Colne Life March April 2024 Iss 58 Digital Edition

EDITOR’S LETTER

As a small, award-winning family company established for 20 years, we’ve produced ColneLife for 15 of them. Thanks to you, it continues to be the only local, independent magazine dedicated to serving the people of Colne. The magazine’s ever-increasing success means that 2024 you will see more of us as we will be ‘hitting the streets’ every two months instead of every three. If you can’t wait for the next edition, be sure to check out colnelifemagazine.co.uk

In our latest issue, we’re out and about in Trawden with Word On The Street, where we enjoyed tea and biscuits after a game of bowls!

We stroll down Memory Lane with resident Colne historian Geoff Crambie when he shares his stories on Colne’s Mayfair Youth Club. Funded through jumble sales, it marked the beginning of Geoff’s first love and heartbreak.

We caught up with local charity Elisha House, which recently received funding to help establish a low-cost community gym for residents and the people of Colne. Team leader Emma Ibbetson and resident Charlie talk about what a gym would mean for the charity.

Do you know your Galium aparine from your Allium ursinum? I thought not. Well, be sure to read Pendle Pant Craft’s latest piece, where Pete Compton sheds light on the benefits of seemingly familiar plants like cleavers. Nope, I’ve not heard of them either!

We also chat with Lily Hope of Skipton Road Dental Surgery, who tells us about their local charity, Mini Mouths, which helps get kids (and parents) brushing properly!

As always, we have plenty of prizes to get your hands on, our huge What’s On section ColneLife Quiz. Are you up for the challenge?

I hope you enjoy our latest edition, and we look forward to returning in May!

WHAT’S IN IT?

ColneLife VIEWS & GOOD NEWS

ROYAL RECOGNITION

The Princess Royal is coming to Trawden!

On Wednesday, April 10th, Her Royal Highness princess Anne will gracing the Trawden Forest Community Centre, Shop & Library. The charity is being honoured with royal recognition for the exceptional dedication and hard work of its volunteers, as well as its significant contributions to the Trawden community. Stay tuned to ColneLife’ s social pages and colnelifemagazine.co.uk for updates of the royal visit.

GEORGE IS ON A MISSION... CAN YOU HELP?

George Greenwood from Colne is hoping to donate hundreds of eggs to children in hospital over Easter. Last year, George donated over 400 eggs, along with arts and crafts, teddies and all sorts of easter treats!

“George suffers from respiratory problems along with other medical illnesses and difficulties,” Sammy Greenwood, George’s mum explains. “He spends time in and out of the children’s ward at Blackburn Hospital. George was worried about the other children

being left out and not getting a visit from the Easter Bunny if they were in hospital at Easter. “He asked if he could sell some of his own toys to get money to spend on easter eggs, so we decided to fundraise, and over the past few years, we’ve been able to donate hundreds of eggs to children who have to spend easter poorly in hospital.”

If you would like to donate to George’s Easter Appeal, head to the Go Fund Me page here: gofund.me/9a765c06

George Greenwood

COLNE TO CROWN IT’S FIRST-EVER KING! COULD IT BE YOU?

It’s almost time to bring out the bunting as the Colne Gala is back on Saturday, 15th June, For each Gala, a Queen and Princess are announced. However, this year the gala committee have decided a King will be crowned this year too! If your children are between the ages of 8-16 and fancy being Colne royalty, look out for details on the Colne Gala and ColneLife facebook pages.

Many Colne organisations and local businesses have already clinched their spot in their procession, including the Gala’s first LGBTQIA+ float. If you have a group and would like to be involved, contact local counsellor Neil Butterworth now to secure your spot on 07747843186.

Lancashire Lionesses with World-Class Attitudes

On Sunday, January 21st, the prestigious International Football Winter Tournament was held in Wassenaar, Holland. Barnoldswick Town Girls Junior Football Club was the only English team competing against some of the best teams worldwide. Despite being in the U14s age group, the Barlick girls decided to compete against boys due to a shortage of girls’ teams. It was a bold decision, but they were determined to make the most of the opportunity. Manager Andrew Morgan described the group they were placed in as “the group of death! Their first match was against Rijnvogels, a formidable boys’ team, resulting in a 0-1 loss. Their second match, against Buitenboys, a slick girls’ team also ended in a 3-1 defeat. After a rousing team talk from Barlick coaches Sean Fitzpatrick and David Patrick they took to the pitch for their third match with fire in their bellies, earning a well-deserved 1-0 win. Their final game was against Blauw Zwart, a boys’ team that had won all their games without conceding a goal, despite a good performance from the Barlick girls, the final score was 1-3 in favour of Blauw Zwart who went on to win 6-0 in the final.

“The tournament was an excellent experience for the girls, despite being placed in the ‘group of death’ said Andrew, “we’re all so proud of their efforts and the respect they showed everyone, regardless of whether they won or lost.”

These future Lioness lasses were awarded the Best Sportsmanship trophy out of 45 teams who competed in the tournament in recognition of their professionalism and positive attitude, which was a testament to their character and true northern spirit.

Owen in South Korea

Last year’s gala queen and princesses

To

Blooming

Brilliant! HAVE YOUR SAY THE LEISURELY WAY

With leisure centres becoming more costly, the Council is struggling to keep the current services with the available funding.

But before any decisions are made, the Council wants to hear from local people about what matters to them and what impact any changes may have on them.

Once again Colne’s second WinterBloom Light Parade on Saturday 24th February was a resounding success. Hosted by Colne Bid in conjucntion with Handmade Productions, the dark night was lit up by the incredible illuminating proccession featuring lanterns and artworks created by local community groups and schools. The parade sported abstract, illuminated sculptures ranging from a huge snail , soaring owl, massive hare to a ten foot goat (I think it was a goat...) what do you reckon?

LEE LEAVES LOOP

We say a fond farewell and a huge thanks to ‘Our Lee’ (Banks), who is leaving Loop Publishing after almost 20 years of loyal service and fleeing to Thailand, where he intends to spend his days exploring the country and spending time with family. I’m sure he’ll be keeping us all up to date with his adventures (well, maybe not all of them!).

The Council operates three leisure centres in the borough - Pendle Leisure Centre in Colne, Pendle Wavelengths in Nelson and West Craven Sports Centre in Barnoldswick. All three facilities are managed by Pendle Leisure Trust on the Council’s behalf.

Councillor Asjad Mahmood, Leader of Pendle Borough Council, said: “Operating our leisure centres is becoming more and more costly and we’re now in a position where we are struggling to retain the services we have with the funding available to us.

“We cannot afford to keep running our leisure centres as we do now, so we need to consider possible future options.

“THE COUNCIL HAS JUST AGREED INITIAL INVESTMENT OF OVER £2 MILLION”

But we want to take into consideration the wants and needs of the borough’s residents, facility-users and visitors.”

Councillor David Whipp, Deputy Leader of Pendle Borough Council and responsible for resources, added: “Our administration wants to retain accessible leisure facilities across the borough and we are working hard to find out how this can be achieved.

“The Council has just agreed initial investment of over £2 million for urgent refurbishment and energy conservation work on the three centres. We hope to multiply that money with external grants to make these facilities both financially and environmentally sustainable.”

Councillor Mohammad Hanif, Portfolio Holder for Leisure Services, added: “This review is an opportunity for local people to have their say. We need as many people as possible take part and tell us what is important to them.”

You can complete the survey herependle.gov.uk/leisuresurvey

The deadline is 11.59pm on Monday 25th March.

Councillor David Whipp

EASTER in Colne!

Join us on Saturday 30th March as Easter in Colne is back BIGGER and BETTER than ever before!

The Easter in Colne event will feature plenty of free activities and performances alongside an Easter market, funfair rides and a special guest!

Colne Town Council’s Events & Facilities Officer, Mr. Nathan Cutler, said, “Easter in Colne is always such an incredible event; the day will include so many brilliant FREE activities and performances allowing people to come and spend a day out in Colne without having to worry too much about the costs involved!”

REACH FOR THE STARS

CREATIVE ARTS FOR KIDS IN COLNE

After the recent refurb of CYAG (Colne Youth Action Group) on Byron Road, the centre is ready to throw open its doors and welcome members old and new to its Creative Arts session held every Tuesday between 4–5 pm, led by professionals in their creative field; kids will be given the chance to explore a range of activities including dance, drama, and music.

This class isn’t just about learning and creating something incredible.

It’s a chance for kids to discover new talents, make friends, build confidence, enhance their skills and shine bright. So, if you know a young star ready to sparkle, send them our way every Tuesday for a world of fun and creativity!

Creative Arts is FREE to all CYAG members (age 11-16), and the joining fee is just £3 for the year; this will entitle your child to partake in the wealth of fantastic free activities provided throughout the year. cyag.org for more details.

Pendle is the Place to Retire

Pendle has been named the best place to retire based on research by Howden Insurance. Each area was judged on the typical cost of a home in each area, local crime rate, proximity to parks, and distance to essential facilities. A trip to the doctor should only be a 15-minute drive, and there’s plenty to keep you occupied in your retirement years with beautiful scenery and parks. All of this earned Pendle a score of 80.93 out of 100, well ahead of Hyndburn, which came second with a wellbeing score of 70.80. But, we know that already eh?

To share your news and views in ColneLife email-editor@looppublishing.co.uk

in Trawden

I couldn’t be in a better place

Meet...

MICHAEL HOLT

A little bit about you...

“ I volunteer at the shop a couple of times a week and come along to the bowling. I was also invited to a meeting recently to help set up a man shed, where people can bring broken items for others to repair. We’re hoping to get people involved to help repair items and increase their own well-being by getting out and meeting people. So that is a new initiative we’ve started. Hopefully, it will have its first session in two weeks’ time.

During COVID, I put together the metal structure you see as you are driving through Cotton Tree, a wonderful assortment of steampunk animal creations for the countryside scene. I’m handy, so it works well with setting up the repair shop.”

What makes Trawden special?

“The community is so special. I come to the friendship group, and it provides so much support. I couldn’t be in a better place. A few years ago, everything was shutting down in Trawden but the community has revived it all.”

Favourite place in Trawden is... “It has to be the community centre.”

Meet... HELEN HODKINSON

A little bit about you...

“I volunteer at Trawden Forest Community Centre and Shop but am now a community support worker. I can help anyone in the village with shopping, picking up prescriptions or if they need pointing in the right direction.

I’ve been a volunteer since the shop opened and have been employed for 18 months. It’s the best job in the world. I left the NHS after working with them for 30 years. It’s great to put something back into the community and help people. The best thing is when people say I’ve made a difference in their lives. I also run a friendship group every other week, catering for 50 with a two-course lunch at the community centre. We quite often have speakers and entertainers.”

What makes Trawden special?

“You can come here, and your day will brighten up because people talk to you. You can chat and have a cup of tea. People say they come in here feeling a little down and feel much better. There’s always someone around. It’s usually my day off today, but I’ve come down, and you end up talking.”

Favourite place in Trawden is...

“The community library.”

Meet... ANN BOOCOCK

A little bit about you...

There’s so much community spirit in Trawden

“I am Chair of Trustees for the Trawden Forest Community Centre, Shop & Library. I’m also a volunteer in the shop and pub.

I was born in Nelson and have lived in Colne most of my life, and then Winewall for 32 years. My grandad lived in Trawden, and my sister lives in my grandad’s house. I’ve always had a connection with Trawden.”

What makes Trawden special?

