Live Ribble Valley Issue 156 May/June 2025 by Live_Magazines

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14 WORLD CLASS

Jan Woolley meets Neil Hunter, who represents Great Britain in major triathlons all over the world, placing him among the international sporting elite.

76 SEVEN CENTURIES OF HISTORY

Celebrating its 700th anniversary, Samlesbury Hall has a fascinating backstory, but its modern-day attraction lies in its astute diversification.

130 SUMMIT 10 CHALLENGE

Conquering the 10 highest mountains in England and Wales in the fastest time possible, three adventurous young climbers now have Scotland in their sight.

132 GOURMET CHIPPY

At an industry awards ceremony held in London, mobile fish and chip operator Country Fried, was named the best in the UK.

158 LASTING LEGACY

Fiona Ritchie takes a look at a new biography, Undaunted, that brings Rachel Kay-Shuttleworth’s life into full focus.

WINDOWS | DOORS | CONSERVATORIES | ORANGERIES | GARDEN PODS

LIVE MAGAZINES

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Editor: Jan Woolley

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Photography: Peter Austin, Wayne Farrow, Robin Lyndon, Gemma Suckley and Kirsten Platt

Editorial contributors: Paul Agnew, Gail Bailey, Megan Conlon, Katie Hammond, Kate Hyde, Lauren Molyneux, Catherine Robinson, Lynn Scholes, Mark Sutcliffe, Keli Thompson, Jenni Walmsley, Robert Walmsley, Liz Walmsley and Tedd Walmsley

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Magazines

Editor

As spring blossoms across the Ribble Valley, our May issue takes a moment to shine a light on the men in our lives - fathers, brothers, sons, partners, mentors and friends. From celebrating the style and substance of local men making a difference, to spotlighting businesses and initiatives geared toward men’s health, lifestyle and wellbeing, this edition is all about masculine perspectives with purpose and passion.

We talk to former senior homicide detective Neil Hunter, who now represents Great Britain competing in major triathlons all over the world. Neil is enjoying considerable success as an elite age-group athlete on the international stage and recently comfortably won gold at the European Standard Distance Duathlon in Rumia, Poland.

In our Business Hour feature we meet Oliver Brown who has just taken over as Managing Director of Crow Wood Hotel and Spa, from his father, founder Andrew Brown. Oliver describes his dad as his ‘inspiration’ and talks about his younger days studying at the Cass School of Business in London, which prepared him well for his present role.

We chat to Simon Mathews, who four years ago decided to switch careers in order to launch a local mobile fish and chip business, which was recently named as the UK’s best! Simon talks about how he set about realising his dream, learning about the trade and gaining industry qualifications. It’s a heartwarming success story!

We explore everything from classic men’s fashion to inspirational local entrepreneurs and community figures, who are quietly shaping the character of the valley.

Here at Live Ribble Valley, we believe in representing the full richness of our community, so in this issue we’re proud to feature stories that not only highlight achievements but also encourage connection and conversation.

So, here’s to the men who lead with strength and kindness and live with integrity – perfect role models for the next generation.

We hope you enjoy this issue of Live Ribble Valley!

Jan Woolley Editor

To see more of this and other fabulous kitchens visit the case studies page on our website.

Images and styling: BEA & MEE INTERIOR DESIGN LTD

WORLD CLASS

Representing Great Britain and competing in major triathlons all over the world has placed Neil Hunter among the international sporting elite, writes Jan Woolley

Since retiring from a successful career as a senior homicide detective, Neil Hunter has forged an impressive reputation as a winning triathlete on the international stage.

Lauded as possibly one of the best mature triathletes in the world, Neil says: “I still find it surreal that people talk about me as an elite age-group athlete.

“I have represented Great Britain several times which is always a real honour and a great privilege.”

Coming from a running and footballing background, Neil started training for triathlons after leaving the police as Chief Superintendent in 2016.

I HAVE REPRESENTED GREAT BRITAIN SEVERAL TIMES WHICH IS ALWAYS A REAL HONOUR AND A PRIVILEGE

“There’s considerable crossover with what I’m doing now and what I did with my work as a senior investigating officer – attention to detail, leadership, problem-solving, coping under pressure, dealing with the unexpected and keeping an open mind.

“I need all those disciplines now as triathlons at this level never go to plan and you have to rationalise what to do, even if you’re exhausted. You either roll with it if you are able, or you control the controllable and you learn that from experience.

“When I left the police, I didn’t really know how I was going to fill the void it had left in my life, so I went working on an international investigation with the military in Wiltshire. Next to the office where I worked there was a gym that was unbelievably well equipped so after work in the evening, I started training and gradually got fitter and fitter,” Neil explains.

Photography: Courtesy of FinisherPix & IM

“One of the guys there suggested I try a triathlon. I really liked the idea as I had done half marathons and marathons and always loved a challenge. I like the concept of how far you can push your body in endurance events, especially as a mature athlete.”

In 2017 Neil entered a local Clitheroe sprint triathlon starting with a swim at Ribblesdale pool, a cycle up Birdy Brow and a run to Waddington: “I thought I’d have a go,” he recalls. “I ended up buying a triathlon kit which included a cycle helmet and shoes, a wetsuit and a bike – I thought, ‘I’m ready!’.

“So, I rocked up at Ribblesdale Pool – I was always a rubbish swimmer as it doesn’t come naturally to me. It was a 16-length swim and I set off too fast so when I finished I was gasping for breath and felt exhausted.”

I KNEW I WAS IN GOOD SHAPE BUT TO WIN BY THAT MARGIN WAS MASSIVE!

The cycle race that followed didn’t get much better for Neil who despite a puncture, carried on, determined. He came last out of 237 but as he recalls: “I fell in love with triathlons –the atmosphere, the environment and the sense of sporting community.

“There was also a little redemption that was necessary too!”

Fast forward to 2025 and Neil is at the peak of fitness having completed around 50 sprint, Olympic, middle distance and Ironman long distance events, all with considerable success. His swimming has improved immeasurably – while back in 2017 he struggled with 16 lengths, today he completes 180 lengths in a training session: “Not in my wildest dreams did I ever think I would be able to do that! But I’ve worked hard and built up my stamina,” he says.

Photography: Courtesy of FinisherPix

& IM

Photography: Courtesy of FinisherPix & IM

He trains for 16 to 20 hours per week over six days, swims at Accrington Academy and in the open waters of the Lake District, cycles in the Trough of Bowland and will often train with a back-to-back ‘brick session’, cycling 70-80 miles over four or five hours followed by a 60-minute run.

While training is extreme, nutrition is just as important: “If I’m competing, I like to keep in a routine – breakfast is porridge, blueberries and honey and coffee. I will have a full nutrition plan for the race with gels, solids and fluids for hydration.

“For a longer event, maybe one that includes 110-mile bike ride, I will take fluids every 15 minutes, gel every 30 minutes, solids on the hour and salt tablets. It’s a plan you have to stick to and it’s important to be really disciplined.

“Cycling around the Ribble Valley is absolutely beautiful – it’s the best countryside and scenery,” says Neil, who also does yoga to improve flexibility and pilates for strength and conditioning: “It’s great exercise! There is no prescription medication that can replace physical exercise – even moderate exercise, a swim or a walk, improves physical and psychological health.”

The trials and tribulations of triathlon training has definitely seen highs and lows over the years – he has suffered a few memorable injuries including crashing his bike at 30mph while in Ibiza: “I broke two fingers and was badly bruised and suffered significant road rash, but two days later I was on the start line and came fourth in the World Championships.”

Among the highlights in 2024 were two memorable races – in Cascais, Portugal, his first attempt at the full Ironman distance –

a 2.8-mile swim, 112-mile bike ride and then a full marathon. Neil won his age group by 47 minutes, which qualified him for the 2025 Ironman World Championship. A few weeks earlier, he won his age-group at Weymouth Middle Distance Triathlon by 28 minutes, which qualified him for the Ironman Middle Distance World Championship: “I knew I was in good shape but to win both races by those margins was such a surprise, particularly as I was the oldest in my age-group!”

NEIL RECENTLY TOOK THE GOLD MEDAL FOR HIS AGE GROUP REPRESENTING GREAT BRITAIN AT THE EUROPEAN STANDARD DISTANCE DUATHLON IN RUMIA, POLAND, WHERE HE WON COMFORTABLY

Last month, he took the gold medal for his age group representing Great Britain at the European Standard Distance Duathlon in Rumia, Poland, where he won comfortably by seven minutes: “I have been second numerous times in my age group over the years, so it was super nice to get on top of the podium and to be able to call myself a European champion.”

Earlier this year Neil secured sponsorship from financial planning practice Questa, who are supporting him as he prepares for two major European and World Championships. He is set to represent Great Britain in the Middle Distance Triathlon Championships in Pamplona and the World Long Distance Championships in Pontevedra, Spain, with a 3k swim, 120k bike ride and a 30k run.

Speaking about the sponsorship deal with Questa, Neil adds: “I’m really grateful for Questa’s backing, which makes a huge difference in preparing for these races, as all the events are self-funded. These championships are a big challenge but I’m ready to give it everything and hopefully bring home great results.”

Later in the year Neil will also be competing in the Ironman World Championship in Nice, France, before his season culminates in November with the Ironman Middle Distance World Championship in Marbella, Spain.

“As a mature athlete I often wonder what I could have achieved if I had started training when I was younger. But, I am just enjoying this now – more than I ever imagined. It’s bizarre to feel fitter at my age than I was when I was 40,” says Neil.

“My work with the police was extremely demanding and I miss it every day. The training and triathlons have filled that vacuum and given me a very different pleasure and satisfaction. I fell into it by accident, but it’s now a massive part of my life.” n

If any local businesses would like to join Questa in sponsoring Neil, he can be contacted on: neilthunter@aol.com

Photography: Courtesy of FinisherPix & IM

Photography: Courtesy of FinisherPix

THE EVOLUTION OF EXCELLENCE

A new era of luxury has arrived in Preston with Loupe – part of family-owned jeweller Beaverbrooks – opening the doors of its new boutique in the former Whittles store. This is Loupe’s first location in the North of England, as Ali Gudgeon discovers

For generations, Whittles has been synonymous with luxury watches and fine jewellery in Preston, a trusted destination for discerning collectors and those seeking the ultimate in horological craftsmanship.

The transition from Whittles to Loupe is more than just a name change – it’s an evolution designed to elevate every element of the Whittles experience. As Loupe steps into the spotlight, it invites clients to experience luxury from a fresh perspective, where every moment is crafted to inspire, indulge and captivate.

The launch of Loupe Preston marks the latest chapter for the Beaverbrooks Group, a family-owned icon since 1919. With its rich heritage intricately woven into the fabric of

Loupe, the same dedication to quality, care and timeless values that defined Whittles will continue to shape the brand’s future for generations to come.

The heart of Whittles – the exceptional team and the unwavering commitment to personal service – remains. Rose Wilson, along with the familiar faces you’ve come to trust, will continue to lead the Loupe team, ensuring a seamless transition and the same warm welcome.

OUR MODERNISED BOUTIQUE ENVIRONMENT AND ELEVATED HOSTING EXPERIENCE OFFERS THE EPITOME OF LUXURY FOR OUR CUSTOMERS

Rose explains: “Our modernised boutique environment and elevated hosting experience offers the epitome of luxury for our customers. The attention to detail that defined Whittles will be even more pronounced at Loupe, from the experienced Rolex product knowledge our team possesses to the dedicated Rolex Authorised Service Centre.”

At the heart of Loupe’s commitment to

excellence is a lifetime of exceptional service. Loupe Preston, like Whittles before it and the other Loupe boutiques, is a guarantor of the quality and authenticity of Rolex watches. As the official Rolex retailer in Preston, Rose and her team will personally guide you through the range of models, helping you select a watch that will last a lifetime.

AT THE HEART OF LOUPE’S COMMITMENT

TO

EXCELLENCE IS A LIFETIME OF EXCEPTIONAL SERVICE AND IS A GUARANTOR OF THE QUALITY

AND AUTHENTICITY OF ROLEX WATCHES

When it comes to servicing, the expertise of Loupe’s in-house watchmakers are unmatched. Three Rolex-trained watchmakers, with over 50 years of experience, ensure that every timepiece receives the meticulous care it deserves. These watchmakers regularly participate in specialised Rolex training programmes, keeping their skills sharp and up-to-date with the latest advancements in horological technology. This dedication to ongoing training guarantees that your Rolex watch will receive the highest level of care, maintaining its performance and impeccable finish, just as founder Hans Wilsdorf intended.

Loupe also offers a unique viewing facility, allowing watch owners and horology enthusiasts to witness firsthand the passion, dedication and craftsmanship of the watchmakers at work. Enjoy refreshments while you observe these masters of their craft as they meticulously service and care for your timepieces.

The Loupe workshop offers a full range of Rolex-approved services, guaranteeing the performance of your watch over time. From a full service, involving a complete overhaul of the movement, case and bracelet, to specific operations like bracelet adjustments and case refinishing, every procedure is carried out to Rolex’s exacting standards. And for added

peace of mind, each serviced watch benefits from a Rolex two-year international service guarantee covering parts and labour.

A stunning collection of Rolex timepieces

awaits you at Loupe Preston. Whatever it is you’re looking for, we’ll find the perfect piece together. We can’t wait to welcome you to the new era of luxury at Loupe. n

loupe.co.uk

Loupe Preston Fishergate, Preston PR1 2AD 01772 252777

Reimagined Living in the Ribble Valley:

Bold Design Meets Effortless Style

Paulo and Debbie returned to Kitchen Design Centre a decade after their first dream kitchen—and this time, they expanded their vision. As part of a full home renovation, they enlisted Barrowford Showroom Manager Simon Thomas to design a new kitchen, utility, games room, and garage.

Inspired by a Barrowford showroom display and Debbie’s Pinterest finds, Simon brought their vision to life with rich walnut tones and clever spatial solutions, including a striking island feature in a narrow room. The kitchen combines Systemat AV6000 Natural Umber and AV2041 Natural Walnut with Calacatta Aurum quartz worktops, Neff Flex Design appliances, a Quooker tap, and a bespoke coffee centre.

Matching finishes continue through to the boot room and utility area, offering hidden storage, raised appliances, and ergonomic design. Simon’s creativity extended into the garage, now a sleek, industrial space with custom storage and roller doors, and into a stylish office/games room complete with concealed tech and walnut accents.

A key element of the redesign was the seamless flow between spaces— each room connects visually and functionally, creating a cohesive experience throughout the home. From entertaining in the kitchen to tackling laundry in the utility or relaxing in the games room, every area is tailored to the family’s lifestyle, blending practicality with polished design.

The result is a unified, functional, and beautifully designed space throughout. “The whole area now has real wow factor,” says Debbie. “We couldn’t be happier.”

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

Designer Simon Thomas says,

“This was an incredible project to work on— a designer’s dream. Having the opportunity to work on multiple rooms allowed me to carry a consistent aesthetic, creating cohesive and inspiring spaces. Working with Paulo and Debbie to bring their vision to life was fantastic, and together we crafted rooms that are not only stunning to look at are practical and tailored to their family life.”

GRILLO VANTAGE £12,820

Why have one barbecue when you can have two? This layout is an excellent value, multifunctional L-shaped outdoor kitchen, giving the option for both charcoal and gas along with bar, sink, built-in fridge and ice well to keep drinks cool. grilloliving.com

BLACK FOSSIL DECO BOWL £37.99

Loom Loft Barrow Brook

LUXURY DESK ACCESSORIES GIFT SET £42 dibor.co.uk

VIVENDI CINEMA CHAIRS £2555 deluxdeco.co.uk BARBECUE TOOL SET WITH CARRY CASE £24.95 rexlondon.com

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GEORG JENSEN BERNADOTTE FRENCH COFFEE PRESS £130 Sarah Layton 71 King Street Whalley BB7 9SW 01254 822062 sarahlayton.co.uk

VITRA MYNT PLASTIC OFFICE CHAIR FOUR STAR BASE £734 nest.co.uk

AGED ZINC WINE BUCKET £24 dibor.co.uk

VITRA COURIER DESK £1490 nest.co.uk

LARGE GREY WILLOW LANTERN £59.99 loomloft.co.uk

SUSTAINABLE DESIGN

As the days grow longer and lighter, it’s the perfect time to revamp our homes and embrace fresh design ideas

How do we make the right choices when we are overwhelmed with Instagram inspo and fleeting trends?

One major interiors trend is sustainable design focusing on materials, products and design practices that reduce environmental impact. It’s less ‘chuck out your chintz’ and more about ‘curating your clutter’ keeping cherished items and adding pieces that will last a lifetime.

According to Rebecca Baker, Senior Interior Designer at The Secret Drawer, there are no strict rules in design. She says: “We are seeing a rise in the ‘anti-trend’ philosophy, which encourages decorating with pieces, furniture and colours that resonate with you, making your space uniquely yours.

“Successful interiors feature an interesting mix of items, so if a new trend appears, integrate it seamlessly with your existing pieces to create a cohesive, timeless look.”

INVEST IN SUSTAINABLE FURNITURE

A rise in conscious consumerism means people no longer want to decorate based on what’s ‘in’ or ‘out’. Instead, they seek thoughtful, sustainable design that celebrates local craftsmanship.

Well designed and expertly crafted pieces made from responsibly sourced materials are better for the environment and much more likely to last for generations.

Handmade furniture also adds a personal, unique touch to your space especially if its

bespoke designed to meet your exact needs and personality.

Great design thoughtfully contributes a sense of character, while complementing the architecture and style of your home.

Richard Mason, owner and furniture designer at The Secret Drawer says: “We’re passionate about bespoke craftmanship and our furniture is designed and lovingly handcrafted in our workshop in Skipton, Yorkshire. Our cabinetmakers use traditional techniques to produce beautiful, handmade furniture for any room in the house. Trends come and go, but classic design elements stand the test of time.”

SEEK THOUGHTFUL, SUSTAINABLE DESIGN THAT CELEBRATES LOCAL

CRAFTMANSHIP

Celebrate the beautiful, varied hues of wood with furniture made from FSC certified oak or sustainable alternatives to walnut such as sapele. Layering textures is a timeless interior styling tool that adds depth to a space. Incorporating natural textiles like organic cotton, wool and linen for throws and cushions brings a sustainable aesthetic, a touch of colour, and is an affordable way to integrate a trend within your existing decor.

A boucle-upholstered chair serves as a chic, cosy statement piece in a neutral-toned room. Neutral colours such as warm taupe, off white, grey marle and Little Green Flint No 236 are all great for walls, ceilings and woodwork.

Rebecca concludes: “To navigate trends, focus on timeless design, personal style, and quality pieces that suit your needs and most importantly trust your instincts.” n

secret-drawer.com

KITCHENS & PANTRIES | INTERIOR DESIGN | UTILITY & BOOT ROOMS

BEDROOMS & DRESSING ROOMS | BATHROOMS | STUDIES | HOME CINEMA

TCurate your clutter

There’s a new movement in the interiors’ world and it’s one that most of us can achieve.

his Spring, don’t throw out your belongings— celebrate them! Curate your clutter by reimagining how you display your treasures. Each item tells a story, so instead of discarding, find new ways to showcase what matters most.

Adopting a “re-cluttering” approach can make your home feel dynamic and personal. Instead of overwhelming your space, it’s about thoughtfully arranging your belongings to reflect your style. Re-cluttering celebrates the objects that make your home unique, bringing fresh energy without the chaos.

Group items by colour, material, or sentiment to create visual interest and purpose. Arrange books, vases, artwork, and collections like vinyl or DVDs to highlight their appeal.

A bespoke glass cabinet for heirlooms or a media wall can beautifully showcase your treasures, adding meaning and personality to your space.

Create task-oriented storage for pots, pans, utensils, small appliances, and baking items, ensuring everything, like trays, fits perfectly and is easy to access. This can be integrated into the main kitchen or additional spaces like a larder, pantry, or Butler’s kitchen for extra convenience.

Proper food storage reduces waste and cuts costs. Wine in a temperature-controlled room, cheese on a marble cold store, vegetables in air-circulating drawers and spices stay fresh in a crafted drawer. Narrow, shelving in a pantry or house hideaway ensures you always know what supplies you have.

Est.1998

Bespoke bins for light, dark, towels, and family loads streamline laundry time and prevent mix-ups. Add boot room storage for pets, people, or sports gear to keep clutter neatly organized.

At The Secret Drawer, our expertise in proportion and design transforms any space into a haven of order, calm, and character. We believe every item deserves a dedicated place, visible or hidden, creating a more organized, serene environment that reflects your style.

SKIPTON | ILKLEY

The Old Chapel, Sawley Street, Skipton, North Yorkshire, BD23 1SX | T: 01756 797800 27-29 Church Street, Ilkley, West Yorkshire, LS29 9DR | T: 01943 600295 secret-drawer.co.uk | info@secret-drawer.co.uk

REVOLUTIONISING THE GREAT OUTDOORS

Bannister Hall unveils the UK’s first high-end Landscaping Design Centre

In the world of luxury living, attention to detail has long extended beyond four walls. Now, in an exciting first for the UK, Bannister Hall Ltd, the North’s premier name in landscaping, has launched a groundbreaking Landscaping Design Centre, reimagining how homeowners create their outdoor sanctuaries. In an approach more commonly associated with high-end kitchen showrooms, Bannister Hall offers a fully immersive experience, blending cutting-edge technology with extraordinary craftsmanship.

Set in the heart of Higher Walton, Preston, the new Bannister Hall Landscaping Design Centre is nothing short of a revelation. From the moment visitors step inside, they are enveloped in inspiration, surrounded by an astonishing variety of outdoor living materials and botanical wonders. The pièce de résistance? A state-of-the-art 3D design service, where homeowners can visualise their dream gardens in vivid, lifelike detail before the first turf is even turned.

The centre is an Aladdin’s cave of possibilities. Homeowners can browse a vast array of the very latest in porcelain and stone paving, pergolas, sleepers, decorative stones and water features. Each display exudes

craftsmanship and elegance, offering design ideas for every taste, from ultra-modern minimalism to lush, romantic retreats. Adding to the allure is Bannister Hall’s breathtaking plant collection, a staggering 40,000 species, including instant hedges, stunning shrubs, ornamental and exotic trees and a veritable orchard’s worth of fruit trees.

BANNISTER HALL IS NOT MERELY RESPONDING TO DEMAND, THEY ARE SETTING A NEW GOLD STANDARD IN GARDEN DESIGN AND SUPPLY

It’s not just the variety that impresses.

It’s the sheer scale and quality. For over 25 years, Bannister Hall has been a quietly steadfast presence in the world of landscaping, privately owning three nurseries where

they cultivate, source and deliver premium plants across the nation. Today, they stand as the North’s largest single-source supplier of both hard and soft landscaping materials, a testament to their commitment to excellence and innovation.

Jon C Hollywood, CEO at Bannister Hall states: “The ethos is simple – to provide homeowners with true peace of mind. This isn’t about a mere transaction, it’s about creating a trusted partnership from first sketch to final flourish. The journey begins with a home site visit by a skilled professional, ensuring that every inch of space is measured and understood. From there, the magic continues with a visit to the Design Centre, where clients can explore materials, discuss ideas and experience their 3D design in immersive virtual reality. It’s a seamless, joyful process designed to take the stress out of landscaping and replace it with excitement and confidence.”

What’s more, Bannister Hall’s visionary approach includes an impressive finance offer from 0 per cent APR, making high-end garden transformations more accessible than ever. Homeowners can spread the cost of their bespoke outdoor creations without compromise, enabling them to invest in a space that will enhance their lives for years to come.

But Bannister Hall’s ambition does not end with the physical. Alongside the launch of the Landscaping Design Centre, they are also unveiling a new national e-commerce platform: everythingplants.co.uk. This beautifully curated site offers over 40,000 plants species consisting of hedges, trees and shrubs, all available for delivery direct to the door – a digital garden of Eden at your fingertips. What’s more, everythingplants. co.uk provides an amazing resource of plant information that not only helps you find the plants, hedges, shrubs and trees you desire, but educates visitors with planting guidelines, growth rates, multi-buy deals and seasonality pre-ordering availability. Imagine, for instance, buying 30 metres of perfectly manicured instant hedging, custom-sized and competitively priced and having it delivered to site within the week. Or selecting rare and exotic trees, once the preserve of specialist nurseries, to arrive ready to grace your garden. With Everything Plants, the possibilities for creating a unique

THE JOURNEY BEGINS WITH A HOME SITE VISIT BY A SKILLED PROFESSIONAL. FROM THERE, THE MAGIC CONTINUES WITH A VISIT TO THE NEW DESIGN CENTRE

and breathtaking garden are endless, no matter where you are in the UK.

In a world where our outdoor spaces have never felt more precious, Bannister Hall’s innovations arrive at the perfect moment. They have elevated garden design to the same level of artistry and attention once reserved for the interiors of our homes.

The message is clear – your garden deserves nothing less than the finest craftsmanship, the widest choice and the most visionary design – all under one trusted roof.

With their unrivalled expertise, pioneering spirit and passion for the great outdoors, Bannister Hall is not merely responding to demand, they are setting a new gold standard in garden design and supply.

For homeowners with a vision, whether grand or intimate, the future of landscaping has officially arrived. Full written contracts, bills of materials, project management, expert horticulturalists and recommended award winning installers, are all found under one roof at Bannister Hall Landscaping Supplies.

Welcome to the new era of outdoor living. Welcome to Bannister Hall. n

Bannister Hall

Potter Lane, Higher Walton Preston PR5 4EN 01772 877087

sales@bannisterhall.co.uk

bannisterhall.com

Business Hours

Monday to Friday: 7.00am - 5.00pm (Bank Holidays: Closed)

Saturday and Sunday: Closed

TIMELESS CLASSIC

British female-founded furniture brand, French Bedroom, has launched its latest addition to the Love Story collection, the Cocoon bed in natural linen and oak

Following the continued success of French Bedroom’s best-selling Love Story collection, the Cocoon bed is the seventh addition to the company’s bed repertoire. The Love Story Cocoon bed in natural linen is timeless, classic, versatile and the perfect choice for when you need to be enveloped and cocooned in tranquility.

The sweeping and undulating headboard has been upholstered in a unique blend of linen and natural tree viscose, in a buttery putty tone, whilst the footboard, framework and cabriole legs are crafted from pure oak, creating the perfect pairing.

The bed is hand-carved and provides the perfect centrepiece to any bedroom. Much like its Love Story counterparts, this bed is destined to become a future heirloom, handed down through the generations.

Georgia Metcalfe, founder and creative director of French Bedroom, said: “We love the grand scale but enveloping style of this bed, designed to suit both period townhouses and bijou cottage homes making it the focal point of your bedroom.”

Within the Love Story collection, French Bedroom has also launched a three-drawer nightstand in solid oak, an ode to classic French boudoir furniture design. The nightstand is tall and slender, with a petite footprint. However, with its three layers of drawer space, storage is anything but compromised. Perfectly paired to sit on either side of the Love Story Cocoon bed, or as a stand-alone side table, this lovely piece of furniture doesn’t compromise on style or functionality. n

frenchbedrooom.co.uk

CUTTING EDGE

Introducing AutoMowIt. Taking lawn care to the next level –effortlessly!

Taking a fresh innovative approach to lawn care, AutoMowIt combines decades of experience with cuttingedge robotic mowers to simplify and elevate lawn maintenance.

Founder Tyler Stevenson’s 20 years’ premium lawn care experience with GreenThumb ensures that every customer receives expert guidance on choosing the right mower for their specific needs. AutoMowIt focuses on delivering highquality, durable equipment supplying from brands like Ambrogio and Mammotion.

AUTOMOWIT OFFERS A TAILORED, COST-EFFECTIVE SOLUTION TO KEEP YOUR LAWN IN TIP-TOP SHAPE

The real beauty of robotic mowers is in the consistency they provide – perfect for maintaining a lush lawn effortlessly. While some people enjoy mowing, the truth is that keeping your lawn healthy requires frequent care, which is exactly what these mowers do best, even when you’re busy or away. With

AutoMowIt you can also customise your mower’s design patterns to add a bit of fun, creating messages or designs in your lawn! These mowers are designed to be efficient and eco-friendly, using grass clippings as natural fertiliser to nourish your lawn. Plus, by frequently mowing, daily if you choose, they prevent the growth of moss and thatch, a particular issue for larger lawns. Keeping your lawn looking vibrant has never been so easy.

The cost savings also make these mowers extremely popular. For example:

• Mr A, with a 600m 2 garden, saw his mowing costs drop dramatically from £80 a visit to just £1.81 per mow with the Mammotion Yuka Mini.

• Meanwhile, Mrs B, who manages a large field, is now able to maintain 2.5 acres with a Mammotion Luba 10,000, cutting her need for a garden tractor and providing her family with a beautiful, well-maintained outdoor space.

“AutoMowIt is totally independent so we can advise and recommend the type of mower which will work best for each individual client,” says Tyler, who took on the Ambrogio brand five years ago and has more recently added Mammotion to the first-class AutoMowIt line-up.

THESE MOWERS ARE GAME-CHANGERS!

By combining lawn care expertise with the latest robot mower technology AutoMowIt can deliver a truly first-class lawn service for both domestic and commercial clients.

“Each time I supply and install a robot I get referrals for friends and family. I only make a recommendation if it’s the perfect fit,” Tyler adds. “These mowers are gamechangers and exceed all expectations!”

So, whether you have a small garden or a large estate, AutoMowIt offers a tailored, cost-effective hassle free solution to keep your lawn in tip-top shape day in and day out. n

AutoMowIt Unit 3, Portland Farm Buckholes Lane Higher Wheelton PR6 8JL 0800 1522123

UNLOCK THE FULL POTENTIAL OF ANY LAWN

With expert lawn and surface care by Tyler Stevenson of GreenThumb, your garden will always look at its best

Since the pandemic, outdoor spaces have become more important than ever. Nearly half of UK homeowners have invested in their gardens postCOVID, with average spending reaching almost £2,000* — clear proof that lawns and gardens are now both lifestyle and financial priorities.

Although grass is the most common and diverse plant on the planet, maintaining a lush, healthy lawn is not as easy as it appears. Issues like weeds, moss, disease and grub damage often catch new homeowners off guard, making expert support invaluable.

That is where GreenThumb comes in. Locally managed by Tyler Stevenson, GreenThumb helps homeowners achieve the very best results from their lawns. Whether someone is new to garden care or simply seeking professional outcomes, GreenThumb’s tailored treatments and proven expertise make all the difference.

SERVICES OFFERED:

BESPOKE LAWN TREATMENT PLANS

Customised packages are designed to meet the unique needs of each lawn throughout the year.

NEW: HARD SURFACE CLEANING

Patios, paths and driveways can be kept pristine and safe with expert treatments that remove moss, algae and weeds.

FLEXIBLE PAYMENT OPTIONS

Homeowners can choose from affordable monthly plans or one-off services to suit their budgets.

CUSTOMER LOYALTY PROGRAMME

Clients benefit from exclusive discounts, seasonal offers and priority bookings.

PROVEN EXPERIENCE

GreenThumb is the UK’s leading lawn care provider and the local branch, managed by Tyler Stevenson, is one of the longest-running in the network. The team has recently renewed

its full franchise licence — an achievement that reflects consistent results and a strong commitment to quality service.

