Northern Life Sept Oct Nov 24 Iss 116 Digital Edition

READERS’ STORIES, POEMS, PICTURES & MEMORIES

NorthernLife THE AWARD-WINNING MAGAZINE CELEBRATING YORKSHIRE AND LANCASHIRE

THERE AND BACK WITH

MICHAEL PALIN PETER WARD’S KING OF SPORTS

Au t u m

WHA n T’S ON GUID

E

A-Z of TODMORDEN COLNE’S HERITAGE QUARTER

EXPLORING EXTREMES

Sept/Oct/Nov 2024

£4.90

OLI FRANCE A TALE OF TWO VILLAGES IN THE

LUNE VALLEY

P l u s . . . FOOD & DRINK • HEALTH & SELF • HOME & GARDEN • ART & CULTURE

WHAT WE GOT HERE THEN? SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2024

22

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Features 10 Exploring Extremes with Oli France 14

There and back with Michael Palin

17

The A-Z of Todmorden

22 It’s a Small World 28 Goal-Getters: Pendle Forest Hockey Club 33 A Tale of Two Villages 36 Meet the Worldies 66 Secret Burnley and Pendle 66 It’s Just Not Cricket with Geoff Crambie

51 READERS’

SUBMISSIONS

52

Readers’ Gallery

55

Readers’ Poems

58

Reader’s Memory

60

Reader's Story Magnificent Merlin

62

Reader's Story Backseat Driver

65

Pet Pawtraits

66

28

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CONTENTS

REGULARS 8

Views & Good News

12

Subscribe to NorthernLife

30

Competition Time

99

What’s On Guide

39

88 68 HOME AND GARDEN 68

Walk On The Wild Side

71

Knock, Knock! Whooo's There?

73

Gardening Celebrate Autumn's Splendour

74 HEALTH AND SELF 39 FOOD AND DRINK

74

Old Age is Cancelled

40

Retro Classics

78

Dr Milli: From Toxic to Tonic

44

Autumn Tipples

45

Zodiac Cocktails

80

Coach Lindsay: Anxiety - How It

46

Autumn Means More Than Mushrooms

49

A Bit On The Side

94

46

Shows Up and How To Support It 83

Bringing a Smile to Halifax

84

Connect with Cheryl

87 ART AND CULTURE 88

The Heritage Quarter

92

Northern Life Book Club

93

Quiz - Which Witch is What?

94

King of Sports

96

Unveiling the Underbelly

93

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71

READERS’

V I EWS & GOOD NEWS

Send us a letter and if we print it you’ll receive a free copy of NorthernLife Write to us or email editor@northernlifemedia.co.uk or go to northernlifemagazine.co.uk/contribute

Miner’s Heroic Rescue of Pit Pony has remained in the family, first gained attention when Val took it to a BBC Antiques Roadshow in 2013.

Following the TV appearance, their cousin Joy recalled John’s story of protecting his pony, Flo, during the accident and later buying her for a penny from Earl Fitzwilliam. Flo lived the rest of her life in John’s garden.

To book tickets for the exhibition, visit wentworthwoodhouse.org.uk/whatson/wentworths-coal-story/ Pit pony medal

Steve Hardy and Val Noble

T

John Willie Bell in 1955, with wife Flo and his grand-daughter Val

he bravery of teenage miner John Willie Bell, who risked his life to save his pit pony during a mining accident, is the focus of a new exhibition at Wentworth Woodhouse.

During a roof fall at his pit in Elsecar, while uninjured miners fled, John ran back to find his pony. When a rescue team eventually found them, he said, “I knew you would dig for a man, but not for a pony.”

Thanks to his grandchildren, Steve Hardy and Val Noble, his story will be featured at Wentworth’s Coal Story Exhibition until the 6th October. They responded to an appeal for stories and mementoes for the exhibition, which explores the stately home’s 200-year coal-mining history.

Seventeen-year-old John Willie’s actions and the silver Fitzwilliam Medal for Kindness, awarded by Countess Maud Fitzwilliam in 1904, will be showcased among various mining memorabilia. The medal, which

MAYBE...

Hi Northern Life, I just want to say I always really love the reader submitted stories in your magazine. It’s great that there’s so many budding writers out there, and each time I feel like I should join them in submitting something – only I wouldn’t even know where to start!

Maybe I’ll send something over for the next mag…

Liz Shackleton, Embsay

THIS TIME, NEXT YEAR...

Hello, Thank you for introducing me to the Dales Divide Cycling Race. In April, my lovely wife surprised me with a mountain bike for my birthday, and since then, I have spent every day out and about on it. Since reading the article, I’ve been telling myself that I’m training for the Dales Divide next year… hope to see you there!

Vinnie Dakins, Settle

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Horsing around with a brew to go at Jackie & Francesca’s Old Rock Cafe & Cake Shop in Trawden.

VIEWS & GOOD NEWS Dear Northern Life, It was great to learn more about Evesha Wadsworth’s journey into construction and her positive experience within the industry. I’ve been looking for a career change for a while now and have always been good with my hands, but growing up, I was always told construction wasn’t an option. After reading her story, I immediately applied for an electrical course at my local college and I’m due to start in September – wish me luck!

Josie, Oxenhope

TOD LIFE Read all about Todmorden on page 17 and SCAN HERE to find out what the locals think!

‘ELLO, ‘ELLO, ‘ELLO...

Eddy Rawlinson, Cliviger

H

ere Burnley Bobbies on parade at a time when towns and cities had their force with each district having constables plodding a district beat 24hrs / seven days a week. Most constables had to be six feet tall or more and knowing right from wrong was their main qualifications. With a helmet plonked on top of that height they looked giants in uniform and you addressed them as sir. Dr Who boxes were introduced and dotted around the

PARK LIFE

town so that they could keep in touch with the station, have a meal break and meet up with their seniors. Now antiquated and gone, there wasn’t the crime we see today despite the introduction of amazing technology and fast-flying cars. It’s alarming to see the rise in crime rates despite all the technological advancements. Perhaps, the reintroduction of just a few of our old type bobbies like these, with their gentle persuasive ways, could be the answer to our rising crime problem.

ONLY JOKING!

Bradford Council parks have once again enjoyed Green Flag Award success with six of them receiving the accreditation.

Lister Park in Manningham, Roberts Park in Saltaire, Haworth’s Central Park, Harold Park in Low Moor, Undercliffe’s Peel Park and Cliffe Castle Park in Keighley have been given the seal of approval.

These six parks achieving the accreditation - the international quality Roberts Park in Saltaire mark for parks and green congratulate everyone involved in spaces - is testament to achieving a Green Flag Award. the hard work and dedication of “These parks are vital green space those who care for them so that for the communities in the Bradford everyone can enjoy visiting them. district, bringing people together Keep Britain Tidy’s Green Flag and providing opportunities to lead Award Scheme Manager Paul healthy lifestyles.”

Todd MBE said: “I would like to

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Dear Karen, Following on from your interview with photographer Andy Hollingsworth, I decided to take my family to Blackpool to see his exhibition. I’m really glad we went – I absolutely loved it, even if my kids were confused as to who most people were… it’s high time they were introduced to the great faces of British comedy!

Cheers, Paul Barrows, Burnley

northernlifemagazine.co.uk

EXTREMES EXPL RING EXTREMES OLI FRANCE’S JOURNEY FROM LOWEST TO HIGHEST POINTS ON EVERY CONTINENT

EXPL RING EXTREMES

By Laura Storey Photos by Aaron Rolph

Oli France, an adventurer from Wigan, is on an extraordinary mission to become the first person to travel from the lowest geographical point to the highest on all seven continents using only human power. Having completed two of the seven legs of his journey, he recently returned from a 3,556mile trek from Death Valley in California to Mount Denali, the highest peak in North America.

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O

li’s passion for adventure began in childhood.

“I was the kid in class, staring out the window, wanting to be outdoors,” he laughs. “I grew up playing sports like football and rugby.”

It was a chance outing to the Lake District, and one of his first attempts at rock climbing really sparked his ambition to become an adventurer.

“That moment felt like I’d found something I’d been searching for. I absolutely loved it.”

Oli dived headfirst into a degree in outdoor leadership, learning from some of the UK’s best instructors. “I got into travel, adventure, and planning expeditions, which set the ball rolling.”

Since graduating, Oli has dedicated his life to adventure, guiding people to some of the world’s wildest and most remote places. But for a decade, the Ultimate Challenge has been lingering in Oli’s mind. “It’s the biggest physical,

attacks. “They said my red bike and panniers would bring me luck because lions fear the colour red.” It worked, and Oli completed the African leg unscathed.

The North American leg, from California to Alaska, was marked by isolation. “At one point, it was 330 miles between towns—which is equivalent to travelling from London to Edinburgh with just a couple of gas stations in between,” Oli recalls.

Unlike Africa, where he cycled through densely populated areas, North America’s vast wilderness required meticulous preparation. “There were days when I ran very low on food and water, cycling 10 to 12 hours without any human interaction or phone signal.”

Oli admits to having doubts early on. “Three days in, my body was already in agony. I was cycling into headwinds and behind schedule. I wondered if I’d bitten off more than

“I’ve spent a long time wondering if it’s even possible, And there’s only one way to find out!” mental, and logistical challenge I’ve ever taken on. It’s my chance to make my mark in the world of adventure.”

“I’ve spent a long time thinking about it, a long time wondering if it’s even possible,” he grins. “And there’s only one way to find out!”

And so, Oli set off on the adventure of a lifetime. His journey began in Africa, travelling from Lac Assal, Djibouti, the continent’s lowest point, to Kilimanjaro, Tanzania, the highest.

He cycled through deserts in 45-degree heat and encountered hostile locals.

“Every day brought hundreds of interactions, mostly positive,” Oli says.

He even met Maasai warriors who attempted to conquer his fear of lion

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I could chew.” But his determination prevailed. “I didn’t want to be the person who gave up. I wanted to make my children proud.”

Cycling through the stunning Yukon Territories in Canada and Alaska, Oli was captivated by the wilderness. “The snowy mountains, endless pine forests, and wildlife were incredible. I lost myself in that beauty.”

However, reaching the Yukon also meant approaching his ultimate North American goal: Mount Denali.

“Denali was the hardest mountain I’ve ever climbed,” Oli says. Unlike most climbers who fly into base camp, Oli and his team skied 122 kilometres through the Alaskan wilderness, ›

“There’s no need to fly to the shops!

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crossing glaciers and rivers to reach the base. “Denali is extremely cold and windy, prone to multi-day storms.

We experienced temperatures down to minus 30 degrees Celsius and very strong winds.

The climb required meticulous preparation and decision-making.

“Even experienced mountaineers can struggle on Denali. During our climb, there were two fatalities, one of whom

from exploring local areas like the Lake District and Rivington, near my home in Lancashire.”

“You can start small and get used to being out in the elements. There’s so much to explore here in Northern England. We’re very privileged to have forests, mountains, and lakes right in our backyard.”

Oli’s adventure continues in January 2025 with a trek across South America.

“We’re very privileged to have forests, mountains, and lakes right in our backyard.” we saw being helicoptered off the mountain. It was a stark reminder of the mountain’s dangers.”

“We’re very privileged to have forests, mountains, and lakes right in our backyard.”

From encounters with moose, wolves, and bears in North America to cycling through Africa’s populated areas, Oli’s adventures highlight the diverse challenges each continent presents. However, he emphasises that adventure doesn’t require travelling to distant lands. “I learned so much

The final leg of his challenge, planned for the coming years, will take him from the Dead Sea to Mount Everest.

This journey will cover over 4,500 miles before he even reaches Everest’s base camp.

Watch Oli’s journey from the start on his YouTube Channel youtube.com/@ Oli_France To learn more about Oli’s incredible journey and stay updated on his progress, visit wildedge.co NL NL 13

THERE AND BACK

H

Photo; John Swannell

BY JAMES RAMPTON

ere’s an announcement that will delight Sir Michael Palin’s legions of fans: “I don’t think I’m ever going to stop.”

The enormously popular presenter, comedy legend, bestselling author and actor, but he shows absolutely no sign of slowing down. He is still twice as busy as people half his age.

The indefatigable star’s latest project is a brilliant new stage show. “There and Back - The Diary Tour 2024” brings to life Michael’s forthcoming diary.

Also called There and Back, it will be published by Weidenfeld & Nicolson on 26 September.

The tour starts on 15 September in Norwich and then travels to cities across the UK before finishing at London’s Cadogan Hall on 15 October.

Like Michael himself, it is captivating, compelling, charismatic, charming and comic. Talking to me in the run-up to the tour, he calls it, “70% comedy and 30% tragedy – much like life!”

The show is based on the fourth instalment of Michael’s acclaimed diaries, covering the years 1999 to 2009.

Over two mesmerising hours, and employing the magnetism and warmth that have made him a beloved figure the world over, Michael recounts the minutiae of living in a world battered by such potent winds of change.

And yet amid all the tumult, there is one constant: Michael’s unquenchable inquisitiveness and endless thirst for adventure. The show tracks his life as he films four blockbuster travel documentaries – Hemingway Adventure, Sahara, Himalaya and New Europe – and reaches the height of his fame as a muchloved TV traveller.

The presenter also homes in on his domestic life and recounts how five years after the last of his children flew the nest, he began his most affecting journey yet – as a devoted grandfather.

They say you should never meet your heroes, but that is not the case with Michael. He is as delightful in person as he is on stage and screen. Not for nothing is he frequently described as the

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nicest man in showbiz.

Michael, who still writes a daily diary, gives his own précis of the show.

“It covers how my career panned out during that decade. I actually had no plans to carry on traveling at all.

I wanted to go back to acting and writing. I was in fact writing a novel at the time. But I ended up being tempted back to globetrotting and in the end made a number of TV journeys that turned out to be among the best...”

