Live Ribble Valley Issue 125 (May 2021)

LANCASHIRE’S PREMIER GUIDE TO LUXURY LIVING I S S U E 12 5

HERE COME THE BOYS MEN’S ISSUE THE FUTURE IS RETRO CLUB LEGEND PAUL TAYLOR FOOTBALL FOCUS CLITHEROE FC UNIQUE COLLABORATION ROLLS-ROYCE & HERMÈS

SONANCE COVER THE GROUND WITH SOUND Sonance is recognised around the world for high performance sound and innovative design flair. It uses state-of-the-art materials and cutting-edge test software to generate wide audio coverage at very low distortion for the most discreet home applications - even at high volumes. As many independent listeners have confirmed you’ll hear a quality, consistency and depth of sound that has to be experienced to be believed.

For every all-weather application and project challenge, you’ll love the answer from Sonance. Consistently voted No.1 outdoor speaker supplier.

• In-Wall • On-Wall • In-Ground • On-Ground Bernard Dickinson, 13 Beech Drive, Fulwood, Preston, Lancashire, PR2 3NB 01772 862 266 bernarddickinson.co.uk andrew@bernarddickinson.co.uk

CONTENTS 12

F E AT U R E S 12 RETRO FUTURE Paul Taylor has taken his Retro brand from its Lancashire roots to some of the word’s top clubs and venues. Now he has his sights set firmly on the future.

42 MEET THE DESIGNER Chris Day, who has worked with Next founder and designer George Davies, explains how times are changing in terms of interior design and maximising the space you have.

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TRULY UNIQUE A bespoke Phantom commissioned by a Japanese entrepreneur, is the result of a stunning collaboration between RollsRoyce and Hermès.

136 YOUR CLUB NEEDS YOU! David Fearnhead meets Stewart Fort who is now focusing his attention on giving Clitheroe a football club they can be proud of.

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LET’S DANCE Talented Ribble Valley dancer Aimee Williamson, who trained with the Royal Ballet and has worked with stars of the stage and screen, is now teaching and working with local production companies.

REGULARS 8 EDITOR’S LETTER

15 HOMES INSIDE OUT 54 FASHION 68 HEALTH & BEAUTY 84 LIFESTYLE 110 EDUCATION 122 BUSINESS 126 MOTORS 136 SPORT 138 FOOD & DRINK

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148 ARTS & CULTURE 155 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: 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, Andrew Stachulski , 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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New Collections NOW IN STORE

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Store opening times: Monday-Saturday: 9:30am-6pm I Sunday: 10am-4pm For The Loft Bistro opening times please visit our website.

Loom Loft, Barrow Brook Business Village, Holly Road, Barrow, Clitheroe, Lancashire, England, BB7 9WF 01200 404404 | www.loomloft.co.uk | Open 7 Days a Week

Live

Magazines Editor In the last issue of Live Ribble Valley we acknowledged that, with the relaxing of rules, we were heading towards some sort of normality. Well, that certainly seems to be the case now – especially with the opening up of hospitality and entertainment.

In this month’s magazine, our Men’s Issue, we meet international DJ Paul Taylor who, like many others, had to work out how he could reinvent the way he worked during lockdown.

Instead of getting people up on the dancefloors of clubs across Europe, Paul brought his Retro brand to people in their homes. Working with a small film crew, he live-streamed from empty venues – an experience he found interesting but somewhat soul destroying. People are his thing and thankfully, he’s now back with a vengeance with an already sold-out Retro in the Park event in his home town of Burnley, with events also planned in Ibiza.

The opening up of hospitality, entertainment and sport will have a huge impact on people’s lives – and no-one knows this more than Stewart Fort, who is the chairman of Clitheroe FC. In an interview with David Fearnhead, Stewart says he, and a small team of volunteers, have used lockdown doing groundworks that wouldn’t have happened had the season been played – he has found the whole experience humbling and, looking to the future, he hopes to invest in new players and take the club up a couple of divisions.

In our Motoring section Paul Agnew reviews the all-new MINI Electric, which has a whole raft of economical and environmental advantages. With an impressive range of 145 miles, the MINI Electric is very much a car for today.

Staying on the motoring theme, we also feature a unique Rolls-Royce Phantom that has been created in conjunction with Hermès, Paris. The car was commissioned by a Japanese entrepreneur and supercar enthusiast, who wanted the car to complement his recently acquired private jet – the ultimate in luxury!

You can read all about this unique collaboration in this month’s issue of Live Ribble Valley.

Jan Woolley Editor

LANCASHIRE’S PREMIER GUIDE TO LUXURY LIVING I S S U E 12 5

YOUR PREMIER GUIDE

TO LUXURY LIVING • ISSUE 99

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

THE MUSIC MAKERS AND THE DREAMERS OF DREAMS THE BLACKPOOL SCHOOL OF ARTS THE COMEBACK IS ALWAYS STRONGER THAN THE SETBACK FROM NIGHTCLUB TO A RESTAURANT WITH A TOUCH OF CLASS HOPING TO TAKE BACK OUR BEAUTIFUL GAME LOCAL FOOTBALL AWAY FROM BIG MONEY

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

HERE COME THE BOYS MEN’S ISSUE THE FUTURE IS RETRO CLUB LEGEND PAUL TAYLOR FOOTBALL FOCUS CLITHEROE FC UNIQUE COLLABORATION ROLLS-ROYCE & HERMÈS

A SPRINGBOARD TO A LIFE OF PURPOSE Stonyhurst College incorporating Stonyhurst St Mary’s Hall is an exceptional co-educational Catholic boarding and day school for pupils aged 3-18 years. Our unique and nurturing environment gives pupils the opportunity to become all that they can be.

Stonyhurst Admissions Tel: 01254 827073 or email: admissions@stonyhurst.ac.uk Stonyhurst, Clitheroe, Lancashire BB7 9PZ www.stonyhurst.ac.uk/open-days

College Virtual Open Day - Wednesday 16th June 2021

4.9 / 5

Verified Customer Feedback

A second Kitchen Design Centre kitchen in the same house, 30 years later!

Nigel was so happy with his Kitchen Design Centre kitchen that when it came to replacing it after 30 years, he turned straight to Kitchen Design Centre again.

The kitchen had lasted and was so well designed that he wanted the same quality and service from an established, trusted company. The only reason for changing the kitchen was that Nigel wanted a change of style. His original Kitchen Design Centre kitchen was a traditional, wooden one and functioned perfectly but in keeping with other renovations in his Great Harwood home, he wanted a new modern looking kitchen.

Despite having the ability to knock walls down and extend the size of the kitchen, Nigel wanted to keep it exactly the same size but go for a modern, sleek look in lighter colours. A clever design by Blackburn Showroom Manager Will Hustler enabled Nigel to have plenty of storage, a range of Neff appliances, to keep an important radiator and have multiple plug sockets with USB points. He was also able to have a breakfast bar for casual dining.

Nigel is absolutely delighted with the finished kitchen, loving the design and contemporary look but he’s also impressed with the thought Will has put in to how the space functions: “I love cooking in this kitchen. It’s a joy. Everything has been so well thought out from where the oven and the fridge is to all the other appliances. I can empty the dishwasher easily with all cupboards open and in reach, prepare food and quickly scoop unwanted bits in to the perfectly placed bins, the pull-out corner cupboard is fantastic and the whole space works so very well. I wouldn’t change a thing.”

Designer Will Hustler says, “Nigel had a long list of things he wanted and we managed to incorporate them all. Plenty of thought was needed with the design and I’m really happy with the finished kitchen. I’m more pleased that Nigel is so delighted with it.”

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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RETRO FUTURE

localfocus

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DJ Paul Taylor has taken his Retro brand from its Lancashire roots to some of the world’s top clubs and venues. Now he has his sights set firmly on the future

F

or international DJ Paul Taylor the past year has been one of his greatest challenges, but he is now looking to the future with his iconic Retro brand that is known throughout Europe.

Much has been written about this enigma of a man who started out as a young DJ on the decks in Burnley to an internationally-recognised icon playing all the top clubs including Pacha in Ibiza.

His philosophy has always been to keep close to his audience and play music they enjoy: “My crowd is everything to me,” says Paul, who has worked with the likes of Pete Waterman and Kylie Minogue.

“My audience spans the generations from millennials to the people who were coming to see me in the late 80s who are now in their 50s and 60s. My style is happy, classic house music, nothing too underground, so it appeals to a lot of people.”

At the time of the first lockdown last year, Paul began looking at what other DJs were doing – live streaming their music around the world from their bedrooms.

But Paul and his team wanted to go one step further and they developed an idea to live stream not from home but from actual venues, bringing in guest DJs to work with a professional company, who could provide

all the technology and camera work.

“We thought, ‘Okay, you can’t go to a nightclub anymore, we’ll bring the nightclub into your front room’,” he recalls. “It grew exponentially as a platform – Retro in your front room with guest DJs.

WE HAVE TO REMEMBER MUSIC CREATES MEMORIES, A TRACK CAN TAKE US BACK TO WHERE WE WERE, WHO WE WERE WITH AND THE FRIENDSHIPS FORGED “We had cameras facing the DJ box, cameras above, side views – from all angles – so visually, it looked great. We had to pretend there was a crowd in front of us and it was difficult. There was no crowd, just two or three technical people – it was really strange and I have to admit it was quite disheartening at times. I do what I do for the crowd, getting them up on the dancefloor. I get so much back from that.”

Unable to get any public funding, a collective of investors helped set up the project: “We were doing it just for Retro fans, not for any significant revenue. When lockdown ended, people were inviting friends around for a Retro night. We were one

of the showcase events when it came to streaming music, but then it was all stop and start, we had the Rule of Six, and nothing was consistent so that didn’t help.

“We have had to be continually inventive, adapting as things change and I think when all restrictions are lifted, people may still be reluctant to go out. I am fearful that a lot of these people might not come back.

They are so used to staying in – for the older generation going out is now alien.

“We have had time to think through various concepts – if people want to stay in they can still have a Retro event, personal to them, on a screen in their garden,” explains Paul, who became friends with Pete Waterman through their love of northern soul. Their friendship led Paul to meeting Kylie Minogue and producing a dance track, which reached the UK charts.

He went on to stamp his personality on his huge northern club nights and Retro was born – a brand that still appeals to an international crowd of clubbers.

After more than three decades Paul and Retro still hit the spot with ever-changing sets and this summer, one of his first gigs pays homage to his northern roots with Retro in the Park on 28th August, which will feature international acts and DJs from around the world as well as local talent.

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With three arenas – Retro, 90s Baby and Angels Reunion, it looks set to be a great reunion for Paul and his fans: “I’m happy to announce that we have more or less sold out the Retro in the Park event! It’s certainly looking pretty positive that we’re all progressing into some sort of normality.

“We are very aware that we have to create a space in which people feel comfortable – that’s the key to getting people back. We have had the past year

to learn all about that.

“I think everyone needs to up their game in terms of promoting events and making them as safe as possible for social gatherings. If we can do that successfully

IT’S GOING TO BE SUPER-EMOTIONAL FOR ME GETTING PEOPLE BACK DANCING AND ENJOYING THE MUSIC

that’s the way we will win people back, especially the older generation.

“We have to remember music creates memories, a track can take us back to where we were at the time, who we were with and the friendships forged. Music is all about sharing the moment – it’s going to be super-emotional for me getting people back dancing and enjoying the music.” n

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KITCHENS | BEDROOMS | BATHROOMS | STUDIES | AV ROOMS

Simpsons created this beautiful kitchen for a couple who moved to a stunning barn in the Ribble Valley.

They wanted a truly bespoke solution and didn’t want to compromise on quality. They had already had a Simpsons kitchen in their previous property and knowing Simpsons is the very best, they approached them for a design and were delighted with what was proposed.

From their initial enquiry to design and then installation, they couldn’t fault Simpsons and would highly recommend them. They love their new kitchen which has become the heart of their incredible home.

Greenfield Mill, Greenfield Road, Colne, Lancashire, BB8 9PF T: 01282 863988 info@simpsonsfurniture.co.uk Open: Mon to Thurs 9am to 5pm Fri 9am to 4pm Sat 12.30pm to 4pm

www.simpsonsfurniture.co.uk

LEATHER CONTACTLESS PAYMENT BRACELET IN BLACK SNAKESKIN £120 A fashionable secret weapon for fast, secure, touch-free payment, wherever you see the contactless symbol. tovisorga.com

LEATHER CONTACTLESS PAYMENT KEY FOB RUNWAY £55 Fast, convenient, touch-free payment discreetly hidden in a luxury leather key fob. tovisorga.com

GADGETS & GIZMOS FOUR-IN-ONE CHARGING KEY CHAIN £17 This charging and data cable will provide you with all the connections you need for charging your devices. bobbildn.com

B&O BEOSOUND LEVEL FROM £1099 This portable wi-fi speaker is superior in sound, minimalist in design with up to 16 hours of battery life, reinventing flexible home audio. bernarddickinson.co.uk BD Beosound Level 0048

From the latest e-bikes to robotic mowers, these hi-tech gadgets certainly make life easier AMBROGIO L250I £2,999 This robotic mower maintains lawns up to 5,000m2.

Order through AutoMowIt 0800 1522123

HAIBIKE HARDSEVEN - DAY HIRE £50. ribblevalley-e-bikes.co.uk LAPIERRE OVERVOLT 7.5 HARDTAIL E-MOUNTAIN BIKE £2,599 ribblevalley-e-bikes.co.uk

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

LAPIERRE OVERVOLT AM 5.5 FULL SUSPENSION E-MOUNTAIN BIKE £3,499 Ribble Valley E-Bikes Dunsop Bridge Clitheroe BB7 3BB 01200 426246 ribblevalley-e-bikes.co.uk B&O BEOLAB 28 HI-RES WIRELESS STEREO SPEAKERS £10,750 A slim, powerful pair of stereo loudspeakers. Designed to be placed anywhere, built to stream anything. BD Beolab 28 0055 Bernard Dickinson 13 Beech Drive Fulwood Preston PR2 3NB 01772 862266 bernarddickinson.co.uk

B&O BEOSOUND EMERGE FROM £539 A slim wi-fi speaker that fits anywhere and reaches you everywhere in the room with full range, ultra-wide sound. BD Beosound Emerge 0074 bernarddickinson.co.uk

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Our Burnley located, Covid secure showroom is now open to all. All visitors must adhere to social distancing measures and are encouraged to use the hand sanitisers situated at the entrance and around the showroom.

Clearly Interiors supply, design and install luxury, affordable kitchens, bedrooms and bathrooms.

Featuring over 25 Kitchen Displays, 60 Bathrooms and 12 Bedrooms, Clearly Interiors play pl host to the largest displaying showroom in the UK for Bauformat Kitchens, Kindred Bedrooms and Crosswater Bathrooms, along with many more top brands. rands. b 01282 448800 info@clearlyinteriors.com www.clearlyinteriors.com

Unit 3, Holme Road, Burnley, Lancashire, BB12 0BJ (Junction 11, M65) @clearlyinteriors @clearlyinteriors

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Wood, tiles and on-trend vinyl – today’s flooring is easy to clean, hard wearing and ultimately practical

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FLOORING TRENDS

he latest 2021 flooring trends have revealed that wood flooring continues to be one of the most popular flooring choices for homeowners in the UK. With an endless choice of patterns and shades, wood is not only practical, it adds timeless elegance to a room, and the ease in maintaining it when compared to other flooring options makes it a great choice.

With an increasing number of the UK population owning a pet the need to petproof our homes has never been greater so with this in mind it would seem that hard flooring is becoming incredibly popular.

But with so many different products on the market, what should owners look for when choosing something that is going to be durable, stylish and cost effective?

If ceramic tiles sound like the perfect option for your home, ensure you pick a tile that offers a degree of grip. Highly polished tiles may look nice, but a nonslip finish will help prevent unnecessary accidents. The 2021 trend for tiles is bold geometrics with a distressed finish, giving them a continental vibe. Tiles are great for ‘high traffic’ areas such as hallways and kitchens, they are also waterproof and super-easy to clean so muddy footprints, spillages and scuffs are all easy to deal with.

Another option is luxury vinyl tiles which have made a roaring comeback – also in geometric patterns.

Luxury vinyl tiles and floor coverings are also a firm favourite when it comes to easy-to-clean options. Vinyl comes in a variety of effects and there are varying installation techniques, meaning that there is a style to suit every taste and home decor.

Sheet vinyl flooring is an easy DIY flooring choice. Produced in a variety of effects, it is soft, cushioned and warm underfoot and allows you to create an amazing floor at a fraction of the price.

With practicality in mind, it would seem that 2021 is the year where hard flooring comes into its own – but if you want to soften the effect you can always add a rug to add warmth and character. n

Importers and stockists of exceptional tiles and stone

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SILVER SERVICE! Burning Desire Fireplace Centre of Ramsbottom have notched up 25 years in business!

hile 26th April 1996 saw Mark Morrison’s Return of the Mack at number one in the charts and Bill Clinton and John Major in charge, the day also marked the establishment of Burning Desire and, as owner Ben Armstrong explains, they have gone from strength to strength: “It is honestly an anniversary that we are really proud of.

“The fireplace industry has changed a lot in the last 25 years with new and innovatory technology, but we also have aligned ourselves with timeless brands who exude traditional craftsmanship.

“Burning Desire has always been about the best quality and good value for money, driven by our commitment to the highest levels of customer service. We have built a reputation for looking after our customers and this comes from our family-orientated approach. The next generation will definitely continue to grow the business while maintaining our ethos and standards.

Here’s to the next 25 years!” n

Pictured are Lorraine, Ben, Craig and Brad – the Armstrongs celebrating 25 years in business burningdesireuk.com

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 Victorian Period Circa 1870Oval Marquetry and Burr Walnut Antique Coffee Table £3950.00 46” wide x 35” deep x 21” high £975.00

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

A Fine Pair of Chippendale Style 116” long fully extended x 29” high x 56” wide Mahogany Fretwork (each leaf insert 19”) MinimumMirrors length 59” 16” wide x 32” high x 1” deep £4750.00 £850.00

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

Victorian PeriodCirca Burr 1860-1870 Walnut Games Table C1870 £3500.00 30” wide x 18” deep x 29” high £1650.00

Follow Us On Twitter @cdaviesantiques @cdaviesantiques christian_davies_antiques

Call: 01706 281 700 Email: info@burningdesireuk.com Web: www.burningdesireuk.com

The latest in interior design functionality, the media wall brings together electric fireplace, TV, lighting, shelving, tiling etc to create a modern centrepiece for your living room / office / dining room / man or woman cave - wherever that will benefit from this aesthetic, space saving furniture device.

We can create bespoke walls to suit your requirements, including Venetian Plastering and Microcement finishes - come in and chat about your specific needs.

Burning Desire are approved stockists of the leading international brands of electronic fires such as Gazco, Evonic, Polaris, Infinity, DRU, etc.

!

EW N

MEDIA WALLS

TV’s can be placed above an electric fire with no issues. The heat they produce and the direction it is blown in will not adversely affect a TV- or any other popular electronics for that matter!

Remember - we have over 85 fires available for live demonstration....well worth a vist!

Coming soon for Summer 2021: Designer Firepits...BBQs...Outdoor Stoves...

Visit Burning Desire Fireplace Centre: Unit 9, Cuba Industrial Estate, Bolton Road North, Stubbins, near Ramsbottom, Lancashire BL0 0NE

FREE PARKING ~ FREE SURVEYS ~ OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK

BD_Media_Walls.indd 1

Friendly and experienced advice on all aspects of: Fireplaces ~ Gas & Electric fires ~ Stoves ~ Installation 06/05/2021 16:35

MAJOR PROJECT The kitchen was at the heart of a major renovation project for a Ribble Valley couple who began their ambitious restoration at the start of 2020. Photography: Kirsten Platt

A

professional couple who embarked on a whole house renovation last year are delighted with their beautifully restored stonebuilt farmhouse.

When Tom and Sarah, who live in the heart of the Ribble Valley, began their ambitious project they had a good idea of what they wanted to achieve, as Sarah explains: “It was a major renovation, basically from the front to the back of the house which involved taking out a bay window and extending and building a third bedroom and bathroom above the kitchen which previously had a mezzanine.”

The kitchen was key to the renovation

and Sarah, who spotted a featured Heart of your Home Kitchen in Live Ribble Valley magazine, was impressed with the beautiful Shaker style units from the prestigious 1909 collection.

THE KITCHEN HAS MADE A MASSIVE DIFFERENCE TO THE WHOLE HOUSE. IT IS THE ROOM WE USE THE MOST “The photograph in the magazine inspired me to make contact with Katie Green at Heart of your Home Kitchens,” recalls Sarah, who went on to select cabinetry from the

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1909 collection in Dove Grey and Charcoal.

When Sarah got in touch with Heart of your Home Kitchens, she was delighted when Katie visited the house and came up with a raft of layout ideas that the couple hadn’t previously considered.

“Katie came to the house and really helped with the layout as it is quite a quirky building – with the kitchen having a mezzanine it was a full height ceiling, so it was really difficult to visualise what our new kitchen would look like. Katie was excellent in terms of giving us advice on all the options available.”

During the design process, Sarah and Katie twice visited the 1909 design centre in Darlington to see the full collection and finalise details. As Katie recalls: “It was really helpful to visit the design centre as Sarah spotted some bespoke book shelving to go on each end of the island unit and some beautiful cabinetry that has created a lovely, illuminated display feature in the kitchen.”

KATIE CAME TO THE HOUSE AND REALLY HELPED WITH THE LAYOUT AS IT IS QUITE A QUIRKY BUILDING When building work began, the old maple kitchen was taken out: “I visited the site on a number of occasions to carry out a survey with my fitters,” says Katie.

“Because a new ceiling was being installed where the mezzanine used to be, the height of the cabinetry was critical – we worked around it and all the cabinets had to be bespoke.”

As part of the design process Sarah had also chosen a Neff venting hob which is ducted through the floor: “It is cleverly hidden and eliminates the need for an extractor over the island unit,” adds Katie.

Sarah also chose a Neff oven and microwave, warming drawer, fridge freezer and a chrome Quooker boiling water tap.

Also on her wish list was a bespoke pantry featuring automatic lighting which instantly illuminates the beautiful oak interior featuring a white quartz worktop to match those in the rest of the kitchen.

As work on the kitchen had begun just before lockdown the project had to be delayed but as soon as it was possible work restarted in earnest, as Sarah explains: “Katie still kept in touch with constant updates even when the work came to a halt, she was very efficient.

“When the kitchen was installed it was a

blessing! Katie is excellent at communicating.

She was all over it, really prompt. She is also very patient – she came out regularly to check the measurements.”

Delighted with the final result, Sarah and Tom now have a beautiful kitchen with underfloor heating and a glass extension with bi-fold doors which allows light to flood into the room. The central island is a focal

point with its comfortable seating and pendant lighting: “It really works,” says Sarah, who is a keen cook. “The kitchen has made a massive difference to the whole house. It is the room we use the most.

We’re thrilled with it.”

Katie adds: “For me, this was a great project to work on. It was lovely to meet Sarah and to build a relationship with her during the design process. The installation was unavoidably ‘stop and start’ but it all eventually came to fruition and the kitchen now looks really beautiful.” 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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Choose a statement chair to become the focal point of your living space BEATRIX CHAISE LONGUE £599 Loom Loft Barrow Brook Business Village Holly Road Clitheroe BB7 9FL 01200 404404 loomloft.co.uk

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INCORPORATING BOTANICALS INTO YOUR HOME After a long, hard winter, new signs of life signify fresh beginnings – something all of us have a yearning for

A PICTURE OF BEAUTY

One of the simplest ways to incorporate botanicals into your home interiors is by hanging, or leaning, framed pictures of lush greenery on your wall. There are countless botanical inspired prints on the market and sites such as Etsy are a great place to find unique pieces. How about a copper faux-fern frame to add a stylish and contemporary vibe to your wall? You could even create your own nature-inspired art by framing leaves yourself.

SAY IT WITH SHELVING

Shelving is the obvious place for a proliferation of plant life! And if you’re short on surface space, vertical shelving offers the ideal platform for a contemporary and eye-catching display.

WILD WALLPAPER

A

s Mother Nature works her magic outside in our woodlands and gardens, we’re able to connect more easily with the outdoor world and reflect its wonders inside our homes. Here, we share a few ideas on how to inject the freshness and vitality of the outdoors into your living space.

Beautiful botanical themed décor is hugely popular at the moment and it’s a look that can be very easily achieved. Here’s how:

with spring in charge, this trend is likely to remain.You can go as big or as bold as you wish with patterns or opt for natural fabrics in a calming green palette. If you fancy adding another colour into the mix, ink teams up particularly well with green and is all over Instagram at the moment.

BRIGHTER BOTANICALS

If you’ve dared to go dark with your décor, you may wish to lift the vibe in accordance with the season. An ideal way to give sparkle to a dark interior is by accessorising it with greenery, creating a striking colour contrast. Metals looks wonderful with darker interiors, and copper especially complements the greens of botanicals.

Succulents require little maintenance and when placed in copper planters (etsy.com/uk/shop/CopperandBlonde) will instantly brighten up a space.

FRESHEN UP WITH FABRICS Botanical fabrics have been at the height of fashion for quite some time now and

Whether you’re a fan of bold prints or more subtle, delicate patterns, there are some divine botanical inspired wallpapers available this spring. Whilst full-on prints on all four walls can make a room feel oppressive, a statement wall or single mural might achieve the impact you have in mind. Wall murals are a simple and immediate way of elevating an interior and providing an interesting focal point. British designer, John Wilman (johnwilmaninteriors.co.uk) has recently launched an inspiring range of wall murals including Botanic and Ivy both of which will inject uplifting springtime vibes into your home.

If you’re updating your décor and bringing the season indoors, Hartleys’ bespoke wood-grain furniture will provide the perfect backdrop for your botanicals. n If you are planning a new bedroom, lounge or home-study, get in touch with the design team to discuss your fitted furniture requirements at: hartleysbedrooms.co.uk or call in to our Skipton showroom

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BOOTILITY ROOMS Capture the latest style trends with a ‘bootility room’ with British-made cabinetry, painted in your colour of choice and a custom-made dog shower

A

recently completed project completed by an award-winning British designer has introduced one of the latest design concepts – the ‘bootility room’.

Capturing the latest style trends for the modern home and lifestyle, this utility/boot room cross comes complete with a mid-level dog shower, custom storage and laundry area and has been designed and installed using solid ash kitchen furniture in popular Forest Green hand-painted finish.

The past year has required us all to ‘ stay local’ and this has placed greater emphasis on both our homes and lifestyle.

In fact, many of us have taken to the great outdoors, enjoying a brisk ramble, dog walk or leisurely stroll each day and so the back door has changed its role in the home.

The ‘bootility room’, which combines the best attributes of a utility room and boot room, is able to support modern lifestyles and given that pet ownership is higher than ever before, taking a more

considered approach with dedicated storage space, an integrated pet station in durable materials, is essential.

Simon Bodsworth of award-winning Daval Furniture says: “This change in lifestyle has given customers the impetus to really think about space planning in order to boost home-efficiency. I believe that bridging the gap between indoor and outdoor living will only grow in popularity

as we move into summer and fresh design concepts like the ‘bootility room’ are helping to retain the social aspects of open living by minimising noise from laundry appliances and preventing dirt and debris coming into the main areas of the home.”

The owners of this recently installed ‘bootility room’ wanted to have a dedicated space to wash their active wear and muddy boots, as well as provide a raised dog shower to make light work of shampooing.

With this in mind, Daval decided to tile the entire wash area to protect against splashing water and contemporary matt black shower controls are situated outside of the wet zone for added safety and optimum user control.

Each Pembroke cabinet is sustainably sourced and takes a contemporary approach to the classic Shaker-style furniture, designed with flush joints to ensure it remains sleek and refined. Able to be custom-made to fully optimise its storage potential, this arrangement includes a floor-to-ceiling storage unit and run of base units, including one open cubby with fitted shelves, top drawer and oak interior. The room also features a white ceramic butler sink, flag floor and washing machine and dryer. n daval-furniture.co.uk

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Barcelona Orange

English Yellow

Florence

OUTDOOR LIVING

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Give your garden a splash of colour with Chalk Paint™ from Annie Sloan

pcycling garden furniture is the ideal activity for the weekend – one you can reap the rewards from all summer.

“Getting the garden prepped for better weather is a satisfying project to help build excitement for the coming months,” explains Chalk Paint™ founder Annie Sloan. “With holidays looking uncertain, it’s a great idea to invest money saved on flights into making your own garden a beautiful retreat fit for an Instagram, ‘Wish you were here!’ post.”

Bright hues are best for bringing year-round joy.

“Yellow is the sunniest, happiest,

Pantone-approved choice for outdoor spaces in 2021. It’ll bring sunshine on the rainiest of days, whether your flowerbeds are in full bloom or if you’re working with patios and concrete,” says Annie.

For outdoor projects, Chalk Paint™ Lacquer, a hard-wearing, water-based polyacrylic varnish with built-in UV protection, provides a robust finish to withstand general wear and tear.

By leading the decorative painting revolution over the last three decades, Annie is widely recognised as one of the world’s most respected experts in paint and colour. As well as authoring 26 internationally sold books, Annie Sloan transformed

the world of furniture paint with the creation of her own brand of decorative paint, Chalk Paint®, in 1990.