“We have well over 100 active volunteers within the community centre, library and shop, and then you’ve got uniformed groups and activities such as indoor bowling and Trawden in Bloom. There’s so much going on! There’s so much community spirit. That’s what is lovely about living in Trawden. Some so many fantastic people are willing to give up their time.”

Favourite place in Trawden is...

“I’d have to say the shop and the community centre. We’re so lucky to have this facility. The pub’s amazing too!”

Share your views on Colne email- editor@looppublishing.co.uk

Meet...

LINDA HAYTHORNTHWAITE AND PETRIA HYDE

A little bit about you...

“We both volunteer at the shop twice weekly and make tea and coffee for the bowling group. We also got roped in to play the games which are very good.”

What makes Trawden special?

“Everyone in Trawden talks to one another. People always speak to each other when you are out and about because we are all part of the community.”

Favourite place in Trawden is...

“Probably the pub! With a glass of Rosé. And the shop because there is such a variety of things.”

Meet...

CHRISTINE DAWSON

A little bit about you...

Meet... TIM BALL

A little bit about you...

“I’m an off-cumden from near Banbury. My daughter lives in Earby, so we moved up to be close to her. We came from a very small village and were looking for somewhere with a similar community spirit. My wife and I both volunteer in the shop. Wednesday is my volunteering day! We also work as volunteers for Trawden in Bloom.”

What makes Trawden special?

“The community spirit!”

Favourite place in Trawden is...

“The surroundings of Trawden. We like walking and have discovered loads of footpaths during lockdown.”

It’s brilliant, I didn’t know anyone at first, but everyone is so nice

“I come to the bowling at the community centre. I started in October. It’s brilliant, I didn’t know anyone at first, but everyone is so nice, and I enjoy the games. I’m originally from Burnley and live in Colne now, so it’s only down the road from me.”

What makes Trawden special?

“It seems to be a good community; it really does. The bowling is very popular, it’s a lovely social occasion.”

Favourite place in Trawden is...

“The community centre.”

BY LAURA STOREY

THE YOUTH OF TODAY Yesterday

TAKE ANOTHER STROLL DOWN MEMORY LANE WITH RESIDENT HISTORIAN GEOFF CRAMBIE AS HE REMINISCES ABOUT THE VIBRANT HEYDAYS OF THE MAYFAIR YOUTH CLUB IN COLNE, LANCASHIRE, DURING THE 1960S.

Geoff and club members at Alkincoates Park

Geoff with his first girlfriend Sue Kibble

Back when evenings down the pub weren’t an option, especially for those cursed with a youthful appearance, the Mayfair Youth Club emerged as the go-to spot for forging friendships, playing table tennis, experiencing the pangs of first love, and navigating the tumultuous terrain of first heartbreaks.

Rather than being organised by the local church or school, the group was started by a group of young Colners looking for a place to meet. “We used to have cricket matches at Holt House,” Geoff, one of the founding members, explains. These keenly fought matches brought together the founders of the Mayfair Youth Club, including Geoff Crambie, Mel Hartley, Dave Horsfall and Ken Oldfield.

Co-founder Mel Hartley found suitable premises – an unassuming building down the ancient alleyway known as Ivegate that was on the market for a meagre 15 shillings a week from an antique dealer named Fred Smith.

Mel had the idea to rent it out and transform the old Blacksmith’s into a place where young people

Morgan, at the helm, who had experience in her family business and could teach the young lads the ways of buying and selling. And they needed it!

“We had to buy snooker tables, dart boards and a record player from the money we made at jumble sales. Fred Smith still kept a lot of antiques in the building, and I’ll tell you a secret - we sold quite a few to make money for the club. He never noticed!” Geoff whispers with a grin. Once they had all the equipment, it was time to get the club up and running. “It was like going back in time,” Geoff said. “In the corner, you could see the wall had burned away where the anvil had been.”

After decorating, the club looked marvellous, and it was time for opening night. “We opened in September 1960 and had 22 fully paid-up members.” Geoff beams.

The club offered table tennis, a library (which included renting the most controversial book of the year - Lady Chatterley’s Lover - for a mere 3d a week), and a record player.

“Mel was the music man,” Geoff says. “He had a

“We had to buy snooker tables, dart boards and a record player from the money we made at jumble sales”

could meet. “At the time, there were three coffee bars in Colne. They were all really good and had a jukebox, but you had to spend quite a bit of money on it. If you had one coffee, you made it last an hour or two,” Geoff laughs. “We wanted our own canteen to sell cheap drinks and snacks ourselves.” Luckily, the youth club had a young businesswoman, Sheila

brilliant collection of records. He worked at Colne railway station as a booking clerk, so he had a lot of money to spend on them. Everybody used to sing along and vote on whether the single was a hit or miss.”

The teenagers created plenty of other activities to keep themselves occupied. Like the beloved television show ‘Would I Lie to You?’, Geoff and his friends would each tell a tall tale. “The most believable won, and you got a free chocolate bar from the canteen.”

The youth club was the centre of the community. “We were like a family,” Geoff says. “The oldest was Mick Leonard, Mick ‘ Mountain Man’ Leonard. We needed him one night when the Barlick Teddy boys came over from Barnoldswick. Suddenly, a stone came through the window - smash – and these

Club members Geoff Crambie, Allan Lister and Malcolm Graham

Barlick Teds were coming up the steps and trying to force their way in.”

Despite Mick’s size, co-founder Mel protected the club, punching the leader on the nose and ruining his Burton’s teddy boy jacket.

From teenage fights to first loves. It was at the youth club that Geoff met his first girlfriend, Sue.

“I thought, I have to ask her out!” He worked up the courage, and Sue, unable to resist Geoff’s charm, agreed on the condition that he took her out somewhere nice.

“We went to the pictures. I wasn’t going to risk not getting served in a pub! We saw ‘The Vikings’ with Tony Curtis and Kirk Douglas.”

For about a month, Geoff and Sue were a couple.

“Mel protected the club, punching the leader on the nose and ruining his Burton’s teddy boy jacket”

“Then she dumped me. I was heartbroken!”

Luckily for Geoff, he met his wife Ruth shortly after, so the heartbreak was short-lived.

The club continued for two years after, but as the founders grew up, memberships dwindled. “It was a throwback from the 50s! In those days, there were no mobile phones. You had to make your own entertainment but the club struck a chord and became part of people’s lives.”

In its heyday, the club boasted 35 members, offering a sense of belonging to Colne’s youth and creating friendships that have lasted a lifetime.

In the next issue of ColneLife

Geoff remembers the Travelling Troupes that visited the theatres of Colne.

CL

‘Klub Mag’

The site of the Mayfair Youth Club, Ivegate, Colne

Keith Melling

PPAINTING PENDLE IN ALL ITS GLORY

ANDREW LIDDLE MEETS THE BOY FROM BARROWFORD

KEITH MELLING , NOW RECOGNISED AS ONE OF ENGLAND’S FINEST LANDSCAPE ARTISTS

erhaps no one has ever painted Pendle more lovingly or captured in such fine detail its many different moods than Keith Melling, arguably England’s finest landscape artist.

He also happens to be a most accomplished writer on the art of landscape portraiture. A telling passage in his book, An Artist in Pendleside, a magnificent collection of local vistas, sums up his fascination with the ever-changing profile. “Viewed

from Colne and Nelson, we see a shapely hill,” he writes, “with sinuous and supple curving lines, not uncommonly described as whale-backed. Seen from Burnley and more so from Accrington, it appears a formidable sprawling mass.”

He marvels at how somewhere between Blacko and Gisburn, the great mound suddenly metamorphoses into the “shape of a capsized skiff”. When sunset brings a deep red glow, he finds comparisons with the sacred Ayers Rock.

He was born not far away in Colne, a year after the end of WW2, and lives and works in the small village of Fence at the foot of the bewitching hill that just falls short of being a mountain. “The immediate landscape outside my door is the handiest for me to paint,” he begins, when considering the 50-odd different viewpoints from which he’s captured it.

“But this is not a matter of convenience but because this wonderful scenery compares favourably with any in the land.” As far as he can remember he made his first drawings of Pendle Hill in 1966, from Stang Top above Roughlee, and has been painting it ever since. “For an artist its glories are infinite.”

If proof were needed of the long-held classical belief artists are born not made and creative talent will always find a way to express itself - taking inspiration from whatever is to hand, regardless of setbacks along the way - it is surely Keith. His early years were a constant battle to realise his talent.

“I’m from a working-class family,” he reveals. “In fact, there were no pictures on the walls and no books, only a ready-reckoner and Rupert annuals that I received for Christmas.” He loved those tales of Rupert Bear, their gentle, colourful illustrations of the idyllic English village of Nutwood. “I also really liked those Charles Tunnicliffe bird portraits on cards in packets of PG Tips tea.”

He doesn’t know when the artistic talent first manifested itself. “I’ve always painted,” he says, thoughtfully, “or so it seems.” His teachers at Primet School, Colne, certainly recognised his exceptional ability when he started to recreate Tunnicliffe’s birds from memory.

His secondary education ended a month after his 15th birthday when he left with little or no idea

Pendle Hill from Pasture Lane

Pendle Hill from Heys Lane

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“I wanted to go and study art, but my parents said I must finish my apprenticeship because ‘they’ll always want engineers.’”

about future prospects. “I always wanted to be an artist, from being seven or eight, but my parents said you can’t make a living from that. That’s not for a working-class lad.”

He took the first job he could find, in an engineering firm, where he toiled from 7.30 am until 5.30 pm, attending Nelson and Colne College on a weekly day-release. The five-year apprenticeship might have destined him for a career in engineering had he not been born for other things. “I have never thought of myself as having an exceptional talent for art,” this most modest of men says. “It’s a matter of being interested, enthusiastic and practising a lot.”

Aged 18, he had a well-received exhibition of 40 oil paintings at Burnley Library. “I wanted to go and study art, but my parents said I must finish my apprenticeship because they’ll always want engineers.” Two years later, he took his first steps towards his true calling when returning to his old college, this time to study art. “They let me in with my engineering qualifications,” he laughs. “I can’t say that I learned anything new, but it was a good experience meeting like-minded people - and very competitive.”

He next tried his hand at Ceramics at Burnley Art School, which led to him in later life becoming a very accomplished potter, making sculptures

and attractive domestic ware. “In fact, I toyed with having that as my first choice of career at one point,” he says, “but looking back it could only have been secondary to painting.”

Eventually, Keith did a degree in Graphic Art at Harris College, Preston. “I didn’t really want to be a graphic artist,” he remembers, “so I took a job in a local mill as a labourer. Although I was there for about 7 years, as far as I was concerned it was only ever temporary until I could do what I wanted to do, which was paint.”

It was repeatedly winning a local art competition, ‘Pendle in Paint’, that gave him the confidence, in 1981, to turn professional. “I suppose I still had my parents’ mentality about earning a living even though I found I was making more from selling prints than from my job.”

At last after many years of struggle he had found his way – but could never have imagined it would one day lead to a huge following, fan mail pouring in, visitors coming from far afield.

Although Keith uses several different media, including watercolour, gouache and pastel and has even done etchings and wood-engravings, he’s renowned for oils. “I’m not sure if I have a favourite, because when I’ve been using one medium for a long time, I like to change and that becomes my favourite

for a while.” He gives it further thought. “But if I had to choose, yes it would probably be oils.” As if in confirmation, he reveals he used to make his own oil paint and still occasionally does. “But, really it doesn’t much matter what I use because the technique is still the same.”