LOCAL ROOTS: COMMUNITY FOCUS

Although GreenThumb is a national brand, each branch is independently owned and operated. Tyler Stevenson takes great pride in giving back to the local community, supporting clubs like Rimmington FC and Clitheroe FC by supplying them with free bespoke lawn products through GreenThumb’s sponsorship programme. This community investment is just one of the ways the team strengthens the places they call home.

READY TO TRANSFORM YOUR LAWN?

Contact GreenThumb today to start the journey toward a dream garden — from lush, healthy grass to spotless patios and weed-free paths. n

*Source: GoCompare Garden Spending Report

GreenThumb

Unit 3 Portland Farm, Buckholes Lane Higher Wheelton PR6 8JL 01257 543214

Maintaining your lawn’s health yearround is equally important. Our tailored annual treatment plans ensure ongoing care, using premium-grade products and expert timing to deliver lasting results – all overseen by professionals who understand the expectations of prestige property owners.

Beyond the lawn, Clive’s Gardening Services offer a complete turnkey patio installation package. Whether your vision

REFINING OUTDOOR ELEGANCE

Lawn renovation and bespoke patio solutions by Clive’s Gardening Services

As the elegance of spring settles over the Ribble Valley and beyond, the time has come to curate the perfect outdoor setting that reflects the quality and prestige of your home. For discerning property owners, a well-appointed garden is more than a backdrop – it’s an extension of your lifestyle. At Clive’s Gardening Services, we specialise in transforming premium outdoor spaces with meticulous lawn renovation and bespoke patio solutions tailored to the highest standards. A beautifully maintained lawn offers

the foundation for any refined garden. Our full renovation programme includes scarification to remove thatch and moss, aeration to alleviate compaction and improve root health, overseeding to restore density and vitality and top dressing to level and nourish the soil. This service is designed to restore a flawless green finish, ensuring your lawn mirrors the elegance of the property it surrounds.

includes sleek porcelain paving, natural stone terraces or contemporary composite decking, we provide fully managed solutions from initial design to final detailing.

Complementing these surfaces are our premium features – frameless glass balustrades that preserve views and add architectural clarity, integrated mood lighting for ambience and after-dark enjoyment and curated patio dressing to ensure every element speaks of sophistication. We don’t just install patios –we create lifestyle spaces that flow seamlessly from home to garden.

With a reputation built on trust, discretion and excellence, Clive’s Gardening Services is the natural choice for those looking to invest in their property’s outdoor space. This May, let us help you realise the full potential of your garden – with precision, creativity and care. n

STYLE STATEMENT

A delightful property in Laneshawbridge has recently benefitted from the installation of two beautiful new bathrooms that have added a wow-factor to this stylish home.

Photography: KapturedbyWayne.co.uk

When Ken and Janine Davies bought a detached, stonebuilt property two years ago, they viewed it as their forever home.

Surrounded by hills, the large, fivebedroom house was in need of considerable renovation, much of which was required to the outside of the property, as Janine explains: “We moved here knowing we would stay here so all the work carried out has been done to withstand the test of time.

“We had a new roof, new guttering and

the garden has been landscaped. Inside needed decorating too as it was dark due to lots of mahogany and wood panelling.”

While the couple wanted to keep many of the original features, they decorated much of the interior, bringing the panelling up to date in a soft, heritage shade making the whole house lighter.

THEY FINISHED THE JOB ON TIME AND A LITTLE UNDER BUDGET. WE ARE OVER THE MOON!

Having updated the ground floor, they knew their next project was to replace two bathrooms on the first floor – one an en-suite, the other a house bathroom.

“We didn’t know where to start,” recalls Janine. “Both bathrooms had been installed at least 20 years previously. They were really old-fashioned and we were unsure as to whether we should just update one or

both at the same time.”

Janine and Ken knew that both spaces needed totally reconfiguring: “To be honest it was the first time since we bought the house that we didn’t really know what to do,” adds Janine.

Much to the couple’s relief, a family friend recommended Clearly Interiors, a long-established Burnley-based company that is renowned for its meticulous planning, quality fittings and unrivalled customer service.

“We visited the showroom and were surprised at how many room-sets there were. The first time we went Sammy showed us around just to get a feel of what style of bathroom we liked in order to formulate some ideas. Before that we had been clueless!”

Retired banker Ken and Janine, who is self-employed, opted for neutral shades and classic fittings.

The main bathroom has now been transformed with a wall being demolished

to accommodate a large, walk-in shower. Huge light-coloured tiles with a hint of grey create a striking feature, while a large white, freestanding bath takes centre stage. A stylish vanity unit features a charcoal coloured drawer and wooden top on which sits a white ceramic wash basin.

“The vanity unit was a real stroke of luck,” says Janine. “We just spotted it in the Clearly Interiors showroom, it is really unique and we loved it.”

Similarly striking is the new en-suite, which features glossy, dove grey tiles, a two-tone grey walk-in shower with black shower tray and vanity unit.

HUGE

TILES WITH A HINT OF GREY CREATE A STRIKING FEATURE, WHILE A LARGE WHITE, FREESTANDING BATH TAKES CENTRE STAGE

Having transformed both rooms, Ken and Janine are delighted: “We keep going upstairs just to look at them! We’re really pleased with the work done by Clearly Interiors. From the initial design to the team of craftsmen who worked on the bathrooms, they were all superb!

“They were brilliant and real grafters. They were polite and turned up on time each day – and so tidy too. There really was very little disruption.

“They finished the job on time and a little under budget. We are over the moon,” agree the couple, who have three grown-up children.

“The whole process has been incredibly smooth and slick. Would we recommend Clearly Interiors? Absolutely – in a heartbeat!”

Designer, Sammy-Jo adds: “It was a pleasure to work with Janine and Ken. They had specific ideas on how they wanted their bathrooms to work but were open to suggestions. They put their faith in me and Clearly Interiors and took the leap to refurbish both bathrooms at the same time. The finished designs, made real by our expert installers, are practical and stunning. I hope they enjoy their bathrooms for years to come.” n

ARE YOU SITTING COMFORTABLY?

Weatherproof, washable and woven from recycled plastic, these stylish cushions are the perfect addition to your interior or outdoor space

What better way to embrace the new season than this collection of soft-to-the-touch weather-proof cushions?

These durable new cushion ranges from Weaver Green instantly revitalise both indoor and outdoor spaces, their intricate weaves turning plain sofas and drab patios into inviting havens.

THESE CUSHIONS

BLEND TEXTURE, COLOUR AND SUSTAINABILITY IN EACH BEAUTIFULLY CRAFTED PIECE

Yet perhaps best of all, each design is made from recycled plastic bottles. Besides making them good for the planet, it also makes this truly unique selection of textile cushions UV stable, mould and waterresistant as well as quick drying. And if they do get a little grubby, a quick spin in the washing machine and they’re good as new!

New for spring is a Temple bolster cushion. These bold, bohemian cushions

bring a touch of intricate design to any space, inspired by stunning reliefs found in Indian temples. Perfect for beds, benches or sofas the Temple comes in two colours, Cerulean and Kelp.

The new Mabel and Moli cushions are also a welcome new addition offering beautiful textures and a softness akin to cotton. These cushions blend texture, colour and sustainability in each beautifully crafted piece. The Mabel, featuring delicate heart detail comes in Gold, Pink and Sky including an inner pad, which is also made from recycled material. The Moli is also available in three colours, Jade, Chinchilla and Sky and is available with a matching throw. n

weavergreen.com

NO CHIMNEY? NO PROBLEM!

Did you know?

Many modern gas fires and woodburning stoves can be installed without a traditional chimney.

Speak to one of our experts to see how we can transform your living space with a statement piece that provides a warm, comforting flame.

A visit to our showrooms will give you choice of over 100 displaysmost of which are available for live demonstration.

a low clump of small aromatic leaves that has attractive small pink or white flowers in summer. It’s a perennial, living for many years and is usually hardy enough to survive the British winter if grown in a warm sunny spot, in a container or in free-draining soil.

LAVENDER LOVES

CONTAINER LIFE AND BEING IN BORDERS AS WELL AND IS ALSO OFTEN PLANTED AS AN EDGING PLANT WITH ROSES OR GROWN AS AN INFORMAL HEDGE

It is used mainly as a culinary herb, but also makes a great herbal tea – just pick a sprig of fresh oregano, let it infuse in boiling water for a few minutes and sweeten with some honey. n

SHOW OFF YOUR GARDEN

May sees the start of the garden show season when RHS Chelsea gets the ball rolling with show gardens that not only inspire but create green fingered envy at the same time!

Your garden or outside space may not be up for a gold medal, but that doesn’t mean that it’s not a show-stopper in its own right. Just think of the time you spend feeling good in the space you have created – and that can be as simple as a single pot of lavender on a patio to bring fragrance, beauty and butterflies to your special place.

Lavender loves container life and being in borders as well and is also often planted as an edging plant with roses or grown as an informal hedge. It’s a favourite with gardeners not just for its beautiful form and fragrance but also because it attracts essential pollinators. It’s also considered a romantic flower that most gardeners get the urge to plant in their garden sooner or later and can add real value with its scent and shades of purple flowers and silver leaf backdrop. To successfully grow lavender, it needs to be planted (from March to May) in a warm, well-drained soil with full sun.

It’s a tough plant though and once established only requires regular pruning after flowering has finished in the autumn. English lavender, Lavandula angustifolia, is hardier and lives longer than French and Spanish lavender. Two of the most popular

varieties of English lavender are ‘Munstead’, an old-fashioned standard height plant with blue-purple flowers and ‘Hidcote,’ much loved for its dark purple flowers.

Part of the same plant family as lavender is the sun-loving Mediterranean herb oregano. Easy to grow, compact and drought tolerant, it thrives in pots or in the ground and forms

TOP TIPS FOR MAY FROM THE RHS:

• Watch out for late frosts and protect tender plants

• Earth up potatoes and plant any still remaining

• After all risk of frost has passed, plant out tomatoes, courgettes and pumpkins

• Plant out summer bedding plants at the end of the month, weather permitting

• Water early and late to get the most out your water, recycle water if possible

• Hoe off weeds in vegetable patches

• Open greenhouse vents and doors on warm days

• Mow lawns but consider leaving some areas uncut for wildlife, or mow less often so flowers can bloom

• Check carefully for nesting birds before clipping hedges

• Lift and divide overcrowded clumps of daffodils and other spring bulbs

• Watch out for viburnum beetle and lily beetle grubs and remove by hand if causing damage

The new eco-friendly line-up features responsibly sourced materials, ensuring a lower environmental impact without compromising on style or quality.

The two materials are grasscloth and recycled material. Grasscloth is a natural grass substrate with an organic, soft texture that brings warmth and authenticity to interiors.

The recycled material features 100 per cent recycled fibres and has a luxurious matte feel, offering a sustainable yet sophisticated option for wallcoverings.

ECO-FRIENDLY LUXURY

Soft, textured grasscloth and a luxuriously matte, recycled material have been utilised for a new sustainable wallcovering collection

Luxury Scandinavian wallpaper brand, Feathr, has announced a new range of eco-friendly wallcoverings as its commitment to sustainability grows.

Feathr, which is renowned for its designer wallpapers and fabrics, has launched two new wallcovering materials as part of its new collection.

The new Sapporo Spring wall mural, with its enchanting cream and green blossom tree chinoiserie design, adds a delicate and artistic touch to any room. Its composition, featuring elegantly rendered trees adorned with vibrant blossoms, diving swallows and flitting butterflies, creates a serene backdrop perfect for enhancing spaces with a touch of nature’s tranquility.

Each element in the mural is thoughtfully placed to form a peaceful landscape that invites the outdoors inside, making Sapporo Spring a timeless choice for those seeking a gentle and inviting atmosphere.

Sumo is a dreamy wall mural that captures the essence of tranquillity with its sunset inspired orange, pink and blue abstract ombre design – the perfect wall mural for enriching contemporary and minimalist spaces and is aptly named Sumo, inspired by the word for fog in Finnish, the designer’s native language. This mural effortlessly contributes to a serene atmosphere, making it an ideal backdrop for spaces designed for relaxation and calm. This wall mural on grasscloth offers immersion into a misty, ethereal landscape.

While grasscloth is ideal for low-traffic walls, the recycled materials option is perfect for busier environments.

Anne Puukko, Founder of Feathr, said: “Our mission has always been to bring more art into the world of interiors. Now, with our planet-friendly wallcoverings, we’re doing so in a way that respects our planet.

“By combining stunning design with responsible materials, we’re offering our customers a way to create beautiful spaces while making a sustainable choice.” n

The new eco-friendly collection is available now from Feathr, with prices starting at £45 per m 2

feathr.com

DELIGHTFUL DESTINATION

Always changing with the seasons, award-winning SO Plants Country Garden Store is all set for spring and summer!

Photography: Kirsten Platt

Surrounded by rolling hills in a delightful location, SO Plants prioritises growing great plants that will thrive in local gardens. At the moment there are thousands of home-grown perennials and bedding plants in a vast array of colours that have thrived during the recent sunny spell, as expert horticulturalist Michelle Unsworth explains: “We’ve noticed that many customers are really enthusiastic and can’t wait to get out into their gardens due to the long spell of sunny, spring weather.”

Having been inundated with requests for their Garden Consultation Service, the team are busy until October but are still taking bookings.

For the past few weeks, the team at SO Plants have been filling hundreds of bespoke hanging baskets to order with a trend for natural colour requests, including shades of lemon, white and lime.

There’s a huge array of ready-planted containers and baskets, along with beautiful topiary bay trees that create a lovely focal point in a garden, patio or entrance. Locally grown vegetable plants and herbs are also proving popular this year.

Always adding something new to the line-up, Michelle and the team have introduced new roses by Home Florist that produce beautifully scented, large blooms – perfect for cutting! There’s new pot toppers and grits along with new wildflower-inspired terracotta pots and classic lead-style pots with a contemporary twist.

Inside the delightfully decorated sheds at SO Plants is a fabulous collection of lovely gifts and homeware. New in stock are the beautifully-boxed, handmade botanicalinspired clay moulds by Foxglove Tree that are infused with fragranced oil.

There’s a collection of house plant pots, ceramic bird baths, garden ornaments and simple, Nordic-style giftware along with quality, country clothing accessories.

On a practical basis, SO Plants stocks a range of good quality gardening tools, irrigation systems and garden treatments including

Algon, an easy-to-use organic patio and deck cleaner that’s made in Preston. SO Plants also stocks Root Grow, a root enhancer that helps plants to establish and develop natural vigour.

Visitors to SO Plants Country Garden Store will be given a warm welcome by Melly, the resident black Labrador known for her friendly greeting and sleek, glossy black coat!

SO Plants was recently named Independent Retailer of the Year at the Ribble Valley Business Awards after being nominated by customers who just love visiting this fantastic Country Garden Store for all their gift and gardening needs – including expert advice from Michelle and her team. n

Countr y Plant Store

So Plants

Little Town Farm Chipping Road Thornley PR3 2TB 01772 784010 soplants.co.uk

Bathrooms to inspire...

Bathrooms

to inspire...

over 16 years we have been creating everything you need for a luxurious & practical bathroom or kitchen.

Be inspired in our 3000 sq ft showroom

...for over 16 years we have been creating everything you need for a luxurious & practical bathroom or kitchen.

SHOWROOM OPEN FOR APPOINTMENTS ONLY, PLEASE CALL OR EMAIL TO ARRANGE. We are adhering to social distancing guidelines.

inspired in 3000 sq ft showroom The Original Bathroom Company

SHOWROOM OPEN FOR APPOINTMENTS ONLY, PLEASE CALL OR EMAIL TO ARRANGE. We are adhering to social distancing guidelines.

Be inspired in our 3000 sq ft showroom The Original Bathroom Company

SHOWROOM OPEN FOR APPOINTMENTS ONLY, PLEASE CALL OR EMAIL TO ARRANGE. We are adhering to social distancing guidelines.

84 Liverpool Road, Longton, Preston PR4 5NB • Next to Booths Supermarket EVENING AND WEEKEND APPOINTMENTS AVAILABLE DESIGN • SUPPLY

Be inspired in our 3000 sq ft showroom. Open Monday – Friday 8am - 4pm Saturday 9am - 5pm

tel: 01772 611622 www.theoriginalbathroomcompany.co.uk

84 Liverpool Road, Longton, Preston PR4 5NB • Next to Booths Supermarket EVENING AND WEEKEND APPOINTMENTS AVAILABLE

Please call 01772 611622 or email showroom@originalbathroomcompany.co.uk www.theoriginalbathroomcompany.co.uk 84 Liverpool Road, Longton, Preston PR4 5NB • Next to Booths Supermarket DESIGN • SUPPLY • INSTALL ...for over 20 years we have been creating everything you need for a luxurious & practical bathroom.

Original Bathroom Company tel: 01772 611622 www.theoriginalbathroomcompany.co.uk 84 Liverpool Road, Longton, Preston PR4 5NB • Next to Booths Supermarket EVENING AND WEEKEND APPOINTMENTS AVAILABLE

MAKING LIGHT WORK…

Thanks to Whalley Home Improvements, a large conservatory extension project was minimally disruptive and challenge-free for a Skipton finance director and his Brazilian partner.

Photography: Gemma Suckley

When company finance director Keith Edwards and his civil partner Paolo, a chef, bought their beautiful new-build home, their intention was always to extend the property with a large conservatory.

Located in Skipton, Keith and Paolo had previously viewed a four-bedroomed property with a garage on the same development: “The four-bed was almost £100k more than the three-bed property so we decided to invest in extending the ground floor, which is where we needed the room,” recalls Keith.

After Googling a good number of conservatory companies in Lancashire and Yorkshire they decided to visit four or five to discuss designs and get quotes – but one company stood out above the rest: “We visited Whalley Home Improvements and we liked the people there. They were personable and knowledgeable and we knew the company was a success through word-of-mouth recommendations, which also impressed us.”

Discussing the design with Keith and Paolo, Whalley Home Improvements’ co-founder Emma Hodgkinson, advised on the shape and size of the build along with the groundworks and materials:

“We originally thought we would like a conservatory with curves but Emma advised against it as we would be wasting space as it’s difficult to accommodate furniture. Eventually we opted for a straight rectangle the full width of the house extending into approximately 30 per cent of the garden, so it’s a significant size.

“But we still have plenty of garden that we intend to landscape with a patio, waterfall and pond.”

The new 15sqm conservatory has a dwarf wall of Yorkshire stone and a slate roof which both match the materials used on the main house along with dark grey window frames.

Inside, the conservatory is airy and light thanks to the brilliant white ceiling plus full height glass double doors, large opening windows and large glass windows in the roof.

THE

BUILDING WORK WAS MINIMALLY DISRUPTIVE EVEN THOUGH THE GROUNDWORKS WERE A TOUGH JOB

“We originally wanted opening windows in the roof but Emma was adamant that they would give us problems so she advised us against it. We took her advice and realised that we didn’t really need them to open as we have the double doors and opening windows on the sides of the conservatory.”

With beautiful Romanesque-style grey floor tiles and light blue walls, the conservatory is going to be used as a day room and office for Keith.

Backing on to the house’s TV room, the conservatory has a desk, dining table and sofa along with a large TV and a cabinet to display a tiny portion of the couple’s vast Swarovski crystal collection.

“The idea is to use the conservatory by day so that will be our main living and work room and move into the TV room in the evening where we are creating floor to ceiling glass cabinets for the main Swarovski collection,” explains Keith.

Full of praise for the Whalley Home Improvements team, he adds: “The entire team were fantastic! From Bev in the office who is an amazing character, Emma who is extremely knowledgeable to the craftsmen and builders who created the conservatory, they were all really helpful.

FROM START TO FINISH THE BUILD WAS CHALLENGE-FREE AND WE HAVE ENDED UP WITH A ROOM WE LOVE

“The building work was minimally disruptive even though the groundworks were a tough job as a drainage inspection cover had to be moved. The guys were all so professional, they worked so hard and were so efficient.

“When the building inspector came to sign off the conservatory, he said he had inspected a significant number of Whalley Home Improvements’ builds and he was unbelievably impressed with them.

“From start to finish the build was challenge-free and we have ended up with a room we love.

“We feel we have been really lucky to find Whalley Home Improvements and we are so glad we did. We wouldn’t hesitate to recommend them!” n

Whalley

HOME IMPROVEMENTS LTD

Whalley Home Improvements

Units 23, Mitton Road Business Park Mitton Road, Whalley BB7 9YE 01254 824179 www.whalleyhomeimprovements.co.uk FREE PARKING

GET THE LATEST STIHL BATTERY-POWERED TOOLS FROM DEALERSHIP NAME TODAY.

STIHL Approved Dealers offer excellent service, expert advice and best-in-class maintenance for your tools. With years of experience in the garden machinery industry, we‘re ready to help.

Visit us today to find out more about the latest STIHL tools and get the right tool for your needs today.

LUXURY WINDOW TREATMENTS

Made to Measure Window Blinds, Shutters and Curtains. We offer the largest range of fabrics, colours and styles.

SHUTTERS | BLINDS | CONCEALED BLINDS CURTAINS | MOTORISED | OUTSIDE SHADING

James Albert, 278 Fylde Road, Lancashire, Preston, PR2 2NJ

W: jamesalbert.co.uk

E: hello@jamesalbert.co.uk

T: 01772 823311

STEP INTO STYLE THIS SUMMER

As the promise of summer lingers in the air, there’s no better time to refresh your wardrobe and no better place to do it than HOPE, Clitheroe’s destination for luxury menswear and premier independent fashion retailer. Photography: Kirsten Platt

Nestled in the heart of King Street, HOPE isn’t just a shop – it’s a shopping experience. Founded on generations of craftsmanship and style, HOPE has been dressing discerning customers since 1959. Under the watchful eye of Mike Hope, who brings almost 50 years of sartorial expertise, the store is a go-to destination for those seeking timeless elegance with a contemporary edge and unparalleled service.

From tailored suiting to off-duty essentials, HOPE’s menswear collection features carefully curated pieces from some of the world’s most iconic brands: Remus Uomo, Roy Robson, UBR, Sand, Sandbanks, Baldessarini and Gran Sasso. Whether you're seeking the perfect jacket for a summer wedding or refined leisurewear for long weekends away, the hand-picked selection blends sharp style with lasting quality.

But HOPE is more than rails of beautiful clothes. It’s a sanctuary for style lovers. Enjoy a coffee while you browse, speak to the friendly team for personal styling advice or indulge

in a made-to-measure consultation in-store. The relaxed, welcoming atmosphere makes it easy to explore at your own pace and with private parking conveniently located at the back, it couldn’t be easier to drop in.

Upstairs, the spacious womenswear floor showcases premium brands such as Weekend by MaxMara, Dea Kudibal, Vilagallo and Bariloche – the perfect reason to make HOPE a destination for both him and her.

Whether you’re refreshing your summer wardrobe or simply looking for inspiration, HOPE offers an elevated retail experience like no other. So why not make a day of it? Style and a warm welcome await, right here in the heart of Clitheroe. n

42 King Street, Clitheroe BB7 2EU

01200 423723 (Menswear)

01200 426293 (Womenswear) hopestores.co.uk

Clitheroe, Norden & Uppermill

BAUME & MERCIER RIVIERA £3,600 Transparent smoky green dial, 39mm, Baumatic movement.

Huppach15 Rainhall Road Barnoldswick BB18 5AF 01282 815559 huppach.co.uk

BARBOUR SANDSTONE DERBY SHOE £115

Varey’s Town and Country 2 Market Place Clitheroe BB7 2DB 01200 423267 vareys.co.uk

COUNTRY CHIC

Taking you effortlessly from town to country, these men’s accessories represent comfort and style

Layton 71 King Street Whalley BB7 9SW 01254 822062 sarahlayton.co.uk

While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, all prices and stockists are subject to change. BARBOUR SANDERLING CASUAL JACKET £179 vareys.co.uk

Unit 29, Mitton Rd, Whalley, BB7 9YE

DREAM BECOMES A REALITY

Menswear store Scruples 1984 is set to launch a second store in the Ribble Valley which will feature exclusive collections and world class labels. Photography: Kirsten Platt

These are exciting times for Scruples 1984 which is set to open its second luxury menswear store at the beginning of June.

Established in Barrowford more than four decades ago, it has long been a dream of founder Stephen Collins to open a second store in the Ribble Valley – and that dream is soon to become a reality with the opening of the King Street store in Whalley.

Store manager Tom Orrell expresses his excitement about the opening: “Stephen has established and grown the business over the years but the opportunity to open a second store never came at the right time. Scruples 1984 has undergone many changes during recent years with a different approach to buying – introducing a more frequent buy opposed to huge seasonal buy – allowing a more regular, fresher offering of menswear in store. Over these last few years, everything has aligned so when the Whalley premises became available we decided to take that opportunity.”

The ambitious project to refurbish the new store began in March with construction workers taking the premises back to brick,

lowering the floor, raising the ceiling and reconfiguring the space.

“With regard to the refurb, we’re absolutely chuffed to pieces with the progress. It has a modern clean look, which is really a continuation of the vibe in Barrowford, which was refurbished back in 2021 – and that got a really positive reaction.

SCRUPLES WHALLEY

HAS A VERY CLEAN LOOK WHICH ALIGNS WITH THE ETHOS OF MANY OF THE LABELS WE NOW STOCK

“Like in Barrowford, we want our customers to enjoy their time at Scruples Whalley, which has a very clean look which aligns with the ethos of many of the labels we now stock.”

With a portfolio of designer collections that are exclusive to Scruples outside London and Manchester, both the Barrowford and Whalley stores feature labels selected by Stephen and Tom, who regularly travel to Italy for luxury fashion brands and unique accessories including eyewear by Tom Ford

Always reactive to the seasons, Scruples 1984 is renowned for its world class collections that feature the likes of Loro Piana, Filippo de Laurentiis, Paul Shark, Mackage, Eton, Tom Ford, DITA, Herno and Canali: “We buy seasonally and will be opening Whalley with brand new stock from the pre-collections and the classics for which Scruples has become renowned,” adds Tom.

“I can also reveal we will have some exclusive, limited edition pieces for the Whalley store including denim from Tramarossa.”

Scruples 1984 has also become synonymous with luxury fabrics including cashmere, linen and wool as well as timeless accessories which include exclusive Fratelli Rosetti footwear, leather belts by Elliott Rhodes and swimwear by the much-loved Vilebrequin label.

“We are on track to open our new Whalley store the first weekend in June and we are looking forward to welcoming existing customers as well as some new ones too. This is a new chapter for Scruples.” n

Scruples 1984 85-87 Gisburn Road, Barrowford BB9 6DX 01282 695770

scruplesmenswear.co.uk

@scruplesmenswear

@scruplesmens

Icon, Dita and Zegna.

THINK DIFFERENTLY ABOUT SHOES

At fitright footwear we recognise that there is no such thing as a standard one size fits all as everyone’s feet are different.

Photography: Kirsten Platt

Fitright footwear is an independent, specialist, retail shoe shop that offers a range of brands and styles rarely found in an average high street shoe shop. Our appointment-only and personal one- to-one measuring and fitting service for adults with hard-to-fit feet makes us unique –unlike any other shoe shop on the high street.

Over the last nine years we have helped customers, who have foot problems find footwear that fits and is comfortable. We accommodate wider and deeper feet and orthotics. We get enormous satisfaction providing footwear that puts a smile on our customers’ faces and gives an enormous sense of well-being.

There is nothing worse than having sore and uncomfortable feet – made worse by wearing footwear that doesn’t fit. Most customers who walk through our door are wearing shoes that

are not long, wide or deep enough and have a wardrobe full of shoes they can’t wear anymore.

Feet change, so it’s only when our footwear doesn’t feel as comfortable as it used to or the shoes in our wardrobe just don’t fit anymore that we realise it might be time to seek out better fitting shoes. Fitright footwear are here to help you on your journey.

Wearing the correct shoes will go a long way to alleviating some of the discomfort you may be experiencing and slow down the growth of bunions and Morton’s neuromas, the onset of arthritis and help recurring problems such as corns and hard skin from returning.

ORTHOFEET ARE BIOMECHANICALLY ENGINEERED WITH UNIQUE COMFORT FEATURES

Our product knowledge and friendly advice is key to the professional service we provide in-store and helps us fit our customers with the footwear their feet need. We ask for details about your foot problems so we can select and help you choose the footwear that best helps the issues you are experiencing.

Fitright footwear stock a fabulous range of

footwear specifically designed and chosen to help and give comfort to those who struggle to find comfortable shoes.

We are delighted this spring and summer to add a new brand to our extensive stock:

ORTHOFEET

Orthofeet are biomechanically engineered with unique comfort features to help sensitive feet and physical ailments affected by foot problems or poor posture. They have patented slip-on technology and pain relief engineering to help you move. Unlike traditional slip-ons, Orthofeet hands-free shoes feature an inbuilt heel spring to provide a secure fit every time. Your appointment will last approximately 45 minutes as we guide you step by step to finding the footwear that is right for you and your feet. As we have a locked door policy this ensures your appointment is as relaxed and stress-free as possible. You and your feet are our primary concern.

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

Appointments only:

Available Wednesday to Saturday between 10am and 5pm

Fitright Footwear

32D King Street, Clitheroe BB7 2EP 01200 425399

clitheroe@fitrightfootwear.co.uk

3 Bower Road, Harrogate HG1 1BB 01423 561172

harrogate@fitrightfootwear.co.uk

fitrightfootwear.co.uk

comfort.fit.style

_fitright

STURM SUPER ANTI-AGEING

EYE CREAM £170

Biomimetic lipids support the skin’s own defence and with regular use, extract from the Persian silk tree reduces the appearance of puffiness and dark shadows and helps lift the upper eye lid en.drsturm.com

CLARINS MEN EXFOLIATING CLEANSER £26

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

GROOMING ESSENTIALS

These first class men’s grooming essentials feature fabulous fragrances along with products that leave skin smooth, soothed and moisturised

A two-in-one purifier, this foaming cleanser with exfoliating natural microbeads thoroughly removes impurities and dead skin cells to give a clean, fresh and bright complexion. clarins.co.uk

CLINIQUE FOR MEN ANTI-FATIGUE

EYE GEL £35

A cooling roll-on gel that instantly re-energises and brightens tiredlooking eyes. It instantly hydrates and comforts with humectants that bind moisture to skin. Apply anytime to refresh tired eyes. clinique.co.uk

ELEMIS MEN’S GROOMING COLLECTION £75 (WORTH £104)

Upgrade your skincare routine with this carefully curated selection of travel-friendly grooming essentials to deep cleanse, hydrate and smooth. The Spa Hotel Ribby Hall Village Ribby Road Wrea Green PR4 2PR ribbyhall.co.uk

CHANEL BOY DE CHANEL FORTIFYING GEL MOISTURIZER £70

An ultra-fresh moisturising gel with hydrating hyaluronic acid and fortifying, antioxidant Costa Rican green coffee extract, specially designed to meet the needs of men's skin. chanel.com

AMPERSAND ICONIC EAU DE PARFUM £60

The unique blend of oud creates a distinct aroma that is both warm and inviting, evoking a sense of luxury and prestige. The notes also include amber, cashmere, cinnamon, lemon and saffron. themeltco.com

LIZ EARLE FOR MEN SENSITIVE SHAVE CREAM £14

BATH HOUSE FIG & NUTMEG BATH SOAK £32

Relax in a foaming bath with this soothing soak. Glycerine gently cleanses the skin, while aloe vera, fig and nutmeg extract moisturise and soothe. Melt Backridge Farm Twitter Lane Waddington BB7 3LQ 01200 443377 themeltco.com

Achieve a closer, smoother shave and help prevent razor burn with this rich shave cream. lizearle.com

BATH HOUSE BERGAMOT & AMBER HAIR & BODY WASH £22

This hair and body wash is enriched with carefully chosen natural extracts and plant oils to leave skin and hair feeling conditioned and clean. themeltco.com

Mohs surgery

• Single-visit surgical treatment

• Local anaesthetic

• Lab work done while you wait

• Smallest possible scar

• 99% cure rate for a primary skin cancer

SKIN CANCER SAVIOUR

ISKIN CANCER SAVIOUR

Ihad a small blemish on my forehead that was worrying me. My daughter had been saying to get it checked because it had started bleeding and had got a bit bigger.

had a small blemish on my forehead that was worrying me. My daughter had been saying to get it checked because it had started bleeding and had got a bit bigger.