Annie’s fine-art background and contagious enthusiasm for decorative painting has motivated both home painters and experienced professionals, unlocking countless creative potentials over the last 30 years.

Annie Sloan is all about sharing her passion for decorative painting, and inspiring people to be creative and adventurous with her paints and colours.

Her products are exclusively available through her network of over 1,700 independent stockists located in 55 countries around the world. n

Table, chairs and pendants in Chalk Paint™ in English Yellow from £5.95, with Chalk Paint™ Lacquer £21.95 Cushions dyed with Chalk Paint™ in Barcelona Orange, napkins dyed with Chalk Paint™ in Florence anniesloan.com

YOUR ONE STOP-SHOP FOR ANNIE SLOAN PAINTS, WAXES, BRUSHES AND BOOKS Also offering a complete home interior design service and a wide range of fabrics and wallpapers.

Mon-Tues: Closed (appointment only) Wed-Fri: 9.30-5.30pm Sat: 10am-1pm 5a Accrington Road Whalley Lancashire BB7 9TD 01254 825275 www.theofanointeriors.com @TheofanoWhalley Theofano Interior Design

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A VERY GOOD YEAR… Established just 12 months ago, award-winning Whalley Home Improvements has forged an enviable reputation for their impeccable installations and building work installer for Rockdoor.

Fully CORGI Fenestration accredited for window and door installation, Whalley Home Improvements also works with the new generation of Timberlook sash windows and the Signature Collection, which comes

with a 10-year warranty, offering full insurance on all the components and parts that often don’t come with a guarantee.

Working with a number of exclusive suppliers means the company can offer doors and windows in UPVC, timber and aluminium in a wide range of beautiful heritage colours and styles.

WE ARE FINDING THAT MANY PEOPLE ARE LOOKING TO REPLACE OLD POLYCARBONATE ROOFS ON THEIR CONSERVATORY FOR A SOLID ROOF

Photography: Kirsten Platt

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inalists in the Ribble Valley Business Awards and winning the Elite Best Double Glazing Specialist Award Lancashire, Whalley Home Improvements are celebrating their first birthday.

“It’s been an incredible year!” says Emma Hodgkinson, who co-founded the business last year with partner Graham Fielden, of long-established joiners Frank Fielden and Son. “We have been consistently busy, which is fantastic and it was a bonus to be nominated for the awards, especially in our first year in business. We have a great team and customer service is at the heart of everything we do,” adds Emma, who has many years’ experience in the industry, having worked for world-leading manufacturer Ultraframe in Clitheroe.

Working alongside leading manufacturers of doors, windows and roof systems, Whalley Home Improvements offers the best in window and door fitting, and building construction with a full project management service.

With a skilled team of experienced builders, fitters, craftsmen and professionals, Whalley Home Improvements work with a number of highly respected products including Ultraframe’s globally renowned roof system as well as being a trusted

The team works on projects such as orangery construction, extensions, replacing conservatory roofs, and fitting windows and doors of all different styles and materials.

They have also worked on listed buildings, which required bespoke wooden windows and doors, as well as building modern home extensions – the team will oversee any project from conception to completion!

homesinsideout “We have a really experienced, skilled team here at Whalley Home Improvements and they are extremely familiar with products manufactured by the likes of Ultraframe and Rockdoor,” explains Emma.

Over the past year, Whalley Home Improvements has worked on a variety of different projects throughout the region including fitting bi-fold doors to open up a beautiful kitchen, fitting a new roof and double doors to a conservatory and constructing numerous single storey extensions to create stunning living spaces.

They also replaced a polycarbonate roof on a conservatory that was too cold to use in winter and too warm in summer.

Replacing it with a tiled roof and two glass panels to make it light and airy, the owners were delighted with their new-look conservatory that can now be used all year round.

Emma adds: “This dilemma is fairly typical. Many homeowners find that the temperature varies too much with the old-style polycarbonate roof – the latest Ultraframe roof system provides a perfect solution to this.”

From initial contact to final fitting, the experienced, knowledgeable team makes sure all projects are finished to the highest of standards and that customers are fully satisfied.

Co-ordinating each project is Bev Lea, who ensures all the work is carried out to plan. When a project first begins, she will commission one of the company’s technical surveyors, either Brian Clews or Mike

IT’S BEEN AN INCREDIBLE YEAR! WE HAVE BEEN CONSISTENTLY BUSY, WHICH IS FANTASTIC Casement windows Flush sash windows Bi-fold windows and doors Tilt and turn Sliding sash windows Rockdoors French doors Stable doors Conservatory roofs using the world renowned Ultraframe system Single story extensions Full build conservatories and orangeries

Taylor, who have many years’ experience in the trade – they will measure up the project.

The order will be placed by Ross Kilmister and delivery dates confirmed, then Bev will organise a fit date, selecting individual tradesmen to work on the scheme.

“It is essential that we meticulously plan every project so that everything runs smoothly for our customers,” says Emma.

“Partnering with leading suppliers and having a highly skilled team is a winning combination in terms of quality and customer service.” n

Whalley H O M E I M P R O V E M E N T S LT D

Whalley Home Improvements Ltd Unit 22, Mitton Road Business Park Mitton Road, Whalley BB7 9YE 01254 824179 / 07809 711662 emma@whalleyhomeimprovements.co.uk www.whalleyhomeimprovements.co.uk

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Kitchen in Photo* Trending Chelford Na CLITHEROE 01200 458 112

FREE

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Measure & Design Service available OUR SHOWROOM IS OPEN TO THE PUBLIC

Corner of Peel Street & Highfield Road, Clitheroe BB7 1AQ Email: clitheroe@howdens.com

and making them work. It focused very much on finding the right fabrics.”

From Next Chris spent some time working for a furniture company in the south of England before moving back to his roots in the north for Silentnight where he spent two years as sales manager and over a decade as sales director.

After a short spell as a freelance design consultant, Skipton-based Hartleys Bedrooms beckoned in 2018: “After a conversation with founder Richard Hartley it became apparent that our ideas were very much synchronised,” says Chris, who then set about learning how to operate CAD systems.

MEET THE DESIGNER Jan Woolley meets Chris Day, who explains how times are changing in terms of interior design and maximising the space you have

I

nteriors expert Chris Day, who has worked with Next founder and designer George Davies, currently designs beautiful living spaces in prestigious homes across the north of England.

Originally from Bradford, Chris attended Bingley and Beckfoot Grammar School before studying at City and Guilds level and went on to train in sales at a well known department store: “I started in textiles – Mary Quant had just launched, it was the early 70s so it was quite an

exciting time in terms of design,” says Chris who later spent a decade working for Grattan, which went on to merge with clothing and interiors giant Next, which had then just launched out of the Kings Road in London.

“I was asked to do a presentation for George Davies and he asked me to join Next to run the buying side of the interiors business and that really was my first introduction to design,” recalls Chris.

“I was good at putting things together

“I’ve always said I’m a frustrated architect – my father was a draughtsman and I was always amazed at the attention to detail and neatness. So, when I started the CAD system, I took to it pretty quickly.

“The nice thing is that I get invited into people’s homes and each room is unique.

At Hartleys it’s all about clever design and intelligent use of space.

“The late Sir David Jones of Next wrote in his book, ‘There is a solution to everything, you just have to find it.’ At Hartleys that’s my job. I have to interpret what the customer wants and offer different solutions if they are there. If you have covered every opportunity, then there are no ‘what ifs’ once the job is done. We do it once and we do it right.”

homesinsideout When planning a new bedroom, Chris always starts at the obvious focal point – the bed, looking to see if moving its position will present any new solutions that may not have previously been obvious.

“Just because someone’s bed has been in the same position for 20 years doesn’t mean they won’t consider moving it to open up new opportunities in terms of design and storage solutions. I find that most customers are very open minded to suggestions when it come to making the most of the room they have. They don’t want to make any mistakes,” says Chris, who explains that the current trend for more neutral colours, makes sense.

“The more neutral the background, the more you can change other things – my experience in textiles has taught me that.

Actions have consequences so if you choose a strong colour you have to work with it by using other lighter shades in response.

“Grey is obviously the colour of the moment and I think that will continue for some time with different shades.”

As far as storage is concerned, Hartleys have very much reacted to the demand for integral, fitted furniture that can make the maximum use of the space available: “That is critical especially in new-build houses.

Also, over the past year homeowners have spent time thinking about how they can maximise each room. When our showroom had to close during lockdown, we saw more committed potential customers, who invited us to their home having already thought about what they wanted.”

During the last few months, Hartleys has seen demand for multi-use rooms rise with fold-down beds where space is at a premium so a room doubles up as an occasional guest room, home office or craft room. With clever design, a home office can discreetly accommodate laptops, computer towers, monitors, keyboards, printers and box file storage.

Media units are also on the rise in living

rooms, where a TV is the focal point for design with dimensions, location and how the unit interlinks with other furnishings all important considerations.

Recent projects completed by Chris for Hartleys have included fitting three large bedrooms with tall ceilings at a prestigious property owned by a South African couple: “It was a beautiful house but there were some quirky spaces that were a challenge.

However, we managed to maximise all the available space as we make everything in-house so all units are perfectly bespoke

and fitted by our skilled team.”

In a property located in Clitheroe, which had a number of sloping ceilings, Chris was able to make use of all the available space, creating a room that was as practical as it was beautiful: “The finish of the cupboards was white gloss and it looked stunning!” concludes Chris, whose designs can be seen at Hartleys newly extended showroom. n For more information on Chris’s designs and Hartleys Furniture go to: hartleysbedrooms.co.uk

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Collins White Unit 1 Hawthorn Business Park Lincoln Way Clitheroe BB7 1QD 01200 538973 www.collinswhite.co.uk Open: Monday - Friday 08:00 - 17:00 Saturday 08:30 - 14:00

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Affordable Mobility also has an in-house showroom dedicated to Sherborne chairs where customers can see and try different kinds of British-made quality ‘rise and recline’ chairs in a variety of styles – and once you’ve found the perfect fit that is comfortable and suits your needs, there is a huge choice of fabrics too, so you get a chair that is the ultimate in support and style.

MAKE LIFE EASIER Offering mobility-friendly aids and adaptations, Affordable Mobility in Clitheroe is a one stop shop to keep you on the move!

I

f you need a helping hand with anything mobility related, there is an extensive Ribble Valley showroom that can offer everything from specialist chairs and scooters to the renowned Stannah stairlifts.

Located on York Street in Clitheroe, Affordable Mobility have a two-storey showroom which is open six days a week with a team of dedicated and knowledgeable staff who have been supporting Clitheroe and Ribble Valley for 24 years.

Ian and Judith, who took over the business three months ago, explain: “I have worked in engineering business management and my wife is a nurse, so we are a good fit for the business. We are very proud to be able to offer anything that is mobility friendly that can make life easier for our customers.”

As a Stannah Stairlift Approved Dealer, Affordable Mobility works across the north of England with their own team of Stannahtrained engineers that install, service and repair all Stannah products. Stannah stairlifts are renowned for high quality and reliability

WE ARE VERY PROUD TO BE ABLE TO OFFER ANYTHING THAT IS MOBILITY FRIENDLY THAT CAN MAKE LIFE EASIER FOR OUR CUSTOMERS Along with stairlifts and specialist chairs, Affordable Mobility offers mobility-friendly home adaptations including bathrooms and wet room conversions. The company also supplies a huge range of mobility aids that all come with great service and competitive prices.

Call in to meet Ian and the team and see for yourself how Affordable Mobility can help make life so much easier! n

and Affordable Mobility aims to provide customers with a fast, efficient and friendly service from engineers who totally understand your needs.

Stannah stairlifts Sherborne chairs Mobility scooters Wheelchairs Mobility bathrooms and wet rooms Servicing and maintenance

Affordable Mobility 40 York Street, Clitheroe BB7 2DL 01200 444254 affordablemobility.co.uk stairlifts2u.co.uk OPEN SIX DAYS A WEEK Monday to Friday: 9am-5pm Saturday: 9am-3pm

DREAM SPACES Sarah Varley visits the Rossendale Interiors showroom, where you can find all the inspiration you need for the perfect kitchen, bedroom or home office. Photography: Robin Lyndon

T

he Rossendale Interiors showroom certainly has the wow-factor.

Set over three floors, there are 54 beautiful kitchens, bedrooms and home offices on display for you to see the high quality and vast choice for yourself.

With design, cabinetry manufacture, fitting and appliances all under one roof, Rossendale Interiors really does provide the very best service when it comes to first class kitchens, bedrooms and home offices.

Part of the 200-year-old J & J Ormerod joinery company, Rossendale Interiors are able to offer kitchens, bedrooms and home offices all manufactured to the highest standards right here in the North West, as showroom manager Mike Skelcher explains: “We are extremely proud that all our kitchens, bedrooms and home offices are British-made in Bacup. It means we are able to provide our customers with a fantastic level of quality towards the top

end of the market but at affordable prices.

“They are so much better quality than the products being mass-manufactured abroad, the turnaround time is much quicker and we are also keeping your carbon footprint right down,” says Mike.

YOU CAN VIEW THE ENTIRE RANGE IN OUR VAST SHOWROOM, SELECT EXACTLY WHAT YOU WANT AND GET YOUR DREAM KITCHEN OR BEDROOM DESIGNED

BY OUR AWARD-WINNING DESIGNERS “You can view the entire range in our vast showroom, select exactly what you want and get your dream kitchen or bedroom designed by our award-winning designers – why would you go anywhere else?”

homesinsideout

A family business run by three siblings of the Greenhalgh family after being passed down from their father, this year the JJO company sold 67 per cent of their shares to a newly-established Employee Ownership Trust (EOT). Being majority-owned by its employees means that everyone in the company has a vested interest and unswerving pride in delivering the very highest quality of products and service to customers every time. Highly respected within the industry, the company also works to very high ethical and environmental standards, for example, operating sustainably with zero-waste by recycling all wood waste to heat their factories and warehouses.

The easy and enjoyable customer journey at Rossendale Interiors begins with a look around the showroom to see the ranges available and identify the looks and features you love. A designer will then provide a

free of charge, no obligation measure of the space available and create a CAD design so you can visualise everything in place.

Any changes can then be made, such as colour or moving an appliance, to find your perfect combination.

OUR CUSTOMERS LOVE HAVING OUR FANTASTIC DESIGNERS TO HELP CREATE THEIR PERFECT SPACE “Our customers love having our fantastic designers to help create their perfect space,” says Mike. “We can explore different options and suggest solutions to find that perfect configuration that works for you.

“You have the amazing products to choose from, all set out in the showroom for inspiration and then the designers bring your choices to life. The designers have that

creative eye so they can make suggestions, little touches such as swapping the sink and drainer around to make the most of your view out of the kitchen window or exploring whether pipes could be moved so appliances could be better placed than your current layout. We provide dream spaces you will absolutely love.”

K I TC H Eover N S l B Eto DRO O M SStacksteads l H O ME O FFIC Eshowroom Head the today and see the quality and choice for yourself. n www.rossendaleinteriors.com Tel: 01706 252122 Email: rireception@j joplc.com

KITCHENS

Rossendale interiors BEDROOMS

HOME OFFICE

Rossendale Interiors 352-358 Newchurch Road Stacksteads OL13 0LD 01706 252122 rossendaleinteriors.com

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SPRING INTO SUMMER May is a great gardening month and probably the last month you can plan for your summer colour in the garden

F

or those with limited space, bedding plants will give maximum effect and can really make a statement when planning summer colour.

If you are taking a long-term view, then a garden full of reliable flowering shrubs is also an option.

Whatever garden you have, watering and weeding are the key watchwords for May. It’s essential to water newly planted fruit trees, roses and shrubs regularly to help their root systems get established. It’s also the time of year when many plants’ demand for water increases as they start their major growth period. Top watering tips include – every time you plant something water it

in well, make a moat of soil round newly planted plants so that water doesn’t run off and goes to the roots, water pots and containers so that water appears right to the top of the pot and get a water butt.

If you have a drainpipe you have a natural water supply so a simple garden solution for May is to ensure that you have adequate water storage. If you buy and fit a water butt it will provide you with water for the garden in an environmentally friendly way and on a regular basis.

gardening spirit is the pretty Petunia – perfect for containers and hanging baskets and a great choice for instant colour. It can flower all summer long, providing you deadhead regularly, and comes in a variety of colours to suit any garden palette.

Petunias are also available in different blooms including single, double, ruffled or smooth petals. They can be striped, veined or solid in colour and most sold today are hybrids developed for specific design purposes such as fragrance. They need full sun and can’t tolerate frost, but can grow in a wide range of soils and thrive in multipurpose compost when planted in containers. n THIS MONTH:

Annual weeds will be popping up now, so weeding borders once a week to prevent weed seedlings establishing is a good idea.

The problem with the most common weeds such as nettles, dandelions and bindweed is that they are very tough. They can continue to grow in conditions that make most garden plants simply fade away – and they do that, in part, by using the moisture, nutrients and light of the plants around them.

A great plant to get you into the summer

Keeping on top of garden maintenance is crucial in May. The garden is coming alive so there is plenty to keep you busy.

Here are some jobs you should be thinking about this month from the Royal Horticultural Society: • Plant out seedlings and young plants • Watering and weeding • Start spraying roses to stop black spot and mildew • Fast growing hedges will need a trim • Plant hanging baskets and containers • Plant salad leaves seeds • Tie up climbers • Feed spring bulbs for next year • Plant out tomatoes • Mow the lawn

The easier way to a perfect lawn.

Automowit offer advice, sales, installation and maintenance of Automatic Robot Mowers for both domestic and commercial customers across the North West. We are authorised distributors for Ambrogio, who are pioneers in the field with over 20 years experience in the design and manufacture of Robot Mowers.

Arrange your free lawn assessment over FaceTime or in person to discuss suitability and features of the various models and receive a no obligation quote.

SPECIAL OFFER

OFFER CODE RV 21

Great Products, Great Prices.

Until the end of June 2021 we are offering a special installation offer of a fixed price of £300 including all wiring and fittings! Quote code RV21 to receive the offer. Automowit will also price match any Ambrogio Robot Mower quote.

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

!

Just £300 for in stallation throughout June including all wiring and fit tings!

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

GET SET FOR SUMMER Looking forward to an outdoor gathering of friends and family?

Get your garden guest-ready with top class equipment from Mowerpower, which is renowned for friendly service and honest advice. Photography: Roger Moore

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ith restrictions lifted on outdoor gatherings and summer just around the corner, it’s an exciting time for everyone who has spent the last year yearning for the time when we can bring all our family and friends together.

Your garden will be a vital part of your living space over the next few months, especially with holidays being limited, so now’s the time to get it in tip-top condition so that you can relax and enjoy any celebrations you may be planning over the summer months.

With over 70 years’ experience, Mowerpower can really help you achieve this with their wide range of first-class

garden machinery and accessories. A fourthgeneration business, Mowerpower will provide all the equipment you need to get your garden looking perfect!

Owned and run by the Webster family, Mowerpower also has a number-one reputation for customer service and good honest advice.

NOW’S THE TIME TO GET YOUR GARDEN IN TIP-TOP CONDITION SO THAT YOU CAN RELAX AND ENJOY ANY CELEBRATIONS YOU MAY BE PLANNING Originally established in St Anne’s by Bill Webster and his father back in 1948, the business is now run by Bill’s grandson, David, alongside his parents Richard and Lynn.

“We pride ourselves on our knowledgeable customer service and many of our customers come to us on recommendation,” explains David.

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“We are anticipating a very busy summer – over the past few months people have been considering how they can improve their outdoor space, and with restrictions being lifted on the number of people gathering outside, gardens are more important than ever to homeowners.”

With a showroom at Brock near Garstang, Mowerpower has an impressive range of stock that customers are encouraged to examine in order to get a feel for which machine is best for them and the outcome they want to achieve in their garden.

WE ARE ANTICIPATING A VERY BUSY SUMMER – OVER THE PAST YEAR PEOPLE HAVE BEEN CONSIDERING HOW THEY CAN IMPROVE THEIR OUTDOOR SPACE The showroom is packed with every kind of quality garden machine – there are huge gleaming ride-on mowers from Countax,Stihl, Mountfield and other leading manufacturers as well as powered push mowers in electric, cordless and petrol options. The recentlyintroduced Harrier 41 and 48 are both now available as eco-friendly battery powered models too. There are even robotic mowers that can be simply programmed – key in which area of lawn needs mowing, the day and time and let technology do the rest!

With approved retailer status with all the top manufacturers of garden equipment including Hayter, ATCO, Toro, Stiga, Westwood and Ariens, Mowerpower also stocks a huge range of hand-held machinery including hedge cutters, strimmers, chainsaws, leaf blowers and pressure washers from leading manufacturers including Stihl and Echo – just about everything to get your

garden in pristine condition ready for your guests!

Expert David and his team are always on hand to advise on which machine will do the job – they get to know their customers and their gardens, the size of lawn, if customers want a standard cut or stripes, what sort of trees and shrubbery features in their gardens and what machinery is needed to keep it looking neat and tidy – at Mowerpower the customer is at the core of the business.

Alongside unrivalled product knowledge, customer service at Mowerpower extends far beyond a sale as the team also has an impeccable reputation for its repairs and servicing provision that ensures all machinery is kept running smoothly for many years.

With a team of five full-time mechanics across both workshops, who use state-of-the-

art diagnostic equipment, any problems can usually be resolved and repaired within days.

Whatever you require, you’re guaranteed to get good advice at Mowerpower, along with sound product knowledge and excellent after-sales service: “It’s all about helping our customers make the right choice so they can create and maintain a garden that will look fantastic throughout the year.” n

Mowerpower Garstang Road, Brock, Preston PR3 0RB 01995 643999 01253 722065 mowerpower.co.uk

HOME CINEMA Home cinemas provide the ultimate experience in home entertainment.

We have converted loft spaces, garden rooms, cellars and redundant dining rooms to create amazing spaces to enjoy free time and family time like never before.

We listen to your requirements and work with our team of experts to provide seamless installation of the perfect audio-visual system, lighting and luxury design for you.

Technology and our clients’ desires have perpetually moved us forward, creating and recreating spaces within homes to be proud of.

Bernard Dickinson, 13 Beech Drive, Fulwood, Preston, Lancashire, PR2 3NB 01772 862 266 bernarddickinson.co.uk andrew@bernarddickinson.co.uk

KEEP YOUR COOL

Roy Robson khaki polo shirt £89 and Roy Robson hi flex chinos £109 Hope Menswear 42 King Street Clitheroe BB7 2EU 01706 643369 hopestores.co.uk

Dea Kudibal stretch silk twill trousers and Dea Kudibal shirt with bow and puff sleeves, cuff and ruffle details £POA Hope Ladieswear First Floor 42 King Street Clitheroe BB7 2EU 01200 426293 hopestores.co.uk

Marc Cain black and white Love dress £239 michelle b 2/3 King Edward Terrace Gisburn Road Barrowford BB9 8NJ 01282 605060 michellebshop.co.uk

Joules Clarkwell blue stripe polo £34.95 Joules Harbour Print cream green stripe floral: £29.95 Joules Hesford Chino in Seaweed £49.95 Varey’s Town and Country 2 Market Place Clitheroe BB7 2DB 01200 423267 kenvarey.co.uk

Marc Cain silk mix dress £369 Shaw’s 2b Lynton Road Hillside Southport PR8 3AN 01704 563612 shawsfashion.co.uk

SOUTHPORTS’ PREMIER LADIES FASHION RETAILER OUTHPORTS’ PREMIER LADIES SOUTHPORTS’ FASHION RETAILER PREMIER LADIES FASHION RETAILER

2b Lynton Road, Hillside, Southport Merseyside PR8 3AN 2b Lynton Road, Hillside, Southport Merseyside 2b Lynton PR8 3AN Road, Hillside, Southport Merseyside PR8 3AN t: 01704 563612 w: shawsfashion.co.uk e: sales@shawsfashion.co.uk t: 01704 563612 w: shawsfashion.co.uk e:t:sales@shawsfashion.co.uk 01704 563612 w: shawsfashion.co.uk e: sales@shawsfashion.co.uk

MONTBLANC CUFFLINKS £250 leonarddews.co.uk

BARBOUR SPORTS POLO FLINT £44.95 kenvarey.co.uk

CREW THREE-PACK BAMBOO CASCADE SOCKS £18 crewclothing.co.uk ROY ROBSON LIGHTWEIGHT JACKET/OVERSHIRT £225 POLO SHIRT £79 HI FLEX CHINOS £109 Hope Menswear 42 King Street Clitheroe BB7 2EU 01706 643369 hopestores.co.uk

BARBOUR CITY NEUSTON SHORTS £59.95 kenvarey.co.uk

CASUAL LUXURY These men’s accessories will take you casually from spring into summer BARBOUR CONSETT INK BLUE £119 kenvarey.co.uk CREW AVIATOR SUNGLASSES NAVY ANGLE £45 crewclothing.co.uk CREW FLEXBURY POCKET STRIPE TEE £25 crewclothing.co.uk

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

MONTBLANC BELT £215 Leonard Dews 18 Church Street Blackpool FY1 1EW 01253 754940 leonarddews.co.uk

ROY ROBSON NUBUCK TRAINERS £145 COTTON POLO SHIRT £89 hopestores.co.uk

BARBOUR ROPE TEE GREY MARL £32.95 Varey’s Town and Country 2 Market Place Clitheroe BB7 2DB 01200 423267 kenvarey.co.uk

Charles Campbell Bespoke Tailoring was born from a desire to provide the unsurpassed fit, style and experience that only bespoke tailoring can bring.

Contemporary style meets the very best of tradition at Charles Campbell. Our tailoring respects the ageold values of gentlemen’s dressing while adding a gently subversive new detail. The Charles Campbell style has been carefully developed to produce polished yet comfortable suits every single time. We bring together the very best of both English and Italian tailoring.

The customer is at the heart of everything we do. A Charles Campbell bespoke suit can change the way you feel about yourself, because it is designed to flatter your unique shape and figure.

We harness our expert knowledge and tailoring to subtly accentuate your best features. The possibilities in designing your perfect suit are both endless and exciting.

We harness our expert knowledge and tailoring to subtly accentuate your best features.

Your bespoke suit is uniquely yours, and we guide you through the process so that the finished result is pleasing in every aspect of comfort and style, from the cloth and lining to the pockets and buttonholes.

Located in the heart of Lancashire’s stunning Ribble Valley, a visit to our premises finds you in a beautifully converted barn surrounded by views of the idyllic countryside. This is a great, relaxed environment to get inspiration from the cloths available and work we have done, with comfortable fitting rooms, ample parking and one-to-one consultations.

We are here to make your life easier so we are also happy to hold consultations and fittings at your home if you prefer, and we regularly travel to our clients in London and across the country.

t: 01254 367968 m: 07714 758 296 w: charlescampbellbespoke.co.uk e: info@charlescampbellbespoke.co.uk charlescampbellbespoke

MEN’S AVI-8 X RBL PARTNERSHIP £295 avi-8.co.uk

MEN'S RAYMOND WEIL MAESTRO 2227-STC-00808 £1,195 raymond-weil.com

MEN'S CHOPARD HAPPY SPORT £8100 Leonard Dews 18 Church Street Blackpool FY1 1EW 01253 754940 leonarddews.co.uk

WATC H WOR D

WOMEN'S CHOPARD MILLE MIGLIA £5850 leonarddews.co.uk

MEN’S BRISTON CLUBMASTER £265 wolfandbadger.com

These stylish watches for him and her will complement any outfit WOMEN’S TIMEX THE WATERBURY INDIGLO £130 timex.co.uk

MEN’S SPINNAKER FLEUSS £250 spinnaker-watches.co.uk

MENS RAYMOND WEIL MAESTRO 2237-STC-05658 £995 raymond-weil.com

WOMEN'S KATE SPADE NEW YORK HEART £239 very.co.uk MEN’S TIMEX GIORGIO GALLI S1 AUTOMATIC £425 timex.co.uk While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, all prices and stockists are subject to change.

WOMEN’S BRISTON CLUBMASTER £265 wolfandbadger.com

SPRING SUITORS CLITHEROE | 42 KING ST. | MEN 01200 423723 | WOMEN 01200 426293 WWW.HOPESTORES.COM | FREE PARKING AT THE REAR

@hopemenswear_clitheroe_

@hopeladieswear

STRIDE OUT Sarah Varley visits the new look Vareys Footwear Gallery in Clitheroe to view the latest collections from the likes of Dubarry, Le Chameau and Aigle. Photography: Kirsten Platt

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areys Footwear Gallery in Clitheroe offers a huge range of footwear for both men and women, from premium wellingtons including Aigle and Le Chameau, long boots and short boots from Dubarry, through to specialist walking boots and sandals from Meindl, Merrell, Berghaus and Zamberlan for enjoying the great outdoors.

Their extensive shoe range covers everything from high-quality fashion footwear to British-made, hand-made shoes. You can choose from all your favourite brands including Loake and Barker and classic

luxury hand-made shoes from Joseph Cheaney. All the classics are covered from everyday leather and suede styles for work to special occasion and statement pieces.

VERY FEW SHOPS OFFER SUCH A WIDE RANGE OF FOOTWEAR FOR ALL YOUR NEEDS, BACKED UP WITH OUR EXTENSIVE KNOWLEDGE OF OUR PRODUCTS A complete footwear emporium, Vareys Footwear Gallery is part of the renowned Vareys Town & Country and is a reinvention of their old premises on New Market Street.