And then, “There were all these other things going on in the background. We think it was quiet time. But of course, there was 9/11, 7/7, the CJD crisis, when cattle were burnt in enormous numbers, and the war in Iraq.”

Red. We actually printed a label with that on it.”

With a laugh, he adds, “I realise my contribution to the world as it is today is as a parrot salesman. I never forget that!”

Another major topic in the show is Michael’s family life. “I think a good diary includes whatever is happening to you at the time, and a lot of my diaries are about being at home and how we all get on and how we are.

“So in these diaries, our last child leaves home, so it’s just my wife and I together. I turned 60 in 2003, and we discussed whether I would retire. Of course, I didn’t, but that was part of the family debate at the time.”

Is there an overarching theme to

during the show, but does not usually hang around afterwards to chat. “I’d love to, but there just isn’t any time really. So I just make it as friendly and warm as possible during the actual show. I’m 81 now. I have to go straight back home after the show to have a mug of Horlicks and sleep in my own bed. It’s not like the old days!”

What does Michael hope that audience members will be saying to each other as they leave the theatre, then? “They’ll be saying, ‘39 pounds!

You must be joking!’ No, the great thing about doing these shows is that people come along because they know me. They’re not saying, ‘Who is this Michael Palin? He’s just reading bits out of his diary. Come on. He doesn’t

“I’M 81 NOW. I HAVE TO GO STRAIGHT BACK HOME AFTER THE SHOW TO HAVE A MUG OF HORLICKS AND SLEEP IN MY OWN BED.” On a happier note, “I was gathering a number of very good friends around me. There are people like David Attenborough, Barry Cryer, and Alan Bennett, who feature a lot in the diaries. I always benefited from their wise words, and I feel very privileged to have spent so much time with them.”

Michael will also be talking about his enduring friendship with his fellow members of the Monty Python team.

He says, “The best thing is, when we do get together, we still make each other laugh. That’s the basic thing which holds us together, our humour and our delight in laughter and the same kind of jokes.”

He smiles, “John Cleese does a very good satire of my travel shows.

He always says, ‘Who’s seen one of Michael’s travel programmes? All he asks is, ‘Where did you get that hat?’’”

Assessing the cultural legacy of Monty Python – who have bequeathed to the world such timeless comedy moments as the “Dead Parrot” sketch Michael recalls, “ In the early noughties we were persuaded into creating a lot of Python collectibles. One of them was a wine called the Norwegian Blue

“There and Back - The Diary Tour 2024”? “One thing I talk about a lot is learning new things. I discuss what sort of longevity my work might have and whether I can keep going. There is lots of worrying about where I am going and making mistakes along the way.

“So it’s a holistic look at 11 years of my life when I was going from youthful exuberance into middle age. But the thing is, although I was middle aged, I didn’t stop. There seemed to be an awful lot going on. And I know that’s how it’s always going to be. I think I’ll die in harness!”

Michael is relishing the prospect of being in tour. “I love the theatre tour because it’s different every single night. But whenever you step on stage, it’s a different place and a different audience.

“Although you perform similar material at each show, I enjoy the spontaneity of walking out on stage and changing things at the last minute.

Also, you can actually see the people who like your material. On television, you don’t know who’s watching.”

Michael, who has had two trains and an asteroid named after him, takes great pleasure in interacting with fans

jump through any flaming hoops or do any acrobatics.’

“People who enjoy my work will be interested in the background to a lot of the major travel programmes that I did, how I decide what to do next, how I face challenges, and how I deal with getting older in a young person’s world.

“I’m driven by curiosity. You never, ever come to the stage where you say, ‘Right, I know it all now’. Absolutely not. The more you ask, the more you realise how little you know.”

In addition, “It keeps you healthy.

Making programmes is very good for you mentally. You have to learn about a different way of life in totally different surroundings. You also have to be physically strong to do it. Filming is like a commando raid for three weeks.

You just go in, get as much material as you can, and then come out again. I find that demanding and very exciting.”

And so, “I’ll do it until someone tells me to stop”.

I don’t think that moment will ever come. NL

THERE AND BACK - THE DIARY TOUR 2024 - 15th SEPT– 15thOCT themichaelpalin.com.

There And Back: Diaries 1999-2009 By Michael Palin Is published by W&N ON 26th Sept in hardback, ebook and audio download.

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›

The

AREA FEATURE

A-Z of

TODMORDEN

T

BY OLIVIA EMMOTT

BSpeaking – Border of the Town Hall, which was built right on the

odmorden is a small town with a big heart. Full of friendly, welcoming people, its mix of industrial heritage and forward-thinking environmental policies make Todmorden the up-and-coming place to be. Tucked away in the valley between Lancashire and Yorkshire, the market town’s strong sense of community is infectious. Explore everything that Todmorden has to give in this comprehensive rundown.

border between Lancashire and Yorkshire, Todmorden sports its dual identity with pride. The famous red and white roses can be spotted all over the town, a reminder of its long history. Although strictly Yorkshire since 1888, the debate has raged on for centuries, with many Todmordians sticking with the town’s Lancastrian roots.

CTodmorden – Cheese is the place to visit if you fancy a nibble,

boasting two dedicated retail outlets and an awardwinning cheesemaker with its dairy herd in the valley.

The Calder Cheese House on Patmos specialises in raw milk farmhouse cheese. Meanwhile, The Crumbly Cheese has been on the Todmorden market for over 30 years, with over 120 cheeses regularly in stock, including local fan favourite Pextenement cheese.

DYou–mayDobroyd Castle miss it if you are driving through the town

AVisitors – Architecture to Todmorden who don’t look up will miss a

centre, but Todmorden has its castle sitting comfortably on the moors overlooking the town. Built-in 1869, the castle is not only a proud display of the town’s beautiful architecture but also accompanies the widely loved Robinwood activity centre. The building began as the home of local mill owner John Fielden before being repurposed as a privately run school for boys in 1979. Years later, the castle became home to Buddhists of the New Kadampa Tradition until Robinwood took ownership in 2008. ›

treat. With construction starting in 1866, the Town Hall took nine years to complete, finally opening in 1875.

Twenty metres above street level, the Grade I listed building features four columns supporting a sculpture, which is divided into two distinct halves. On the left, it features cotton spinning and weaving industries to represent Lancashire. On the right, wool manufacturing, engineering and agriculture are highlighted, representing the county of Yorkshire.

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EBeer– lovers Eaglesshould CraghopBrewery to Eagles

Crag Brewery on Burnley Road to sample one of their 11-cask beers. The independent brewery was established in 2016 and is named after Eagles Crag, a local landmark popular with walkers offering stunning views down the valley. Its award-winning ales and friendly atmosphere make it a popular drinking destination. But pick your days, as it only opens its doors to the public twice a month.

Todmorden Town Hall was briefly in both Yorkshire and Lancashire as Walsden Water, one of the historic boundaries, runs right underneath the building

FA popular – Filmslocation and TV for budding

filmmakers and creatives, the streets of Todmorden have played host to a variety of films and TV shows over the years, including ‘Happy Valley’, ‘Oranges Are Not the Only Fruit’, and ‘The League of Gentlemen’. Cinemagoers will also have seen Todmorden in the 2004 film ‘My Summer of Love’, which starred Emily Blunt and Paddy Considine. It is still a magnet for film crews; Jenna Coleman’s vehicle, ‘The Jetty,’ was filmed earlier this year.

G – Gaddings If the bustling spirit of the town

centre isn’t quite your vibe, a short hike up to Gaddings Dam may be the perfect alternative. Famously known as the highest beach in the country, Gaddings sits at a whopping 300 metres above sea level, ensuring that the well-earned view from the summit is nothing short of breathtaking.

Regular visitors describe the dam as a

Todmorden Town Hall

‘wild swimmer’s paradise’, and if you time your journey just right, you may be lucky enough to catch the sunset as it descends below the hilltops.

HTheatre – Hippodrome fans, don’t panic! If you’re

on the lookout for a good show, the Hippodrome Theatre can offer you everything from top-notch renditions of your favourite plays to high-end performances of dance, music, and a range of other live events.

Originally built in 1908 as a traditional Edwardian theatre, the Hippodrome has slowly evolved into an intrinsic part of the community. Its cheery

Gaddings Dam

Gaddings Dam, famously known as the highest beach in the country

and intimate atmosphere places the theatre at the heart of the town, and it remains loved by performers and attendees alike as a display of pure fun and entertainment.

I – Incredible Edible

In 2008, Todmorden residents Pam Warhurst and Mary Clear planted the seeds of a global food movement that has expanded to over 700 Incredible Edible organisations all over the world. Four years later, Pam’s TED Talk spread its aim of bringing communities together through the growing and sharing of local food through incommunity allotments. Its message of self-sufficiency, with all food being grown locally and shared with the community, has attracted thousands of people to the town, including King Charles II and renowned chef Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall.

JFor–nearly Johna century, Fieldenthe statue of John Fielden has stood proudly in Centre Vale Park, another great example of Todmorden’s rich and extensive history. Celebrated for his efforts in improving national public education and reducing work hours for factory children, John is viewed by all as a key symbol of the town’s constant NL 18

AREA FEATURE endeavours to maintain equality and fairness. If you’re a certified history buff, popping down to get a look for yourself is a must.

Statue of John Fielden

market has to offer on a Thursday, Todmorden Market has you covered.

NAmongst – Nobel Prize Winners the ranks of names such

as Marie Curie and Albert Einstein, Todmorden also has its own Nobel Prize Winners. In 1951, John Cockcroft won the Nobel Prize for Physics, while Geoffrey Wilkinson won the Nobel Prize for Chemistry in 1973.

Famously, both winners attended Todmorden Grammar School as teenagers and were taught by the same science teacher. In 2017, the town came together to celebrate the achievements of both John and Geoffrey at the Town Hall.

OTodmorden – OpenisStudios a magnet for creative KTo–theKindness people of Todmorden,

kindness tends to come naturally.

But just in case you forget, the large Hollywood-esque signs that overlook the town will spell it out for you.

When the signs were first displayed in 2016, town planners invited all to commemorate the moment by joining hands around the town hall in a show of solidarity.

LLocated – Lucky Dog in Centre Vale Park, the

Lucky Dog has developed an unusual reputation over the years. As the name suggests, the steel dog is said to bring luck to anyone who greets him with a friendly pat. Sat snugly beside the remains of the former home of John Fielden, Lucky brought visitors swarming when he was featured on Derren Brown’s Channel 4 series ‘The Experiments’. If you happen to be taking a stroll through the park, make sure you seize the opportunity to test your luck.

MHaving – Market existed for over 200 years,

the market is a quintessential part of the Todmorden experience. It can be found between the Town Hall and the bus station, flaunting over 72 unique and individual stalls open five days a week. Whether you browse through the hordes of second-hand items, nip in for a bite to eat, or see what the flea

John Cockroft

types, and the local Open Studios event in nearby Hebden Bridge invites artists to open the doors of their studios, homes or venues to the community. The event runs for three days every year. It is the perfect opportunity to get a glimpse of the spectacular creations of local artists, take a look behind the scenes at works in progress, and ask the creators themselves about the inspirations and messages behind their pieces.

PHome – Park to the greenery and wildlife

that make Todmorden so inviting, a walk through Centre Vale Park is the best way to get a sense of the tranquillity of the town. That is, of course, when it’s not hosting widely anticipated annual events.

The Todmorden Country Fair takes place in the park every year, inviting anyone and everyone to compete with canine companions, show off their handmade creations, or even just grab a bite to eat. Covering an enormous 33 hectares, the park features a children’s playground, outdoor gym, a skatepark, bowling greens and a complete road system for toddlers — there’s lots to explore!

QWith– anQuaint abundance of old-fashioned architecture and picturesque sights, Todmorden makes for an extremely charming town. A quick stroll down the cobbled stones of Water Street will surely give you this impression,

Geoffrey Wilkinson

with its traditional buildings and variety of quirky, independent shops.

If you’re not one for the hectic crowds of the city, you may find Todmorden to have a much more comfortable feel.

RTodmorden’s – Remembrance Memorial Garden

can be found in Centre Vale Park.

It remembers the 659 men from Todmorden who died in World War I and the 150 who passed in World War II. The memorial was unveiled on the 9th of October 1921, beside which a garden of flowers had been planted.

S – Stoodley Pike

Visible all the way from Beacon Hill in Halifax to Roper Lane in Bradford, the historic monument of Stoodley Pike has been around since 1856 and remains a popular destination for rounding off a hike. The structure was built as a symbol of resilience and peace, a reconstruction of an earlier version built in 1814 that had collapsed after being struck by lightning. Today, you can still scale the spiral staircase of 39 steps to see the rewarding view of the town, making the climb up there worth the effort.

TWhen – Tunnel it first opened in

Todmorden in 1841, the Summit Tunnel was the longest railway tunnel in the world. To ensure its construction, 13 steam engines, 100 horses, and between 800 and 1250 men and boys were necessary, and more than 23 › Stoodley Pike

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AREA FEATURE million bricks were used. For the first time, a direct line between Manchester and Leeds was established, and the tunnel is still used today.

UBuilt– inUnitarian Church 1865, the Unitarian Church

can be seen looming over Todmorden from almost every point in the town.

In 1994, the Church underwent a £1 million restoration and repair project as a result of its closing in 1987.

Although originally built by the three Fielden brothers, Samuel, John Jr and Joshua, to honour their late father, it’s now an inviting venue that is free for the public to plan events and ceremonies within. Its well-preserved gothic style is regarded as one of the finest examples in the North-West.

VTodmorden’s – VenuesGolden Lion on

Rochdale Road punches well above its weight when it comes to putting on live musical events. Over the last few years, it has hosted Pulp’s Jarvis Cocker, Kevin Rowland from Dexys Midnight Runners, and Huey Morgan from Fun Loving Criminals. It’s even welcomed DJ sets from former world snooker champion Steve Davis.