Preparation is the key. He usually layers on three or four applications of ‘ground’, a base undercoat, before actually starting the painting. Each layer is sanded down before another is applied in traditional methods originally perfected by the Old Masters, whose techniques Keith has studied. Most of what he does he taught himself.

Behind the exquisite naturalistic detail of every painting lies much preliminary work, as his enormous collection of sketches attests. “I sketch out of habit anywhere I happen to be - on a plane, in the car, at a supermarket, anywhere, even if just for a few minutes.”

Although he has clearly perfected the art of landscape painting, now internationally recognised as one of England’s finest, he is anything but set in his ways. “These days I work with a mixture of brushes depending on what type of painting it is, and the medium obviously,” he adds. “I don’t use special colours, it’s different each time. I’m using indigo oil paint at the moment, something I’ve not used since the 1960s. I suppose I used to use ivory or lamp black but now I mix ultramarine with burned umber or similar for a dark colour. It was the Impressionists who discovered that.”

Some visitors to his studio-gallery at Fence tend to assume he is the artist predominantly of Pendleside. He has, however, painted the Lakes and Yorkshire Dales extensively, and many of his finest northern landscapes are collected in books on Yorkshire and Cumbria. Companion volumes to An Artist in Pendleside, they are works of art

in themselves, beautifully-crafted homages to the English countryside.

A visit to his online gallery allows the eyes to feast on a magnificent collection of landscapes, many of which have featured in the Pendleside Hospice calendars appearing annually since 2005raising £175,000 to date, a tremendous sum.

Holidays take Keith and his wife, June, to many parts of the UK and abroad and he almost always comes back with a pictorial souvenir painted on the spot. “Yes, I do love the landscape, not just in England,” he says with feeling. “I like any landscape anywhere - especially if it’s dynamic like the Lake District. Above all, I’m drawn to the hills ... that’s what I love about the Pendle area.”

Even if we agree that artistic genius such as Keith’s will always manifest itself somehow and somewhere, it’s tempting to think that his long struggle to find its outlet must have been inspired by the indomitable presence of the ‘hill of the witches’. For a young lad living in Colne and Barrowford, Pendle was never far away or out of mind.

Snow-capped Pendle Hill

Thursden Valley

Repping for Recovery AT ELISHA HOUSE

Repping for Recovery AT ELISHA HOUSE

the Colne charity that supports individuals with a history of substance abuse, is launching a new gym

BY LAURA STOREY

The Elisha House Recovery Project, situated on Burnley Road, provides supported accommodation. It embraces the ‘five ways to wellbeing,’ recognising the importance of connection, an active lifestyle, learning new skills, community, and mindfulness in fostering good mental health.

The charity has taken various initiatives to promote wellbeing, such as opening a cracking community café, sorting out regular walking and cycling trips, and even setting up an exercise program for residents. However, they are not stopping there.

The team saw a need for a dedicated space where residents could exercise out of the constant Lancashire drizzle. The idea evolved into a full-fledged gym, planning to open it up to the entire Colne community.

“At the moment, our lads are doing cross-training in our yard, which is currently full of ice, so it’s not ideal,” Emma Ibbetson, a team leader at Elisha House, shares. “When I first joined, we had ten residents, and we now have a full house at 31. We just don’t ›

Team leader Emma Ibbetson

have enough space, so we had to think of how to expand, and then it just snowballed into a proper gym for everybody.”

Emma wants the gym accessible to everyone, so memberships will be offered on a sliding scale based on need. “We want a community feel,” she smiles. It can also act as a place where people with an addiction and the wider community can come together and work on their mental and physical health.

The low-cost gym in the Lanlee building close to Elisha House will also provide a safe and private way for people to access the charity’s services. “If you are struggling with addiction and you need someone to talk to but aren’t ready to do anything official, people can come into the gym and have a chat.”

The goal is to challenge the negative perception associated with addiction and to demonstrate that individuals who struggle with addiction still have much to contribute. “These lads have so much to offer,” Emma smiles, “and we want to give them the opportunities they need.”

The charity hopes the gym will provide a space for people to have a natter, create connections and help people develop their skills. “We help marginalised people who are often on the edge of society and aren’t provided the opportunities others might have. The lads can volunteer in the gym and get references from us. This will hopefully help when they attempt to find paid work.”

Elisha House resident Charlie Smith hopes to gain a personal training qualification once the gym opens to the public. The Colner found a helping

“They have so much to offer, and we want to give them the opportunities they need”

The existing gym at Elisha House hand at Elisha House after his release from prison three years ago.

Charlie initially worked through the 12-step programme offered by Elisha House, but he admits, “I rushed through the programme the first time.” He ended up relapsing and spent five weeks in hospital. Fortunately, he found his way back to Elisha House, where he’s been receiving support for over a year.

As part of the programme, residents are encouraged to keep an active lifestyle by exercising daily. “We currently do CrossFit each morning, and after lunch, everyone piles into the weight room, but it’s not ideal as a training room; it’s cold and too small for so many of us,” Charlie explains. “The gym will be greatly beneficial. It’s not just about physical health; keeping active does so much for mental health, too.”

With funding already in place, the project has garnered support from several organisations, including Pendle Leisure, Lancashire Great Places, Sport England, and the National Lottery. A crowdfunding campaign is underway to ensure the gym reaches its full potential and opens its doors to the community by the end of May.

If you want to support those in recovery from addiction and help get the gym up and running, you can donate at their justgiving page at justgiving.com/crowdfunding/russell-brookes5?utm_term=M9wEnw954.

“the gym will provide a space for people to have a natter, create connections and help people develop their skills”

Charlie when he arrived at Elisha House

Charlie today

Residents and staff at Elisha House

The site for the new gym at the Lanlee building

Picture Perfect

14-YEAR-OLD LUCAS ASTON HAS CAPTIVATED COLNE WITH HIS EYE-CATCHING IMAGES

BY LAURA STOREY

Like many teenagers, Lucas’s newfound hobby was sparked by a video on YouTube. “I stumbled across a few photography channels,” Lucas explains, “and I thought it seemed quite interesting.”

To get him started, he was given a camera for Christmas last year and ever since, he’s spent his time taking photos – photos of cars, photos of birds, photos of landscapes and photos of people – photos of just about anything he can spot, and he’s been sharing them on his social media channels.

“At the moment, I’m enjoying wildlife the most, particularly photographing birds. It’s a game of luck to capture them.”

His photos capture songbirds perfectly perched on branches, ducks hiding amongst the reeds and swooping silhouettes. Each tells a story of hours ›

Lucas Aston

spent, mostly at Foulridge Reservoir, waiting for the perfect shot.

“I’m currently living in Foulridge,” Lucas explains, “so I take a lot of photos down there and along the canal. I also get my mum to drive me to different wildlife places, but you can take a good photo anywhere. I particularly like Foulridge because there’s a lot of countryside. I like going out there as it is quiet, and I can spend more time photographing the wildlife.”

“AT MY AGE, I’M

HAPPY

TO GAIN ANY EXPERIENCE AND FEEDBACK I CAN.”

It’s not just wildlife that Lucas focuses on. “I’ve photographed a few local events, including Colne Halloween and Christmas and local Foulridge events, too, and gaining that experience has been amazing. These events draw many people and feature things you wouldn’t get the chance to photograph. I like the seasonal events at Colne because they are popular, the community comes together, and they have a really good energy.

Originally from Colne, he has managed to collaborate with well-known local photographers, including Naz Alam and Ian Tickle. “Ian is a family friend, and he’s helped me a lot. Local photographers give me a lot of inspiration; currently, at my age, I’m happy to gain any experience and feedback I can.”

It was Ian who recommended the camera, a Canon 6D MarkII, that has captured some of Lucas’s most beautiful pictures. “I’ve been using that one for a couple of months, and I’m really pleased with it,” he smiles.

At fourteen, Lucas has already built up a portfolio, which includes his favourite photo that he’s taken so far, of Foulridge Reservoir at sunset. “I managed to get it at the prime moment when the colour palette was really nice. There were shades of purple reflecting on the water.”

He hopes to go on to study photography at college and university. “I definitely want to pursue photography as a career. I want to explore what that means, whether that’s wildlife, travel, or street photography. I want to help people with my photography – capturing life moments – I want people to benefit from it.”

He’s already begun to experiment with different techniques. “Recently, I’ve been trying some long exposures of cars and landscapes. I’ve also been trying some nighttime photography and getting shots of the moon. I just want to try everything!”

Despite his success, his age sometimes has an impact on his work, particularly when attempting street photography of people. “It’s quite hard to explain that I’m a photographer,” Lucas says. “People

“IF YOU ARE JUST STARTING OUT AND FINDING IT HARD, JUST KEEP GOING”

seem to assume that it won’t be great because I’m young. I’ve been doing it for a year now, but it’s still hard. You have to prove yourself to them and show them your photos first. I don’t think you are seen as trustworthy when you are young. Luckily for me, I’ve not had too much trouble.”

For other young photographers, Lucas advises that the key to success is perseverance. “If you are just starting out and finding it hard, just keep going, and eventually, a photo will come out that you are proud of.”

CL

Red Fox and Chilli Hot Cross Buns Recipe on

BELTONFARM.CO.UK

Hot Cross Delights

Twist up a classic this Easter with these novel takes on the humble hot-cross bun

Red Fox and Chilli Hot Cross Buns

from previous page

A cheesy twist on a classic!

These delicious Red Fox and Chilli Hot Cross Buns are perfect simply spread with butter or filled with bacon for an indulgent Easter breakfast

Makes 12

INGREDIENTS

275ml milk, warm (not hot)

7g fast-action dried yeast

2 tbsp caster sugar

325g strong white bread flour

300g plain flour, plus extra to dust

1 tsp fine salt

½-1 tsp mild chilli powder

1/2 tsp paprika

¼ tsp garlic powder

3 medium free-range eggs (2 beaten together, plus 1 beaten separately for the glaze)

45g butter, softened

250g Belton Farm Red Fox Cheese, finely crumbled and grated – 200g for in the dough mixture, 50g

For topping

1 red chilli, deseeded and finely chopped

METHOD

Put the warm milk, yeast and sugar in a large mixing bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer, stir to dissolve the yeast and sugar, cover with a clean tea towel and set aside for 15 minutes for the yeast to activate (the mix will go a bit frothy).

Add the flours, salt, spices and the 2 beaten eggs to the yeast mixture, then bring together with a wooden spoon or mix on a low speed until the mixture begins to come together into a slightly sticky dough.

If making by hand, turn out the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead in the butter, piece by piece, until combined. If making in a stand mixer, turn up to medium and add the butter in the same way. Either way, knead for 5-10 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic.

Add the cheese and chillies, then knead until evenly incorporated. Lightly grease the bowl, return the dough to it, cover with a clean tea towel and leave to rise at room temperature for 1-2 hours until doubled in size. Turn out the dough onto the work surface and divide into 12 even pieces. Shape into buns and set 2cm apart on the prepared baking sheet so they have space to expand. Cover with a clean tea towel and leave to prove (rise a second time once shaped) at room temperature for about 1 hour.

Heat the oven to 200°C/180°C fan/gas 6. Put all the ingredients for the cross topping in a mixing bowl, whisk until smooth and thick, then scrape into the prepared piping bag.

Brush the buns with beaten egg and allow to dry, sprinkle over the extra grated cheese. Pipe over the crosses, then brush with egg again. Put the buns in the oven, turn it down to 180°C/160°C fan/gas 4 and bake for 15-20 minutes until golden and cooked. Cool on a wire rack. Serve, fresh or toasted, with butter and fried bacon.