“We offer a real footwear experience at Vareys Footwear Gallery,” says owner Kevin Horkin. “Dedicating a whole store to high quality footwear means we can have a large range offering a fantastic choice to suit different budgets.”

You are sure to find the perfect footwear easily as you can view all the offerings

in each type of footwear together – for example, all the walking boots are displayed together, and there is a whole wall of wellingtons for you to compare.

“The dedicated footwear store also allows us to showcase the complete ranges of our luxury brands in a way we haven’t been able to before. For example, we have all the many and very fashionable footwear offerings from Barbour, including boat shoes, desert boots and even slippers,” says Kevin.

Dubarry of Ireland are a big part of Vareys Footwear Gallery’s offering, with the full range available for you in one place. Their long boots are extremely popular, offering the perfect, hard-wearing combination of function and form. Their short boots are ideal for everyday wear with jeans. There is also a range of Dubarry bags available to match.

“Very few shops offer such a wide range of footwear for all your needs, backed up with our extensive knowledge of our products,” says Kevin. “We have a large range of accessories such as socks,

fashion

wellington warmers and cuffs for boots, and footbed options if customers require a particular fitting.

“We have full footwear care kits too.

We sometimes get asked for dubbing but we would advise against this as dubbing rots

DUBARRY OF IRELAND ARE A BIG PART OF VAREYS FOOTWEAR GALLERY’S OFFERING, WITH THE FULL RANGE AVAILABLE FOR YOU ALL IN ONE PLACE the stitching and so voids the guarantee.

Our knowledgeable and helpful team can offer advice on the right care to make the most of our long-lasting, high quality boots and shoes.” n

Vareys Footwear Gallery 4 New Market Street Clitheroe BB7 2JW 01200 423267 kenvarey.co.uk

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fashion

PERFECT MARRIAGE A number of michelle.b customers love visiting the Barrowford boutique so much they make a staycation out of it – the perfect marriage of food and fashion! Photography: Robin Lyndon

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eaturing fabulous fashion labels, shoes, accessories, lingerie and candles, michelle.b has become synonymous with pure luxury.

Having been in business for 16 years, founder Michelle Berkins has created a boutique that has many loyal customers, who love visiting the Barrowford-based shop with its comfortable chairs, fresh coffee and welcoming atmosphere.

“We have customers who have stayed loyal even when they’ve relocated to Europe!

Our customers are our friends and we pride ourselves on helping them look their best,” explains Michelle, who along with her team, provide expert personal shopping and styling advice.

Some customers enjoy visiting michelle.b so much they make a mini-staycation out of it – as Michelle’s husband Kevin owns the Fence Gate and Fence Gate Lodge, it presents the perfect opportunity to enjoy a marriage of fashion and food – perfect!

Over the years the boutique has evolved into a truly social environment where friends meet up and shop – it is also child, dog and

husband friendly: “Our dog Betty greets everyone. More importantly husbands love visiting us as they are greeted with a big comfy chair, fresh coffee and the daily paper,” adds Michelle, who is delighted to be introducing prestigious new brands to the store this season.

MORE IMPORTANTLY HUSBANDS LOVE VISITING US AS THEY ARE GREETED WITH A BIG COMFY CHAIR, FRESH COFFEE AND THE DAILY PAPER

ORTIGIA

A small Italian company based in Florence, Ortigia produces luxurious soaps, scents, creams, candles and home fragrances formulated from natural and traditional ingredients indigenous to Sicily. Inspired by

the aesthetics, colours and scents of Italy’s most historic region, Ortigia is the essence of Sicily. Paraben free and totally natural, Ortigia produces traditional products with modern ethics and integrity.

CONCRETE LONDON

A new luxurious, affordable and sustainable brand of knitwear that specialises in timeless, relevant pieces using animal welfare approved Italian merino wool.

Michelle and her team, who have recently introduced an online shop, are also looking forward to a series of exciting developments including in-store events and fashion shows for which the boutique has become renowned.

Michelle adds: “My staff are like my family and michelle.b would not be what it is today without them.” n

Michelle.b 2/3 King Edward Terrace Gisburn Road, Barrowford BB9 8NJ 01282 605060 michelleb.co.uk Opening times Monday to Friday: 10am-5.30pm Saturday: 10am-5pm

michelle.b womenswear 2/3 King Edward Terrace, Gisburn Rd, Barrowford, Lancashire BB9 8NJ michelle@michelleb.co.uk www.michelleb.co.uk 01282 605060 /michellebfashion michellebwomen

ELEMIS PRO-COLLAGEN MARINE CREAM FOR MEN £58 Clinically proven and formulated especially for men to hydrate, firm and help improve the appearance of wrinkles. elemis.com TOM FORD RESEARCH SERUM CONCENTRATE £255 A highly potent serum that absorbs instantly into skin to revitalize the texture and improve the look of skin tone. tomford.co.uk

MODER N MAN

CREED AVENTUS 100ML £285 Aventus celebrates strength, power, success and heritage – a sophisticated scent, perfect for the modern discerning gentleman. creedfragrances.co.uk

These luxury skin products and masculine scents have been designed to appeal to the modern man ARRAN LOCHRANZA MEN’S SHAVE STONE & SOAP £25 Modelled on a pebble from Whiting Bay, this is a traditional shave bowl with an island twist. Partnered with the Lochranza shave soap, this product allows you to create a rich lather to soften bristles and promote a clean shave. arran.com

ARRAN MEN’S SHAVE BRUSH £22 Enjoy an effective and quality shave using this natural boar bristle shave brush. arran.com

KIEHL’S AGE DEFENDER EYE REPAIR £33 Lifting, anti-wrinkle, dark circle reducing eye cream for men. kiehls.co.uk SISLEŸUM FOR MEN £200 A complete anti-ageing product specifically designed for men's skin. It firms, corrects wrinkles, hydrates, fights razor burn and fatigue. sisley-paris.com

MOJO SKIN ANTI-AGEING MOISTURISER £12 This non-oily formulation is easily absorbed, softens and energises the skin by boosting its elasticity, reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles leaving it smooth and healthy. mojo-style.com

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

SUSANNE KAUFMANN BODY LOTION LINE M £56 This light and nourishing lotion with fine broccoli oil and Vitamin E is absorbed immediately. susannekaufmann.com

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DON’T WAIT TO PUT YOUR

BEST FACE FORWARD Emma Pearce, founder of renowned non-invasive skin clinic EMA Skin Aesthetics Ltd in Preston, is excited to have introduced the new state-of-the-art Plasma Pen Ultra, delivering even more remarkable results to her clients

E

MA Skin Aesthetics Ltd founder Emma Pearce explains: “I always stay ahead with the latest leading technology to ensure I maintain my reputation as the number one leading skin specialist in the region. The results I’m achieving with the new Plasma Pen Ultra are second to none and it has definitely given my clients the wow factor. The feedback has been so rewarding. There’s a real buzz in the air due to the results, which has caused a high demand in bookings. I’m delighted with it!

and next generation treatments and it certainly does. It is truly state-of-the-art non-invasive technology. Why go invasive when you don’t need to?

“All of my clients have stated it was a comfortable treatment and a much better experience than

are achieved after three months.

The results last up to three years and can last even longer.

“I have also been achieving amazing results with HyapenTM, the natural non-invasive volumiser for lips and the mouth region – perfect if

“I had been struggling with my skin for 10 years, I was suffering with acne at 52, my skin looked tired, dull, old and lax. I was always too scared and quite frankly embarrassed to go to a skin clinic.

Finally, I decided to do something about it when my daughter announced she was getting married. I contacted Emma through a recommendation from a friend. Now I only wish I had addressed my concerns years ago. Emma 100 per cent exceeded my expectations. I now have clear and youthful skin and it was achieved on time for my daughter’s wedding as promised.

Sindy C

they expected. The new Plasma Pen is fantastic for treating drooping jowls, lip lines, marionette lines, smile lines, frown lines, forehead lines and lifting drooping eyelids. Clients have been seeing visible results in just two weeks and final results “The new Plasma Pen Ultra is a two-setting device which allows me to heighten the level of plasma delivered in those areas that require more help. It’s designed to underpin all the primary treatments, advanced treatments

you’re concerned about your lips thinning, and especially if you’re scared of needles,” says Emma. “It gently introduces hyaluronic acid fillers into the skin without a needle – the most hydrating substance found naturally and required for

SPECIAL OFFERS Plasma Pen Ultra treatments starting from £250 per area.

A once-only launch offer of £169 off the price of each area until 4th July 2021 Hyapen non-invasive filler starting from £200 – 10% off until 4th July 2021

youthful hydration and texture.

It’s incredible and there is no numbing needed and absolutely no down time!

“It’s never too late or too early to get the skin confidence you deserve. Don’t wait to address your concerns, nip them in the bud and start putting your best face forward today!” n

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 Other treatments available at Angela Kay’s include:

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 procedure to fill fine lines or deep wrinkles around the mouth, smoker’s lines

REHYDRATE & REFRESH

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lways at the forefront of new treatments and technologies, leading beauty therapist Angela Kay is delighted to introduce Profhilo – a multi-tasking wonder treatment that rehydrates and plumps, smooths and tightens the skin while stimulating collagen.

Experienced beauty therapist Angela Kay introduces a new treatment that subtly, plumps, rehydrates and refreshes the skin or the nose to mouth lines. It is also used to plump out lips. Angela doesn’t create ‘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.

PROFHILO

Minimally invasive, Profhilo is effectively a moisturiser containing 100 per cent synthetic hyaluronic acid (HA) that is injected by a tiny needle. Because it gets deeper it rehydrates and plumps the skin far more effectively than a topical cream.

“Profhilo isn’t a filler, it isn’t permanent and doesn’t freeze anything – but the results really do speak for themselves,” explains Angela.

An incredibly effective remodelling injectable for smoothing and tightening the skin, Profhilo stimulates collagen production naturally and provides a deep long-lasting hydration leaving the skin glowing. It is suitable for use on the face, neck and hands (as pictured below).

VITAMIN D & B12 Profhilo is injected into five key points in the face starting with each side just next to the ears, then on to the nasolabial fold – the laughter lines around the mouth – the chin, under the eyes and on the tops of cheeks.

The five specific points ensure optimum placement so it spreads evenly across the skin – results can usually be seen after four weeks and two sessions are required four weeks apart for maximum results.

Angela adds: “Treatment with Profhilo can improve skin tone, texture, hydration and overall radiance. It can help to increase firmness and elasticity and promote healthier and softer-looking skin. Profhilo doesn’t sit in the wrinkle, it spreads underneath the skin, rehydrating and smoothing.”

SPECIAL OFFER! 20% OFF PROFHILO Offer closes end of June 2021

Essential to get our body and mind working at optimum levels these vitamins are available in injectable form, giving you an instant boost!

While many people take supplements in tablet form, some of the efficacy is lost – an injection once every three to six months goes straight into your system.

With many years’ experience in the beauty industry, fully qualified and insured, Angela will always carry out a full consultation, advising on what treatment is most suitable, analysing what will help make you look naturally refreshed and more youthful. n For more information please go to: angelakays.co.uk

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

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LOVING THE SKIN YOU’RE IN...

Anti-ageing skincare, does it exist and does it work?

Happily, the answer is yes, but time and again the science comes back to three, clinically proven, key ingredients – Vitamin C, sunscreen and Vitamin A

NEXT IN YOUR ARSENAL IS SUNSCREEN: SPF is the most powerful anti-ageing weapon there is – and it is clinically proven, so no argument there. Although if you are younger, you might argue that SPF belongs in the ‘prevention’ category. You also want to ensure that it is broad spectrum, environmentally clean and photostable.

It doesn’t fix any damage that is already done – that’s the job of Vitamin A.

T

he truth behind whether a topical skin product works or not comes down to the ingredients it’s packed with, how that product is formulated and whether or not they contain high enough levels of the active key ingredients to be of any value to the skin.

The point of anti-ageing skincare is to make older, possibly damaged, skin behave in a younger and healthier way and this is how these three key ingredients do it.

FIRST UP IS VITAMIN C: This is one of the most powerful vitamins for preventing the signs of ageing and reversing the signs of skin damage. It is an exceptional antioxidant which protects your skin throughout the day from free radical attack caused by pollutants and it also disrupts the formation of melanin, so helps prevent age spots and promotes even skin tone. It is essential for the formation of collagen – which in turn prevents lines and wrinkles. So, no Vitamin C – no collagen!

behave in a younger and healthier way – and so with continued use, you can expect your skin to be smoother brighter and firmer.

But choose your Vitamin A with care – and use it wisely! All Vitamin A products should be phased in over a period of four weeks.

Melt have partnered with Medik8, Nourish and Dr Haushka and are specialists in skincare which is scientifically proven to help ageing skin look younger.

More importantly, they can help 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.

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

Melt are also stockists of Powder, Chalk, niche perfumes, cashmere, jewellery and more.

Retail outlet, Chandlery and Reading Room open seven days a week. 10am-5pm Monday to Saturday and 12 noon-4.30pm on Sundays and Bank Holidays

THE POWERHOUSE THAT IS VITAMIN A: Hailed as the gold-standard in anti-ageing, Vitamin A (a retinoid) is one of the most well proven ingredients in skincare. It is the only other ingredient along with SPF that is legally allowed to claim to be anti-ageing.

As we age, loss of Vitamin A and collagen helps create those signs of ageing such as wrinkles and a dull complexion. But retinoids (Vitamin A) can help reverse this.

It rebuilds collagen, increases cell turnover, targets hyperpigmentation, tackles acne, refines skin texture, repairs sun damage, targets wrinkles – and is an all-round good egg.

Essentially, it challenges ageing skin to

Melt Backridge Farm Waddington BB7 3LQ 01200 443377 www.themeltco.com /meltcandles themeltco @meltcandles

RVBA Small Business Award 2018 Independent Retailer 2017 Artisan Business 2017

NATURE’S REMEDIES

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Herbs that can be grown at home in your garden can have many and varied beneficial effects on our health. Medical herbalist Marie Mulcahy tells us more

s a spiritual healer, holistic therapist and qualified medical herbalist, Marie Mulcahy has followed in the footsteps of her midwife grandmother Ellen, who used to forage for herbs to make healing tinctures for friends and neighbours in the small Irish community where she lived more than a century ago.

While times have changed and today we are able to get specialist herbs from many different countries, it is still home-grown herbs that often prove to be the most effective when treating specific ailments.

“I’ve always been interested in health and wellbeing and when I started to learn more about herbalists and their work it really resonated with me,” says Marie, who qualified five years ago and is now a member of the National Institute for Medical Herbalists.

“Some patients will come to me when they are at the end of their tether not having found a conventional medication or treatment that works while others gravitate towards me simply because they want a natural remedy. As a herbalist you are trained to GP level as we have to learn all about biology and pharmacology.

“When a patient arrives, I go through their full medical history – if for example

someone has flu-like symptoms I will try to found out what has triggered the symptoms by looking at all the body systems. I get the whole picture and quite often there are other things going on. It might be an allergy or gut problem that is the trigger but once we establish what it is, I can then start researching what formula will work.

HERBS ARE FULL OF GOODNESS. YOU CAN MAKE HERBAL TEAS AND INCORPORATE THEM IN YOUR SALADS “Often patients think their problem is just a single ailment that can be straight forward but it’s often more complex.”

Once Marie has established which herbs may help, she will make a prescription – a tincture of several different herbs in alcohol or herbs in powder form within a capsule.

Having trained in the western herbal tradition, Marie, who works in the Ribble Valley, has learnt that very often herbs taken from the patient’s native environment are more effective: “They will most likely suit a patient better but in the UK we are quite limited so sometimes we have to import from Europe and we also have some Chinese herbs at our disposal.

health&beauty “Many of the herbs I use can be grown in your own garden, such as camomile and marigold. Herbs often have a primary and secondary effect – camomile is first and foremost very good for the mind and the secondary effect is that it’s also good for the nervous system.”

As a member of the National Institute for Medical Herbalists, Marie has many associates who have been asked to treat long-Covid – the symptoms of which are many and varied.

“Symptoms can be anything from shortage of breath from the lungs having never recovered, to muscle wasting and fatigue,” explains Marie who has had patients arriving at her door displaying anxiety due to the stress and worry from the pandemic.

ONE OF THE FIRST THINGS TO TACKLE IN A PATIENT IS FATIGUE AS THE BODY CANNOT HEAL ITSELF IF YOU ARE FATIGUED “Covid has traumatised many,it is like PTSD where patients can be mentally paralysed by fatigue. For fatigue we would perhaps use verbena with Siberian or Korean ginseng, which helps the body regain balance. One of the first things to tackle in a patient is fatigue as the body cannot heal itself if you are fatigued. Siberian ginseng is very calming and ashwagandha regains emotional balance.

“Vitamins and antioxidants are also important and you can get these from root vegetables and fruit.”

Also among the herbs Marie uses are olive leaf, hawthorn berry, yarrow, which is good for inflammation, mint and chives – many of which you can cultivate at home.

“Herbs are full of goodness. You can make herbal teas and incorporate them in your salads. Any sort of mushroom too – reishi or shitake can help – put them on your windowsill and let them sunbathe for a day and it will boost their vitamin content.”

Whatever herbs Marie prescribes, she always advises her patients to give them time to work: “It may be a couple of weeks until they see a difference.

“We can often work in tandem with their GP or consultant as we understand the conventional side of medicine as well as the non-conventional.

“Some patients come to me and are initially quite sceptical, but I have had many good outcomes.” n

urbanbasedwellness.com

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HEALTH FOCUS Sarah Varley finds out what members love so much about Whalley’s exclusive boutique health club and gym, PLM Health and Fitness.

Photography: Robin Lyndon

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LM Health and Fitness has been referred to as Whalley’s best kept secret, and this boutique gym could be just what you are looking for to return to exercise safely. Offering the best in every aspect of the gym experience, this exclusive health club has luxury facilities and the very highest standards of cleanliness and Covid safety measures, giving members the ultimate confidence to train here and look after their health.

From the cutting-edge Technogym equipment to the lighting and luxurious changing rooms, every element of PLM Health & Fitness is carefully designed to help members feel at ease, motivated and become healthier and fitter with the most advanced technology available.

A family-run health club, the dedicated, supportive and welcoming team at PLM Health and Fitness is led by owner and Head Personal Trainer Phil Moss BSc (Hons) MA. “We are extremely proud to provide our

members with the very best of everything, from the premium equipment to the knowledge and support we provide and the fastidious cleanliness of our luxury facilities,” says Phil.

“Most gyms focus on competing on price, but we have always focused on premium level facilities and a service that offers value for money in terms of the very best investment in yourself and your health,” Phil says.

“We know time is of a premium to our members, so we give them the very best of everything for the ultimate workout every time they visit.

WHAT PLM MEMBERS SAY: A real hidden gem in Whalley. One of the best gyms I have ever trained in.

The place is always spotless, there are never too many people and the staff are friendly and helpful. Great value for money and highly recommended!

Pete Madigan

“Our 24/7 access means there are no barriers to regularly fitting in this vital time to look after yourself, even with the busiest lives. We have invested in the very best, state-of-the-art equipment so you get the best results from your workouts every time and our staff are fantastic at helping to keep you motivated.”

Phil explains: “It’s more important than ever to have a safe space to keep up exercise for health and wellbeing.”

Member numbers are capped at PLM Health and Fitness, meaning that not only do all members have access to everything whenever they want, the low capacity level gives extra peace of mind with plenty of safe space in which to exercise. Once membership is full, a waiting list will operate. n

PLM HEALTH & FITNESS

Scan the QR code on your phone for a free three-day pass to experience the outstanding PLM Health and Fitness facilities for yourself.

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PLM Health & Fitness Abbey Works Back King Street Whalley BB7 9SP 01254 781777 info@plmfitness.com plmfitness.com TM

SKIN CANCER

SOLUTION May is Skin Cancer Awareness month, but for Dr Arif Aslam of Discover Laser Medical Skin Clinic, every day is about cancer awareness and cure

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ighly-regarded Consultant Dermatologist, Dr Arif Aslam, has made the prevention and treatment of skin cancer his life’s work. His dedication and passion have resulted in him working internationally due to the high demand for his specialist surgical skills. Now, he’s brought his unique skill-set home to the people of Lancashire.

Arif is a double fellowship-trained Mohs Micrographic Surgeon. One of only 14 UKbased members of the prestigious American College of Mohs Surgery.

Mohs surgery is considered the gold standard for treating common types of skin cancer. Done in stages, including immediate microscopic review while the patient waits, all cancerous cells are removed and healthy tissue is left untouched. All while leaving the smallest possible scar.

Mohs surgery has the lowest cancer recurrence rates and highest cure rates up to 99% for primary lesions and 98% for reoccurring lesions unsuccessfully treated by other methods. It also has the best cosmetic results of any skin cancer treatment.

“It’s been amazing doing high volume Mohs surgery in New Zealand, Australia and Canada where they have the highest incidence of skin cancer, but I always wanted to return to my home town of Burnley and set up my own surgical practice for the people of Lancashire,” says Arif.

“My friend and colleague Dr Miguel Montero, a highly-regarded skin specialist, heard I was back and asked me to consider joining his team. I jumped at the opportunity. What better place than Miguel’s beautiful Medical Skin Clinic, located privately within Crow Wood Leisure, to fulfil my ambition of having a

local clinic offering Mohs and advanced dermatology services.”

Dr Montero commented: “I’ve diagnosed and treated non-cancerous lesions for many years in my clinic and in the NHS.

MOHS SURGERY IS CONSIDERED THE GOLD STANDARD FOR TREATING COMMON TYPES OF SKIN CANCER “Patients with more serious abnormalities previously required a referral to a specialist dermatologist, which can be a lengthy and worrying process. So, when I heard Arif was returning to the UK and looking to set up his own practice, I was straight on the phone,” says Miguel.

MOHS SURGERY HAS THE LOWEST CANCER RECURRENCE RATES AND HIGHEST CURE RATES UP TO 99% “Lesion removal is difficult to obtain via the NHS, especially in Lancashire and Cumbria. Even if you get to see your GP, there are few with a dermatology speciality.

Sadly, some serious cases get missed or caught too late.

“With Arif on board, we can help more people, giving them safe, fast and effective private dermatology treatment that eliminates unnecessary wait times and worry.”

“Miguel and his wife Gill, who is Clinic

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

www.discoverlaser.co.uk

Director, have thoroughly spoiled me,” Arif says with his trademark warm and friendly smile. “I have an excellent purpose-designed theatre room and lab within their clinic, where I carry out my weekly Mohs clinics.

“Because it involves a special multi-step process, Mohs surgery is slightly more expensive but more cost-effective than other skin cancer treatments. Health insurance plans also cover it. For patients seeking a traditional approach, I also remove noncancerous and cancerous skin lesions using long-established surgical methods.”

When Skin Cancer Awareness month is over at the end of May, skin cancer prevention and treatment will still be very much at the top of Dr Aslam’s agenda.

He encourages everyone to keep on top of their skin health because early detection leads to a better diagnosis. ■ Book your FULL-BODY SKIN CHECK for £175, by calling Discover Laser’s friendly team on 01282 420886 If you’d like to know more about treatment, you’ll find lots of information at discoverlaser.co.uk

GOLD STANDARD A private dental practice that has a team of highly trained specialists has launched in the Ribble Valley.

Photography: Sarah Valentine

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enovo is one of the few practices in the North West to offer such a high-level of in-house specialist dentistry. The brainchild of Dr Usman Riaz, Ribble Valley-based Renovo Dental has brought together a team of highly-trained specialists and dental practitioners to offer general dentistry, sedation, orthodontics, implants, cosmetic dentistry, root canal therapy and gum disease treatment all under one roof.

“This has been a dream of mine for so long,” says Usman, who as a dental implant surgeon, was one of the youngest dentists to be awarded the Diploma in Implant Dentistry from the prestigious Royal College of Surgeons, Edinburgh.

“At Renovo Dental being an independent clinic is a massive advantage as we have the full clinical freedom to choose the very best for each patient,” explains Usman.

“Phase 1 of the £1.2 million Renovo project has taken two years to complete and has resulted in a state-of-the-art surgery

that has seen Pendle House in Chatburn, transformed. The building has been completely refurbished by local Lancashire tradesmen: “We wanted to use local businesses to give something back.”

With parking and disabled access, Pendle House has been brought back to life by Usman and his team: “The building had lots of character and we were keen to retain this. We have also invested in the best digital technology and the best

people,” says Usman.

“The interior has evolved around the work we do here – it is a calm, non-clinical environment, operating under strict infection control and hygiene policy, which is CQC approved. It’s no different to how we carry out our dentistry, with attention to detail being key.”

The specialists at Renovo can treat and stabilise most problems, from gum disease and preventing tooth loss to full mouth rehabilitation with dental implants and bone regenerative treatments. Minimally invasive dentistry is vital to the team, covering all aspects of cosmetic dentistry from clear braces, composite bonding to life-like ‘ultra-natural’ porcelain veneers.

“In some veneer cases, to optimise the results, 0.5mm of enamel reduction will suffice. This is thinner than your nail plate.

We then contour and smooth the enamel to correctly bond the porcelain shell. Our aim in each case is to maximise aesthetics with minimum invasion.

“This is bespoke dentistry at its very best. Everybody here has a specialism that they are dedicated to and have worked very hard to achieve. We are a group of like-minded individuals who are thrilled to bring this practice to the Ribble Valley – it’s great to have a place here to showcase our work.”

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The experts at Renovo receive many referrals from dentists throughout the North West. They provide the specialist treatment required then refer patients back to their own dentist for routine care. Patients can also refer themselves to Renovo if they feel that a consultation with them will be beneficial, safe in the knowledge that if they require specialist treatment all the expertise is in-house at Renovo.

WE HAVE INVESTED IN A SKILLED TEAM AND SUPPORT THEM WITH THE LATEST DIGITAL DENTAL TECHNOLOGY. THAT MEANS PATIENTS NOT ONLY RECEIVE THE HIGHEST STANDARD OF CARE, BUT TREATMENTS ARE FASTER, MORE COMFORTABLE AND MORE CONVENIENT THAN EVER

Also, with the increased use of video calling, the team has noticed a marked increase in demand for aesthetic dentistry treatments, as Usman explains: “We are using technologies to communicate with each other more than we ever have. A lot of people have been using Zoom, Instagram and Facetime so people are spending more time looking at themselves.

“A huge number of clients have mentioned they never really realised how noticeable certain aspects of their smiles were until they had to do video conferencing on a daily basis.

“Purely through referrals from dental colleagues and patient self-referrals, the clinic has been working around the clock.

As a new clinic, set up in the midst of a global pandemic, the biggest surprise has been the sheer demand for cosmetic and implant dentistry. The response has been incredible.”

As a Denplan accredited practice, Renovo Dental also provides general day-to-day private dentistry. Children of Denplan

registered patients receive free treatment up to the age of 10: “We believe prevention is better than cure. That’s at the heart of our ethos, so our aim is to get the next generation decay-free.”

Since launching Renovo, the team’s reputation has spread through word of mouth: “We are very proud of this. For us this is a lifelong commitment. We are

very fortunate in what we do and what we have here, and we are all passionate and very dedicated. Renovo is much bigger than a group of individuals – it is all about our patients, changing mindsets and attitudes and giving them support and confidence by providing outstanding dentistry.

“We work hard because we love what we do. The team is unique – we are a group of passionate people who have come together with a similar mindset and vision to achieve excellence and we work to our best ability and go above and beyond. There is no special secret to our success. It’s a passion first and foremost.” n

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

SIMPLY AMAZING… With a reputation for worldbeating laser treatments, expert Andrea Catton explains how she gets the fantastic results that her clients love!

Photography: Kirsten Platt

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ith more than four decades experience within the beauty industry, Andrea Catton has always invested in the very best technology, so her clients get the results they are looking for.

From tattoo removal to fat reduction, Andrea is renowned for her world-beating treatments and her forward-thinking ethos.

With that in mind, she has just launched her latest treatment – Emerald™ Laser Fat Reduction – hailed as the future of fat loss.

Having taken delivery of one of the first Emerald machines in the UK, Andrea is delighted to be able to offer her clients this ground-breaking treatment.

“The Emerald technology was innovated in the United States and it has FDA clearance,

which means it has to do what it says,” explains Andrea.

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) ensures the safety and efficacy of newly-developed drugs and products and the Emerald laser system, which is

contactless and painless, has been recently approved to treat patients with a 30+ BMI. Deemed to be the safest and most effective aesthetic treatment on the market to lose fat, Andrea launched Emerald at the beginning of this month and already her clients are starting to see results!

WE USE ONLY THE BEST EQUIPMENT AND HAVE HAD FANTASTIC RESULTS WITH OUR LASER TREATMENTS! “Due to lockdown restrictions, we haven’t been able to introduce Emerald to our customers up until now – we have been so excited about the launch! We are expecting to be really busy now that this particular fat-reduction treatment is underway,” adds Andrea, who works with a small team of equally experienced therapists.

At the Andrea Catton Laser Clinic on Empire Way in Burnley, specialist Andrea is also able to offer tattoo removal using the renowned PicoSure system. Andrea has more than 20 years’ laser experience removing tattoos for clients who travel from all over

health&beauty the UK and Europe, knowing they are seeing the very best practitioner.