Owned by Matthanee Nilavongse, known locally as ‘Gig’, the charming pub is an ideal spot for a good time.

WAs you – Wizard of Whirlaw traverse the hills of

Todmorden, you might just meet a new friendly face. Said to have been inspired by a William Holt novel, you can find the Wizard of Whirlaw statue waiting to greet you as you pass by Whirlaw rocks. Built in the style of the Easter Island sculptures, the statue is yet another one of Todmorden’s hidden gems, patiently waiting to be found.

it’s easy to find peace in the quiet Todmorden countryside.

X-If youXtra-Terrestrial are looking for an extra-

terrestrial encounter, you are statistically onto a winner in Todmorden. In 1980, Alan Godfrey claimed to have seen an unusually bright light hovering above the ground. Upon its disappearance, he miraculously found himself a further 30 yards down the road. The story received global coverage, with everyone from the Guardian to the BBC putting Todmorden on the map.

Famously UFO-friendly with welldocumented high-profile sightings, Todmorden is out of this world not only for visitors from other solar systems but for UFO hunters from across the north of England.

Scan the code to discover

WHAT THE LOCALS SAY Why should people come to Todmorden?

Andrew

“It’s so close to the city but also surrounded by hills; it’s the best of both worlds.”

Susan and Mavis “

“We love to go and see the shows that they perform at the Hippodrome, as well as the coffee mornings they hold there. The park also puts on some great events.”

YThe–townsfolk Yearly of Tod seem to love

tradition, as there are a number of events that are carried out annually without fail. The Todmorden carnival is always a good show, with anyone and everyone gathering to watch as participants parade through town. In addition, the Lamplighter Festival lights up the streets with its illuminated creations. Organised by carnival artists and puppeteers, anyone is free to join the spectacle.

If something for the family is what you’re after, head to the Town Hall for Kidsfest, where children can take part in a variety of activities and games.

ZNestled – Zenbetween the hills of three

valleys, it’s easy to find peace in the quiet countryside. Although still only 30 minutes from Manchester by train, Todmorden’s secluded and peaceful nature may suit you more than the chaos and buzz of city life.

So, if you’re planning a trip to Hebden Bridge, consider hopping off the train and stopping early. With Britain’s highest beach and a vibrant array of independent shops and cafes, there’s plenty to discover in this hidden gem. NL

Clare

“There’s been a big influx of new people into Todmorden in the last 20 years, which has brought new life.”

Graham

“We have the Incredible Edible, which is great, lots of people come because of that.

Also people come up from Hebden because they find it too touristy - I like it better here because it’s much quieter.

Sally

“I think Todmorden’s a lovely place.

There’s so many interesting shops, art and music, and the housing’s far more affordable than down south.”

Kevin

“It’s very friendly, people will always say hello and have a chat about dogs, the weather, sausages... whatever’s on their mind!”

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IT’S A SMALL WORLD We take a peep into the photography of Burnley lad, Simon Sweetman who has recently gained recognition from the Photographic Association of Great Britain.

“I’VE ALWAYS BEEN DRAWN TO BRINGING THESE FIGURES TO LIFE IN IMAGINATIVE WAYS”

S

Simon Sweetman

imon Sweetman, a 57-yearold postman from Burnley, has captivated viewers with his striking miniature photography. His work features a range of characters, from Stormtroopers to Doc Brown from Back to the Future. “I’ve always been drawn to bringing these figures to life in imaginative ways,” Simon smiles.

Despite his focus on miniatures, Sweetman’s photographic skills extend to expansive street scenes, stunning portraits, and more. Recently, he earned accreditation from the Photographic Association of Great

Britain, solidifying his prowess in diverse photographic styles.

and through the various workshops and lectures they offer.”

WHEN DID YOU START SNAPPING? “I started about ten years ago. Before that, I was mostly taking holiday photos and wasn’t very serious about it. When one of my grandparents passed away, I inherited some money and decided to invest in a good camera and a couple of lenses. That was when I really began to delve into photography.

I began capturing all sorts of scenes and joined the Burnley Camera Club.

The club was a game-changer for me.

I learned so much from the members

HOW ARE YOU INVOLVED IN BURNLEY CAMERA CLUB? “I’m currently on the committee as the competition secretary. Burnley Camera Club has around 40 members, and we meet every Tuesday. Our sessions include lectures on different photographic techniques, practical nights where we experiment with new ideas, and monthly competitions judged by external experts. It’s a fantastic community. If anyone has questions or is struggling with a

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Pennywise

particular aspect of photography, there’s always someone willing to help.

The support and shared knowledge within the club have been invaluable to my growth as a photographer.”

WHY TOY PHOTOGRAPHY? “At first, I was just experimenting with capturing anything that caught my eye. Toy photography happened somewhat by accident. I bought a pack of miniature figures and started photographing them out of curiosity.

Then, I discovered the work of Tatsuya Tanaka, a Japanese photographer who creates whimsical scenes with miniatures and everyday objects. His creativity was inspiring, and I thought, ‘I should try that!’ I began creating my scenes using 1/12th scale collectable figures from eBay. My favourites are characters like Pennywise and Vapor.

For example, I have an image of Vapor in a subway car that I’m particularly proud of. It’s fascinating to build these tiny worlds and tell stories through them. It was something different from what I had seen locally, and I didn’t know anyone else who was doing it in the same way.”

Doc Brown, Kevin and Chucky

“I’M LARGELY SELF-TAUGHT. I LEARNED A LOT FROM YOUTUBE TUTORIALS” Jelly Baby CSI

SELF-TAUGHT? “Yes, I’m largely self-taught. I learned a lot from YouTube tutorials and other online resources. It’s been a journey of continuous learning. Recently, another Camera Club member, Chris Dawson, and I achieved accreditation from the Photographic Association of Great Britain. The process was quite intensive. We had to submit seven print images, which were reviewed by a panel of six adjudicators. I scored 143, which was above the required 125. › NL 23

Award-winning shot of King’s Cross station

“IT’S ALWAYS GRATIFYING WHEN THE SUBJECT OF THE PHOTO APPRECIATES THE FINAL RESULT.” The Lockdown Look

Lady in Red

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Baby Stormtrooper

It was an exhilarating experience to be recognised in this way. I can now proudly add BPAGB to my name if I wish!”

BEST PLACE TO PHOTOGRAPH? “I always take my camera with me whenever I travel. I recently cruised around the Western Mediterranean, with my wife Claire it was great capturing the diverse cultures and landscapes . I’m also a big fan of Formula 1 racing and have always dreamed of photographing a Grand Prix.”

FAVORITE PHOTO YOU’VE TAKEN IS… “One of my favourites is the photo of King’s Cross station. The image captures the grandeur of the station’s roof, and the person in the corner adds a sense of scale. It was a lucky shot because the person was only there for a couple of seconds. That photograph has been well-received in various competitions. Another favourite is ‘The Lady in Red,’ a portrait of local model Jessica Wall taken during a session at the camera club. I was really pleased with how it turned out, and Jessica loves it too. It’s always gratifying when the subject of the photo appreciates the final result.”

WHAT CAMERA DO YOU USE? “I recently upgraded from the Nikon D500 to the Nikon Z7ii. The Z7ii has been impressive, offering fantastic resolution and versatility. It’s been a great addition to my gear, enhancing the quality of my work and giving me new creative possibilities.”

Vapor on the Subway

“ DON’T FOCUS TOO MUCH ON TRYING TO PLEASE OTHERS; INSTEAD, TAKE PHOTOS THAT YOU PERSONALLY ENJOY.” ANY ADVICE FOR BUDDING PHOTOGRAPHERS? “For those just starting out, my advice is to practice regularly and find joy in taking photos. Don’t focus too much on trying to please others; instead, take photos that you personally enjoy. Joining a camera club is also a great idea. It provides a supportive environment where you can learn NL 25

from others and improve your skills.

The most important thing is to enjoy the process and continue learning and growing as a photographer.”

WHERE CAN PEOPLE SEE YOUR WORK? “People can check out my photography on Instagram. My handle is sjs_toy_ photography.” NL

Goal-Getters: Pendle Forest Hockey Club We spoke with Coach Ian Bythell about how the local ladies’ team has gained national recognition.

P

BY JOSH SWARBRICK

endle Forest Hockey Club’s recent successes are nothing short of momentous. The small local club is, in the words of coach Ian Bythell, massively overperforming for the area they’re in – being first crowned 2023/24 Champions of the Women’s Conference North league and later shortlisted for both Women’s Team of the Year and Emerging Club of the Year at the 2024 England Hockey Awards. Now promoted to Women’s Division One North, the team is about to enter the

played. It’s massive. We’re just a little club from Pendle. Now we’re on the national radar!

“It would be a huge achievement just to survive this upcoming season,” he adds. “We’re in league with teams who have played at this high level for years: Repton is a renowned hockey school; Durham is a hockey university; Beeston has two pitches, a warmup pitch, a clubhouse, and a dedicated bar. All we have are school changing rooms and a hired pitch!

We’re grassroots; we’re a small club, and we’re in a golden

“We’re grassroots; we’re a small club, and we’re in a golden bubble where we have been overperforming.” second-highest tier of English Hockey: an unprecedented achievement for a Lancashire ladies’ team, one which, hopefully, will only continue to propel the club to new heights.

“If you were to put it in footballing terms, we now play at the same level as Burnley,” explains Ian. “We’ve been on an upward spiral for a long time. We had an 87-game unbeaten run in 2018, and that same year, we won Team of the Year at the England Hockey Awards. COVID put many things on pause, but we’ve bounced back and gone from strength to strength. Last year, we won the league with two games to go, so this year, we’ve been promoted, meaning we’re now at the highest level of hockey any Lancashire ladies’ side has ever

bubble where we have been overperforming. But that bubble might burst this year. All we can hope for is survival.”

Ian first got involved with the club almost 30 years ago and has managed the first team ever since, coaching not only his wife and daughters but also international athletes, namely Commonwealth bronze medallist Charlotte Hartley. Yet despite the team’s incredible successes, Ian stays admirably humble. “I think recently we’ve just had good timing,” he laughs, “mature players have come back to the club, younger players have grown with it, and they’ve played together for a good number of years. We’re predominantly made up of local people, and it is still very much a home-grown team. Our strength is in that.”

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Formed in 1967 as Nelson Ladies, the team started out on grass at Nelson Cricket Club before moving to Pendle Leisure’s old astroturf facilities. The subsequent move to school grounds was an act of necessity: Pendle Vale’s facility is now the only remaining pitch that hasn’t been sold off or

“If those grounds change, we would have to move out of Pendle altogether to play.” converted into a different sports ground; it’s the last local place the team can play on. “If those grounds change,” Ian explains, “we would have to move out of Pendle altogether to play. Other teams in our league have purpose-built facilities, but we’re nomadic. It’s crazy, really - we’re playing at the national level, yet we still rely on hiring space from the council or local schools. What’s that about?“And we still struggle for funding,” he continues. “We have brilliant sponsors like Real Move and Will’s Bar, and we have player sponsorship at £75 a year, but we’re always looking for more.

Especially in this upcoming year, because we’ll be travelling out of Lancashire, we’re going to have to hire minibuses, pay for hotel bills, and parents will have to sort out childcare.

We need sponsorships more than ever, simply to continue to exist!”

As well as its three adult women’s teams, the club also boasts a thriving junior section - an important asset, Ian explains, for combatting the dwindling support hockey is currently receiving in schools. “We’d really love schools to promote hockey, but they just don’t play it,” he says. “And besides, the curriculum isn’t conducive to putting people into any sort of sport – they have to go through clubs. That’s why it’s important that local schools promote the local hockey club so students know that it is available to them.

“You’ll also find that private schools tend to have a hockey curriculum - they’ll play it two or three times a week, in fact!

Hockey is almost an elitist sport in that sense, especially because it’s potentially not cheap to invest in: hockey sticks, gumshields, and shinpads, all of which cost a lot. All we can

do is combat that as best we can. People can always come down and have a look at us during training on a Tuesday night. We have about 60 youngsters training from 6 pm-7 pm at Pendle Vale, and we have equipment available for people who don’t have any. But it needs schools playing hockey on a regular basis so that young girls and boys can see and experience the sport to really change things.”

Similarly, Ian clearly states that women’s sports are in no better position overall. “I’ll continue to bang the drum about women’s sport because it’s still seen as a second-class sport. It’s still not supported enough. I don’t think even local people realise we’re playing in the second tier of English hockey! I’m a Nelson lad. I’ve lived here all my life, but we are a deprived area of this country: any funding that we can get into this area for women’s sport – not just hockey – can make a real difference.

“We need investment,” he concludes, “and we need people to spread the word.”

The club always welcomes new players and sponsors.

Anyone interested can contact pendleforesthockey. co.uk or directly call Ian at 07801 421633. NL

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NL

A TALE OF TWO VILLAGES

SURPRISE AND THANKSGIVING IN THE LUNE VALLEY

GRAHAM DUGDALE INVESTIGATES THE LINK BETWEEN TWO CONTRASTING SETTLEMENTS Photos by Tony Turner Graham Dugdale

I

t may be surprising to learn that the Lune Valley in North Lancashire has experienced significant conflict during its turbulent history over the last few centuries.

Most well-known is the incursion

by Oliver Cromwell at Hornby during the Civil War in the 1640s when he occupied the castle. Well before this assault, defensive structures were built in many of the current villages, earning the valley a debatable accolade for possessing the largest concentration of motte and bailey castles in England.

Motte is a raised earthwork on which the protective bailey is then erected.

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In all cases, only the former still exists.

The finest example is Castle Stede, located close to the Loin Bridge, spanning the River Lune a mile north of Hornby.