“I went to my GP, who thought it was a basal cell carcinoma (BCC). She said she could put me on the waiting list to have it removed on the NHS. It only sunk in a erwards that I probably had a skin cancer, and I decided to get it treated straight away. I called Discover Laser because they’ve looked a er my skin before.

“A er a consultation con rmed my GP’s diagnosis, I was scheduled for Mohs surgery with Dr Aslam at Discover Laser just two weeks later.

“On the day of my surgery, I received the usual warm welcome and was settled into their lovely waiting area. I wasn’t in the least bit nervous because I knew I was in the right hands and knew what would be happening.

“Dr Aslam removed my BCC in stages. Each time, he took the smallest amount of skin and biopsies were done to check if any cancer cells were le . I had three stages altogether to make sure they were all gone. I didn’t feel any pain at all, thanks to the local anaesthetic.

Mohs surgery is the most effective technique for removing common skin cancers – one Discover Laser patient explains why the procedure gave her such peace of mind after a recent diagnosis

“During surgery, I felt completely at ease. I chatted with the surgical assistants and even got to choose what music I listened to, which was lovely. A erwards, Dr Aslam stitched me up, and I was allowed to go home. It was a long day, but I didn’t feel anxious because I was so well cared for, and my daughter was with me.

“A er three days, when my daughter took the bandage o , I was shocked to see the size of the wound compared to the size of the BCC, but I do know they travel under the skin.

“We followed the a ercare instructions, and I had no problems with infection. I did have some bruising and two black eyes, but the swelling was minimal. I went back to the clinic to have my stitches out, and their nurse, Deborah, did it with a great deal of care and with no pain at all.

“Since then, the wound has carried on improving. I had some numbness, which Dr Aslam said might last 12 months, but that has gone. At my three-month follow-up with Dr Aslam, he was pleased with how the surgery had gone and how I’d looked a er the wound. I was surprised but very grateful to be given a thorough, full-body skin check to make sure there were no other areas of concern.

“I was told it would take 12 months for the pinkness to fully fade, but it’s already looking so much better. Now, eight months later, my scar is hardly noticeable. This is down to Dr Aslam’s skill as a surgeon and Discover Laser’s brilliant a ercare.

“A er three days, when my daughter took the bandage o , I was shocked to see the size of the wound compared to the size of the BCC, but I do know they travel under the skin.

“Mohs surgery has given me peace of mind that there is only a one per cent chance of my BCC returning. The only thing to remember now is to wear factor 50 sun protection.

“I can’t say how grateful I am for the procedure. If you have a skin concern, I would recommend 100 per cent to go to Discover Laser for the best treatment possible.

“You know you are in professional hands, cared for, comfortable, reassured and you will be welcomed by the lovely, friendly team.” ■

NOW, EIGHT MONTHS LATER, MY SCAR IS HARDLY NOTICEABLE. THIS IS DOWN TO DR ASLAM’S SKILLS AS A SURGEON AND DISCOVER LASER’S BRILLIANT AFTERCARE.

~ DISCOVER LASER PATIENT, RIBBLE VALLEY ~

TO BOOK A DERMATOLOGY

CONSULTATION call Discover Laser’s friendly team on 01282 420886

To ﬁnd out more about treatment visit: discoverlaser.co.uk

BCC before surgery - white circle indicates total removal area.

Five days after Mohs surgery Eight months after Mohs surgery

BCC before surgery - white circle indicates total removal area.

Five days after Mohs surgery Eight months after Mohs surgery

Root veggies – sweet potatoes, carrots, beets

• Fruits – bananas, berries, oranges (great pre-workout)

• Oats – steady energy, good for your gut lining

Avoid processed carbs like white bread and sugary snacks as they’ll often give you a quick energy spike, followed by a crash.

LOAD UP ON HEALTHY FATS

Fats support endurance, hormone balance and inflammation reduction, helping to decrease soreness and boost performance. Focus on:

• Avocados – fibre and healthy fats (great in salads, smoothies or on toast)

• Extra virgin olive and coconut oil –great for cooking and digestion

NUTRITION WITH KELI

• Nuts and seeds – almonds, walnuts, chia, flaxseeds

• Fatty fish – for recovery and joint health

Had an intense workout but feel wiped out, bloated or extra sore the next day? Isn’t it so frustrating? It’s not just about how hard you train, it’s also how your body processes food. If your gut is not in the best shape, your performance and recovery can suffer. I have some good news though – small diet tweaks can make such a big difference. Let’s dive into how to fuel for better performance, more endurance and most importantly, longterm health, because longevity is ultimately the real goal as well.

EAT ENOUGH PROTEIN (WITHOUT

MESSING UP YOUR DIGESTION)

Protein is essential for muscle growth and

recovery and good digestion ensures you absorb all the benefits. To support your gut, reduce soreness and speed up recovery, fuel up with these nourishing, whole-food protein sources instead of processed powders or bars:

• Lean meats – chicken, turkey, grass-fed beef

• Fatty fish – salmon, sea bass, mackerel (loaded with anti-inflammatory omega-3s)

• Eggs – a great option if they sit well with you (scramble, poach or boil)

Lentils and beans – excellent plant-based protein, just watch for bloating if you consume too much

• Tofu and tempeh – easy to digest and rich in protein

• Veggies – spinach, peas and mushrooms offer protein while being gentle on digestion. Perfect for topping up your intake

For a clean, gut-friendly protein, I love Nuzest Clean Lean Protein. Made from pea protein, it’s free from additives, easy to digest and packed with amino acids for recovery. Get 20 per cent off with my affiliate code: KELI at nuzest.co.uk.

CHOOSE SMART CARBOHYDRATES

Carbs fuel your body, but some are gentler on your gut. For steady energy without bloating, try:

• Whole grains – quinoa, brown rice, sourdough

SUPPORT YOUR GUT WITH PROBIOTICS & PREBIOTICS

A balanced gut aids digestion, energy and recovery. Keep it in check with:

• Probiotics – Greek yoghurt, kimchi, miso, sauerkraut

• Prebiotics – garlic, onions, oats, bananas These promote better digestion, less inflammation and sustained energy for longer workouts.

STAY HYDRATED

Hydration is key for energy and muscle function. Add:

• Coconut water – natural electrolytes, great post workout

• Herbal teas – peppermint or ginger for digestion

Avoid excess caffeine and sugary drinks as they can mess with digestion and leave you feeling sluggish.

Training hard is only part of the equation –your gut health is what keeps you strong, energised and enables you to recover quickly. Take care of your gut and it’ll take care of you – inside and outside the gym. n

nutritionwithkeli@outlook.com

nutritionwithkeli

Nutritionist Keli Thompson explains some gut-friendly tips to boost strength and stamina for active men

THE AMAZING PLASMA TRANSFORMATION

We learn about Roxanne’s journey to a youthfully radiant and younger looking skin. Guided by expert aesthetician Emma Pearce, of EMA, Roxanne achieved transformative results through advanced Plasma Pen™ treatment – no surgery required!

Roxanne’s skin transformation began with a welcoming consultation led by Emma Pearce, the esteemed owner of EMA Skin Aesthetics. Emma’s expertise in advanced skin treatments has earned her a reputation as a highly sought-after aesthetic specialist. Emma is further acknowledged through her status as an Elite Plasma Technician, certified by Louise Walsh of Plasma Pen International.

“I had been considering Plasma Pen and anti-ageing treatments for a while,” Roxanne explains. “But there was always something that came up. Then I saw the results my friend had achieved with Emma and heard her glowing

recommendation. I decided to go for it and now I only wish I had done it sooner!”

Roxanne underwent Plasma Pen™ treatment to address several key concerns, including ‘turkey’ neck, marionette lines, smile lines, lip lines and cheek tension lines. The results shown here are just four weeks posttreatment – though impressive, the full transformation will continue to develop over the next two months, with peak results at that stage.

Roxanne is delighted with her transformation. “I’m absolutely thrilled with my results,” she says.

“Emma is so knowledgeable and recommended the best treatments for my problem areas along with a bespoke follow-up plan

and skincare regime to ensure I maintain the results, while continuing to improve my skin’s integrity. It’s taken years off me!

I can’t recommend highly enough! Thank you!”

IT’S NEVER TOO LATE TO ACHIEVE YOUTHFUL,

RADIANT SKIN

With thousands of happy clients, EMA proves it’s never too late to restore your skin’s youthful glow. Whether you want to target fine lines, sagging or skin texture, Plasma Pen™ offers a non-invasive solution that rejuvenates without surgery. n

Ready to see what Plasma Pen™ can do for you? Book your complimentary consultation with Emma today and start your journey to defying age.

YOU ASKED –EMA LISTENED! DUE TO POPULAR DEMAND EMA’S ONETIME PLASMA PEN™ OFFER HAS BEEN EXTENDED! Areas start from £250 and EMA is offering an AMAZING £199 off each area! But hurry – this won’t last forever. Offer ends 26th June 2025

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

Suzanne Astley of Mindful Movement has worked at the highest level at the Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) as a lecturer of dance and has written a teacher training course on somatic yoga. She has also worked as an assessor for yoga courses and personal trainers within the fitness industry and has recently written on managing mental health and wellbeing using somatic movement therapy to support people living with neurological conditions.

Somatic yoga is a mindful movement practice which enables you to better understand posture, alignment and breathing. This is done using somatic techniques to increase body awareness, integrating the mind and body, along with yoga practises such as hatha and vinyasa flow. This style helps to improve flexibility, the flow of movement, building strength and core stability.

SOMA YOGA

Soma yoga is all the rage in London and major UK cities and it can also be found in the Ribble Valley led by somatic movement therapist Suzanne Astley

Somatic movement focuses attention on breathing, which reduces everyday anxiety, along with developing core strength, alignment and posture, flexibility and toning – it’s a whole body workout!

Suzanne also runs adult ballet which starts on the mat working

on core strength, then barre work building strength and balance. Barre and core classes draw inspiration from ballet, yoga and pilates and are great for building long, lean leg and arm muscles as well as strengthening your core and improving balance. Although a low impact workout, the classes

YOGA CLASSES ARE EXTREMELY CALMING, RELAXED AND CHILLED LEAVING ME FEELING MORE FLEXIBLE WITH MORE BODY AWARENESS

Studio

SOMATIC YOGA

Tuesday & Thursday 9.45am -10.45am

Thursday 5.15pm - 6.15pm

BARRE & CORE

Tuesday & Thursday 11am - 12pm

MOVEMENT THERAPY & REHABILITATION WITH REGISTERED THERAPIST

Wednesday 1pm - 2pm

are quite intense due to the focus on high reps of a small range of movements, building power and strength.

BARRE AND CORE CHALLENGES ME – MY PARTNER HAS NOTICED THAT MY LEGS, ARMS AND BACK ARE MORE DEFINED AND TONED

On her Women’s Health course

Suzanne looks at how soma yoga and barre calms the nervous system and works with the endocrine system. Building energy, strength and flexibility the course offers advice on a holistic healthy lifestyle, nutrition,

HRT and alternatives. Suzanne, who has extensive research in women’s health and wellbeing, particularly peri-menopausal and menopausal women, says: “I’ve studied women’s health for many years and at Mindful Movement we are extremely passionate about promoting health and wellbeing to help you find a healthier, happier and more empowered way of living.” n

Mindful Movement

Fuelmizas, Bee Mill

Preston Road, Ribchester PR3 3XJ

Mindful Movement

(Whalley Physiotherapy)

Victory House, The Sidings Whalley BB7 9SE

07738 405277

mindfulmovementbysue.co.uk

SOMATIC YOGA

Tuesday 6pm - 7pm

Saturday 10am - 11am

ADULT BALLET

Wednesday 6.15pm - 7.15pm

Private one-to-one appointments. Workshops and course coming soon!

Studio 1: Whalley Physio, Victory House, The Sidings

2: Fuelmizas, Studio, Bee Mill, Ribchester

0330 2020 126

A RURAL RETREAT

In search of serenity, Ali Gudgeon retreats to the award-winning Spa Hotel at Ribby Hall Village, nestled in the heart of the Lancashire countryside

The Spa Hotel at Ribby Hall Village offers a luxurious escape from the everyday. As I drove the long, tree-lined avenue leading into the 130-acre estate, I was greeted by a charming sight – a family of ducks waddling calmly across the road. It was an early hint that this place operates at a gentler pace, in harmony with its serene surroundings.

Stepping inside the spa, I’m immediately enveloped in the most heavenly scent –a calming blend that signals instant relaxation. If I could bottle it, I would. The warm welcome from the attentive staff only enhanced the feeling that I was in for something very special.

Wrapped in a plush robe and ready to unwind, I made my way into the heart of the spa to begin the signature Aqua Thermal Journey – a carefully curated experience designed to raise your body temperature gently and gradually, unlocking a host of holistic benefits along the way.

The journey begins softly, in the tranquil Aroma Room, where gentle lighting and a glowing water feature set the mood. From there, it’s onto the Aroma Steam Room, perfect

for opening up pores, and then into the first Saunarium, where the temperature steps up a notch. A brisk cold shower follows –invigorating, if not a little bracing.

One of the standout moments for me came in the Balinese Steam Inhalation Room. At 49°C and infused with salt vapour, it’s one of the hottest rooms in the journey, and arguably the most rejuvenating. The steam works wonders on the lungs and skin, leaving you feeling deeply cleansed and utterly renewed.

STEPPING INSIDE THE SPA, I’M IMMEDIATELY ENVELOPED IN THE MOST HEAVENLY SCENT –A CALMING BLEND THAT SIGNALS INSTANT RELAXATION

There’s an icy overhead bucket shower for the brave — though I opted to bypass this and head instead to the herbal-infused

Saunarium, followed by a soothing spell in the Tepidarium. The gentle warmth here encourages deep relaxation, preparing you for the next phase: a dip in the Hydropool, where gentle jets and warm water lull you into a meditative state.

But the real showstopper awaits outside: the Zen Garden. With the spring sun beaming down, this outdoor oasis is the epitome of spa luxury. Three hot tubs of varying sizes and settings beckon, along with a bar, experience showers, a Himalayan Salt Sauna and for those seeking a full contrast therapy experience, newly added individual ice baths – which I admired from afar! All of this, against the backdrop of sweeping countryside views, makes for a blissful escape where time seems to stand still.

Whether you’re after a full spa day or a twilight escape, The Spa Hotel at Ribby Hall Village offers a wide range of packages to suit every preference. With its long-standing 5 Bubble Spa rating from the Good Spa Guide – held proudly since 2011 – it’s easy to see why this gem continues to attract those in search of calm, luxury and a touch of rural magic. n

ribbyhall.co.uk

EMBRACE A SLOWER PACE…

In a world that is constantly switched on there’s a new space at Melt that encourages visitors to switch off

For 26 years, Melt have been hand pouring candles using traditional, time–honoured methods, in the heart of the Ribble Valley.

Taking inspiration from the nature outside their workshop doors, each candle is designed to create warmth and ambience, by filling your homes with rich, layered fragrances that elevate everyday moments into something much more luxurious.

However, Melt are not just candle-makers, they have also developed a rural, retail retreat which nestles alongside their workshops at Backridge Farm.

Here, glass of wine in hand, you can browse at leisure and escape the constant noise, busyness and battle for parking so often associated with towns and shopping centres. There is no rush – and most definitely, no push!

This tranquil space is split into different rooms – one specialises in skincare, a niche perfumery and jewellery, others in cashmere and handbags and the Chandlery dedicates itself to their library of over 30 different fragranced candles. And now their Snug has transformed into a new space to help you welcome the summer. Tucked away off the Chandlery, the Snug changes her persona with the seasons – sometimes a festive Christmas retreat, sometimes garden room and currently transformed into an off-grid sanctuary, inviting you to disconnect and unwind. In a world that is constantly switched on, the Snug encourages you to switch off.

This charming and gentle space offers everything you need to create your own unplugged haven at home. Here you can rediscover the simple joys – settling into a gorgeous jigsaw or curling up with that un-put-downable book and a steaming cup of tea in beautifully painted china.

For those who love to keep the brain engaged, the Snug features classic games and chessboards – perfect for slow, thoughtful afternoons. If you prefer the great outdoors, you’ll find beautiful garden benches and maps for scenic walks, which lure you outside into the fresh air. The extensive book offering specialises in gardening, cookery, history

and nature – alongside beautiful classic hardbacks by Virginia Woolf, Nancy Mitford and Jane Austen. There are even books on beekeeping, whisky and poetry!

Backridge Farm

Waddington BB7 3LQ

01200 443377

themeltco.com

Open Mon to Sat: 10am - 5pm and Sun: 12noon - 4.30pm

/meltcandles

themeltco

@meltcandles

The Snug is an invitation to step away from screens and embrace a slower, stiller pace. A reminder that sometimes, the most peaceful moments happen when we simply switch off. n

I GOT MY LIFE BACK

At 44, head teacher

Sarah White weighed 18 stone 10lbs and found herself on the sidelines of her own life.

A devoted mum to two active children aged 13 and nine, she was constantly on the go – but she wasn’t truly living.

“I was really unhappy with how my weight controlled every part of my life,” she says. “It stopped me from doing things with my kids – I felt like I was missing out.”

After being diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes following pregnancy, Sarah knew at the end of summer 2024 that it was time to take control. She considered weight loss surgery, but the idea didn’t sit right with her. That’s when she came across RejuvaMed Health and Wellness, a CQC-registered slimming clinic offering medically supervised treatment in a safe and supportive environment.

“I emailed the clinic and from the very first contact, I felt reassured,” she says. “The consultation was thorough, the screening was professional

How RejuvaMed helped Sarah lose seven stone and reclaim her confidence

and I felt completely looked after.

The support I’ve had has been absolutely brilliant.”

Over nine months of treatment with RejuvaMed, with the help of

and with expert guidance from the clinic’s team, she started making healthy lifestyle changes that she could stick to.

“Once I began the treatment,

I KNOW I’VE CHANGED – NOT JUST PHYSICALLY, BUT MENTALLY TOO. I’M PUTTING MYSELF FIRST NOW AND IT’S MADE ME A BETTER MUM

prescription medication, Sarah lost a life-changing seven stone.

But even more importantly, her entire mindset began to shift –

cooking more at home. My husband John’s a great cook and we started using an organic veg box each week – we actually enjoy planning meals together now.”

Sarah also took up swimming –something she’d never done before – and found herself with more energy, better skin and hair and most importantly, the confidence to say ‘yes’ to life again.

“I’ve been on rollercoasters, I’ve gone down waterslides – all the things I used to have to say no to,” she says. “My diabetes has gone and I finally feel like myself again. I even had a little cry when I realised how far I’d come.”

John and the kids have been by her side every step of the way.

“They love having a more energetic, happy mum,” Sarah says. “Our whole family life feels more connected now.”

As she begins to gradually wean off the prescription medication, Sarah is doing so with confidence and continued support from the RejuvaMed team. “I’m nervous, but I know I’ve changed – not just physically, but mentally too. I’m putting myself first now and it’s made me a better mum.”

At RejuvaMed Health and Wellness, we believe lasting transformation is about more than numbers on a scale –it’s about empowering you to reclaim your life. Our CQCregistered slimming clinic provides medical expertise, one-to-one support and a proven path forward.

Contact RejuvaMed today and take the first step towards your own success story. n

Visit: rejuvamed.co.uk or call 01200 538668, for more information.

everything started to fall into place,” she explains. “I cut out crisps and chocolate, reduced my alcohol intake and we began

538668

RejuvaMed Health & Wellness Holmes Cottage Woone Lane, Clitheroe 01200

Helen Coates Aesthetics is proud to offer the latest techniques in advanced anti-wrinkle treatments designed to address the unique concerns of mature women. With a focus on natural, youthful results, our cutting-edge procedures enhance your features, refresh your appearance and restore confidence. Here are some of the transformative options we provide:

FOX EYES

TRANSFORMATIVE TREATMENTS

Aesthetics expert Helen Coates explains some of the most advanced beauty and anti-wrinkle treatments for mature women

reducing sagging skin and softening wrinkles, leaving you looking vibrant and refreshed.

EYE LIFT

Our advanced eye lift treatments are perfect for minimising crow’s feet, fine lines and sagging around the eyes. With precision and care, we help restore the natural brightness of your eyes, making them appear more youthful and alert.

The fox-eye treatment is a subtle yet striking way to lift the outer corners of the eyes, creating a more open and elongated appearance. Using advanced techniques, we lift and tighten the brow area to deliver a youthful, refreshed look that complements mature features.

PONYTAIL LIFT

Inspired by the effect of a high ponytail, this innovative treatment lifts and tightens the face and jawline for a rejuvenated, sculpted appearance. The procedure focuses on

LIP FLIP

to the face and helps create a refreshed and approachable expression.

HYPERHIDROSIS TREATMENT

For those struggling with excessive sweating, our hyperhidrosis treatment targets overactive sweat glands, offering long-lasting relief. This treatment not only boosts confidence but also eliminates discomfort caused by excessive perspiration.

A lip flip is a subtle yet effective way to enhance the shape of your lips without adding volume. By relaxing the muscles around the lips, this treatment gently flips the upper lip upward, creating a fuller, more defined look – ideal for mature women seeking a subtle lip enhancement.

BROW LIFT

A brow lift is a transformative procedure that raises the eyebrows to reduce the appearance of forehead wrinkles and drooping brows. This advanced technique restores balance

BUNNY LINES

Bunny lines, the fine wrinkles on either side of the nose, are easily softened with precise injections. This small yet impactful treatment creates a smoother, more youthful nose contour.

Helen Coates Aesthetics specialises in bespoke treatments tailored to each client’s needs, using the latest techniques to deliver stunning, natural results. By embracing these advanced anti-wrinkle procedures, mature women can enjoy a rejuvenated, radiant appearance. Let us help you feel like the best version of yourself! n

Helen Coates Aesthetics & Beauty (Based in Headmasters) 602 Bacup Road, Waterfoot Rossendale BB4 7EU 07887 922476

helencoatesbeauty.co.uk

@HelenCoatesAesthetics

@helencoatesaesthetics

Ribble

FIXING THE ROOT CAUSE

Dental specialists Renovo have just carried out their 1,000th gum graft – a procedure that involves the skills of regional specialist periodontist Dr Khurrum Hussain who is part of the expert in-house team

Award-winning Renovo Dental is renowned for providing specialist ‘gold-standard’ dentistry – especially to those patients who doubt that their particular dental problem can be resolved.

This is particular true of those who have gum disease, gum recession, failing implants and degenerating bone issues due to periodontitis.

Having just carried out their 1,000th gum graft, the specialists at Renovo are experts in this field demonstrating that soft tissue and bone grafts can successfully restore gum and bone tissue as Renovo dental specialist Dr Usman Riaz explains: “There is often a

general lack of awareness of what can be done in terms of the latest techniques, treatments and advanced dental technology. Too often patients are told that the treatment for gum disease and bone loss is not possible. Yes, it is more complex, impossible it is not. It all depends on the skillset of the team carrying out the treatment.”

As part of the team, specialist periodontist Dr Khurrum Hussain is one of around 350 specialist periodontists working in the UK –the majority of those being registered in and

around central London.

“Working as part of a multi-skilled team with the same passion at Renovo Dental takes the planning and patient treatment quality to a whole new level,” says Dr Hussain, who completed his training in periodontology at the globally-renowned Eastman Dental Institute at University College London.

“The institute accepts just four people each year, one from the UK one from Europe and the other two internationally,” he explains.

Graduating from the institute in 2016, Dr Hussain returned to his roots in the North West, teaching periodontology to post-graduates at Manchester University and using his skillset working privately for BUPA.

As a specialist periodontist, he deals with gum disease and the soft tissue surrounding the palate, degenerating bone issues and failing implants and is specially trained in the placement, maintenance and repair of dental implants.

“My ethos is not just to treat patients with periodontal challenges, but I aim to work together to educate and motivate them and I have had excellent results with this approach.

“At Renovo we don’t rush in, we view everything in a calculated way. We offer the latest techniques for diagnosing and treating periodontal disease and are also trained in performing cosmetic periodontal procedures.

“Our gums are very much part of our smile and they are the foundations on which we work. Our aim is to get gum tissue and bones strong and healthy before we carry out further work.”

Poorly managed diabetes, smoking or inherited genetics can lead to susceptibility to advanced gum disease – and at Renovo Dental, Dr Hussain can advise on the best techniques and treatment to overcome the problem.

Treatment of advanced gum disease may require dental surgery, such as:

SOFT TISSUE GRAFTS

To replace lost gum tissue due to recession. A small amount of tissue from the roof of the mouth or using tissue from another donor source and attaching it to the affected site can help reduce further gum recession, cover exposed roots and give your teeth an improved aesthetic.

BONE GRAFTING

This procedure is performed when periodontitis has destroyed the bone surrounding your tooth root. The graft may be composed of small fragments of your

own bone, or the bone may be synthetic or donated. The bone graft helps prevent tooth loss by holding your tooth in place. It also serves as a platform for the regrowth of natural bone.

OUR AIM IS TO GET GUM TISSUE AND BONES STRONG AND HEALTHY BEFORE WE CARRY OUT ANY FURTHER WORK

GUIDED TISSUE REGENERATION

This allows the regrowth of bone that was destroyed by bacteria. In one approach, a special piece of biocompatible fabric is placed between existing bone and your tooth. The material prevents unwanted tissue from entering the healing area, allowing bone to grow back instead.

TISSUE-STIMULATING PROTEINS

Another technique involves applying a special gel to a diseased tooth root. This gel contains the same proteins found in developing tooth enamel and stimulates the growth of healthy bone and tissue.

As a forward-thinking clinic, Renovo has invested in all the latest digital technology dentistry has to offer, including a state-ofthe-art CT scanner which allows the team to plan and perform very precise implant surgery. This CT-guided surgery for implants is accurate, more safe and comfortable and results in faster healing.

Renovo treats patients throughout the UK through referral : “We are very fortunate in what we do and what we have here, and we are all passionate and very dedicated,” conclude Dr Riaz. “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.” n

Renovo Dental

Pendle House, Clitheroe Road Chatburn BB7 4JY 01200 441000

hello@renovodental.co.uk renovodental.co.uk

SEVEN CENTURIES OF HISTORY…

While Samlesbury Hall has a fascinating backstory, the house’s modern-day attraction lies in its astute diversification that aligns with 21st century expectations

Tucked away in rolling Lancashire countryside lies one of England’s most atmospheric and storied manor houses. Samlesbury Hall isn’t just a beautiful example of black-andwhite architecture – it’s a living monument, rich with legend and this year sees the hall celebrating its 700-year anniversary!

While the story of the house began way back in 1325, fast forward seven centuries and today Samlesbury Hall has a dynamic, agile team which is passionately taking the hall forward into the 21st century with new attractions, events and immersive experiences.

“We are always mindful that Samlesbury Hall needs to keep up the momentum so we can reach a much wider audience,” says Jason Karl, who is a Creative Director and Trustee

working alongside the Hall Director Sharon Jones to introduce innovative attractions that will appeal to a multi-generational demographic.

To mark the 700th anniversary the team has a number of special events planned –including lectures based on the hall’s folklore, history and architecture. There will be a presentation by a best-selling Sunday Times author on witchcraft while well-known tales

of the ghostly White Lady wandering the grounds of the hall, is now open as an immersive audio-visual experience: “The story of the White Lady is hundreds of years old and many visitors come for that reason –so we are celebrating it,” adds Jason.

History is all pervading at Samlesbury Hall, which was at one time a boarding school, a tavern and a place of respite for WWI soldiers. Charles Dickens is even said to have been a visitor in 1867 possibly basing his novella, The Haunted House, on the hall.

Theatre and drama will form a significant part of the 700-year celebrations, which fall at the same time as the 100-year milestone

of the formation of the Samlesbury Hall charitable trust, which was founded in the early 20th century when the hall was falling into disrepair. Crumbling walls, leaking roofs and neglect had left the building under serious threat and as a result, in 1924 plans were made to demolish it.

While that could have been the end of the story, it was not. Recognising the hall’s historical and cultural value, a passionate group of wealthy philanthropists banded together to launch a campaign to save it and in 1925, the Samlesbury Hall Trust was formed – a charitable organisation dedicated to preserving the building and its legacy for the benefit of the people of Blackburn. Thanks to their efforts the hall was saved from destruction and opened to the public as a heritage attraction, as long-standing trustee Duncan Isherwood explains: “There were plans to demolish and build houses on the land. But it was saved thanks to a small number of generous benefactors, who bought it and formed the trust.

THE FORMATION OF THE CHARITABLE TRUST WAS A LANDMARK MOMENT FOR HISTORIC PRESERVATION ACROSS THE REGION

“Since then there has been many exciting developments that have made Samlesbury Hall a hugely popular wedding venue and heritage attraction, where visitors can wander through the ancient grounds and uncover stories that span the medieval period to modern day.

“The formation of the charitable trust was a landmark moment, not only for Samlesbury but for historic preservation across the region. Through donations and public support, the hall’s extraordinary history has been preserved and brought back to life.”

It is the long-term vision and enterprise of the trustees that has saved the hall, which was built 700 years ago by Gilbert de Southworth, a member of a powerful Anglo-Norman family. Back then England was a land of knights and castles and the manor stood as a symbol of feudal prestige. Though parts of that early structure has faded with time, much of it can still be seen.

The Southworth family remained at Samlesbury for over three centuries. Proud, influential and fiercely loyal to the Catholic faith, they lived through some of the most turbulent chapters in English history. During the Reformation when Henry VIII

and later Elizabeth I dismantled the Catholic establishment, the Southworths refused to conform. One of the most prominent members

SAMLESBURY HALL HAS A DYNAMIC, AGILE TEAM WHICH IS PASSIONATELY TAKING THE HALL FORWARD INTO THE 21ST CENTURY WITH NEW ATTRACTIONS, EVENTS AND IMMERSIVE EXPERIENCES

of the family, Sir John Southworth, paid dearly for his beliefs. Fined, imprisoned and under constant suspicion, he harboured outlawed Catholic priests at the hall. Hidden chambers

and secret passageways – some of which can still be seen today – were installed to protect those fleeing persecution.

