the decadent puddings include a light Pavlova or a sweet, sticky bread and butter pudding. “How many sleeps before I can go?” I have just asked Liz! In all seriousness, what I do suggest is that you make

the full food experience, the spring a la carte menu and Taste of Freemasons launch on 19th May. The menus look off the scale and are packed with the very best from our local Lancashire larder, supplemented with the finest ingredients sourced from land and sea by local artisan producers and suppliers.

Sunday 23rd May sees the triumphant return of the classic Sunday lunch. Three mouthwatering courses of traditional starters, roasts and desserts but all with the legendary flair and twist from the chef patron and his co-pilot Matt.

We also must remember that the Freemasons has a variety of private dining options. Initially to suit small groups of six and

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WELCOME BACK MENU From Wednesday 19th May 2021 Two courses £ 22.00 – three courses £ 27.00

Lunch: Wednesday to Friday: 12-2.30pm, Saturday: 12-2pm Dinner: Wednesday to Friday: 6-7pm * STARTERS Soup Velouté of English Asparagus, Fondue of Lancashire Cheese Chicken Liver Smooth Parfait, Jelly of Yorkshire Rhubarb, Grilled Sourdough Our Pork Pie House Pickles, Confit Egg Yolk * MAIN COURSES Herdwick Lamb Slow Cooked Shoulder Steamed Suet Pudding, French Style Peas, Jersey Royals, Sauce of Mint Whitby Cod Roast Loin, Crispy Potatoes with Whipped Cod’s Roe, Sauce of Summer Vegetables Organic Chicken Slow Cooked & Sticky Leg, Buttermilk Fried Thigh, Smoked Egg Noodles, Sauce Albufeira * DESSERTS Pavlova Raspberry Jam, Vanilla Cream, Peach & Lavender Croissant Bread & Butter Pudding, Poached & Ice Cream of new season Apricots Cheese Selection of British Artisan Cheeses from Courtyard Dairy of Skipton & Biscuits (£6.95 supplement)

Creedy Carver Duck

then, as hospitality finally re-opens completely, the larger and adaptable spaces to accommodate bigger numbers. There must be a host of parties and celebrations on hold from a year of lockdown – imagine finally getting together with family and friends with the promise of a sumptuous meal with first class service and getting back to making memories and bringing people together safely.

You may also remember the

THERE ARE A HOST OF EXCELLENT RE-OPENING PACKAGES ON THE WEBSITE WHICH ARE SURE TO BE SNAPPED UP SOON refurbishment of the kitchen which created two ultimate private dining experiences? The kitchen bench has just four stools right at the hub of the kitchen with the opportunity to be up close and personal with the team of chefs headed up by Matt, preparing and plating dishes with skill and aplomb. The kitchen

table is the new intimate private dining experience for a maximum of 12 guests, personal service and a choice of dishes from the main menus or even a bespoke selection of your choice.

Bedrooms were also very much part of the 2019 refit and offer four luxurious rooms with AA 5 Gold Star Restaurant With Rooms ratings. The rooms boast up to date TV and sound systems, luxury décor and a bed to guarantee the best night’s sleep.

The award-winning breakfast back in Mr Smith’s is the incredible farewell to a night of pure indulgence and comfort.

There are a host of excellent re-opening packages on the website which are sure to be snapped up soon.

There is so much variety and choice of menus and packages available that the Freemasons still lives up to its reputation of being inclusive and having something for everyone.

Please support Steve on his return and be both kind and patient whilst enjoying your Freemasons experience. n

FREEMAATSWISWELL ONS Freemasons at Wiswell 8 Vicarage Fold Wiswell BB7 9DF 01254 822218 freemasonsatwiswell.com

The Freemasons

2020

@wiswell chef

2020 Culinary Excellence

Sunday Roast Beef

Steven Smith Chef & Managing Director 01254 822218 ext 2 / 07794 408887 freemasonsatwiswell.com/steven-smith/consultancy

2020

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food&drink

Through hands on masterclasses, BBQ expert Richard Holden debunks the myths that barbecuing is difficult and teaches the simplicity of creating delicious, nutritional meals Method: Put all of the marinade ingredients in a food processor and blitz until smooth.

Transfer the marinade to a food bag with the chicken pieces, seal and turn several times to distribute evenly across the thighs.

Place in a dish and chill for six hours, or overnight preferably.

JERK CHICKEN

WITH GRILLED PINEAPPLE & AVOCADO SALSA

Top, tail and peel the pineapple. Cut lengthways into quarters and cut out the core.

Sprinkle the pineapple pieces with the sugar and leave for five minutes to dissolve.

Set up your BBQ for 180-200˚C 50:50 heat and preheat with the lid down.

Remove the chicken from the fridge and allow to sit at room temperature while you make the salsa.

Clean the grill using your grill brush and wipe clean with kitchen paper. Grill the pineapple pieces over direct heat with the lid down for 10 minutes per side. Remove to a plate when they have great caramelisation and have softened to the centre. Leave to cool while you prep the other items for the salsa. Cut the pineapple into bite size chunks and tumble in a bowl with the avocado, onion, chilli, coriander, mint and lime. Cover and leave to one side while you cook the chicken and allow the flavours to mingle.

Jerk Marinade Ingredients

Pineapple & Avocado Salsa

12 chicken thighs, skin scored

1 pineapple

¼ pkt fresh thyme, stripped

2 tbsp soft brown sugar

2 cinnamon sticks, crushed

2 avocados, scooped and diced

¼ pkt fresh coriander

1 small red onion, finely diced

1 tbsp coriander seeds

1 red chilli, finely diced

1 tbsp black peppercorns

½ bunch coriander, picked

1 whole nutmeg, grated

½ bunch fresh mint, picked and torn

1 tbsp whole allspice

Juice of half a lime

5 cloves garlic 4 scotch bonnet chillies

Specialist Kit

½ thumb ginger, skinned

Digital thermometer

1 lime, zest and juice 100ml rapeseed oil Put the chicken on the grill skin-side down over the area of direct heat. Cook for three to four minutes with the lid down before turning over and closing the lid again. When both sides have a great colour move to the other side of the grill and cook over indirect heat for a further 25 minutes. Use a digital temperature probe to check the internal temperature of the thighs is 75˚C or higher. Remove the chicken pieces from the grill as they are cooked and rest on a warm plate for 10 minutes.

Serve the chicken thighs on a bed of pineapple avocado salsa and enjoy! n

www.richardholdenbbq.co.uk

!

S E T I B D FO

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Tuck into our page of Food Bites which brings you the latest news on our restaurants, rural country inns, chefs and local artisan producers who all make the Ribble Valley a region of outstanding gastronomy

NEW FOOD CONCEPT

Award-winning chef and restaurateur Breda Murphy has launched a restaurant-quality, frozen ready-meal delivery service nationwide. Already there has been an outstanding response, with people ordering boxes not only for themselves but as a gift for others. A champion of British and Irish cuisine, Breda’s professional pedigree assures the customer of exquisite quality and flavour. Customers can choose any combination of signature dishes, tempting classics, cakes, desserts and seasonal favourites from her website for delivery across the country. Each dish will remain perfectly fresh in the freezer for over three months, giving customers extra flexibility and reducing unnecessary food waste.

MEET THE BUYER

North & Western Lancashire (NWL) Chamber of Commerce is delighted to announce that James Hall & Co SPAR wholesaler and distributor for the north of England, will be hosting one of the Chamber’s ‘Meet the Buyer’ sessions on 18th May. Designed to offer its members valuable networking and procurement opportunities, local suppliers are invited to speak with the James Hall & Co trading team who are responsible for procuring product ranges for 600 independent and company-owned SPAR stores. Babs Murphy, Chief Executive at NWL Chamber of Commerce said: “The pandemic has had a considerable impact on many different types of business across Lancashire. The Chamber’s intentions are to support our members and ensure their recovery is strong.”

Nestled in the heart of the Ribble Valley countryside it is the perfect stop for a hearty breakfast, delicious brunch or heavenly coffee and cake.