This particular article is only concerned with two of these villages in the Lune Valley, namely Arkholme and Melling. The former, located on the western side of the Lune, faces its neighbour across a field on the opposite bank of the river. Many times, I have passed through Arkholme, little realising that the road merely brushes the edge of this unique village. Its secluded trait is the main attraction, particularly for those who live here.

Quiet and unassuming, no other village is so well known yet remains one of the least visited.

The older part of the settlement comprises a linear row of mainly 17thcentury stone cottages straddling the ›

“‘Arkholme is on the sunny side, but Melling is on the wealthy side.”

narrow lane leading down to the river.

It was here that a ferry was used to convey travellers across the swirling waters for the continuation of their journey to Melling and beyond. The ferryman lived in a cottage nearby.

Originally granted a market charter in 1279, it was not until 1866 that Erwhhm, as it was then known, became a parish. The 14th-century chapel of St John the Baptist, standing beside

its motte, has the honour of housing a 21-inch bell that is reputed to be the oldest of its kind in the country.

Until that time, burials were conducted across the valley at Melling, and the funeral party had to make use of the ferry. One such cortege was swept away downstream during a period of severe flooding, and two mourners were drowned. What became of the coffin remains a mystery

to this day. Unless, of course, you, dear reader, know differently. The saying used to be banded about on the far side of the valley: ‘Arkholme is on the sunny side, but Melling is on the wealthy side. ‘ A rather unfortunate intimation that Arkholme was the poor relation.

Not having its own consecrated burial ground did not help matters. That thankfully changed once parish status was granted.

Even so, the church and graveyard of St. Wilfred’s in Melling, located on the ground adjacent to its own motte, is locally known as ‘The Cathedral of the Lune Valley’—a further prod at the neighbour across the river. One disadvantage of Melling, however, is that it straddles the main road linking North Lancashire with the Yorkshire heartland. It is hard to ignore this as you stroll down the village street where cottages of dressed sandstone weathered to a rustic hue strive to retain their rural heritage as modern traffic trundles by.

“One such cortege was swept away downstream during a period of severe flooding, and two mourners were drowned.”

St. Wilfred’s Graveyard

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Grave yard of St. Wilfrid’s

“St Wilfrid’s has enjoyed a chequered history stretching back to the 14th century”

St Wilfrid’s Church, Melling

A concentrated effort is certainly necessary to evoke a poignant nostalgia for a more gentrified age when the horse-drawn mail coach announced its arrival with fanfare on the posthorn, and cattle were driven to market along this narrow thoroughfare. It is indeed a miracle that more accidents have not occurred with vehicles ending up in the lounge bar of the Melling Hall Hotel at the northern edge of the village.

The Darlington Family were the original inhabitants of the Hall, whose Georgian facade has clearly been extended at various intervals. During the First World War, Lady Darlington did much to alleviate the suffering of troops wounded on the Western Front. The hall was transformed into a convalescent home and was in such demand that another was opened further along the main street.

It was not until some years later that the first intimation of a ghostly presence was reported in one of the guest rooms after the building had become a hotel. A lady dressed in purple was seen combing her hair in front of the dressing table mirror.

When the landlady narrated this bizarre happening to an old villager, she was informed that Lady Darlington had frequently worn a gown of just such a colour. Nobody who spends a night in the hotel should fear a spectre that had clearly undertaken such munificent works for the benefit of the

wider community.

An investigation has predictably revealed nothing untoward, not even by the proverbial church mouse.

Another weird and wonderful experience concerns a little man who is said to jump about on the beds in a state of fervent excitement. Only one metre high, sporting a triangular face and pointed nose, his legs have been reversed with knees at the rear— imagine that if you can. Whomsoever admits to having been heckled by this breezy leprechaun has doubtless been over-exercising his right arm in the hotel bar. Either that, or it’s my leg that is being pulled.

The last of the trio offering spiritual excitement at Melling Hall is a dog that is often heard padding softly about

“Of the 59 men from a total population of 300 who marched off to fight in World War One, all of them returned unscathed.”

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the upper rooms. An investigation has predictably revealed nothing untoward, not even by the proverbial church mouse. Perhaps both have made use of the secret passage connecting the Hall to the nearby church.

St Wilfred’s has enjoyed a chequered history stretching back to the 14th century, although there is evidence of 10th-century foundations.

The secret passage (now blocked for safety reasons) was used as an escape route by defiant Catholic priests and their followers during the 16th-century Reformation, and the current church was restored to its present glory in 1763.

In conclusion, it can be said that a truly remarkable occurrence raised Arkholme above the sunny disposition originally attributed to its alleged lower financial status. No longer does it lie in Melling’s shadow nor any other settlement in the vicinity. The reason for such a switch of fortune is the fact that of the 59 men from a total population of 300 who marched off to fight in the trenches during World War One, all of them returned unscathed.

When you consider that towns such as Accrington recruited ‘pals’ brigades, which were decimated in the fighting, Arkholme’s achievement is exceptional. Is it any wonder, therefore, that it has become known universally as ‘The Thankful Village’? And who can deny them that honour? NL

MEET THE

WORLDIES A COMMUNITY OF WOMEN DEDICATED TO GETTING OUT IN THE WILD, ARE ENCOURAGING OTHERS TO TAKE THE FIRST STEPS TO THE WILD LIFE

B

BY LAURA STOREY eing in nature and staying active is excellent for our physical and mental health, but venturing into the wilderness alone can be daunting. That’s where Worldies come in. Across the country, women are satisfying their thirst for adventure together, organising walks, campouts, forest raves, wild swimming, and more!

It’s not just for seasoned adventurers with miles of experience or top-notch ultralight camping gear; it’s also for beginners taking their first steps into the wild. With borrowable equipment and a supportive community, Worldies empower women to achieve anything they set their mind to.

Claire Johnson from Colne, a director of Worldies along with Debbie Dwyer, explains how the organisation started: “Emer-jay Vangills, our founder, had been part of a few other women’s groups and felt they sometimes lacked inclusivity. She posted on Facebook, asking if anyone wanted to meet up for a walk, and it all started from there.”

Since its inception two years ago, the group has flourished, amassing

over 8,000 members. The group recently embarked on an incredible 500-mile journey along Scotland’s breathtaking coastline. “We welcome women of all ages and backgrounds,” says Claire. “For example, in Scotland, we had a 71-year-old lady join us.”

One of the newer members, Kayla, shares her transformative experience: “I attended a Worldies retreat at Rookhow in the Lake District. It felt like home. Since then, I’ve only had two weekends this entire year without Worldies!”

The retreats are particularly impactful. Rookhow offers workshops in bushcraft, outdoor cooking, archery, and more, alongside yoga and sound baths. “The weekend includes accommodation, food, and activities for just £40, making it accessible to all,” Claire highlights. “At Rookhow, you see women arrive shy and leave on Sunday brimming with confidence.

The retreats are life-changing.”

One of the standout experiences for Kayla was the recent Scotland road trip. “Eight days together with the Worldies – I’ve never done anything like that in my entire life. Travelling NL 36

“You see women arrive shy and leave brimming with confidence.

The retreats are life-changing.” around Scotland, especially with Claire, who I was in the van with for a lot of it, created so many memories. We did a wild swim, and I was doubting myself the entire day, thinking I couldn’t do it. But with Claire’s encouragement, I pushed through, and it was incredible.”

Worldies became a community interest company a year ago, facilitating connections with professional services, including domestic violence charities.

Claire emphasises their responsibility: “We realised we needed resources in place for the diverse women we meet, including those facing domestic violence.”

The group receives funding from Bric, part of the Red Rose Community, enabling them to provide essential equipment. “We have a lending library

“It’s about taking time for yourself, recharging mental health and reconnecting.”

for those who need gear like tents, hiking boots, and waterproofs,” says Claire. “No woman should feel she can’t participate due to financial constraints.”

Claire finds the most rewarding part of Worldies to be witnessing the growth in the women who join. “On our first Scotland trip, some women didn’t know how to pitch a tent or were scared of the water. By the end, they were helping each other and had gained so many skills. They return home calmer, happier, and more confident.”

Inclusivity is at the heart of Worldies. The organisation has groups specifically for women experiencing domestic violence and those who are alcohol and substance free. They even have men’s groups called World-Hes. This inclusivity ensures that everyone feels welcome and supported.

“It’s about taking time for yourself, recharging mental health, and reconnecting,” Claire explains. The campfire chats are a cherished aspect of Worldies. Claire describes how, during these moments, different women share their experiences, offering support and advice to each other. “Around the campfire, you see everyone from a woman in recovery to a high-powered professional sharing stories and advice. Everyone is equal.”

New members often express regret for not joining sooner. “We see them commenting on our pages, and once they muster the courage to attend their first event, they’re hooked,” Claire says. “They become part of our community for life.”

Kayla’s experience mirrors that of many Worldies members. “I found that Worldies felt more inclusive.

Because I’m quite overweight, I

struggle with walks. I always felt like maybe I shouldn’t do certain events because I wouldn’t be able to keep up.

I’m not the fittest. But with Worldies, I’ve always been supported and told, ‘Oh, no, you can do this. We’ll help you.

You won’t be left behind.’”

The inclusive nature of Worldies means that women of all fitness levels,

and responsibilities and focus on themselves.

“For women, I think we spend a lot of time being mum, sister, daughter.

We’ve got so many labels,” Claire explains. “And it’s good just to be able to take time out for ourselves.”

Ultimately, Worldies is about creating a supportive, inclusive, and empowering community for women to explore, connect, and grow. Whether it’s through a weekend retreat in the Lake District, a wild swim in Scotland, or a campfire chat under the stars, the group offers a unique and

“Worldies is not just about physical activities and outdoor adventures; it’s also about mental well-being and personal growth.” backgrounds, and ages can participate without feeling left out or judged.

This has created a strong sense of community and belonging among the members.

Worldies is not just about physical activities and outdoor adventures; it’s also about mental well-being and personal growth. The retreats and activities are designed to help women take a break from their everyday roles

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transformative experience for women of all backgrounds.

Worldies continues to grow and evolve, bringing together women from all walks of life to share in the joy of the outdoors and the strength of community. Through shared adventures, supportive environments, and the power of connection, Worldies is changing lives, one wild experience at a time. NL

FOOD & DRINK 40 RETRO CLASSICS 44 AUTUMN TIPPLES 45 ZODIAC COCKTAILS 46 AUTUMN MEANS MORE THAN MUSHROOMS 49 A BIT ON THE SIDE

Retro Classics

Corn Beef Hash For this recipe and more scan the code above NL 39

Cod with Parsley Sauce

Liver & Bacon with Onion Gravy

Serves 4 Prep 5 mins Cook 8-10 mins

Serves 4 Prep 20 mins Cook 20mins

Ingredients 1 tbsp vegetable oil 4 pieces skinless cod fillets or loin 25g (1oz) butter 25g (1oz) plain flour 300ml (½ pint) milk Salt and freshly ground black pepper 1-2 tbsp finely chopped parsley Steamed new potatoes and mixed vegetables to serve (optional)

Ingredients 450g (1lb) lambs’ liver 2 tbsp plain flour, seasoned Salt and white pepper 2 tbsp sunflower oil 1 large onion, peeled and sliced 1 cube beef or lamb stock 500ml (18fl oz) boiling water 1 tbsp instant beef gravy granules (optional) 8 rashers streaky bacon Mashed potato and cooked shredded Savoy cabbage to serve

Method Heat the oil in a non-stick frying pan and fry the fish for 2–3 minutes, then turn over and cook for about 3 minutes or until the fish is opaque.

Meanwhile, melt the butter in a saucepan. Add the flour and cook over a low heat, stirring, for 2 minutes. Do not let the mixture brown.

Gradually stir in the milk and cook, stirring continuously, until the sauce comes to the boil and thickens. Lower the heat and simmer very gently for 3 minutes.

Season to taste with salt and pepper, then stir in the parsley. Serve the cod with the parsley sauce and steamed new potatoes and vegetables, if you like.

VARIATION Cod with Butter Sauce Instead of Steps 2 and 3, gently heat 75g (3oz) clarified butter (see page 24) in a pan until browned, then stir in a teaspoon of white wine vinegar or lemon juice.

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Method Trim any sinews from the liver and slice into bite-sized strips. Coat the liver in seasoned flour. Heat the oil in a large frying pan and fry the onion until softened.

Add the liver to the pan and cook for 1 minute on each side.

Make up the stock with the boiling water (see Tip). Pour over the liver, stir well and bring to the boil, then lower the heat and simmer uncovered for 5–8 minutes, stirring from time to time. If you prefer thicker gravy, sprinkle with the gravy granules and stir until the gravy thickens.

Meanwhile, preheat the grill and grill the bacon until crisp.

Serve the liver and onion gravy on warmed serving plates and top each with two rashers of bacon. Serve with plenty of buttery mash and Savoy cabbage.

FOOD & DRINK

Crispy Pancakes Serves 4 Prep 20 mins Cook 35 mins Ingredients 110g (4oz) grated mozzarella and cheese mix 75g (3oz)reduced fat soft cheese 2 slices thick-cut roast ham, finely chopped 2 tbsp snipped chives 1 tsp dijon mustard Salt and freshly ground black pepper 110g (4oz) plain flour 3 eggs 125ml (4½fl oz) milk Olive oil spray for frying 25g (1oz) panko breadcrumbs ¼ tsp paprika Salad to serve (optional) Method Preheat the oven to 200°C/180°fan/ Gas 6. Line a baking tray with baking paper.

In a bowl mix together the grated cheese, soft cheese, ham, chives, mustard and some black pepper.

3 Sift the flour into another bowl and crack in two eggs. Whisk together, then gradually whisk in the milk to make a smooth thick batter.

Heat a frying pan and spray with a little oil. Pour in a quarter of the batter and swirl the pan to make a 16–18cm (approx. 7in) pancake. Cook for 1-2 minutes on each side until just cooked. Remove the pancake and repeat with the remaining batter.