BELTONFARM.CO.UK

Hot Cross Chocolate Muffins

Makes 6-8 deep muffins

A delicious alternative to a classic hot cross bun. Eat warm to discover a gooey, chocolatey centre.

INGREDIENTS

145g mixed dried fruit or sultanas and raisins

1 large orange (grated zest and juice)

1 tbsp ground cinnamon

1 tsp mixed spice

190g self-raising flour

1/4 tsp bicarbonate of soda

100g butter, melted

125ml buttermilk

1 egg

100g golden caster sugar

Bonne Maman Hazelnut Chocolate Spread

To decorate

vanilla frosting or icing sugar

METHOD

Heat the oven to 180°C, 160°C fan, gas 4. Line a muffin tin with 6 deep ‘tulip’ cases.

Put the dried fruit in a small bowl with the orange rind and zest, spices and a good pinch of salt. Leave to soak for 20 minutes.

Meanwhile, put the next six ingredients in a bowl and stir well until evenly mixed then fold in the soaked fruit. Put two generous tablespoons of muffin mixture in the base of each muffin case. Drop two teaspoons of Hazelnut Chocolate Spread on top then cover the spread with the remaining muffin mixture. Bake for about 20-25 minutes or until well-risen and firm to the touch.

To make a cross on top, pipe or drizzle with frosting or a thick paste of icing sugar and water. Or drizzle with extra Hazelnut Chocolate Spread.

BONNEMAMAN.CO.UK

Hazelnut Chocolate Thick-Shake

Makes 2 tall glasses

INGREDIENTS

200g Bonne Maman Hazelnut Chocolate

Spread

400ml milk or milk substitute

465ml tub vanilla ice-cream

To decorate whipped cream chocolate shapes & curls

METHOD

Pop the Hazelnut Chocolate Spread jar - minus the metal lid - in a microwave and warm through for 10-15 seconds. Put a large tablespoonful in the bottom of two tall glass tumblers and swirl the spread around to make a marbled effect. Put the remaining spread and milk in a blender and whizz until smooth. Add about half the icecream and whizz again until smooth. Pour into the glasses and top with scoops of the remaining ice-cream, swirls of whipped cream and chocolate decorations.

Exploring Early Spring’s Wild Edibles

FORAGING FANATIC PETE COMPSTON TAKES US ON A WILD SHOPPING TRIP ON OUR DOORSTEP AND SHOWS US THE WONDERS OF NATURE’S LARDER

WAs winter relinquishes its grip and nature begins its slow awakening, early spring brings forth a treasure trove of wild edibles, each carrying unique flavours and healthful properties. In this edition, we embark on a journey through the landscapes of just a handful of the many early spring wild edibles, uncovering their remarkable attributes and culinary potential.

e made it through that long winter. We can now allow our hearts to thaw and heal. As we head toward Spring, bringing forth a vibrant display of plants. As the seasons change, so can our diets, embracing the delicious and energy-boosting wild foods that nature offers. This transition and with all the plants around with antioxidant properties, allowing us to cleanse our systems, beginning the year anew and aligning with the natural rhythm to enhance our gut biomes. By incorporating these wild foods, we contribute to biodiversity, fostering simplicity and fluidity both in our surroundings and within ourselves. Remember, we are not just observers of nature; we are an integral part of it, intricately connected to the very essence of the natural world.

Please remember, personal responsibility is paramount, as discussed in the last issue. Ensure 100% confidence in your ID before using any wild plant, check for contraindications, as many wild foods have medicinal properties, and always try a small amount before incorporating any wild food into your diet.

Silver Birch (Betula pendula):

Amidst the stirring woodlands, the silver birch offers a source of nourishment unique to this time of year. As the sap begins its ascent in the birch trees, foragers can tap into this liquid gold. Birch sap, a clear and sweet liquid, flows generously in early spring, providing a refreshing and vitaminrich beverage. Tapping into the age-old tradition of birch sap collection, we explore the process and savour the essence of this seasonal delight. It is only a short window of time that this is safe to do for the tree. As soon as the buds on the tree start to open up into the unfurled leaves, the tree needs all the nourishment it can get. There are plenty of how-to videos on YouTube that will safely instruct you on the best ways to do this without harm to the tree. The betulinic acid in the sap is an absolute tonic for humans, but only to be used sparingly. In addition to meeting the trees’ nutritional needs, it’s crucial to be aware of potential side effects. Excessive consumption may lead to liver damage, and while the anticoagulant properties can be beneficial for blood clots, there are potential risks associated with thinning the blood.

Silver birch forest in early spring

Cleavers (Galium aparine):

Known for its tenacious growth and clinging nature, cleavers reveal a different facet of their existence in the world of foraging. These seemingly ubiquitous plants are valued for their detoxifying properties. Traditionally used to support the lymphatic system, cleavers are believed to assist in purifying the blood, making them an excellent addition to your early spring foraging repertoire. While young, before the velcro hooks develop, they are a nice edible, straight from the plant. Once they develop, they become too rough in texture to enjoy in salads but are still great in soups, etc. They have many other uses throughout the year (they are related to coffee in the Rubiaceae family, so the sticky buds, once roasted and ground down, make a great and really

Cleavers tea

Cleavers (Galium aparine)

“Birch sap, a clear and sweet liquid, flows generously in early spring”

healthy coffee). This time of year, they are steeped in folklore about starting the year fresh. As with much folklore, when science catches up, we learn the scientific truths of the folklore. I have to say, of all the reports I get back about people’s improved health when including wild foods, this is one of the most prolific. Many people report improved cognitive function, alertness, and a much better sleep pattern. Simply add a handful to water, leave it in the fridge overnight, and swish it about like you would a tea bag. Then, enjoy the sweet, cucumbertasting water to start your day.

Nettles (Urtica dioica):

My absolute favourite plant. I love talking about it and have done so for full days at work, never running out of things to say. Foragers can harvest these nutrient-packed greens that offer a huge wealth of attributes for well-being. Nettles are known to support joint health, boost immunity, and even combat seasonal allergies. Being mindful of the stingers, we discover bountiful rewards, opening up possibilities for culinary creations that extend beyond our imagination. The sting is also a very beneficial part of this plant to learn about. Really useful against rheumatism and arthritis, containing histamine for seasonal allergies. The neurotransmitter that causes the ‘pain’ is, in fact, serotonin too. Urtication, the act of stinging yourself to retrieve the benefits, is certainly something I recommend researching. Obviously, there are people who react badly to nettle stings, as with any of these wild foods/medicines.

Wild Garlic (Allium ursinum):

Carpeting woodlands with its pungent aroma, wild garlic announces the arrival of spring. Also known as Ramsons, this flavourful herb is a culinary delight with medicinal benefits. Rich in allicin, wild garlic

Nettle

Sap being extracted from a silver birch tree

exhibits antibacterial and antiviral properties. Beyond its culinary uses, we’ll unravel the medicinal magic hidden in its vibrant leaves, making it a must-have in our spring foraging repertoire. It is a plant to be mindful of harvesting, which gives me the opportunity to talk again about learning how to be mindful towards nature. It is a good way to stay safe when foraging.

Amongst the wild garlic, you will commonly find a plant called Lords and Ladies (Arum maculatum) that, although it has a different-shaped leaf, is of a similar texture and colour. When grabbing handfuls, it would be easy to grab a Lords and Ladies leaf or, even worse, a small part of the leaf. Although not toxic as such, it is an incredibly nasty irritant and will cause serious discomfort.

It is always good practice, when harvesting anything, to pick one leaf at a time. There is something incredibly meditative about this and all things foraging, where spending that little extra time on something repays us with huge benefits.

In conclusion, the palette of early spring’s wild edibles is vast and diverse. These plants, often overlooked as mere ‘weeds,’ hold the key to a more profound understanding of our natural surroundings.

As we embrace the seasonal shift and delve into the world of foraging, let these plants be our guides toward a more sustainable and connected way of living.

Join us on our free foraging and well-being walks or our vibrant and extremely helpful Facebook community to learn more about foraging etiquettes and safety. Discover the wonders of nature, our connection to it, and the various uses of the wonderful plants, trees, and mushrooms throughout the year. Completely free of any cost or pressure, we are just a group of friends learning together on our land, a blissful haven, and at the wonderful cabin at Lomeshaye Nature Reserve, gifted by Pendle Council, where we cook and craft together, hosting truly magical gatherings and seasonal celebrations. Contact us to find out more about what we do. You can find us on Facebook or Instagram at Pendle Plant Craft (we share daily stories on Instagram all about foraging for those who can’t join us on the walks). If you don’t use social media, you can email us at pendleplantcraft@gmail.com and be added to our mailing list.

RECIPE

Wild Garlic and Nettle Pakoras

Ingredients:

1 cup nettle leaves (blanched and finely chopped)

1 cup wild garlic leaves (chopped)

1 cup gram flour (besan)

1/2 cup rice flour

1 teaspoon cumin seeds

1 teaspoon coriander powder

1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder

1/2 teaspoon red chilli powder

Salt to taste

Water (as needed)

Oil for frying

Instructions:

In a mixing bowl, combine gram flour, rice flour, cumin seeds, coriander powder, turmeric powder, red chilli powder, and salt. Gradually add water and whisk to form a smooth, thick batter. Add the chopped nettles and wild garlic to the batter and mix well. Heat oil in a pan for frying. Drop spoonfuls of the batter into the hot oil and fry until golden brown and crispy.

Remove pakoras and place them on a paper towel to absorb excess oil. Serve hot with your favourite chutney or dip.

Birch Sap and Cleavers Juice

Why not try the idea of cleavers water we talked about here but with birch sap instead of water to go with your pakoras? It is not something you can do daily, like you can with the water, but it is a special treat because the trees need the sap, too.

Wild garlic

BALLROOM OF THE STARS

We re-visit the heyday of The Imperial Ballroom, Nelson, a place where people laughed, danced, fought and fell in love.

For most people, the small Lancashire town of Nelson will be remembered for its cotton links.

However, over 60 years ago the gritty northern town exploded into the music world as THE place to see some of the greatest musical talent the world has ever seen. Legends such as The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, The Who, Stevie Wonder, Tina Turner, Pink Floyd, Tom Jones, and countless others performed in Nelson gracing the stage at The Imperial Ballroom or The Imp as it was affectionately known. Memories and images of those Halcyon days were captured in a book, The Ballroom of the Stars, by local author Steve Chapples in 2005. Unfortunately, Steve passed away ten years ago, but his book still continues to generate interest with locals, so much so, that the book is due to be reprinted. Here’s an extract, when we chatted to Steve about the time The Beatles came to Nelson.

The Imperial Ballroom stood just over the Leeds and Liverpool Canal Bridge on Carr Road, on a site now occupied by a group of residential flats, called the Imperial Gardens, in memory of The Imp. The huge, hangar-like structure, dating from 1911, which at one time was the largest indoor building in Europe was originally a roller-skating rink, but in 1925, it became a municipal hall and staged all manner of functions from wrestling matches to beauty contests.

The ballroom measured 43 yards by 46 yards, and when it became a ballroom, the the ceiling

The Beatles at The Imp taken by Tim Proctor

Queuing for tickets at The Imp

was underpinned with Essex boarding, which gave The Imp, as it became to be known locally, unique acoustics, which few other venues could match.

The Imp attracted some of the greatest dance bands of the 30s, 40s and 50s, like Geraldo, Ted Heath, Joe Loss and Eric Delaney. The capacity at one time was 3,000 but fire regulations reduced this to 2,000.