Located on several public footpaths and bridleways in the beautiful local landscape and surrounding villages of West Bradford and Waddington and with on site parking, it is the ideal for walkers, cyclists and four legged friends.

Open 9am-2pm Wednesday-Sunday | 01200 423523 Three Rivers Woodland Park, Eaves Hall Lane, West Bradford, Clitheroe BB7 3JG /thewoodlandcafe

Now Re-opened

ONLY THE BEST! H aving undergone a stunning makeover, the Black Bull at Old Langho has gone one step further to accommodate diners in a magical outdoor area.

With a large stretch tent, a new patio and bar, outdoor heating, blankets, luxury rattan furniture – all illuminated with fairy lights and pontoon lighting, this is the ultimate guests could wish for when embarking on an afternoon or evening out.

Add to that superb views over the surrounding meadows and a new wine and Champagne list put together by sommelier and manager Katherine Renhard, and visitors have an unforgettable experience in the making!

The latest transformation at the Black Bull is an enchanting outdoor dining area that features everything diners could possibly wish for.

Photography: Vanessa Fry and Sarah Valentine “It’s looking really incredible! We are so excited about the investment we have made in the outdoor area,” says Rebecca Govier, who runs the inn with husband Jamie. “We have put so much effort and thought into it and now that it’s finished, we can’t wait to welcome customers back – it really is magical!”

Head Chef John Dawson has also put together a new outdoor menu featuring all the classics for which the Black Bull

has become renowned, including tasty steak burgers and sharing platters including a Fishmonger’s Board and a Butcher’s Board featuring buttermilk chicken, sticky chorizo and glazed chipolatas.

If you’re out walking, bike-riding or simply can’t book a table, you can still get a picnic-style takeout, all boxed up with branded logos, to enjoy: “We offer most of our menu as a takeaway option and only choose dishes that travel and keep well.

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You can also order desserts, drinks and wine to takeaway too,” say Rebecca and Jamie, who have transformed the inn, which sits at the heart of the community in Old Langho.

The drinks menu features draught and cask ales along with a selection of popular wines from around the world, and the Black Bull also has a dedicated kids’ menu featuring steak and chicken burgers, pizza and fish and chips. As the inn is dog friendly, they have a Dog’s Dinner menu featuring chipolatas, steak stew, chicken, a Sunday roast and for the health conscious a quinoa salad. In the outside area you will find a dog’s Watering Hole – a traditional beer barrel with water tap so your furry friend can also enjoy a drink!

WE HAVE A PASSION FOR THE PUB AND WE ARE PROUD THAT IT IS THE HEART OF THE COMMUNITY HERE “We absolutely love this place,” says Rebecca. “We always put in a huge amount of effort so our customers get what they deserve – only the best! We have a passion for the pub and we are proud that it is the heart of the community here.”

As part of the takeaway service the Black Bull also offers a local delivery service too – delivering food and drink to the neighbouring lodge park Ribble Valley View and the pub’s new Black Bull at Home hampers are also going down a treat with locals, who want to cook something really special at home.

“The hampers feature really high-end meals that are partially prepared for diners to finish off cooking at home. They are great for a special occasion or celebration, and they are very reasonably priced too!”

Now open seven days a week, Rebecca, Jamie and the team are thrilled to be welcoming diners back to the pub, which has a beautiful, newly-refurbished dining room as well as a cosy, romantic library room with an illuminated clock inset into the wall. Featuring a Yamaha piano in the corner, the snug has a relaxed, gentleman’s ‘smoking room’ feel: “We are so excited at

the prospect of being fully open and will be opening as soon as we are allowed – we opened on 12th April for outdoor drinks and dining and for indoor dining we will hopefully be opening on 17th May – we can’t wait! It’s so exciting especially now that we have our new outdoor area, which is a really attractive place to sit and relax, enjoy great food and drink in a beautiful setting.

“We just wanted to achieve something really special for our customers and we

WE ARE NOW OPEN!

Seven days a week: 12 noon – 11pm (weekdays) 12 noon – midnight (weekends) Outdoor dining seven days a week: 12 noon – 8.45pm (weekdays and Saturdays) 12 noon – 7.45pm (Sundays)

have certainly done that – it’s the perfect place to visit so customers will have to make sure they book early to ensure they have a table.” n

The Black Bull Inn Old Langho Road, Old Langho Blackburn BB6 8AW 01254 248801 enquiries@theblackbulloldlnagho.co.uk NEW WEBSITE COMING SOON www.theblackbulloldlangho.co.uk BlackBullLangho @blackbull_oldlangho

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EXCLUSIVE NEW GOURMET MENU… Northcote chef Lisa Goodwin-Allen is delighted that diners will be able to enjoy her new seasonal gourmet menu when the renowned restaurant opens its doors next month

T

he legions of Northcote fans across the UK, who can’t wait to see the Michelin-starred restaurant open its doors again, will be thrilled to hear that executive chef Lisa GoodwinAllen and her talented brigade will be back in the kitchen and ready to welcome diners next month!

The past year at Northcote presented an interesting challenge for Lisa and the team, who stepped up to the mark to create an alternative dining experience – Northcote at Home gourmet boxes.

“It has been amazing,” says Lisa. “I am very proud of the

Northcote at Home boxes. It kept the Northcote name out there and we were so well supported.

It was truly remarkable.”

During their most successful period with the gourmet boxes, in the run up to Christmas, Northcote was sending out around 500 a week, delivering throughout the UK. “We didn’t really know what to expect at the time, but people really got behind us and for that, we are truly

grateful. People loved them and it also presented us with an opportunity to adapt, learn and develop,” adds Lisa.

As the restaurant prepares to open, Northcote at Home boxes will be scaled down to

WE ARE RAMPING THINGS UP SO WE ARE FIRING ON ALL CYLINDERS WHEN WE OPEN

100, as Lisa explains: “I think the demand will still be there.

People still want a special date night treat.”

With a new restaurant menu in the pipeline, Lisa is looking forward to connecting with Northcote’s leading suppliers, producers and artisans: “It’s like going from one mile an hour to 100 in a short space of time!

Our menus are always based on seasonality and at the moment there’s so much coming into season – we will be on the cusp of spring and summer – think Jersey Royals, lighter cuts of meat, poussin, shellfish and it’s also lobster time too.

“I have been making contact with the suppliers and working closely with them to see what they have.”

With some of the 60-strong team furloughed and others

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perfect venue for an unforgettable gourmet wedding experience

LISA’S FIVE-COURSE GOURMET MENU Capturing the spirit of the season, as you embark on a culinary journey through five stunning courses.

kept on to work with Lisa on the gourmet boxes, Northcote is gradually bringing the whole team back together: “We have kept in contact with all staff

members and we’ll all be getting back together to look at the new menu before opening – easing them back into the kitchen and ramping things up so we are firing

Samantha Broadley Photography Samantha Broadley Photography Samantha Broadley Photography Samantha Broadley Photography Samantha Samantha Broadley Broadley Photography Photography

Samantha Broadley Photography Samantha Broadley Photography Samantha Broadley Photography

CHEF’S TABLE GOURMET LUNCH

Samantha Broadley Photography

Experience the Chef ’s Table and take the best seats in the house. Fun and exclusive, it’s your opportunity to witness all the culinary action as the chefs create their masterpieces!

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by Executive Chef Lisa Lisa, who has made a number beautiful occasion. beautiful beautiful occasion.

Goodwin-Allen and her team before retiring to one of our beautifully designed suites or occasion. bedrooms. of TV appearances.

“I do enjoy doing the TV Our dedicated wedding co-ordinator will discuss every last detail of your special day to create your work – it’s another avenue and Road, Langho, Restaurant dining times: Open Wednesday –Lancashire Sunday Northcote Road, Langho, Blackburn, Lancashire BB6 8BE Northcote Northcote Blackburn, Road, Langho, Lancashire Northcote Blackburn, Road, BB6 8BE Langho, Lancashire Blackburn, BB6 8BE Northcote Road, Langho, Blackburn, Lancashire BB6BB6 8BE8BE beautiful occasion. it’s something different.