Utilising the world’s first and gold-standard picosecond aesthetic laser, this enhances tattoo clearance resulting in less treatments to get the desired results. Since launching her tattoo removal service, Andrea has treated more than 2000 happy clients!

THE PICOSURE SYSTEM IS THE ULTIMATE LASER TREATMENT IN THE REMOVAL OF TATTOOS

plasma lift, Crystal Clear Comcit oxygen, micro-channeling and microdermabrasion for skin rejuvenation, acne, stretch marks and pigmentation, freckle reduction and scarring. A member of the British Institute & Association of Electrolysis, Andrea also offers SHR hair removal, advanced electrolysis for the treatment of minor skin blemishes and thread veins.

Andrea is trained and qualified to use various IPL, SHR, ndYAG, and Alexandrite

“The PicoSure system is the ultimate laser treatment in the removal of tattoos,” explains Andrea. “Removal is extremely successful – we get inundated with enquiries, especially from people who have tried other removal techniques that haven’t worked as well as they had expected.

“The PicoSure system is different. It works by breaking down the ink into smaller particles so your body can get rid of it more efficiently. It really is an amazing treatment!”

Also available in the clinic is the PicoSure Focus Lens Array, Revlite laser, NeoGen

lasers. She is also a current member of the British Medical Laser Association and is qualified to teach IPL and laser hair removal.

“We use only the best equipment and have had fantastic results with our laser treatments!” says Andrea. n If you would like to find out more about Andrea’s treatments, she would be more than happy to speak with you, or for more information go to: andreacatton.co.uk

LIMITED TIME ONLY Book 12 Emerald treatments for the price of eight Offer ends 12th June

Andrea Catton Laser Clinic Suite 212, Business First Centre Empire Way, Burnley BB12 6HH 01282 421174 FREE ON-SITE PARKING

WHAT CLIENTS SAY: “Andrea is such a lovely woman, very professional and makes you feel instantly welcome. Andrea’s excellent knowledge makes you know you’ve come to the right place and I will definitely be making a second appointment! I can’t wait to see the results from the PicoSure laser!”

Amazing service! I live abroad and got in touch with Gemma at the clinic and was booked in for a PicoSure tattoo removal! Such a great treatment, so quick and the staff were fab! Very informative and excellent aftercare too. Highly recommended!

Thanks so much!”

“Friendly professional service with a smile.

Saw results straight away with the PicoSure laser method. Would recommend.”

“After having numerous previous laser treatments, spending a small fortune and ending up with disappointing results, I found Andrea Catton’s clinic.

I have received two treatments, a year apart. I had one small tattoo which completely disappeared following the first treatment. I also had a larger tattoo containing purple, green and yellow inks which are

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the hardest to remove. After the first treatment the results were amazing and after a year there was only a slight trace of the tattoo. I decided to return for a second session so that all traces of the ink would be removed. I wish I had gone straight to Andrea – the results are worth it and I would have saved money in the long run. The clinic is very easy to find, plenty of parking and the treatment room is clean and the staff friendly and professional. Thank you very much.”

“Andrea is a really lovely kind person and makes you feel comfortable during your treatment.

Her treatments are very good with great results.

Definitely the best place for tattoo removal.”

“Thank you so much to Gemma and especially to Carly who have made my tattoo removal process so much easier. I’ve been supplied with burn gel, dressings, a printed sheet of aftercare advice – everything I could possibly need. I’m obviously in competent, professional hands and I’m so glad I decided to give Andrea Catton Laser Clinic a go.

I always feel comfortable during my sessions and I couldn’t recommend it enough. Thank you!”

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health&beauty

Morpheus8: Dr. F. Roth

MORPHEUS8 COMES TO CLITHEROE! RejuvaMed is introducing a revolutionary new treatment that has taken the world of cosmetic medicine by storm

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ward winning medical and lifestyle clinic RejuvaMed has brought several new treatments to the Ribble Valley over recent months including miraDry permanent sweat reduction, which can transform the lives of those who have problems with underarm sweating, and oculoplastic surgery for those who have loose and saggy eyelids.

As an established family run clinic, led by owner consultant doctor Grant McKeating, RejuvaMed has built an enviable reputation for quality care, with excellent patient feedback.

Now RejuvaMed is bringing the incredible Morpheus8 to the Ribble Valley. Morpheus8 has taken the world of cosmetic medicine by storm and is now the ‘go to’ treatment in the celebrity world to rejuvenate the face and body, with rave reviews from the likes of Judy Murray, Amanda Holden and Kim Kardashian.

So what IS Morpheus8?

Morpheus8 is a combination of two anti-ageing treatments in one. This ‘power couple’ together triggers our own natural healing mechanisms of collagen

and elastin production, without injections into the face or body.

Not only can this treatment improve the appearance of sagging and excess fat in the face and neck, it can also reduce pigmentation, treat acne scars,

stimulating the healing response, whilst radiofrequency uses heat to ‘shrink wrap’, tighten and lift the skin at a deeper level.

The Morpheus8 system ‘injects’ the RF energy into the skin with lots of tiny needles, and the depth

Morpheus8: Dr. S. Harper

fade stretch marks and reduce lines and wrinkles.

Morpheus8 combines microneedling and radiofrequency (RF) technologies, both of which work to create controlled trauma. Microneedling creates ‘micro-trauma’ in the skin,

skin) and for contouring, the needles can be adjusted to reach as far as the subdermal tissue, which is the deepest layer of the skin. In effect, by combining the two technologies together, Morpheus8 gives you two treatments in one, with enhanced and much faster results!

An anaesthetic numbing cream is applied to the skin before treatment to ensure that the procedure is as comfortable as possible.The skin may be a little pink for a day or so afterwards, but down time is minimal.

This non-invasive, relatively painless procedure is safe for all skin tones. Treatments can be performed on any area which exhibits wrinkles, skin laxity, discolouration, acne scarring or stretch marks. It is most commonly used as a rejuvenation and lifting treatment for the face and neck, but can also be used to tighten areas such as the thighs and tummy.

You’ll often see results within a few days of your first treatment, however your appearance will continue to gradually improve in the following weeks. For best results, RejuvaMed recommends two to three sessions of Morpheus8, spaced six to eight weeks apart. These results will last around a year, so annual follow up sessions may be required to maintain your youthful appearance. n To book a consultation to discuss Morpheus8, call RejuvaMed on 01200 538668, or email: info@rejuvamed.co.uk

of the needles can be adjusted depending on the area of skin being treated. For resurfacing the needle depth is smaller to work in the epidermis (the outer layer), for skin tightening it’s a little deeper to work in the dermis (the middle layer of the

INTRODUCTORY OFFER 10% OFF MORPHEUS8 FACE AND NECK ONLY £585 LIMITED PLACES

RejuvaMed Skin Clinic & Vein Centre Holmes Cottage, Woone Lane Clitheroe BB7 1BG 01200 538668 rejuvamed.co.uk

REFORM YOUR BODY

Performance Centre

THIS SPRING

Connect mind and body, relieve stress and tension of everyday life.

Our group sessions - Reformer Pilates and Pilates led by our team is the pathway to restoring and maintaining your optimal health and performance.

Designed for all ages and abilities.

Book online at our Ribble Valley centre for Pilates, Performance Reformer and golf/sports specific conditioning sessions.

Body maintenance doesn’t happen by chance, book online today. mmphysiotherapy.co.uk Whalley: 07951350070

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health&beauty crisis of confidence: “These days we are much more aware of our looks and what is available to enhance them,” says Joseph.

“It’s important to keep up with the latest barbering trends and hair loss solutions as there is more and more pressure on people to look good. Micropigmentation is a brilliant alternative to a hair transplant and is more suitable for those who are looking for a less invasive solution.”

The procedure, implanting micro-dotted ink into the scalp to give the appearance of shaved hair follicles, is exceedingly popular. The results are permanent, with a ‘top-up’ after two to three years, and the procedure represents great value for money when compared to other solutions such as transplants.

For Joseph, micropigmentation is the perfect fit for The Men’s Room – his

LOOKING GOOD National men’s magazine Esquire recently spoke to barber Joseph Lanzante about his scalp micropigmentation techniques and how the procedure can boost confidence and change lives

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n an investigation into why the male hair loss industry is booming, national men’s magazine Esquire visited Ribble Valley barber Joseph Lanzante at his training studio.

Joseph is an expert in scalp micropigmentation (SMP). In fact, he happily takes responsibility for introducing it to the UK having discovered the phenomenon in America. Having undergone the procedure himself, he was so impressed that he went on to qualify as a micropigmentation expert practitioner.

important part of the procedure, once you get this right the rest just falls into place – expert Joseph tells Esquire.

Scalp micropigmentation is one of the fastest-growing branches of the male hair loss industry and Joe understands why. He knows how hair loss in men leads to an inevitable

Clitheroe and Whalley based barbering and grooming studios. “Having the hair loss solutions centre brings everything together,” says Joseph. “My aim is to provide a unified men’s grooming destination that is ultimately professional yet relaxed. We have every aspect of contemporary male styling covered.” n For more information, please call Joseph on 07984 797726

MICROPIGMENTATION IS A BRILLIANT ALTERNATIVE TO A HAIR TRANSPLANT AND IS MORE SUITABLE FOR THOSE WHO ARE LOOKING FOR A LESS INVASIVE SOLUTION Spotting a unique opportunity, he set up his own training school back in 2017.

Barbers and beauticians from across the UK now travel to the Joseph Lanzante Training School to learn the SMP process whereby tiny dots are tattooed on the head to create the illusion of stubble.

Getting the hairline right is the most

The Men’s Room 8 King Street, Clitheroe, BB7 2EP 01200 425559 07984 797726 themensroomclitheroe.co.uk George Street, Whalley BB7 9TH 01254 433800 themensroomwhalley.co.uk

Photography: Roger Moore

health&beauty benefits of the clinic, what really sets it apart is the incredible personal support and care offered by the team.

Sarah Caine, the clinic’s breast care nurse, plays a vital role in each patient’s care. A nurse for 27 years, who has specialised in breast health for seven years, Sarah was recruited specifically for the new clinic.

“If a mammogram is done in the morning, the consultant will review the results immediately and send them straight to me, so I can usually be back in touch with the patient the very same day,” explains Sarah. “If a problem has been identified, I’ll immediately provide the patient with a follow up consultant appointment.”

Sarah then becomes the patients’ first point of contact for individual support and further information. They will have Sarah’s phone number and can contact her at any time. “Patients can become quite emotional and upset, and Sarah is with them all the way, quite literally holding their hands,” says Hayley.

You don’t need a GP’s referral to access the new service. If you have any concerns

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PERSONAL SERVICE WHEN IT’S NEEDED MOST A new breast clinic in Blackpool is providing a vital service alongside an unmatched level of personal care, writes Kate Ford

business development manager. “Our new clinic can offer diagnostics, advice and treatment very, very quickly.”

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uring last year’s pandemic, there was UK-wide concern that people with symptoms of non-Covid conditions were unable to access diagnostic services. This often meant that serious problems were not identified and were therefore left untreated.

The women’s health team at Blackpool’s Spire Fylde Coast Hospital were particularly concerned that routine mammograms were being cancelled and that women with worrying symptoms were unable to access the help they needed. In response, they set up a new specialist service dedicated entirely to breast care.

“We were genuinely concerned that routine screening was unavailable and women who had found lumps were often unable to see their own GP, never mind a consultant,” says Hayley Summersgill,

OUR NEW CLINIC CAN OFFER DIAGNOSTICS, ADVICE AND TREATMENT VERY, VERY QUICKLY The breast clinic, which launched in October, has four specialist breast consultants including one female consultant. Whilst minimal waiting times are one of the

about your breast health, you can ring Spire Fylde Coast on the number below and speak to one of their advisors.

Some women are concerned about their family history of breast cancer and may be considering having the test for the BRCA (breast cancer) gene. In these circumstances, the Spire team will arrange for them to see a specialist consultant to talk through their options. Whatever the reason for coming, patients will receive the highest quality of individual care.

“I consider it a privilege to do this job.

I cherish each patient and want to make sure they get whatever treatment they need quickly,” says Sarah.

“It’s important to remember that men can be diagnosed with breast cancer too.

It’s less common than in women, but it can happen, and this is a clinic for everyone.” n

Spire Fylde Coast Hospital St. Walburgas Road, Blackpool FY3 8BP 01253 308031 spirehealthcare.com/spire-fylde-coast-hospital

Fell walker and keen historian Andrew Stachulski follows one of northern England’s principal Roman roads through Bowland

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trictly, the fine small town of Ribchester lies just outside the Forest of Bowland by about one mile, but sometimes definitions are better ignored. Beautifully situated on the banks of the mature River Ribble, Ribchester boasts a rich history, which may extend well before Roman times into the Bronze Age. Undoubtedly its fine Roman museum, detailing the local fort of Bremetennacum, is the reason for many visitors’ interest, and among Roman forts it is certainly one of the best documented. In later Roman times it seems to have become a centre for retired soldiers.

The town actually lay on one of northern England’s most important Roman roads, emanating from Manchester, and to trace the road’s course through Bowland towards its first destination of Burrow in Lonsdale,

BREMETENNACUM AND THE NORTH where there was a fort, is a fascinating piece of detective work. It was presented both lucidly and entertainingly by Philip Graystone in ‘Walking Roman Roads in Bowland’. Formerly a local headmaster and lecturer of the University of Lancaster and building on a number of scholarly texts, he adds a contagious enthusiasm which is evident at a glance.

Original illustration: W. Geoff Rollinson

THERE IS A CLEAR COURSE OF THE OLD ROAD EXTENDING FOR SOME MILES NORTH OF THE HODDER VALLEY Leaving the town by Stoneygate Lane, you meet a section of Roman road very soon and cross it again at the junction with the B road further on just east of Knowle Green. Drive on to the car park on Jeffrey Hill, two miles further, where you can enjoy a wonderful view and, a few yards away, a clear section of Roman road running just below the

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present-day minor road in a south-west north-east direction. A clear groove giving the general direction of the ancient road is still discernible. From this spot, near the remote Cardwell House, you can see how the Romans planned their route – six miles north-east lies Browsholme Heights, the next vantage point and a significant change of direction, where the road swings more into the north.

starting in the vicinity of Croasdale Quarry, some five miles north north-west of Slaidburn. The name Salter Fell is significant, probably signifying the transport of salt from Morecambe Bay – the name Hornby Road, preferred on OS maps, indicates the destination of the current track – and what a wonderful walkers’ route it makes.

PERHAPS THE MOST INTRIGUING SECTION OF THE ROAD LIES SOME MILES FURTHER ON, WHERE IT CROSSES SOME OF BOWLAND’S HIGHEST FELLS In fact, there is a clear course of the old road extending for some miles north of the Hodder Valley, and present-day minor roads have freely made use of sections. One of the best is offered by the minor road heading from just north of the hamlet of Cow Ark, bound for Newton-in-Bowland and passing Browsholme Heights as mentioned, within the Browsholme estate.

Perhaps the most intriguing section of the road lies some miles further on, where it crosses some of Bowland’s highest fells, staying around the 1400 ft contour for several miles. Here the Romans appear to have inherited and used an earlier track,

The Roman road parts company with the present-day track just beyond Shooters Clough, the last small stream to enter the Ribble catchment before the Ribble-Lune watershed. A little further on, descending into Hindburndale, the course of the road

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across the lower pastures is remarkably clear.

Beyond Lowgill, a delightful secluded hamlet with some fine old cottages, the road’s immediate destination of Burrow in Lonsdale (‘Lunesdale’) is about six miles further. On this section you also pass out of the Forest of Bowland, making Burrow a natural stopping point. There was a Roman fort here, Galacum, about one mile east of Whittington. Sadly, little remains of this fort, as it was later built over, but as so often an aerial view shows the location rather clearly.

Kirkby Lonsdale is just two miles further on. The Roman road itself forges determinedly ahead, as they all did, aiming eventually for Carlisle. What did the Romans do for us ask the doubters? Well, actually a great deal, and by taking part in this kind of country detective work we can find great satisfaction and recreation. There is so much history on our doorstep, and the best way to enjoy it is to enter into it. Go, see! n

‘Walking Roman Roads in Bowland’,

by Philip Graystone, Centre for NW Studies, University of Lancaster, 1992 Andrew Stachulski is joint author, with Helen Shaw of ‘The Forest of Bowland’, published by Merlin Unwin at £14.99

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THE RISKS OF COSMETIC DENTISTRY An unexpected side effect of the global pandemic has seen enquiries for cosmetic dentistry procedures skyrocket but with these types of procedures, there are often hidden risks, explains Jane Chadwick, medical negligence specialist at Farleys

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n what has been dubbed the ‘Zoomboom’, after people reported criticisms of their own appearance as a result of spending more time looking at themselves on video calls, the cosmetic dentistry industry is experiencing an increase in popularity as practices begin to reopen now restrictions are lifting.

Patients are seeking treatments ranging from minor procedures such as teeth-whitening and straightening through to more extensive treatments like veneers and crowns. Crowns have become popular with reality stars and influencers of late, leading the everyday person to follow suit, spending thousands of pounds in search of that Instagram-worthy smile.

However, some cosmetic dentistry procedures like crowns are highly invasive and irreversible which could leave you with a permanently damaged smile if the procedure is done incorrectly or you are not informed of the consequences and risks involved.

Thorough assessments need to be completed by a professional to advise on the correct treatment and to explain the process but some consultations are still taking place over video calls rather than in-person which brings a potentially higher risk of leading to substandard assessments and negligent treatment.

PATIENTS ARE SEEKING TREATMENTS RANGING FROM MINOR PROCEDURES SUCH AS TEETH-WHITENING AND STRAIGHTENING THROUGH TO MORE EXTENSIVE TREATMENTS LIKE VENEERS AND CROWNS Due to a backlog of patients and enquiries caused by the pandemic, some people are seeking the services of less reputable dentists in a bid to fast-track their treatments so they can have their smiles transformed by the time the world fully reopens again.

If you are thinking of undertaking any cosmetic dentistry procedures, you should ensure you

are dealing with a reputable dentist. Check whether they are registered with the General Dental Council which regulates the industry.

Remember, the dentist must inform you of the benefits, risks, and any alternative treatments before proceeding.

If you have already experienced negligent treatment at the hands of a dentist, it is important you seek advice from a legal professional at the earliest opportunity. Under normal circumstances you need to make a dental negligence claim within three years from the point at which you became aware you may have received negligent treatment.

Farleys expert medical negligence team has extensive experience of dealing with claims of dental negligence. n

To discuss your case with a specialist, please call 01254 368040, email: info@farleys.com or visit: farleys.com for more information

THE SHOW GOES ON!

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he organisers of the Royal Lancashire Agricultural Show are delighted to announce that the event will take place this year. It was with great disappointment to everyone that the 2020 show had to be cancelled due to Covid.

However, they have been paying close attention to the various Government announcements and are now confident that the event can be held safely for everyone to enjoy.

The 2021 Show will once again be held within the beautiful grounds of the Salesbury Hall Estate alongside the River Ribble near Ribchester on the 30th, 31st July and 1st August.

Arrangements are forging ahead and as in previous years, there will be a huge variety of entertainment with a very substantial livestock section including cattle, sheep,

The Royal Lancashire Agricultural Show, which is one of the oldest in the country, is set to go ahead this summer in the stunning rural grounds of the Salesbury Hall Estate

THE VERY POPULAR AND WELL-ESTABLISHED CHILDREN’S VILLAGE AND THE ARMY WILL BE THERE WITH A LARGE DISPLAY OF VEHICLES

rabbits, goats, pigs and poultry and an extremely large Showing section and there will also be top class showjumping.

The very popular and well-established Children’s Village and the Army will be there once again with a large display of vehicles and firearms.

Also, at the show there will be: • Jousting Knights • Gundog scurry • Fishing displays • Falconry • Ferrets • Shetland pony Grand Prix

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• • • • • • • •

Family dog ring Shooting gallery Vintage tractors Classic cars Prosecco and Pimms bar Food hall Craft marquee Lifestyle marquee

EARLY BIRD TICKETS Friday 30th July: Family ticket – £25 (two adults and two children) Adults – £12 Senior – £8 Children – £3 Children under five – Free

Saturday 31st July and Sunday 1st August: Family ticket – £30 (two adults and two children) Adults – £15 Senior – £10 Children – £5 Children under five – Free Photography: Sonya Kate

There are many exhibitors coming to the show so there will be plenty of opportunities to treat yourself. Bowland Brewery will again have a large marquee with live music,

Alternatively, you could become a society member at a very modest price. This would give you free entrance to the Members’ Marquee which is situated by the main arena with its own bar and light refreshments served throughout the day. Call or visit the website to join.

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serving a selection of their finest beers.

In addition, many of Lancashire’s finest gin distillers will be joining the event. You won’t go hungry either as there will be a wide selection of different food offerings too.

BOWLAND BREWERY WILL AGAIN HAVE A LARGE MARQUEE WITH LIVE MUSIC, SERVING A SELECTION OF THEIR FINEST BEERS The organisers would be delighted for you to come and join them at one of the of the oldest agricultural shows in the UK. n

01254 814712 www.royallancashireshow.co.uk

THE E-BIKE SMILE Ribble Cycles is a world beating Lancashire brand – Gail Bailey visited their state-of-the-art new showroom to find out more

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rossing three centuries, and still hand assembling bikes, Ribble Cycles are proving that they are a global world class brand.

“The company has the same ethos it has always had,” explains Head of Sales and Retail Fraser Hamilton. “We absolutely put our customers’ needs first and know that everyone is unique – at Ribble we ensure that customers leave us with a bike that is their perfect fit, both in terms of dimensions and usage.”

Some famous names that have owned a Ribble are testament to their excellence.

Geraint Thomas, Bradley Wiggins and Chris Boardman have all owned a Ribble as well as Head of Product Jamie Burrow, who is a former US Postal Team pro, and now oversees the design of Ribble’s awardwinning bike range.

Technology is pivotal to everything the company does and this includes the new showroom which houses Europe’s largest indoor video wall, along with Ribble’s BikeBuilder tool and a digital tablet by each model enabling customers to see immediately each of the bikes’ key features: “Our business model is unique. We recognise that buying a bike is a big purchase and our team, who are all passionate bike enthusiasts, work hard to ensure that customers leave

with the perfect bike for them. Our team aren’t driven by targets – we have a consistent message and customer satisfaction is always our driving force,” Fraser adds.

Lockdown has seen more and more of us revisit or even take up cycling for the first time, and this has been significantly helped by the emergence of a new generation of e-bikes: “There is no longer a stigma around

lifestyle the e-bike,” Fraser says. “They are often the first step for many people, who then either keep them or graduate onto a regular bike.

One thing that always gives us the greatest satisfaction is what we call the ‘e-bike smile’ – people can’t help but just beam when they try one out!”

WE ARE ALREADY SEEING INITIATIVES IN MANCHESTER AND ACROSS THE COUNTRY WHICH HOPE TO GET MORE AND MORE PEOPLE CYCLING TO WORK Ribble Cycles have the worlds lightest and most technologically advanced range of electric bikes on the market.

“People choose an electric bike for many reasons. It may be a generational thing, a health issue or even just a cyclist who wants to be able to go further at the push of a button – and the beauty of our electric bikes is that you can no longer tell the difference as they look like any other bike. Not a bulky battery in sight! E-bikes are a real problemsolver for many people.”

Fraser gave me a tour of the showroom, so I was able to experience the exceptional service and technology first-hand. There is an array of bikes on display from mountain, road and electric bikes to hybrid and track, and they really do cater for the complete novice right through to the professional.

The flagship showroom attracts people from all over the country and it’s easy to see why: “Even though the website is usually the first port of call for most customers the showroom enables them to really have that ‘touch and feel’ experience, to be able to walk around each bike, speak to the team, be sized by an expert and feel confident about their choice,” explains Fraser.

Once I had chosen my e-bike, a CGR AL e Road Bike, Fraser demonstrated how easy it was to use the BikeBuilder tool to choose the specific frame, colour, finish, seat, handlebar – and I could even save

my choice, go home and re-visit it online.

Customers are able to visit the store or access the virtual showroom team as many times as needed until they feel happy that they have found the right bike. The final purchase is easy to make too – done online or instore – and they can have their bike delivered or collect in person with the

ONE THING THAT ALWAYS GIVES US THE GREATEST SATISFACTION IS WHAT WE CALL THE ‘E-BIKE SMILE’ – PEOPLE CAN’T HELP BUT JUST BEAM WHEN THEY TRY ONE OUT!

confidence that one mechanic has built it from start to finish in Preston.

Ribble Cycles are keeping focused on the future and know they are enablers in the market as our work lives change and our passion to reduce our carbon footprint also becomes more important to us all: “We accept that usage in the UK will begin to change for cyclists,” Fraser says. “We are already seeing initiatives in Manchester and across the country which hope to get more and more people cycling to work and using bikes for much more than leisure. This concept will become more common – it’s an exciting time for the cycling sector and an exciting time for us all here at Ribble Cycles.” n

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

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lifestyle and the Prince Philip Cup competitions. The Prince Philip Cup was introduced in 1956 by the Duke of Edinburgh for ‘ordinary children on ordinary ponies’ with the aim of encouraging a higher standard of riding throughout the Pony Club and to generate interest in riding. It is competed for by children in more than 300 teams from all over the country.

IN THE SADDLE What a month we’ve had! The weather has thrown everything at us but Chipping Pony Club members are a hardy bunch and nothing stops them from getting out and enjoying the many activities that their busy committee organise for them, writes Anne Williams. Photography: Diane Marsden

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rom our tinies to our teenagers there is something for everyone at Chipping Branch of the Pony Club.

Recently, at Church Farm, West Lancashire, members enjoyed show jumping instruction by Andrew Millin, international SJ rider and course builder with vast experience. His excellent teaching obviously paid off when a few days later our team of Ruby, Caitlin, Tallulah and Jade came third in an inter-branch show jumping competition.

Sadly, Covid restrictions meant there were no spectators but, as always, our ace photographer and committee member Diane took plenty of photos for us all to enjoy.

Some of our intrepid riders travelled to Somerford Park, Cheshire, with its extensive range of jumps and obstacles for cross country lessons from the brilliant David Llewellyn.

The weather was atrocious with heavy rain and strong winds. Riders and long-suffering parents were frozen and soaked through but all thought it very worthwhile and learnt so much. There were no reports of frostbite!

Our young riders and new members are being gradually introduced to mounted games

Winners of their Area competitions qualify to compete at Zone Finals and from them just six teams qualify to compete at the annual Horse of the Year Show. This is usually the first time children experience being part of a team, helping and supporting each other. It is a wonderful way to learn balanced riding, new skills and above all to have lots of fun with their ponies and new friends. Who knows, maybe one day our little lead rein riders will be competing at the Horse of the Year Show!

Ever the optimists, we look hopefully ahead to a sunnier and warmer month when members will have the opportunity to enjoy a Junior Cross Country Rally and training in stable management, flat work, show jumping, cross country and mounted games. n

If you’d like to know more about Pony Club, and in particular Chipping Branch, please contact the District Commissioner Joanne Conlon 01200 445143 or email: chipping@pcuk.org

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the final day looks absolutely perfect for him.

Unlucky when just beaten at Newbury by a nose in a desperately close photo finish, Title is being aimed at the race by his trainer, Roger Varian.

The same trainer’s Ascension is another who could run at the meeting – probably in the Royal Hunt Cup. Finally, Parachute is a possible for the King George V Handicap.

He looks to be an improving horse.

ROYAL ASCOT

HERE WE COME… Jason Fildes reveals which of Highclere’s horses could be running at Royal Ascot next month – and this year there will be a crowd!

Both Spycatcher and Thunderous would like slightly softer ground so we would be happy to see some rain in the build up to the meeting. No doubt all those lucky enough to go will be hoping it is sunny and dry during the week itself.

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nlike last year when Royal Ascot was held behind closed doors, this time there will be a crowd.

However the capacity has been reduced from the usual 70,000 to a maximum of 4,000 per day so it’s even more important to have horses good enough to run so the owners can attend!

I’m delighted to say that there’s a strong Highclere team heading to the Royal meeting this year, headed by Thunderous, who is entered for the Hardwicke Stakes on the Friday. He finished third in the Jockey Club Cup at Newmarket and showed his liking for the slightly longer distance of 12 furlongs.

Also from Middleham, Karl Burke intends to run Spycatcher in the Jersey Stakes on the final day of the meeting. He completed his preparation in a listed event recently – an ideal gap ahead of the big race in June.

I’M DELIGHTED TO SAY THAT THERE’S A STRONG HIGHCLERE TEAM HEADING TO THE ROYAL MEETING THIS YEAR, HEADED BY THUNDEROUS, WHO IS ENTERED FOR THE HARDWICKE STAKES At one point we thought Title might be a Derby horse but he’s not quite up to that class so the King Edward VII stakes on

The two year old races are a very exciting part of Royal Ascot as it’s the first opportunity to see the potential stars of the next generation competing against each other. Horses to look out for are Stromboli in the Coventry Stakes and Cachet in the Albany Stakes. It is very early days for these young horses and some have only had one run in their life so a lot can change between now and the Royal meeting with potentially more youngsters performing well in prep races and getting themselves on the ‘team bus’.