Lay the pancakes on a board and divide the cheese mixture between them. Brush a little beaten egg around the edge of half of each pancake and fold over.

Transfer to the baking tray and brush both sides with egg. Mix together the breadcrumbs and paprika and dust over the pancakes. Spray with a little oil.

Bake for 20 minutes until crisp and golden. Serve immediately, with salad if you like.

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›

Arctic Roll

Serves 8-10 Prep 25 mins (plus freezing) Cook 10-12 mins Ingredients 400g (14oz) vanilla ice cream 3 eggs 75g (3oz) caster sugar 75g (3oz) self-raising flour 4 tbsp strawberry jam, warmed Icing sugar for sifting Method Lay out a large sheet of baking paper and spoon the ice cream along the middle of the paper to form a sausage shape 30cm (12in) long. Roll the paper around the ice cream and twist the ends together. Freeze for 1 hour.

Preheat the oven to 200°C/180°fan/ Gas 6. Grease and line a 30 x 20cm (12 x 8in) Swiss roll tin.

In a large bowl, using an electric whisk, whisk the eggs for 2 minutes. Add the sugar and continue whisking for a further 8–10 minutes until the mixture is very pale and thick – the consistency of softly whipped cream – and at least double its original volume.

Gently fold in the flour then spread in the prepared Swiss roll tin. Bake for 10–12 minutes until well risen and firm.

Turn out onto a fresh sheet of baking paper. Carefully peel off the lining paper and cut away any crisp edges with a sharp knife.

Leave to cool slightly, then spread with the jam. Unwrap the ice cream and place on the sponge, roll up tightly and hold in position for 1 minute. Re-wrap and freeze until ready to serve.

Sift a little icing sugar over the top before serving.

Retro Classics is a fabulous collection of nostalgic recipes, updated for today's cook. It’s a genuinely joyful book that will make you smile and is crammed with favourite recipes, infused with memories, to treasure and share. It’s available from your milkman or www.dairydiary.co.uk for £10.99.

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FOOD & DRINK

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CAT'S WHISKERS Old Tom Hernö Gin £35.99 houseofmalt.co.uk

AUT U MN TIPPLES

From comforting alcoholic tipples to delightful new brews, we've been on the hunt for the perfect drinks to curl up with as autumn settles in. These new favourites are sure to keep you cosy, adding a touch of warmth and comfort to your evenings as the days grow colder.

AUTUMN EDITION

ROCK ROSE GIN AUTUMN EDITION £39 dunnetbaydistillers.co.uk

TREAT YOURSELF

Naughty & Nice | 5.9% Chocolate Stout 440ml £3 vocationbrewery.com

CITRUS TWIST

Grasmere Blood Orange Gin £31.50 grasmeredistillery.com

MIX THINGS UP

AGITATOR SINGLE MALT WHISKY £49.90 amazon.co.uk

DARING DAIRY

Five Farms Irish Cream Liqueur £29.99 ocado.com

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FOOD & DRINK BOTTLEDANDBOXED.COM

Zodiac Cocktails

Your star sign is believed to be a big influence on what makes you, you. And, if you’re hosting an intimate gathering or party for your closest friends, crafting cocktails based on their individual star signs can be a fun and creative way to tailor drinks to your guests’ distinct characters.

BOTTLEDANDBOXED.COM

Harmony Hibiscus Cooler Libra (September 23–October 22): INGREDIENTS

Red wine, hibiscus tea, gin, lime juice, simple syrup.

Libras seek balance and harmony, and the Hibiscus Cooler brings together diverse flavours in perfect equilibrium. Floral notes, a citrus tang, and sweet sugar syrup combine to create a cocktail just for Librans. For a more unique twist, try adding sprigs of earthy herbs such as rosemary or thyme.

Lavender Lemonade Spritz

Virgo (August 23– September 22): INGREDIENTS

Rosé wine, lavender syrup, lemon juice, soda water.

Virgos appreciate simplicity and natural flavours. This classic spritz combines the elegance of rosé with the calming aroma of lavender for a soft and delicate appearance as well as a subtle flavour. You can even use sprigs of dried lavender as a natural garnish for this cocktail.

Dark and Mysterious Manhattan

Scorpio (October 23–November 21):

Scorpios are known for their intense and mysterious nature.

The Dark and Mysterious Manhattan captures their depth with bold, dark flavours, based on a classic Manhattan recipe but with the addition of cherry. Use dark or even black cherries for a deeper flavour and effect.

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BOTTLEDANDBOXED.COM

INGREDIENTS Red wine, bourbon, sweet vermouth, bitters, cherry.

Autumn means

MORE THAN

MUSHROOMS

FORAGING FANATIC PETE COMPSTON EXPLORES THE BOUNTYFUL HARVEST THAT NATURE CAN PROVIDE IN AUTUMN Shaggy Ink Cap Mushroom

As autumn spreads its colourful palette across the North of the UK, the air turns crisp, the leaves transform into a tapestry of reds and golds, and the forest floor reveals autumn’s understated gifts. This is a time when the landscape invites us to slow down, breathe in the earthy scents of the season, and immerse ourselves in nature’s final, bountiful offering before winter’s arrival.

W

riting this at the start of August, I can’t help but anticipate the mushroom season ahead - a time of endless learning, enlightenment and culinary delight.

But even as I eagerly await the fungi to come, there’s always a wealth of plants to be foraged. Autumn is a season of abundance, offering fruits, seeds, and late-blooming herbs that can be transformed into nourishing food and remedies. Getting in tune with the seasons and preparing ourselves for winter.

Although I’d love nothing more than to wax lyrical about mushrooms and mycology (a personal passion that deepens with every autumn), I encourage you to join us at Pendle Plant Craft for free gatherings where we adventure and explore Pendle.

Together, we explore the plants, trees, and mushrooms we come across, sharing knowledge and learning the art of foraging safely. Everyone is welcomed, find us on social media.

Safety, as always, is paramount. It’s not just about avoiding the dangers of misidentification, being absolutely sure of the identity and impact of the wild NL 46

food before consumption - it’s about cultivating a deep respect for nature and the power of self-sufficiency. In a world where we often find ourselves reliant on others for our basic needs, there’s something incredibly liberating about knowing we can look after ourselves and each other, should the need arise. Foraging isn’t just a skill; it’s a way of reclaiming our connection to the natural world and taking responsibility for our well-being.

When foraging, remember to harvest responsibly and give back, to also preserve the plant’s natural habitat.

Let’s delve into some of the treasures you might find during an autumn forage, starting with one of my favourite wild mushrooms, the Shaggy Ink Cap (Coprinus comatus).

Shaggy Ink Caps

Also known as ‘Judge’s Wig’ due to their distinctive, shaggy appearance, these mushrooms are a remarkable find in the wild. They are easily recognised

FOOD & DRINK

Garlic Mustard/ Jack by the Hedge

“Shaggy Ink Caps are known for their potential to support liver health and detoxification processes” Nettle seeds

by their tall, cylindrical caps covered in scales that resemble the disheveled hair of an old-fashioned wig, giving them a whimsical yet striking look. However, their edibility is fleeting; Shaggy Ink Caps have a brief window before they undergo deliquescence—a process where the mushroom transforms into an inky black liquid once used as writing ink. This rapid transformation, although visually captivating, means they must be enjoyed shortly after picking, when their mild, earthy flavour is at its peak.

Seek out mushrooms that are still all white; darker hues can indicate the start of deliquescence, rendering them inedible. Additionally, be cautious not to confuse them with the rarer Magpie Ink Cap, which, while similar in shape, features distinctive black and white colouration.

Beyond their culinary draw, Shaggy Ink Caps offer nutritional and medicinal benefits. Rich in dietary fibre, protein, and essential minerals like potassium and phosphorus, they provide a nutritious addition to your diet. They also contain antioxidants that support overall health and may help reduce inflammation. Additionally, Shaggy Ink Caps are known for their potential to support liver health and detoxification processes, making them not just a culinary delight, but a functional food with real health benefits. Be sure to choose your harvesting spot wisely and leave more than you take as these mushrooms have proven to hyper-accumulate many of the toxic metals from soil.

Nettle Seeds

Urtica dioica are a plant that many are familiar with, often for their sting rather than their nutritional benefits. However, nettle seeds are

the true nutritional powerhouse of this plant, offering a concentrated source of omega-3 fatty acids, iron, and antioxidants. Harvested from the female plants, these tiny seeds can be dried and sprinkled over meals, blended into smoothies, or even eaten fresh for an immediate energy boost.

Traditionally, nettle seeds have been used to support adrenal function and enhance vitality, making them an ideal addition to your autumn diet as the days grow shorter and

Nettle seeds are rich in the ‘happy chemical’ serotonin and can deliver a more sustainable energy boost than caffeine colder. They are rich in serotonin, the ‘happy chemical’ released by the brain, which, along with their dense nutrient content, contributes to their reputation for boosting energy and improving mood. Just a teaspoonful— about the same amount you’d use for coffee - can deliver a more sustainable energy boost than caffeine, without the subsequent crash. However, it’s best to enjoy them in the morning as their energising effects might keep you up at night. Incredibly versatile, nettle seeds can be added to everything from cereals to Sunday roasts, enhancing both the nutritional profile and the flavour of your dishes.

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(Alliaria petiolata), a wild herb known for its sharp, garlicky flavour, is particularly distinctive in autumn.

As the season progresses, its heartshaped leaves become slightly tougher and more pungent, offering an even more intense and complex flavour compared to spring. This robust, peppery bite makes it a powerful alternative to cultivated brassicas like kale and broccoli, which often lack the same nutritional punch. Garlic Mustard outshines these supermarket greens with its higher levels of vitamin C, beta-carotene, calcium, and magnesium—key nutrients for immune support, healthy skin, and strong bones.

Beyond its taste, Garlic Mustard’s nutritional and medicinal properties are impressive. It boasts antiinflammatory and antimicrobial effects, traditionally used to treat respiratory and digestive issues. Found in shaded woodland areas and hedgerows, this herb is a perfect example of how wild foods can pack more flavour and nutrients than their cultivated counterparts, making it a valuable addition to your autumn foraging finds

Garlic Mustard

Hawthorn Berries

Hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna) is a plant steeped in folklore and history, often associated with protection and heart health. The berries, or haws, ripen in autumn and can be used to make a variety of culinary delights, from jellies to syrups. Hawthorn berries are particularly renowned for their cardiovascular benefits, traditionally used to support heart function and improve circulation. They have a tart, slightly sweet flavour that lends itself well to both sweet and savoury dishes.

Hawthorn Berries

FOOD & DRINK AUTUMN RECIPE:

Wild Mushroom and Herb Pie with Hawthorn Ketchup Celebrate the season’s abundance with a dish that marries the rich, earthy tones of wild mushrooms with the sharp, peppery flavour of garlic mustard, all elevated by the nutrientdense punch of nettle seeds. This hearty pie, paired with a tangy, homemade hawthorn ketchup, is the essence of cozy autumn gatherings. While I’d usually blend a variety of wild mushrooms, space allows me to highlight just one—Shaggy Ink Caps, a perfect introduction to the wild wonders that await. Join us at Pendle Plant Craft to discover more about the diverse mushrooms that can transform this pie into yet more of a culinary masterpiece.

Ingredients:

For the Pie Crust: Use your favourite pie crust recipe or a pre-made crust to save time For the Pie Filling:

2 tbsp olive oil 1 onion, finely chopped 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 cups Shaggy Ink Caps, cleaned and sliced 1 cup garlic mustard leaves, chopped 4 eggs 1/2 cup cream or milk Salt and pepper to taste 2 tbsp nettle seeds 1/4 cup grated cheese (optional for a vegetarian option) For the Hawthorn Ketchup:

1 cup hawthorn berries, rinsed and de-stemmed 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar 1/4 cup water 1/4 cup sugar 1/2 tsp salt 1/4 tsp ground cloves 1/4 tsp ground allspice Method: Filling:

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Use your favourite pie crust recipe or a pre-made crust to line a tart pan. Blind bake according to the crust Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic, and sauté until softened.

Add the Shaggy Ink Caps and cook until they release their moisture and start to brown.

Stir in the chopped garlic mustard leaves and cook for another 2 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Remove from heat.

In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, cream or milk, and a pinch of salt and pepper.

Spread the mushroom and garlic mustard mixture evenly over the cooled tart crust.

Pour the egg mixture over the top. Sprinkle with nettle seeds and grated cheese (if using).

Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, until the filling is set and the top is golden brown. Allow the tart to cool slightly before slicing.

Hawthorn Ketchup:

Combine the hawthorn berries, apple cider vinegar, water, sugar, salt, ground cloves, and ground allspice in a saucepan.

Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for about 30 minutes, until the berries are soft.

Use an immersion blender or transfer to a blender to puree until smooth.

Strain the mixture through a fine mesh sieve to remove the seeds and skins.

Return the strained ketchup to the saucepan and simmer until thickened to your desired consistency.

Allow to cool, then transfer to a jar. Store in the refrigerator.

To Serve:

Slice the wild mushroom and herb tart and serve with a dollop of homemade hawthorn ketchup on the side.

Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh nettle seeds for an extra touch. NL

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FOOD & DRINK THE CHEESE-LOVER’S COLLECTION £15.50 tracklements.co.uk

WHITWORTHS WONDERMIX FEEL STRONG £3.50 tesco.com

A BIT ON THE SIDE

PROPER TOMATO KETCHUP £3.60 tracklements.co.uk

SPICE IT UP AND GET SAUCY THIS AUTUMN AND GIVE YOUR MEALS A PROPER KICK WITH NorthernLife’s FAVOURITE FLAVOUR ESSENTIALS

MINI GHERKINS £1.40 tesco.com CURRY BLEND TRIO £18 spicekitchenuk.com

CHEDDAR CHEESIES £1.50 asda.com

CLASSIC CHIMICHURRI £5.45 chimmys.com

BEEF BONE BROTH £6.99 frejafoods.com

CHIPS SEASONING £4.99 justspices.co.uk

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READERS’ SUBMISSIONS 60 STORIES

51 GALLERY 55 POEMS 58 MEMORY 6 5 P E T PAW T R A I T S 6 6 I T ’ S J U S T N OT C R I C K E T

GIANT LEAP • MATT HENDERSON

Follow Northern Life Creative on Facebook and Instagram and share your work

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To share your pictures email gallery@northernlifemedia.co.uk or go to northernlifemagazine.co.uk/contribute

BOATHOUSE • BOB RAWLINSON

RED ARROWS • LEE MANSFIELD

LONG EARED OWL • STEPHEN ROOT

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READERS’ GALLERY

BARLICK VIEW • ZOE HODKINSON

RED FLOWER • PETER WARBURTON FLYCATCHER • DAVID COZENS

BIN DAY • PETRICHORPORTRAIT

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›

Readers' Poems

READERS’ POEMS

Are you a budding poet who would like to see your verse in print? Then, share your work and send your words to poems@northernlifemedia.co.uk or go to northernlifemagazine.co.uk/contribute

WHAT IT MEANS TO BE NORTHERN

BY SAMANTHA DAWSON What does it mean to be Northern?

It depends on who you ask.

Ask a Southerner, they will probably say cobbles, clogs and cloth caps.

Some say it’s grim up North, but what do they know to make such a claim?

If it wasn’t for the North, there’d be no such thing as the beautiful game.

The North has honour, and we have no shame to feel our history’s pain.

For we are a proud people, proud of our ancestors who were strong, had grit.

They worked in the cotton mills, the steel and iron industry and down the coal mining pits.

They had guts, heart and soul; traits Kitchener gleefully exploited on his quest for glory.

Boys and men who worked together and lived on the same street, bought into his story.

Pals are synonymous with all Northern towns, but the Accrington Pals are the most famous.

So many of them fell and died on the first day of the Somme, their bodies sunk into the earth unknown, nameless.

So, you ask me what it means to be Northern?

It is Pride.

Pride in all those who came before, those who are no more, those who have died.

Pic by Eddy Rawinson

But they live on through all of us, as we stand together in this land, we call home.

Our ancestors will never be forgotten and never be alone.

FAREWELL TO A HAPPY PLACE

BY TONY HODKINSON Took a stroll down to the ocean, Felt the sand between my toes, Let the sea breeze fill my nostrils, Breathed the freedom through my nose.

Those years have gone so quickly, As I walked along once more, I knew the chapter was finished, When the sea, wiped clean the shore.

Old memories filled my vision, Children playing in the sand, Walking tall and being contented, With tiny fingers in my hand.

Left my footprints as a memory, Of a time of life I knew, Turned around for one last moment, Wiped a tear and said "Adieu". ›

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SCAN HERE TO SHARE

Share your work and send your poems to poems@northernlifemedia.co.uk or go to northernlifemagazine.co.uk/contribute. If you'd like to read more poems and can't wait until the next edition, then go to northernlifemagazine.co.uk/poems

WHAT YOU’RE LIKE

BY ALLAN BOLTON

Julie (An Abecedarian Poem)

BY LINDSEY ASKEW

You’re like the evening’s first pint of Stella, chilled, clear and crisp, bitter yet sweet, a star in darkest skies.

I’m craving more of you.

You’re like the seasons’s first-bottled Nouveau boosting my spirits with your youthfulness, showing us you and I are best drunk young.

You’re like a deep-toned intense Malbec sweeping my cares away, numbing my pain, I’m getting drunk on you.

You’re like a Highland single malt with your smoky charms, just a little nutty.

Couldn’t give you up, I’ve fallen under your sway.

You’re like the third shot of Tequila, such a healthy drink, making me euphoric.

I love the taste of you on my lips.

You’re like a stinger with vodka, you pack a punch, yet leave me heady, cool and tasting a hint of mint.

Your perfume, like a bright orange slice, invades my fuddled brain that needs detox, yet I’m happy, won’t take advice.

You’re the tops, like Cointreau on the rocks.

THE BEST OF IT

BY SUSAN WILSEA

I’m standing on this chewed cliff edge with a sky streaked red, pink, orange The Humber flat as skin.

Red wine slides down my throat sunburn stains flush lambent on my arms, my neck. Poppies, spattered drops of cochineal, nod assent on unbearably thin stems, the wood whispers its bedroom secrets and for just a moment I know that nothing matters outside of this place: that when death’s dark shadow passes across the seascape bruising it gun metal grey, then at least I can say not that things make any more sense than they did before but that at least I’ve known the best of it.

Although it doesn’t seem that long Because time goes so fast, Cracks in my heart remind me that Directly three years have passed.

Ever since that fateful day Fear has gripped my mind, Going on has been so hard Healing so hard to find.

In my mind I try to think Just her time to go, Keen to carry on this journey Life’s just a game you know?

Make of it all what you will Never do we know, Once the gods have made their choice Painfully accept it’s so.

Quite the life-force you once were Right from start to end, Sisters shouldn’t be apart The worst loss of a friend.

Under this cloud I’ll alwas live Vexed with pain and sorow, Will I see that face agai?

Xany and full of tomorow.

Yes I will, I know I will, when it is my time, Zestily reaching out your hand, to place your hand in mine.

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READERS’ POEMS

NORTH PENNINE TRAIN

BY DAVID DRIVER

A Private Performance

BY JOHN PLATTEN

The soprano’s voice echoes from its stage, songs from musicals a regular feature of this Private Performance.

Today, it is the popular ‘Sound of Music,’ and it’s sing along numbers burst forth, one after another.

The voice is strong and the songs well known.

Our hills, well Pit Heaps, are alive with the sounds of coal extraction, a lonely goat is tethered on waste ground, dandelions and daisies our Edelweiss.

A few people have gathered to join in and clap.

They know the boy, they are his neighbours, and this is a daily routine they enjoy.

With no lock on the shared, outside privy, how else do you let people know it is occupied?

Train lines, miles and miles Tired trees, nettles, soot stained stone Graffiti brightened bridges with Shakespearian style modern life quotes Viaduct housing Homeless laughter soaked in 40% proof New homes stacked like want to topple skips, but in-between stands a stalwart favourite serving up fish `n` chips Red brick hardness that says it as it is Stations welcome with Strongbow empties, crisp packets, Costa cups and ketchup splattered chip trays Metallic, futuristic buildings ease the pain?

Roof tiles scattered, glass smashed Sound the `up for sale` gong Pigeons are the tenants, demolition won’t be long Pennies wrong side?

I think not The people are grand and so is the beer

THE FACE AT THE WINDOW

BY VIVIEN FOULKES-JAMES

Always catching me by surprise as I cross the landing from the shower.

Our eyes would meet, stricken with terror with luck, I’d escape to the safety of the bedroom.

Or deep in reverie, I could be sitting on the bed just drying my hair, when there would be the telltale clunk, the heavy, steady steps on the treads as he made his ascent.

Could I rush to close the curtains or flee the room before it appeared the face at the window.

Now that particular worry is no more.

Health and safety means that now he comes sans ladders, only the whoosh of the brush with soapy suds and the gentle spraying of water on glass.

Now I saunter across the landing from the shower.

No more frenzied dash from room to room to avoid the feared face at the window.

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To share your memories email memories@northernlifemedia.co.uk or go to northernlifemagazine.co.uk/contribute

NOT RELATED

BY MARIANNA MICHELL

W

hen you are too young to spell, you collect words by ear. Our neighbour to the right was called Jonet Slack. He kept hens. His back garden spread across the far end of ours, so our fence backed onto henhut-view. I was once taken up there to have a look: out of our back yard across the slutchy street and up their garden to walk with the hens.

Being a terrace of seven houses, we were all linked in various ways. Our

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yard’s party wall was very useful in one respect. We put out a bright red plastic cullender with a note in saying how many eggs we wanted and how many cracked eggs as well, with the right money. 2/6d.

Cracked ones were cheaper. When he had done our order, we’d hear a knocking on the living-room wall, so we’d go out and collect the eggs. When we ate the eggs, I would sometimes ask how we knew it was only yolk and there wouldn’t be baby chickens inside.

The answer was always: “because

READER’S MEMORY

t’cock hasn’t been in wit th’en”. Deep frustration on my part: There’s the hen - and there is the cock. What has it got to do wit t’chickens and eggs?!

Jonet Slack turned out to have a surname which was not Slack and was the same as my granny’s, but mum would insist ‘we aren’t related’. But if it’s the same and we’re in the same village, we could be related further back. But most people aren’t so interested in what has been. And life for cotton-workers was honourable but difficult. No HP for my mum and dad.

Straight cash and no borrowing except your mortgage of a few hundred pounds. They just worked and held things together. The whole district, for ages past, was inter-related but it meant nothing.

I grew old enough to recognise that there may be a place called Slack. John of the Slack. So he was not called Jonet.

My friend was called Janet. He was not Jonet, and I had worked it out.

it wasn’t, the result was beeasts in t’ back-yard. Cows would mill and moo gloomily around our kitchen window.

Sometimes it was my cousin’s pigs on the loose, kept perhaps in some unofficial place. Lots of unofficial events sprang from that family.

The valley is really called Walverden from the name of the brook. But it was known as t’pigole. Pig Hole Farm was the first building you came to.

At one point it held a family of eight children whom I knew, all names beginning with J. After they left, it fell

“We were a street which stayed put.

John o’t’ Slack may have lived there longer than anyone else” into disrepair and the afore-mentioned person who had pigs took to removing lead pipe-structures which ran around and from the roof. Later, this near

“Our front street had the honour of being the last before a long valley” He was John. Conversations overheard included ‘Slack Farm’. He was a son of that farm. In my long forays around the countryside on my scooter, I found Slack Farm. They must have had problems with moles because every so often I’d spot a wooden sign stuck in the ground by the roadside. It read, MOLE CHAP CALL Nice and square, that. Three words of equal length. Simple message: We work with muck around ‘ere, like our back street where we played the livelong day, topped up every so often by another lorry-load of sludge, but we thought the word was slutch, and slutch was ok to play in.

Now, I may be giving the impression we were one of many streets. No, our front street had the honour of being the last before a long valley. It was also ‘unadopted’, offering mountainous terrain down the front street for the occasional car or van. Our row was surrounded by fields and hills as far as Pendle Hill to the front and the Yorkshire border somewhere to the back. Farmers drove down the front street and into the valley, and the gate had to be kept shut. When

ladder to climb up and change the gas mantle. And I recall one dusk, there he was.

We were a street which stayed put. John o’t’ Slack and his wife and son may have lived there longer than anyone else, but the other six houses also rarely changed ownership or tenancy.

No. 27 saw the shortest stay – the final months of Auntie Annie’s life.

We would call it hypothermia now.

We knew her because mum would take me to Annie’s previous old house

ruin was turned into a family home by folks who shut off the stile and with it the right of way. But there was a way around, past where the pig-sties were falling to further ruin, so I would walk that way feeling dis-gruntled, perhaps like the pigs of olden times.

Visitors to our front street, which was, after all on the edge of nowhere, included the rag-and-bone man.

At first, you heard his shout, which had corrupted over his life-span from “rag and BONE….” to “hey HOOO….” Quick, rag an’bone man’s ‘ere.

The horse and cart lumbers down the lumpy street. Did anyone ever have bone to put in it, and if so – why?!

The other occasional visitor was the gas-chap. Near our front steps was one of two gas lamps for the street. Even after they became electrified, in common speech, they were still gas- lamps. A tall lad was referred to as “a gas lamp”. The reason the posts had that horizontal protrusion at the top was so that the man could rest his NL 59

in the valley, right by the river and with a path to the heavenly blue-bell woods. When her husband was alive, there were hens scampering in the under-belly of the house. He had died suddenly. They had the same surname as our cousins who had also lived at no. 27, but again mum said, “she isn’t related”. So, Auntie Annie was brought nearer to civilisation, but couldn’t get used to the notion of heating no. 27.

Her hands were blue, and the house was candle-lit because she didn’t use the electric lights. Too long spent in a house in a valley alone by the river with only gaslight, a deer skull and antlers on the wall, and a slop-stone sink to serve as kitchen and washing area.

Later, the families in my district revealed their links through ancestry research, from which many relationships of old fell into place. For most people, it was, and still is of little consequence to look outwards from that valley, nor backwards to where we had come from.

I wandered further than most. As a child I had a recurring dream about being in a dark old house like Annie’s which sloped dangerously towards a river. I was scared it might collapse. I understood later that this was my inner house: it was the mood of my upbringing, my childhood ‘house’ which needed slowly to collapse into a wider and more flowing river NL

THE MAGNIFICENT MERLIN

BY VAL ROBERTS

F

rom the dressing room, I could hear boos from the audience. The door opened, and Len, the comedian, came in; he slumped wearily

in a chair.

“Tough crowd,” he said quietly. He grinned.

“You will have to pull something out of the bag!”

I smiled as if I had never heard that before.

“There’s a group of them. They’ve all been drinking, men and women, old enough to know better. They are heckling, but when the manager appears, they quiet down, and he’s

reluctant to make a scene. I’m off across the road for a pint. Good luck, mate! You’ll need it!”

I finished applying my make-up and checked my props. My second assistant, Tracey, came in.

She looked nervous, on the verge of tears. My first assistant, Lisa, was calmer. She had dealt with rowdy customers before.

“Rough crowd,” said Tracey, and she chewed despondently on a fingernail.

I was grateful for Lisa’s steadying presence.

“Don’t worry, Tracey,” replied Lisa.