I am Lunch: 12:00 – 14:30 Dinner: 18:00 – 21:30 |events@northcote.com | www |01254 | Email: |events@northcote.com | www.nor Telephone: 01254 240 555 Email: | Email: | www.northc Telephone: 01254 Telephone: 240 555 | Email: 01254 events@northcote.com 240 Telephone: 555 Email: 01254 events@northcote.com 240 www.northcote.com events@northcote.com www.northcote.com Telephone: 240 555|555 really passionate about developing |northcoteuk |northcoteuk | |@NorthcoteUK @NorthcoteUK /NorthcoteUK northcoteuk | ||/NorthcoteUK | | northcoteuk @NorthcoteUK |@NorthcoteUK /NorthcoteUK /NorthcoteUK northcoteuk /NorthcoteUK @NorthcoteUK Northcote Langho, Blackburn, Lancashire BB6 8BE Northcote Road,Road, Langho, Northcote Blackburn, Road, Langho, Lancashire Northcote Blackburn, Road, BB6 8BE Langho, Lancashire Blackburn, BB6 8BELancashire B the up-and-coming talent we | Email: | Email: |555 | Email: events@north | www.n Email: events@northcote.com |555 www.northcote.com Telephone: 01254 Telephone: 240 555 01254 events@northcote.com 240 Telephone: 01254 events@northcote.com 240 www.northcote.com have – seeing the next generation |@NorthcoteUK || /NorthcoteUK | nor Telephone: 01254 240 555 | | |@NorthcoteUK @NorthcoteUK @NorthcoteUK /NorthcoteUK /NorthcoteUK northcoteuk northcoteuk of chefs develop. It’s an honour to beBB6 involved Northcote Road, Langho, Blackburn, Lancashire 8BE with them.” n Telephone: 01254 240 555 | Email: events@northcote.com | www.northcote.com @NorthcoteUK | /NorthcoteUK | northcoteuk

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food&drink

CREATE YOUR OWN MINI-STAYCATION Behind the scenes the team at the Red Pump have been hard at work in readiness for reopening next month.

Photography: Kirsten Platt

T

he Red Pump Inn, which enjoys breath-taking views over Bowland, has over the years evolved to provide its diners with first class food in its renowned steak restaurant, the finest cask ales behind the bar, an extensive outdoor terrace and beer garden and accommodation in the form of luxury French-inspired boutique rooms, charming shepherd’s huts and cosy glamping yurts in the grounds.

The Red Pump’s Jonathan and Fran Gledhill are always mindful that visitors to the inn, which was built in 1759, expect nothing but the best.

“We are finding that we are getting more and more enquiries from people who want to come to the Red Pump, enjoy one of our famous 40-day dry-aged steaks, a glass of wine and stay overnight.

As people can’t take their usual holiday abroad and many UK destinations are booked up, they are staying local to enjoy a mini staycation.”

Taking time during lockdown to spruce up the interior with a new oak floor, Jonathan and Fran have also been building new shepherd huts located behind the pub in an elevated position with stunning views of Pendle Hill.

All the huts sleep two people, have a king size bed, en-suite, fully fitted kitchen, cooker and hob and can be let out for self-catering breaks or overnight stays – with the added bonus of breakfast and dinner available at the inn. Fully insulated with sheep’s wool and with central heating, the huts are a cosy hideaway for a romantic break.

WE ARE GETTING MORE AND MORE ENQUIRIES FROM PEOPLE WHO WANT TO COME TO THE RED PUMP, ENJOY ONE OF OUR FAMOUS 40-DAY DRY-AGED STEAKS, A GLASS OF WINE AND STAY OVERNIGHT

Take a walk through the shale paths in the gardens behind the Red Pump and you will come to the private glamping area, where traditional, yet luxurious, yurts await.

Suitable for families or couples, each yurt comes with its own en-suite with powered shower, king size bed and a day bed that can be split into two singles. Outside each yurt has its own decking area with a wood fired chimenea, where guests can enjoy a barbecue or just appreciate the warmth and glow of the flames.

“The yurts are a real treat for visitors who like the outdoors – camping with comfort.

What better way to start a break than sleeping under the stars on a blissfully quiet summer’s night,” says Jonathan, who is looking forward to welcoming guests back to the historic inn.

Glamping in the yurts is open to guests from April to September.

The inn’s restaurant is open to guests for food and drink from 19th May. The boutique rooms and shepherd huts are open to guests from 19th May. For diners, for couples and for families, the Red Pump represents that most sought-after combination – a warm friendly welcome, luxury accommodation and first class food in a stunning location. n

THE RED PUMP INN OPEN 19th MAY! 01254 826227 theredpumpinn.co.uk

The Red Pump Inn Clitheroe Road Bashall Eaves, Clitheroe BB7 3DA 01254 826227 theredpumpinn.co.uk @theredpumpinn @_theredpumpinn

Re-opening 19th May

Stunning Scenery, a Friendly Vibe and First Class Food Dine on the finest Flame Grilled Dry Aged Steaks

in the region. Grass fed native beef dry aged to around 40 days to giving the exceptional flavour and taste we look for.

Our changing seasonal menu also sources the very best of local and regional produce for our pies, fish, classic dishes, burgers and vegetarian meals.

Experience friendly service, family run by Jonathan & Fran, with

a warm welcome for visitors, dogs and muddy boots alike. Just 3 miles from the market town of Clitheroe and on-site parking.

Clitheroe Road, Bashall Eaves, Clitheroe, BB7 3DA

01254 826227 www.theredpumpinn.co.uk

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SIMPLY THE BEST! It is very hard to believe that we may finally be coming to the end of our enforced exile from our favourite restaurants, writes Simon Smith

T

he team at Yu Copster Green are really excited about greeting friends, old and new, back to their delightful contemporary restaurant and cocktail bar.

They have been incredibly innovative during lockdown with inspired Yu at Home boxes, which Victor carefully assembled and which were simply amazing! The food was easy to prepare, tasted awesome and the portions very generous – such a welcome break during the long cold winter days.

I also believe that they have been incredibly generous quietly supporting local charities with food!

So, on 17th May hopefully our restaurants will be opening their doors to welcome us in with open arms. Yu, the iconic and award-winning Chinese restaurant at Copster Green will be eager to greet you!

Nothing can beat the welcome at the Yu cocktail bar, a warm greeting and the chance to enjoy a couple of delicious modern cocktails in a stunning and vibrant

environment. The bar and restaurant are superbly furnished creating a relaxed and very special place to be.

A team of well trained, knowledgeable and friendly staff are always on hand, determined to make your visit extra special.

A TEAM OF WELL TRAINED, KNOWLEDGEABLE AND FRIENDLY STAFF ARE ALWAYS ON HAND, DETERMINED TO MAKE YOUR VISIT EXTRA SPECIAL In these difficult times they will also ensure that your visit is as safe as possible, so you can relax and enjoy this delightful Chinese experience. Head chef Victor is renowned for his modern and inspired cooking of dishes traditional and new, and he has won numerous awards and accolades demonstrating just what a master of his craft he is. Such delicacies as Wagyu beef wok seared with lime, chilli, garlic and ginger – this is an indulgent and very special dish! Give it a whirl, after all we have been in lockdown for a year!

Chicken, succulent in bamboo leaves, honey roasted Char Sui pork, and amazing Dim Sum are some of our menu favourites, but if you want a chicken curry then Victor’s dad Charlie Yu must make the best one around!

So, whilst checking out head chef Victor’s latest menu, composed from fabulous fresh ingredients, sipping aperitifs, you can also choose a delicious bottle of wine from a lovely selection to enjoy with the great food. All this will be very exciting given the long fast we have all endured.

It is a time to celebrate the coming of summer, get out the smartest outfits and let your hair down, safely of course. We mustn’t forget the terrible sacrifices and losses of the pandemic so if we are asked to wear a mask let’s do so with a good heart and a smile on our faces!