All in all plenty to look forward to and it’s going to be fabulous to see a crowd back at Royal Ascot, even if it is an even more exclusive ticket this year! n

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

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LIFETIME GIFTS Jane Burbidge of Forbes solicitors explains the complex rules around lifetime gifting and how it may reduce the amount of inheritance tax you pay

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nheritance tax (IHT) is a tax on the estate (property, money and possessions) of someone who has died, it can also be payable when making certain lifetime gifts. Most people who think their estate would be liable to IHT want to pay the least amount of tax possible when they die and want to look at what they can do to achieve that, not only in their Wills but also during their lifetime.

For most people the two main ways of reducing their estate for IHT purposes on their death are to either spend more or make gifts. Whilst spending more sounds like a fun way of reducing your estate, it can be quite difficult – strange as it may seem, a lot of people say they aren’t actually very good at spending money – making gifts to their loved ones however is a different matter.

Making lifetime gifts may reduce the amount of IHT payable on your death. However, there are specific rules which must be followed and criteria to be met in order for the gift to be effective for IHT purposes.

There are a number of gifts which can be made which are free of IHT immediately.

Everyone can make gifts of up to £3,000 every year.You can also make regular gifts out of income, provided you have established some element of regularity or pattern of giving and you still have sufficient income to maintain your usual standard of living, then the gifts will be entirely exempt.

Other gifts to individuals are potentially exempt transfers (PETs). These gifts can be of any amount and if you survive seven years after making the gift, it becomes exempt from IHT. Gifts to trusts can be a useful tax planning exercise where you do not wish to pass over complete control of an asset, for example to a child or vulnerable person. Such gifts are immediate chargeable transfers and may face an immediate charge to IHT (at reduced lifetime rates) as soon as you make the gift and a further charge if you die within seven years.

The tax rules surrounding gifts and IHT are complex and there are various traps to avoid.

If you give an asset away but still receive a benefit from it – for example if you give your house to your children but you continue to live there rent-free, the reservation of benefit rules apply and you may still be treated as owning the property when you die.

There are complex pre-owned asset income tax rules which may take effect where the reservation of benefit rules do not apply.

For example, if you sold your house, gave the proceeds of sale to your child, your child then buys a house and you later live in that property, you may be subject to an income tax charge on a deemed market rent.

If you give an asset away and later require residential or nursing care, the local authority may look to apply the deprivation of asset rules when carrying out a financial assessment to determine your contribution to the cost of your care. If it can be proved that the main reason for making the gift was to avoid paying care fees, you may be treated as if you still owned that asset for the purpose of the financial assessment.

A gift of assets such as shares or a holiday home for example would be a disposal for capital gains tax purposes. If the value of the asset has increased since you acquired it, you could be subject to an immediate charge to tax.

Lifetime giving can reduce the IHT payable on death so that your loved ones inherit the maximum amount from your estate.

However, you need to ensure the gifts have the desired effect and do not create unforeseen issues and additional tax liabilities. n

To discuss lifetime gifts, please contact Jane Burbidge: jane.burbidge@forbessolicitors.co.uk or contact 01772 220022

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forbessolicitors.co.uk

01772 220 022

Offices in Accrington, Central Lancashire, Leeds, Manchester and Preston.

COME HOME TO YOUR HIGH STREET.

Preston has missed you!

Whether you’ve been waiting for the bars, shops, cafes or gyms… Preston is now open and ready to welcome you back!

So do your bit by following the guidelines while on your shopping spree, eating out with friends or exploring Preston’s beautiful parks.

All our businesses have been working hard to ensure your visit is safe.

Come home to your high street, we are ready for you.

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HOME TRUTHS

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ondon took on a different air with the passing of the Duke of Edinburgh. Some London clubs draped black banners outside their buildings, flags flew at half mast, as they did over Clitheroe Castle, and the lights went out on the iconic London Eye as a mark of respect. Like many millions of others, I watched the dignity of Her Majesty the Queen as she sat alone at the funeral. I trust she could feel the love of so many people who have also lost loved ones. As the Queen said after the atrocity of 9/11 in New York: “Grief is the price we pay for love.” How poignant those words are.

With the easing of restrictions, Ribble Valley MP Nigel Evans visits his local pub in Pendleton and, back in London, attends the State Opening of Parliament

LIKE MANY MILLIONS OF OTHERS, I WATCHED THE DIGNITY OF HER MAJESTY THE QUEEN AS SHE SAT ALONE AT THE FUNERAL

The sense of loss is visible when visiting the National Covid Memorial Wall opposite Parliament. Hearts containing the names of those who fell victim to the cruel virus stretch from one end of the wall to the other giving visibility to the size of the loss. When we hear of the colossal scale of the infection in India and many other countries the grief is felt throughout the world.

The vaccine rollout has been a huge success which has meant the re-opening of many local businesses and the hospitality industry.

I wasted no time in supping my first pump-pulled beer at my local in Pendleton. The support from the public has been tremendous and, on the days when the sun refused to shine, the regulars still showed the bulldog spirit by braving the elements sipping their favourite tipple.

The inhabitants of my village had one other thing to celebrate this month with the resurfacing of the road through Pendleton. It was a long wait to say goodbye to all those potholes, but I do hope that the County Council will look again at the many roads in our area which are quite frankly dangerous and need urgent repairs.

I visited Westminster Abbey to witness the Speaker’s Chaplain,

Patricia Hillas, being made a Canon of Westminster. I missed not being able to sing in the Abbey due to Covid regulations but the choir more than made up for it with their ethereal psalm renditions.

The Dean of the Abbey, David Hoyle, conducted the ceremony and chatting to him afterwards I learnt that he has firm Lancashire roots having been born in Waterfoot, Rossendale. What a small world!

Doing a full circle, I end with the Queen as she visited Parliament for the State Opening. It’s always a grand occasion but this year dramatically scaled back. The Speaker, Sir Lindsay Hoyle, from Chorley, looked splendid in his official state robes. Her Majesty was accompanied by the Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall.

It’s wonderful to see the support from her family, but also from the millions of people throughout the world who have nothing but respect for her as she carries on with her public duties.

We are incredibly lucky to witness such selfless service, and as I look to the past, a bit of me also looks forward to next year.

The Platinum Jubilee will be like no other! We will all have the opportunity to celebrate the life and service of our Queen after 70 years on the throne – God bless her. n

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his is the first Tedd Talks column I’ve written for the magazine and it’s our intention for this to appear on an ongoing basis – my contact details are at the bottom of the page so feel free to get in touch with your thoughts and questions.

In the course of a normal five-week magazine cycle I meet more than 30 businesses and speak to countless others – they are from a cross section of size and genre and many of their stories are uplifting, showing immense courage and ingenuity.

Sadly, not everyone is so upbeat with many citing a lack of support notably from our local council.

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ope – as you read this column our wonderful hospitality industry is finally opening up to indoor dining, many not having served customers since October 2020. Can I reiterate my plea from last month that we remain polite, patient and above all – kind to all the staff. There are some frustrations here too as in my meetings it’s become apparent that recruiting staff into hospitality is going to be particularly difficult.

I think the industry will need to find new and innovative ways to attract staff with many citing unsociable hours for being the primary reason for not wanting to return. My hope is that there can be no more lockdowns, local or otherwise as many industries simply couldn’t cope emotionally or financially with any further restrictions. rustration – in my conversations in the last two weeks a strong sense of frustration has come through and sadly I have to say that the majority of this is aimed at the council in the Ribble Valley.

Planning applications turned down, issues with restrictions on shop decoration and ongoing battles with signage are just some of the examples brought to my attention. My question to our councillors and officers is, why is the answer ‘no’ to almost every question asked? Are you bothered by being labelled the ‘sales prevention team’? We desperately need you to work hand

F Live Magazine’s Tedd Walmsley talks about the hope, frustration and downright despair encountered by a number Ribble Valley businesses

in glove with the private sector who remain keen to invest sometimes their life savings into our local businesses. Create relationships – don’t alienate them because if you do they may just opt to a move to a more forward-thinking council such as Fylde.

Whilst on the subject of our towns, I want to direct a question to those county councillors responsible for the upkeep of pavements etc.

Why do we get so little support in improving our local towns to make them more attractive to visit? Our East Lancashire neighbours seem to get the majority of the budget, yet we see the destruction of their high streets?

Have you been to Hurst Green at the weekend recently? Cars double parked with police issuing notices and residents up in arms. I had a call from Mike Hanson who lives on Kenyon Lane and was approached by the County Council and police to consider a car park on an unused paddock on the Dinckley side of the river. He told me that planning was dismissed out of hand and whilst not everyone in Dinckley could see its value, surely it is an opportunity to think about alternative solutions. The tourist pound is vital to our economy.

I spoke just yesterday to Dan Johnson of Crafty Vintage, who is so frustrated with a lack of response to a variety of ideas submitted to the council. Pop-ups, seasonal events – all would drive footfall and bring much-needed new customers to our towns particularly outside of the main tourist season.

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espair – I recently met with Cllr Kevin Horkin who, like me, was in total despair at the Clitheroe Food Festival being cancelled once again.

His persistence in his newly elected role suggests meeting to explore an alternative event later in the year. The private sector made a decision to plough on with the Royal Lancashire Show and some of that energy and optimism would be well placed.

And finally, I’d like to send my congratulations to the newly appointed Police Crime Commissioner Andrew Snowden. We look forward to an interview with him in our June issue but, in the meantime, can I ask just one thing? When are you going to re-open our police stations in Clitheroe and Longridge and, more importantly, are they to be manned by police officers rather than civilians? n

The views above are my own and I’d be delighted to get some replies to my questions and report back in June on any progress and positive outcomes tedd.walmsley@live-magazines.co.uk @TeddWalmsley TM

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DIVORCE LAWYER’S Divorce lawyer, Elspeth Kinder from JMW, talks about new beginnings and the importance of taking early advice

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pring is the season that signifies new beginnings and this year, as we emerge from lockdown and edge back toward normality, so many of us are looking forward to a fresh start. As a parent, Covid-19 created many challenges, but there were also moments of joy.

I’m fortunate to have spent time with my children enjoying the beautiful Ribble Valley countryside – and joining what at times felt like the entirety of Lancashire atop Pendle Hill! Sadly, as a divorce lawyer, I know that others have not fared quite so well.

When lockdown was announced, I knew that enquiries would inevitably rise as a result of couples being confined to the same house for weeks on end. When I spoke with

people about their situation and their reasons for divorce, many had been considering a separation for some time but had been putting it off – often there had been no infidelity or any real wrongdoing but the relationship was no longer fulfilling or they simply disliked their spouse and the pressure of lockdown finally proved too much.

Having gone through a divorce myself, I know that coming to terms with the end of your marriage, at a time when a simple hug from your best friend is forbidden, must be very difficult. I’m sure I’m not alone in my relief at finally being able to offer my clients a tissue, comfort and support in person once again.

As the country begins to open-up, the desire for a fresh start can be seen in the enquiries my team and I are receiving – people are deciding to go ahead with separations they have been considering for some time – they just want to go out and enjoy life. Others tell us that the pandemic put things into perspective and encouraged them to leave relationships they feel have run their course.

By their very nature, divorces are incredibly emotional, but I’m always keen for people

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to understand that divorce does not have to be confrontational and aggressive and the key to that is careful thought and planning, which can often take some time.

So often we see divorce portrayed as a fast, exhausting and emotionally draining process but, managed properly and with the right advice, that need not be the case.

I always advise people thinking about divorce to take early advice and give yourself time to come to terms with what is happening as well as how you want your life to look after your separation. It is a complex process with a lot of different considerations so it’s always best to start the conversation as early as possible.

A positive change for the divorce process is expected to come into effect later this year, with the government removing the requirement to apportion blame. A cause of conflict and unnecessary strife, I will be very pleased to see the advent of no-fault divorce.

I expect that there will be some people waiting for the law to change before going ahead with plans for divorce, but autumn is around the corner and early preparation and planning will stand you in good stead – both emotionally and financially. n

in your corner

ALL SET… The team at a luxury Ribble Valley hotel have been busy preparing for an exclusive re-opening of this newly-refurbished venue REOPENING

As lockdown is eased and we start to return to normality, here at Mytton Fold we have been busy renovating all aspects of the estate. Under new management, the hotel has a brand-new enthusiastic team who are ready to welcome you for all occasions – we have something to suit everyone. Working extremely hard behind the scenes, our passionate and driven team haven’t left a detail untouched.

We are incredibly excited to re-open our brand new, privately owned hotel in the heart of the Ribble Valley. The hotel itself boasts 36 beautiful en-suite rooms

including our recently completed Pendle and Bowland master suites which have been individually tailored with your comfort in mind.

“I wasn’t quite prepared for how much I’d enjoy the evening dinner in the restaurant. The quality and taste of the food was on a totally different level to anything I’d ever tasted before, it was incredible!

The whole meal was perfect.”

Trip Advisor review

THE FOLD AND BAR

Whether you choose to stay overnight or just a come for a visit, we invite you to our restaurant, The Fold, with its newly refurbished lounge bar. Our Executive Chef Liam has carefully designed an exciting brand-new spring menu ahead of our reopening with dishes to amaze.

Having worked alongside world renowned and Michelin-star chefs, including Gordon Ramsay and Heston Blumenthal, Liam brings an abundance of knowledge, passion and delicious food ready to tantalise your tastebuds.

The front of house team have been very busy enhancing the Mytton Fold cocktail menu. From a Mojito to an Espresso Martini, we have the perfect drink for you to sit and enjoy with friends and family, whilst unwinding in our modern contemporary bar.

PRIVATE DINING

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Not only do Mytton Fold have a fantastic new restaurant and bar but we now have an exclusive private dining room, suitable for all your celebratory occasions.

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You can enjoy live music from 2pm, delicious food and a complimentary drink upon arrival.

WEDDINGS

Are you looking to find your dream wedding venue? Join us on 27th June at our Mytton Fold Wedding Fair. With a glass of fizz in hand you will be welcomed by our wedding specialists, who will answer any questions you may have – providing you with their knowledge, advice and guidance.

CORPORATE HOSPITALITY

Here at Mytton Fold we have a number of conference and meeting rooms, each are suitably equipped for corporate clients and guests.

These can be facilitated for business meetings, events and dinners, with a capacity of 250 guests in our largest corporate setting.

OUTDOOR AREA

A new outdoor area is currently being renovated and will be ready for June 2021.

This new 20-table capacity outdoor dining area will enable you to enjoy alfresco dining.

Make the most of our new outdoor space and join us on Saturday 26th June for our

WEEKEND EXCLUSIVE You are invited to join us at Mytton Fold on Saturday 26th June for an exclusive event to launch the opening of our alfresco dining area, where you can enjoy live music from 2pm, delicious food and a complimentary drink.

WEDDING FAIR Join us on Sunday 27th June for the Mytton Fold Wedding Fair.

Our team ensure a truly personal service from start to finish, ensuring that the wedding planning process is enjoyable, inspiring and exciting. n

Mytton Fold Whalley Road, Langho BB6 8AB 01254 240662 reception@myttonfold.co.uk

www.myttonfold.co.uk

CYCLE SAFARI… E Discover the beautiful Ribble Valley and Forest of Bowland by electric bike with James’ Places

xplore the quiet byways and country lanes in the heart of the Ribble Valley on a state-of-the-art electrically assisted e-bike – what better way to enjoy the great outdoors!

With a range of up to 60 miles, a state-ofthe-art e-bike is the perfect solution to exploring the countryside on two wheels and the James’ Places Group of country inns can arrange fully charged bikes to be ready to roll when you check-in to any of their Ribble Valley locations.

Andrew Bailey, James’ Places Digital Marketing Manager, explains: “We are absolutely delighted to bring our guests this new experience. This is a great collaboration between James’ Places and Ribble Valley E-Bikes –we have come together to bring this concept to visitors so they can enjoy the beautiful countryside and any of James’ Places venues.

“They can arrange a single day or embark on one of the two-day safaris enjoying a two-night, two-hotel stay – cycling during the day and enjoying dinner at their chosen hotels in the evening.”

James’ Places can provide delivery and collection plus concierge luggage transfer – and all bikes come complete with back-up services from an expert technician, who will ensure the bikes are fully charged and serviced on delivery.

“The concierge service makes a terrific difference – at the end of their stay guests will also be driven back with their luggage to their base hotel. They don’t have to worry about a thing. It’s a unique experience and a reason to embark on a staycation this summer.”

Road, hybrid and off-road e-MTB bikes are all available to hire plus James’ Places can also provide advice on routes and enroute pit stops plus a rescue service if you

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suffer an unrepairable puncture or technical issue with the bike.

James’ Places can also deliver e-MTBs to the extensive Gisburn Forest Mountain Biking Centre, where you can explore miles of traffic-free woodland trails offering varying degrees of challenge – from beginner to expert!

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the bikes will be charged overnight so they are ready for you to continue your journey after a hearty breakfast. James’ Places can also provide single centre itineraries that incorporate circular rides.

ONE DAY E-BIKE HIRE

Book an e-bike for delivery direct to your James’ Places hotel to start the day in the saddle exploring the Ribble Valley. No need to worry about recharging – the battery range should be adequate for all but the most ambitious explorers.

TWO-DAY CYCLE SAFARIS E-BIKE PARTNER James’ Places e-bikes are supplied

by Ribble Valley E-bike Hire which is based in the beautiful village of Dunsop Bridge in the heart of the Forest of Bowland – an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB).

As well as delivering and collecting the bikes, a qualified technician will also do a full hand-over and be available to offer technical support via mobile phone.

Secure the exclusive use of a pair of e-bikes to explore over the course of a two-day, two-hotel stay. Your bikes will be ready to roll on check-in and James’ Places will create an itinerary which takes you from hotel to hotel via some attractive stopovers and popular visitor attractions.

Your hotel will provide packed lunches for scenic roadside picnics or point you in the direction of pubs and cafes where you’re assured of a warm welcome.

Upon return, while you dive into a reviving bath followed by a relaxed evening meal,

GISBURN FOREST MTB TRAILS

Explore miles of traffic-free woodland trails offering varying degrees of challenge – from beginner to expert standard. Navigate a complex network of cycle trails to emerge at the summit of Whelp Stone Crag to admire sensational views of the Forest of Bowland and Yorkshire Dales. To make the most of your day, we recommend you make your own way to the Forest Hub, where your e-bikes will be ready for you.

GUIDED GROUP TOURS

James’ Places can arrange bespoke guided rides and multi-day tours of the area led by experienced guides. Groups of up to six people and larger groups by special arrangement. n

To plan your James’ Places cycle safari visit: jamesplaces.com/e-bike-hire

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THE PERFECT FINISH EVERY TIME

RDH Details in Whalley offer a vehicle detailing service, but what they really do is so much more, writes Gail Bailey

“S

eeing the reactions on customers faces when they see the finish to their vehicle is the best part of the job for me,” explains owner of RDH Details Damian Hodgson.

“We focus on the aesthetic appearance and during the process of detailing we go

through several stages of machine polishing and then protect all surfaces with specialist premium coatings.”

From a deep clean and protection to an RDH Signature Service, the company take huge pride in what they do, giving every customer a ‘new-car’ feel every time.

Having a military background, and recently working in diplomatic security close protection has given Damian an eye for detail, and along with a lifelong passion for cars he is perfectly placed to get the best out of your vehicle.

The service offered by RDH is bespoke and Damian carries out a full consultation with customers allowing him to tailor the best package to suit both customer and vehicle.

With a coffee area and wi-fi, customers can relax or work while they wait.

“Build-up of micro-scratches damages the paint of the vehicle and I work on restoring this to return the true colour of the car,” explains Damian. RDH use only the very finest and most advanced products and ceramic coatings. n

RDH Details Unit 1 Mitton Road Business Park Whalley BB7 9YE 07895 316401 rdhdetails@outlook.com www.rdhdetails.co.uk

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the steepest in the area, we encountered a group of club cyclists punishing themselves up the gruelling climb. We eased past them like we were riding on the flat and received some friendly banter about cheating on an e-bike! As we left them to their struggle, we replied: “No this isn’t cheating guys, this is the future!”

Onwards we travelled on what must be some of the quietest and safest lanes anywhere, it was like going back in time as we hardly saw a car. The route took in some of the region’s beautiful villages such as Slaidburn, Whitewell and Chipping where we stopped off at a local pub for a refreshing drink.

A GREAT DAY OUT! If you are looking for an experience with a difference, then look no further than Ribble Valley E Bikes

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ased in Dunsop Bridge in the heart of the Forest of Bowland, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Ribble Valley E Bikes is only a 15 minute drive from Clitheroe.

It was easy to book our e-bike experience with a simple phone call or you can book online. On arrival we parked the car in the free car park behind the shop and we were greeted by Wilbur the friendly black Labrador, who alerted Roger the owner of our arrival. Our e-bikes were ready and waiting for us and Roger’s attention to detail was second to none – typical of the personal touch you only get from a family run business. All the bikes available for hire are of the highest quality and feature powerful and efficient Bosch or Yamaha motors. We were given a quick lesson on how to use our e-bikes, which are so simple to operate. Roger then used his extensive expert knowledge of the Forest of Bowland to tailor a route that would be suitable for our level of ability. We were provided with a free map of the route and our helmets and off we went on our adventure!

The route that Roger gave us was absolutely perfect and saw us venture out into some of the most unspoilt beautiful

What a fantastic day out we had and one that we would recommend to anyone.

The quality bikes supplied by Ribble Valley E Bikes at a very reasonable price, made the day a real pleasure.

Once you have experienced the pleasure of e-bike riding you will almost certainly want one of your own. Look no further than Ribble Valley E Bikes where once again Roger and the team can provide you with the expertise to make the right choice for your needs. They stock a wide range of top-quality bikes at really competitive prices.

You can even try before you buy and the hire cost will be deducted from the price when you make a purchase. What more can you ask from a first class, local family run business. n

YOU CAN EVEN TRY BEFORE YOU BUY AND THE HIRE COST WILL BE DEDUCTED FROM THE PRICE WHEN YOU MAKE A PURCHASE countryside that this country has to offer.

Around every corner we encountered stunning views of the Forest of Bowland and Ribble Valley. The e-bikes made it a pleasure to be out and dealt with the Bowland uphill climbs with ease. On one particular hill on Easington Lane, one of

Ribble Valley E-Bikes Ltd Dunsop Bridge Clitheroe BB7 3BB 01200 426246 ribblevalley-e-bikes.co.uk

EDUCATIONN E W S

TRIBUTE TO CAPTAIN TOM Oakhill Senior School Student Council suggested the school celebrate the inspiration of Captain Tom’s life by holding a non-uniform day to support his charities and pupils also made the number 100 as a school family.

While pupils remained in their bubbles and wearing masks, it was lovely to join together following a year of separation. Different classes have also been remembering Captain Tom with various 100 challenges and the school has enjoyed celebrating the value of kindness.

Thank you, Captain Tom!

ADULT LEARNERS Burnley College is racing ahead, supporting its ambitious Adult Learners to retrain, refresh their skills or restart their careers on a diverse range of courses. Using its unique links with employers and expert industry knowledge, the college has identified priority training and employment needs across the region – and developed a versatile offering to meet those requirements – making students work-ready right now. It’s one of the pioneering ways Burnley College is making sure its Adult Learners, present and future, don’t miss out on a single opportunity to progress their careers and reach their goals. Karen Buchanan, Principal of Burnley College, said: “We’re leading the way, delivering the courses our Adult Learners need and offering the individual support to make a real difference to their lives today – and in the future.”

EASTER MEDITATION DUKE OF EDINBURGH His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales showed his support for Catholics and Christians around the world through his contribution to this year’s Easter Meditation at Stonyhurst College. The Prince recited the poem God’s Grandeur, by the distinguished Jesuit poet, Gerard Manley Hopkins, who taught and studied at Stonyhurst, and the poem recited by the Prince also formed part of the Stonyhurst Easter film.

Year 10 Oakhill pupils ventured out to begin training towards the expedition section of their Bronze Duke of Edinburgh’s Award. On the day of the funeral of the Duke of Edinburgh Oakhill felt proud to honour his life’s work in the way thousands of young people have done over the last 65 years. Pupils walked from Downham with staff, practising map reading and navigation techniques. They did an excellent job and are looking forward to further training and their final expedition.

BENTLEY APPRENTICESHIP

MOTIVATIONAL SEMINARS

Lottie, a Year 13 pupil at Stonyhurst, has been selected from an extensive field of applicants for a degree apprenticeship with Bentley, one of Britain’s most iconic luxury brands.

Lottie will be based in the company’s design department in Cheshire, focusing on enhancing the ‘consumer experience’ before, during and after point of sale. Lottie studies A Levels in business, photography and psychology, and after beating competition from over 1000 applicants to be interviewed, she underwent a gruelling process of presentations and aptitude tests to earn her place on the apprenticeship scheme, which starts in September.

Leading figures from the world of television, sports and industry joined dedicated Burnley College Sixth Form Centre tutors to deliver a series of motivational seminars to students during the last lockdown. The successful talks have covered a diverse range of topics from mental health and emotional wellbeing to achieving success in business to leading an inspirational charity. Key figures have included former Burnley FC player and mental health champion Clarke Carlisle, star of hit TV show The Apprentice, Adam Corbally, the Director of National Careers Week and a representative of the Sophie Lancaster Foundation.

CREATING EXCEPTIONAL FUTURES Helping Children Reach Their Full Potential Children are at their most successful when they are happy. Contentment and a feeling of belonging is the key to this success. Building our school around the Moorland Family ethos gives us the opportunity to provide upon this for every child in our care.

Moorland students benefit from small class sizes and dynamic personalised teaching methods; we adapt to every individual learning difference and style. Some parents believe that their children have been let down by their school during the pandemic. We know that as a nurturing family school we can bridge any lost learning through our supportive collaborative approach. We will ensure that your child is achieving the most possible from their time in education.

It has never been more important to choose the right education for your family, Moorland School is that choice.

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Moorland Private School Ribblesdale Ave, Clitheroe BB7 2JA 01200 423 833 | admissions@moorlandschool.co.uk

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EDUCATIONN E W S

SHAKESPEARE COMPETITION Four Oakhill pupils in Key Stage 3 entered the ESU Shakespeare Competition. They each had to memorise and perform a passage from a Shakespeare play. Harvey performed the Friends, Romans and Countrymen speech from Julius Caesar, Emma performed a demanding monologue from Macbeth while Mae and Millie took on the role of the Nurse and Juliet in a comedy duologue from Romeo and Juliet. All four pupils were extremely impressive. Well done and good luck for the next round.

NEW FACILITY The start of term brought a new musical era to Westholme with the completion of a fabulous new music facility. For the first time, this gives Westholme the ability to offer A Level Music Technology in their state-of-the-art recording studio, equipped with industry standard equipment. However, it is not just about cutting-edge technology – the new suite of practice rooms, choir rehearsal room and bright classrooms will enable music making of all genres and levels to flourish over the many years ahead.

PATRICK GRANT PROJECT Former St Augustine’s pupil and construction student at Blackburn College, Sydney Chapman, was recently involved in the Homegrown Homespun Patrick Grant project on Higher Audley Street in Blackburn. Sydney used her skills to build wooden fencing that has formed the perimeter around a flax field.

She said: “It was great to be able to use our skills on a real-life project outside of college, especially one that is being led by Patrick Grant. I have really enjoyed being involved!”

WELCOME FOR JASPER CAREERS MONTH Dancing from the age of eight, talented Australian dancer Jasper had been offered places at several renowned dance establishments. However, alongside his mum, he made the decision to reject these offers and take up a place at Moorland Ballet. Having successfully auditioned online, Moorland has been very happy to welcome him into the fold at the academy. Moving alone halfway across the world would be daunting for most adults, never mind alone at 11 years old! Yet Jasper couldn’t be happier, his infectious enthusiastic character has allowed him to seamlessly slot into the day to day life of the academy.

Burnley College Sixth Form Centre has been busy boosting the employability skills of its ambitious students considering progression to university and careers – as well as Year 11 pupils planning a Themis Apprenticeship.

During an innovative and engaging online Careers Month, the themes of university study, apprenticeships and employability skills were explored in depth, with virtual activities providing valuable insight into university applications and the corporate world. With the support of tutors and expert advisors, as well as external speakers,

workshops and seminars, students took part in virtual advice and guidance sessions delivered by top universities across the UK, including Manchester, Newcastle, Lancaster, Sheffield and the University of Central Lancashire. Student Services Team Leader Kate Gedling said: “It has been an amazing month of learning and personal development and reflects the importance we place at Burnley College Sixth Form Centre on students being empowered to break down barriers to success and achieve their goals.”

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academic subjects and extra-curricular activities are given equal value. So, whether your child is interested in chemistry, music, maths, design technology or history – each subject or activity is given equal status and importance, as each one will help to form the whole individual. Students are given the freedom to explore their interests and challenge themselves through a plethora of opportunities.

IS YOUR CHILD READY TO BE A 21ST CENTURY ENTREPRENEUR? Success isn’t just about academic results. Though of course they are extremely important, they are only one element of what makes up a dynamic young person, writes Meena McDonald

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estholme School takes a unique approach that develops all the skills that will make your child a confident well-rounded individual.

Dr Richard Robson joined the school at the beginning of this year, following two headships at independent schools as well as 10 years as an Independent Schools’ Inspector. Though he’s only been at the school a few months he feels like he has been part of the Westholme community for years!

Dr Robson comments: “Even after a short period at Westholme, it really is hard to imagine a school that does it better.”

So what makes Westholme so much better?