Samlesbury Hall is now so much more than just a relic of the past, it’s a thriving cultural site, with events, exhibitions and educational programmes throughout the year. Whether you’re drawn by its dramatic history, its ghostly tales or simply its beautiful surroundings, it’s a place where history isn’t just remembered, it is experienced and continues to enchant and endure. n

For dates and details of the 700-year anniversary celebratory events go to: samlesburyhall.co.uk

An ambitious bid to save the once-popular Bayley Arms has been launched by the villagers of Hurst Green, who hope to turn the pub into a community space

The community of Hurst Green has rallied in a bid to save the muchloved Bayley Arms, which has been closed for many months and is now under threat.

Villagers are hoping to save the pub, which was registered as an ‘asset of the community’ last year, which mean no offers can be made on the building until the end of May.

So far, the community has raised £60,000 in pledges – but it’s now a race against time to save the Bayley, which is thought to be going on the open market for £600,000.

Other than the Shireburn Arms, which is mainly used for weddings, the Bayley is the only pub in Hurst Green following the closure of the Eagle and Child in 2015 and its subsequent conversion into cottages.

While the Bayley was once the most popular pub in the village – used regularly

THE BAYLEY!

WHILE THE BAYLEY WAS ONCE THE MOST POPULAR PUB IN THE VILLAGE, THERE HAVE BEEN SOME TURBULENT TIMES IN RECENT YEARS

by Stonyhurst parents, there have been some turbulent times for the pub in recent years, with frequently changing landlords and little investment leading to its subsequent closure.

In a last ditch bid to save it, a committee has been formed in order to buy the building and turn it into a community pub run by villagers. It is envisaged that people will buy shares in the pub and contribute ideas as to how the building can be put to good use.

The committee is hoping it will become a community hub serving good local beer and quality pub grub and the building could also be used as a space where people can meet, with possible accommodation above the pub for rent with maybe an additional mini-shop or parcel drop-off making it an asset that the whole village can use.

The ambitious plans to take on the pub have recently gathered momentum and the committee is hoping for further pledges to buy shares in the Bayley so prominent committee members can approach the brewery selling the building in order to negotiate. n

the Crowdfunder website: crowdfunder.co.uk and search for ‘Save our village pub. The Bayley Arms, Hurst Green’.

#LOVEANDLAUGHTER

MAGICAL MINI MOONS IN THE LAKE DISTRICT

Indulge in the ultimate Mini Moon in a gorgeous Spa Suite. Designed for pure luxury and relaxation these huge suites are perfect for mini moons, weddings, baby moons, recovery moons – any moons! Three nights of pure indulgence with a beautiful ‘outdoors / indoors’ spirit and enormous windows throughout… a huge central room with lounge, bar area, hanging fire, huge oval bath and double shower… a bedroom overhanging the pond… a private spa room with steam room, sauna, massage bed with infrared, a state-of-the-art automated Japanese massage chair and of course a huge sunken hot tub in your decked garden. The mini moon package includes a beautiful Pure Lakes spa hamper with Mimosa Salt Scrub, Essential Oil Diffuser, Rosehip Facial Oil with a Gua Sha, hot tub Aroma Bomb, Lavender Milk for the sauna coals, Eucalyptus Scent for the steam room, restorative Shea Butter Hair Mask for the Lusso stone bath, and a warming Muscle Balm for the infrared lounge beds, as well as a Bento box to enjoy with your spa trail and dining every evening in SOURCE and Gilpin Spice.

LIVE THE LODGE LIFESTYLE

Enjoy luxury lodge ownership in the heart of the Ribble Valley

Imagine a place where the air feels fresher, the views stretch for miles and time slows down – where your mornings start with coffee on a sun-drenched deck and end with a glass of wine beneath a canopy of stars. At Ribble Valley View, that dream becomes a reality.

Situated just outside the charming market town of Clitheroe, Ribble Valley View is an exclusive luxury lodge park offering long-term owners a unique lifestyle

opportunity. Our latest phase of development has now launched – featuring a limited number of premium plots with elevated countryside views, modern design and year-round comfort.

Whether you’re looking for a relaxing

weekend bolthole, a base to explore the stunning Ribble Valley or a peaceful escape from the everyday, Ribble Valley View offers something truly special.

STYLISH LIVING IN A SPECTACULAR SETTING

Each lodge at Ribble Valley View is built with quality and comfort in mind. Spacious open-plan layouts, high-spec kitchens, en-suite bathrooms and full-width decking come as standard. Many plots also benefit from south-facing views, private parking and optional hot tubs.

But what really sets us apart is the setting

itself – rolling green fields, mature trees and uninterrupted views that make you feel a world away, even though you’re just minutes from shops, restaurants and transport links.

As one current owner says: “It’s our sanctuary. We escape here every weekend, and it never gets old.”

A COMMUNITY YOU’LL FEEL AT HOME IN

Ribble Valley View isn’t just a place – it’s a lifestyle. Our owners often describe it as a peaceful, friendly community where everyone shares a love of nature, good living and a slower pace of life. Whether you’re catching up with neighbours over a glass of wine or heading out for a country walk, there’s a real sense of belonging here.

The park is carefully maintained to the highest standards, with secure gated access, pristine landscaping and an on-site team to help with anything you need. Everything is designed to make ownership stress-free, so you can truly switch off from the moment you arrive.

WE WANTED SOMETHING THAT FELT LIKE A REAL HOME, NOT JUST A HOLIDAY LET. THIS PLACE TICKS EVERY BOX

Ribble Valley View lodge owner

DESIGNED FOR YEAR-ROUND ENJOYMENT

Our lodges are built to full residential specification, with high-quality insulation, central heating and double glazing. That means you can enjoy your lodge in every season – from cosy winter getaways to long, lazy summer stays.

And, with our unique 12-month holiday licence, you can enjoy your lodge 365 days a year.

Plus, with Clitheroe, the Forest of Bowland and the Ribble Valleys award-winning restaurants and walking routes right on your doorstep, there’s always something to explore.

SEE IT FOR YOURSELF

We’d love to show you around. Book a private viewing of our new show lodges and discover the plots available in this exciting new phase. Ribble Valley View – where luxury meets lifestyle. n

EXCLUSIVE READER OFFER: SAVE £3,255

To celebrate the launch of our new phase, we’re offering readers of Live Ribble Valley an exclusive incentive: Reserve your lodge before 30th June 2025 and receive 12 months FREE site fees – worth £3,255.

Simply quote ‘Live Ribble Valley’ when booking your appointment.

OPEN DAY

We’re also holding an open day in June – keep an eye out for details!

Ribble Valley View Old Langho Road, Old Langho BB6 8AW 0800 181 4044 hello@ribblevalleyview.com ribblevalleyview.com

CHARITY FOCUS

Live Ribble Valley takes a look at ongoing fundraising projects that see thousands of pounds donated to good causes

If you have any charity news please contact: jan.woolley@live-magazines.co.uk

RIBBLE VALLEY PUB WALK

The popular Ribble Valley Pub Walk is back for its 11th year, taking place on Saturday 21st June 2025 and it’s set to be bigger and better than ever! Organised once again by Ribblesdale Rotary Club, the event invites walkers to enjoy a lively day of fresh air, live music and local pubs, all while raising vital funds for East Lancashire Hospice.

Last year’s event saw over 1,000 participants take to the stunning Ribble Valley countryside, raising an incredible £36,000 for East Lancashire Hospice. With even more walkers expected this year, the 2025 walk promises a fantastic atmosphere, picturesque views and plenty of pit stops at some of the area’s best-loved pubs.

The walk starts at Heidelberg Materials Cement Works in Clitheroe, with registration from 9:30am and an official 11am start. The route finishes at Holmes Mill, where the party will be in full swing.

Thanks to the continued generosity of headline sponsor Intack Self Drive, alongside valued support from Media Village, the event continues to grow each year.

“We’re proud to support the Ribble Valley Pub Walk once again,” said Russell Kerr, Business Development Manager for Intack Self Drive.

“It’s a brilliant community event that brings people together for a cause that really makes a difference. We’re excited to see it get even bigger this year.”

CASH FOR KIDS

Farleys Solicitors recently held its annual St Patrick’s Day celebration which saw 140 guests enjoy an afternoon of live entertainment, fun and fundraising in the 1968 Lounge at Accrington Stanley.

Alongside the afternoon’s entertainment, provided by local musician

David Jaggs, Farleys ran a charity auction and raffle to raise money for Cash for Kids Lancashire. Prizes on offer included theatre tickets, football hospitality, concert tickets, clay pigeon shooting packages and holidays. Several prizes were subject to a bidding war by generous guests including a huge teddy bear that eventually sold for just under £1,000.

The final total raised was £8,500. These funds will go to Cash for Kids, a charity which provides grant funding to vulnerable and disabled children in the county. The funds will be specifically donated to the charity’s Cash for Kids Day Campaign, which this year is fighting holiday hunger, ensuring that no child goes hungry during the school holidays.

Ian Liddle, managing partner at Farleys, commented: “We’ve been running our St Patrick’s Day fundraiser for more than 15 years now and every year we’re blown away by the response and the generosity of our guests, without whom we wouldn’t be able to raise these exceptional funds for Cash for Kids.

“We’d like to thank every one of our guests who contributed to the total and helped make the afternoon a great success. The event has turned into something of an institution and a staple in the business calendar over the years and we’re pleased to be able to continue to use what is a great afternoon of hospitality and catching up with our business contacts to also raise vital funds for an important cause.”

TAILORED HOME INSURANCE RIGHT DOWN TO THE FINEST DETAIL

For high-value properties and contents, including valuables, fine art and collections, choose NFU Mutual Bespoke Home Insurance.

To discuss your high-value home insurance, contact:

S Dew, C Radley, A Atkinson & S Bradley, Bespoke Home Insurance

Specialists at NFU Mutual Skipton and Clitheroe

Call 01756 793516

Email Skipton.Clitheroe@nfumutual.co.uk

Search NFU Mutual Bespoke

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FAMILY LAW ADVICE FOR SEPARATED PARENTS

Abbie Yau, family law associate at Farleys, discusses some of the challenges separated parents may be facing at this time of year

SCHOOLING

Education is an important topic for parents who want the best possible start in life for their children. While some want to place their children into free, state school, others may prefer their children to be privately educated. The challenge comes when separated parents disagree on this.

We would always advise separated parents to discuss their preferences within plenty of time for school applications, to allow time to resolve any disputes. If disputes over schooling cannot be resolved amicably, one of the parents can make a court application for a Specific Issue Order, which will specify where they should apply for the child should go to school.

Prior to making the application the parent will need to attend a Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting.

RELOCATING

Where a child lives, whether with their mother or their father, can sometimes be a contentious subject for separated parents, but this can be even more of a difficult discussion when one parent wants to relocate the child abroad.

To do so, a parent needs permission from the other parent, all persons with parental responsibility, or the court, through an application known as a Relocation Application or an Application for Leave to Remove. Without the correct permissions, a parent could find themselves at risk of criminal proceedings for abduction, so it is always advisable for both parents to seek legal advice on their rights and responsibilities before proceeding with a relocation.

SUMMER HOLIDAYS ABROAD

Taking your child on a holiday abroad also requires permission either from the other parent or from all persons with parental responsibility. When discussing your wishes, you should consider:

• When the children are to be away

• Where they will be going

• How long they are to be going for

• Arrangements for contact with the other parent while they’re away

• How each parent can be contacted in an emergency

Once the above has been discussed, if an agreement still can’t be reached, it may be necessary to apply for a Specific Issue Order with the court.

CHANGE OF SURNAME

If you have children from a previous relationship and you’ve decided that you’d like to change their surname, perhaps from their father’s surname to your maiden name, or you are now remarried and would like to change their surname to your new surname, to formally change your child’s name, you’ll need the consent of everyone with parental responsibility.

If you’re unable to get consent, you will need to apply for a Specific Issue Order. In our experience, orders are more likely to be successful when requesting to double-barrel your child’s last name, maintaining the connection to the other parent.

Abbie Yau is the latest addition to the expertise of the family law team at Farleys Solicitors. She has experience across the family law spectrum, including divorce and finances and private children matters. n To discuss any of the topics mentioned in this article, please call 01254 368040 or email: info@farleys.com or visit: farleys.com

IT’S SHOW TIME!

The Royal Lancashire Agricultural Show represents a great-value family day out and this summer’s event is set to be memorable with new attractions and exhibitors across the prestigious showground

This year’s Royal Lancashire Agricultural Show has a whole host of new attractions making it the most interesting and exciting day out!

The show also has an enthusiastic new president – former Ribble Valley Council

leader Stuart Hirst, who says: “It is a genuine honour and a pleasure to have been invited to serve as the president of the 2025 Royal Lancashire Show.

“The show today is far more than an agricultural fair, it now offers an incredible range of attractions and events for families, businesses and communities.

“Traditional agricultural and equestrian displays meet artisan craftspeople, quality retailers and a variety of unforgettable displays and entertainment for all ages. I am proud to be able to play a part in the 2025 Royal

Lancashire Show and I wish everyone a most enjoyable and rewarding time.

“This cornerstone of county life looks forward to continuing success in the future.”

The historical roots of the Royal Lancashire Agricultural Show date back over 250 years to 1767, which, together with Royal Patronage, make it one if the oldest and most prestigious events of its kind in the UK. It has evolved through the centuries as an enduring celebration of Lancashire’s rural heritage.

In 2017 the show’s present chairman, Colin Mustoe, took over the running of the show and since then progress has been astonishing, particularly with the move to the dedicated showground at Salesbury Hall.

Fast forward to 2025 and the show has many new attractions this summer –especially in the Children’s Village. With all activities at no extra cost, youngsters can be entertained – there are three circus performances per day with circus workshops in between. In addition, there is a Punch and Judy show, face painting, a stilt walker, magic shows, sand art and many more educational fun activities.

There will also be a wide variety of food and drink on offer as well as many and varied interesting exhibitors. All in all, a great-value family day out! n

royallancashireshow.co.uk

Shetland Pony Grand National / Top Show Jumping / Thwaites Shire Horse Parade / Local Artisan Food & Drink Marquee / Livestock Displays & Competitions

Military Village / Vintage Tractors / Outdoor

Shopping Mall / Rabbit and Goat Competitions / Fishing Display / Zip Wire / Light Horse / Daily Dog Agility Demonstrations / Family Dog Competition / Lifestyle Marquee / Heavy Horse Display / Children’s Village / Craft Marquee / Live Music / Donkey Rides / Giant Tortoises / Beekeeping / Chloe Fuller and the Super Spaniels Much More +

for 2025 Circus Performances & Workshops at Buy tickets scan here

A SPECIAL VENUE FOR YOUR SPECIAL DAY

Eight at Gazegill General Manager Kimberley Talbot talks to Gail Bailey about their exciting new wedding offer and first ever wedding fair!

Award-winning restaurant Eight at Gazegill by Doug Crampton effortlessly blends rustic charm with modern elegance.

Surrounded by nature and with Pendle Hill as a backdrop, this enchanting venue is now offering couples a timeless setting for their special day: “The location alone sets the

OUR COUNTRYSIDE HAVEN PROVIDES THE PERFECT PLACE FOR A WEDDING THAT IS BOTH ROMANTIC AND UNIQUELY YOURS

tone for weddings that embrace the natural beauty of the countryside,” says General Manager Kim Talbot. “Every detail has been thoughtfully curated to create unforgettable memories. Whether you’re planning an intimate gathering or a grand celebration, our countryside haven provides the perfect place for a wedding that is both romantic and uniquely yours.”

And to showcase what Eight at Gazegill can offer they are thrilled to announce their first-ever wedding fair, inviting couples, planners and dreamers to a truly special weekend of wedding inspiration.

Kim explains: “Guests will be able to visualise their special day with breathtaking scenery, fabulous food set in the special heritage wildflower meadows of Gazegill Organics Farm.”

Taking place over two weekends on Friday 30th May to Sunday 1st June and again on Friday 6th to Sunday 8th June, this delightful showcase will unfold beneath a brand-new, beautiful three-pole sailcloth marquee from the Cheshire Tent Company: “Visitors will have the opportunity to meet a handpicked selection of exceptional wedding suppliers from across the region housed in the marquee including photographers, florists, hair stylists, make-up artists, beauty therapists, entertainment providers, cake designers, cars and transport providers plus much more – all thoughtfully curated to reflect the relaxed elegance and authenticity that defines a countryside wedding at Eight at Gazegill.”

The fair promises a fun atmosphere, filled with live music, food and drink to sample, creative displays along with the opportunity for guests to stroll through the rolling meadows, tour the venue and see why Eight at Gazegill is quickly becoming one of the most sought-after new wedding venues in the North of England: “We’re incredibly proud of what we’ve created –a setting that’s not only steeped in natural beauty and heritage, but also completely unique. There’s nowhere quite like it, and we can’t wait to hear all about the plans of our prospective couples!” says Kim. Whether you’re planning an intimate gathering or a weekend-long celebration, the wedding fair is the perfect opportunity to explore the possibilities and gather inspiration for your own unforgettable day.

The marquee will accommodate up to 200 guests for those wanting a bigger wedding but for a smaller party Eight at Gazegill’s exquisite octagonal restaurant can also seat up to 80 diners with up to 120 for an evening reception – whichever you prefer the team will help you plan it perfectly!

To accompany your special day a wedding breakfast menu will be created exclusively by Chef Patron Doug Crampton. Using organic produce some of the dishes you would be

able to delight guests with include Gazegill gin cured organic salmon accompanied by cucumber ketchup, sour cream and dill, or Gazegill lamb shoulder ‘bun’ with salt baked celeriac and garden herb chimmi churri and desserts such as spiced toffee tart with spruce cream and orange: “We have a wide

EIGHT AT GAZEGILL WEDDING FAIR

Friday 30th May: 5pm - 8pm

Saturday 31st May & Sunday 1st June: 10am - 4pm

Friday 6th June: 5pm - 8pm

Saturday 7th & Sunday 8th June: 10am - 4pm

Free Entry

eightatgazegill.co.uk

choice of wonderful dishes for the wedding breakfast,” explains Kim. “Whether it is a large gathering in the marquee or a smaller event we will work closely with couples to craft the perfect menu. And as the day blends into night, guests are able to organise hog roasts, pizza vans or street food independently if they wish.”

As well as becoming a wonderful wedding venue it has been a whirlwind of awards recently for Eight at Gazegill: “Being winners of the New Business Award category at the Ribble Valley Business Awards earlier this year was fabulous, and we now look forward to being finalists in the Visit England Awards which will be announced on 4th June,” explains Kim. “Being the only business from the North West to be in the finals is a real honour for us. Visit England have been interested in what we have been doing since the beginning of our journey, and we have got to know the other two finalists in our category as part of the application process –Eureka! Science and Discovery in Merseyside and an Anglo-Saxon museum and whisky distillery from Northumberland. We’re all very excited to hear the results!”

There are so many reasons to visit Eight at Gazegill by Doug Crampton – and a wonderful, warm welcome from the whole team awaits! n

Lower Gazegill Farm

Dancer Lane, Rimington Clitheroe, Lancashire BB7 4EE

01200 445519

reservations@eightatgazegill.co.uk

eightatgazegill.co.uk

TRIUMPH OVER ADVERSITY

The

Waddow Hall Trust story is one of perseverance and determination but it is now at the start of its greatest challenge, not the end

In 2023, when Girlguiding announced the closure of its five Training and Activity Centres including Waddow Hall in Clitheroe – it came as a bombshell. These centres had offered adventure, events, training and accommodation for over 100 years to Girlguiding members, schools, local businesses and families.

Collectively the centres needed more investment and Girlguiding did not feel this was a good use of their charity funds. They discovered insufficient Guiding members were accessing the activities at the centres and they were providing a growing service to non-Guiding members, which they deemed unacceptable.

On the day the staff were told, volunteers Janet Taylor, Chair of Waddow Heritage Group and Lynn Smith, Chair of Waddow Friends, were called to receive the announcement first hand. How did they feel? Shocked. They simultaneously tried to process the unexpected news and suggested other considerations, but it was all to no avail. They left and met off the hall premises and decided that Waddow needed to be saved. Not for themselves, but for future generations to continue to experience all that Waddow has to offer.

They were soon joined by the third founder member Lynne Warner, some of Waddow staff and later a community group of skilled local representatives. They applied to the

Council and made Waddow Hall an Asset of Community Value to give them more time. They started fundraising, awareness raising and establishing a presence through social media and the name and logo of the Waddow Hall Trust was born.

THEY MADE THE DECISION TO SEEK OUT A PARTNER WHO WOULD RECOGNISE AND SHARE THEIR AMBITIONS, WITH THE ABILITY AND DRIVE TO HELP

They were ambitious and set out to raise the entire purchase price and were registered as a charity, a charitable company and for gift aid. They worked with community representatives to appoint a range of trustees with the skills to kick start the new business. As time progressed the £5m target looked

beyond their reach and the main government grant they needed to achieve this was also withdrawn. They wrote many letters to people they thought could help financially, requesting support. Meanwhile, they made the decision to seek out a partner who would recognise and share their ambitions, with the ability and drive to help.

They found a partner in Brookhouse Development – the directors were local with links to Scouting. They prepared a bid but discovered the Girlguiding trustees had meanwhile accepted another bid. All trustees are bound by the Charity Commission to get the best deal for their members in a transaction, so disappointingly, Waddow Hall Trust’s efforts were in vain.

In December, the Waddow estate was put back on the open market and new bids requested. This time Waddow Hall Trust had linked up with both Brookhouse and GT Foundation and both had tabled bids, along with many others. Then came a long period of waiting as the Girlguiding trustees considered the new offers.

The trustees choice in March 2025 was GT Foundation and at last Waddow Hall Trust and thousands of their supporters had achieved what many had thought impossible. It was a difficult period, but support for the trust continued to grow, not diminish, over this time.

Please keep supporting, keep donating, keep volunteering, keep spreading the word. The trust will keep everyone informed of progress and take the opportunity to thank everyone on planned open days. n

waddowhalltrust.co.uk

Arrange

LET’S TAKE A WALK…

Enjoy panoramic views of the Yorkshire Dales, the Bowland Fells and the Ribble Valley on this rewarding hike to the summit of Beacon Hill above the pretty riverside village of Sawley

Distance: 8.2 km / 5.1m

Time: 3 hours 280m ascent

Toilets: None

Refreshments: Spread Eagle, Sawley BB7 4NH Tel: 01200 441202

Parking: On the roadside in Sawley –please park considerately What3Words: ///doted.kettles.valued

START

From the car park opposite the Spread Eagle, walk downstream and cross the bridge, then left over the stile and along the riverside footpath to the road and left uphill for 200 yards to take the footpath on the right opposite a farm. Follow the path through the gate as it climbs to an old well then veer slightly left across the field to cross a stile and join a farm track.

At the farm, continue half left between the buildings, past a lawnmower shop and over a double stile onto pastureland. Head to the top right corner of the field and over the stile, continuing through the middle of

three gates in front of you, to climb along a rough track along the field boundary then across the field to the little copse above Far Lathe. Go right over the stile and continue under the trees and then fields to a farm track. Go left along the track, through the farm buildings then right onto the road. Climb for 300m and at the fork continue straight ahead (left). Follow this quiet lane round to the left and after 500m take the footpath on the right that skirts the plantation.

After another 500m, over the crest of the hill, turn right onto Shivering Ginnel and continue alongside the plantation then over fields. The trig point is a short detour south off the path from which the views are magnificent. From this elevated perch 1,000ft above sea level, the panorama stretches from Birdie Brow to Pendle and up the Ribble Valley to Pen-y-ghent and Ingleborough.

From the summit trig point, continue to the road then turn right and head downhill to Scriddles Farm, taking the footpath on the left opposite the farm. Follow the field boundary to a stile in the left hand corner of the field – be careful on the steep steps on the other side. Head left down the lane to Till House. Follow the lane downhill across the cattle grid and follow the footpath markers through the back garden of the cottage over the stile and into the field beyond.

Continue descending through a series of fields and over a footbridge followed by a stile on the left into a meadow. Head uphill

across the meadow and at the crest of the brow go left through a gate then follow the fence along the edge of the copse and over the stile, following the field boundary to another stile into the woods.

Follow the path along the lip of the wooded ghyll and through the gate then past the garage and onto the lane. Continue along the lane to turn left onto the road then back across the bridge to the Spread Eagle. n

Mark Sutcliffe is a former editor of Country Walking and a contributor to some of the UK’s leading outdoor magazines – including Countryfile and Trail.

Discover more of Mark’s Ribble Valley walks with a copy of his brand-new book: Short Walks in the Ribble Valley –published by Cicerone Press.

A collection of six Dream Venues.

From sun-dappled lawns to sweeping countryside views, our venues oﬀer the most enchanting backdrops for your outdoor “I do.”

Whether it’s a romantic garden ceremony at Eaves Hall, a picture-perfect setting at Falcon Manor, or al fresco vows at Wennington Hall or e Shireburn Arms, our venues embrace the beauty of the great outdoors.

Each location also features stunning outdoor spaces for your drinks reception and those unforgettable wedding photos.

Visit our website to book a private show around to bring your dream summer wedding to life.

Photographers: Laura Calderwood, This is Richard, Don’t Delete the Kisses, Rob Georgeson, Annabeth Photos & Lottie Designs

SURPRISE INHERITANCE

With one of the largest family archives in the region covering the life and times of the Parker family over 500 years, historic Browsholme Hall is now open to the public until September

Recently marking the 50th anniversary of his surprise inheritance of Browsholme Hall, Robert Parker was just 20 when he became the latest owner of the Hall, back in 1975.

In his John Cornforth Lecture delivered at Christies, London, Robert who at the time of inheritance was then a student at the Royal Agricultural College, Cirencester, said he has no clear memory of his reaction to the news that he was to inherit Browsholme, one of the region’s most prestigious family homes, from his uncle Colonel Robert Parker: “I deduce that my reaction was more of mild excitement, but the first imperative was to hasten northwards for the funeral.”

The news, he says, was totally unexpected as Colonel Parker, a bachelor, had much closer relatives and potential successors: “Passing the ownership and succession of Browsholme to me, a distant fourth cousin, came both as a surprise and a shock.”

At the time the hall was in serious disrepair with some parts of the building, uninhabitable. Fast forward to 2025 and Robert, his wife Amanda and children Eleanor and Roland have transformed and restored the building and the grounds, through years of hard work, sustainability and innovation.

Today it is a thriving visitor attraction that opens to the public each year.

Having recently opened its doors for what promises to be a busy season, there is a host of new and exciting developments. Eleanor, explains: “We have been working on new archive material, which has uncovered some really interesting stories.”

TOURS

Set in 600 acres of lush green parkland, visitors to Browsholme can embark on a tour of the hall guided by knowledgeable volunteers. Tours of the hall take place every Wednesday at 11am and 1.30pm as well as the May and August Bank Holidays. On display throughout the house are many and varied historic items collected by the Parker family over many centuries.

PUBLIC TRANSPORT

Public transport is available with the No 11 bus departing from Clitheroe taking visitors directly to the gates at Browsholme.

GARDENS

With a three-acre lake, woodland and winding paths, there is the Long Terrace,

Parterre and Yew Walk which is featured in a watercolour by JMW Turner. There is also the two-acre, re-imagined Wilderness Garden: “The gardens get better each year,” says Eleanor.

CART SHED CAFÉ

With a menu that has been devised using first-class local produce, the Cart Shed team make and bake on-site so visitors can enjoy delicious, seasonal dishes. There are some classic regulars on the menu along with a constantly changing specials board. Book in advance to avoid disappointment!

WEDDINGS

The perfect romantic venue, the Tithe Barn is just one of the various locations where couples can marry at Browsholme. The hall caters for all sizes of weddings which can also take place in the stunning gardens.

ACCOMMODATION

There is on-site accommodation with the Woodland Glade – available exclusively for wedding guests. n

For tickets, tour dates and times please go to the website.

Browsholme Hall

Clitheroe Road, Cow Ark, Clitheroe BB7 3DE 01254 827160 hello@browsholme.com browsholme.com @browsholme

Photography: David Scholes

Photography: Nick English

Their Happiness Your Priority

GIARDANO SEESUCKER SHIRTS £89

HOPE Menswear 42 King Street

Clitheroe BB7 2EU 01200 423723 hopestores.co.uk

GEORG JENSEN SKY HIP FLASK £75

Sarah Layton 71 King Street

Whalley BB7 9SW 01254 822062 sarahlayton.co.uk

RUARK MK4 SMART MUSIC SYSTEM £479

Bernard Dickinson 13 Beech Drive Fulwood

Preston PR2 3NB 01772 862266

bernarddickonson.co.uk

FATHER’S DAY GIFT GUIDE

From super-stylish fashion accessories to great gardening gadgets, this collection of Father’s Day gifts is sure to inspire

LANX BROGDEN WALLET BROWN £130

LANX Unit 29 Mitton Road Business Park Whalley BB7 9YE lanxshoes.com

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

STIHL BATTERY-POWERED HANDHELD SHRUB / GRASS SHEARS FROM £89 - £175.50

Dick Leigh Ashleigh off Clitheroe Road Barrow Clitheroe BB7 9AQ 01254 823578 dickleigh.co.uk

SEIKO CIRCUIT RACE

SPEEDTIMER £670

Solar powered with black aluminium tachymeter bezel. Huppach 15 Rainhall Road Barnoldswick BB18 5AF 01282 815559 huppach.co.uk

HOMELANE

£74.95 Varey’s Town and Country vareys.co.uk

SPOKE JEANS £129 (CONCEALED ZIP BACK POCKET) AND WALLET £65 HOPE Menswear hopestores.co.uk

WALDLAUFER CASUAL MEN'S BROWN NUBUCK £120

Fitright footwear 32D King Street Clitheroe BB7 2EP 01200 425399 clitheroe@fitrightfootwear.co.uk fitrightfootwear.co.uk

Farm Twitter

Waddington BB7 3LQ 01200 443377 themeltco.com

WALK. DISCOVER. DINE...

Explore the Ribble Valley’s most charming pubs and inns - each offering locally sourced food, real ales, and scenic walking routes straight from the doorstep.

Whether you’re out with family, friends, or four-legged companions, these countryside gems are the perfect spots to refresh and refuel. Pick your favourite, or make it your mission to visit them all this summer!

IN THE SADDLE

It’s all systems go for Chipping Pony Club as they prepare for upcoming summer events, writes Megan Conlon

Waving goodbye to the dreary winter months, our older members welcomed spring at Somerford Park Farm at a two-day, pre-season camp. They were provided with excellent tuition in flatwork, showjumping and cross country and really began honing their skills for the eventing season and oiling the gears to tackle the horse trials of the summer.

In the same vein, a rally was held at Osbaldeston at the start of this month. All members had the opportunity to attend and learn how to tackle tests and competitions. It is important for riders to be familiar with their horse and have the highest standard of training before taking on higher-level events and Chipping Pony Club provides regular lessons and rallies to achieve this. Training sessions will continue into summer in order to equip members with the skills needed to compete and with the Area competitions rapidly approaching, these are more vital than ever.