Enjoy your return to gastronomy, these wonderful businesses deserve our support to recover. I personally won’t be cooking another beans on toast for a while! n

Yu Copster Green 500 Longsight Road Copster Green, Blackburn BB1 9EU 01254 240665 yucopstergreen.co.uk yucopstergreenrestaurant yucopstergreen TM

VICTOR AND THE TEAM VERY MUCH LOOK FORWARD TO WELCOMING YOU BACK TO THE RESTAURANT FIRST DINNER SERVICE - TUESDAY 18TH MAY BOOKING LINES ARE NOW OPEN OPEN TUESDAY TO SATURDAY FROM 7PM - LATE MON - Closed TUE - 17:30 - 22:00 WED - 17:30 - 22:00 THU - 17:30 - 22:00 FRI - 17:30 - Until late SAT- 17:30 - Until late SUN - 16:30 - 22:00 YU COPSTER GREEN | 500 Longsight Road | Copster Green | BB1 9EU | 01254 240665 | yucopstergreen.co.uk

TAKEAWAY OPEN TUESDAY – SUNDAY 4.30PM TILL 9PM LINES OPEN FROM 3PM DAILY

AWARD WINNING CHINESE FOOD

TO TAK E H O M E AN D EN JOY IN A R E LA XE D A N D E ASY WAY SMALL EATS

SALT & PEPPER

PRAWN CRACKERS £2.95

TRIPLE COOKED HAND CUT CHIPS £4.95

CRISPY DUCK ROLLS £6.50

CRISPY SQUID £7.95

CHICKEN £9.50

SALT & PEPPER CHILLI RIBS £7.50 SWEET STICKY CANTONESE RIBS £7.50

VEGAN

CRISPY KING PRAWN WONTON £7.50

VEGETABLE SPRING ROLLS £4.50

HONEY COATED SPICY CHICKEN

VEGETABLE GYOZA £5.50

IN BAMBOO £7.50

SALT & PEPPER CHILLI TOFU £5.95 (GF)

PORK CHIVE WAR TIP DUMPLINGS £5.95

SPICY FRIED SEASONAL VEGETABLES,

SALT & PEPPER MUSHROOMS (GF) £5.95

SPRING ONION, GINGER CHILLI £7.95

SESAME PRAWN TOAST & SEAWEED £6.95

SPICY SINGAPORE VEGAN VERMICELLI £8.95

1/4 CRISPY DUCK & PANCAKES, CUCUMBER, HOI SIN SAUCE £14.95

SPICY MALAYSIAN VEGETABLE FRIED RICE £8.50

BLACKBEAN – CHILLI, PEPPERS, GARLIC FILLET STEAK £14.50 CHAR SIU PORK £9.50

CHICKEN £9.50 KING PRAWN £12.50

FILLET STEAK £14.50 KING PRAWN £12.50 CHICKEN £9.50 CHARLIE YU’S (DAD’S) FAMOUS CURRY & CLASSICS CHICKEN CHOW MEIN £10.50

CHICKEN CURRY £9.50 CHICKEN FRIED RICE £9.50

SPECIAL FRIED RICE – CHICKEN, KING PRAWN, CHAR SIU £12.50 SPECIAL CHOW MEIN – CHICKEN, KING PRAWN, CHAR SIU £12.50

RICE /NOODLES STEAMED RICE £3.50

FRIED RICE £3.95 CRISPY NOODLES £4.95

CHICKEN & PRAWN SINGAPORE VERMICELLI £10.95 CHILDREN’S MEALS ALL SERVED WITH PRAWN CRACKERS CHICKEN NOODLES, BROCCOLI £7.50 CHICKEN, FRIED RICE £7.50 SWEET & SOUR CHICKEN WITH STEAMED RICE £7.50 COCKTAILS

FISH & SEAFOOD FILLET OF SEABASS, GINGER, SPRING ONION £16.50 SALT & PEPPER CHILLI KING PRAWNS £12.50 SALT & PEPPER CHILLI SCALLOPS OYSTER MUSHROOM £14.95 STIR FRY KING PRAWNS, PAK CHOI £12.50 (GF)

LYCHEE MARTINI

CHICKEN £9.50 KING PRAWN £12.50 CHAR SUI PORK PORK £9.50 CRISPY CHILLI STEAK £14.50

COSMOPOLITAN

PORN STAR MARTINI

SMALL (EQUIVALENT TO 2 COCKTAILS) £12.00 LARGE (EQUIVALENT TO 4 COCKTAILS) £20.00 FROZEN DAIQUIRI BEER

SWEET & SOUR CRISPY CHILLI CHICKEN £9.50

CHILLI, MIXED PEPPER, BLACKBEAN £9.95

SOFT NOODLES£4.95

CLASSIC HONG KONG SATAY

KING PRAWN CURRY £12.50

STIR FRIED BEYOND MEAT,

MELON £8.50

1 LARGE BEER £4.00

STRAWBERRY £8.50

3 LARGE BEERS £12.00

Please be advised that any allergens and intolerances should be reported to Yu Express before placing an order. Customers should be aware that although all due care is taken, there is a risk of allergen ingredients still being present. (GF) where marked is Gluten Free.

W H Y NO T E NJ OY A M I DW EEK TAKE AWAY RELAX AND LET THE TALENTED CHEFS COOK YOUR SUPPER Yu Copster Green 500 Longsight Road Copster Green BB1 9EU

01254 240665 www.yucopstergreen.co.uk

12th April - 16th May

POP-UP

OUTDOOR

RESTAURANT

Serving noon till late, every day BOOK NOW! wilfredsrestaurant.com

PLAYING THE FIELD plays for our amazing soul singer friend

Sarah Varley speaks to The Ragamuffins frontman David John Charlie Cooper. Sam our keyboard player Jaggs about his career, the global success of their charity football fronts ska band XMenBTeam and George single and exciting plans with DANCEFLO and Northern Soultrain our violinist and occasional bassist played

D

avid John Jaggs started The Ragamuffins in 2008, an indie guitar band with plenty of blue-eyed soul shining through in the piano, keyboards, trumpet and saxophone. They’ve been compared to Dexy’s Midnight Runners, early Elvis Costello and The Style Council.

Growing up in Simonstone, David’s musical tastes were formed swapping records and CDs with Clitheroe Royal Grammar School friends and even the teachers, who provided further inspiration: “My teacher found out I was going to see one of my all-time favourite bands Belle & Sebastian in Copenhagen and arranged for me to meet the band as he knew vocalist, keyboard player and violinist Sarah Martin from when she herself was a student at CRGS,” recalls David.

“The way Belle & Sebastian were put together wasn’t dissimilar to how we put together The Ragamuffins – travelling around and meeting gun-slinging bassists, guitarists,

saxophonists or drummers backstage at gigs or in cafes in Liverpool and Manchester,” says David. “We all ‘moonlight’ in The Ragamuffins, playing in lots of different bands and for amazing artists too.

for Sugababes and New Order recently!”

Highlights for The Ragamuffins include playing at Snowbombing Festival in Austria, the Great Escape Festival in Brighton and the Made In Europe Festival in Northern Italy. Closer to home, they’ve played the main stage at Beatherder several times and supported the great Steve Cropper at The Grand.

OUR VIOLINIST AND OCCASIONAL BASSIST PLAYED FOR SUGABABES AND NEW ORDER RECENTLY!

“Our guitarist Tom plays for Big Society and Middlesbrough band Cattle & Cane, he has played for Sister Sledge and supported Noel Gallagher on a European tour with his previous band FOLKS. Our trumpet player Florin fills in for legendary Pele and Amsterdam frontman Ian Prowse. Will played Glastonbury in 2019 with his band Bethlehem Casuals and our bassist Alex

“Steve asked us to play a pub gig just up the road at The Swan & Royal later that week, where he played the Peter Gunn theme from The Blues Brothers on my acoustic guitar – he stood just feet away from me while I played my set. It was a bit like having Steven Gerrard watch you play five-a-side football!”

The biggest success for The Ragamuffins came in 2019 with their charity single, Si Señor, a samba version of the Liverpool

entertainment

145

fans’ terrace chant for striker Roberto ‘Bobby’ Firmino. A chance meeting with a musical associate, Dan Ross (Rosenblume) led to the band playing on the main stage outside Anfield stadium to thousands of people on match days.