Everyone within the school is committed to providing each individual student with a set of skills that they can utilise in the outside world, combined with a stimulating environment that encourages self-belief and the desire to achieve their aspirations.

It begins with a holistic approach where

EVEN AFTER A SHORT PERIOD AT WESTHOLME, IT REALLY IS HARD TO IMAGINE A SCHOOL THAT DOES IT BETTER Their aspirations are encouraged the minute they arrive at the school and each student is welcomed, recognised and appreciated for their individualism. They have tremendous relationships with their teachers, who inspire them to broaden their horizons to become confident and accomplished young people.

This is supported by a vibrant, embracing and genuine school environment which is full of warmth and support. The Principal’s door is always open so he can hear the fun and laughter of students as they go about their school lives, and he enjoys his daily, personal interactions with them. Students

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thrive when they are doing the things they enjoy and that’s exactly what daily life at Westholme looks like.

Academic rigour of course is crucial and the grades reflect the excellence of the teaching.

WITH DEVELOPMENTS UNDERWAY, WHICH WILL SEE ALL STUDENTS BEING EDUCATED ON ONE STATE-OF-THE-ART SITE, THE FUTURE FOR THE SCHOOL REALLY DOES LOOK VERY BRIGHT INDEED The exceptional standards set by the school and the commitment of the staff ensure the school can easily hold its own against any independent or grammar school in the region.

The teaching staff are dedicated to delivering a supportive environment, providing personal guidance and encouragement to every student, ensuring they achieve and go beyond their expectations.

So, what next?

A five-year strategic plan is currently being produced to take the school to the next level.

Dr Robson believes that everyone has a role to play in the success of the school and the teachers, students and parents have been

involved in the process as they are much more familiar with the school and have been there a lot longer than he has!

Technology will be fully utilised and the blended learning approach will be adopted where it will help improve teaching, alongside providing students with the best possible experience.

With developments underway, which will see all students being educated on one state-ofthe-art site, combined with inspirational programmes such as the Westholme Diploma and Award, the future for the school really does look very bright indeed.

The recently launched Sixth Form Academic

Scholarship, an award that covers between 50 per cent and 100 per cent of school fees throughout the whole Sixth Form period, is already proving a real success.

Dr Robson really cannot imagine being anywhere else. His own education was a very academic one, with little additional inspirational activity. This he found many years later when acting at the Old Vic Theatre in Bristol.

He’s determined, however, that the students at Westholme will gain all the skills they require at school, a combination of independence, problem solving, creativity, leadership, transferrable skills and of course, the confidence to achieve their dreams and be ready to become 21st century entrepreneurs! n

Westholme Wilmar Lodge, Meins Road Pleasington BB2 6QU 01254 506070 westholmeschool.com

Many parents are also attracted by the safe

Despite the many challenges location and the deliberately small class arising from the Covid pandemic sizes which have added a sense of security in difficult times. this year, things are certainly looking optimistic at Oakhill OUR PUPILS LEAVE School and Nursery in Whalley OAKHILL WITH ONE, TWO

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uring the last school year an unprecedented number of pupils have joined Oakhill School at all levels with an overall growth of nearly a quarter on the previous year.

The reasons for this may well be found in the way in which learning has been managed during the pandemic with pupils’ one-to-one iPads meaning they could continue learning from home without any interruption.

OR EVEN THREE GRADES ABOVE THOSE PREDICTED IN ADDITION TO THIS THEY ARE CONFIDENT, HAPPY, WELL-ROUNDED, INDIVIDUALS The school is also moving forward with a number of exciting new initiatives at the moment. In recent weeks they have announced a partnership with Whalley Cricket club, which the school is also sponsoring allowing them to make use of the cricket club’s excellent facilities which are walking distance from school. In addition to this, they are about to move into a partnership with Lancashire Cricket Club acting as a Development Centre from which pupils in the school and other local elite cricketers will be able to benefit. The indoor nets that form part of the school’s gym and leisure

Photography: Kirsten Platt

A WORLD OF OPPORTUNITY

facilities are among the best in the area and will be a valuable resource from which Lancashire Cricket Club will be able to benefit, whilst also providing students at the school with access to LCC coaches and training opportunities. This initiative has been enthusiastically embraced by Oakhill’s Year 6 teacher Jack Edgar, himself a former Lancashire player, who has also played cricket in Australia. As well teaching Year 6 and playing a key role in Oakhill’s sports department, Jack has also been a professional in local league cricket for the past five seasons, so he is ideally placed to spot and nurture future cricketing talent at Oakhill.

Lancashire Cricket Club’s partnership with Oakhill forms part of a planned expansion of extra-curricular activities which the Principal, Jane Buttery, was in the process of developing when the pandemic hit, causing so many sports and activities to be suspended.

The school already has a substantial programme of activities running alongside the excellent educational provision with up to 50 sports and activities taking place

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throughout the school in a typical week.

The development is intended to focus on after school clubs and activities as the school’s outstanding facilities make it an excellent base for a number of outside providers to use, allowing working parents to access a longer school day if required and also leaving more time for family at the weekends. Plans are already in place to expand provision to include golf, yoga and football using qualified outside coaches, with The next stage of the school’s development will be the new building programme which will allow for an expansion of facilities in music and technology, an additional

Photography: Kirsten Platt

more in the pipeline from September. Jane Buttery explains: “After all the disruption of the last 18 months, we are delighted to be getting back on track with all our new developments. Here at Oakhill we prioritise pupils’ wellbeing very firmly alongside their academic success and it’s wonderful to be focussing on such an exciting future with so much opportunity for growth in school.”

WE PRIORITISE PUPILS’ WELLBEING VERY FIRMLY ALONGSIDE THEIR ACADEMIC SUCCESS AND IT’S WONDERFUL TO BE FOCUSSING ON SUCH AN EXCITING FUTURE performance area and a new library and resource centre. These developments will provide much needed additional space and resources to allow for curricular and

extra-curricular expansion, while retaining the family feel and small class sizes which are such an integral part of Oakhill’s ethos.

The Principal adds: “We know that what we are doing at Oakhill works and the outstanding achievement of pupils at every level is proof of this. Our pupils leave

Oakhill with one, two or even three grades above those predicted for them at GCSE and in addition to this they are confident, happy, well-rounded, individuals who have been given all the care and attention that allows them to shine. They feel as though they are known and valued for who they are and this helps them move forward to the next stage of their education with maturity, self-assurance and self-belief.” n

Oakhill School & Nursery Wiswell Lane, Whalley 01254 823546 oakhillschool.co.uk

ENJOY A CAREER WHERE YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE Study Policing or Criminal Justice at Burnley College University Courses to Say Yes to a rewarding and varied career

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ovid-19 has taught us to seize the moment and live life to the full: to stop thinking ‘what if’ and to actually follow our dreams.

A career in policing or criminal justice may be your dream – and now’s the time to take action; start that new career journey and create your own future.

Apply to study for a BSc(Hons) Policing with Criminal Investigation or BA(Hons) Crime and Criminal Justice at Burnley College University Courses (BCUC).

They’re great routes into careers such as: • Police Officer • Crime Scene Investigator • Detective • Victim Support • Police Support Roles • Probation Officer • Prison Officer • Social Researcher • Youth Offending Team Roles

Plus, to apply for our popular Policing and Criminal Justice Degree, you may not even need A Levels or a Level 3 qualification – join the degree course at Foundation Entry and build you knowledge and academic skills over the first year.

Find out more about studying towards a career in Policing or Criminal Justice here

education tbc Burnley College University Courses BCUC is based at the heart of Burnley College’s £100 million Campus in Burnley town centre, close to all transport links.

As a degree-level student you’ll study in its modern university hub, with access to IT equipment, inspirational learning spaces and welcoming social areas.

BCUC is recognised as ‘Excellent’ in the Government TEF (Teaching Excellence Framework) with a Silver Award.

Learn from the best Lecturer on the Policing and Criminal Investigation degree is Simon Almond, a former detective who enjoyed a successful 30-year career in the Police Service.

Simon calls upon his experience and expertise in key roles over the course of his career, including: uniformed officer on the beat, family liaison officer, plain clothes drugs investigator, divisional investigator, murder/major crime investigator, police trainer and founder of a Cybercrime Investigation Unit.

The Support you need to Succeed At BCUC, our dedicated Lecturers and support staff focus on you as an individual and your personal journey to career success.

We’ll help you evert step of the way with: • Ensuring you find the perfect degree to help you reach your goals

APPLY NOW. BURNLEY.AC.UK /UNIVERSITY

• Working with our Adult Learning colleagues to ensure you get the qualifications you need to proceed • Support through the application process • Help to navigate Student Finance • Information on any bursaries or benefits to which you may be entitled • On-going-one-to-one academic support • Health and wellbeing guidance

Did you know, you won’t pay back any of your Student Finance until you’ve finished your degree and are earning more than £2,274 a month?* (before tax and deductions, terms and conditions apply, see www.gov.uk/student-finance)

?

Discover the full range of 60-plus degree courses at BCUC

A C O - E D U C AT I O N A L B O A R D I N G A N D D AY S C H O O L F O R 0 – 1 8 Y E A R O L D S

excellence IN SPORT INSPIRING

For more information, to register for our next Open Event or a private tour, please visit our website:

www.rossall.org.uk

Rossall School, Fleetwood, Lancashire, FY7 8JW

Telephone 01253 774201

Email admissions@rossall.org.uk

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UNLOCK YOUR INNER POTENTIAL! Blackburn College’s next Open Event is on Wednesday 16th June 2021 from 4pm–8pm

T

he time has come to unlock your inner potential! At the Open Event, you can find out how a qualification can enhance your employability, further your skills and boost your knowledge so you can rise above the competition.

YOU MIGHT EVEN DISCOVER A WORLD OF NEW CAREER OPPORTUNITIES FOR YOURSELF AS WELL AS YOUR SON OR DAUGHTER! You might even discover a world of new career opportunities for yourself as well as your son or daughter!

You will get the opportunity to chat with

lecturers from your subject area of interest, giving you a real feel for the courses and options available to you. Speak to current students, discover the successes of our students, and learn more about finance options to help you fund your studies.

The event is being held in person, but the College is asking potential students to register their attendance online at www.blackburn.ac.uk/openfe. Schools have been given specific arrival times and those attending can download campus map information online. n

Visit: www.blackburn.ac.uk/openfe to get more information

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Director – working alongside lifelong family friend Ben Ayrton: “Ben and I joined Spiroflow at the same time and complement each other’s skills and attributes. I lead on the vision, sales, marketing and commercial aspects while Ben oversees the operation and engineering arm of the company – we balance each other perfectly and very much work as a team,” James explains.

James Podevyn chats to Gail Bailey about his fascinating career journey and his vision for the continued success of Spiroflow, a Ribble Valley based company, which now has several sites in the United States

B

orn and bred in the Ribble Valley, ex-Stonyhurst College pupil James Podevyn had anything but a direct route into the family business that his father founded 45 years ago: “Whilst I used to spend my school holidays working at Spiroflow my focus was actually always to join the army,” explains James.

On finishing at Stonyhurst, James was successful in passing tests to join the army as an officer. However, he took the decision to defer his place for a year and travel.

BEING IN THE POLICE MADE ME MORE RESILIENT, PERCEPTIVE, A GOOD QUESTIONER AND A GOOD LISTENER “I wanted to give the army my all, and while travelling and having time to think, I decided that, as a commissioned officer has a short career, it would serve me well to gain a degree and go to university before taking up the place.”

While studying Design Technology with Business Management at York St John University, James joined the Territorial Army.

“I applied to be a regular soldier with

the TA so that when I joined as an officer I had more credibility. I absolutely loved my time there and when passing the Combat Infantryman’s Course, I won the Best Soldier Award out of 100 other soldiers – this was a really proud moment for me,” says James.

James’ time spent in the TA made him realise he wanted to do something to really make a difference: “I had friends who were in the police and, as fate would have it, just as I started to consider this as a career choice, Greater Manchester Police were recruiting – within six weeks of thinking about it I was in!”

James’ eight years in the force comprised of five years as an immediate response officer, two with a proactive surveillance unit and then a year as an authorised firearms officer (AFO): “I learnt a lot from my time in the police and was also fortunate enough to meet my wife Karen, who had joined at the same time.”

Both being serving police officers, James and Karen knew how dangerous the job could be and the stresses it could put on family life, and once they became engaged, James decided to leave the police and join Spiroflow: “I spoke to my dad and, as I had always had an interest in sales, we decided this is where I could be most effective.”

James took over the role of North West Sales Manager in 2011 and has been with the company ever since. Feeling like he had something to prove when he first joined Spiroflow, he threw himself into the role and even broke a few records, selling over a million pounds of equipment in his first year.

James quickly rose to UK Sales Manager, then Sales Director and is now Co-Managing

SPIROFLOW DELIVER ENGINEERED SOLUTIONS DESIGNED TO SOLVE HANDLING AND PROCESSING CHALLENGES Whilst never actually taking up the officer role in the army, he has no regrets.

He recognises the transferable skills learnt during his time as a soldier and in the police, have very much contributed to his current role: “Being in the police made me incredibly resilient and solution-focused, along with being perceptive, a good questioner and a good listener,” explains James. “All of these traits are essential in managing a successful business and we have a great team of people here with a very positive and cohesive culture – and that’s really important to me to maintain.”

Spiroflow, who have grown significantly since their early days as inventors of the flexible screw conveyor, now has several sites in the United States, along with a UK base in Clitheroe. The company, which delivers engineered solutions that are designed to solve handling and processing challenges, works with major customers such as Heinz, Nestle, Kelloggs and P&G. “Whilst we are a successful business we don’t stand still. Brexit has given us further opportunities both in domestic and export, and I also feel passionate about making the business more environmentally friendly as we grow.”

Being a STEM Ambassador and supporting local schools in developing young people’s employability skills James, and Spiroflow, are certainly an asset and a success story in the Ribble Valley. n

BUSINESS MATTERS

tbc lifestyle 124 business

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

IT’S A WINNER

WARM WELCOME

The Gin Guide Awards is a prestigious, global event to celebrate exceptional spirits, distilleries and distillers. With hundreds of entries from over 30 different countries, Bashall Spirits’ Damson and Elderberry Gin was announced as a winner of the Flavoured Category for 2021. Launched by Fiona McNeill and Hamish Allan, Bashall Spirits created this award-winning gin, basing it on a great aunt’s damson wine recipe which added the twist of rich elderberries. Fiona says: “It was superb just to be shortlisted from hundreds of entries from all over the world.

But to win is amazing!” Bashall Spirits’ entire flavour range – Orange & Quince, Parkin Cake, Damson and Elderberry – also received silver medals in the 2021 London Spirits Competition, joining the London Dry, which received silver the year before.

Shoppers and visitors received a warm Ribble Valley welcome when the borough reopened its doors to the public last month.

Ribble Valley Borough Council worked with shops and pubs to prepare for the easing of restrictions. Business has been brisk for the majority of shops and recreational facilities, including the council’s Platform Gallery and Ribblesdale Pool, which reopened to enthusiastic swimmers and art enthusiasts. Ribble Valley Borough Council Chief Executive Marshal Scott said: “The past few months have been enormously challenging for the retail and hospitality sectors, and it is imperative that they get back to business. But it must be done in a way that ensures customers remain safe and we have been working closely with them to ensure they are able to reopen successfully.” gov.uk

COMPANY SALE Kier Living, which is currently part of Kier Group plc, has signed a deal to be sold to private equity firm Terra Firma.

The sale is conditional upon the approval of Kier shareholders and, if the deal is agreed, the business will be wholly owned

by Terra Firma which will launch a new brand – Tilia Homes.

Kier Living is keen to point out that properties will be built by the same team to the same high standards and with the same focus on providing the best possible service to customers.

The terms of the existing two-year Kier Living warranty will remain the same and the 10-year NHBC warranty that comes with every home is also unaffected. kierliving.co.uk

SUMMER STAYCATION BOOM Prior to the pandemic, tourism generated over £260million a year for the Ribble Valley economy with visitor numbers topping four million, an increase of 7.6 per cent, compared to a Lancashire increase of 1.7 per cent. Ribble Valley Borough Council’s tourism and events officer, Tom Pridmore, said: “Tourism is a key part of our economic strategy and we have worked hard with the Ribble Valley Tourism Association to develop key markets, such as food and drink, walking and weddings. Forecasts of a domestic tourism boom have materialised and much of the borough’s accommodation is already booked for the summer. We look forward to working with our tourism and hospitality businesses over the coming months to welcome visitors to our beautiful borough.” visitribblevalley.co.uk

business

THE POWER OF DIVIDENDS Head of Branch Investment, Paul Gavaghan at Raymond James explains how, with a sensible approach, dividends can provide a more stable income than savings accounts

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here can I double my money this week?’ and ‘Are there any ten baggers around?’ are common questions aimed at anyone working in investment. I hate to be a bore, but I explain such returns mean taking levels of risk like those in the bookies.

So, if you’re not trying to shoot the lights out in a week, how can an investor expect to increase their wealth?

When investing responsibly, I believe you need to take a long-term view and assess what you expect your returns to be.

Potential returns from equities are a combination of dividends and capital growth.

It is on dividends that I focus this article.

John D Rockefeller said: ‘Do you know the one thing in life that gives me pleasure?

It’s seeing my dividends coming in.’

So, what is a dividend? It is simply the sum of money that a company pays to its shareholders out of its profits or reserves.

Therefore, with dividend paying stocks you get paid for holding them no matter what the share price is. However, companies choose the appropriate value to distribute to shareholders. This means that as well as rising, dividends can fall.

However, management teams of many dividend paying companies are under pressure to sustain their dividends even in times of falling profits. Take Roche, the world’s largest cancer drug manufacturer.

It has increased its dividend every single year for 29 years.

Sometimes though, companies have no choice but to reduce or suspend dividends.

When choosing dividend stocks, it is important to choose only those that you believe will sustainably increase their dividend through free cashflow over the long term.

So how do you assess a company’s ability to increase its dividends over the long term?

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For this to happen, the company must be able to sustainably increase its profits. With this in mind, I think it is important to choose only shares in industries with high barriers to entry, operating in markets with favourable demographics and, most importantly, enough of the companies’ profits must be re-invested for growth.

With a sensible approach, dividends can arguably provide a much more stable income stream than savings accounts, which are reliant on interest rates and can be extremely volatile in the income which they pay. I think we all remember getting seven or eight per cent and now we get 0.5 per cent if lucky. However, in order to gain the extra income shares can provide, investors must accept fluctuations in the capital value.

We tend to find that clients wanting to take a substantial income and not wanting huge swings in capital value, but accepting some, benefit most from a mixture of equities and other assets, such as bonds, which have low correlation with equities and still provide income. By utilising dividend and ISA allowances, dividend income can also be very tax efficient.

Speaking to someone who’s qualified and experienced in helping investors make rational, sound decisions can offer you a fresh perspective, make sure you stay focused on your long-term plan and help you separate emotions from your decisions. Whether you’re a seasoned investor in need of some guidance, or you’re at a turning point in your financial life and need a plan, our advisers can help. 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. This article is intended for information purposes only and no action should be taken or refrained from being taken as a consequence without consulting a suitably qualified and regulated person

Raymond James 8 Berry Lane, Longridge, Preston PR3 3JA 01772 780300 ribblevalley.raymondjames.uk.com

MAKE THE SWITCH The new MINI Electric is very much a car for today, bringing with it a raft of economical and environmental advantages, writes Paul Agnew.

Photography: Roger Moore

T

he MINI is a British icon. Not a claim, a statement of fact. Its place – not only in motoring folklore but also in the hearts of our car-loving nation – is forever guaranteed.

But for all that enduring popularity over so many decades, the MINI has never been afraid of change or challenge, or resisted the opportunity to gear up. Hence the MINI Electric.

Combining the very best bits of yesterday, this is a car very much for today with more than an eye on tomorrow.

The latest version comes complete with a visual facelift, including a smart new front grille, re-designed front and back bumpers, soft-feel steering wheel, rear fog lights, improved LED headlights and interior lighting, an 8.5 inch touchscreen as standard – the list goes on.

COMBINING THE VERY BEST BITS OF YESTERDAY, THIS IS A CAR VERY MUCH FOR TODAY WITH MORE THAN AN EYE ON TOMORROW Every bit a MINI in terms of looks, style and handling, the MINI Electric also brings a raft of economical and environmental advantages thanks to the ultra-efficient, fully-electric motor and a boot crammed with financial perks.

An HM Government Plug-In grant of £2,500 is one such example and company car users can benefit from a BIK tax rating of just one per cent.

motors Although ‘electric cars’ are no longer strangers on our roads, there remains a degree of nervousness about the concept from those yet to convert. To provide reassurance, particularly concerning ‘range anxiety’, let’s focus on some hard facts: • DISTANCE RANGE: In short, how far you can go on a single charge? A very impressive 145 miles.

• CHARGING (RUNNING) COST: Would you believe 4p per mile? And that is two to four times cheaper than cars with petrol or diesel engines.

• BATTERY CHARGING: Simple and straightforward, either at home or on the go. Achieve an AC 080 per cent home charge in 12 hours (three hours 12 minutes with a wallbox) and a DC public rapid charge in as little as 36 minutes.

• CHARGING STATIONS: You’ll never be stuck with around 9,000 stations available (many across Lancashire), all of them integrated into the in-built MINI navigation system.

• LIFE OF BATTERY: So good that the manufacturers offer warranty for EIGHT years or 100,000 miles!

• SERVICING: From as little as £10 per month, you can completely remove the uncertainty often associated with servicing costs.

You will also receive added extras including fluid top-ups, one MOT, wash and vac every time, seasonal health checks and sat nav map updates.

• PERFORMANCE: No problems here either. A car that’s all torque, as well as action, produces a maximum output of 184hp and a maximum torque 270 Nm.You can zip from 0-37 in under four seconds and from 0-62 in 7.3 seconds. CO2 emissions? Zero.

Okay, let’s get down to a bit of detail about the car itself. Depending upon your budget you can enjoy a range of equipment highlights right through to the top-end ‘Collection’ which boasts a gallery of unique features such as 17” spoke alloy wheels and exterior graphics.

HOW FAR YOU CAN GO ON A SINGLE CHARGE? A VERY IMPRESSIVE 145 MILES It’s also only the MINI Electric which includes new exterior paint colours, perfectly partnered with multi-tone roof and Piano Black exterior. The interior design complements the stunning exterior thanks to sport seats upholstered with cloth/ leatherette in Black Pearl/Light Grey and aluminium trim.

If you are happy to go with standard then standard is very, very good.

MINI Navigation remains a key feature and

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a fully-digital dashboard (still the famous circular shape) brings a futuristic feel to the cockpit. When you need helpful information when driving, then here it is, just a finger tap away.

Not to overlook automatic transmission, cruise control, intelligent emergency call (MINI E-call), DAB digital tuner, Apple CarPlay, electric parking brake, Mini e-badge, rain sensor and automatic headlight activation.

At levels two and three, you will also discover front distance control, rear-view camera, heated front seats, front centre armrest, Harman Kardon hi-fi system, head-up display, panoramic glass sunroof and parking assistant.

Whichever model you choose, the MINI Electric is certain to impress. So don’t delay, get a handle on the future and take the next step with confidence. n

Bowker Blackburn MINI Trident Way Blackburn BB1 3NU 01254 274333 bowkerblackburnmini.co.uk @BowkerMINI @BowkerMotorGroup BowkerMotorGroup @BowkerMINI TM

CALL: 01254 769069

Approved Garage

Bay Horse Garage, Longsight Road (A59), Osbaldeston, BB2 7HX

www.bowkerribblevalley.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.

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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.

Manufactured from foam filled aluminium lath, available in a full range of colours and four wood effect finishes. We are confident we can accommodate your requirements and enhance your property.

include courtesy light and full safety system we guarantee all year round access.

can be parked within 50mm of the door inside or out without disrupting operation.

Acorn Door Systems

Sample colours

Your local garage door company

01772 784 974

www.acorndoorsystems.co.uk

Phone: 01254 704132

The above swatches are for guide purposes only and do not represent an exact match.

• Tow bar fitting • All manufacturers • TowSpecialising bar coding in high • Quality qualityworkmanship vehicle • V.S.K. wire fitting • Over 15 yers experience re-finishing and accident repairs, Greenwoods Vehicle Re-finishers Tel: 07734are 536870 email:info@rvtowing.co.uk a family-run business Unit 3,Brookside Indover Est,25 Clitheroe, BB7 1NL established years ago. www.theoddchaircompany.com Open Mon - Fri 9-5pm Sat 9-12 (by appointment)

ACORN DOOR SYSTEMS

London Showroom Tel: 0207 730 6442 sales@gvrf.co.uk www.gvrf.co.uk Lancashire Showroom Tel: 01772 691777 Kestor Lane Longridge Preston PR3 3AD

INTRODUCING THE ALL-NEW

ISUZU D -MAX V- CROSS BUSINESS CONTRACT HIRE FROM ONLY

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† MONTHLY RENTAL PLUS VAT INITIAL RENTAL £3,108.00 PLUS VAT Followed by 47 Monthly Rentals.

Excess mileage charges and return conditions apply.

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DRIVEN TO DO Model pictured is a V-Cross including optional special paint finish from £267.91 +VAT a month plus Initial Rental of £3,212.92 +VAT

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01772 334006 www.waltonsummit-isuzu.co.uk Unit 211, Walton Summit Road, Preston, Lancashire, PR5 8AQ Walton Summit, trading as Walton Summit Truck Centre Ltd is an introducer and not a provider of contract hire.

All fuel consumption and emission values are based on the new WLTP (Worldwide Harmonised Light Vehicle Test Procedure) test cycle which uses real-world driving data. Official fuel economy for the standard Isuzu D-Max range in MPG (l/100km): Low 25.1 – 27.6 (10.2 – 11.2). Mid 31.4 – 36.4 (7.8 – 9.0). High 36.0 – 39.4 (7.2 – 7.8). Extra-High 29.0 – 30.8 (9.2 – 9.7). Combined 30.7 – 33.6 (8.4 – 9.2). CO2 emissions 220 – 241g/km. †Example based on 6,000 miles per annum, non-maintained. Subject to status. UK residents 18+. Rental amounts shown are on the specific model stated plus VAT @ 20%. This offer excludes fleet and Members Affinity scheme sales, is only available through participating Isuzu dealers and is not available in conjunction with any other offers or with BASC, NGO or NFU member discounts. Special paint finish charges are not included in finance example. This offer is only available through Lex Autolease Ltd trading as Isuzu Contract Hire, Heathside Park, Heathside Park Road, Stockport SK3 0RB. Offers may be varied or withdrawn at any time. Offer ends 30.06.2021. Vehicle must be returned in a good condition to avoid further charges. You will not own the vehicle. If the vehicle has exceeded the maximum permitted mileage then a charge of 11.0p plus VAT @20% per excess mile will apply. The All-New Isuzu D-Max is Smarter Stronger Safer compared to previous model. Terms and conditions apply.

TRULY UNIQUE Commissioned by Japanese entrepreneur, art collector and supercar enthusiast Yusaku Maezawa, this bespoke Rolls-Royce Phantom was created in a unique collaboration with Hermès

W

hen entrepreneur Yusaku Maezawa commissioned this Rolls-Royce Phantom he envisioned the car as a ‘land jet’, to complement a recently commissioned private aircraft, bringing the serene exclusivity of private air travel to the road.

Designed and handcrafted by a combined team of specialists at the home of Rolls-Royce at Goodwood and Hermès in Paris, the car’s striking two-tone exterior matches the characteristic green and cream glazes of antique Japanese Oribe ware, of which Maezawa-san is a prominent collector.

The upper part is finished in Oribe green, a fully bespoke colour created exclusively for the client and, in an unusual move, Rolls-Royce has made the paint available for use on the client’s private jet that the Phantom is to be paired with.

Developed over many months by specialists in Rolls-Royce’s Surface Finish Centre at

Goodwood, it perfectly captures the lustrous, deep-green glaze that characterises these 16th century ceramics. The effect is beautifully complemented by the creamwhite lower section.

IN AN UNUSUAL MOVE, ROLLS-ROYCE HAS MADE THE PAINT AVAILABLE FOR USE ON THE CLIENT’S PRIVATE JET THAT THE PHANTOM IS TO BE PAIRED WITH The Oribe ware-inspired colourway harmoniously continues through the interior, created and realised through a true meeting of minds between Hermès designers and craftspeople in Paris, and

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the Rolls-Royce collective of designers and engineers. Together, they applied their shared expertise and ingenuity to ensure every individual component embodies the finest traditions of both houses.

The interior is finished predominantly in Hermès Enea green leather, extending to details that include the immediate touch-points – for example, the steering wheel, duchess handles, gear selector and the rotary controls for the car’s climate settings.

The Hermès leather flows around the upper instrument panel, interior pillars and parcel shelf. It also enrobes less visible surfaces including the glove compartment and luggage compartment lining, centre console, decanter stowage compartment and Champagne cooler.

Delicate Hermès piping adorns the headrest cushions and calf supports of the rear seats, while soft Seashell white accents and matching lambswool floor mats create a sense of light and space throughout.

The interior also features examples of

THE HERMÈS LEATHER FLOWS AROUND THE INTERIOR PILLARS AND PARCEL SHELF IT ALSO ENROBES THE CENTRE CONSOLE, DECANTER STOWAGE COMPARTMENT AND CHAMPAGNE COOLER

Rolls-Royce design and handcraftsmanship.