Easter time brought the Easter egg hunt for the younger members. This is always heaps of fun and we always manage to sneak in some stable management lessons too! Members were taught all about looking after their ponies and making sure all their needs are met, as well as gaining more knowledge about the wider equestrian world. While it is clear this is undoubtedly valuable knowledge, the children certainly more than appreciated the chocolatey reward at the end!

Our ever-brilliant mounted games teams competed in a two-day competition in Cheshire and raced determinedly up and down the arena in fierce competition. The camaraderie of the games team is always

THIS IS ALWAYS HEAPS OF FUN AND WE ALWAYS MANAGE TO SNEAK IN SOME STABLE MANAGEMENT LESSONS TOO

something to be admired and the cheering from team members spurred on both teams and our brilliant juniors came fourth, with our novice juniors ending in third place after an intense two-day competition for both. The very same novice juniors who began on the lead-rein managed to ride completely solo by the end of the weekend, a massive achievement which made the whole club proud.

Coming up, we are preparing for our two summer camps, one at Myerscough College for the juniors and one at Somerford Park Farm for the seniors. These camps are always the highlight of the Chipping Pony Club calendar and this year will hopefully prove to be no different with lots of riding and learning, laughter and lazing in the sun. n

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

FOUR FILLIES

Jason

Fildes explains a groundbreaking idea for a new racing syndicate – Four Fillies

Ihave chosen fillies because they are a better investment than colts!

Only very few colts make it as sires at stud after their racing career is over, whereas well-bred fillies hold their value as broodmares and represent excellent value for breeding. Buying a share in Four Fillies does exactly what it says – you will own a share in four horses rather than one.

Each of the four trainers have agreed to keep a leg of the filly they are going to train which gives them a vested interest in its success.

HERE’S HOW IT WORKS:

It’s a partnership with four of the top flat trainers in the country:

• Karl Burke

• William Haggas

• Richard Hannon

Charlie Johnston

We are asking each of them to buy a yearling filly at the Autumn Sales this year with the plan to race them in 2026 and 2027.

Each trainer will have a budget of £100k to buy a suitable filly and all the trainers have agreed to retain 25 per cent of the filly they buy – the Four Fillies syndicate will own the other 75 per cent.

UNIQUELY THIS BUYS YOU A STAKE IN ALL FOUR FILLIES, RATHER THAN JUST ONE

Each filly will race for two years – in 2026 as a two-year-old and 2027 as a three-year-old –after which they will be sold at the Tattersalls Fillies and Mares sale in December 2027.

There are 40 shares available in Four Fillies at £10k each. Uniquely this buys you a stake in ALL four fillies, giving you an interest in four horses rather than just one.

A further amount of £5k will be invoiced on 1st January 2026 to cover training and

racing expenses for the two years. There will be no further costs.

When all the shares are sold there will be a ballot in which each shareholder will be assigned to one of the four trainers. Obviously, we will try and accommodate geographical preferences.

In effect each shareholder will join the Burke, Haggas, Hannon or Johnston team (10 per team).

For a bit of fun … and to add some competition for the trainers, whichever of the four fillies has returned the most funds (prize money plus sale proceeds minus the original purchase price) that team will win a day out at York races for the 10 shareholders and the trainer, with a £5k betting kitty.

This entitles you to the certainty of an owner’s badge at the races each time the filly trained by that trainer runs. Any extra owner’s badges will be allocated by ballot and we will always endeavour to acquire as many owner’s badges as possible.

Each share can be owned between as many people who want to share but there has to be a lead name for correspondence and ballots.

the

in December

all proceeds (prize money and total sale value) will be divided equally between the shareholders.

Four Fillies will be run on an ‘open book’ basis. Any surplus (actual to budget) will be returned to the shareholders at the end of the period.

We are, of course, planning to have plenty of stable visits over the course of the two years and a lot of fun at the racecourse when our fillies run!

Most importantly, it’s a chance to meet fellow owners and enjoy the thrill of being involved in top class racing with like-minded people.

Please get in touch if you would like to be involved or need more information. n

Jason Fildes

Fine Claret Racing 07721 311778

fildesracing@gmail.com

When

fillies are sold

2027

THE RIBBLE VALLEY’S BEST KEPT SECRET?

of line-up this year,” explains Emily Whiteside, Northcote’s owner and the show’s organiser.

“Show-jumping is a thrilling spectator sport and there’s always a real buzz at this show – but we don’t always get noticed outside the equestrian world.”

Northcote Stud, nestled just off the A59 at Langho, lies in a tranquil, leafy spot and offers panoramic views of our familiar Lancashire fells – but on a Sunday afternoon in June, its magnificent 60 by 80-metre arena will be witness to the most gripping equestrian sport, performed by equine athletes in their prime and riders of international fame.

The Northcote Stud Young Horse Show (Thursday 29th May to Sunday 1st June 2025) is expected to attract the country’s top riders: “We’ve hosted Olympic riders such as Guy Williams, Geoff Billington and the Whitakers before now and we’re expecting the same sort

This year’s Young Horse Show promises to be another colourful and exciting event with the Grand Prix class and Young Horse Finals taking place on Sunday afternoon, 1st June.

“That’s when we’re expecting the big names and the thrilling finishes,” Emily says. “We offer excellent hospitality for spectators. Entry is free, whatever your age and there’s

a fully licensed bar. We also have a café, focusing on modern street food and there will be covered marquees with seating.”

A new venture for Northcote is its Equestrian Boutique which will be available for browsing between show-jumping classes. The boutique stocks a range of equestrian and country wear to suit most budgets and styles, all of which have been carefully selected by Emily and her team for their flattering cuts and their wearability.

Emily is a talented and successful showjumper in her own right and is highly respected in the equestrian world. As both a competitor and a show-organiser, Emily is uniquely positioned to have a complete vision of what’s needed: “If a class is meant to start at two o’clock, it starts at two o’clock!” her stud manager, Millie chuckles.

Emily also regularly runs training days, hosting up to 200 showjumpers and their horses in one day. “She knows them all personally,” Millie assures me.

Emily also has a reputation as an astute judge of horses. Her successful home-bred stallion, Simba, whom she rides, is by the British Warmblood, Warrior. Since covering her mare, Warrior has become Britain’s highest earning showjumping horse with winnings in excess of a million euros. Emily has youngstock from the same bloodlines currently in training, thereby future-proofing her stud’s already excellent reputation. n

If you go up to the woods today... You’re in for a big surprise.

Your dream home deserves an extra special location and Three Rivers Woodland Park ticks all the boxes.

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

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

Why not pay a visit to the new show ground or call the friendly, helpful staff for more details.

Three Rivers Woodland Park, Eaves Hall Lane, West Bradford, Clitheroe, BB7 3JG. 01200 423523 www.threeriverspark.co.uk • enquiries@threeriverspark.co.uk

ALL THE FUN OF THE FAIR

This year’s Slaidburn Steam Rally is set to be bigger and better than ever in its 43-year history

With a change of venue, the 2025 Slaidburn Steam Rally is to be held on Slaidburn Village Green and in the Village Hall.

Founder and organiser David McNamee says: “Everyone has been very positive. We’ve had some terrific support and we have some magnificent exhibits.

“If the weather is inclement

it means we have refuge in the village hall and marquees – the new venue is perfect – it’s really opened everything up!”

The rally, which is set to be held in 7th and 8th June, will feature 10 full-size steam engines and six miniature engines, fairground organs, classic cars, motor bikes and a host of crafts and entertainment.

Both days will feature the Slaidburn Silver Band, on Saturday there will be a Lancashire Night with entertainment and on Sunday will be the Malkin Clog dancers and a barbecue.

There will be a children’s fairground and three marquees on the green featuring demonstrations by clog makers, a basket weaver, woodturner, potter and a blacksmith.

This year the money raised by the event will be split evenly between Slaidburn Archive, Slaidburn Silver Band and Newton Village Hall. n

slaidburnsteam.co.uk

ESTATE LIFE

Gisburne Park Estate is owned and managed by Guy and Amber Hindley, who are converting it into a thriving five-star resort

Spring has sprung. The wild garlic is in full bloom, lambs are all over the place and we have started our series of live music events outside Hindelinis.

The warmer weather has been gratefully received and brings with it lots of goodwill for hospitality businesses such as ours. Last minute bookings are through the roof as sunny weekends are forecast and everyone scrambles for whatever’s available. Our

gorgeous glamping tents are up and the first weekend is fully booked. It won’t be long before the farmers are complaining about the lack of rain and that’s saying something for the Ribble Valley!

Our wedding showcase weekend was also blessed with gorgeous weather and lots of excited brides and grooms. Guests were able to experience our brand new, beautiful sail tent, the romantic 10-acre wedding valley, including the listed

bridal house and the up-stream ceremony island.

As I mentioned in last month’s article we are about to start producing our own venison boxes from the estate. Ribble Valley Borough Council has now approved the premises and within a few weeks we will be releasing the first boxes. If this is something of interest to you please register your interest via our website. The deer at Gisburne Park go back

to medieval times when they were first managed for sporting and eating purposes. A lot of what we live in today, is a relic of the old deer establishment that was here.

Our new summer menu is about to start at Hindelinis and includes a number of favourites and some new exciting dishes such as estate venison tacos, guacamole, pink onions, sour cream, coriander and fresh chilli and lime. Also new on the menu is the wild garlic rigatoni which uses estate-fresh wild garlic, which is processed into a pesto with roasted pine nuts and lots of parmesan.

WE ARE ABOUT TO START PRODUCING OUR OWN VENISON BOXES FROM THE ESTATE

We now have over 250,000 followers across our social media platforms – please keep a close eye on these for up-to-date information. We look forward to seeing you about on the estate. n

Gisburne Park Estate Mill Lane, Gisburn BB7 4LP 01200 415300

gisburneparkestate.co.uk

@hindelinis

@ribblesdalepark

@gisburneparkestate

NEW YORK SIX-SEATER DINING SET

HiGold’s New York six-seater dining set follows an architectural style, blending with all kinds of modern construction. With the special open arrangement of the teak side panels, it looks dynamic and feels comfortable as it allows more room for extra cushions. The design is bold, generous and robust.

CARIBBEAN CORNER SOFA SET

The HiGold Caribbean corner sofa set is characterised by its simple combination of two mini-loungers and one coffee table. The set features seating with textile panels making it comfortable and relaxing. Featuring HiGold’s signature FSC certified, natural teak wood, this set represents a modern style of outdoor living for any generation.

POLO CORNER SET

HiGold’s Polo corner sofa set is a modular set that can be assembled into different configurations. Boasting thick upholstery and cushions, the Polo set is comfortable and cosy for those late nights in the garden. The natural wooden elements assembled at the end of the seating serve as side tables.

LE JARDIN CO FIRE PITS

Le Jardin Co also stock contemporary, eyecatching firepits. The coffee table firepit is perfect for those wanting to enjoy an alfresco drink in the garden – before the summer has even got underway! Similarly,

STYLISH & CONTEMPORARY…

With the arrival of spring, now’s the time to get your outside space in order so you can entertain and enjoy all that the season has to offer

Le Jardin Co is the North West’s exclusive stockist of the luxury outdoor collection by HiGold.

HiGold is one of the leading premium outdoor furniture manufacturers on the market –designed to perfection and using fabrics trusted by luxury yacht-makers for deck furnishings. The solution-dyed acrylic fibre permeates to the very core of the material, creating a rich and fade-resistant colour.

Le Jardin Co is able to combine best-in-class products at competitive prices, even creating an in-house care guide to ensure that customers can enjoy their outdoor furniture for years to come.

NEW YORK TWO-SEATER SOFA SET

The terrific-value HiGold New York two-seater sofa set, which makes good use of natural teak, conveys a strong dynamic feeling. The sofa set can be integrated into different settings and brings a fresh look to your outdoor space that’s ultimately elegant, creating a welcoming outdoor environment for friends and family.

the Cube and Scoop fire pits in concrete finish provide a fantastic solution to enable you to spend more time in your garden on cool summer evenings.

HOT TUBS AND SPAS

In partnership with Le Jardin Co, Ribble Valley Spas is the North-West’s premium hot tub and swim spa supplier and installer. Based in Lancashire, they are a family business with more than 20 years’ experience working with one of the biggest importers in the UK. n

MATERNITY CARE IN CRISIS

Leonie Millard, a Partner in the Clinical Negligence department at Forbes Solicitors asks why NHS maternity wards are failing families?

The National Health Service (NHS) is regarded as one of the world’s most comprehensive healthcare systems, providing care to millions of people in the UK every year. But, when it comes to maternity care the system is in a deep crisis.

Families are reporting poor experiences and the system is failing expectant mothers and their babies. This issue has been highlighted by numerous cases of medical negligence, baby deaths and serious injuries that should have been prevented. However, as the NHS struggles to meet demand, families are left to bear the devastating consequences of an overburdened system.

The most significant challenges facing NHS maternity units are understaffing, inadequate funding and gaps in medical training. England faces a shortfall of around 2,500 full-time midwives, a shortage that has existed for

over a decade. The increasing demands on services driven by women requiring more complex care and support have placed pressure on the existing workforce, leaving midwives and doctors unable to provide the satisfactory level of care each patient requires. A 2024 report highlighted that nearly 75 per cent of preterm baby deaths between 2016 and 2018 might have been preventable with different care.

Financial constraints have led to outdated equipment, overcrowded wards and delayed services, all of which increase the risk of complications during pregnancy, birth and the postpartum period. The Care Quality Commission (CQC), responsible for inspecting NHS services, found that many maternity units are not meeting the required standards.

In 2024, the CQC reported that almost half (47 per cent) of the NHS maternity units inspected were rated as either ‘requires improvement’ (36 per cent) or ‘inadequate’ (12 per cent) due to staffing shortages, poor leadership and insufficient resources. Despite these findings, the NHS has been slow to implement any improvements. Whilst regulations are in place to ensure maternity units provide safe care, the lack of enforcement for struggling units has allowed the standards to slip.

These systemic inadequacies have tragic results – families across the UK are experiencing devastating outcomes because of NHS maternity care shortcomings. A report by the BBC in 2023 revealed that over 1,000 babies died or were seriously injured due to avoidable mistakes in NHS maternity care between 2015 and 2020. Many of these cases

were directly linked to understaffing, lack of proper monitoring and delayed interventions during labour and delivery.

The NHS’s current approach of dealing with the aftermath of maternity care failures is financially and emotionally more costly than focusing on prevention itself. By addressing the root causes of poor maternity care the system could save a lot of money, reduce needless harm to families and ultimately provide a better standard of care. Urgent reforms must be implemented to prevent further tragedies. Stringent and transparent processes that address failings should be established, providing a framework for consistent and prompt action across all UK maternity units. An appropriately staffed and regulated maternity care system is something that families deserve. This can only happen if we all work together –families, healthcare professionals and advocates – all pushing for a system that truly prioritises the safety and well-being of mothers and babies.

At Forbes Solicitors, we are committed to raising awareness to the ongoing crisis within maternity care sector of the NHS. We encourage those impacted by these failures to share their experiences, your voice matters. Telling these stories are crucial in driving the reforms necessary to prevent future harm. We believe financial worries shouldn’t stand in your way, with no upfront fees, you can focus on your recovery while we work to get you the justice you deserve. n

Leonie Millard is a Partner in the Clinical Negligence department at Forbes Solicitors. For further information or assistance email: leonie.millard@forbessolicitors.co.uk or please contact the team on 0800 037 4625.

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

BOWLED OVER

Crown green bowling at Waddington Village Club –come and join us!

There are many good bowling greens in Lancashire, but Waddington bowling green is known as one of the finest bowling greens in the county. With a recognisable small crown in the middle, there’s none of the unusual dips and humps that do occur at some clubs.

Let’s try and dispel a big myth about outdoor bowling.

Bowls is not just for the elderly – it’s for everyone, of any age. Bowling is an outdoor summer game (April to Sept) which takes an hour or so – with light, useful gentle exercise and great social interaction.

IT’S NOT JUST FOR THE ELDERLY –IT’S FOR EVERYONE, OF ANY AGE

Games are played usually in the afternoons and evenings. Waddington Bowling Club has six teams playing regularly in various local East Lancs Leagues.

Bowls have a ‘bias’ with the weight distribution slightly skewed to one side. There is no standard ‘bias’ and bowls also have different weights.

A game begins by setting off a smaller bowl called the jack which must travel a minimum of 22 yards. Each player has two

bowls of equal weight and bias.

There are skills bowlers need to develop – a feel for the crown green to negotiate distance, access past bowls that block the way to the jack and adapting to dry or damp greens.

To join the Bowling Club, first join the Waddington Village Club (annual cost £10) and then an extra £1 for bowlers. Joining Waddington Village Bowling Club is a great deal! n Waddington Bowling Club Open Days are on 24th and 25th May. Bowls will be available for new members and club bowlers will help with a few simplified routines. Come and have a go!

If you or someone you know has cancer, you may ﬁnd it helpful to talk to someone who understands what you’re going

If you or someone you know has cancer, you may ﬁnd it helpful to talk to someone who understands what you’re going through. A team who can provide

So if you have any questions about your treatment, concerns about your ﬁnances or just want to talk, you don’t need to go through it alone. We’re here for you. Call the Macmillan Support Line

So if you have any questions about your treatment, concerns about your ﬁnances or just want to talk, you don’t need to go through it alone. We’re here for you.

SECURING YOUR FINANCIAL INDEPENDENCE… WITH OUR INDEPENDENCE

Blue Sky Wealth Management advises on how to achieve the best financial returns for the lowest possible risk to secure financial independence

After a long, dark, wet winter you may wonder just how much longer you need to keep working to secure the lifestyle you always envisioned. When will you be able to go to work because you want to go and not because you have to go. This is the search for financial independence – an ability to wake up and decide ‘what would I be happy doing today?’

At Blue Sky Family Wealth Management we use our decades of experience and independence to help you secure your financial independence sooner.

As an Independent Financial Adviser, we are YOUR agent. We research the whole of the

market to try and get the best possible returns for the lowest possible risk and ensure costs are kept as low as possible. But does this matter? How can making good decisions now increase your chances of securing your desired lifestyle and that of your family?

Investment choices

In the UK market, a mind-boggling 4,900 plus funds are available to investors to use, which can offer great opportunities, but also great risks. To simplify and reduce investment risk, investors often use a risk-based portfolio, designed to keep their investments in line with their risk tolerance. According to financial research company Morningstar, if you were, say, a 5/10 risk tolerance, there would be over 340 options to choose from, with a staggering 11.8 per cent difference in the investment returns provided by the best and worst, over the last year.

Costs

In their annual analysis of this risk-rated portfolio market, Timeline Investments found that the cheapest risk-targeted portfolio solution cost a mere 0.17 per cent pa, whereas the most expensive was an eye-watering 2.64 per cent – a difference of 2.47 per cent pa of investors’ money – money that could be used to secure a better life.

Value

Cheaper isn’t always better, but according to research by financial publication, Citywire, cheaper, passive portfolios outperformed more expensive active portfolios, in 88 per cent of cases over a three-year period, providing an average extra return of 4.3 per cent.

Conclusion and actions to take to secure your financial independence. The path to financial independence can be

complicated and baffling. To make sure you maximise your chance of securing the dream life, follow these steps:

1. Check the status of your adviser – only independent advisers can select from the whole market. Restricted advisers only sell products from one (or few) providers. With such big differences in the financial outcomes, make sure you work with an adviser who can access the whole market for your benefit.

2. Keep a close eye on investment costs. To understand the total costs applied to your investments, ask for the Ongoing Charges Figure (OCF).

3. Use available tax wrappers and allowances eg ISAs, Lifetime ISAs and pensions to reduce the tax taken from your investments. HMRC is a not-so-hidden cost, on your route to happiness.

4. Call us to book your complimentary investment review – we promise there will be no obligations! n

Blue Sky Family Wealth Management Suite 15, Longridge Business Centre Stonebridge Mill, Kestor Lane Longridge PR3 3AD 0800 061 4892

support@blueskyfwm.com blueskyfwm.com

revenge acts out of line with their values and those of their friends, their friends can feel like they no longer know them.

Choosing revenge over forgiveness can create a long-lasting rift in relationships. Forgiveness has been shown to promote healing and reconciliation, whereas revenge can entrench feelings of division and animosity.

It is really easy to talk of forgiveness unless you are in the emotional turmoil that revenge appears to resolve. However, research shows that forgiving those who have wronged us can lead to significant psychological benefits by allowing individuals to release the burden of anger and resentment, leading to improved mental health and emotional well-being.

MIND MATTERS

Therapeutic coach

Lynn Scholes explores the topic of revenge. She asks is revenge a dish best served cold, or not served at all?

Revenge is a powerful emotion that often arises in response to feelings of betrayal, hurt or injustice.

The desire for vengeance can feel all-consuming, leading individuals to believe that acting on these feelings might help them heal. However, the question of whether revenge truly aids in healing is complex and multi-faceted, touching on the psychological, emotional and ethical aspects of how we respond.

From a psychological perspective, revenge can initially seem appealing. It provides a sense of agency and control over a situation where one may feel powerless. The act of retaliating can temporarily alleviate feelings of anger and resentment, leading to a brief sense of satisfaction. This release can be

linked to the brain’s reward system where the anticipation of revenge stimulates feelings similar to pleasure.

However, these feelings are often short-lived. Research has shown that while revenge may provide immediate gratification, it rarely leads to lasting emotional relief. Instead, it can perpetuate a cycle of negativity, reinforcing feelings of anger and hostility. Over time, individuals may find themselves trapped in a cycle of revenge and retaliation. Emotionally taking revenge can have several consequences that complicate the healing process. It can lead to increased anger and resentment. While revenge may temporarily reduce feelings of hurt, even giving a short term ‘high’, it often leads to increased anger.

Following an act of revenge, individuals may also experience regret or guilt, particularly if the actions taken were disproportionate or harmful. This remorse can add layers of emotional distress, making it harder to move forward.

The act of taking revenge can be viewed by others negatively and can alienate individuals from their support systems. Friends and family may disapprove of vengeful actions, leading to feelings of isolation.

Revenge can seriously impact relationships which can lead to a breakdown of trust and connection. If suddenly the person seeking

THE WAY FORWARD

It’s important to acknowledge that the desire for revenge often stems from deep emotional wounds. Feelings of betrayal, loss and injustice can be overwhelming and the impulse to retaliate is a natural response. The processing of emotions either with or without a therapist is very important. Instead of seeking revenge, individuals can benefit from processing their emotions through reflection, therapy, or supportive conversations with trusted friends. Engaging with these feelings can lead to greater insight and personal growth. To aid this daily journaling is a powerful tool. Getting your thoughts out of your head and onto paper (or your phone or tablet) quietens the mind and frees up head space to better understand your feelings and see your options. This process can lead to reframing the narrative surrounding the wrongdoing and focusing on personal development.

Ultimately, healing is a deeply personal journey and the choices made in response to hurtful experiences can shape the path forward. The key is to leave the past in the past, that chapter is written and cannot be re-written. Your happiness going forward is dependent on you processing the negative emotions of the past, learning and moving forward one step at a time. n

Lynn Scholes is a writer, therapeutic coach, trainer and speaker working with individuals and companies.

PACKAGE

SPRING INTO ‘26

Mytton Fold Hotel located in the Ribble Valley, is a wedding venue for all seasons and styles, with a range of spaces on offer to suit your guest numbers and preference. With a completely neutral palette, and flooded with natural light, it’s easy to see why Mytton Fold Hotel is the choice for many

Book any January - June 2026 date and receive the extensive Mytton Fold Hotel wedding package for just £5,950.

This package itself includes all that’s needed to celebrate your special day, from exclusive use of the bridal makeup room on your wedding day to bespoke wedding stationery, resident DJ for your evening reception to your selected wedding breakfast menu and much more. This package is inclusive of 50 day guests and 50 evening guests.

Enquire about our range of available packages at: weddings@myttonfold.co.uk

THE HEART BEHIND A WEDDING

A

distinct wedding venue for couples seeking a magical setting, Bashall Barn is the perfect backdrop

When guests arrive at Bashall Barn, they see rolling Ribble Valley views, elegant ceremony spaces and the promise of a magical day. But behind the scenes? There’s a team quietly making the magic happen, from the first place setting to the final dance track.

At Bashall, it’s not just about having a beautiful venue (though that helps). It’s about how the day feels. How effortlessly it flows. How every moment feels calm, personal and somehow tailored entirely to you.

That smooth, seamless experience is no accident. It’s the result of careful planning, coordination and care from a team who genuinely love weddings.

“We’re with our couples every step of the way,” says Flo, one of Bashall’s dedicated wedding managers. “From that very first

tour right through to the cake cutting or first dance, we’re there. Quietly making it run like clockwork, so they can relax and enjoy every second.”

Take the morning of a wedding. While the wedding party are sipping prosecco and getting ready, the Bashall team is transforming the ceremony room, working with suppliers and fine-tuning every detail, guest list updates, napkin folds and aisle music. It’s a choreography of calm, where flexibility is everything. Last-minute change? Handled. Weather suddenly turning? There’s already a Plan B (and C).

WE’VE HAD BRASS BANDS, DOG RING-BEARERS, RODEO BULLS – YOU NAME IT. WE LOVE A CHALLENGE!

One of Bashall’s biggest strengths is the natural transition through the venue: “You never have to ask guests to wait while we flip a room. Everything just flows without ever feeling rushed,” explains Lucy, another experienced manager. “From vows to drinks to dinner to dancing, we’ve designed the day to feel effortless.”

That ease allows couples to get creative so the behind-the-scenes magic can include anything from coordinating a surprise live performance, to guiding alpacas down the aisle or managing a FaceTime speech from overseas.

“We’ve had brass bands, dog ring-bearers, rodeo bulls – you name it!” Flo laughs. “We love a challenge!”

And it’s not just the big moments that matter. “It’s the quiet ones, too,” says Flo. “Make sure you take time for yourselves on the day, it can be nice to just stop and breathe for a second. I always bring our couples into the wedding breakfast room before we introduce guests, to show them the space. It’s their moment to take it all in, before the buzz starts again.”

Beyond logistics, Bashall is full of thoughtful touches – a free-to-use Wedding Store packed with candles, easels and decorative pieces, to advice that helps personalise the day without blowing the budget. The Den, a perfect getting ready space and a tray of honey mustard chipolatas? Sometimes, the little things are what people remember most.

Above all, Bashall’s team wants every couple to enjoy their wedding their way –whether that means writing their own rules, or pausing for a moment before the speeches.

So, what makes a perfect wedding day?

“When the couple are smiling and totally in the moment – that’s when we know it’s working,” says Flo. “That’s the magic.” n

Bashall Barn

Bashall Eaves, Clitheroe BB7 3LQ 01200 428964

weddings@bashallbarn.co.uk

bashallbarn.co.uk

EDUCATION NEWS

RUGBY SEVENS

Stonyhurst College hosted its 36th Annual Rugby Sevens Tournament welcoming 52 teams and over 1,250 attendees. In a day of high-paced competition, Stonyhurst’s Under 13s stole the spotlight, continuing their unbeaten streak with an impressive win to round off an outstanding Sevens season. Reaching four finals across all age groups, Stonyhurst pupils showcased remarkable resilience, teamwork and leadership –truly embodying the College’s motto, ‘Quant je puis’ – ‘As much as I can’.

WORLDSKILLS SHANGHAI

Three talented Burnley College learners will be setting out on a journey of a lifetime in a bid to represent the UK on the international stage at the next WorldSkills Competition. Known as the ‘skills Olympics’, it will be held in Shanghai, China, in September 2026. The top trio are Mackenzie Meeks, who studies Advanced Level Painting and Decorating at Burnley College, Stanley Ingham, who is reading a BA Hons degree in Game Art at Burnley College University Courses and Daniel Wilson, who is a Digital Technology Solutions Degree Apprentice at Safran Nacelles UK. It is the first time China has hosted the prestigious WorldSkills competition, which will welcome 1,500 young people from over 80 counties.

PRESTIGIOUS AWARD

Burnley College is celebrating A Level alumnus Eshan Bilal after he was awarded the Student Achievement Award at the prestigious Educate North Awards 2025 –the first time the award has been handed out by a panel of top judges from the education sector. This accolade celebrates Eshan’s exceptional academic achievements, his standout leadership at local and national level and his contributions to the community and Burnley College. Achieving stellar A Level results in Chemistry, Biology and Psychology in 2024, he is now reading Medicine at the University of St Andrew’s.

DESIGN INSPIRED BY NATURE

Oakhill pupils have recently been invited to attend the Engineering Educates Exhibition event at the University of Manchester. They learnt how robotic engineers use nature to inspire design, then applied this to design an animatronic robot designed to cope with dangerous and difficult underwater contexts. They generated ideas with annotated sketches which detailed and explained mechanisms and components for an innovative, functional underwater robot. This was followed by a tour of the engineering facility in the new bespoke Nancy Rothwell building at the University of Manchester.

ASPIRING ENGINEERS

Burnley College welcomed Year 9 and 10 students from 12 schools across Lancashire to compete in the annual Enjoyneering competition. Future engineers spent the day competing against each other in complex engineering challenges, which included constructing catapults, building a wooden re-model of a family home, assembling bridges and creating cars with balloons and other limited equipment. This year’s winners were the Valley Leadership Academy from Bacup.

CULTURAL AND SKI TRIPS

Westholme has enjoyed a spring term rich in opportunity and achievement. Sixth Form Classics students explored the cultural heart of Italy during a tour of the Bay of Naples and Rome, bringing their studies to life. Meanwhile, pupils from both Prep and Seniors, swapped classrooms for snow during ski trips to Italy and France. Back on home ground, Westholme Prep welcomed families for an immersive Open House Week – a chance to experience the nurturing environment that shapes early education at Westholme. The term also saw a new school record set as Natalie Haydock recited an astonishing 1,027 digits of Pi!

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GET SET FOR ADVENTURE…

Stonyhurst College’s new outdoor Adventure Curriculum helps pupils excel in activities they love, building confidence, resilience and leadership by encouraging them to step out of their comfort zones

An exciting and challenging new Adventure Curriculum and dedicated Outdoor Education Department has launched at Stonyhurst College giving Years 7 and 8 (known as Figures and Rudiments) unique opportunities for self-discovery and personal growth.

With Stonyhurst’s expansive 1,000-acre estate as its backdrop, a key element of the Adventure Curriculum is its focus on enrichment beyond academia, aimed at developing life skills such as independence, leadership, teamwork, resilience and problem-solving. A Jesuit education at

Stonyhurst focuses on the formation of the whole person, not only within the classroom but also through experiences that shape character and help young people identify their purpose in life.