“We released the song as a single five days later as Liverpool reached the Champions League final in Madrid, with all proceeds going to Fans Supporting Foodbanks.

It immediately started to hover around the top 20 in the UK charts and reached number one in Japan!” adds David.

“Player and celebrity endorsements definitely helped – Sir Kenny Dalglish actually had the song as his ringtone! We performed the song live on the club’s TV channel, chatting on their talk show with ex-player Stephen Warnock, Lightning Seeds’ Ian Broudie and DJ Colin Murray, who then played the song in his DJ set to 80,000 people at a fan park in Madrid.”

The Ragamuffins played live on BBC One on the morning of the final before playing at a sold-out Liverpool Arena before the game screening. After the trophy presentation and the club’s anthem ended, it was an unforgettable moment for the band as Si Señor reverberated around the stadium as the jubilant players and fans celebrated.

Speaking of his association with Northern Soultrain, David recalls: “I was asked to join the Northern Soultrain in 2018 on the day my daughter was born, during a whispered phone call in the maternity ward! We’ve played some incredible gigs already including a homecoming gig for our trumpet players Lee and Rod at Rochdale Feelgood Festival.”

With the Ragamuffins, David played at the wedding of former Top of the Pops and BBC radio royalty Janice Long in 2017 and he also played a solo show at former Preston North End and Accrington Stanley footballer Andy Procter’s wedding in Italy: “Mid-set, legendary Accrington Stanley boss John Coleman asked, ‘D’ya know Budapest?’ and the pair of us duetted the George Ezra classic to the wedding guests on the shores of Lake Garda.”

The band are often asked to play at weddings or private functions: “We’ve launched DANCEFLO as a way to showcase this side to our musical endeavours. As

Photography: Catherine Jaggs

THE BAND PLAYED ON THE MAIN STAGE OUTSIDE ANFIELD STADIUM TO THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE ON MATCH DAYS

musicians we instinctively know when to lift the mood and what songs to play and we really love these reactive, feel-good performances.”

Life has been quiet this past year for the musicians, with their entire work calendar wiped out, but the upside for David was spending precious time with his new daughter.

“Our band did still manage to make and record some music even in isolation and we did live BBC Sessions for BBC Radio

Wales and Radio Lancashire. Even though it was extremely tough at times, it’s given us some time to write and create and make some exciting plans for the future.” n

theragamuffins.co.uk soultrainofficial.co.uk danceflomusic@gmail.com Facebook.com/danceflomusic

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entertainment

ON SCREEN

Anna Souroullas takes a look at the latest blockbusters, ready-to-stream films, Netflix exclusives and DVD releases

TOM CLANCY’S WITHOUT REMORSE Release Date: 30th April Director: Stefano Sollima Starring: Michael B. Jordan, Jamie Bell, Cam Gigandet, Colman Comingo, Lauren London, Jodie Turner-Smith, Luke Mitchell, Jacob Scipio, Brett Gelman and Jack Kesy Certificate:

Without Remorse is based on Tom Clancy’s 1993 thriller novel, a part of the Jack Ryan universe. The film follows a former Navy Seal turned CIA operative as he seeks revenge against the Baltimore drug lord responsible for the murder of the woman he loved. In this harrowing depiction, an ordinary man crosses the lines of morality and justice, evoking a whirlwind of emotions. A personal vendetta and a highly secret operation are planned – two missions, two worlds, will he make it out alive? n

THE WOMAN IN THE WINDOW Release Date: 14th May Director: Joe Wright Starring: Amy Adams, Donat Balaj, Anthony Mackie, Fred Hechinger, Wyatt Russell, Gary Oldman, Brian Tyree Henry, Julianne Moore, Jeanine Serralles, Mariah Bozeman, Liza Colon-Zayas, Anna Cameron, Ben Davis and Rand Guerrero Certificate:

Based on A J Finn’s 2018 novel, The Woman in the Window is a psychological thriller that refuses to release its captive audience right until the very end. Meet Dr Anna Fox, a woman too fearful of venturing out of her own home. When the seemingly ideal Russell family become her new neighbours, Dr Fox soon realises that not everything may be as it appears. Whilst keeping tabs on the new arrivals, she witnesses an act most foul. What will become of the family next door? n

THE LITTLE THINGS

DVD

Release Date: 4th May Director: John Lee Hancock Starring: Denzel Washington, Rami Malek and Jared Leto Certificate:

In this crime thriller, we follow Deputy Sheriff Deacon and Sergeant Jim Baxter as they join forces to investigate a series of murders. What was intended to be a routine evidence-gathering task transforms into a pursuit for a serial killer wreaking havoc in Los Angeles. The deeper they dive into the investigation, the more is at stake. Secrets. Secrets that could threaten more than Deacon’s case. As echoes of Deacon’s past are unearthed, will they uncover who the killer is? n

FINE PAINTINGS | SCULPTURES | WORKS ON PAPER

Carnes Fine Art is an independent art gallery specialising in fine paintings and sculptures.

Our gallery is located at Cedar Farm in the rural and beautiful setting of Mawdesley, Lancashire.

We are delighted to be re-opening our gallery once again and have lots of new works on our walls. We can’t wait to welcome you all back!

Harry Brioche original oil painting ’Ever Changing Light’ - £1,150

Stephen Collett original oil painting ‘Grand Canal Venice’ - £1,850

Michael Demain original oil painting ‘Glengarry Roar’ - £4,500

Jacqueline Stanhope original oil painting ‘Bay Mare and Foal’ - £1,950

Carnes Fine Art brings the very best original art and sculptures to Lancashire.

Please refer to our website for full details.

Carnes Fine Art, Cedar Farm, Back Lane, Mawdesley, Lancashire L40 3SY Gallery opening times Tues – Sat 10:00am – 5:00pm www.carnesfineart.com | info@carnesfineart.com | 01704 822533

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arts&culture

GOOD READ Lauren Molyneux reviews Orphan of the State by Ribble Valley-based author David J Robinson. The book, David’s second novel, has received rave reviews on Amazon

Orphan of the State David J. Robinson Inspired by the events of the Second World War, David J Robinson’s Orphan of the State tells the story of Russian orphan, Dimitri Petrov, whose parents died in a car crash when he was only a child. Raised (or conditioned) in a Russian state orphanage, Dimitri grows up with a strong allegiance to the Communist cause and becomes a Red Army soldier, risking his life on the Eastern front in the fight against Nazism.

Having fallen in love with his unlikely sweetheart – bright-witted and strongminded Moscow ballerina, Ava, before joining the front line, Dimitri hopes that his love will be waiting for him on his return. But his journey will force him to face much more than death, war and the enemy.

We’re aligned with Dimitri from the offset, who, through his diary, takes us on a journey through a troubling time in a not-so-distant past. Musing on the philosophy of politics and war, and remembering the warmth of his sweetheart, his diary captures the psychology of a WWII Russian soldier facing the terrors of combat whilst trying to come to terms with his past in order to discover who he truly is.

With Ava’s probing questions into the death of his parents burying a seed of doubt in his mind, Dimitri endures the trauma of war whilst reflecting on his childhood and his beloved Russia. After he’s begun to raise questions within himself about power, corruption and the fine line between right and wrong, he soon faces an identity crisis in which he contemplates his own politics, beliefs, morals and character.

Historical novel, political narrative and love story, Robinson’s second novel, Orphan of the State, is a narrative driven by binaries – life and death, love and war – which Robinson balances beautifully. Obviously very well researched, the novel is skilfully put together, presenting identifiable characters with real emotions, who we can sympathise with. Despite them existing at different points in time, on different continents and with varying levels of understanding and knowledge about the war, Robinson draws their plotlines together into a cohesive structure to ultimately deliver a novel which is a pleasure to read.

David J. Robinson is a local author, raised in the popular King Edward VII pub in the rural village of Guide. Orphan of the State is his second novel, currently available to purchase through Amazon, where it has received excellent reviews.