Wooden speaker frets, for example, are formed by meticulously perforating the open pore royal walnut veneer applied to the doors, creating a seamless, textured aesthetic. Open pore royal walnut is additionally applied to the centre and rear consoles and, in another first for Rolls-Royce, the interior features Hermès Toile H canvas on the door armrests, centre and rear consoles and, most notably, the signature headliner.

Hermès brings its distinctive equestrian heritage and innovative craftsmanship knowhow to the car, with the leather upholstery

created using stitching and edge-painting techniques originally employed by master saddlers. For the unique ‘Phantom’s Gallery’ that runs the length of the car’s fascia, Hermès commissioned an artwork based on a design by celebrated French artist and illustrator Pierre Péron (1905–1988) who created many of Hermes’ iconic scarves.

The work, inspired by the famous Hermès horse motif, is hand-painted on open pore royal walnut and is presented as though staged in an art gallery, behind glass.

Torsten Müller-Ötvös Chief Executive Officer, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars, comments: “This majestic and tasteful Rolls-Royce

Phantom demonstrates what is possible when talented people from two of the world’s great houses work closely together alongside a far-sighted, inspirational client like Maezawa-san. It is a meeting of minds, expertise, visions and skill that represents the very best of our respective craftspeople and capabilities. It has been an extraordinary privilege to unite on such a creatively challenging, technically demanding commission and bring our client’s remarkable vision so beautifully to life.” n

rolls-roycemotorcars.com

D u ring t he 1 3 t h and 14th century, Bl ackburn was th e e p i c ent re of t he texti l es w orl d. Before that, i t was th e s i t e of a f a mous Roman templ e, and si nce, i t’s playe d h ost t o ma ny a c compl i shments and key mome n ts in t i m e, inc lud ing a P remi er League-w i nni ng fo o tball t e a m.

To d a y, a mong ot h er thi ngs, i t’s home to natio n wide m ot or t r a d er, Hippo Motor Group. T he w i de-reach in g, h u g ely suc c essf ul, mul ti -mi l l i on-pound busi ness - wh ich i s l oc a t ed a t Tr id e nt P ark - i s headed up by o n e man ; To m Prest on.

G ro wing up , Tom al w ays took a keen i nteres t in th e m ot or t r a d e. It r an i n the fami l y after al l , w i th To m’s F a mily owning a BMW and Land R over deal ersh ip. S o , t h e n, it c omes a s no surpri se to see hi m w he re h e is t od a y.

H o wev er, his p a t h from cl eani ng cars to becom in g th e d i re c t or of his own company w i th more than 250 staff w a sn’t a lwa y s st r a i ghtforw ard. “ I w or k ed in t he fami l y car deal ershi p si nce le avin g s ch ool, st a r t ing i n val eti ng and w orked throu gh to j u n ior ma na g emen t,” Tom sai d. “My i dea w as to fo llo w i n my f a t her, Ric hard’s footsteps and hopeful l y ru n th e p l a ce one d a y. “ H o wev er, t hing s di dn’t w ork out l i ke that, and o n e day, m y Da d a nd Au nti e deci ded to sel l the bu sin e ss, e ff ec t iv ely lea v ing me w i thout a j ob! ” B u t d esp it e his setback, Tom al w ays knew w h e re h is f u t u re la y, a nd h e w asn’t about to gi ve up o n h is a s pir a t ion of c ont i nui ng hi s fami l y’s l egacy. “ I did n’t wa nt t o w ork for or do anythi ng el se ,” To m t ol d us. “ G iv en a l l I knew w as cars, I had a ch at with D a d f or his a d v ic e and i t w as a fai rl y easy decisio n to s e t up my own c ompany and start sel l i ng. A n d th at’s h ow Hip p o wa s c re ated.”

H o wev er, muc h like havi ng hi s empl oyment ri ppe d o u t

fro m u n de rn e ath a fe w ye ars e arlie r, Tom w oul d f ace similar ch alle n ge s du rin g th e e arly year s of H i ppo.

F o u n de d in an atte mpt to re plicate h is f am i l y’s s ucces s , h e co u ldn ’t h ave kn o wn th e blo w h e w as about t o be de alt in 2008.

“My go al fro m day o n e was to make a good l i vi ng and try an d be as su cce ssfu l as th e family bus i nes s I l ef t , ” To m re calle d.

“I se t th e co mpan y u p in 2007, an d one year l at er t he fin an cial crash h it. It was a re al stru ggl e. D ur i ng t hat time , I was o n ly se llin g abo u t 10 ca r s a m ont h and do in g pre tty mu ch e ve ryth in g myse lf; f rom buyi ng t o marke tin g an d se llin g.

“What I Really Like About Hippo Is No M a t t e r H o w L o n g Yo u ’ v e B e e n H e r e , T h e r e ’ s A S e n s e O f To g e t h e r n e s s A n d U n i t y, A n d T h a t C o m e s F r o m H o w W e Deal With Our Customers”

“Over the next three years, I worked s o me cr azy h o u r s, persistent to reach my goals and takin g so me b ig r isks along the way, including remortgaging o u r family h o me to put down a deposit on our first site. T h an kfu lly mo st of the risks paid off!”

Since recovering from the financial cr ash , Hip p o h as gone from strength to strength, n o w b o ast in g a brand-new, state-of-the-art showroom an d wo r ksh o p in Blackburn stocking over 1,000 vehicles, an d a h an d o ve r site in Luton.

However, during that time, Tom and Hip p o h ave n ’t forgotten the morals and ethics they w e re b u ilt o n , wit h the company director attributing many o f h is an d t h e business’ triumphs to the people arou n d h im.

“It’s a cliché, but the Hippo people are a massive p ar t of our success,” Tom said. “We have some amazin g st aff here, many of whom have been here fro m t h e st ar t .

“What I really like about Hippo is no mat t e r h o w lo n g you’ve been here, there’s a sense of to g e t h e r n e ss an d unity, and that comes from how we d e al wit h o u r customers. We pride ourselves on e mb o d yin g t h e people we’re trying to help and think: “ W h at wo u ld I want in this situation?”

“It really helps us connect with ou r cu st o me r s an d together in the office, all working toward s o n e main goal - helping people get the car they wan t .

“Buying a car can be confusing. T here are ju st so man y options be it new, used, all the diff e re n t make s an d models, and that’s before you start th in kin g o f h o w t o fund it. We get customers asking regular ly if it ’s b e t t e r to buy, lease or finance,

“I “I t hink think another another b ig big part part of of our our success success is is that that w ewe dodo allall o f otfhese these things things and and are are not not biased biased toto one one area, area, soso our our cucustomers s t omers can canmake makeananinformed informeddecision decisionrath rather er than than ju sjut st b eing b eing presented presented w ith w ith a couple a couple of of options.” options.”

OfOf c ourse, course, over over the the past past 1515 months months oror so,so, the the solidity solidity of of Hippo H ippohas hasbeen b eentested testedlike likenever neverbefore, before,with withthe the COVID COVIDpandemic pandemicforcing forcingbusinesses businessesacross acrossthe theUKUKtoto cloclose s e their their d oors doors toto customers. customers.

“I “I love love spending spending time time with with family family and and f r ie fr n iedns,d s, e sp e sp e cially e cially going goingabroad,” abroad,”Tom Tomnoted. noted.“I’ve “I’vealso al sob ebeene nin tin ot ofo fo re re st st and and tarmac-stage tarmac-stage rallying rallying forfor a while. a while.

“M“My y Dad Dadused usedtotorally rallyin inthe themid-80s, mid-80 s,sosowewewowo u ld u ldg og o and and watch watch him. him.

I always I always loved loved it it but but c oco u ld u ld n enve e ve r affo r affo rdrd mymy own own car. car.

HoHwowever, ever, d esp d esp iteite yet yet another another monstrou monstrous s and and u nupreced nprecedented ented challenge, challenge,Tom Tomand andHippo Hippoare arecoming coming o uot ut of of the the p and pandemic emic stronger stronger forfor it.it.

“When “WhenI turned I turned21,21,I went I wentwith withsome som efr ie fr n iednsd tsot oa ar ally r ally school schooland andfell fellin inlove lovewith withit itfrom fromt h tehre e re . I. bI obro ror ro wewe d d some some money money toto buy buy mymy first first rally rally carcabr ubt uut nufo n fo r t ur tnuat n at e lye ly crashed crashed it it into into a tree. a tree.

It It certainly certainly wasn’t wa sn ’t o noeno e f omy f my fi nfienste st moments!” moments!”

“A“Along long with witheveryone everyoneelse elsein inthe theUK, UK,w hen w henthe thefirst first lo ckd lo ckdown own was wasannounced, announced,I Iw as w asw orried w orriedabout aboutthe the f u ftu u ture re forfor the the company company and and our our staff,” staff,” Tom Tom told told us.us.

“We “We e mploy e mploy over over 250 250 people, people, soso pretty pretty much much straight straight away away wewe beg began an toto adadapt. apt .

Picking P ickingfights fightswith withtrees treesaside, aside,Tom Tomh as h asg ognoen eo no nt ot o become becomequite quitethe thesuccessful successfulrally ral lyr ace r ace r, r,sese cucu r inr g in g several severalvictories victoriesover overhishistime timebeh bein hd in dt h teh ewhwh e eel,e l, including includingtopping toppingthe thetimesheets timesheetsin int h teh en at n at io n ioaln alW W R CR C GBGB Rally.

Rally.

“We’re “We’revery verymuch muchananonline onlinebusiness businessand andhave havethe the in fin rastructure frastructuretotobebeable abletotodeliver deliverlarge largevolumes volumesof of carca s rs nationwid nationwid e, e, soso in in that that respect, respect, w ew w e ere w ere fortunate. fortunate.

I I knknow o w some some of of the the ‘traditional’ ‘traditional’ carcar dealers dealers were were s trsut rugg ggling lingthrough throughthis thisperiod perioddue duetotoclosures, closures,but but th tankfully, h ankfully, forfor everyone, everyone, things things now now seem seem toto bebe picking picking u pu p agagain.” ain.”

But Buteven eventhough thoughsliding slidingthrough throughthe thet ret re e se o s f oaf ad ednese n se British Britishforest forestbehind behindthe thewheel wheelof ofhishisF oFrd o rdF ie F st ieast ar ally r ally carcar always always brings brings a smile a smile toto hishis face, face, anan d it d it like like ly ly always always will, will, like like Hippo, Hippo, it’sit’s not not the the only only thing thing ToTo mm live live s fo s fo r. r.

ThThe e COVID COVIDp and pandemic emic also alsodidn’t didn’tstop stopTom TomororHippo Hippo f rof rom m helping helping those those w ith w ith needs, needs, goals goals and and aspirations. aspirations.

“M“Maybe aybe a touch a touch of of rallying rallying before before goi go ng in g o uot ufo t fo r ar cu a cu r r yr r y and and a few a few beers. beers.

Perfect!”

P erfect!”

A lo A ng long sidsid e esup sup porting portingBurnley BurnleyFCFCin inthe theC ommunity C ommunity with witha aSterling SterlingFoFord rd Transit Transitvan vanearlier earlierthis thisyear yearand and dodonating n ating freq freq uent uentcare carepackages packagestotothe thelocal localfood food ban bank, k, Tom Tom also also enjoys enjoys seeing seeing local local talents talents soar. soar.

“I “It hink, think,asasa acompany, company,if ifyou’re you’reable abletotohelp helpout, out,you you s hsohuld,” ould,” Tom Tom said said. . “There “There are are lots lots of of local local and and national national chcharities arities we’ve we’vesupported supportedover overthe theyears, years,and andwe’ll we’ll cocontinue n tinue toto d od o soso in in the the years years toto come. come.

“I “Ia lso alsofeel feelthat thatup-and-coming up-and-comingathletes athletessometimes sometimes n eneeed d a helping a help ing hand, hand, w hich w hich w ewprovide e provide w here w here w ewe can. can.

In In f a ct, f act,we’ve we’vejust justsigned signedupupforforanother anotheryear yearw ith withlocal local pro professional fessional boxer, b oxer,Josh JoshHolmes Holmesand andBritish Britishyouth youthskiski te tam e am ace, ace, Rob Rob Holmes.”

Holmes.”

HoHwowever, ever, despite despite hishis obvious obvious affection affection forfor hishis bubusiness,Tom s iness,Tom isn’t isn’tallallw ork. w ork.HeHealso alsohas hasother othermajor major lo ves lo vesin inhishislife, life,including includinghishisw ife, w ife,Suey, Suey,hishistwo two chchildren ildren and and rallying. rallying.

“M“My y perfect perfectFather’s Father’sDay Daywould wouldbebespsp e nednin dg in gt h teh ed ay d ay with with mymy wife, wife, Suey, Suey, and and the the kids,” kids,” hehe adad d edde. d .

T HTRHEREE E T HTI H NIGNSG A S BAOBUOTU T OTM OM

I’mI’mmarried, married,have havetwo twobeautiful beautifuldaughters daughtersand anda a crazy crazy boxer boxer dog dog Some Somepeople peoplesaysayI look I looka alittle littlelike likethe theTVTVstar star George George Clarke, Clarke, however, however, mymy friends friends saysay more more Frank Frank Sidebottom!

Sidebottom!

I’mI’m a keen a keen rally rally driver driver and and won won the the national national part part of of WRC WRC Rally Rally GBGB

Here Hereat atHippo HippoMotor M otorGroup, Group,weweprp idr id e eo uor u ser se lvelve s so no n being beingthe thebest bestin inthe thebusiness businessand andd udeu et ot oe xp e xp anan siosio n,n, we’re we’re now now recruiting recruiting forfor ambitious ambitious indi ind vid ivid u als u als t ot jo o in jo in o uor u r long long listlist of of success success stories. stories.

We Wehave havemore morethan than3030open openvacancie vacancie s sacro acro ss ssa awid wid e e range rangeof ofskills skillsincluding includingsales, sales,vehicle veh iclemain main t e tnean n an cece , , administration, administration, compliance compliance and and marke marke t int g in. g .

Visit Visit our our careers careers tab tab at at www.h www.h ippomot ippomootrogro r g ro u pu.co p.co mm t ot o find fin d your youperfect r pe rfe ct role role today. today.

sport

YOUR CLUB NEEDS YOU! Stewart Fort started up and sold not one, but two successful engineering firms, and now he’s focusing his attention on giving Clitheroe a football club they can be proud of, writes David Fearnhead

A

few years ago a television crew were dispatched to Old Trafford to speak to fans about the price of season tickets. One fan stuck in mind. He bristled at the interviewer’s line of questioning. It was suggested football was being taken away from the working classes – that it was now the domain of what Roy Keane had so perfectly piqued as ‘the prawn sandwich brigade’. Summoning up all the indignation our fan could muster, he defiantly declared: “I don’t care how much they put the prices up, they’ll not stop me from coming!” It could have been satire, but instead it was a salient lesson in the skewed logic of the die-hard football fan.

Times are changing. The busted flush of the European Super League has re-awakened the feeling of detachment from football’s elite. A growing number of fans are now vocalising that the ‘emperor’s clothes’ are lacking in any real substance.

Less than 50 miles from both Anfield and Old Trafford is another type of football club.

There are no emperors here. At Shawbridge you’ll likely find the Clitheroe FC Chairman Stewart Fort grafting away. The latest project is a system to reclaim rainwater and use it to water the pitch. Forty thousand litres of it can be stored, and what would normally take three days with two hoses can now be

done by 20 small sprinklers in two hours.

It’s just one of the many developments which have been taking place at the ground.

Stewart is hands on and has an impressive business pedigree and work ethic to match.

He sold his first engineering company in 2008. Less than a year later he started up another which he then sold in 2016. “Well, there are only so many beaches you can sit on,” says Stewart, who retired for a second time at Christmas having served out his five years. It didn’t last long.

“I retired on the 23rd of December 2020 and I think I’ve been here nearly every day since. I enjoy it. I’ve had people coming up to me saying, ‘I can’t believe what you’ve done here’. We’ve only painted the place and they think it’s the best thing since sliced bread. There is a great buzz.”

IT’S BEEN A COMPLETELY NEW EXPERIENCE FOR ME AND I’VE LOVED EVERY MINUTE OF IT If you’re already getting the impression that Stewart is a bit of a character, you’d be right. You’d have to be to take on a small town team in the eighth tier of English football, during the height of a global pandemic.

“In a way it’s kind of done us a favour,” says Stewart of the timing. “We’ve been able to do a lot of the groundworks which we wouldn’t have been able to do had the season have been played. The bar is now open four days a week rather than 20 times a year, which it used to be.

“We’ve had all these people queuing up to get a drink at half time. So we’ve put an external bar in with those bottom feed glasses that they have at Tottenham’s billion pound stadium. It’s eight-times faster than the normal method. Simple things like that. I just felt I could easily sort those things out and we have.”

A season ticket holder at Burnley, he was invited down to Clitheroe initially with a view to get him to sponsor a few games. He enjoyed the experience so much he became the new Chairman.

“I loved it. It was proper football, nobody

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rolling around on the ground,” he says of that first experience watching. “I took it on because I knew I could make the business better. As far as the football side of it I can’t do anything about it, but if we can make the business better, we can increase the money I give to the manager to buy more players and hopefully jump up a couple of divisions.”

Although his attachment to the current crop of players is causing his manager some issues when it comes to strengthening the squad. “They are a great group of lads, but the manager has told me off because I keep saying to the players I don’t want to see you going anywhere.”

Loyalty is a big thing with Stewart.

“Some of my employees worked with me for 30-odd years, and even after that they are coming down here now.”

Clitheroe FC has a small battalion of volunteers which Stewart happily rolls off by name, saying: “They range in age, from lads in their late thirties to lads in their eighties.

“They are unbelievable. I’ve never really worked with volunteers before. It’s been a completely new experience for me and I’ve loved every minute of it. It’s humbling to be honest. We’ve got lads doing 50, 60 hours a week for nothing. They’ve all got smiles on their faces. During the pandemic it’s been an outlet for them and they come down every day. It makes you feel good to be fair. We’ve had a pizza van here on Saturdays – Susie and Blaire from Whalley started up Luna Pizza having been furloughed over Covid and all their customers have been coming and seeing the ground.”

The Ribble Valley has seen an unprecedented boom in new homes over recent years, and Stewart is hopeful that these new arrivals will become a part of the Clitheroe story.

“The town is growing so much and we need to tap into that. We need as many people to come and enjoy it as we can. Hopefully we can have families coming to watch and have the whole town backing us!” n

CHILL OUT… Ribble Valley-based chef Breda Murphy has launched a new nationwide initiative to deliver her delicious signature dishes, frozen to your door

W

ith a passion for great local produce, UK-renowned chef Breda Murphy has been pivotal in evolving her restaurant and catering business over the past year.

She introduced a series of super-successful take-out meals during lockdowns which, in turn, has led to the launch of her latest UK-wide initiative – a frozen restaurantquality ready-meal service that features her delicious, signature dishes: “My ethos has always been to create tasty, wholesome, loving food with a twist, made from the finest and responsibly-sourced ingredients.

The new venture means I now have the pleasure of sending my restaurant to people’s homes and I hope they enjoy it!”

Trained under Darina Allen at the world-renowned Ballymaloe Cookery School in Cork, Breda was brought up in a household surrounded by cooking. Her mother was a professional cook in Dublin working as a chef

in the Irish President’s house and as a young girl Breda’s passion for home-grown local produce was evident. She kept animals and grew fruit, vegetables and herbs at home – firmly establishing a field to fork ethos.

After graduating she moved on to work in top kitchens in Ireland and London including Kensington Place and Sally Clarke’s Restaurant in Kensington. In 1995 Breda moved north to Lancashire when she was appointed head chef at the Inn at Whitewell.

In the years that followed she won a host of national food awards and in 2006 she founded Food by Breda Murphy in Whalley.

I LOVE SEEING PEOPLE ENJOY MY FOOD, IT GIVES THEM COMFORT AND NOURISHMENT SO THAT GIVES ME GREAT SATISFACTION With husband and business partner Guy Purves, the couple created a restaurant, deli and catering business that they have been running while raising their four children.

Following years of hard work and dedication the business has won numerous awards – including entry into the Michelin Guide and listings in the best places to eat in the country including the Good Food Guide and Harden’s – the Times Magazine also listed Food by Breda Murphy as number seven in the UK’s top 20 secret restaurants.

Having refurbished and relaunched in 2017 as a modern British and Irish restaurant, the ethos remains true to Breda’s roots with the emphasis on simple, tasty food with a healthier lifestyle in mind.

food&drink

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When Breda launched her latest venture, the new concept was covered by food critic Jay Rayner in the Guardian’s Sunday Observer Magazine’s ‘News Bites’. Like the dishes served in her restaurant, the frozen meals have been created to blend high-quality with ease – handy for feeding a busy family or entertaining at home.

“The idea came from the lockdowns when we started doing restaurant-quality takeout meals,” says Breda. “It also gave us time to think about what else we could do.

I love seeing people enjoy my food, it gives them comfort and nourishment so that gives me great satisfaction.”

AMONG THE SIGNATURE DISHES ARE BREDA’S CLASSIC FISH PIE, A DELICIOUS CHICKEN, LEEK AND MUSHROOM PIE, AN IRISH WHISKEY STICKY TOFFEE PUDDING AND A CHOCOLATE AND GUINNESS CAKE Customers can choose any combination of signature dishes, tempting classics and seasonal favourites from the website for delivery across the UK. There is also the unique option to choose a single portion along with double and mixed size portions – each dish remaining perfectly fresh in the freezer for over three months.

Among the signature dishes are Breda’s classic fish pie, beef Bourguignon, chick pea, tomato and potato curry and chicken, leek and mushroom pie, and among the desserts and cakes expect to find a tasty fruit crumble, an Irish whiskey sticky toffee pudding, lemon drizzle cake, chocolate and Guinness cake and Irish tea brack.

With eco-friendly packaging that complies with the strictest of regulations to keep the food at the correct temperature, the printing on the food sleeves is produced using vegetable-based ink.

“Guy and I learnt a lot while we were working on the frozen meal range,” adds Breda. “From sourcing the packaging to sending the product to a lab to be tested – the laboratory people came back to us

saying it was the cleanest product they had ever tested, which was great!”

As a busy mum-of-four, Breda knows the value of having delicious nutritious meals in the freezer, ready to serve-up: “I know all too well how busy mums have to juggle their lives around work and family! You also have to be creative when it comes to cooking.

My children, like everyone else’s, have been at home so having a lovely fish pie or tasty casserole in the freezer, made out of really fresh ingredients, has enabled me to rotate meals, keep it interesting and ensure my children are nourished – the frozen meals have been a saviour!” n

bredamurphy.co.uk

EASY MEALS HOME OR AWAY

Award winning local restaurateur Breda Murphy in Whalley, has created this unique online service. You can enjoy tasty, wholesome meals either delivered nationwide to your door or click and collect from the Pantry. Ideal to put in the freezer for those lazy days, mid-week teas, Friday curry nights, family celebrations, send as a gift or to takeaway with you on your self-catering break.

Order at www.bredamurphy.co.uk

41 Station Road, Whalley, Near Clitheroe, Lancashire, BB7 9RH Email. help@bredamurphy.co.uk Tel. 01254 823446

Live Ribble valley advert.indd 1

“Outstanding food - delicious, easy and great portion sizes. Fantastic meal box with a variety that suits

everyone. We will be ordering again!”

Trust Pilot 5-star review.

Voted best contemporary British restaurant in the UK

by LUXlife magazine 2020 & Restaurant of the Year 2019 Lancashire Food & Drink Awards .

11/05/2021 21:54

“THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT THROUGHOUT LOCKDOWN. I WANT TO WARMLY WELCOME YOU BACK TO THE RESTAURANT” V I C TO R 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 yu_copstergreen

RELAXED & EL EG A N T

H

aving made outdoor dining a magical experience, the team at the Black Bull Inn at Old Langho have expanded their focus and continuous improvement agenda to the interior of the pub and restaurant.

As you enter the front of this historic coaching inn, visitors will be welcomed and wowed by two very distinct areas with their own identity. Turn right to the rustic bar – the ideal place for walkers and their dogs or guests who want to relax with a hearty home-cooked classic meal and a pint, in front of a roaring log fire.

Turn left and visitors will be blown away by the opulent restaurant – a spectacular environment to enjoy fine dining and exceptional wine with family and friends.

Take a journey through the uniquely designed restaurant to view the beautifully

While the outdoor space at the Black Bull Inn, Old Langho, has been a roaring success, the beautifully refurbished indoor spaces are now open, where diners can enjoy fine dining and exceptional wine in the elegant restaurant or a home-made pie and a cask ale in the rustic, wood-cladded bar. Photography: Sarah Valentine A SPECTACULAR ENVIRONMENT TO ENJOY FINE DINING AND EXCEPTIONAL WINE WITH FAMILY AND FRIENDS refurbished Fire Barn and recently renovated library room that has a ‘drawing room’ feel with its illuminated clock and Yamaha grand piano.

These two distinctive interior spaces are

also matched by two very different menus – on the bar and garden menu are delicious fish, meat and vegetarian platters, a selection of classics including the Black Bull’s signature home-made burgers, Lancashire bomb cheese and onion pie, steak and ale pot pie, beer battered haddock, flatbreads and sandwiches.

While on the restaurant’s new a la carte, there is an opportunity to really indulge – pre-order a classic chateaubriand or cote de boeuf for a dining experience that is paired to the luxurious environment as well as the

food&drink handpicked wines! There are dishes with a Mediterranean twist such as Moroccan chermoula lamb rump as well as classics such as fillet of wild seabass and a delicious seafood linguine with salmon, haddock, fresh mussels and king prawns served with a creamy white wine and garlic broth.

Rebecca Govier, Managing Director explains: “The last few weeks have been a huge success for the Black Bull Inn with our beautiful outdoor dining area being enjoyed by guests from far and wide, now the time has come to expand and enhance that experience further as we invite our customers inside once again.”

WE AIMED TO BRING A NEW DIMENSION TO THIS HISTORIC VENUE IMPROVING BOTH THE AESTHETICS AS WELL AS CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE With an impressive stretch tent, known as the pavilion, and new patio area all beautifully illuminated and heated to keep diners warm and comfortable, the outdoor dining experience has proven so successful that it will continue to operate all year round at the Black Bull Inn. Katherine Renhard, the Black Bull’s Executive Director adds: “The pavilion with its pontoon lighting and outdoor heating has created a wonderful space in which to dine, with our guests having indoor seating available once again we can now provide two very different but equally enchanting experiences.”

Very much at the heart of the community, the Black Bull Inn has been transformed by Rebecca and Jamie: “We aimed to bring a new dimension to this historic venue improving both the aesthetics as well as customer experience, paired with excellence in food and beverage. While keeping its character and retaining heritage, the wider business has changed beyond recognition,” adds Rebecca.

“We have always wanted to create something unique. There are many exciting places to dine in the Ribble Valley, but we wanted to create elegant spaces with a twist.

Our new outdoor area continues this focus and has proved to be a phenomenal success – we would really like to thank our guests for their continued support.

“We now look forward to welcoming everyone back inside the bar and restaurant.

It’s a very exciting time for everyone at the Black Bull – the team here are like family.” n

The Black Bull Inn Old Langho Road, Old Langho Blackburn BB6 8AW 01254 248801 enquiries@theblackbulloldlnagho.co.uk NEW WEBSITE COMING SOON theblackbulloldlangho.co.uk BlackBullLangho @blackbull_oldlangho

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TAKEAWAY OPEN TUESDAY – SUNDAY 4.30PM TILL 9PM LINES OPEN FROM 3PM DAILY

AWARD WINNING CHINESE FOOD

T O TAKE 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 MI 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

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

V #LO

E&L

HT AUG

ER

One of our favourite things that our guests say, is that when they think of Gilpin, they think of love and laughter – ours, and theirs – which is such a lovely compliment. At the heart of Gilpin is a passionate family and team, dedicated to creating lasting memories for our guests, who return time and again for romance, celebrations and escapes. For us, hospitality starts with a very warm welcome and ends with a friendly goodbye, with extraordinary service, exquisite décor and stunning culinary experiences in between. We hope to welcome you to Gilpin soon.

Gilpin Hotel & Lake House, Crook Road, Near Windermere, The English Lake District hotel@thegilpin.co.uk

015394 88818

www.thegilpin.co.uk

entertainment

ON SCREEN

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Anna Souroullas takes a look at the latest blockbusters, ready-to-stream films, Netflix exclusives and DVD releases

TRANSFORMERS: THE LAST KNIGHT Release Date: 16th June Director: Michael Bay Starring: Mark Wahlberg, Anthony Hopkins, Josh Duhamel, Stanley Tucci and Laura Haddock Certificate:

Originally released in 2017, Transformers: The Last Knight is the fifth instalment of the Transformer series soon to become available to be streamed on Prime Video. Optimus Prime is gone. A deadly threat from earth’s history reappears and a war between transformers and humans commences. An improbable alliance arises from the chaos in search of the key to saving the world. Will this unlikely group come out on top in this race against time? n

AWAKE Release Date: 9th June Director: Aleksandr Chernyaev Starring: Jonathan Rhys Meyers, William Forsythe, Francesca Eastwood, Mailk Yoba, James Austin Kerr and Kaye Brownlee-France Certificate:

Originally released in 2019, Awake will soon be available to stream on Netflix.