Although Lisa had been my assistant for longer, the two worked well together. Although slightly taller, Lisa was as energetic and flexible as Tracey, qualities that stood them in good stead as they had to squeeze into small spaces.

“Ready, boss?” enquired Lisa.

I nodded, and the three of us picked up the small props that I had kept in my dressing room. The larger props were already onstage.

“And now, ladies and gentlemen, I present The Magnificent Merlin!”

“Hiding in plain sight is a cover against my enemies, who have tracked me down the centuries.”

Our MC smiled and whispered, “Good luck!” I was confident in my abilities and determined not to depend on luck.

Luck had never served me well over the years, but ability had.

Most people think that is my stage name, but Merlin is my real name. Although I present myself as a magician, I am more than that, as Arthur would attest. I have lived for many hundreds of years, and even my two girls do not know my secret.

Hiding in plain sight is a cover against my enemies, who have tracked me down the centuries.

As we appeared, the audience grumbled. Magic is not as popular these days, and audiences are less NLNL6060

READER’S STORY

credulous than in previous centuries. I performed the usual card tricks with the help of a member of the audience.

Then came the larger tricks, Lisa disappearing from a cabinet and appearing again at the back of the theatre, but I could sense the restlessness.

When we did the sawing of the woman in half, a boozy male voice shouted, “There are two girls, that’s how it’s done!”

Did they really think that I should saw a woman in half just for their amusement?

Then, the drunken group began to chant, “Cheat! Cheat! Cheat!”

The rest of the audience looked embarrassed, and the manager appeared, but I held up a placatory hand.

“You, sir,” and I pointed at the ringleader. “Perhaps you’d like to help me with my next trick.”

He gazed around drunkenly and then focused on me.

He grinned, “No problem, mate,” and staggered up to the stage. He stood there, swaying slightly.

“Ready?” I asked.

I waved my wand again and produced a white rabbit from the bag.

“Great!” said his wife.

“The kids always wanted a rabbit!”

“Yeh,” he slurred. “Do your worst.”

I picked up my magic wand and softly intoned, “Miniaturise.”

The man slowly began to shrink.

He gazed at his diminishing figure in dismay and shouted, “What did you do?” as his voice tapered off to a squeak.

“I did ask if you were ready,” I said. I picked him up by the scruff of the neck and dropped him into a white bag. All the time, he protested, but only I could hear him. By this time, the audience was whistling and cheering. Even the man’s wife joined in.

“Well,” I smiled. “That’s cut him down to size!” and the audience

cheered.

I waved my wand again and produced a white rabbit from the bag.

“Great!” said his wife. “The kids always wanted a rabbit!” and there were good-natured laughs from the rest of the audience.

I thanked them and, with a final bow, left the stage with the rabbit once again in the bag.

I freed the rabbit in my dressing room. It looked at me and said,” You can’t leave me like this! Please turn me back!”

“I could leave you like this,” I said as I leisurely removed my make-up.

“Please, help me!” he pleaded.

“I will, on one condition, that you and your rowdy gang never come back to this theatre.”

He nodded, and I turned him back into a sober version of himself. He scuttled off, and I was sure that even if he had told anyone, no one would have believed him.

Len put his head around the door.

“Did you manage to pull something out of the bag?” he asked.

“Yes, I think you could say I did.” NL

Write To Win! Our short story competition appeal is in full swing, and for our Christmas edition in December, we’re eagerly seeking seasonal stories—perfect for the party season! With a deadline of November 1st and a limit of 1,200 words, you have ample time to craft and refine your tales. Don’t miss this opportunity to showcase your writing talent. We always love hearing from you. Don’t forget to send in your memories, pictures, and poems to northernlifemagazine.co.uk/contribute NL 61

To share your memories email stories@northernlifemedia.co.uk or go to northernlifemagazine.co.uk/contribute

Jenny Palmer, author of Witches, Quakers, and Nonconformists, shares an exclusive extract from her upcoming short story collection, Butterflies and Other Stories. The featured story, "Back Seat Driver," is a haunting tale sure to set the mood for the spooky season—so grab a brew, get cosy, and dim the lights for this chilling read.

Backseat Driver I

BY JENNY PALMER

was driving home from my writing class when it first happened. We had started the class with a warm-up exercise to write something pertaining to the night. I tried to let my imagination go, but I found it hard to come up with anything at all. I put it down to my upbringing and what my mother had drummed into us as kids.

‘You must always tell the truth.’

She’d said. ‘If there one thing I can’t abide, it’s people who tell lies.’ She could have spared her breath. I couldn’t tell lies to save my skin, not even white lies.

I managed to conjure up an image NL 62

of trees, looming out of the mist, their branches stretching out like arms, but I couldn’t shape it into anything like a poem, and I soon gave up in despair.

The truth was I couldn’t write to order.

My writing had to grow out of me organically and that usually happened when I was alone at home and preferably in the morning before the day’s events had seeped into my mind.

During the second half of the class, we gave each other feedback on our own writing. The evening was often capped off with a trip to the pub where we continued the discussion informally over a drink or two. It was a convivial evening, and no one wanted to break it

READER’S STORY

“There was a full moon up ahead lighting the way like a lantern” up. So, it was almost midnight when I finally left the pub.

I enjoy driving at night. There’s a sense of liberation about being out late when everyone else is tucked up in bed. And it’s easier because there is no traffic on rural roads, and you don’t have to contend with the glare of

those dratted LED headlights. For the last two and a half miles it’s a singletrack road but at night you can see cars coming towards you and anyway, I know all the passing places.

There was a full moon up ahead lighting the way like a lantern. I was feeling in good spirits. The pub conversations were still running through my head when I became aware of a presence in the back of the car. It wasn’t a threatening presence or anything, just a feeling that there was someone there, looking over my shoulder. My first impulse was to turn my head, but I needed to keep my eyes on the road. I glanced in mirror, but I could see nothing.

I had just reached the top of Stubbins, the steep hill that leads down to the old mill lodge. Back in the 19th century there had been a cotton mill there and it must have been a hive of activity, with mill workers going back and forth from neighbouring houses.

But there had been a terrible fire in 1882, and the mill had been gutted, along with six attached cottages.

Overnight the mill workers were homeless and out of work at the same time and had to move elsewhere.

All the industrial activity had ceased, and the place had become deserted and overgrown. The area was a favourite haunt for Ramblers, who were fond of exploring out-of-the-way places. They thronged there in spring when the wildflowers were coming into bloom and the birds were nesting.

In winter there isn’t much sign of life, just a few crows strutting around the fields and blackbirds flitting about in the hedgerows.

At the bottom of Stubbins, the road is hazardous. It narrows as it winds around the side of the lodge. When it rains, water leaks out of the lodge and runs down the side of the road forming a puddle, which you must drive through in first gear as there’s a blind corner. I was slowing down when I heard a voice coming from the back of the car.

‘Stop,’ it shouted. ‘For God’s sake, stop.’

I slammed on the brakes. Just at that moment a beast appeared out of nowhere, leapt across the road right in front of me and disappeared over the hedge. It took me a while to collect myself. I had been lucky. It was a fully-grown stag. Had it landed on my bonnet, it could have killed itself or me.

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I was really shaken up and was glad to get home in one piece.

It happened a few times again after that. First the presence, then the voice. A man’s voice. A bit rough and ready. Middle-aged, I’d say. It was always in the same place, just as I was approaching that bend. In the end, I came to expect him. I called him my backseat driver. Sometimes he got very agitated.

‘Slow down, you fool,’ he shouted.

‘Enough of your talk,’ I said, answering back. ‘Don’t you think I know what I’m doing?’

One time he called me a blithering idiot. It was all getting too much.

‘Enough,’ I said in exasperation.

‘Reveal yourself, why don’t you?’

But he never did.

Some years later, I was doing some local history research when I came across a snippet of news in the online newspaper archive.

The Preston Guardian, 1855.

Fatal Accident On the afternoon of Saturday last John Walmsley of Downham was driving a cart loaded with coal, he being at the time riding along the road at Twiston – from which he fell almightily upon his head.

When found he was insensible and died shortly after. The inquest was held at the George and Dragon in Downham where the verdict of ‘accidental death’ was returned.

Questions started running through my head. What had caused this man’s accident? His cart was laden with coal, so it could hardly have overturned. Had he been drinking? Had there been foul play? Something must have spooked his horse. A stag like the one that had jumped out in front of me. It had shocked him, and the horse had bolted, causing him to fall to a premature death.

That was why he had started accompanying me. It was an act of charity. He wanted to warn me of the dangers. It had happened to him in that very spot. It could happen to me. He just wanted to prevent me suffering the same fate as him. It all made perfect sense.

What I didn’t understand, though, was why, some years later, my backseat driver took it upon himself to accompany me home and show up every night just as I was about to fall asleep. NL

READER’S PET PAWTRAITS

HENRY

JOSH SWARBRICK

DOODLES AND TILLY

BUSTER

KAYLEIGH WHITE

SARAH HORSEMAN

READERS' PET PAWTRAITS

For a chance to see your pet's picture in NorthernLife please send them to gallery@northernlifemedia.co.uk

PHOEBE AND MADDY SUSAN FLUDE

ENRIGHT

MAXINE LEWIS

BAILEY

SAMANTHA JAYNE ENA SPENCE

COJO

CHRISTINE MCLOUGHLIN

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MILO

JONATHAN SLATER

Geoff, 2nd row 4th from left with biology teacher Alan Brindle

IT’S JUST NOT

CRICKET! TAKE ANOTHER STROLL DOWN MEMORY LANE WITH RESIDENT HISTORIAN GEOFF CRAMBIE AS HE RECALLS HIS TIME AT COLNE’S PRIMET HIGH SCHOOL UNDER THE STEELY GAZE OF ENGLISH TEACHER AND ENGLAND CRICKETER ALAN WHARTON

A

BY LAURA STOREY s this magazine hits the shelves, a new class of youngsters will be taking their first steps in high school. Those with older siblings have no doubt spent the summer listening in trepidation to rumours of school traditions, older students, and, of course, a new set of teachers.

It was no different decades ago, in the 1950s, when Geoff Crambie was nervously awaiting his turn. Having failed the eleven-plus, he would be attending Primet Secondary School in Colne. Like most comprehensive

schools at the time, corporal punishment was used for discipline.

So, during the summer before his first day, he listened anxiously as the older children recounted stories of the teachers. There were tales of the woodwork teacher who once hit someone with a 2x4, flinging him 12 feet across the classroom, and another who looked like an army general and was known to hit the hardest. But it wasn’t either of those teachers who caught Geoff’s eye. It was one who used not a cane but a strap to hit unruly pupils with: Alan Wharton.

If that name sounds familiar, you NL 66

may be a cricket fan, as Alan played cricket for England. “He played for Colne CC at just 13, before breaking the amateur batting record at age 42 in 1965, a record held since 1911. He played for Lancashire for 14 years and Leicestershire for three years, scoring nearly 22,000 runs and taking 237 wickets.”

“I don’t know how he fitted everything in!” Geoff says. “He was also a magistrate while he was teaching and ran his own sports shop in Colne!”

His brother Colin Wharton was also a cricketer who taught at Geoff’s school. “Colin was more

“He was also a magistrate while he was teaching and ran his own sports shop in Colne!”

he played for England against New Zealand not long before I started at school.”

He was even on cigarette cards at the time. “I collected them. We used to go to Midland Working Men’s Club, which was just opposite the train station. They called it the rat pit as it was just a tiny hut. There was one chap who used to smoke loads of cigarettes and throw the packet in the bin outside, so we’d leg it over once he’d gone and steal the card.”

Bob Thompson, a friend of Geoff’s, found Alan Wharton’s card. On each one, they tend to give the cricketers a nickname, usually something complimentary – Frank Typhoon

The infamous cigarette card featuring the unflattering moniker ‘Alan (Wharton Face) Wharton’

“‘There are some good things on the approachable,” Geoff explains.

“But both were fierce and very back, Mr. Wharton.’ intimidating.”

Alan first demonstrated his He flipped it over strictness when he caught Geoff and and swore before his friend David Bolton whistling along to one of the decade’s top tunes, ripping it in half!”

“Singing the Blues,” during his English class. “He said, ‘I’ve heard that all day!’ and went berserk!” Geoff recalls.

That was when Geoff realised the rumours were true: Alan used a strap to whack students who misbehaved in his lessons or even just gave him an annoying earworm.

Along with English, Alan, of course, taught sports. “I was never one for football,” Geoff explains. “I always ended up breaking my glasses, but I enjoyed cricket.”

Under Alan Wharton’s tuition, Geoff played cricket in class that first week and made an excellent catch.

“He said, ‘Well done, Geoffrey,’” Geoff beams. “That was high praise because Alan didn’t give out compliments.” In his end-of-year report card, Alan even awarded Geoff a ‘good’ compared to his classmates’ ‘poor’ and ‘fair.’ “I was really proud. I looked up to Alan as

Geoff’s school report with a ‘good’ from Mr Wharton

Geoff and his friends were eating their lunch while an older boy, Bob Harrison, regaled the youngsters with his cricket prowess. Apparently, he had scored a century. Alan Wharton was surveying the lunch hall on a 10-foot stage, ensuring everyone was eating their lunch without messing around.

“Alan Wharton looks down and he says, ‘Harrison, quiet, too much noise.’ He just carried on. So Mr. Wharton comes to the edge of the stage again, and he says, ‘Harrison, be quiet; I’m warning you now, six of the best.’ Bob just carried on! I have never seen anything like it. Alan Wharton, who was 10 feet up, leaps off the stage, landing on Bob and punching him! He still got six of the best after Wharton had finished pummeling him, but not from Wharton, who had broken his wrist in the fight!”

Despite Wharton’s unconventional (or perhaps conventional for the time) methods of discipline, Geoff remembers Wharton as a good teacher and an excellent cricketer and still treasures the ‘good’ Alan Wharton wrote in his sports report. NL

Tyson, Freddie Fiery Truman. On Alan’s, they had nicknamed him ‘Wharton Face.’