David has been spending time throughout lockdown to map out and write his third book. n

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hello@mytogetherhome.co.uk

mytogetherhome.co.uk

2 THE SHIRES, WESTLEIGH, PRESTON PR4 0DN £775,000

The property briefly comprises; spacious entrance hall, open plan family lounge dining area, modern fitted breakfast kitchen with a range of integrated appliances, formal lounge, study, downstairs cloakroom, galleried landing, master bedroom with walk in wardrobe and en-suite, second bedroom with ensuite, three further double bedrooms, and family bathroom. On external inspection; block paved driveway, lawned front garden, beautiful landscaped rear gardens, and integrated double garage with electric doors.

The properties also benefit from underfloor heating, a rainwater harvesting system and a 10 year Premier Guarantee Warranty. Viewing is highly recommended to appreciate the stunning accommodation on offer.

7 HALL ROAD, FULWOOD PR2 9QD £349,950

Fantastic opportunity to purchase this stunning detached true bungalow set on a generous plot with manicured gardens and a detached garage. Set in a much sought after location. On internal inspection the accommodation briefly comprises; entrance hall, dining room with bay window, lounge also with a bay window and gas fire with beautiful surround, contemporary fitted kitchen and bathroom, utility area, four bedrooms and an en-suite shower room. Externally manicured generous gardens to the front, rear and side, driveway parking for two cars and a detached garage.

Viewing is highly recommended to appreciate the property on offer.

Call for your free valuation today! Open 7 days a week, until 7pm weekdays.

Dewhurst Homes 347 Garstang Road Fulwood PR2 9UP 01772 788811 Garstang 01995 601814

Longridge 01772 783993

Penwortham 01772 748000

42 VALENTINES MEADOW, COTTAM PR4 0LF £325,000

Fantastic opportunity to purchase this well presented spacious detached family home. On internal inspection the property briefly comprises to the ground floor; entrance hall with built in cloaks cupboard, downstairs WC, spacious lounge with archway through to the dining room, bright conservatory with floor to ceiling windows, dining kitchen and utility room. To the first floor, master bedroom with fitted furniture and en-suite shower room, three further bedrooms and a bathroom. Externally there is a generous sized front garden, double driveway parking, a detached double garage and fence enclosed rear garden. Viewing is highly recommended to appreciate the great property on offer.

www.dewhursthomes.co.uk

Kirkham 01772 682121

COMING SOON TO LYTHAM… A luxury fully renovated 2 bedroom apartment located in the heart of Lytham and close to the bars, cafes, restaurants and golf courses.

AVAILABLE FOR SHORT TERM BREAKS AND STAYCATIONS FROM MAY 2021.

For further information please contact Liz T: 07843 375815 E: lizwalmsley1969@gmail.com

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PROPERTY MARKETING AT ITS BEST Sarah Varley speaks to Zoe Cooper, Associate Director of the new Claves Estates Ribble Valley about their dynamic, personal approach to selling your property. Photography: Robin Lyndon “Your home is usually your biggest asset, however that doesn’t always reflect in the offering available when selling or buying a property. The Claves team have over 40 years of industry knowledge and believe in delivering outstanding professional service, whilst being open, honest and approachable.

“We plan to use every tool available, to create dynamic marketing and showcase your home in the best light,” explains Zoe. Every single property is also listed on Rightmove and Zoopla and will be shared on social media, with additional 3D walk-throughs and drone footage where required. Our Virtual Staging option is a fantastic way to showcase empty properties, where we can add beautiful furniture and accessories to photographs to bring an empty property to life, to capture a buyers’ imagination.” n

I’M EXCITED TO BRING THIS OUTSTANDING LEVEL OF SERVICE TO HOME-OWNERS IN THE RIBBLE VALLEY Zoe says: “I also aim to bring the personal touch to viewings, conducting each one myself, making sure that I know your home inside out beforehand. I believe it’s very important to fully understand each property and its USPs, so that I am able to highlight this to all potential buyers with the level of enthusiasm and knowledge possible.”

Claves Estates use only professional photographers to capture your home at its very best, and videographers can also create eye catching walk-throughs, which really help a customer visualise a property’s layout and space before viewings take place.

Photography: LensMedia.co.uk

C

laves Estates Ribble Valley is the brand new associate branch of Claves Estate Agents, offering outstanding customer service and dynamic online marketing for your property.

Associate Director Zoe Cooper is delighted to be bringing her fresh approach and specialist experience to the Ribble Valley property sector.

Zoe’s background in marketing luxury brands, means she comes with a wealth of knowledge and experience and plans to apply all this to her new venture. “I am used to marketing luxury products on behalf of my customers, which I have been doing for many years. I plan to apply the same values, level of detail and service to marketing and selling my customers beautiful homes,” says Zoe.

Claves Estates Ribble Valley 01200 403439 zoe.cooper@claves.co.uk claves.co.uk

SHOW HOME OPEN Whittingham Place, Whitehall Drive, Broughton, Preston, PR3 5EB Prices from £200,000

Call Jack on 0161 882 2233 or email jack@jpbrimelow.co.uk

www.jpandbrimelow.co.uk JPandBriemlow

@jpandbrimelows

@jpbrimelowchorltonanddidsbury

JP & Brimelow

Edenholme Lodge, Ribchester Road, Clayton-le-Dale, BB1 9EY

Whalley Road, Wilpshire, Blackburn, BB1 9NB

Pyethorn Farmhouse, Whalley Road, Wilpshire, BB1 9LF

£700,000

£528,950

Offers over £525,000

Stone built family home Three reception rooms Five beautiful bedrooms En-suite to master bedroom Breathtaking gardens Enviable summer house Desirable gated location

Substantial family home Desirable Ribble Valley location Breathtaking countryside views Large driveway En-suite & dressing area to master bedroom Four spacious bedrooms Enviable gardens

Eighteenth century detached property Generous, enviable plot Original features throughout Foundations in place to develop further Two reception rooms plus orangery Wonderful kitchen extension Double garage & driveway parking

Whiteacre Lane, Barrow, Clitheroe, BB7 9BJ

Merlewood, Nabs Head Lane, Samlesbury, PR5 0UQ

Wheatley Barn, Longsight Road, Copster Green, BB1 9ES

£525,000

£440,000

£365,000

Outstanding, detached true bungalow Immaculately presented Four/five bedrooms Double garage Substantial driveway Established, mature private gardens Sought after village location

Magnificent detached home Two well proportioned reception rooms Mesmerizing country views Stunning mature gardens Detached double garage & driveway parking Four spacious bedrooms Sublime location of Samlesbury

Beautiful stone built barn conversion Original features throughout Two reception rooms Three stunning bedrooms Walk in wardrobe Garage & driveway parking Sublime countryside views

www.stonesyoung.co.uk

50 Moor Lane, Clitheroe, BB7 1AJ 01200 408408 clitheroe@stonesyoung.co.uk

The Old Post Office,740 Whalley New Rd, Blackburn, BB1 9BA 01254 682470 enquiries@stonesyoung.co.uk

PROPERTY SHOWCASE SH

OW

HO

ME

SO

PE N

£895,000

WHITTINGAM PLACE FROM £200,000 BROUGHTON (Stamp duty saving: from £1,500)

TOP OF THE MEADOW BARN BULL HILL LANE (Stamp duty saving: £15,000)

A new development of three bedroomed townhouses situated off Whittingham Lane, Broughton. **(Help to Buy available)** Each property benefits from 10-year structural warranty, double glazing, gas fired central heating, a driveway providing off-road parking to the rear aspect and a front lawned garden. Contact Jack, in the Land & New Homes Department, on 0161 882 2233 or jack@jpbrimelow.co.uk

Situated in an accessible yet rural position within the rolling West Pennine Moors, offering panoramic views, peace and tranquillity, this fabulous barn conversion offers spacious living accommodation (approximately 4300sqft) to suit a growing family. Sitting in one acre of its own land amongst the rolling green hills, the home comprises six bedrooms, four bathrooms, three reception rooms and a sauna.

jpandbrimelow.co.uk

claves.co.uk

HIGHWOODS PARK (Stamp duty saving: £15,000)

OFFERS OVER £545,000

11 KINGSMUIR AVENUE FULWOOD PR2 6AG (Stamp duty saving: £13,497)

£469,950

Impressive five bedroom family home set in a spectacular plot! Favourably positioned in the highly desirable location of Highwoods Park this beautifully presented detached property stands proudly and boasts huge curb appeal. With an exquisite, versatile garage conversation, extensive driveway and enviable gardens, this proper ty ticks all the boxes for modern family living.