Its demise came in 1976 when it burned down. This was greeted with relief by some nearby residents, but the vast majority wept openly. For them, The Imp was where they went to have fun with their friends, where they met their future wife or husband and were entertained by some of the greatest acts in the world. The cause of the fire was never discovered and an open verdict was declared, but arson was strongly suspected.

1963 - From me to you

On May 11th 1963 history was made when The Beatles arrived in town one week after their Mersey mates Gerry and the Pacemakers, Steve describes the occasion quite vividly.

“As we all know, this was the start of Beatlemania, and nowhere was it greater then at The Imp, which, as usual, seemed to be in the eye of the hurricane.

In those early days, some of the groups were

“This was the start of Beatlemania, and nowhere was it greater then at The Imp”

playing up to three gigs a night, playing a 25-minute set before being whisked off to the next engagement, so it was vital to get in and out quickly. As Ringo said, “We sometimes played fast, if no one was listening to us.

“When they came to The Imp in 1963, they had just had their first number 1 with ‘From Me To You.’

“The first thing Paul did on The Imp stage was to say, ‘Shurrup’, but to no avail. Fifty girls fainted and had to be carried to the relative safety behind the stage. The noise was so deafening that the group was barely audible. One girl, who had skipped off school to see them, said the next day, the other girls kept touching her, just because she had breathed the same air as her idols. Some girls were so excited they were bleeding from head wounds caused as a result of banging their foreheads against seats and walls.

The memory of The Imp lives on in the hearts of local folk and ‘reception officer’ Adrian Shaw, who worked at The Imperial from 1963 to 1965, after leaving the army, recalls the day the Beatles came to town in 1963.“The place was chaotic; young girls were screaming and fainting. It was at this point we christened them ‘screamagers’!

If you’d like a copy of ‘GOIN’ DOWN TH’IMP they will be availible to buy from Colne Bookshop, Electron in Burnley, the Music Box in Nelson. To guarantee a copy, please contact georgedavidgrimshaw@gmail.com.

The Imp on fire in 1976

Queuing at the entrance

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Let Wildlife GO WILD!

THE PLANET’S WILDLIFE AND PLANTS ARE DIVERSE, BUT MANY ARE FACING POPULATION DECLINES. TAKE PRACTICAL STEPS TO HELP IN YOUR GARDEN.

Bees :

Bumblebees, vital pollinators essential to our ecosystems, are under threat, with many of Europe’s wild bee species at risk of extinction. You can help by providing shelter for solitary bees like mason and leafcutter bees by investing in or building your own insect hotel using simple materials like wooden blocks and logs.

Top Tip: Plant various flowers that bloom at different times throughout the year to ensure a continuous food source for bees. Some excellent choices include Lavender, Foxglove, Echinacea, Sunflowers, Salvia, Nepeta, and Zinnias.

Butterflies:

The decline of butterflies, particularly in urban areas, is attributed to habitat loss and climate change. Support butterfly populations by installing butterfly hotels in your garden. These decorative structures, equipped with front openings, provide a welcoming habitat for butterflies. Enhance their new homes by placing sugar solution-soaked sponges nearby.

Top Tip: Create basking spots for butterflies by placing flat stones in sunny areas.

Insects:

Insects are crucial for maintaining a healthy ecosystem in your garden. They play a significant role in pollination, soil health and pest control. You can create a thriving and sustainable garden by encouraging a diverse range of beneficial insects like ladybirds, hoverflies, lacewings, and beetles. You can also allow certain areas of your garden to grow wild and undisturbed to serve as nesting sites and shelters for these helpful creatures.

Top Tip: Ladybirds love plants that attract aphids, such as marigolds or cosmos, so plant near your insect hotel or in containers to provide a food source.

Birds:

Encouraging birds to visit your garden is a delightful activity, especially in the UK, since it’s known for its love for birds. Having access to clean water is essential for birds, so you can install bird baths with shallow edges.

Top Tip: Planting fruit-bearing trees and shrubs provides natural food sources for birds throughout the year, which can incredibly benefit their wellbeing.

Hedgehogs:

Hedgehogs face challenges due to habitat destruction, leading to a significant decline in their UK population. Help hedgehogs thrive by providing shelter, food, and access between gardens. Create hedgehog houses using simple materials and leave parts of your garden wild to offer them suitable habitats.

Top Tip: Offer hedgehogs high-quality cat or dog food with a high meat content as part of their diet, and ensure they always have access to fresh water.

Competition time

To enter visit colnelifemagazine.co.uk/competitions or scan the code. Deadline for entries 13.4.24 unless otherwise stated.

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Mini Mouths for kids’ teeth

Lily Hope, Practice Manager at Skipton Road Dental in Colne, hopes to transform smiles in Pendle with her community outreach scheme Mini Mouths.

Starting in 2020, Lily and her team of dentists and nurses began visiting schools to provide toothbrushes and toothpaste to children, along with plenty of tips on how to brush your teeth.

“I got the idea from a conversation with one of my friends who is a primary school teacher,” Lily explains. “There was a little boy in her class who cried each time he arrived at school. They couldn’t work out what was wrong.” After a while, the teacher came to an awful conclusion. “He was hungry,” Lily explains. As the practice manager for Skipton Road Dental, she realised that if food is an issue in households, it is likely dental hygiene is extremely low on the list of priorities for those families and that buying a toothbrush or toothpaste is probably out of reach. So, instead, she decided to bring the tools to the children.

“We enjoy attending local schools, speaking to the children, providing them with the equipment and showing them how to brush using big

models of teeth.”

It’s important for Lily to show proper brushing methods early. “Adults come into the practice, and it can come across as patronising because we say next time, bring your brush, and we’ll show you how to brush your teeth. We never actually get shown. No one really tells us, and we’re seeing the effects of that lack of knowledge now in adults.”

She hopes that through proper education and equipped with the

“AS WELL AS A SHIFT IN MINDSET, MINI MOUTHS AIMS TO EDUCATE PARENTS AS WELL AS CHILDREN”

tools to do the job, children will be better prepared to look after their teeth and avoid problems down the line.

“In Pendle, the rate of children needing general anaesthetics to perform tooth extractions due to decay is incredibly high. Some children need full clearances because the decay has got so bad.”

Lily believes a total shift in mindset is necessary. “Society sees tooth decay as something easy to fix – if someone says a ten-year-old has to go and get a filling, we don’t think of that as bad, but we’ve allowed part of their body to decay that much that we need to intervene and put something false in there. It shouldn’t be something we consider normal.”

As well as a shift in mindset, Mini Mouths aims to educate parents as well as children. “We tend to do a

parents’ class as well towards the end of the school day, and they can come and talk to the nurses and the dentists. You have parents who believe they are doing the right thing by giving children smoothies through a sippy cup each morning, then realise it is decaying their children’s teeth.”

Although the COVID lockdowns disrupted the scheme, so far, her team have given out a toothbrush and toothpaste to 500 local children through the help of charities, including the Rotary Club of Colne and The Cardboard Box Company, and she hopes to expand the scheme across Pendle to get more children brushing!

Contact reception@dentist-colne. co.uk for more information

Lily’s Top Tips

1 Brush twice a day

2 Try a two-minute timer

3 Don’t rinse after brushing

4 Keep sweet treats to meal times

5 Don’t forget hidden sugars (tomato ketchup and fruit smoothies are big offenders!)

Lily Hope

RAMBLING IN THE RAIN

WITH THE PENDLE WALKERS

BY LAURA STOREY

The Pendle Walkers are approaching their 117 th year of ambling through the wild moors, forests and fields of the Pendle countryside.

The club’s story began when, in 1892, a Colne reverend – Thomas Arthur Leonard, decided to take a group of the town’s young men to the Lake District to experience the beauty of nature.

The trip was a great success and led to the formation of the Co-operative Holidays Association (CHA) in 1907. 18 years before the famous Ramblers Association was formed.

Over a century later, and the club is still walking – around Pendle, into the Ribble Valley, across the border into the Yorkshire Dales and Calderdale and back to the Lake District, where the first walk was held.

They head out each Saturday and Tuesday for the longer walks (eight-13 miles) and each Tuesday for

the shorter walks (five miles). As well as hosting the Tuesday strollers, a group that meets every Tuesday at Colne Asda for shorter, slower walks.

As a keen walker, I should have already been a regular member of the Pendle Walkers, but I was a bit nervous about walking in a group. I’m not the type who steams ahead, occasionally checking their watch to see how many miles they’ve forged. Instead, you’d more likely find me dawdling as I try to decide on the best place for a spot of lunch.

With all this in mind, I decided to skip past the longer walks, which I’m told are for people who like to get their miles in while still having a bit of a natter and decided on a short five-mile hike around Noggarth above Nelson.

The walk took place on a rainy Tuesday

morning, and, as I was driving to Northern Life’s offices with my windscreen wipers on full whack, I expected the walk to be called off due to the bad weather. Of course, I had underestimated the hardy Lancastrian Pendle Walkers, who certainly believe in Wainwright’s old adage – “there’s no such thing as bad weather, just unsuitable clothing.”

“Just bring your waterproofs!” Tony Helmn, the walk’s leader, advised as I hurried back into my car from the office, soaked already, to drive to the meeting point – the car park in Nelson’s Victoria Park.

It was easy to spot the Pendle Walkers as I arrived, a group of nine hardy ramblers in walking boots and waterproofs.

“We’d usually have around 20 walkers,” Tony explains as we set off across the B6249 and continue through Victoria Park along Pendle Water’s banks. The weather has deterred some, it seems.

After a short stroll through the park, we head back on ourselves slightly, turning up Lower Parrock Road and crossing Barrowford Road at the pedestrian crossing, down a path next to a huge newly built estate. “This used to be all trees,” Tony reminisces sadly. Luckily, it’s not too far before the path becomes lined with beautiful elms and birch trees. We’re climbing up and away from the town of Nelson. It’s a forgiving slope, and as I am chatting to Tony, we walk at a comfortable pace, stopping occasionally for those who need more time to make their way up or avoid the muddy stream that has emerged down the bank.

We end up on Wheatley Lane Road, and Tony leads us to a stile next to All Souls RCC

“The small stream that had trickled down the rocky path was nothing compared to the lagoon that had built up behind the stone stile”

Cemetery. He hitches himself up, then stops. A pause. “We may need to go another way.”

The small stream that had trickled down the rocky path was nothing compared to the lagoon that had built up behind the stone stile. Another member leans over, lowering their walking pole into the murky swamp-like water. It covers almost half. The water would be up to our knees.

Luckily, Tony has lived in Nelson his whole life and has been a member of Pendle Walkers since 1985. We’re on his home turf, so he knows plenty of routes. We head further along the road before turning just before the junction of Carr Hall Road, which heads back down to Nelson. I’m told the huge trees that line Carr Hall Road were planted to celebrate Queen Victoria’s Jubilee. We don’t head down but up. Along Sandyhall Lane, Nelson comes into view as we rise higher and higher. Photos never do nature justice; it’s hard to explain the magical feeling of looking down over empty fields at houses that now look like tiny specks in the distance.

We reach Noggarth Tea Gardens, a beautiful spot for a brew that looks out over Pendle Hill. But it’s not time for lunch quite yet, and Tony leads us onwards down a path to the right of the cafe, over a stile and into a field with mud that quelches and sucks your boots into it. You can’t deny that view, though. Pendle Hill’s familiar slope and straight ahead a prominent round lump in the ground on top

The Pendle Ramblers set off

The ‘Lagoon’

of which sits a stone tower.