This is a crime thriller designed to get you thinking. Following a car accident, John Doe awakes in his hospital bed with amnesia. With no recollection of his identity, a corpse found in his car and a serial killer wreaking havoc, he escapes the confines of the hospital, to search for answers in the hope of proving his innocence. Is John Doe our killer or an innocent caught in the crossfire in the pursuit of bringing a killer to justice? n

FLASHBACK

DVD

Release Date: 8th June Director: Christopher MacBride Starring: Dylan O’Brien, Maika Monroe and Amanda Brugel Certificate:

Originally named The Education of Fredrick Fitzell, this mystery thriller follows Fred a man approaching his thirties in the middle of an existential crisis. An unexpected encounter with a long-forgotten individual from his youth leaves Fred spiralling into his past. As he plunges into the daunting depths of his juvenile memories to ascertain the truth, past, present and future begin to converge. Which life will he choose? n

NEW CHAPTER FOR GALLERY It’s an exciting new chapter for Longridge Gallery as the successful family business passes to the next generation, writes Sarah Varley.

Photography: Kirsten Platt

L

ongridge Gallery was launched in 1985 and has built an enviable reputation for bringing highly collectable artwork from the country’s most respected artists to the Ribble Valley. Since October 2000 it has been owned by Alistair Sheret and now after 21 years, Alistair and wife Caroline are handing over the reins to

Caroline’s son Nick Smith, supported by his fiancée Sophie Hart.

“Nick will be taking over in June and it is a really exciting time for the gallery.

Since 1985, the gallery has only had two owners and has an enviable track record of providing a great service to the people of the Ribble Valley,” says Alistair. “We’re delighted to see Nick and Sophie returning to their roots and building the business.

It’s great to see two young professionals coming home to the Ribble Valley with all their enthusiasm and plans for both the gallery and life within the Longridge community.”

Nick explains: “Sophie and I met at Clitheroe Royal Grammar School 21 years

arts&culture

ago, so we really have come full circle.”

After attending school and sixth form together, Nick went to Leeds University to study Business and Financial Economics, and Sophie went to Loughborough to study Sport Science before qualifying as a PE teacher. Nick went on to play rugby and work in Hong Kong for 18 months and then in recruitment in Manchester for eight years, while Sophie worked as a teacher in Lancashire as well as spending two years working in Australia.They always kept in touch wherever they were in the world and became a couple four years ago.

They should have been getting married this year but due to the pandemic they are now looking forward to their wedding in 2022.

“We are very excited about returning for the next chapter of our lives in the Ribble Valley,” says Nick. “We’re looking to move to Longridge as it will be ideal for the gallery and we are very keen to immerse ourselves in the community.” Sophie will continue to work as a teacher where she has more recently focused on alternative provision and working with young people with special educational needs when the couple return to the Ribble Valley.

“I have been doing lots of industry training during lockdown and learning the business from Alistair. We will be keeping the essence of the gallery the same, maintaining the excellent customer service, high quality art framing and showcasing outstanding artists.

We are looking at different areas of the business on which we can build, such as utilising new technology and social media.

We will have a lot of the same fantastic artists as before and we are also excited to be bringing in some new artists that we think our customers will love. We have just launched collections from Kimberley Harris, Pietro Grilo and the Ribble Valley’s own Anthony Platt and we have more coming soon.”

WE WILL HAVE A LOT OF THE SAME FANTASTIC ARTISTS AS BEFORE AND WE ARE ALSO EXCITED TO BE BRINGING IN SOME NEW ARTISTS THAT WE THINK OUR CUSTOMERS WILL LOVE Longridge Gallery has always been involved in supporting events in the town, particularly its founding role in Create Longridge in 2016. Supporting other businesses and community organisations is going to remain a key part of what the gallery does.

Longridge Gallery regularly exhibits pieces from acclaimed artists including Kerry Darlington, Doug Hyde, Leigh Lambert, Steven Townsend, Sherree Valentine Daines, Barry Hilton, Fabian Perez and Rozanne Bell.

You will also find work from some of the best local artists such as Geoff Rollinson, Steve Rostron and Ricky Young. Original paintings and signed limited edition prints are available in a range of styles, media and prices. An in-house framing and restoration service is also available, using the finest materials for paintings, photographs, canvas stretching, needlework, tapestries, sports shirts and other memorabilia.

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Alistair and Caroline will still be based in the Ribble Valley and will be on hand to help as Nick throws himself into running and building the business.

“We’re looking forward to seeing Nick and Sophie continue to grow the gallery and shape it in their own image. Over 21 years we have received amazing support from our customers and friends in the business community and we’re incredibly grateful for that,” says Alistair. “Longridge is a great community with a lot to offer. It has many unique, owner-operated shops and businesses, making it really different to your average high street and a wonderful place to visit and work. It is fantastic to see that there is also quite a large number of businesses in Longridge being run by young people like Nick and Sophie, and that bodes really well for the future of the town.” n

Longridge Gallery 78 Berry Lane, Longridge, Preston PR3 3WH 01772 782006 info@longridgegallery.co.uk longridgegallery.co.uk /Longridge-Gallery @longridgegallery @longridgegall

Photography: David Wilson Clarke

LET’S DANCE

A talented Ribble Valley dancer, who trained with the Royal Ballet and has worked with stars of the stage and screen, is now teaching and working with local production companies

I was living in London and I loved the fastpaced life, the theatres – there was so much to take in!”

During her three years in the capital Aimee studied contemporary dance and classical ballet: “We would also have guest

Photography: Vaskar Kayastha

D

ancer Aimee Williamson, who has toured nationally and internationally with Ballet Cymru, has also worked with many well-known names in theatre, film and music.

Aimee, who attended Clitheroe Royal Grammar School, originally trained with the Royal Ballet School progressing to the Rambert School of Ballet in London from where she graduated with First Class Honours.

“Training with the Rambert in Richmond was quite a culture shock for a 16-year-old who had hardly ever left the Ribble Valley!

WE CAN ALL PUT SOMETHING BEAUTIFUL BACK INTO THE WORLD. WE CAN CARVE OUT OUR OWN SPACE AND MAKE A DIFFERENCE

choreographers coming in to work with us, doing workshops and repertoire. We also did pilates, yoga and conceptual studies – the history of dance and bio-mechanics.

It was a very broad course spanning many aspects of dance.”

When she graduated, Aimee joined Ballet Cymru touring the UK and Italy, performing a huge variety of work: “Some work I helped to create others were reimagined classics like Giselle,” explains Aimee, who at that time also worked with Cerys Matthews on a collaboration named after the singer’s album Tir (meaning ‘land’ in Welsh).

“We did lots of dance duets while Cerys was on stage, we were interpreting her songs and it was wonderful! It was so beautiful,” says Aimee.

At the age of 21 Aimee returned to the Ribble Valley: “It’s home for me,” she says.

“I realised that being close to nature provides a real balance for me. If you can do your

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Photography: Vaskar Kayastha

work in a place you love, what more could you wish for?”

On her return to Clitheroe, Aimee started up as a dance teacher and freelance dancer, taking up work with local singers, musicians, independent dance companies and working on large-scale film projects.

“That was before lockdown then everything was put on pause,” she recalls. “Everything within the arts sector just stopped and I think you start to look inwards and dance just for yourself. I had done theatre and worked as a body double on films so I missed the camaraderie working with fellow dancers, the make-up people the camera crew all coming together to make something beautiful,” says Aimee, who began to teach dance via Zoom.

“The prospect was quite daunting, but it worked really well for both adults and children. People who had never considered doing ballet or any sort of dance, who had been quite intimidated by the thought of going into a dance studio full of mirrors, were happy to do it from home and it was wonderful!

“I like the idea of dancing for wellbeing and once we started it, it was really lovely.

You can just dance for the sheer enjoyment, take ownership of it, it was giving people something nice to do in troubled times, so it was very rewarding too – it was like

Photography: Vaskar Kayastha

I LIKE THE IDEA OF DANCING FOR WELLBEING. YOU CAN JUST DANCE FOR THE SHEER ENJOYMENT, TAKE OWNERSHIP OF IT

taking dance back to its roots.”

As to looking to the future, Aimee is looking forward to the 2022 launch of a big screen film she has worked on and is hoping to collaborate more with local musicians and artistes.

“At the moment it’s quite difficult as everything is still quite unsure. I think outdoor theatre will be coming back so that’s good as you meet so many wonderful people. Over the past few years I have met artistes from the world of film, circus and music – all incredibly creative, talented people,” says Aimee who also loves to travel.

Having visited India, Thailand, Japan,

Vietnam, Indonesia and South America, her travels have provided much inspiration: “It has definitely helped my work. It also makes you realise just how small we are on this earth in the grand scheme of things, but we can all put something beautiful back into the world. We can carve out our own space and make a difference.” n

aimeelily@hotmail.co.uk @aimeelilywilliamson

the Chaïm Soutine exhibition held at the Courtauld Gallery, London, in 2018. To see Soutine’s portraits of cooks, waiters and bellboys in the flesh was an amazing experience an exhibition I will never forget.”

Today this passion burns even more intensely – when in conversation with Brad you always get a clear sense of this – he just loves what he does. Brad is modestly proud that he has achieved his lifelong dream of running his own art gallery, made possible by sheer determination, ongoing hard work and unwavering support and encouragement from his wife.

Carnes Fine Art continues to grow and has evolved greatly over the last 10 years.

The gallery now boasts an eclectic mix of

GLOBAL APPEAL art works and sculptures from the artists

A Lancashire art gallery that is celebrating a successful decade in they collaborate with directly and the older business, has a worldwide client base thanks to the enthusiasm and collectible works they source from private collections from around the world – French, expertise of owner Bradley Carnes

C

elebrating 10 years in business, Bradley Carnes is the director and owner of Carnes Fine Art, a cosy and inviting art gallery located at Cedar Farm in the beautiful rural setting of Mawdesley.

Having successfully established firm roots in the region, Carnes Fine Art sells original artwork and sculptures by some of the UK’s leading artists and collectable works by world-distinguished artists.

As a young boy Bradley had a deep fascination with art. In the mid-1980s he would often walk by and gaze into the window of the old Unicorn Gallery

located next to the Rex cinema in Wilmslow admiring their collection of traditional paintings. He took a keen interest in French and British artists from early to mid 20th

I FEEL INCREDIBLY FORTUNATE TO WORK AND REPRESENT SUCH TALENTED ARTISTS HERE AT THE GALLERY IN LANCASHIRE century. Reading countless art reference books and visiting exhibitions has fuelled his passion for art.

“One exhibition stands out for me,

modern British, wildlife and landscape works are all deeply ingrained into the core of the business.

“I am delighted to work directly with some of the North West’s finest artists including Michael Demain, Philip Gerrard, Harry Brioche, Sandie Henderson, Carl Longworth, Simon Whitfield, Clare Shaughnessy and Ben Ark,” says Bradley.

“They all have very different styles and are at different stages of their professional careers. However, their works come together wonderfully in the gallery, offering our clients a broad variety of style and subject – there is definitely something for everyone.

Sandie, Michael and Harry all have works included in major art exhibitions this year

homesinsideout

including the Royal Society of British Artists Annual Exhibition and the David Shepherd Wildlife Artist of the Year competition.

I feel incredibly fortunate to work and represent such talented artists here at the gallery in Lancashire.”

Carnes Fine Art prides itself on being an independent gallery offering high quality original art that appeals to a broad client base, from affordable to expensive: “The business model was always going to be a little bit different and loyal to my heart. I did not want to follow the theme of main high street galleries but curate my own path, mixing traditional and modern styles, to be individual and to stay open-minded to new ideas, embracing opportunities to grow and evolve the gallery.

“Due to increased demand and sales during lockdown we have decided to take on extra display space in the main building at Cedar Farm. We will hold concurrent exhibitions with a full schedule in place with our artists running throughout the year.”

Carnes Fine Art cleverly blends traditional and contemporary artwork, as Bradley explains: “Our clients find the gallery a breath of fresh air and something quite different when they walk in – a mix of styles on display that have a real positive impact. On a personal level I admire various forms of artwork but very much admire the creativity and visual appearance of Impressionism, the loose style with vibrant colours can give a piece vitality, a life and a sense of being.

“I also love an artist’s technical creativity,

we’ve all been there when you stand back from a piece of art and say, ‘Is that really a painting or is it a photograph?’ I hear this quite a lot in the gallery which is testament to the calibre of artists we represent.

non-UK clients saying they would love to come over to the gallery in person.

“I remain ever grateful for our continued support from our clients throughout the last 10 years and during the unprecedented pandemic. We always strive to give the very best service and offer free UK delivery on all artwork. Where possible I like to personally deliver artwork to clients, to ensure they are completely satisfied and happy with their new piece.

“I would like to take this opportunity to wish everyone well and if you are reading this article and you have never been to the gallery before then please do pop in, you are promised a warm welcome.” n

WE HAVE A STRONG CLIENT BASE LOCAL TO THE GALLERY AND GLOBALLY FROM OUR ONLINE PRESENCE “We have a strong client base local to the gallery and globally from our online presence.

Clients that have never been able to visit us in Mawdesley enjoy keeping up to date with our online collection and our monthly newsletter. We often receive emails from

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Carnes Fine Art Cedar Farm, The Design Shed Back Lane, Mawdesley L40 3SY 01704 822533 info@carnesfineart.com carnesfineart.com

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arts&culture

GOOD READ Lauren Molyneux curls up with a good book to review the latest best seller

The Gardener’s Wife Jane Allison Emma Holt’s sons have been conscripted and sent to the front in France.

In an effort to distract herself from the troubles she knows they must be facing, she turns her attentions to her loving husband, Jack, her work for the local Quaker school, and a new role as assistant station manager, calling in and signalling out the trains that carry more and more young men to war.

Overworked and fatigued with worry for her boys, she can’t help but find herself heavily reliant on her relationship with the school’s Headmaster, Philip Manners. Unhappily married to the Bishop’s daughter, Philip knows he has long harboured feelings for Emma in return, admiring her intelligence, strength and empathy. Waking daily with conflicted feelings about the woman he loves, and the respectable man she’s married to, whilst remaining committed to teaching his students the pacifist way in the hope that they’ll be able to resist the call to war and all the glory it holds, he looks to God for guidance and finds solace in silent reflection, aware of the pain it would cause if he were to act upon his desires.

As the tensions overseas begin to grow, the atmosphere in the community of Shadworth becomes increasingly melancholic. Met with dark news each morning, townspeople are losing their sons, brothers and fathers in a war which, it seems, will never end. Carrying the heavy weight of having three sons out fighting on the front, Emma finds herself torn between the loyalty she has for her husband and the love she has felt, but kept hidden, for Philip, drawn ever closer to his gentle nature and kind soul.

When the worst happens overseas and Emma’s world is shaken, Philip can’t help but rush to comfort her. And as bad news continues to flood in, it’s only a matter of time before the dangerous love they share becomes known to the world.

Written with elegance and beautiful attention to detail, The Gardener’s Wife is a tale which champions the strength brought by love in a time of war, sharing with us the lives and inner struggles of the Holt family – both those at home, and those who are facing the horrors of war in France.

Told with emotion, it is a story about honour, family, commitment, loss, and faith, which succeeds in enveloping readers and tugging at our heart strings. Powerful in its messages which preach tolerance and the value of community, while shedding light on the futility of war, The Gardener’s Wife is both poetic and picturesque, drawing upon a dark period of history to emphasise the tenacity of the human spirit, and the difficulties that can be overcome when we have love in our hearts. n

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

Whalley 01254 828922 whalley@fineandcountry.com

Fine & Countr y Head Office 121 Park Lane , Mayfair, London W1K 7AG

LYNWOOD, WISWELL, BB7 9BZ

FELLSIDE FARM, GRINDLETON

£1,250,000

NEW PRICE - £1,350,000

is a superb, large detached bungalow on the of Wiswell Clitheroe. substantial five-bedroom, four reception ThisLynwood exceptional detached stone built farmhouse with additional extension lies inoutskirts a stunning elevated positionnear with magnificent 180This degree views over the RibbleValley countryside and will appealroom to the property extends approximately 3000 sq9 acres ft (285 sqm) and occupies a generous plot with of approximately one and acregaraging with for rural farmland toFarm the has front equestrian enthusiast as theto property includes approximately of adjoining land and a large stable and garage block stabling for three horses six vehicles.

Fellside been finished with high quality fitments and fixtures togetherview with aacross wealth ofthe solidRibble ash joinery andThis although contemporary characterhas it has retained most of its original beamsredevelopment and trusses.The internal securing the wonderful long distance Valley. spacious familyin home many possibilities including of the accommodation includes reception hallway, sittingThe room, dining room,benefits farmhousefrom kitchenample and study/sitting grounddriveway, floor and master suite with and en-suite shower room and dressing room, site (subject to planning consent). bungalow parkingroom on to thethegated fourbedroom single garages beautifully maintained 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 lawns and patio area making the best of the view. Inspection is advised. EPC - E

LONG ACRE, PENDLETON, BB7 1PP HUBBERSTY FOLD FARM, BALDERSTONE

£1,200,000 £1,100,000

Long Acre is a superb family home located in a quiet rural position on the outskirts of Clitheroe. Set over three floors with four reception rooms,

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. bedrooms (including annexe)and and five bathrooms the house to approximately 4333 sq ft (402sqm) immaculately andfrom Thesix property comprises a recently renovated extended six bedroom farmhouse andextends detached garage block set in an acre of formal gardens togetherand with is a detached stone builtpresented barn benefitting planning permissionSurrounded for its conversionbytosuperb provide a and five bedroom with a gross internal and floor area in excess of 4,000 square feet. Hubbersty Fold Farm perfectly positionedand in a quiet location on maintained. privatedwelling landscaped gardens grounds with lovely views, this property is istruly individual wellrural placed thefor edgecommuting of the popular Ribble ValleyRibble village of Balderstone, approximately 1.5 milesimproved from the A59, 5.5 miles from theunder centre ofthe Blackburn, andownership, 7.5 miles from the centre of Preston where there are and a wide and for Valley schools.

Substantially and upgraded current inspection is recommended 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

will not disappoint. EPC - D

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

BROWFOOT, HOLDEN, BB7 4PF FELLSIDE DEO FAVENTE, FARM, GRINDLETON MERECLOUGH

OFFERS OVER £900,000

NEW PRICE - £1,350,000 £525,000

Browfoot is conversion a superb, five-bedroomed detached family home, in an Areaposition of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) in easy the Troughand ofmotorway Bowland.

ThisAexceptional lovely barn detached stone which built is easily farmhouse maintained with additional and occupies extension a very lies pleasant in a stunning semi-rural elevated location on thewith outskirts magnificent of the 180 village degree of Mereclough views overinthe Cliviger, Ribble with Valley countryside access to the will appealnetworks to the for The house stands a semi-rural location ofland Holden, on the ofwith Bolton-by-Bowland Clitheroe.

This spacious equestrian Manchester enthusiast (M65/66 as the -in 10property minutes) includes and Leeds approximately (M62 - 20in minutes), 9 the acres hamlet ofand adjoining just 4.5 miles and from a large Burnley stable Town andoutskirts Centre. garage block Recently upgraded stabling for andthree improved horsesbynear and thegaraging current for owners six vehicles. this delightful Fellsideresidence Farmand has offers been internal finished accommodation with high quality ofhouse immense fitments character and fixtures with together many quality withaccommodation afeatures wealth of throughout solid ash joinery and and although entrance porch, hallway, sitting room, it has L-shaped retainedwith lounge most mature ofand its dining original room, beams kitchen, and trusses. utility, master The internal bedroom well-presented offers flexible family andcomprises; occupies acontemporary private andin character attractive setting gardens and grounds with with enaccommodation suite sitting area, includes dressing reception areasuperb andhallway, bathroom, sittingthree room, further dining bedrooms room, farmhouse (two with kitchen en-suites), and study/sitting box room/study roomand to the family ground bathroom. flooraand Demaster Faventebedroom lies in gently sloping with en-suite gardensshower which room and a large dressing sun patio room, and a delightful rural views.

A location for commuting to within Lancashire or Yorkshire, and with market town onsuite the doorstep.

Earlyinclude inspection 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 is advised. EPC – E

8 WOODFOLD PARK FARM, MELLOR, BB2 7QA

£550,000

£1,100,000 £499,950 HUBBERSTY FAR HILLOCK FOLD FARM, FARM, BLACKSNAPE BALDERSTONE A stunning and spacious family home in a private gated development on the outskirts of the Ribble Valley. This property extends to approximately 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 2500 sq ft comprises offering accommodation across three floors fittedtoout to a high specification.

The accommodation comprises spacious entrance hall, from in Theand property amenities.

Ideal foraequestrian recently renovated use, Far Hillock and extended Farm includes six bedroom land extending farmhouse and approximately detached garage 4 acres, block a large setyard in anarea acreand of formal a substantial gardens detached togetherstable withblock a detached with three stoneloose built boxes barn benefitting and tack room, cloakroom, utility room, open plan living dining kitchen, three bedrooms, master with dressing room and en-suite shower room, house bathroom, 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 two further bedrooms andvillage house bathroom with walk-in storage There isthe aenjoyment delightful south west facing garden toarea's thepublic rear, the property edge of the enjoys popular superb Ribble panoramic Valley viewsofofBalderstone, the West Pennine approximately Moors and 1.5 miles offers from plentythe ofrooms.

A59, opportunity 5.5 miles for from quiet centre of Blackburn, suchlandscaped as walking, and 7.5 cycling, miles and from sampling the centre localofproduce Preston inwhere the there are ahouses, wide communal courtyard toincluding theCity front with parking andThe visitor parking and double garage.

Inspection advised.

EPC - Eproperty. EPCline. range restaurants of services and and cafes. amenities Manchester rail Centre services is also to Manchester. within easy reach, M6 taking and M65 just 35 and minutes the wider frommotorway nearby Entwistle network Station are allon within the Blackburn-Bolton-Manchester easy reach of the 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

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property offering a personal and very bespoke service: “Each stage of a property transaction is skilfully guided by one of our agents who assist, advise and ensure service standards are maintained,” Jason says.

Refined Magazine (see the link below) is one of the creative ways in which Fine & Country market their properties. The glossy lifestyle publication, which is produced in both digital and hard copy format, and distributed locally, regionally and nationally, serves as an ongoing source of reference for both potential buyers and sellers, showcasing some of the finest properties for sale across the UK – Fine & Country also use social media sponsoring video links on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn to reach buyers.

QUALITY AND EXCELLENCE Established in over 300 locations worldwide Fine & Country offer luxury properties for sale and rent, and provide a totally unique and bespoke service for their clients, writes Gail Bailey

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he Fine & Country Ribble Valley office opened in King Street Whalley in 2006 and forms part of a regional network of the organisation with other agencies in Garstang, Lancaster, Windermere and Rossendale: “What makes our service so unique is our specialist regional knowledge along with our specific expertise in the luxury market,” explains Jason Preston, Head of Sales in the Ribble Valley. “This ensures that clients always receive the very best service bespoke to them.”

The use of sophisticated and high-quality marketing material together with the latest technology and an experienced team of knowledgeable agents throughout the area, combine to deliver an outstanding estate agency experience. The Fine & Country team are highly proficient in what they do,

LIFESTYLE AND LOCATION ARE KEY WHEN BUYING OR RENTING A PROPERTY AND FINE & COUNTRY UTILISE THEIR KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERTISE TO DO THINGS A LITTLE BIT DIFFERENTLY “Refined Magazine is seen by over 100,000 people every month,” Jason adds.

“It really is an efficient and very effective method for both sellers and purchasers in terms of its image, high quality, detail and reach.”

Fine & Country specialises in the sale and rental of prime residential properties.

The company has offices in 300 locations around the world including the UK, Cyprus, Ireland, Germany, Mauritius, the Channel Islands, France, Namibia, Portugal, Spain, South Africa, West Africa, Hong Kong, Australia and Hungary.

Fine & Country has won Best Estate Agency Marketing and Best International Estate Agency Marketing seven times in the past 10 years at the International Property Awards. n

For further information contact: jason.preston@fineandcountry.com www.fineandcountry.com Refined Magazine: www.fineandcountry.com/uk/refined

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AN ESTATE AGENCY WITH A SPRING IN ITS STEP! 2021 has started positively for Athertons Property & Land and the company has marched out of winter into spring in a similarly purposeful style

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stablished back in 1994 and with offices in both Whalley and Blackburn, Athertons has long been one of the Ribble Valley’s best-known specialists in the sale of property and land. A family business that prides itself on offering a professional yet friendly service, the agency has recently undergone both a physical and digital spring clean.

look for properties. However, they don’t just look during the day, they browse online in the evening and it’s essential that we are able to capture their interest, details and requirements. We wanted our website to be as interactive and user-friendly as possible, helping them to find out about our listings and also our involvement in the community.”

Interactive and user-friendly

Athertons has launched a new website that is designed to be even more informative and interactive than its predecessors. As well as browsing all current listings, visitors can arrange viewings, register their details and request a valuation of their own property.

Director Jim Atherton said: “The internet is the most popular way in which people

Freshening things up

The Athertons website is not the only thing to have undergone a major transformation.

The company’s head office, on King Street in Whalley, has had a facelift both internally and externally. Renowned for extending a warm welcome to visitors, the office has been freshly decorated and some returning vendors have described it as being even brighter than was previously the case.

The same is true of the outside, with the new illuminated display boards already helping to attract fresh interest in the listed properties.

Athertons looks forward to welcoming even more visitors to the office, with regular coffee mornings in the offing once lockdown restrictions have eased sufficiently.

At the heart of the local community

Athertons has long been described as ‘part of the fabric of Whalley’, a fixture in a village renowned for its community spirit and hospitality. Alongside its administration of Whalley Chamber of Trade, of which Managing Director John Atherton is Chairman, the company is tireless in its support of local community clubs and good causes.

It has recently renewed its sponsorship of Whalley Golf Club, ensuring the continuation of a sponsorship ‘clean sweep’ of sporting clubs in the village – it is already the proud sponsor of Whalley Cricket and Tennis Clubs and Dog Inn FC, Whalley’s only adult football team. Athertons also sponsors Whalley Pickwick, Whalley Live and Whalley Big Weekender, along with Blackburn Rugby Club and the Royal Lancashire and Hodder Valley Shows.

John Atherton says: “We are fortunate to live and work in such a beautiful place and we are passionate about supporting local initiatives, not least those linked to sport, health and wellbeing.” n

Athertons 53 King Street, Whalley BB7 9SP 01254 828810 athertons-uk.com

Chaigley Asking Price £775,000

A stylish stone-built barn conversion tucked into the sought-after hamlet of Chaigley.

Langho Asking Price £699,950

This spacious family home set on the outskirts of Langho, is superbly presented and includes a separate annex for holiday-let income or multi-generational living.

Improved and modernised to a high standard, the spacious, contemporary five bedroom, four reception property sits in beautifully landscaped gardens and has a large patio ideal for entertaining.

Panoramic views!

With the benefit of six bedrooms, three reception rooms and an open-plan feel, the property enjoys views out to Hurst Green and beyond and sits in a quiet location surrounded by fields. Viewing essential.

Chatburn P.O.A. by informal tender

A grade II listed home with a range of outbuildings set in 4.2 acres (1.7 ha) OTA.

Longridge O.O. £800,000

A renowned, character property in a rural location, this former country pub has huge scope for development in a number of ways.

This attractive four bed home offers a wealth of opportunity. The house is in need of modernisation, yet is set in attractive gardens, with stone outbuildings, orchard and field. Viewing by appointment.

Tender date 12 noon 10th June, 2021.

With planning permission currently granted for twelve luxury apartments and four holiday lets the property is set within a large plot of 0.7 acres with plenty of parking.

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JOIN OUR TEAM IN OUR NEW WHALLEY OFFICE We are searching for talented architects, architectural technologists and architectural technicians who want to join our growing team at ZMA

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e have just relocated our rural studio to Whalley, in the heart of the Ribble Valley and we are currently holding interviews to expand our fantastic team.

We are a small boutique practice with a unique set-up – we all work on every project together as one collective team, which allows us to work efficiently and to

everyone’s individual strengths, creating a strong team-work environment. Being a small studio allows us to provide a highly bespoke and personal service to our clients and we are able to create unique schemes individually tailored to our client’s needs.

You will work with our dynamic team in our brand new Whalley office, working on projects in the Ribble Valley, Lancashire and beyond.

Our projects vary from bespoke extensions and unique solutions for sensitive sites, to concept-driven ‘paragraph 79’ and luxury super-homes. Our clientele includes private individuals, self-builders, business owners and developers who work with us for our innovative design solutions.

We are passionate about creating the best possible solution for our clients, with the key driver being to transform people’s lives. n If you would like to work with us at ZMA, please send your CV and portfolio to: info@zaramoonarchitects.co.uk

Zara Moon Architects We Transform Sites, Buildings & Lives Unit 37, Mitton Road Business Park Mitton Road, Whalley BB7 9YE 01200 403840 info@zaramoonarchitects.co.uk zaramoonarchitects.co.uk

A happy child is a successful child

“My daughter comes home each day smiling; the difference in her is astounding.”

Every Oakhill child is unique. As well as providing an excellent academic education and outstanding pastoral care, Oakhill identifies your child’s distinctive strengths and every individual is given the opportunity to find their place to shine.

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