QUIET PUPILS FIND THEIR VOICE, CONFIDENT PUPILS LEAD – THIS IS A CURRICULUM THAT ENABLES ALL PUPILS TO EXCEL AT SOMETHING THEY LOVE

The rich history of Stonyhurst offers a template for an all-rounded education that nurtures personal growth. Rooted in the Jesuit

tradition of exploration, scientific innovation and global travel, the new Adventure Curriculum encourages pupils to engage with the outdoors more frequently, promoting resilience and broadening their horizons. Charles Tansley, the newly appointed Director of Adventure at Stonyhurst College, is leading the development and introduction of the new curriculum at Aloysius House. Established last September, Aloysius House welcomed Figures and Rudiments pupils as they transitioned from Stonyhurst St Mary’s Hall to the main College building, aligning Stonyhurst with other educational institutions. Figures and Rudiments pupils have embraced the Adventure Curriculum, as has Director Charles, who has taken on his new role with great enthusiasm: “The new Adventure Curriculum allows pupils to explore new activities and hone the ones they are passionate about, helping them become proficient in those disciplines,” says Charles, who brings extensive experience working with young people worldwide.

He has worked with students in the UK, Tanzania, Kenya, New Zealand and Nepal on a variety of projects, ranging from conservation to construction, scuba diving and coaching a provincial snowboarding team in northern China: “It’s about inspiring young people to explore the world, master new skills and build unshakeable confidence – all while having

an unforgettable, fun experience.”

Naming snowboarding, running and rock climbing as his favourite sports, Charles arrived at Stonyhurst in September 2024: “This opportunity allows me to bring together all my experience and skills to create an Adventure Curriculum that is both exciting and enriching for our pupils.

“While Stonyhurst’s co-curricular activities are already extensive, we knew there was potential to develop them even further.

“The new Adventure Curriculum focuses on collaborative activities that require teamwork, with safety always at the forefront.

“Quiet pupils find their voice, confident pupils lead – this is a curriculum that enables all pupils to excel at something they love.”

With six diverse activities available to each year group, pupils can participate in archery, bushcraft, laser tag, orienteering, campcraft, canoeing, rock climbing, fencing, fishing, mountain biking and a Mission Garden where they grow local produce. Many of the activities take place on the 1,000-acre Stonyhurst estate

which provides an extraordinary backdrop for outdoor adventure.

“Archery takes place in the Jesuit gardens, while bushcraft and campcraft are set in the woodlands. Laser tag – a pupil favourite –spans the entire campus. Orienteering allows pupils to explore the College while developing the map skills needed to navigate the Stonyhurst estate and fishing is enjoyed along the scenic Hodder river,” adds Charles.

The Adventure Curriculum also builds on Stonyhurst’s longstanding tradition of leadership, helping pupils become ‘men and women for others’ while developing the skills needed for success in both the workplace and the world beyond.

FOR PARENTS CONSIDERING STONYHURST FOR THEIR CHILD AT YEAR 7 OR 8, THE NEW ADVENTURE CURRICULUM PRESENTS AN EXCITING OPPORTUNITY FOR PERSONAL GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT

The Outdoor Education Department has been designed with mental health in mind, as Timothy Hanley, Assistant Head Co-curricular, explains: “This is enrichment in terms of mental and physical wellbeing. Our young people are out in the fresh air, away from screens, developing passions for new activities.

“Being outside gives them a connection to the natural world and we all know that this not only improves physical health but enhances wellbeing, helping pupils to build resilience. Nature has a way of bringing people together, breaking down barriers and creating lasting bonds.

“Pupils learn to appreciate their own strengths but also to value the contribution of others.”

The Adventure Curriculum forms part of Stonyhurst’s respected Co-Curricular Diploma

at bronze, silver and gold level that introduces pupils to activities they can specialise in as their talents and interests emerge.

For parents considering Stonyhurst for their child at Year 7 or 8, the new Adventure Curriculum presents an exciting opportunity for personal growth and development. Pupils who arrive at Aloysius House now have access to a wealth of opportunities beyond the academic curriculum, allowing them to flourish, develop new skills, build confidence and uncover strengths they never knew they had.

Charles concludes: “The new Adventure Curriculum is about sowing the seeds of opportunity, developing confidence and creating an environment where pupils can discover and pursue their passions.” n

Stonyhurst College Clitheroe BB7 9PZ 01254 827073

stonyhurst.ac.uk

Learn more about Years 7 and 8 at Stonyhurst.

READY FOR THE WORLD

Jonathan Oracz explains why and how, INSPIRED Sixth Form pupils at Westholme become resilient, confident adults ready to go into the world of work

Atruly personalised learning experience is how INSPIRED Sixth Formers at Westholme describe their journey through A levels and beyond.

With small class sizes, they enjoy seminarstyle lessons where they are encouraged to

debate and discuss their subjects and immerse themselves in the content, so they become aware of their strengths and weaknesses.

THE TEACHERS ARE HERE TO FACILITATE DISCUSSION AND ENCOURAGE PUPILS TO TAKE THE LEAD

This is a very special and carefully thought-out learning formula that works for all students, as Jonathan Oracz, Head of the INSPIRED Sixth Form explains: “The teachers are here to facilitate discussion and encourage pupils to take the lead. We want them to own their education.”

Alongside traditional A level subjects such as Science, Maths and English, students can explore subjects such as Psychology, Criminology, Politics and Classical Civilisation. This breadth allows every individual to align their studies with their strengths and interests.

“We always advise students to pick subjects they are passionate about – it’s important they not only enjoy what they study but also excel in it,” says Jonathan. Academic achievement is supported by a strong emphasis on personal development.

Key skills such as resilience, confidence and independence are embedded across every aspect of Sixth Form life.

“We also have a wider enrichment programme that helps pupils develop these qualities in a practical, meaningful way.”

Extra qualifications such as Sports Leadership and the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) offer further opportunities to gain UCAS points, to stand out to universities and potential employers.

Sixth Form students also benefit from access to Unifrog, an online platform offering academic enrichment through podcasts, journals and lectures.

Alongside this, Careers Advisor, Caroline Hibberd, provides personalised guidance for students to explore their next steps towards university degrees, apprenticeships or work placements through practical preparation.

From mock interviews and networking with Westholme alumni and business leaders and doctors delivering talks and joining one to one virtual calls, the support for students’ onward destinations is embedded in daily life at Sixth Form.

And the impact of this support is clear. This year, Year 13 students have secured a wide range of offers – from competitive courses such as Medicine, Engineering and Accounting and to more specialist subjects like Zoology and Environmental Management.

Offers also include a US golf scholarship in South Carolina, places at top performing arts schools including Italia Conti and Bird College and prestigious Degree Apprenticeships have been secured over the years with PwC, BBC, BAE Systems, Sellafield and Lidl, among others.

Building on their national success as Independent School of the Year for their Careers Programme in 2023, Westholme continues to provide an outstanding level of support at a personalised level, ensuring their students receive offers in whichever field they wish to pursue.

Head Boy, Enrikas Juselis, has secured a place to study Law at Oxford. He said: “Two years ago, I made the conscious decision to come to Westholme because I knew

I wanted to push myself both academically and socially. I knew that the more I put into my time here, the more I got out and in a few short months I already felt such a part of the community, participating in house events, charity campaigns and leadership applications.

“The Oxbridge careers programme at Westholme deconstructed the daunting and complex application process into manageable goals and I am incredibly excited to embark on my legal studies there.”

WESTHOLME CONTINUES TO PROVIDE AN OUTSTANDING LEVEL OF SUPPORT AT A PERSONALISED

With class sizes in popular subjects capped at just 16, the majority of subjects see between five and 10 pupils in the classroom and this is particularly true in the sciences: “We like pupils to have their own workspace in the laboratory to learn and experience the practical side of experiments as opposed to just watching the teacher.

“This is also representational of other subjects too,” adds Jonathan, who recently led a cultural trip for Classics students, who visited the Bay of Naples and Rome.

“All in all, the INSPIRED Sixth Form at Westholme is an incredible experience for pupils and this is reflected in the number of alumni who return to support the school –it’s like they keep Westholme with them for life.

“While they are here, our sole aim is to develop them, help them build on their skills so they leave with the confidence to take on the world.” n

Westholme School

Wilmar Lodge, Meins Road

Pleasington BB2 6QU 01254 506070

westholmeschool.com

These are exciting times at Crow Wood Hotel and Spa Resort as Oliver Brown takes over the helm from his father Andrew, writes Gail Bailey

Having been involved in Crow Wood Hotel and Spa Resort since 2011, Oliver Brown is now taking over as Managing Director as his father and the founder of the complex, Andrew Brown, becomes less operational and transitions to the role of Chairman: “Dad has always been my inspiration,” Oliver says. “He introduced me to the business world, and I’ve learnt so much from him and his network. I’m excited to continue developing what he started.”

Educated at Ivy Bank School in Burnley and then completing a sports course at Myerscough College, Oliver went on to gain a degree in Business from Edgehill and an MBA from the Cass School of Business in London: “Gaining my MBA gave me both a deeper insight into the business world along with the funding credibility that’s required,” he says. “I was the youngest person ever accepted on the course, which gave me the confidence to hold my own in a classroom full of business brains! Part of my course was a marketing and strategy project, which I did based on our business plan for the hotel – so it served two purposes.”

After gaining experience with another local company, Oliver joined his father at Crow Wood and led the opening of Soccer Burnley – a premium small-sided football venue which offers five and seven-a-side pitches: “Dad saw small-sided football as an opportunity and asked me to lead on the project,” Oliver explains. “We initially installed five outdoor floodlit 3G pitches on our outdoor tennis courts, adding two more in 2014, along with a clubhouse, changing rooms, sports bar and ample free parking. It’s a fabulous facility that caters for all ages –and in a town like Burnley, with such a strong football focus, it has been a positive addition for us.”

It was always the intention that Oliver would join the board at Crow Wood and after successfully launching Soccer Burnley the plan was that he would learn the health club business over the following few years, but those plans changed when his father’s right-hand man retired: “I stepped up a little earlier than we’d first expected, but this has been a good thing and has meant that I hit the ground running! We had the health club successfully operating, and the next major project needed to be the spa, so it was an exciting venture to be involved in from the beginning.”

I WAS THE YOUNGEST PERSON EVER ACCEPTED ON THE COURSE, WHICH GAVE ME THE CONFIDENCE TO HOLD MY OWN IN A CLASSROOM FULL OF BUSINESS BRAINS!

Woodland Spa opened in 2013 along with Bertram’s Restaurant and has been a fantastic addition to both Crow Wood’s resort and to the town: “We’re really proud of our food and drink offer, and this, along with the spa, marked an exciting time for us and one which continually evolves,” Oliver says. This has happened recently, with investment in the luxury spa to extensively refurbishing the whole area, doubling it in size – marking a brand new chapter in Crow Wood’s story. Business does not always run smoothly, as was the case at Crow Wood: “We opened our luxury hotel in October 2019, set in 40 acres of our grounds with spectacular views of nearby Pendle Hill and the surrounding countryside. The fabulous gardens include an ornamental lake – perfect for leisure time and celebrating weddings with family and friends,” Oliver says. “We had bookings in place. However, Covid arrived, and we, like everyone else, had to close. This was, of course, a difficult time, but it also allowed the Executive Team to reflect and focus. Covid exposed that our indoor tennis courts were our least used area – this realisation is what has enabled us to expand.”

Being in the hotel and leisure sector means the business never closes: “We now employ 410 staff and have passed the £20 million turnover, and are incredibly proud of this,” Oliver adds. “Our banqueting suite holds 320, which gives us a unique standing in the area for weddings and events. We also cater to corporate clients and offer the opportunity for off-site training with a range of conference and meeting rooms.

We are perfectly placed for team-building events just off the M65 corridor.” Along with Bertram’s, which has become renowned for high-quality food, drink and service, hotel restaurant Wilfred’s offers a high-quality dining experience using British ingredients with an Italian influence, created by a team of acclaimed chefs.

“We very much remain a family business,” Oliver says. “We have built a good team and

WE VERY MUCH REMAIN A FAMILY BUSINESS. WE HAVE BUILT A GOOD TEAM AND WORKED HARD TO CREATE THE BRAND THAT IS NOW CROW WOOD

worked hard to create the brand that Crow Wood as a resort now is. Whilst Dad will be less operational, he will still be a big part of the business as Chairman and will be here most days. I’m excited to continue what he has done and develop our united vision of Crow Wood for the future.” n crowwoodhotel.com

BUSINESS MATTERS

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

COMMMUNITY GRANTS

Applications are now open for the Marsden Building Society Charitable Foundation, offering grants of up to £3,000 to 10 community groups and projects based in Lancashire.

This year it will consider community initiatives that meet at least one of the following themes:

• Financial well-being: Programmes aimed at promoting financial education, teaching valuable money management skills to community groups, schools and colleges.

• A society for all: Community cohesion activities, accessibility and engagement initiatives aimed primarily at people aged 50 plus.

• A great place to be: Projects focused on the environment and area restoration, including community gardens, introducing green initiatives and preserving wildlife.

Rob Pheasey, Chief Executive at the Marsden Building Society, commented: “This is an excellent way for us to deliver financial support to small, grassroots charities and organisations that genuinely make a difference in our local area.”

SUNDAY TIMES BEST PLACE

SUPPORT FOR GO-KARTER

Porsche Centre Preston has renewed its partnership with nineyear-old go-kart racer Jayan Prakash as he continues the upcoming season in the Cadet Class. Nine-year-old Jayan has already enjoyed a great start to 2025, securing six podium finishes, including two back-to-back victories and his first at national level. He is among the youngest on the grid, competing against older drivers in the Cadet Class aged eight to 12. Jayan frequently reached speeds of over 60mph. He now races in the British Kart Championships, which is the highest level of karting in the UK. He will also compete in two other national championships, the Cadet Kart Championship and the Superone series.

Tom Fox, Managing Director of Porsche Centre Preston, said: “Jayan’s talent and determination are clear to see. We’re proud to continue supporting him as he takes the next step in his journey.”

SHOWROOM HOSTS ORCHESTRA

Porsche Centre Preston hosted the city’s first-ever symphony orchestra concert in a car showroom, welcoming a 250-strong audience for a candlelit concert featuring the newly-reformed Preston Symphony Orchestra. The event marked the official launch of Porsche Centre Preston’s corporate patronage of the orchestra. Guests were welcomed with a drinks reception before taking their seats for a performance by the 60-piece orchestra. The programme featured a mix of classical compositions and popular pieces from stage and screen.

The Times and the Sunday Times recently revealed its definitive list of the ‘100 Best Places to Stay’ across the UK, naming Gilpin Hotel & Lake House in Cumbria as the best place to stay in the North West.

The judges praised its snug and homely rooms, slick lodges and suites, excellent bar and impressive restaurants, most notably the Michelin-starred SOURCE.

Thomas Ferrante, General Manager at Gilpin Hotel & Lake House said: “I am delighted for all our team at the Gilpin who will take great pride in achieving this award. Such recognition is testament to their passion and commitment to help create memories for our guests.”

NEW FOOD YARD

Brindle Distillery has announced the opening of Peckish, a brand-new food yard bringing together the best of local, independent food vendors. Launched over Easter, Peckish offers a vibrant new casual dining experience, featuring two permanent kitchens committed to serving high-quality, locally sourced food.

Mark Long, Director at Brindle Distillery, said: “With Peckish, we’re building something extra special – a welcoming food yard that showcases the incredible talent and produce we have right on our doorstep.”

LOOKING TO THE FUTURE

The experts at Raymond James explain how new business owners can navigate what can be a complex journey

In the previous issue of this magazine the experts at Raymond James, Ribble Valley explored some of the issues around succession planning. The article was written from the perspective of an owner wishing to exit their business. Readers expressed an interest in understanding the issues from the other perspective, that of the business’ new owner.

THE STARTING POINT

Owning or taking over a business is an honour. But can come with significant challenges and burden. Be kind to yourself as you navigate this journey and remember you’re not in it alone. Having a strategic financial plan and a trusted financial advice partner can make a real difference, giving you a clearer picture of the years ahead.

Raymond James, Ribble Valley has expertise in working with business owners and company directors to help put that strategic financial plan in place. Typically, we work with our clients on the following topics:

EXTRACTING FUNDS TAX EFFICIENTLY AND REDUCING CORPORATION TAX

Making employer pension contributions is a way to get funds out of the business into your own name, whilst reducing your corporation tax as a business expense. The current maximum amount a business owner can potentially withdraw out of their business into a pension is £220,000, which would attract no personal tax, as well as reduce the business corporation tax bill by up to £55,000.

As well as pension contributions there are other solutions, which Raymond James can help with. One example is by setting up an investment corporate account, investing surplus cash within the business or an associated investment company within the group structure. Dividend payments from your investments to your business typically won’t attract corporation tax.

BUSINESS PROTECTION

It is advisable to have contingency plans in place if anything happens to you or key employees. What happens to the business if you die or can’t work for a sustained period because of an accident or illness?

Our experts can help you take out insurance plans and put agreements in place that ensure you are taking care of you and your family, protecting your legacy and protecting your employees.

BRINGING YOUR PROFESSIONAL PARTNERS TOGETHER

Planning for business owners is extensive and often involves various partners such as

an accountant, tax specialist and corporate solicitors. We can introduce you to additional services where required, to ensure you have a quality team of professionals around you that are aligned with the same goals.

SECURING LIFE AFTER BUSINESS

Helping prepare you and your business for exit – including achieving financial independence – or having an effective succession plan in place to secure the future of your business is a key aspect of our work. Although you may plan to sell your business at some point, there is no guarantee it will be worth what you expect it to be worth or you may also be passing it down to the next generation. When one income stream stops, it may need to be replaced with another one.

If you are considering any of the opportunities presented by either exiting or running a business, please contact our team for an initial consultation and see how we can add value, working together for the long-term, ensuring the best outcome for you. n

Risk warning: This article is intended for informational purposes only and no action should be taken or refrained from being taken as a consequence without consulting a suitably qualified and regulated person. With investment, your capital is at risk. Tax treatment depends on an investor’s individual circumstances and may be subject to change.

Raymond James Investment Services Limited 8 Berry Lane, Longridge Preston PR3 3JA 01772 780300

ribblevalley.raymondjames.uk.com

MAKING THE SPIRIT SOAR

Paul Agnew takes the Porsche 718 Boxster GTS 4.0 for a spin and declares it sensational, stunning and simply exhilarating, in equal measure.

Photographer: Peter Austin

Here’s a question. What can you say to do justice to the 718 Boxster? Easy answer. It’s got Porsche written all over it!

Not just in the iconic logo incorporated into the headrests and the door sills, but into the actual DNA of what is a true sports car.

I was privileged to test (someone has to) the GTS 4.0 model and believe me, this is a car of awesome power.

It has sent those who know most about outstanding sports cars into an absolute frenzy. No superlative is safe.

But what exactly makes the 718 Boxster GTS 4.0 so very special?

Could it be the performance (wow), or the handling (sensational), or the design (stunning) or the sound (amazing).

Well, it’s certainly all of the above, but also so much more.

There is probably insufficient space here to cover even the highlights and trust me there are many. But hey, let’s give it a whirl.

WHEN YOU FANCY

A CHANGE FROM THE JOY OF THE ENGINE ROAR, YOUR INFO AND ENTERTAINMENT COMES EFFORTLESSLY INTO PLAY

For performance, how does 0-62mph in four seconds sound? For power, consider 294kW and 400hp and for speed – brace yourself – the mph is a breathtaking 179.

Unfortunately, the legal limits currently applicable on Lancashire’s roads made it a touch difficult to give the 718 Boxster GTS 4.0 a proper spin.

However, when you are able to release the handbrake then the 20-inch Carrera sport wheels, painted in high gloss black, offer exceptional connection with the asphalt whatever your choice of speed. You will never, repeat never, lose your grip.

And the PASM (Porsche Active Suspension Management) sports chassis, makes cornering something to behold. For added safety and assurance, count on six-piston aluminium Monobloc fixed brake callipers. The stopping power of this vehicle is immense.

From the moment you so much as cover the accelerator and hear the roar from the glorious 4.0-litre, flat-six-cylinder petrol engine, you know that you are in for a treat.

Aside from the excitement and thrill of the actual drive, the 718 Boxster GTS 4.0 is a thing of beauty – eye-catching and crammed with quality features both inside and out.

Take the powerful and athletic front end with large air intakes, airblades and spoiler lip, again in high gloss black, along with tinted front lights.

There are tinted taillights too and the overall rear end is clear and expressive with sport tailpipes set apart and roll-over bars painted in the exterior colour of your choosing.

Inside the features are nothing short of outstanding.

Discover a GTS sports steering wheel (multi-function and heated), sun visors

and storage compartment in Race Tex (an attractive and hard-wearing material and leather alternative), full bucket seats, power steering plus, colour-coded instrument dials, aluminium pedals, illuminated door sill guards, two-zone automatic climate control and adaptive cruise control.

Want more? Okay – adaptive sports seats plus (18-way electric with memory package), ISOFIX child seat mounting points on passenger seat, LED main headlights including Porsche Dynamic Light System, adaptive cruise control and those delightful Porsche logos dotted around to add even more class. A reminder that this is a vehicle made by a manufacturer who never spares the horses.

IT HAS SENT THOSE WHO KNOW MOST ABOUT OUTSTANDING SPORTS CARS INTO AN ABSOLUTE FRENZY

Plus, when you fancy a change from the joy of the engine roar, your info and entertainment (ApplePlay, radio, USB et al) comes effortlessly via no less than a Burmester Sound System. Very, very high end.

For those lucky enough to have become familiar with the Boxster down the years, there is much to enjoy from when this quirky, quick-witted car first hit the tracks close on three decades ago.

For example, one of the neatest folding roofs on the market and ample room for luggage at both ends.

One battle-hardened national car reviewer, known for a liking to criticise whenever possible, admitted exasperation at being driven to distraction on his faultfinding mission.

He was left to concede, and I quote: “The Porsche 718 Boxster GTS 4.0 is nearas-dammit the perfect sports car.”

See, you don’t just have my word for it. n

Porsche Centre Preston Centenary House Watery Lane, Preston PR2 1QJ 01772 911911

porschepreston.co.uk

@PorscheCentrePreston

@Porsche_Preston

@PorschePreston

BMX STARS, RIVER RESCUES AND BIG LOVE

Why Bowker MINI Blackburn deserves a local hero medal, writes Richard Glynn. Photography: Peter Austin and Richard Glynn

There’s a quiet kind of pride that runs through Blackburn. The town backs its own, celebrates hard work and determination and never forgets where it came from. So, it makes perfect sense that Bowker MINI in Blackburn is playing its part in championing local people and causes that deserve a bit of extra spotlight.

As part of MINI’s national ‘Local Hero’ campaign, the team at Bowker MINI Blackburn has been rolling up its sleeves, supporting rising stars and getting stuck into community projects. Yes, they sell cars. But they’re also showing they’re just as committed to helping the people of Lancashire as they are to getting them behind the wheel. From BMX tracks to brash bundling in Bashall Brook, here’s how Bowker MINI Blackburn is doing its bit for the county – with care, kindness and the odd set of muddy boots.

BLACKBURN’S BMX CHAMPION HEADS TO EUROPE

Let’s start with 10-year-old Maisie Egan from Blackburn, who just happens to be both the current British and national BMX champion in her age group. Maisie’s been racing since 2021 and with several big wins under her belt – including double victories at the 2024 BMX National Series in Scotland – she’s now getting ready to take on the European stage. With support from Bowker MINI Blackburn,

Maisie will be heading to Latvia and Denmark this year to compete at an international level. It’s a massive leap, but one that’s well within her reach thanks to sheer talent, hard graft and now, local backing.

“Maisie lives and breathes BMX,” said her dad, Mark. “She’s always looking for the next challenge and racing in Europe will really push her. We’re over the moon Bowker MINI has stepped in to support her – it means a lot to have local businesses believing in her too.”

Chris Eccles, Head of Business at Bowker MINI Blackburn, said: “We’re proud to be part of Maisie’s journey. She’s already achieved so much and it’s exciting to think about what’s next for her. Backing a young local athlete like Maisie is exactly the kind of thing that matters to us.”

It’s not the first time Bowker MINI has supported young sporting talent. Last year, they also sponsored Rossendale racing driver Ashley Gregory, who competes in the MINI Challenge and was one of the youngest

female drivers on the grid. So, it’s fair to say this is a team that enjoys seeing local people push the limits – and smash them.

CONSERVATION EFFORT WITH HEART

Sporting heroes are only part of the story, though. Because Bowker MINI Blackburn isn’t just about supporting people – it’s also helping protect the local landscape.

Bowker MINI staff recently supported a Corporate Tree Planting Day with the Ribble Rivers Trust, helping to enhance local woodlands and improve river catchments in Lancashire.

VOLUNTEERS LIKE THE TEAM FROM BOWKER MINI MAKE A HUGE DIFFERENCE

The event took place at Salesbury Hall, Dinkley, near Ribchester, where the Bowker MINI team joined conservation experts to plant native tree species. The initiative is part of Bowker MINI’s ongoing partnership with the Ribble Rivers Trust, which focuses on improving biodiversity and supporting local environmental projects.

It was part of MINI’s national Big Love pledge –a promise from each MINI retailer to give back to the communities they’re part of.

“Many of our staff and customers enjoy spending time outdoors, so it felt natural to

get involved,” said Amy Lancaster-Hall, Group Marketing Manager. “We learned so much from the Ribble Rivers Trust team and are proud to be entering into our third year of volunteering with them.”

Jack Spees from Ribble Rivers Trust added: “Volunteers like the team from Bowker MINI make a huge difference. Their efforts at Salesbury Hall are a small but important part of our wider conservation work. And it’s always brilliant to see local businesses getting stuck in.”

This volunteering pledge is part of MINI’s national Big Love initiative, where retailers across the country commit to supporting local causes. In Blackburn, that promise is already making a difference – one tree and one brilliant muddy day at a time.

BACKING LOCAL AND DRIVING CHANGE

Whether it’s sponsoring BMX champions or helping to slow down rivers, Bowker MINI

Blackburn is clearly serious about showing up for the town it calls home. It’s the kind of work that doesn’t always grab headlines, but it absolutely builds trust and loyalty.

From young athletes chasing podiums to volunteers pulling on gloves in the Ribble Valley, the team at Bowker MINI Blackburn is showing what it means to be a proper local hero.

And if that’s not worth shouting about, what is? n

Bowker Blackburn MINI Trident Way Blackburn BB1 3NU 01254 274333

bowkerblackburnmini.co.uk

@BowkerMINI

@bowker_mini

@bowker.mini

A JOYOUS DRIVE…

With good looks and awesome agility, BMW’s X3 2.0d xDrive M Sport is equally able to fizz down the motorway or tackle a twisty country lane, writes an impressed Paul Agnew.

Photography: Peter Austin

Achieving success in the global motor industry is no mean feat. But precisely what constitutes success?

Well, how about building a car that goes on to record sales of 3.5 million over two decades and still remains best in class right up to this very day?

A car that has not only lasted the pace and raced to the front of the pack, it has stayed there, never afraid to evolve or tweak as and when the market demands.

The versatile BMW X3 Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV).

It is impossible not to be impressed, and a short time with the awesome 2.0d xDrive M Sport member of the BMW X3 family certainly left me wanting more.

From the moment I took up position in the driving seat I felt at ease, captivated by the layout, intrigued by the design and raring to get going.

It seemed the perfect fit and didn’t disappoint in a single aspect – apart from the fact that the test drive was over way to soon!

Now we all know that the family SUV marketplace place is probably the busiest

of them all with some fierce competition and every major manufacturer spoiling for a fight.

THE SMART DESIGNERS AT BMW HAVE MANAGED TO SPRINKLE SOME WONDERMENT AND STARDUST ATOP THE PRACTICAL BASE

That means there are some darn good cars in the mix and to survive you must be better than good. You must be great.

BMW has long had a superhero in the X3, which was first launched in 2003 and the aforementioned sales figures that speak for themselves.

To see it, feel it, drive it and experience it, illustrates just why it remains a leader in its field.

There is a real feeling of space, refinement and practicality. Pair those attributes with an array of high-end equipment and a mighty impressive performance, then you have a sure-fire winner on your hands.

In terms of the BMW X3, the 2.0d xDrive M

Sport is clearly a flagship, but the offering is top drawer no matter which model you select.

Calling upon 194 hp and 400Nm of torque, the two-litre diesel engine is lively enough to get you from 0 to 62mph in 7.7 seconds and reach a top speed of 134mph.

Very roomy with five generous seats and tons of storage, yet still able to deliver 47mph.

And somehow the clever designers at BMW have managed to add excitement into the practicalities. This up-market, good-looking car is far more than a reliable performer, with the smart designers at BMW managing to sprinkle some wonderment and stardust atop the practical base.

An absolute joy to drive, instantly responsive with agile handling, it comes adorned with an eye-catching new grille which can even be illuminated by a thin LED strip around the outside. The magnificent panoramic glass sunroof lets the light flood in and the range of equipment, standard and optional, covers all possible bases.

Adaptive LED headlights and taillights, variable Sport steering, a heated steering wheel, a luggage net, electric front seats plus driver memory, heated front sports seats, ambient lighting and automatic air conditioning while the M Sport Package Pro includes BMW iconic glow, M Sport brakes with red callipers, BMW individual lights shadow line and M Sport seat belts.

Technology plays a key role in the interior of the new BMW X3, featuring an iconic BMW widescreen display which combines a 10.25” instrument cluster with the 10.7” CID display. The X3 comes with BMW Operating System 9 providing a new touch-optimised Maps-centric user interface and a host of digital interfaces, but still retains the iDrive Controller in the central console with turn and press function.

AN ABSOLUTE JOY TO DRIVE, INSTANTLY RESPONSIVE WITH AGILE HANDLING, IT COMES ADORNED WITH AN EYE-CATCHING NEW GRILLE WHICH CAN EVEN BE ILLUMINATED

These allow interactions via touch, voice and gesture control, enabling completely seamless interaction between the driver and vehicle. All levels can be enhanced further with the Technology pack, which offers Live Cockpit Professional with Head-up Display, as well as Parking Assistant Plus and Driving Assistant Plus.

As with every car though it is the drive that counts and the BMW X3 is equally capable fizzing down the motorway, popping around town and tackling a twisty country lane.

Very quiet – I actually forgot it was a diesel engine – with excellent visibility front and back and easily able to ride any bumps or potholes.

In every way an outstanding family car –for everyone. n

Bowker Blackburn

Trident Park, Trident Way Blackburn BB1 3NU 01254 274444

bowkerblackburnbmw.co.uk

@BowkerBMW

@bmw_bowker

@bowker-motor-group

@bowker.bmw

SUMMIT 10 CHALLENGE

Conquering the 10 highest mountains in England and Wales in the fastest possible time, three adventurous young climbers now have Scotland in their sight

Three intrepid friends are embarking on their third amazing SUMMIT 10 challenge. Following on from their success completing their first and second challenges – climbing the 10 highest mountains in England and Wales back to back – they are now planning their third, to climb the 10 highest mountains in Scotland.

SUMMIT 10 first started when Ribble Valley aerospace engineer Peter McLay decided to not only test his physical fitness and mental agility to the extreme, but also to make a documentary of the challenge in memory of his grandma.