“That’s Blacko Tower,” Tony explains, “Or Stansfield Tower, as a man called Jonathan Stansfield built it in the 19th century.”

No one was quite sure why he built it. “One story said he built it so he could see into the Ribble Valley and wave to his lover, but you can’t imagine that would work – apart from anything, he was ancient when the tower was completed; you can’t imagine his eyesight would have been anywhere near good enough!” Tony laughs.

After walking along the ridge with Pendle Hill to our left and Nelson down to our right for a mile or so, we came across an abandoned farmhouse with a stunning view of the valley below. The

Booths the supermarket and into Barrowford Memorial Park, where we sit down for a well-earned break and some lunch. We sit for half an hour or so, watching the ducks on the pond and chatting.

Some members have attended these walks weekly for years; others are relatively new, and I’d never have guessed which. Everyone chats to everyone; it’s a remarkably friendly group.

“We all love a chat,” Tony smiles. “And it keeps us active. It’s something I love to do.”

“We followed the dog walker, skirting bogs that would steal our boots from off our feet”

After the break, we headed down through the park along Pendle Water. The rain has washed away the path in parts, and there are signs to keep well back from the edge. Nevertheless, we follow it back to the car park. It’s been six miles, including

ground was treacherously boggy, leaving Tony once again to go ahead, sacrificing his boots to the mud for the good of the group. A dog walker called out a warning. It was far too muddy to proceed. Another detour was required.

We followed the dog walker, skirting bogs that would steal our boots from off our feet, down the field that led away from the farmhouse and over a small bridge.

“Nothing but downhill now!” Tony called.

“He always says that!” Another member laughed. “Then he realises he’s forgotten another hill.”

This time, it seems Tony is correct. We’re heading down into Barrowford along Pastor Lane, passing

the detours. The other walkers don’t seem fazed, discussing their plans to play bridge or attend a dance class. I am caked in mud, soaked and tired, but have thoroughly enjoyed the walk.

If you would like to join a walking group but are unsure whether you’d be able to keep up or are worried about being welcomed, I would definitely recommend the five-mile walks with the Pendle Walkers. Tony ensured everyone was safe and happy on our walk and that no one was left behind.

“People can start with us, then go on to the longer walks if they’d like to,” Tony explains. “Our members tend to be over 60, but we do have a few that are younger.”

Coach Lindsay

THE CRITICAL CRITTER IN THE BRAIN HOUSE

How to teach your kids about their inner critic

Kids need ease and fun when it comes to difficult tasks like challenging negative self-talk.

Have you ever heard your child say something like: “I’m not good at this,” or “I’m so stupid,” or “It’s all my fault,” or “I shouldn’t have even tried.” Perhaps some kids don’t say these things out loud, but maybe they refrain from doing certain activities or speaking up in school because they’ve already convinced themselves they’re not good enough. Over time, these behaviours can grow into our inner critic.

I like to refer to the inner critic as “The Critical Critter” to take some of the weight off. Exploring self-critical thoughts can often feel like heavy, exhausting work, so using a playful approach can help children bring a certain amount of lightness to balance out the heavy work of noticing unhelpful habits and challenging or approaching them differently.

The character of the inner critic as a “Critter” helps children understand when they are too hard on themselves and also the crucial lesson that thoughts are not facts. Just because we think we’re rubbish at something doesn’t make it true.

So, how do you start a conversation with your children about the self-defeating, self-

critical thoughts we all have running on repeat in the back of our minds?

Here is how I help children to understand their critical critters.

I talk about how the brain is like a house, with an upstairs and a downstairs. This is a really simple way to help kids think about what’s happening inside their heads.

Having introduced the idea of the brain house, I tell children that we will add a rather scary, hairy, and un-fairy-like creature. You know your child, so make sure this makes sense to them. Some children may need lots of reassurance that this is just pretend - “there aren’t really characters living in our brain”whilst others may love the opportunity to run wild with imagination.

The Critical Critter in the Brain House

The Critical Critter lives in the upstairs brain house with the thinkers, problem solvers, planners, emotion regulators, creatives, and flexible and empathic types in the neocortex. To begin with, we may have yet to notice that the Critter has moved in. It may start with a quiet voice, occasionally speaking up with

critical self-talk. But, the more we listen to its words, the bigger it grows. The Critical Critter is fed a diet of negative self-talk and unkind, unsupportive words from others. Each time we chew on harsh and unjustified criticism, it’s like giving the critter another burger to munch on. One day, we discover the critter has unpacked all its luggage and grown large enough to throw its weight around. The critter has become a big bully, squashing hopes of self-compassion or kindness from the upstairs “thinking” characters. And, not content with that, it is also lurking downstairs in our feeling brain (the limbic system), telling us that we’re right to panic and flip our lid because everything will go wrong. And when it does, insists the Critter, we will be to blame because we’re useless.

Notice the Critical Critter in Action

Think of some examples to share with your child about what else the Critical Critter does. Choose examples that aren’t too stressful because if you make your kids feel too anxious, they may feed their Critter right then and there!

4 Ways Kids Can Shrink the Critical Critter.

1) Ask your child to name their critter: This may sound a bit silly, but it gives your child the space to separate the words and actions of the critter from their own and notice when the inner critic is at work. This gives them a better chance of taming harsh words (and avoiding catastrophising thoughts) that eventually build into habits of rumination. It doesn’t matter what they call the Critter, just as long as it makes sense to them.

2) Take the BFF test: You might notice the Critter creeping around your child on tough days. They start being really hard on themselves. “It’s all my fault we lost the game.” When you spot

this, ask them: “Would you speak like this to your best friend?” If the answer is “no,” it’s time to squash that negative self-talk and encourage them to be their own BFF (Best Friend Forever). Ask them to think about what they would say to a friend in a similar position and how they would say it. Regularly practising this exercise will help them take responsibility for their actions while building self-compassion.

3) Answer back: You may spend a lot of time encouraging your child not to answer back, but when it comes to the Critter, they need to boss them back. When you notice the Critter sneakily chanting, “This’ll never work; you’ve always been useless at this,” encourage them to answer back. Use these sentences, and their Critter will be eating broccoli for a week!

“That’s enough out of you, CritterI’m doing my best.”

“I can’t hear you, Critter; I’m too busy being amazing over here.”

“Maybe it didn’t work this time, Critter, but I’m giving it another go.”

4) Create a positive moments practice: Being under attack from the Critter is challenging and, for some kids, can feel relentless. It can make kids question themselves and their abilities. To cope with this relentless criticism, kids must find things they like about themselves. Each day, help your child find time to notice the things that went well because of them, no matter how small they are. Ask them what went well today and help them to find the positive moments in their day. Encouraging a regular practice of gratitude is a great way to build resilience and self-compassion and keep the Critter quiet!

Sending you all love and light. Go gently on yourselves.

Coach Lindsay x

A COLNER AT CAMBRIDGE

Josh Swarbrick, a former writer for ColneLife, shares his adventures as a fresher at the University of Cambridge. From reluctantly devouring guinea fowl at formal dinners to indulging in midnight pot noodles…

It feels like an entire lifetime has passed since I was last asked to write a story for Colne Life. In reality it’s only been about five months. Time moves differently at university; I’m convinced of it – and to be honest I’m still not sure if it goes uncomfortably quick or painfully slow. Either way I made it through the first term, I suppose that’s the most important thing. Against the odds I survived 10 weeks of relative independence without being poisoned by my terrible culinary skills, getting lost

in the narrow winding Cambridge streets (that one’s a particular miracle), or, God forbid, accidentally dropping a coloured sock into my white laundry. I hope I’ve not spoken too soon though; I’ve still got another two and a half years to go!

I think it’s fair to say that Cambridge, for the most part, operates almost in its own little world. Comparing my experiences to my friends’ at other unis, though, I do think Cambridge (or, rather, my college, as they all sort of function independently from each other) is a lot more ‘normal’ than I was anticipating, at least my experience of it has been. That being said, the Hogwarts comparisons are, understandably, inevitable. There are colleges that, like Hogwarts houses, can get very competitive with one another (my college, Trinity Hall, is objectively the best one, of course); there are dozens of the most gorgeous old libraries; many colleges have sprawling gardens and greenhouses; and, probably most famously, we do have gowned formal dinners in huge portrait-lined, candle-lit dining halls. In the ›

" There are colleges that, like Hogwarts houses, can get very competitive with one another "

case of the latter, though, I’ve managed to avoid them for the most part. ‘Formals’ where you wear a gown are very much optional (I’ve only actually worn my gown once so far) and, whilst we will sometimes have tea in our college’s gorgeous dining hall, it’s all really informal. The food itself is also, thankfully, very normal – we did have guinea fowl once at Matriculation Dinner but (again, thankfully) that’s been the one exception, and even then, it was basically just glorified chicken masquerading itself as fancier than it actually is. That’s about as far as the Hogwarts similarities go though: to my disappointment it turns out we don’t play quidditch, we’re not allowed pets (so that rules out me having an owl), and I’m yet to run into a dragon or centaur or any other magical creature. I think I’d definitely prefer Silly, our much-loved college cat, anyway.

I have been – and, to tell the truth, continue to be – very worried about a lot of the Cambridge stereotypes (I don’t need to list them off here, I’m sure you’re aware of them): worried, mainly, that people would see me as trying to conform to them. Maybe it’s just my college (being one of the smallest colleges in Cambridge, it also feels like one of the friendliest), maybe it’s even just my friends, but those stereotypes are, in my experience, a lot less prevalent than I was expecting. I’ve met quite a lot of fellow northerners, for example, and – at least so far – I’m yet to have my (admittedly pretty weak) northern accent made fun of by a southerner. There is definitely some truth to some of the stereotypes I think but, a bit like the guinea fowl, they are undoubtedly the exception rather than the norm.

To my delight you can also quite easily avoid a lot of ‘Cambridgeisms’, like gowned dinners, in favour of a generally more relaxed and informal time.

‘A Week in the Life of a University Student’ is, then, about as interesting as you’d expect, to be honest: just a lot of reading (like, a LOT of reading), essay writing, completely healthy sleep schedules, and the occasional night out that always leaves you wishing you’d just stayed in with a hot chocolate and a movie. I’m really lucky to be able to say I have, so far at least, quite enjoyed my course though. I’m a history student, at the moment mainly focussing on 16th and 17th century British history, and 18th century global history, and to me that is heaven –I’ve found both the deeper dive into centuries that have long interested me and the exploration of new periods and places to be equally really interesting. But (as with any work I think) there are times it can feel a bit like Groundhog Day, probably not helped by being in a completely new and sort of unfamiliar environment. As soon as you’re done with one task it’s straight onto the next, and then the next, and the next. It’s fascinating, but often draining. But whilst that rhythm of work has been (and felt like) the bulk of my first term, I think it’s the little social things I’ve done in between the daily cram of academic articles and lectures that have been my favourite memories of my first 10 weeks.