Stunning detached property set on a generous plot in a sought-after location, featuring three receptions, cloakroom and stunning 34ft dining kitchen and utility room, four double bedrooms, en-suite to master and bathroom, a driveway providing off-road parking for several vehicles and a double garage.

To the rear is a well maintained garden with patio and further garden space to the side of the property.

stonesyoung.co.uk

dewhursthomes.co.uk

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A selection of stunning properties across Lancashire illustrating some of the stamp duty savings that can be made* *Stamp duty savings relate to the reduction to 0% as part of the government’s stamp duty holiday. Guidelines suggest that buyers will need to have had an offer accepted soon in order to take advantage of stamp duty savings, which are applicable if a purchase is completed before 30th June 2021

REPRESENTATIVE ONLY

REPRESENTATIVE ONLY

REPRESENTATIVE ONLY

WOODLAND BROOK £587,500 - £600,000 MELLOR BROOK (Stamp duty saving: £15,000)

1 THE NEWLINKS TUDOR AVENUE, LEA PR4 0XA (Stamp duty saving £13,500)

*ONLY 2 PLOTS REMAINING – NOW TO INCLUDE ALL CARPETS AND FLOORING*

Stunning barn conversion, nestled in a private gated complex known as New Links, boasting views of Lancaster Canal, open countryside and positioned adjacent to Ashton and Lea Golf Course. Hosting a medley of modern and traditional features, this well-appointed property offers high quality fixtures and fittings throughout and spacious living accommodation. Externally is a gated entrance, driveway providing off road parking, remote controlled garage and an enclosed rear garden.

Five high specification luxury homes on an exclusive development within the Ribble Valley. These five-bedroomed detached family homes are stunning in design and presentation and inspection will not disappoint. They are built by well-respected Hearles builders, who have an excellent track record for producing high quality houses finished to an exacting specification.

£470,000

fineandcountry.com

dewhursthomes.co.uk

THE HAYBARN 4 AT GREEN HILLS £279,995 BLACKBURN (Stamp duty saving: £3,999)

WADDINGTON OIRO (Stamp duty saving: £15,000)

This distinctive four-bedroom home is styled on a traditional Lancashire barn, in perfect keeping with the semi-rural location, yet encapsulates the very latest in contemporary internal design. Full height windows flood the interior with natural light and the grand, wide hallway and large open-plan kitchen diner make a real statement.

Offering exceptional levels of privacy, this four-bedroom property could suit a range of buyers – those looking for a home in a stunning location, or those who are looking for a small holding, for equestrian or agricultural purposes.

It includes a three-bedroom annex providing space for extended family living or holiday-let business. Gardens and field total 7.5 acres OTA.

https://kingswoodhomes.uk.com/developments/green-hills-blackburn/

abarnett.com

£1,100,000

Whalley 01254 828922 whalley@fineandcountry.com

Fine & Countr y Head Office 121 Park Lane , Mayfair, London W1K 7AG

WALLED GARDEN, MELLOR, BB2 7QA

FELLSIDE FARM, GRINDLETON

OIEO £900,000

NEW PRICE - £1,350,000

superb and beautifully detached house inliesainsecluded location on the exclusive180 anddegree private Park in Mellor.

ThisAexceptional detached stone builtpresented farmhouse with additional extension a stunning elevated position with magnificent viewsWoodfold over the Ribble ValleyEstate countryside and will This appealfour/ to the five-bedroom been meticulously bygarage the block current owners.

The horses accommodation is vehicles. over four with equestrian enthusiast asproperty the propertyhas includes approximately 9 acresmaintained of adjoining landand and aimproved large stable and with stabling for three and garaging for six Fellsidelevels Farm has been finished withreception high quality fitments anda fixtures with a kitchen wealth of solid ash joinery although contemporary in character it has retained original beams and trusses.

Thethree/four internal three rooms, large together open plan dining area, and master bedroom suite with dressing areamost andof its en-suite bathroom and accommodation includes reception hallway, sitting room, dining room, farmhouse andgardens study/sitting room to the ground and masterof bedroom suite with en-suite showerand roomadditional and dressing room, further bedrooms and two further bathrooms.

Set within kitchen mature and grounds withfloor a paddock approximately two acres three further bedrooms, family bathroom and a second lounge to the first floor, whilst the adjoining annexe includes a shower room, sauna, games room and double garage. EPC Rating D woodland of approximately four acres available by separate negotiation. There are stunning views to the rear over parkland. EPC - D

WEST LYNN, COLNE, BB8 9QW HUBBERSTY FOLD FARM, BALDERSTONE

£1,150,000 £1,100,000

An elegant stone built former mill-owner’s residence located in a quiet residential area between Barrowford and Colne with excellent access to the

Of interest to both the agricultural and equine purchaser; a delightfully located modern detached farmhouse with adjoining barn, garaging and approximately 31 acres of adjoining gardens and agricultural land. motorway network.

This cared historic six-bedroom home original including freezes, originalfrom Thenational property comprises a recently renovated andwell extended six for bedroom farmhouse and detached garageretains block set many in an acre of formalfeatures gardens together with aornate detachedplaster stone built barn benefitting planning permission its conversion to provide a five bedroom dwelling with aformal gross internal floor area excess of 4,000 square feet.

Fold Farmthree is perfectly positioned in a quietcourt. rural location fireplaces andforminstrel’s gallery.

The house is set within gardens andingrounds extending toHubbersty approximately acres with tennis In on theaddition, edge of theand popular RibbleValley villagesale, of Balderstone, 1.5 miles theof A59, 5.5 milesland fromlocated the centreto of Blackburn, from theThere centre ofisPreston there are a wide included in the there is approximately approximately 11 from acres grazing the rearand of 7.5 themiles property. also awhere separate coach range of services and amenities including rail services to Manchester.The M6 and M65 and the wider motorway network are all within easy reach of the property. EPC Rating D

house with luxurious and spacious one-bedroom annex and garaging below. EPC – E

www.fineandcountry.com Scan me with your smart phone to view the listed properties online.

RIBBLE VALLEY HODDER VALLEY EAST LANCASHIRE

Whalley Whalley01254 01254828922 828922 whalley@fineandcountry.com whalley@fineandcountry.com

Fine Fine& &Countr Countr y yHead HeadOffice Office121 121Park ParkLane Lane , Mayfair, , Mayfair, London London W1K W1K7AG 7AG

ASTLEY HOUSE, CHIPPING, PR3 2NS FELLSIDE DEO FAVENTE, FARM, GRINDLETON MERECLOUGH

£795,000

NEW PRICE - £1,350,000 £525,000

Astley Houseconversion lies approximately one-mile southextension west ofpleasant Chipping village inposition aonquiet yet convenient location withCliviger, aRibble rural aspect and superb views.

ThisAexceptional lovely barn detached stone which built is easily farmhouse maintained with additional and occupies a very lies in a stunning semi-rural elevated location thewith outskirts magnificent of the 180 village degree of Mereclough views overinthe with Valley easy countryside access to the andmotorway will appealnetworks to the for This delightful, detached period farmhouse been significantly and improved by the for current owners to offer modernised, equestrian Manchester enthusiast (M65/66 as the - 10property minutes) includes and Leeds approximately (M62 - 20 has minutes), 9 acres ofand adjoining just 4.5land milesand from aextended large Burnley stable Town and Centre. garage block Recently withupgraded stabling and three improved horses byand thegaraging current for owners sixsuperb vehicles. this delightful Fellside residence Farm has offers been internal finished accommodation with high quality of immense fitmentscharacter and fixtures many with afeatures wealth solid ash joinery andhas comprises; and although entrance contemporary porch,four hallway, inbathrooms character sitting room, it hasand L-shaped retained lounge most ofand itsliving dining originalroom, beams kitchen, and trusses. utility, master The internal bedroom with enflexible family accommodation inwith atogether ruralquality setting.