“I started 2023 wanting to test myself in a way that I had never done before – something that would combine my daily training in

the gym and my enjoyment of climbing mountains. So, I had this crazy idea to hike the 10 highest mountains in England back to back as fast as possible and film it all into

WE WILL BE CAMPING, COOKING AND OF COURSE, FILMING THE CLIMBS AND THE RAISING OF THE SUMMIT 10 FLAG. TO BE HONEST CHAPTER 3 IS AS BIG AS IT GETS FOR US

a documentary – naming the challenge SUMMIT 10,” explains Peter. “I then called two good friends, who I thought would be daft enough to try this with me!”

Joined by software engineer James SunterStorey and electrician and ex-army Bryn Catherwood, Peter adds: “At that stage we didn’t realise it would result in multiple extreme expeditions over the following years.”

Their first SUMMIT 10 Chapter 1 was a steep learning curve: “We had no idea what to expect. We came up with a route plan but hadn’t anticipated the severe weather we would encounter. We had lightning storms and high-speed winds in the Lake District –challenging conditions, but we got through it.”

SUMMIT 10 Chapter 1 – England was successfully completed with the trio hiking across 30 hours 45 minutes, taking 130,000 steps, climbing the equivalent of 1491 flights of stairs and completing a total distance of 106.34km.

“Afterwards we discussed what went wrong and what went right and we learnt from it,” explains Peter, who produced a 42-minute 4k documentary following the challenge with the help of Michael

Dorrington of Ex-Captures Drone Services. Hot on the heels of Chapter 1 the three climbers then began planning Chapter 2 in Wales: “We weren’t going into it blind even thought it was the same concept.”

Chapter 2 was a great success with the trio hiking across 23 hours 47 minutes, taking 75,000 steps, climbing the equivalent of 727 flights of stairs and completing a total distance of 58.19km.

With the arrival of 2025 came SUMMIT 10 Chapter 3 Scotland: “This time I want to challenge the team further, building on the work we have already completed,” says Peter, who has scheduled the Scottish challenge for July when the three pals will endeavour to climb the 10 highest mountains in Scotland in the fastest time possible time and filming it.

They will be climbing Braeriach, Sgor an Lochain, Càirn Toul, Ben Macdui, Cairn Gorm, Aonach Mor, Aonach Beag, Carn Mor Dearg, Ben Nevis and Ben Lawers.

“This will be the most technical challenge we ever done due to the landscapes, terrain and logistical planning involved,” says Peter.

“Planning began back in November and we have been working on it to ensure it

gives us the best chance of success. We have estimated it will take three to four days to complete depending on the weather and any setbacks we encounter.”

Over the years completing the Summit 10 challenges, the three have raised thousands of pounds for charity including £4,832 for Dementia UK and £1,831 for the Children’s Hospital Charity.

WE HAVE SEEN A HUGE INCREASE IN INTEREST IN THE SUMMIT 10 EVENT. THE STORY IS REALLY GAINING TRACTION

This year they are raising money for Lancashire Mind: “I feel we all have a connection to someone, either friends or family, that have suffered from mental health issues. We also owe so much to hiking and climbing as a way for us to have a positive outlook.”

The trio have also formed many valuable collaborations with local businesses through SUMMIT 10 – this year their main official event sponsors are Pursue Fitness, Hyer

Wellness and Ex-Captures Drone Services. There are still event partnership availabilities via a set donation, giving companies the opportunity to be involved in the event.

“We have seen a huge increase in interest in the SUMMIT 10: Chapter 3 event. The story is really gaining traction,” adds Peter, who uses social media platforms to raise awareness of the challenge.

“We will be camping, cooking and of course, filming the climbs and the raising of the summit flags. To be honest Chapter 3 is as big as it gets for us.” n

@summit10.uk

JUST GIVING

UK AWARD FOR GOURMET CHIPPY

At an industry awards ceremony held in London, a Ribble Valleybased mobile fish and chip operator has been named the best in the UK

Alight bulb moment back in lockdown led Simon Mathews into a totally new career –swapping his job as a transport manager to becoming the most successful mobile fish and chip operator in the UK.

Simon and his wife Helen co-founders of Country Fried, recently won the Best Mobile Operator at the National Fish and Chip Awards. Having been placed in the top five in 2023 and the top three in 2024, the 2025 top spot

was well deserved for the duo, who were delighted with their win which was announced at a glittering industry awards ceremony at the Park Plaza Westminster, London.

“In the run up to the winner being announced, the judges said if they could bottle the passion and enthusiasm that this company has, they would be millionaires! Then they announced that we had won. Wow!” recalls Simon, who was presented with the award by the One Show’s Matt Baker.

“I was just so pleased for Simon,” adds Helen. “He took a big risk giving up a career –it was a massive gamble.”

Country Fried was an idea Simon had back in 2020, while sitting in the garden of their family home in Langho.

“I realised our corner of the Ribble Valley was crying out for quality fish and chips. There I was relaxing in the garden and I suddenly sat up and said ‘I’m going to sell fish and chips!’ Everyone thought I’d gone crazy. I didn’t know anything about cooking fish and chips.”

IT WAS AN OPPORTUNITY THAT MIGHT NEVER COME ROUND AGAIN

Simon immediately set to work researching how he could realise his dream, training and gaining industry knowledge over Zoom with the National Fish Friers Federation (NFFF) then attending a practical one-to-one course at the NFFF college in Leeds: “I love cooking, but I’d never cooked fish and chips in my life! It was quite daunting that first time.”

After buying a van and kitting it out just like a professional fish and chip shop with a three-pan range, a bain-marie and steamer, Country Fried launched in Hurst Green in the autumn of 2020: “There was a huge queue, which was daunting. It was so intense, completely different to how I imagined it would be. I came home in tears!”

Helen adds: “We decided to simplify the menu – it was too ambitious to launch with on our opening night”

Five years later and Simon is cooking with confidence and Country Fried now has numerous village locations where it serves the queues of people who think their fish and chips are the tastiest around.

As well as doing the village rounds, Country Fried can also be seen at pop-ups, weddings and corporate events – from staff days to product launches.

“Everyone loves it!” says Helen. “At weddings

we tailor the van to the couple’s themes and colours, it makes it special and provides a photo opportunity. We often get thank-you cards saying the fish and chip van was more talked about than the dress!

“Along with our customer five-star Google reviews, we have family values and take time to talk to our customers and get to know them. We pride ourselves on being a traditional

WE PRIDE OURSELVES ON BEING A TRADITIONAL CHIPPY, USING TRADITIONAL METHODS AND ONLY THE FRESHEST INGREDIENTS OF THE SEASON

chippy using traditional methods and only the freshest ingredients of the season.”

Having experimented with different batters, Simon has found the perfect one to complement the premium Icelandic haddock used by Country Fried. For the chips the potatoes are supplied by Chorley-based Jess Turner who provides the best seasonal produce: “We don’t have any secret recipes, we just use the best of the season, quality ingredients that are freshly cooked to order.”

The couple also pride themselves on the Country Fried eco-friendly ethos, which sees them using bio-degradable packaging made from sugar cane, wooden cutlery and even carrier bags made from recycled oyster shells.

Along with receiving the Best Mobile Fish and Chip trophy, Simon is set to go to London to meet the Norwegian ambassador and embark on an educational trip to Norway that will see him going out on a trawler to learn about sustainable fishing techniques.

Reflecting on their success, Helen and Simon agree: “We never imagined in our wildest dreams, that we would ever be the UK’s number one mobile fish and chip operator.

“Winning the award was an emotional moment for us, securing our recognition in a highly competitive market. It was an opportunity for us that might never come round again. We have worked, along with the help of all our staff, to make Country Fried a great place to visit. It’s been an amazing journey and we look forward to what the future holds.” n

SEASONAL PLATES, SUNNY SPACES & LAID-BACK CHARM

Already a favourite for many, the Rum Fox in Grindleton continues to impress with fresh seasonal dishes, clever event spaces and a garden room perfect for soaking up the Ribble Valley sun

As the days get longer and the Ribble Valley skies start pulling more blue than grey, there’s no better time to spend an afternoon or early evening at the Rum Fox. The arrival of spring means one thing here –the retractable roof in the garden room is open for business. On cooler days it’s cosy and bright and when the sun comes out, it’s a glorious al fresco haven. Whether you’re sipping a chilled glass of something crisp or tucking into a seasonal plate under the open sky, it’s all about soaking up those rays and making the most of the much sought after sunshine.

With its relaxed charm and clever knack for balancing laid-back luxury with proper northern warmth, this place has carved out a well-deserved place in local hearts. It’s not

just the setting that draws you in either. The kitchen is in its element this time of year, moving confidently into the brighter, greener

ON COOLER DAYS IT’S COSY AND BRIGHT AND WHEN THE SUN COMES OUT, IT’S A GLORIOUS AL FRESCO HAVEN

flavours of spring. Think succulent Eaves Hall Farm lamb loin, paired with tender English asparagus and aromatic wild garlic, delicate scallop en croute with a luxurious Champagne sauce or flaky halibut accompanied with earthy morel mushrooms, buttery jersey royals and fermented wild garlic sauce. Every dish seems to speak the same language –local, thoughtful, full of flavour and just a little bit indulgent.

The midweek set menu is proving to be something of a hidden gem too, especially for those long lunch breaks or early suppers that deserve better than a meal deal. With two courses for £30 or three course options for £36 and a rotating selection of dishes changing weekly, it offers a great way to try something new each visit without blowing the budget. It’s also where the kitchen’s creativity often shines, giving a platform to fresh finds from local producers and small suppliers.

For something even more casual, there’s a specialist sandwich menu that punches well above its weight. This isn’t your average midday filler – we’re talking proper doorstep creations like slow-roast beef with horseradish cream or hot smoked salmon with dill crème fraîche, all served with sides that make it a plate worth pausing for. It’s a welcome option for walkers, day-trippers and locals alike, especially since the place is proudly dog friendly, muddy boots and all.

Then there’s Sunday lunch, a weekly ritual that regulars plan their weekends around.

Photography:

Kirsten Platt

It’s a sell-out for good reason. Generous cuts of roast meat, crisp potatoes, towering Yorkshire puddings and sauces that mean business – it’s Sunday done properly. Add a fireside pint or a glass of full-bodied red and you’re winning.

WITH TWO OR THREE COURSE OPTIONS THE SET MENU OFFERS A GREAT WAY TO TRY SOMETHING NEW EACH VISIT WITHOUT BLOWING THE BUDGET

The Rum Fox is also quietly becoming a bit of an events favourite. The Den, a private space ideal for up to 12, is perfect for intimate celebrations or low-key business dinners where good food matters. Then there’s the garden room again, this time showing off its versatility as a larger takeover space.

It’s already seen a few stunning weddings

and big birthdays and it’s easy to see why. Natural light, indoor-outdoor feel and that effortless flow that makes everyone feel at ease.

Recognition has been rolling in too. Recent award wins and nominations have only confirmed what regulars already knew – this place is onto something special. From local hospitality nods to national mentions, the mix of thoughtful food, seamless service and a setting that manages to be both elegant and unfussy has hit a real sweet spot.

The beauty of it all lies in how naturally it comes together. There’s no trying too hard, no need to impress with flash. Just a confident, welcoming spot that knows its crowd, plays to its strengths and continues to grow with quiet charm and clever tweaks. Whether you’re here for a breezy lunch, a landmark celebration or just a pint in the sun with your dog at your feet, you’ll find the door open, the kitchen ready and the sun (hopefully) shining. n

SAMPLE SET MENU

Wednesday – Saturday

Lunchtime 12 noon – 2pm

Wednesday – Thursday

All evening

Two courses

£30

Three courses

£36

STARTERS

Wild garlic, leek and potato soup

Crispy stuffed potato skin

Potted rabbit

Liver parfait, toasted sourdough

Lancashire cheese soufflé

Grindleton apple chutney, chive MAINS

Treacle glazed pig cheeks

Creamed potatoes, crispy pork bits, treacle sauce

Cod loin

Sea herbs, crushed Jersey Royals, fermented wild garlic sauce

Minted Eaves Hall Farm lamb pie

Mint gravy, seasonal veg, crinkle cut chips

DESSERTS

Sticky toffee pudding

toffee sauce, vanilla ice cream

Gariguette strawberry

Turkish milk pudding, cardamon and pistachio, elderflower vinegar gel

Courtyard Dairy cheeseboard

Selection of three (£3 supplement)

GIN, FOOD, LAUGHTER AND MUSIC…

The success of a local, award-winning gin distillery has led to an exciting new chapter with the launch of a vibrant culinary food yard, writes Katie Hammond

The success story of Cuckoo has thus far culminated in it becoming a well-loved Lancashire staple since the tiny embers of an idea for a small gin distillery was mooted back in 2016 by a Brindle farming family.

The Singletons had farmed for generations and like many, were looking for ideas to address the need for diversification in light of the adverse economic climate facing the farming community.

IT’S A SPACE WHERE OUR COMMUNITY CAN COME TOGETHER OVER GREAT FOOD AND DRINK

The Cuckoo brand was born soon after and eight years on, is now supplied to hundreds of hospitality venues throughout Lancashire and is still produced from its original home of what is now known as the Brindle Distillery.

General Manager Jack Connor takes up the story: “A year after we bought the first

small still to start making our gin, we invested in a 500-litre copper still whom we affectionately call Maggie – she’s still the heart of the farm today.

“We put out an informal invitation for some of our neighbours and locals to come down and join us for a gin and tonic to celebrate and more than 150 people arrived – we panicked as we only had about 50 glasses!”

Today the success of the distillery’s bar, the Cuckoo’s Nest, naturally brought about

the need for a food provision to accompany the delicious gins on offer.

Jack continues: “In the early days, all we could offer in the way of snacks was a packet of Fiddlers Lancashire crisps. We soon realised that our customers were keen on a food offering and wanted to become more of a destination for them to come and enjoy the gins with a bite to eat and some music.

“In the past, we’ve invited some fantastic independent food traders along, which our customers loved, so we wanted to create something more permanent, serving locallysourced delicious dishes in keeping with the spirit of Cuckoo – pardon the pun!

“We’ve installed two purpose-built, state-of-the-art kitchens to service what will become our new destination food yard.”

The aptly named Peckish offers a vibrant new casual dining experience, bringing together the best of local independent food vendors committed to serving high quality food, all sourced locally.

Leading the way is Meld, known for their delicious steaks sourced from Butcher Farell’s Meat Emporium and Fratelli’s Pizzeria, who are serving up their signature wood-fired pizzas alongside traditional Italian street foods.

Jack continues: “We’ve always had something really special here, but we wanted to create something more permanent, celebrating local producers and craftsmanship. It’s a space where our community can come together over great food and drink –a destination for Brindle and the north.”

Peckish complements Brindle Distillery’s existing offering, providing the perfect spot to enjoy a bite to eat alongside its renowned Cuckoo spirits, locally sourced beers, premium wines and cocktails. With a seasonally changing line-up of food and special events planned, it promises to become a go-to destination for food lovers across Lancashire and beyond. n

@ Brindle Distillery Holmes Farm Sandy Lane

Brindle PR6 8LZ

brindledistillery.co.uk

KEY DATES TO GET PECKISH:

Bar open every weekend – check our website for opening hours and just turn up!

Friday 2nd and Saturday 3rd May:

Gin tasting – An entertaining talk about the story behind Cuckoo gin whilst enjoying perfect serves from our core range. 1pm start – book now

Friday 9th May:

Live @ The Nest – Our live music event with talented local artist Jake Heaton. 7pm start – book now

Saturday 10th, 17th and 31st May:

Gin workshop – Enjoy a talk about distilling gin and then it’s over to you! Make your own gin and then take a bottle home with you. 12pm start –book now

Friday 16th May:

Gin tasting - An entertaining talk about the story behind Cuckoo gin whilst enjoying perfect serves from our core range. 7pm start – book now

Sunday 18th May:

Cocktail Masterclass – Mixologist in the making? Perfect your Negronis with our Cocktail Masterclass. Go on, give it a shot (or two)!

Saturday 24th and 31st May:

Gin tasting – An entertaining talk about the story behind Cuckoo gin whilst enjoying perfect serves from our core range. 5pm start – book now

Friday 30th May:

Live @ The Nest - Our live music event with talented local artist Steve Walton. 7pm start – book now brindledistillery.co.uk

Peckish

A TASTE OF ITALY:

ALFRESCO STYLE IN THE HEART OF CLITHEROE

Gio’s Deli brings an authentic slice of Italy to Clitheroe with soulful food, a vibrant atmosphere and passionate craftsmanship, making it a standout gem in the town’s café culture, writes Tedd Walmsley

Clitheroe’s café culture is wellestablished and rightly celebrated, but every now and then, something arrives that feels refreshingly different, a little slice of something else.

And that’s exactly what you get with Gio’s Deli, a much-loved spot tucked away on New Market Street, the creation of the everpassionate Joseph Lanzante, who I had the pleasure of catching up with over a cappuccino (naturally) and a few too many cannoli.

What sets this charming Italian deli apart is its soul. It’s not just a café and it’s certainly not just a deli. This is a fully immersive Italian experience, built on authenticity, family heritage and a clear passion for quality. The moment you walk in, you feel transported. The scent of strong coffee, warm focaccia and sweet pastries is enough to make you forget the Lancashire weather outside.

Speaking of weather, Joseph is justifiably proud of his new outdoor alfresco dining area, now fully covered by a beautiful awning. “We wanted to create a space where people could sit and relax with a glass of wine or a coffee, rain or shine,” he tells me. The space

feels like a tucked-away piazza, stylish, social and a welcome addition to Clitheroe’s dining scene.

The menu is a joy. Breakfast is where many regulars begin their day and with good reason. Think freshly baked pastries, pancetta and egg focaccia sandwiches and strong Italian coffee served just as it should be. It’s unfussy, elegant and utterly satisfying.

IT’S NOT JUST A CAFÉ AND IT’S CERTAINLY NOT JUST A DELI, IT’S A FULLY IMMERSIVE ITALIAN EXPERIENCE, RIGHT IN THE HEART OF CLITHEROE

Lunchtime is where the real magic happens. The paninis are exceptional, filled with everything from porchetta to creamy burrata and roasted vegetables. There’s always a daily pasta special, lovingly made and full of bold, traditional flavour. On our visit, a rich beef ragu lasagne had people ordering seconds and for good reason.

And then … there’s the dolce. The counter of

cakes, pastries and traditional cannoli is dangerously tempting. The pistachio cannoli is a personal favourite, with a crunchy shell, rich filling and that perfect balance of nutty and sweet. Joseph explains that everything is sourced with care, with many ingredients imported directly from Italy to ensure the flavours stay true.

What Joseph has created here is something quite special, Gio’s not only serves great food, but brings a taste of Italy to the Ribble Valley in a way that feels natural, authentic and excitingly different. It doesn’t try to be something it’s not and that’s exactly why it works.

So, if you haven’t yet experienced this Italian gem, pull up a chair under the awning, order yourself an espresso and prepare to fall a little bit in love with Italy, right here in Clitheroe. n

Gio’s Deli

3 New Market Street, Clitheroe BB7 2JW 01200 400039 giosdeli.co.uk

Italian

THE NEXT CHAPTER…

The new owners of Michelin-starred Northcote outline their plans to take the hotel to the next level with a new world-class, fine-dining restaurant, brasserie and luxury wellness spa

Michelin-starred hotel and restaurant Northcote has been bought by the Ellis family. Alf and Clare Ellis, the husband-and-wife team behind the successful Pontefract-based kitchen manufacturer Ultima, have acquired the iconic Lancashire restaurant from the Stafford Collection and are thrilled to lead Northcote into an exciting new era.

Alf and Clare’s journey with Northcote began when they first experienced Obsession as guests of the annual renowned culinary festival, over 10 years ago. Since then, they

have been loyal patrons of Northcote and are delighted to take on the hotel and shape its future.

THE GOAL IS TO TRANSFORM NORTHCOTE INTO A TRUE DESTINATION WHERE VISITORS CAN INDULGE IN WORLD-CLASS FINE DINING AND UNPARALLELED SERVICE

The Ellis family, known for their unwavering commitment to excellence and

innovation, bring a fresh perspective to Northcote, with plans to expand its legacy and create an unparalleled destination. Their vision includes a complete refurbishment of the existing spaces, in addition to a stunning new fine dining restaurant led by Lisa Goodwin-Allen, all set within an expansive, beautifully designed space that overlooks the breathtaking Ribble Valley.

As part of this development, the existing restaurant space at Northcote will be transformed into a more relaxed brasserie, combining the finest hospitality with a more accessible menu for both local guests and residents, while still providing the high level of service and quality for which Northcote is known.

“Our vision is to build on Northcote’s outstanding reputation, taking everything to the next level by introducing innovative

and memorable experiences,” Alf and Clare explain.

“We are committed to enhancing the offering, with plans to launch a dedicated wellness space, allowing guests to unwind in the most luxurious setting and we will be expanding the event facilities to create versatile spaces catering to a variety of occasions.

NORTHCOTE IS A PLACE THAT MEANS SO MUCH TO ME AND I’M OVER THE MOON TO BE PART OF THE NEXT CHAPTER

“The goal is to transform Northcote into a true destination where visitors can indulge in world-class fine dining and unparalleled service. We want the property to be synonymous with excellence – at the very forefront of hospitality, setting new standards for what a country house hotel can be. Ultimately, we see Northcote as one of the very best and most revered country house hotels in the UK. Northcote is known not just for its remarkable history and reputation, but for continually evolving to offer a unique and unforgettable experience to every guest.”

In addition to these transformative changes, Lisa Goodwin-Allen, the celebrated Executive Chef who announced her departure from Northcote in March after 23 years, will return as Chef Patron-Director. Lisa was a central figure in establishing Northcote’s Michelin-star status and building its reputation for excellence but decided to take a step away from Northcote due to challenges in securing the investment required to take the restaurant further.

Inspired by Alf and Clare’s vision and their shared passion for Northcote’s future, Lisa is now back: “I’m honestly so chuffed to be returning to Northcote with Alf and Clare as owners,” says Lisa.

“Northcote is a place that means so much to me and I’m over the moon to be part of the next chapter. I’ve got to know Alf and Clare well over the years and together, with

the incredible team in the kitchen, front and back of house, we’ll continue to push the boundaries, offering guests an unforgettable experience and proper northern hospitality.”

Craig Bancroft, Managing Director of Northcote, shared his excitement for this new development: “We are overjoyed to have Alf and Clare Ellis as the new independent owners of Northcote. Their passion, dedication to excellence and vision for the future will be key in realising Northcote’s true potential.

“I’m particularly pleased to welcome Lisa back as Chef Patron. Having worked very closely with her for 23 years, I know our guests are going to be delighted that she’s back spearheading the next chapter.

“Her return will bring the energy and creativity that Northcote needs to keep it at the forefront of the very best of fine dining in the UK. Along with our fantastic senior

management team and the rest of the Northcote family, we are committed to ensuring Northcote continues to be an oasis of food and wine excellence with genuine and outstanding hospitality.”

The Ellis family’s ambitious long-term vision for Northcote goes beyond simply refurbishing the existing spaces and adding a new restaurant and brasserie. They plan to enhance the experiences the hotel offers ensuring that Northcote remains at the forefront of luxury hospitality. n

Northcote

Northcote Road, Langho BB6 8BE 01254 240555

northcote.com

ARGENTINIAN RED PRAWNS WITH KING SCALLOPS & BLACK GARLIC AIOLI

This fabulous seafood recipe is brought to you by Gary Entwistle the head chef at Bertram’s Restaurant, Crow Wood Resort

Serves two

Ingredients

6 Argentinian red prawns

2 extra-large King scallops

25g salted butter

For the Chardonnay cream:

50g diced banana shallot

3 garlic cloves, finely sliced

125ml Chardonnay wine

4 black garlic cloves, halved

80ml heavy cream

For the black garlic aioli:

1 large egg

38g black garlic

2g garlic purée

3g lemon juice

16g squid ink

250ml neutral-flavored oil (eg sunflower or vegetable oil)

Method:

1. Prepare the prawns: Begin by removing the head and shell from each prawn, then devein them.

2. Prepare the King scallops: Carefully shuck the scallops, ensuring you don’t damage the delicate muscle. Remove the frill, gut and roe, leaving only the muscle. Rinse the scallop briefly in carbonated water (no more than 10 seconds), then pat dry.

3. For the black garlic aioli:

Boil the egg for 61 /2 minutes, then transfer to an ice bath to stop the cooking. Once cooled, place the egg into a food processor and blitz on low speed for two minutes. Add the black garlic, garlic purée, squid ink and lemon juice and blitz again on high until smooth. Gradually add the oil in a very slow, steady stream to incorporate – be mindful not to split the aioli.

4. Cook the scallops: Heat a hot skillet and sear the scallops for one minute on each side. Add the butter and continue to baste the scallops with the melted butter until they are cooked through and golden brown.

5. For the Chardonnay cream sauce: In a medium saucepan, heat the banana shallots and sliced garlic over medium heat. Add the Chardonnay wine and reduce by half. Next, add the prawns and poach them for 30 seconds on each side. Once cooked, add the cream and allow the sauce to reduce to your desired consistency.

Tips:

• Don’t overcook the prawns. If the cream isn’t reducing quickly enough, feel free to remove the prawns temporarily.

• When making the aioli, add the oil slowly. This ensures the aioli doesn’t split, as it’s crucial to incorporate the oil gradually for a smooth, creamy texture. n

bertramsrestaurant.com

OUTSTANDING EXPERIENCE… T

Whether you are looking for private-dining or a delicious Sunday lunch, the Freemasons at Wiswell is the perfect destination for any occasion. Photography: Kaptured By Wayne

ucked away in the picturesque village of Wiswell in the heart of the Ribble Valley, the Freemasons at Wiswell has long been celebrated as one of the finest dining pubs in the country. Combining the warmth of a traditional British inn with the sophistication of a top-tier restaurant, it offers an exceptional experience that keeps guests returning time and time again. Whether for an intimate meal, a special occasion or simply a relaxed afternoon enjoying outstanding food and drink, the Freemasons continues to set the standard for hospitality, quality and atmosphere.

The recent refurbishment of the beautiful upstairs private dining rooms has elevated the Freemasons offering even further, making it the perfect destination for private dining, small weddings, milestone birthdays and special celebrations.

SUNDAY LUNCH IS AN EVENT IN ITSELF, OFFERING A FEAST OF PERFECTLY ROASTED MEATS, CRISP YORKSHIRE PUDDINGS, RICH GRAVY AND INDULGENT SIDES

The Portrait Room, with its classic yet country house decor, exudes elegance while maintaining the inviting charm that defines the Freemasons. Meanwhile, the Gun Room provides a more intimate and atmospheric setting, ideal for gatherings that demand exclusivity and a refined ambience. Both spaces reflect the establishments attention to detail and commitment to creating memorable experiences, offering beautifully designed private spaces for guests looking to celebrate in style.

There’s also the Shoot Room and the Derby Room, both beautiful rooms in their own right, with beautiful antique oil paintings and prints of horse racing and game shooting, perfect for any private dining occasion.

Downstairs, the private dining takes on a more contemporary vibrant approach, where the chef’s table sits in the heart of the action, as the kitchen team prepare and cook the produce that makes the Freemasons the special dining experience it is.

Beyond the exceptional dining spaces, the Freemasons also offers five-star luxury accommodation, allowing guests to fully

immerse themselves in the experience without the need to travel home. The current selection of rooms provides a luxurious yet comfortable retreat, with every detail carefully considered to ensure a relaxing stay.

COMBINING

detail in both the food and service ensures that every visit feels like a special occasion, no matter how many times you dine there.

Sunday lunch at the Freemasons is an event in itself, offering a feast of perfectly roasted meats, crisp Yorkshire puddings, rich gravies and indulgent sides, all served in a setting that is as welcoming as it is refined. It’s the perfect way to round off a weekend, whether enjoying a relaxed meal with family or gathering with friends for a long, indulgent lunch. The attention to

Value is an important part of the experience at the Freemasons, proving that fine dining doesn't have to be reserved for special occasions. The carefully crafted set menus and use of the finest ingredients ensure that there’s something for everyone, whether it’s a light lunch or a full-blown dining experience. Please contact the team to book your very own personal private dining experience or foodie visit to the wonderful Freemasons at Wiswell. n

Freemasons at Wiswell

8 Vicarage Fold

Wiswell BB7 9DF 01254 822218

freemasonsatwiswell.com

freemasonsatwiswell

Photography: Robin Lyndon

LET THE FUN BE- GIN

Weekends are best spent with a tipple and when you add a gin making experience into the mix, you have the perfect concoction, writes Mary Lee-Slade

I’ve always been a fan of the Mother’s Ruin, so when Brooke Darlington invited me to her new Whalley-based gin workshop, The Nab Lab, to take part in a two-hour gin crafting experience, I absolutely jumped at the chance.

Tucked just behind King Street, The Nab Lab is a stunning space that’s been lovingly furnished with no detail left unconsidered. Copper stills line the border of the room, each named after a local place or person close to Brooke’s heart, while in front of a stocked bar sit comfortable workstations for eager gin students, like me.

My experience began with a welcome drink of Spirit of the Nab Pink Gin and tonic, complete with berries and a highlyInstagrammable bursting ‘bubble’ of smoke. Deliciously crisp and refreshing, I quaffed away and listened to a short presentation on the history of gin.

Next up, it was time to choose the botanicals

for my very own creation. I’m a fan of lemon and ginger tea, so under the expert tuition of Brooke, I decided to recreate the flavour. Analysing the details of each botanical using the information provided, I measured out my earthy, floral, citrus, warming and pungent ingredients, alongside the core botanicals.

THE

NAB LAB ALSO PROVIDES WEDDING WORKSHOPS AS WELL AS BESPOKE GIN FOR GIFTS, SUCH AS THE ONE BROOKE RECENTLY CRAFTED FOR GARY NEVILLE’S 50TH BIRTHDAY

As I was treated to my second G&T, the Spirit of the Nab London Dry Gin, I headed to the copper stills, where I was guided through the process of mixing, heating and distilling, resulting in my completely unique 700ml bottle of gin. With ginger being the main botanical and myself being a product of the Spice Girls generation, I named my concoction Halliwell’s!

The gin making experience would be perfect for birthday celebrations, hen parties,

corporate activities and family gatherings –or anyone with a penchant for a tipple. The Nab Lab also provides wedding workshops for couples to create their own branded gin, as well as bespoke gin for gifts, such as the one Brooke recently crafted for Gary Neville’s 50th birthday.

Also available for private hire and with a monthly pop-up shop with The Afternoon Tea Company and a host of classes, including calligraphy with Kate Illustrate, candle making with Bottle Wicks and floristry with Sugar Stealers, The Nab Lab is a hive of activity throughout the week.