Ahead of going to university, it was actually the social side of things that worried me most. Work itself would undoubtedly be challenging, yes, but I at least felt I knew where I was with it; university social life was new and scary and unfamiliar. I’m a massive introvert, I don’t drink, and to be quite honest I couldn’t think of anything worse than pulling an all-nighter in a loud and overcrowded club. None of that has really changed, but the friends I’ve made have ensured that it didn’t need to. We’ve been ‘out out’ a few times for sure, and had a nice time when we did, but we’ve also had film nights,

Old Library, Trinity Hall

The view from Josh's room

pizza parties, definitely-not-unhealthily-competitive Mario Kart competitions, and even nights where we just sit by the river and talk. There’s been days where we’ve all gone shopping (particularly dangerous for me is the four-storey Waterstones about five minutes away from my college); days where we’ve gone to the pub to watch football, to the surprise of everyone who knows me; days where we’ve explored other colleges and, naturally, judged them against our own. On probably my favourite day I took a few hours out to visit Cambridge’s Fitzwilliam Museum, touring (and almost getting lost in) rooms filled with Egyptian sarcophagi, Renaissance paintings, Japanese woodblocks, Medieval weaponry, Chinese porcelain and, my personal favourite, Greek statues, before then heading to an evening concert celebrating the music of Japanese animation company Studio Ghibli. Work is undoubtedly the foundation for everything – of course it is, it’s university – but I think it’s important to mention there are times where you can escape all that, and I feel so lucky to have found some really close friends to have a break from work with.

I also feel really lucky to not only be in such a beautiful city, but to be in a city so steeped in history. No matter where you go in Cambridge you’re surrounded by gorgeous historic buildings, huge churches and chapels, tiny bookshops in cobbled alleyways, old bridges, labyrinthine libraries, massive green spaces - the list really does go on! As a city I really do feel at home there. That was always what drew me to Cambridge. I don’t care for the prestige of the university or the history of renowned alumni or anything like that. I never did. It’s the city itself that I wanted to live and study in more than anything, and I feel immensely grateful to now be there.

" A week in the life of a University Student is about as interesting as you’d expect, to be honest: just a lot of reading (like, a LOT of reading) "

noodle teas, frantic bike rides to a lecture you’re 10 minutes late too, and pot noodle midnight snacks, I am trying to savour being home as much as I can. It sounds painfully cliché, but really there is something special about being up here. Cambridge is absolutely gorgeous, and I really do feel at home down there, but there’s a warmth to Lancashire and Yorkshire (figuratively speaking… it’s chucking it down outside as I write this) that you don’t get in quite the same way elsewhere. Plus, unlike down south, there’s a chippy on nearly every street corner here, and that’s always a bonus.

That being said, I have missed being up north though. A lot actually. It’s Christmas break as I’m writing this and, as much as I’m looking forward to returning to the world of microwave dinners, decoding confusingly written academic articles, pot

Cambridge is different, absolutely, but I think in a way that’s part of its charm. It’s definitely not for everyone – it can be really academically intense, pressurised, overwhelming, and I would be lying if I made it sound like there haven’t already been some really tough times. It’s hard not to feel like an imposter in that kind of an environment, it’s hard not to doubt yourself and your choices, to find motivation, or have confidence. I’m still working on that, and I think I will be throughout my whole degree. But I suppose I’ve been reassured in knowing I’m not alone in feeling this way, not only from my lovely friends and endlessly supportive family, but from tutors and college staff too. It’s university after all, it’s not going to be easy, but that’s okay. For every bad time there has been about three good ones. I feel indescribably lucky to be in a place that I feel comfortable in, with friends that I feel comfortable with, and the knowledge of having that to fall back on will, I am sure, help me get through what I can only imagine will be an incredibly challenging, draining, uncertain, confusing, self-doubting, but, ultimately, exciting and rewarding next few years.

Silly the Cat

Wren Library, Trinity College

GREEN AND PLEASANT PENDLE

As a Colne resident and market user, it is fantastic news that Colne Market is being refurbished. The majority of the current market traders have been temporarily relocated to the former Poundland store on Hartley Square. The store has been converted to create a new market hall for 14 traders so that the development works can begin on the new market, due to open in spring next year. Shaw’s Greengrocers and Michael’s Butchers & Farm Shop have temporarily relocated to Richmond’s Court, situated opposite the Market Hall. In the interim, Boots will maintain its present location, while Granny’s Kitchen Cafe has successfully transitioned to The Fun House on Dockray Street, formerly known as Earnies’.

The £4.8m development, which includes £3m from the Government’s Levelling Up Fund, will create a brighter and more modern Market Hall inside and out. There will be an outside area to allow more event space, a food hall and a retail and trading area at the front of the market. Nine existing apartments located upstairs will be refurbished to a modern standard, and two more will be created with the transfer of the café downstairs. This is great not only for the businesses that operate in the market but also for the whole of Colne, especially as it is happening alongside major investments in Colne’s three theatres. I pay tribute to Colne Councillors Sarah Cockburn-Price and Ash Sutcliffe, who worked so hard alongside me to secure the Levelling Up Fund money from the government, which has made all this work possible.

It is also great to see the open space behind Pendle View Primary School and Fishermore High has been protected from development. This site is owned by Pendle Council, which proposed the site for housing. Initially, plans were put forward to build 200 houses, later dropped to 80 on the greenfield site as part of the Council’s local plan. However, again, thanks to the work of Colne’s Conservative Councillors, Lancashire Wildlife Trust was appointed to conduct three surveys and help develop the evidence to register Gib Hill as a Local Nature Reserve. This was part of an initiative to

“ THIS NEW LOCAL NATURE RESERVE MORE THAN DOUBLES THE ACREAGE DEVOTED TO LOCAL NATURE RESERVES IN PENDLE ”

double the amount of nature reserves in Pendle and protect greenfield sites across the borough. This new Local Nature Reserve more than doubles the acreage devoted to Local Nature Reserves in Pendle and follows the recent decision to expand Alkincoats Nature Reserve by nine acres. Protecting these kinds of sites is vital to maintaining the beautiful area we live in. This is only enhanced by Pendle being named the best place to spend your retirement in the UK! So, whether protecting our own town’s unique character and heritage or protecting our green open spaces, there is a lot of good work across and around Colne.

PENDLE’S ‘VOICE IN WESTMINSTER’ ANDREW STEPHENSON MP TALKS TO ColneLife AND KEEPS US UP-TO-DATE WITH THE LATEST DEVELOPMENTS IN PENDLE.

Andrew Stephenson MP litterpicking at Gib Hill last year

ColneLife’s

WHAT’S ON GUIDE

MARCH APRIL

MARCH

Tues 12th

LITTLE FRIENDS PARENT AND TODDLER GROUP

Join them for a fun-packed afternoon including playtime, toys, sing-a-longs and snacks! £1 per family. New Life, West Street, Colne (downstairs entrance). tel: 01282 871721

YOGA WITH KATH GIBBONS

Peter Birtwistle Community Centre, Keighley Road, Colne Yoga classes - all abilities welcome, including beginners. Intensity low. Tues evenings and Saturday mornings. Booking is required, and for further details, please get in touch with Kath. Tel: 0780865346. £5. 12 March to 30 June. yogawithkathgibbons.com

Thurs 14th

WILLOW WEAVING

Pendle Heritage Centre, Barrowford, Colne

Learn about the ancient craft of willow weaving with Rosemary Fenwick from Newground Together and create your decorative fish in our beautiful surroundings. Materials provided. Please ring 01282 677150 on WedSun to book. Free. 1 pm to 3.30 pm. pendleheritage.co.uk

Sat 16th

VOLUNTEER SATURDAYS

Harwes Farm, Foulridge, Colne Come and join us; everyone is welcome, with a lower age limit of 14 years for dry stone walling. Harwes Farm are rebuilding 900 m of dry-stone walling, planting and maintaining over 3,000 trees, and developing an organic allotment. Come along and enjoy the panoramic views and light-hearted company of fellow volunteers. A packed lunch is required. Free. 10 am to 2.30 pm. harwesfarm.org

Sun 17th

SUNDAY CLUB

It is fun for the little ones and includes crafts, stories, and games. 9.30am St Michael & All Angels Church, Skipton Road, Foulridge. BB8 7NP. Tel 07540 797058

STEAMING DAY AT BANCROFT MILL ENGINE MUSEUM

Bancroft Mill Engine Museum, Gillians Lane, Barnoldswick Established in 1982, we aim to maintain a link to the town’s cotton heritage by preserving and demonstrating the engine that powered over 1,000 looms in the mill from 1920 until its closure in 1978. Adult £6, concs £5. Children under 6 – Free. Ages 6 - 14 yrs £3. Family £15. 11 am to 4 pm. bancroftmill.org.uk

Tues 19th

MACK & MABEL

Pendle Hippodrome Theatre, New Market Street, Colne

It is based on the real-life story of the director, Mack Sennett, and his star and lover, Mabel Normand and presented by Pendle Hippodrome Theatre Company. 7.30 pm, Sat mat 2 pm. £12 - £15. 19-23 March. pendlehippodrome.com

BINGO & STEW

Colne Citadel, 10 Market Place, Colne

Broth & stew, bingo and prizes, Tuesdays 11 am - 2 pm. £3 per person. All welcome. 11 am to 2 pm. colnecitadel.co.uk

Weds 20th

EASTER CALLIGRAPHY WORKSHOP

The Hive Café, Boundary Outlet, Colne

Enjoy a 1.5-hour workshop and tuition from two expert tutors with tea and biscuit refreshments. What’s included?

Mellor & Rose Brush Calligraphy Beginners Workpack complete with brush pen, a box of 6 ceramic eggs, calligraphy alphabet guides, decorative drawing templates and luxe stationery gift tags, all ready to be lettered and customised! Learn the fundamentals of brush lettering, how to hold the pen, pressure strokes, letterforms, and alphabet and create your own personalised egg decoration and Easter gift tags. 6pm – 7.30pm. £45 per ticket. See FB site on how to book.

EASTER TODDLER PARTY

Thornton Hall Country Park,

Thornton in Craven, Barnoldswick These toddler party games will surely be a hit with your little ones. Who doesn’t love musical statues, pass the parcel and fun giant parachute games? Easter Bunny meet-and-greet, farm tours and animal activities, including pony grooming, bottle feeding, and animal petting. Indoor soft play area. Various prices. 20-21 March. thorntonhallcountrypark.co.uk

Thurs 21st

GUIDED WALK

Ball Grove Nature Reserve, Colne

Walking is a great way to stay active and improve your fitness without the added intensity that any other exercise form brings. Each walk is led by a volunteer whom Pendle Leisure Trust has trained. Meet at the upper car park at Ball Grove Nature Reserve at 10 am. Free. For further details, contact Ron Whalley at 01282 613282. 10 am to 12.30 pm. pendle.upandactive.co.uk

Sat 23rd

DUCK RACE AT KELBROOK

Kelbrook & Sough Village Hall, Dotcliffe Road, Kelbrook

Come along and watch the antics of the plastic ducks bobbing down the beck with a delicious lunch in the village hall. Fun for all the family. All day. kelbrookvillagehall.org.uk

COLNE SATURDAY LEGO CLUB

Colne Library, Market Street, Colne Calling all master builders and Lego enthusiasts! Share your passion and amazing creations for children and young people at Lego Club. Children under eight must be accompanied—every Sat 10 am - 3 pm. Drop in. Free. 23rd March to 20th July. lancashire.gov.uk

Thurs 28th

GUIDED WALK FROM PENDLE HERITAGE CENTRE

Pendle Heritage Centre, Barrowford, Colne

Walking is a great way to stay active and improve your fitness without the added intensity that any other exercise form brings. Each walk is led by a volunteer whom Pendle Leisure Trust has trained. Meet in the car park at Pendle Heritage

›

Centre at 10 am. Free. For further details, contact Ron Whalley at 01282 613282. 10 am to 12.30 pm. pendle.upandactive.co.uk

Sat 30th

EASTER IN COLNE 2024

Colne Town Centre, Colne Easter in Colne returns on Sat 30th March 2024, we have a fantastic day in store for you filled with lots of family-friendly fun, including free face painting, free donkey rides, a free easter egg hunt, a free visit from the Easter Bunny, funfair rides plus so much more! A great family day out. 11 am to 4 pm.