Thisofthroughout property four bedrooms, wonderful space including two large accommodation suite sittingrooms, area, includes dressing reception areaoffice andhallway, bathroom, sitting room, further dining bedrooms room, farmhouse (twodining with kitchen en-suites), andThe study/sitting box property room/study roomand to set the family ground bathroom. floor and Demaster Favente lies in gently suite sloping with en-suite gardens shower which parking include room and a large dressing sun patio room, and a reception home and a three superb living kitchen area. is within a large and bedroom private garden with ample and three lawned further area bedrooms, borderedfamily by open bathroom farmland, andinaaddition second lounge to a detached to the first garage. floor, EPC whilst Rating theC adjoining annexe includes a shower room, sauna, games room and double garage. EPC Rating D spectacular views of Longridge Fell and the surrounding Forest of Bowland. Chain Free. EPC - E

WOLFEN MILL, CHIPPING, PR3 2GR

£1,350,000

£1,100,000 £499,950 HUBBERSTY FAR HILLOCK FOLD FARM, FARM, BLACKSNAPE BALDERSTONE A SUPERB LIFESTYLE BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY. Wolfen Mill Country Retreats is a highly successful and very high-quality self-catering property Of An interest attractive to both attached the agricultural stone builtand farmhouse equine purchaser; dating back a delightfully to the 18th located century, modern situateddetached in an idyllic farmhouse rural location with adjoining in the heart barn, ofgaraging the West and Pennine approximately Moors, providing 31 acres country of adjoining living gardens but with andeasy agricultural access toland. towns consisting of nine self-contained apartments set inland idyllic surroundings in the Ribble Valley in rural Lancashire.

The with main property isbuilt an boxes impressive Theand property amenities. comprises Ideal foraequestrian recently renovated use, Far Hillock and extended Farm includes six bedroom extending farmhouse to and approximately detached garage 4 acres, block a large setyard in anarea acreand of formal a substantial gardens detached togetherstable block a detached with three stoneloose barn benefitting and tack room, from in detached mill dating back to the 1700s, which has, in the past, been converted into a residential dwelling and latterly into the superb holiday planning addition permission to a goodforsized its conversion garden, whilst to provide the internal a fiveaccommodation bedroom dwelling comprises; with a gross entrance internal hall,floor cloakroom, area in excess utility, lounge, of 4,000 dining square room, feet.dining Hubbersty kitchen, Fold rearFarm porch/pantry, is perfectlyfour positioned bedrooms in aand quiet two rural bathrooms. location on The accommodation that isValley available today.

ThePennine business hasand awards and has a proven record. subject to comprehensive the property edge of the enjoys popular superb Ribble panoramic village viewsof ofBalderstone, the West approximately Moors 1.5won miles offersnumerous from plentythe ofA59, opportunity 5.5 milesfor from quiet the enjoyment centre of Blackburn, such track as walking, and 7.5 cycling, milesRecently and from sampling the centre localofproduce Preston inwhere the area's therepublic are ahouses, wide refurbishment, this property is rail unique has further scope for35 development (subject toStation planning - E EPCline. range restaurants of services and and cafes. amenities Manchester including City Centre services is and also to Manchester. within easyThe reach, M6 taking and M65 just and minutes the wider frommotorway nearby Entwistle network are allon within theconsent).

Blackburn-Bolton-Manchester easy reach ofEPC the property.

Rating EPCDRating E

www.fineandcountry.com www.fineandcountry.com Scan Scan me me withwith youryour smart smart phone phone to view to view thethe listed listed properties properties online. online.

RIBBLE RIBBLE VALLEY VALLEY HODDER HODDER VALLEY VALLEY EAST EASTLANCASHIRE LANCASHIRE

Chaigley Asking Price £800,000

A stylish stone-built barn conversion tucked into the sought-after hamlet of Chaigley.

Sawley

Tucked away in the attractive village of Sawley, this detached bungalow was planned to make the most of tremendous views and offers spacious accommodation all set in 1.23 acres.

Improved and modernised to the highest standards, the spacious five bedroom, four reception property sits in beautifully landscaped gardens and has a large patio ideal for entertaining.

The four bedroom property offers a real lifestyle choice, allowing the buyer the ability to enjoy village life but also has a paddock – ideal for those with smaller agricultural/equestrian interests or those simply wanting to enjoy the space.

Dilworth Bottoms OIRO £795,000

This attractive stone-built property, improved to suit more modern lifestyles, is set in a lovely and mature plot within a semi-rural location.

Longridge

A charming 4 bedroom home set in a lovely plot on the edge of town location.

Ideal for a range of purchasers, this lovely family home includes three bedrooms, two reception rooms and a large living kitchen. In addition, there is an agricultural building with stable block, garage and approximately three acres of land.

Enjoying a wealth of period features and set in a good-sized plot with plenty of parking, this fantastic double-fronted, four bedroom, stone built property makes a charming family home.

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property The proposal includes a double garage built into the hillside with the rest of the accommodation on the level above. A large south/west facing terrace, an inset balcony from their master bedroom and a covered terrace meet their outdoor living requirements along with features such as a large mastersuite, utility, pantry, vegetable garden and wild flower meadow.

Greenbelt and open countryside designations are some of the most restrictive planning policies and planning success is dependent on many factors including the proposed design, current use of the site, site history, existing structures, volume and ground floor footprint, effect on the openness, visibility, character, materials, landscaping, ecology, biodiversity and architectural merit.

PASSIVHAUS PLANNING APPROVED IN OPEN COUNTRYSIDE Eighty per cent of our projects at ZMA are located on sensitive sites such as greenbelt, open countryside, Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) or conservation areas. Calf Hey Meadows is one of our most recent approvals

L

ocated on empty agricultural grazing land in the open countryside designation, the Calf Hey Meadows site is surrounded by panoramic views across its rural setting. ZMA’s design brief was to create a contemporary eco-home with wow-factor, which was future-proofed for our client’s retirement.

Our clients are self-building their final home and wanted to create a bespoke, architecturally designed dwelling, which maximised natural light, countryside views and incorporated their individual living requirements. A key driver for the project was to create a PassivHaus property incorporating the highest levels of sustainable design.

The site is located adjacent to a conservation area, on an elevated sloping site. The scheme needed to sensitively respond

to the adjacent conservation area whilst creating a contemporary home with the client’s requirements for modern living.

The clients requested a three bedroom property, which was suitable for retirement, and factoring in adaptability if their health deteriorated in their later years. They also required a large outdoor terrace/balcony, with a large open plan kitchen, dining, living space with a large amount of glazing and natural light.

The clients wanted a rural but contemporary home for a modest budget. It was also important for the building to have low running costs, which will be achieved by an air source heat pump/MVHR system, integrated solar roof system, PassivHaus construction detailing, along with intelligent space planning and budget allocation.

For further details on this project and many of our other open countryside or greenbelt schemes, please visit our website: zaramoonarchitects.co.uk If you have a project in mind, contact a member of our team for a free consultation to discuss how to begin your dream project n

Zara Moon Architects We Transform Sites, Buildings & Lives 13 New Market Street, Colne BB8 9BJ 01282 908440 info@zaramoonarchitects.co.uk zaramoonarchitects.co.uk

Reception places available at Oakhill

“The quality of teaching, learning and assessment is outstanding ” - Quotation from our latest ISI Report

Contact us for availability in our Nursery, Prep School and Senior School.

For more information or to book a tour, please contact the school registrar Suzanne Spencer on 01254 823546 or email spencer.s@oakhillschool.co.uk.

| oakhillschool.co.uk | 01254 823546 | Wiswell Lane, Whalley, Lancashire, BB7 9AF

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