To find out more about The Nab Lab’s two-hour gin making experiences, classes and their once-a-month G&Tea experience, which features a high society-style afternoon tea, please visit thenablab.co.uk. Or to shop the range of Spirit of the Nab gins and gin-filled chocolates, just pop in. n

The Nab Lab 35b King Street Whalley BB7 9SP thenablab.co.uk

PICTURESQUE SURROUNDINGS FOOD & DRINKS BED & BREAKFAST

LUNCH TIME TREAT MENU

Wednesday to Saturday 12pm – 2pm

TEATIME TREATS MENU

Wednesday to Friday 6pm – 7pm

£19 for 2 courses • £23 for 3 courses

SUNDAY LUNCH Sunday 12pm – 6pm

£30 for 2 courses • £38 for 3 courses

FOOD SERVING HOURS:

Wednesday to Saturday: 12pm – 2pm and 6pm – 8:30pm Sunday:12pm – 6pm

11 BEAUTIFUL BEDROOMS

Available from £115 per night bed and breakfast

BOOKING RECOMMENDED CALL: 01200 443339

PINTS, PIES & RIVERSIDE VIBES

The Edisford Bridge pub combines riverside beauty with hearty fare and a welcoming atmosphere. A local gem for walkers and residents alike, writes Tedd Walmsley

Sitting quietly by the River Ribble on the edge of Clitheroe, the Edisford Bridge country pub offers more than just a scenic view. It’s become a go-to for walkers, campers and dog owners looking for a friendly place to refuel after a day outdoors. Owner Becky Govier has created a space that feels like home, with comforting food and a warm welcome that makes muddy boots part of the dress code.

The menu leans into traditional pub favourites with generous portions and locally sourced ingredients. Becky says the pies are a consistent favourite, alongside pub classics like steak and chips. Recent Facebook posts have featured dishes like crispy beer-battered fish, towering burgers and warming bowls of soup, the kind of food that fits perfectly after a brisk riverside walk.

Sunday lunch is a proper occasion here, drawing in regulars with robust plates of roast beef, seasonal vegetables and fluffy Yorkshire puddings. It’s this mix of reliable quality and honest cooking that keeps people coming back.

Tuesday nights bring something different. A collaboration with Whalley-based restaurant Amico Mio sees an authentic pizza van set up outside, with guests welcome to bring their freshly baked pizza inside to enjoy with a pint. It’s a great example of two independents working together and Becky, along with General Manager Nathan, are keen to do more of the same.

THE MENU LEANS INTO TRADITIONAL PUB FAVOURITES WITH GENEROUS PORTIONS AND LOCALLY SOURCED INGREDIENTS

“Collaboration is so important,” she says. “We’re stronger when we support each other and customers really appreciate that local feel.”

DATES FOR YOUR DIARY

Live Music: Last Friday of every month (starting 23rd May )

Late May Bank Holiday: Live Music: Friday 23rd May

Alfresco DJ (weather dependant): Saturday 24th May

Live Music and Sunday Roasts: Sunday 25th May

Quiz Night:

Second Tuesday of every month from 8pm (starting 13th May)

Live music on Friday nights adds to the atmosphere and the large outdoor area means there’s space to enjoy the river views. It’s popular for private events and has become a bit of a hidden gem for celebrations.

Like many in hospitality, Becky is open about the challenges facing the industry in 2025. Rising costs, staff shortages and changing habits mean that every pint, every meal and every visit counts. “We are always looking at what we do and how we can improve our offering and luckily our customers appreciate that. We need to support local hospitality –it’s a case of use them or lose them,” she says simply.

For those looking for great food, a relaxed setting and a sense of community, this pub by the river is worth the visit. It’s the kind of place that reminds you how good local can be. n

Edisford Bridge Country Pub

Edisford Bridge Edisford Road, Clitheroe BB8 3LJ 01200 422637 01254 248801

Edisfordbridgecountrypub

ALFRESCO MAGIC IN OLD LANGHO

The Black Bull at Old Langho is ready for a vibrant summer season. With a fresh new look, a mouthwatering spring menu and a host of outdoor events, Becky Govier and her team are set to make this summer their best yet, writes Tedd Walmsley

Icaught up with the ever-enthusiastic Becky Govier, proud owner of the independently run Black Bull, on a bright spring morning. With her trademark energy and genuine passion for hospitality, Becky shared her excitement for the months ahead. After a stunning refurbishment, the Black Bull is now firmly on the map as one of the Ribble Valley’s standout destinations for alfresco dining. As the warmer weather rolls in, the outdoor space truly comes to life. “It’s what summer’s all about,” Becky beamed. “Long evenings, great food and that relaxed atmosphere our guests love.”

Dog owners will be pleased to know the outdoor area is dog-friendly, welcoming four-legged friends to join in the fun. The full menu is available outside, allowing diners to enjoy everything from fresh seasonal starters to hearty mains under the open sky.

Live music is set to return, bringing a laid-back festival feel to weekends. There’s also talk of barbecues and wood-fired pizza nights, perfect for families, friends and anyone looking to unwind with great food and drink.

THE FULL MENU IS AVAILABLE OUTSIDE, ALLOWING DINERS TO ENJOY EVERYTHING FROM FRESH SEASONAL STARTERS TO HEARTY MAINS UNDER THE OPEN SKY

Inside, the new spring menu is already proving a hit. Packed with vibrant flavours and locally sourced ingredients, it reflects Becky’s vision of approachable yet creative pub dining. “We’ve taken a lot of time to get this right,” she tells me. “It’s fresh, it’s seasonal and it’s full of dishes we know people love.” The Barn at the Black Bull is also turning

WHAT’S ON AT THE BLACK BULL

Monday 5th May

VE DAY CELEBRATIONS

Live music

Monday 5th & 26th May

BANK HOLIDAY BREAKFASTS

9.30am - 11.30am

Saturday 5th May

MAY GARDEN PARTY (weather permitting)

Frozen cocktails and alfresco dining

Thursday 29th May

STEAK & SWING NIGHT

Two steaks: Ribeye of fillet and a bottle of house red, white or rose wine

From 6pm

Live music

Sunday 16th June

FATHER’S DAY

Perfect roasts for the perfect Dad

Saturday 21st June

ROYAL ASCOT

Watch the racing, live music and bubbles

SPECIAL PRIORITY CLUB OFFER:

Kids eat free throughout half term For more information visit the website: theblackbulloldlangho.co.uk

heads. This flexible space is available for everything from weddings to business events. Becky speaks with real pride about how it can be transformed for each occasion. “We’ve hosted everything from baby showers to funerals,” she says. “It’s about making every event personal and memorable.”

There’s a real sense that this summer will be a special one at the Black Bull. Having recently been recognised as Pub of the Year by Marketing Lancashire, Becky and her team have even more reason to celebrate. With Becky at the helm, it’s impossible not to share in her optimism and excitement. n

The Black Bull

Old Langho Road, Old Langho BB6 8AW 01254 248801

enquiries@theblackbulloldlangho.co.uk theblackbulloldlangho.co.uk

Black Bull Inn – Old Langho blackbull_oldlangho

FLOUR POWER

Learning new cookery skills, using all-natural ingredients was an absolute joy at a workshop run by Michelin-trained chef Dominique Ashford, writes Jan Woolley

Ihave been on many and varied cookery courses – on some I have come away with fancy ingredients but little new knowledge and on others I’ve learnt some handy skills that I may never put in to practice.

That said, I recently embarked on a one-day breadmaking workshop with ESSE ambassador Dominique Ashford – and it was a revelation!

A former head pastry chef at the Houses of Parliament, Dominique has worked with an impressive line-up of Michelin-starred chefs including Aiden Byrne and the Roux Brothers.

At the start of the course, she told us it was going to be a busy, hands-on day – and it certainly was – we made a basic loaf, pizza dough, babka, crumpets, focaccia and olive oil crackers.

Unlike many other courses I’ve encountered, we made everything from scratch. Nothing was prepared for us, which is great because if you’re going to make any of these things at home, you need to learn the skills and understand the ingredients.

Starting off with a simple white loaf, Dominique demonstrated her ‘throw and stretch’ kneading technique, which involves

slapping the dough down onto the worktop then stretching it. Then, we were shown how to ‘travel’ the dough across the work surface in order to create a super-smooth ball ready for the first ‘prove’ on top of the cosy, warm ESSE range cooker.

Next, we moved onto pizza dough using a ‘biga’ which is a simple home-made ferment added to the ingredients then Dominique demonstrated how to hand stretch the bases ready for a selection of tasty toppings.

Lunch (the pizza was delicious) was a convivial, busy affair with everyone gathering around the table, intermittently checking whether their dough had sufficiently proven and Dominique constantly on the go, responding to timers and checking the ovens.

The afternoon saw us making babka – an impressive, yet surprisingly simple cinnamon bun that looked amazing. The technique included plaiting the sweet dough so the resulting buns when cooked, look like neat, glazed knots.

On to the focaccia, which like the other recipes, was simple and wholesome using all-natural ingredients that you would readily find in your larder at home.

After proving, stretching, dimpling and adding rosemary topping, these were cooked in the ESSE ovens – it was a super-tasty treat for a late supper!

Finally, we embarked on possibly the most technically challenging recipe of the day that relied on a pasta roller to create a thin sheet of dough to which herbs were added, to make delightfully light crackers that looked pretty and are perfect for dips.

In times when we are inundated with warnings about UPFs (ultra processed foods) this course is a breath of fresh air. Using store cupboard staples and learning new techniques to create delicious food from scratch was an absolute joy.

The ESSE range cookers also didn’t disappoint. Dominique, who is totally dedicated to the brand, says: “There is this old-fashioned idea that these cookers have to be running all the time, but ESSE have really brought them into the 21st century with new technology. They not only look fantastic, but they are so versatile!” n

For more information about Dominique’s courses go to: dominiqueskitchen.co.uk

ESSE

Ouzledale Foundry, Long Ing Lane Barnoldswick BB18 6BJ 01282 813235 esse.com

A MASTERCLASS IN FRESHNESS & FLAIR

The Derby Arms in Longridge blends cosy pub charm with standout cooking, offering fresh fish, bold flavours and seasonal specials that deliver the kind of meal you’ll be talking about for days, writes Tedd Walmsley

There’s something quietly brilliant about the Derby Arms in Longridge. A pub in spirit, warm, welcoming, unfussy – but step inside and you’re met with a level of culinary ambition that rivals some of the UK’s most celebrated kitchens. It’s this rare blend of relaxed charm and serious cooking that keeps regulars like my good friends Simon and Andrew coming back again and again.

The Derby is rightly famed for its fresh fish and daily specials and on this visit, we went all in. We began with their signature crab pâté, a dish steeped in local legend. Not

only has it been on the menu since day one, it’s a favourite of King Charles himself (then Prince) at the Clitheroe Food Festival. The new iteration is better than ever – devilled crab, salmon and brown shrimp, paired with toasted homemade focaccia, watercress and blushed tomatoes. It’s bold, balanced and utterly delicious.

THE SPECIALS BOARD HERE IS LEGENDARY, OFTEN FEATURING WHOLE FISH, FROM SEABASS TO JOHN DORY, DEPENDING ON THE MORNING’S CATCH

Alongside this came the seafood toasts, generously topped with king prawn and squid, finished with crisp tempura baby squid and a sweet chilli jam. Every bite was a texture and flavour bomb. The double baked cheese soufflé followed, in a velvety cheese and leek sauce. Comforting, elegant and frankly one of the best veggie starters I’ve had in months. But the main event was the whole market

turbot. Served on the bone, the flesh flaked away perfectly. No frills, just beautifully cooked fish, paired with seasonal greens and golden Hasselback potatoes that soaked up the natural juices like a dream. It was a lesson in restraint and respect for ingredients.

The specials board here is legendary, often featuring whole fish, from seabass to John Dory, depending on the morning’s catch. With the founder, Joycelyn Neve’s family heritage in the fishing industry alongside Head Chef, Martyn Ashworth’s skill in seafood cookery, the team clearly take pride in letting freshness do the talking.

Simon opted for piri piri chicken, a riot of colour and spice served with roast peppers, zingy salsa verde, braised rice and broccoli. Big on Mediterranean energy, it still felt entirely at home on the menu.

Desserts? We didn’t hold back. The ‘little brûlée’ was smooth and creamy with a perfect sugar crust served with rich, buttery shortbread. The strawberry and almond frangipane tart was the taste of spring – light, nutty and just sweet enough.

The Derby Arms is that rare place that knows exactly what it is. Unpretentious but ambitious, rooted in its community yet quietly world-class in the kitchen. Whether you’re rocking walking boots or dressing up for a night out, you’re in for something special.

As we sat by the fire, bellies full and glasses raised, Simon turned to me and said: “It never misses, does it?” It absolutely doesn’t. A meal to remember and a reminder of just how lucky we are to have places like this right on our doorstep. n

The Derby Arms Chipping Road, Longridge PR3 2NB 01772 782370 seafoodpubcompany.com

50 Moor Lane, Clitheroe, BB7 1AJ 01200 408408 clitheroe@stonesyoung.co.uk

Eaves Hall Lane, West Bradford

£1,200,000

Beautiful Grade II Listed Detached Stone-Built Farmhouse

• 4 Bedrooms, Master En-Suite & Deluxe Bathroom

• 2 Generous Receptions, Modern Kitchen & Light-Filled Orangery

• Adjoining 8 Acres of Meadow & Woodland

• Impressive Large Detached Annexe & Triple-Sized Garages

Elm Tree Grove, Brockhall Village

£625,000

Five-Bedroom Detached Home on Brockhall Village

• Modern High-Gloss Kitchen with Integral Appliances

• Snug Area and Conservatory

• Five Bedrooms, Four with En-Suite Bathrooms

• Detached Garage with Space for 6 Parking Spaces

Stopper Lane, Rimington

£570,000

Desirable Extended Detached Family Home

• Impressive Plot in Picturesque Rural Village Location

• Large Wrap-Around Gardens and Patio

• 4 Excellent Bedrooms; Large 3-pce Shower & Family Bathroom

• Beautiful Surrounding Views; Private 8-Car Driveway

The Old Post Office, 740 Whalley New Rd, Blackburn, BB1 9BA 01254 682470 enquiries@stonesyoung.co.uk

Hare Hill Croft, Chatburn

£650,000

Executive Contemporary Detached Family Home

• 5 Ample Bedrooms – Master En-Suite & Wardrobes

• Sumptuous Fitted Open-Plan Dining Kitchen

• Highly Desirable Chatburn Village Location

• Stunning Elevated Views of Pendle Hill

Shaw Bridge Street, Clitheroe

£585,000

Unique Four-Storey Mews Property in Central Clitheroe Location

• Incredible Attic Room with Vaulted Ceiling, Mezzanine Floor & Original Beams

• Spacious Kitchen Diner, Complete with Island and Dining Table

• Driveway Parking for Two Cars and Rear Courtyard Garden

• High-Quality Specification Finish Throughout

PADIHAM ROAD, SABDEN

£540,000

Outstanding Five-Bedroom Detached Home

• Incredible Standard of Accommodation and Attention to Detail Throughout

• Spacious Kitchen Diner with Kitchen Island and Integrated Appliances

• Spectacular Master Bedroom with Secret Walk-In Wardrobe & Designer En-Suite

• Driveway Parking for Four Cars and EV Charging Point

SITE PROGRESS ACROSS THE RIBBLE VALLEY

Paul Beneduce, Managing Director at Zara Moon Architects, talks through their live sites across the Ribble Valley where ZMA provide a turn-key service from design through to completion

Zara Moon Architects have developed a reputation as being the go-to practice across Lancashire for bespoke designs, achieving planning success on sensitive sites and delivering high quality builds.

“The business has evolved from being an architecture practice to delivering a turn-key service from design, through to completion including tendering, project management and administering the building contract in order to deliver and manage the construction stage,” says Paul.

Paul’s on-site construction experience paired with entrepreneurial drive is a unique asset within an architecture practice and it is what sets ZMA apart from the ‘traditional

architecture practice’. ZMA have acquired many high-net worth clients which Paul works directly with to provide commercial strategies to maximise the value of properties and sites.

“Many of our clients work with us on multiple projects. It tends to start with their main home in the UK, second homes and land or sites to build their portfolio or turn a profit. I provide strategic, commercially based advice in all-things property, which has recently taken the practice to Guernsey.

“Clients approach us to undertake the whole project with the benefits of working with one team throughout the lifecycle of the project. It ensures communication and quality

control can be maintained throughout the construction stage always ensuring the client’s original objectives are met.

“We currently have multiple live construction projects across the Ribble Valley and Pendle, ranging from an £800k extension, a £2.5 million barn conversion and a £4 million super home. Having already delivered the design, planning, building regulations and tendering stages, we are now managing the main contractor along with administering the building contract, providing CDM services and interior design.

CLIENTS APPROACH US TO UNDERTAKE THE WHOLE PROJECT WITH THE BENEFITS OF WORKING WITH ONE TEAM THROUGHOUT THE LIFECYCLE OF THE PROJECT

“During the construction stage, I manage the contractor and the budget on behalf of the client, whilst guiding the client through each phase of the build. This includes checking progress on-site, the quality of work completed, problem solving during the build, managing the implementation of the interior fit-out and signing off work completed allowing payments to be released in-line with the contract.

“In Autumn 2024, we chose to provide in-house interior design and co-ordination services, after realising the interior co-ordination during the construction phase needed to be managed by myself safeguarding

CLIENT TESTIMONIAL

“When ZMA started offering in-house contract administration, interior design and project management it was a no-brainer to continue with the same team through to completion.”

the initial design brief and ensuring a smoother process for the client. We have now built a team with expertise to cover every aspect of a development project all provided collaboratively in-house.”

Award-winning interior designer Rose Peploe works in-house providing ZMA’s interior design service working alongside ZMA’s architects and Paul to develop the technical drawings packages for all aspects of the interior including overall design concept, specifying materials, furniture, lighting, fitted furniture, styling, bathrooms, kitchens and ironmongery. By providing this service in the same team, ZMA ensures the interior design will integrate with the construction method, mechanical and electrical layouts, building regulations and the overall architectural style. n

If you would like to work with ZMA on your projects, or require strategic property advice, get in touch with us to arrange an initial consultation and we will take it from there.

Unit 38 Manor Court, Salesbury Hall Road

Ribchester PR3 3XR 01200 403840

zaramoonarchitects.co.uk

Mellor, Blackburn

Offers in the region of £765,000

A superb fully modernised five-bedroomed detached house with impressive long distance rural views.

This substantial family home sits in a large plot in an elevated position and has superb long distance views down the valley. The house has been much improved and upgraded by the current owners who have lived at the property for over 30 years. The interior is stylish, modern and finished to a high standard.

Alston, Preston

Price guide £515,000

A truly rare opportunity to purchase a thoroughly stylish home positioned in a popular semi-rural location.

A fabulous stone-built conversion set in a wonderful, elevated position looking across the Ribble Valley, yet conveniently just a short drive from the amenities of Longridge. Providing four bedrooms and three bathrooms the property is set in approximately one acre (0.40 ah) of gardens and grounds.

Longridge, Preston

Asking price £1,450,000

Blacko, Nelson

Price guide £765,000

A bespoke rural development property including planning consent to create an impressive residential dwelling, set in 40.77 acres (16.5 hectares)

Set in a superb location and benefiting from panoramic views over the surrounding Ribble Valley, this property currently comprises of an existing farmhouse with attached traditional stone barn and further range of outbuildings set in 40.77 acres (16.5 hectares) or thereabouts of surrounding agricultural land.

This stunning Grade II listed property sits in approximately five acres and boasts spectacular views over open countryside.

This character three-bedroom home was fully renovated to exacting standards in 2009 and offers an array of original features throughout including beamed ceilings, exposed stone walls and an original fireplace. There is a large barn which has planning permission for a four-bedroom property, a games room and a utility/workshop.

LASTING LEGACY

Fiona Ritchie takes a look at a new biography, Undaunted, that brings Rachel Kay-Shuttleworth’s life into full focus

In 1969, Canon G A Williams published the first biography of Rachel Kay-Shuttleworth, the founder of the Gawthorpe Textiles Collection – a modest 38-page memoir with just eight photographs, penned by someone who knew her personally, but limited by the printing of the time.

Now, decades later, Undaunted, a new

biography by Jane Hellebrand, offers a richer portrait of the woman behind one of Britain’s most significant textile collections,

I FELT SHE HAD MADE ALL THESE RECORDS BECAUSE SHE WANTED HER STORY, THE THREADS OF HER LIFE, TO BE TOLD. SHE REALLY WAS AN INCREDIBLE LADY

established originally at Rachel’s family home at Gawthorpe Hall. She was inspired by a lifelong passion for craft, community and education.

Unlike Canon Williams, Jane had access to digital archives and online genealogical databases – technology that revealed not just facts, but also stories. The result is a biography as layered as Rachel herself – a woman who defied the expectations of her time and left a lasting legacy across culture, welfare and women’s lives.

Jane’s research journey began in 2012, when she started volunteering with Gawthorpe Textiles Collection. She later became Assistant Curator and became fascinated by the fragments Rachel had left behind: “There were stories in her books, on her handwritten labels, in the Accession Registers, in her notes. Rachel recorded everything and always called herself RBKS,” she says.

As the material mounted, it became clear Rachel’s story needed retelling: “I felt she had made all these records because she wanted her story, the threads of her life, to be told. She really was an incredible lady. She led quite a charmed life until the First World War,” adds Jane.

“The family had homes at Gawthorpe, Barbon and in London (her father was a Liberal MP). But everything changed with the war. She lost both of her younger brothers, who she adored. Those personal tragedies mirrored the upheaval of the time. Society changed as a whole, not just for Rachel. I wanted to place her life in context, while also making her human and relatable.”

The family would suffer even further loss in the Second World War, when both of Rachel’s nephews were also killed.

Rachel’s legacy lives on through the Gawthorpe Textiles Collection, but her influence reached far beyond fabrics. A passionate educator, she pioneered the Girl Guide movement in Lancashire, supported the Embroiderers’ Guild, empowering others through social work, craft education and community initiatives.

Born in 1886 into a wealthy household, like many women of her social class, Rachel did not have the same education as her brothers, so self-education became her personal mission. Inspired by her grandfather, Sir James Kay-Shuttleworth, a pioneer of public education, she dedicated her life to widening access to learning, particularly through craft and community.

The book’s title Undaunted comes from the motto of an Unemployed Women’s Club in Burnley that Rachel helped to set up

during the 1930s Depression. She officially opened the club in 1933 and was presented with a pair of needlework scissors with the motto engraved on the blades: “It sums her up really,” says Jane.

A turning point in Jane’s research came during the 2018 reunion at Gawthorpe of the James family branch of the Shuttleworths –the descendants of Rachel’s oldest sister, Angela. “They brought their stories, photographs and wonderful memories. Then other family members shared their treasured photographs and papers and I found out even more,” adds Jane.

UNDAUNTED OFFERS A RICH PORTRAIT OF THE WOMAN BEHIND ONE OF BRITAIN’S MOST SIGNIFICANT TEXTILE COLLECTIONS. SHE WAS INSPIRED BY A LIFELONG PASSION FOR CRAFT, COMMUNITY AND EDUCATION

The 2020 pandemic gave Jane time to bring everything together, as she recalls: “I couldn’t go anywhere, see my family or anyone. I’d taken hundreds of photos, but never had the time to write things up, so I thought, ‘I’ll give it a go’.”

Rachel listened closely, recorded carefully and helped build a network of education and opportunity that stretched far beyond her lifetime. Whether through her role in the Girl Guides, the Embroiderers’ Guild, or pioneering social welfare work, she championed dignity, creativity and inclusion.

Jane originally resisted putting her name on the cover. “I didn’t do this for me. I did it for Rachel, the collection and the charitable trust.”

In many ways, that mirrors Rachel’s own quiet ethos – it was never about credit

or acclaim, but about service and care.

Undaunted is more than a biography. It’s a tribute and a reminder of what one thoughtful woman could achieve. Thanks to

Undaunted is available to purchase for £14.50, plus P&P. Every purchase helps to support the charity’s work in preserving Rachel’s remarkable legacy and inspiring future generations.

Go to: gawthorpetextiles.co.uk/books/undaunted

Jane’s dedication, Rachel Kay-Shuttleworth is no longer just a name on a label or a blackand-white photo. She is remembered, in full colour and context – undaunted. n

Photography:

Photography: Copyright GTC

INTERNATIONAL ACCLAIM

Marking two successful decades in business, Hepplestone Fine Art continues to attract high calibre artists from all over the world

Father and son duo Clive and Giles Hepplestone have always had a love of art so when Clive was looking to retire and Giles was seeking a different career, they embarked on a journey that saw them carve out a hugely successful fine art business that is celebrating its 20-year anniversary.

Over two decades Hepplestone Fine Art has twice been named as national Art Retailer of the Year by the Fine Art Trade Guild, while the gallery has become renowned for spotting new, upcoming talent that is not only aesthetically attractive but investible too.

“I was brought up with art while dad had collected all his life. We lived in Mottram opposite the house where LS Lowry died. We had a Lowry print over the fireplace,” says Giles.

“When dad was hoping to retire it just

seemed sensible to combine our passion. By that time I had started collecting too, so it seemed like a natural step – even though neither of us had any experience in retail!”

Initially Clive and Giles had in mind a predominantly internet-based art business but after speaking with various art dealers

they realised they would need a physical space if their idea was to succeed.

“We opened with a small shop in 2005 in Eccleston. It was a fairly slow start, but we held lots of open events for the village community – they were really supportive,” recalls Giles, who remembers the moment when Hepplestone began to really take off.

BACK THEN IT WAS A REALLY BIG EVENT FOR US. WE FLEW TODD WHITE IN FROM LOS ANGELES

“A US artist called Todd White, who was collected by a number of famous people, was not represented at all here in the UK, so we started with him. In 2007 that set us off on what has been an incredible journey of bringing more and more national and international artists to Lancashire.”

Todd White’s first visit to Hepplestone was a landmark event for what was then a relatively small rural gallery: “Back then it was a really big deal for us. We flew him in from Los Angeles.”

Twenty years later and Todd White is now known worldwide for his striking, stylised work that commands tens of thousands of pounds. Almost every year he visits the Hepplestone gallery to showcase his work to his many followers, who love his nuanced, figurative paintings that are displayed in

both Hepplestone galleries at Heskin and Wilmslow, which opened in 2024.

After White’s introduction to the gallery many more international artists followed including Buenos Aires-born Fabien Perez one of the world’s most widely collected figurative artists. Now based in California, Perez who was awarded Artist of the Year by the Academy of Artists, Italy, has been commissioned to paint leading international figures.

In 2010 Clive and Giles moved the gallery to its present location in Heskin. Originally a stone barn, the new premises gave them more flexibility in terms of size and layout: “It meant we could customise the gallery to exactly how we wanted,” explains Giles.

Today the gallery features a Northern Art space at the rear that features the like of LS Lowry, whose instantly recognisable urban work sits beside his lesser-known seascapes.

Twentieth century Wigan-born master Theodore Major also features alongside the likes of Geoffrey Key from Salford and Lucy Manfredi – hailed as the rising star of the art world.

ALL OUR ARTISTS, WHETHER INTERNATIONAL, NATIONAL OR NORTHERN, HAVE SOMETHING THAT IS TRULY UNIQUE

A member of the Manchester Academy of Fine Art, Lucy has been producing work that is ultimately collectible, as Giles explains: “Lucy’s work is very recognisable and is very much in demand.”

Producing both townscapes and figurative work, Lucy comes under the genre broadly known as the Northern School and has been likened to Lowry: “Her work is partly whimsical and has a touch of nostalgia about it. It is naïve in style and has an old school Northern charm.”

The rest of the illuminated gallery space is taken up with other impressive works by the likes of Sheree Valentine Daines acclaimed for her original oil paintings that have earned her the title of the face of modern British impressionism.

Her portraits have captured many well-known people including royalty –she completed a work to celebrate Queen Elizabeth’s 90th birthday, while she also

CELEBRATING 20 YEARS! 22nd May 2025

6pm-8pm

Champagne reception and a chance to meet artist Sheree Valentine Daines. 01257 451121

showcases society scenes like Royal Ascot and the Henley Regatta, as well as beautiful childhood moments.

From humble beginnings in a small village, Hepplestone Fine Art has gone on to feature major international works by artists and sculptors as well as supporting Northern artists that are extremely collectable.

“We are always looking for work that has something different – originality,” concludes Giles.

“Today all our artists, whether international, national or Northern, have something that is truly unique. We have come a long way since we started – to celebrate 20 years is a big milestone.” n

hepplestonefineart.com

GOOD READ

Lauren Molyneux reviews a fictional autobiography that tracks the story of a medieval woman who is battling with grief, the church and the expectations of society

I, JULIAN

Claire Gilbert

“Sin is behovely, but all shall be well, and all shall be well, and all manner of thing shall be well.”

Claire Gilbert’s fictional account of the life of Julian of Norwich is as heart-wrenching as it is life-affirming, for readers who live with religion, or without it.

Born to a successful merchant with broad shoulders and a kindly, empathetic mother, young Julian finds no greater peace than when she is outdoors, frolicking in the woodlands that surround the family’s cottage, helping her father tend to the animals and spending her days in quiet contemplation by the river, enjoying all that God has created.

But even as a young child, Julian struggles to grapple with her conflicting feelings toward God. To her, God is angry – angry at the sins committed by those on earth and constantly seeking repentance, inflicting pain as punishment. God’s wrath is felt in the disasters that befall the town and soon find their way to Julian’s door. The fierce pestilence that first claims her father shapes the three vows her young heart makes, to feel three wounds in her pursuit of true faith: penitence, compassion and a genuine longing to know the Lord.

It is this that guides her into adulthood, where she once again faces the heaviest grief when the pestilence returns to claim her family. At a time when the walls of her married home resemble more of a cage than a comfort, she flees to seek sanctuary amongst the trees once more and returns to find her husband dead and her daughter closely behind. The guilt she feels at abandoning her post shapes much of her decision-making and acknowledging the true depth of pain she feels, she is brought closer to God and her life’s mission.

It is years later, when she has settled comfortably into her widowhood and returned home to reside with her mother, that she finally feels she has found her path – firstly, with the vivid Godly visions she is visited by in her hours of need and secondly, with the support of a local collective of female parchment makers, who demonstrate a different, truer kind of faith and quiet companionship.

Dictating her visions to her beloved confidant, Thomas, the word of God – her word – soon spreads, as it is written for the first time by a woman in English, not Latin. And it is with this that the plan seemingly designed for her by some higher being is set into motion and though alive, she commits herself to her final resting place, as the anchoress in the church of St Julian, Conesford.

Residing in a small room with the doorway sealed in brick and mortar, under vow to remain and provide counsel until her dying day, Julian faces the greatest challenge to her faith. Between naysayers who don’t believe in her qualification to hold such a position in their church and the Bishop’s spies who are fearful of Julian’s words and teachings, Julian is forced to address the full gravity of her losses and the questions that have continued to plague her, detached from the world, in complete solitude. And the reflections that are borne are our joy to read.

Blending fiction and imagination with historical fact, I, Julian is a 328-page triumph honouring the life, efforts and sacrifices of one of medieval history’s most important and influential women. Factual accounts are clearly based on Gilbert’s extensive and impressive research, whilst the dramatic elements that have been added are crafted with purpose and intent, not merely for melodramatic effect, but to further humanise the woman, the voice of Julian. Julian’s story is both profound and accessible, centred around loss, moved forward by reflection and simultaneously celebrating the power of human connection and complete solitude. For those with faith and those without, the figure of Julian as painted by Claire Gilbert is one to be admired, with this story offering so much to so many. n

To ﬁnd out if Oakhill is your place: Call our registrar Kay Aspinall on 01254 823 546 or aspinall.k@oakhillschool.co.uk

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