APRIL

Mon 1st

BOXERCISE

West Craven Sports Centre, Kelbrook Road, Barnoldswick

Punch your way to the perfect physique. Boxercise is one of the most effective cardiovascular exercises, focusing on endurance, speed and coordination. It’s fun, energetic and very addictive. Non-contact. Mon 6 pm. Booking required. 1 April to 24 June. www. pendleleisuretrust.co.uk

Wed 3rd

CRAFT GROUP

Pendle Kitchen and the Arcade Wool Shop run a friendly craft group. 1st Wednesday of the month. 6 pm until 8 pm. It is a very informal night where they chat over a brew and help each other with knitting and crochet. If you get stuck, need to learn, or just fancy a natter they can help. Just bring £1 for your bottomless brew... If you need any information

WhatsApp Lesley Guest Harvey on 0775 254 7898...

Fri 5th

ROBIN HOOD

Burnley Mechanics, Manchester Road, Burnley

Prepare yourself for an all-singing, all-dancing, laugh-a-minute ride through the fun and frolics of panto land. Star cast to be announced! 2 pm & 6 pm. £16/£18. All day. blcgroup.co.uk

Sun 7th

STEAMING DAY AT BANCROFT MILL ENGINE MUSEUM

Bancroft Mill Engine Museum, Gillians Lane, Barnoldswick

On these days, you can see our engines and looms in operation with guided tours explaining the history of the mill and the museum, and we aim to answer as many of your questions as possible. The café offers hot and cold drinks, cakes, and free parking on Steaming Days. Adult £6, concs £5, Ages 6 – 14 yrs £3. Family £15, children under 6 –Free. 11 am to 4 pm. bancroftmill. org.uk

Wed 10th

STRENGTH & BALANCE CLASS – UP AND ACTIVE TEAM

Pendle Leisure Centre, Crown Way, Colne

This low-level circuit class is suitable for adults of all ages. The class incorporates a variety of exercises to increase fitness levels, develop muscular strength (using resistance bands) and improve balance. It is also suitable for those who have had or are at risk of falls. Low Intensity. Wednesday & Friday: £2 for a 12-week course. Please get in touch with Tel: 01282 661664 to book. £2. 10 April to 26 June. pendle.upandactive.co.uk

TOP-TO-TOE YOGA

Colne Library, Market Street, Colne

A qualified instructor will lead this intermediate yoga session. Please wear comfortable clothing suitable for exercise and stretching. Every Wed, 11.30 am to 12.30 pm. Free event; booking required. 11.30 am to 12.30 pm. lancashire.gov.uk

WE WILL ROCK YOU

Pendle Hippodrome Theatre, New Market Street, Colne Stage Door Youth Theatre presents this classic rock musical featuring over 20 hit Queen songs. £12 - £14. 10 April to 13 April. pendlehippodrome.com

Fri 12th

A MUSICAL CELEBRATION

Burnley Mechanics, Manchester Road, Burnley

This concert is a celebration of Burnley Light Opera Society’s remarkable legacy and a tribute to the enduring spirit of musical theatre. 7.30 pm. Sat mat 2.30 pm. £18. 12 April to 13 April. blcgroup. co.uk

ENDLESS LIONEL – LIONEL RICHIE & MOTOWN TRIBUTE NIGHT

Park Hill Barn, Pendle Heritage Centre, Park Hill, Barrowford

Join us for a night of soulful melodies and timeless classics at Park Hill Barn with “Endless Lionel” & Motown tribute night. £20. 8 pm. parkhillbarn.co.uk

Sat 13th

THIN LIZZY NIGHT

Barnoldswick Music & Art Centre, Rainhall Road, Barnoldswick

Thin Lizzy’s Black Rose: A Rock Legend is the ninth studio album by the Irish rock band

Thin Lizzy. Released in 1979, it has been described as one of the band’s “greatest, most successful albums”. Dizzy Lizzy will recreate a large selection of the songs. Dizzy Lizzy is regarded as one of the best live Lizzy bands around. £15. 7 pm to 11 pm. barnoldswickmusicandartscentre. com

Mon 15th

ART & CRAFTS

Colne Citadel, 10 Market Place, Colne

Arts and Crafts at Colne Citadel, Mondays 12 pm - 1.30 pm. All are welcome. Mondays 12 pm – 1.30 pm. For further details, contact Jolene at 07742883312 or Jolene@ colnecitadel.co.uk. 12 pm to 1.30 pm. colnecitadel.co.uk

Wed 17th

OPEN EVENT – NELSON AND COLNE COLLEGE

Nelson & Colne College, Scotland Road, Nelson

Get ready for their Year 8, 9 and 10 Open Event, where you’ll taste the incredible opportunities at Nelson and Colne College! Mark your calendar for Wednesday, April 17th, and dive into an immersive experience where you can engage with our enthusiastic tutors.

They’ll guide you through various options tailored to your talents and ambitions. 5.30 pm to 7.30 pm. nelson.ac.uk

Thurs 18th

WEDDING OPENING EVENING

Park Hill Barn, Pendle Heritage Centre, Park Hill, Barrowford

Come and join us at Park Hill Barn and see the barn dressed and decorated as it would be for a wedding day. (No appointment is required, but please order a free ticket so we have an idea of attendance). 5 pm to 8 pm. parkhillbarn.co.uk

Sat 20th

SPRING SHOWCASE –ELEMENTS

Pendle Hippodrome Theatre, New Market Street, Colne Imogen Gibson School of Dance presents Spring Showcase –Element. 6 pm. £10. £10. 6 pm. pendlehippodrome.com

THE VOICE OF WHITNEY –MICHELLE LAWSON

Park Hill Barn, Pendle Heritage Centre, Park Hill, Barrowford

Get ready to sing, dance, and celebrate the incredible legacy of one of the greatest voices in music history. Don’t miss this enchanting evening of nostalgia and homage to the iconic Whitney Houston!” 8 pm. parkhillbarn.co.uk

Sun 21st

COLNE DAFFODIL AND SPRING FLOWER SHOW

North Valley Community Centre. Have you got any spring flower shoots peeping through? You can enter your daffodils, hyacinths or tulips in the Colne Daffodil and Spring Flower Show. Novice classes are for first-timers, and championship classes are for experienced growers. North Valley Community Centre. facebook.com/ colne.horticulture

Sat 27th

SECRET GARDEN – DANCE ANTHEMS TAKEOVER

Thornton Hall Country Park, Thornton in Craven, Barnoldswick DFC will join us in The Secret

Garden at Thornton Hall Country Park for a night of classic Dance Anthems! Fully licensed bar and food are available. £7.50 per person 2 for £10. 7 am to 11 pm. thorntonhallcountrypark.co.uk barnoldswickmusicandartscentre. com

Mon 15th

ART & CRAFTS

Colne Citadel, 10 Market Place, Colne Arts and Crafts at Colne Citadel, Mondays 12 pm - 1.30 pm. All are welcome. Mondays 12 pm – 1.30 pm. For further details, contact Jolene at 07742883312 or Jolene@ colnecitadel.co.uk. 12 pm to 1.30 pm. colnecitadel.co.uk

Wed 17th

OPEN EVENT – NELSON AND COLNE COLLEGE

Nelson & Colne College, Scotland Road, Nelson

Get ready for their Year 8, 9 and 10 Open Event, where you’ll taste the incredible opportunities at Nelson and Colne College! Mark your calendar for Wednesday, April 17th, and dive into an immersive experience where you can engage with their enthusiastic tutors. They’ll guide you through various options tailored to your talents and ambitions. 5.30 pm to 7.30 pm. nelson.ac.uk

Thurs 18th

WEDDING OPENING EVENING

Park Hill Barn, Pendle Heritage Centre, Park Hill, Barrowford Come and join us at Park Hill Barn and see the barn dressed and decorated as it would be for a wedding day. (No appointment is required, but please order a free ticket so we have an idea of attendance). 5 pm to 8 pm. parkhillbarn.co.uk

Sat 20th

SPRING SHOWCASE –ELEMENTS

Pendle Hippodrome Theatre, New Market Street, Colne Imogen Gibson School of Dance presents Spring Showcase – Element. 6 pm. £10. pendlehippodrome.com

THE VOICE OF WHITNEY –MICHELLE LAWSON

Park Hill Barn, Pendle Heritage Centre, Park Hill, Barrowford

Get ready to sing, dance, and celebrate the incredible legacy of one of the greatest voices in music history. Don't miss this enchanting evening of nostalgia and homage to the iconic Whitney Houston!" 8 pm. parkhillbarn.co.uk

Sun 21st

COLNE DAFFODIL AND SPRING FLOWER SHOW

North Valley Community Centre. Have you got any spring flower shoots peeping through? You can enter your daffodils, hyacinths or tulips in the Colne Daffodil and Spring Flower Show. Novice classes are for first-timers, and championship classes are for experienced growers. North Valley Community Centre. facebook.com/ colne.horticulture

Sat 27th

SECRET GARDEN – DANCE ANTHEMS TAKEOVER

Thornton Hall Country Park, Thornton in Craven, Barnoldswick DFC will join us in The Secret Garden at Thornton Hall Country Park for a night of classic Dance Anthems! Fully licensed bar and food are available. £7.50 per person 2 for £10. 7 am to 11 pm. thorntonhallcountrypark.co.uk

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ColneLife Quiz

1Which Trawden resident was recently awarded the British Empire Medal for ‘Services to the Community’ in Colne?

2 What date is this year's Colne Gala?

3 What is the name of the local pioneer, founder and chairman of Pendleside Hospice, who passed away in 2019?

4 Where has VEG-IT and Michael’s Butchers & Farm Shop moved to until the market is renovated?

5 Colner Owen Bradley attended which annual World Scout Jamboree? 20th, 22nd or 25th?

6 How long has the Colne’s Christ Church activity group, the ‘Crafty Biggers’, been running?

7 Which local artist recently gifted ColneLife a painting?

8 When was the ‘Sally Beach’s Gallopers’ merry-go-round originally crafted?

Ow’ much d’ya know about our bonnie town on t’hill? The answers to these questions will be found within the pages of this issue and the last.

9 What happens every Tuesday between 4-5pm at CYAG (Colne Youth Action Group)?

10 The Trawden community has kept three local assets open; the shop, the community centre and the ...?

11 The Colne Gala usually includes a Gala Queen and Princess, what other position is being included this year?

12 What was the name of the Colne Youth Club in the 1960s?

13 Who does ColneLife take a ramble to Noggarth with?

14 Which Beatle told the audience at The Imp to "Shurrup"?

15 What is Dr Tom Friar from Skipton Road Dental Practice planning to do, that will provide more surgery space?

16 Which neologism means a video of a person created with AI?

17 What area is often captured by painter Keith Melling?

18 Which brothers, have taken over the popular Colne bakery, Whitesides?

19 What is Elisha House in the proccess of setting up?

20 Who set up Pendle Plant Craft?

22 What common plant can be used as a laundry detergent?

21 Former ColneLife writer Josh shared his experience at which university?

23 How many extra hours of foot patrol has Colne been getting due to Operation Centurion, launched by the Lancashire Police?

24 Who shouted to Geoff Crambie, "Postie, where's my giro?"

25 What anniversary did Pendle Hospice recently celebrate? CL