“We ran up to his sports shop, and Bob showed him the card. He mustn’t have seen it before as he looked at the front of the card and said, ‘They’ve got me at a bad angle there!’ Then Bob said, ‘There are some good things on the back, Mr. Wharton.’ He flipped it over and swore before ripping it in Geoff with a half!”

‘10 bob’ note signed Unfortunately for Bob, who was

by AlanWharton now down a card in his collection, the card was withdrawn shortly after, probably due to complaints from Alan.

“They never issued another one,” Geoff explains.

That wasn’t the only time Alan lost his temper; another incident occurred one lunchtime in the school canteen.

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HOME & GARDEN 68 WALK ON THE WILD SIDE

71 KNOCK, KNOCK! WHOOO'S THERE?

7 3 C E L E B R AT E A U T U M N ' S S P L E N D O U R

GOLD LEOPARD POT HANGER £12 ellajames.co.uk

Walk on the

WILD SIDE Love it or hate it, leopard print is having a moment this year.

It can be intimidating to work with, but whether you’re ready to go all-out or prefer to start with a few subtle accents, we’ve curated a selection of products that offers something for everyone.

DOLCE & GABBANA LEOPARD PRINT WALLPAPER - BLACK £240 limelace.co.uk

TIGRIS CERAMIC TABLE LAMP WHITE LEOPARD MOTIF BASE £210 darlighting.co.uk

MABEL LAMPSHADE £225 tinkerandtallulah.co.uk

NL 68

HOME & GARDEN

STONE EFFECT LEOPARD POT COVER £10.99 giselagraham.co.uk

LEOPARD STORAGE TINS (SET OF 2) £8.95 rexlondon.com

LEOPARD QUEEN ALTERED ART CUSHION £32 inkanddrop.com

PERSIAN LEOPARD WALLPAPER £100 feathr.com

FAUVITA STEMMED AMBER GLASS TUMBLERS (SET OF 6) £60 laredoute.co.uk FOLK ART STYLE LEOPARD PRINT £13.5 inkanddrop.com

VELVET DEEP BUTTONED BENCH £130 limelace.co.uk

FRENCH BEDROOM_LEOPARD PRINT FUR THROW £99 frenchbedroom.co.uk

PAIR OF LAKADEMA LEOPARD CANDLE HOLDERS £60 oka.com

FAUX LEOPARD PRINT RUG £99.99 scs.co.uk

NL 69

HOME & GARDEN

KNOCK, KNOCK!

Whoooo's there?

This Halloween, turn your home into the talk of the town with a delightfully spooky doorway. Whether you’re welcoming trick-or-treaters or being the ghostess with the mostest hosting a frightfully fun gathering with Dobbie’s Stylist, Rebecca Stanton.

Death's Door Knocker £10.99 dobbies.com

"Accessories like a haunted door knocker can make a big impact."

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“Illuminate your spooky scene with an array of battery operated candles and lanterns, placing them strategically to cast eerie shadows!

wayfair.co.uk

"Arrange pumpkins on the steps leading up to your door or in clusters on your porch. Carve some with ghoulish faces and leave others intact to add variety and dimension. Faux pumpkins are a great investment as they can be reused year after year, while real pumpkins add authenticity and a fresh autumn scent."

Boo! Halloween Doormat £24.99 limelace.co.uk

Light Up Pumpkin Set £68.99 wayfair.co.uk

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Faux 32Cm Wreath £39.99 wayfair.co.uk

›

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HOME & GARDEN

✂

1. Asters: The Autumn Stars These delightful perennials produce daisy-like flowers in a range of colours including purple, pink, and blue. They tend to thrive in full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil.

Their blooms typically appear from late summer through to autumn, making them a vital nectar source for bees and butterflies.

2. Sedums: Tough and Tasty The variety ‘Autumn Joy’ is particularly popular, showcasing clusters of pink flowers that turn a rich bronze as the season progresses. Perfect for a low-maintenance garden, thriving in full sun and well-drained soil.

Celebrate Autumn’s Splendour Top 6 Perennials to Brighten Your Garden

3. Chrysanthemums: Classic Autumn Elegance With their myriad colours and shapes, they flourish in full sun and well-drained soil, and with regular deadheading, they can continue to bloom from late summer into autumn.

4. Japanese Anemones: Graceful and Stylish These elegant perennials produce delicate, cup-shaped flowers in shades of white, pink, or rose. They thrive in partially shaded spots and prefer moist, well-drained soil.

They typically bloom from late summer through autumn, adding a soft, graceful element to garden beds and borders.

Aster

5. Helianthus (False Sunflower): Bright and Bold These hardy perennials are ideal for full sun and can handle various soil conditions as they continue to attract pollinators and bring warmth to the garden as the temperatures drop.

Helenium

6. Helenium: The Sunset Bloomer Helenium’s late-season blooms provide a vibrant conclusion to the growing season and are particularly attractive to pollinators. These plants thrive in full sun and well-drained soil, and their sturdy stems make them ideal for cutting gardens.

TOP TIPS THIS AUTUMN

To make the most of your autumn-blooming perennials, follow these simple tips: • Sun Exposure: Most autumn-bloomers prefer full sun, though varieties like Japanese anemones do well in partial shade.

• Soil Preparation: Ensure your soil is well-drained and enriched with organic matter. Good soil health supports vibrant blooms and strong root systems.

• Watering: Keep your perennials well-watered during dry spells, especially as they prepare to bloom.

• Mulching: Apply a layer of mulch around your plants to conserve moisture, regulate soil temperature, and suppress weeds.

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ADVERTISING FEATURE

OLD AGE IS CANCELLED! Forget everything you thought you knew about ageing old age is officially cancelled!

Today, older people are rewriting the narrative, proving that growing older or receiving a diagnosis is merely the start of an exciting new chapter, not the end of the story.

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ew research from Home Instead reveals that retirement as we know it is undergoing a revolution. The outdated stereotype of older adults slowing down has been debunked, with many retirees leading active, vibrant lives that would be the envy of people half their age.

This project sought to discover what older age in 2024 really looks like and concludes one of the most comprehensive studies of its kind ever undertaken. The study has created ‘The New Ageing Index,’ which shows an undimmed appetite for life, especially among the oldest participants.

Remarkably, 89% of those aged 75+ believe in an active lifestyle, and 54% of all adults believe that lifespan and health span will significantly improve over the next decade.

Alistair on the golf course

diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s dementia. At the time, he was living alone down south in Reading, and as he tried to adapt to his condition, physical activity took a backseat. At the time, his family - sister Emma Wharton and her husband, Neil - lived on-site at the Yorkshire boarding school where they both work. Six months ago, with his condition progressing, the family decided to move together to the small town of Earby in Lancashire.

The move was a huge transition for the whole family. Emma and Neil now commute to work each day rather than living on-site, and Alistair finds himself hundreds of miles from the place he was brought up and where he had built a life.

“Unfortunately, the move meant that he is living in an area that he doesn’t know, without an immediate social group,” Emma explains, noting the limited opportunities for Alistair to engage in the hobbies he used to love.

“Dementia is unique in that, after the diagnosis, you’re left to figure out what support is available on your own” While the study reveals how older people value exercise and want to stay physically active as they age, the realities of ageing and the health conditions that come with it can sometimes pose obstacles.

Alistair Wrenn has always valued physical activity. With a busy career as a chartered surveyor, he made the most of his weekends playing rugby and cricket in his younger years before taking up golf in his forties - a sport that soon became a passion. Weekends, lads’ trips, and even holidays were centred around golf.

Two years ago, at just 55, Alistair was NL 74

This prompted Emma to discover what resources were available in the area. “Dementia is unique in that, after the diagnosis, you’re left to figure out what support is available on your own,” she explains. “There’s a lot out there, but it takes effort to find it.”

Emma discovered Dementia Forward, a North Yorkshire charity that supports people living with dementia and their families. Alistair decided to attend their support group in Settle and participate in their day trips.

“He’s actually visited more local

HEALTH & SELF places in the last six months than I have in 30 years living up north,” Emma smiles. “We want Alistair to enjoy his life while he can, and hopefully, staying active will help slow the progression of the disease.”

However, as Emma and Neil prepared to return to work, they decided to seek Home Instead’s services to help Alistair stay active and continue living life to the fullest.

With the help of companions Laura and Andrew, Alistair maintains a jampacked schedule of activities.

Home Instead UK is a national home care company specialising in providing care and companionship in the home for older people, including specialist dementia care.

With its help, Alistair has even revived a once-beloved hobby.

Rachel Kershaw from Home Instead explains, “We always strive to match our clients with care professionals who share similar interests.” Luckily for Alistair, Rachel found the perfect golfing companion in care professional Andrew. Every Monday, the two hit the golf course together, followed by lunch.

“We’ve managed to bring golf back into Alistair’s daily routine,” Emma beams.

Tuesdays see Alistair exploring the countryside with Jo, a former colleague of Emma’s who now offers guided walks and Nordic walking sessions in the Yorkshire Dales. “The routes can get a bit tricky,” Alistair admits, with plenty of challenging terrain to conquer in the Dales, but he still enjoys exploring with Jo. On Wednesdays, another Home Instead care professional, Laura, joins Alistair for some culinary fun. Cooking is another passion of his, and together, they plan a shopping list from a recipe book and prepare two dishes - one for dinner that night and one for Thursday.

“I’m always up for anything with chillies,” Alistair says with a grin.

For Emma and Neil, who both work full-time, coming home to a freshly prepared meal twice a week is a real treat - even if Emma prefers to keep the chillies on the side!

With dinner already prepared, there’s no point staying in on Thursday, so these days are reserved for outings with Craven Away Days, a group run by Dementia Forward for individuals with early-onset dementia.

Last week, Alistair enjoyed a trip to Cliffe Castle in Keighley.

Fridays start with another Dementia Forward group session in Settle, ›

Alistair cooks up a treat

“We always strive to match our clients with care professionals who share similar interests.”

Out and about with Laura

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HEALTH & SELF followed by walking rugby at the North Ribblesdsale Rugby Club in the afternoon. Emma, who works as a teacher, has a sixth-form student who volunteers at the dementia group and also joins Alistair for the walking rugby sessions, providing both support and companionship.

For Emma and Neil, keeping Alistair active is a top priority. “He was always outdoors and on the move. He’s not one for reading or board games,” Emma explains. “I think he’s only read

research about the benefits of music therapy in dementia. When I worked in care homes, people who had advanced dementia or Alzheimer’s and who didn’t have much language or many skills left could sing songs word for word. It’s absolutely fantastic.”

In Reading, Alistair participated in a group called Young People with Dementia, which had a choir, but he decided against joining. “He liked to sing, but in the privacy of his own bedroom or in the garage!” Emma

bored while they’re away, as his days are filled with meaningful activities that keep him physically active and mentally stimulated.

“It means that no matter what’s going on with us and work, Alistair’s routine will continue - which is so important for people with dementia.

Everything I read about the condition suggests physical activity is beneficial in slowing its progression,” Emma says.

From golfing and hiking to cooking and attending social groups, Alistair’s

“With Andrew and Laura’s consistent visits, Alistair benefits from both stability and companionship”

Alistair with sister Emma and her husband Neil

two books in his life!”

“Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit,” Alistair agrees with a grin.

“It’s about keeping him socially engaged,” Emma adds. “It’s so important for him to interact with others, not just us two - it would be pretty boring otherwise!” Emma laughs.

Alistair certainly relishes his activities, from exploring new places to chatting with Andrew and perfecting his golf game. “It’s nice to have that interaction and be able to build relationships,” he explains.

Beyond his weekly routine, the family is planning some exciting outings, including rugby matches, comedy shows, and concerts featuring Paul Weller and Travis - perfect for celebrating Alistair’s love of music.

“The power of music is fantastic,” Rachel explains. “There’s quite a lot of

laughs. Plus, the music was a little too classical for Alistair, who finds his vibe in 90s rock.

With Andrew and Laura’s consistent visits, Alistair benefits from both stability and companionship, with familiar faces who can quickly notice if anything’s amiss.

“It allows us to understand any changes that might be happening,” Rachel explains. “If you had different people coming in daily, they wouldn’t notice those small changes. If anything changes with Alistair’s well-being or physical health, we’ve already got that relationship built up, and our care can adapt to meet Alistair’s needs as they change.”

As Emma and Neil return to work, knowing that Alistair has a full and engaging schedule brings them a great sense of peace. They don’t have to worry about him feeling isolated or NL 77

routine not only keeps him busy but also ensures he’s surrounded by a supportive community. This consistent engagement gives Emma and Neil the comfort of knowing that Alistair is thriving, maintaining his independence, and continuing to enjoy life to the fullest despite his diagnosis.

“It is important, as we start to age, that we stay active like Alistair is. A diagnosis of any illness or disease shouldn’t limit us. We just need the right support to keep doing the things we enjoy,” Rachel says. NL If you or a loved one could benefit from Home Instead’s services, why not give them a call at 03308 285725?

From Toxic to Tonic: Transform Your Health with Lifestyle Medicine

North-West based NHS and private GP and lifestyle medicine doctor Dr Milli, talks about the obvious and not-so-obvious toxins in our lives and how to avoid them.

W

hen we think of toxins in our environment, we may just be thinking of alcohol and smoking and how this impacts our health. Yes, smoking and alcohol are known for their harmful effects, but so many other toxins surround us. Although I am not saying we should wrap ourselves in cotton wool and not live, awareness of WHAT toxins exist and how they can HARM our health and hormones is important for making more informed decisions.

SMOKING We know smoking is harmful to our health; it is linked to heart disease, high blood pressure, heart disease and lung cancers.

It is very addicting through the nicotine, which stimulates dopamine and adrenaline, the feel-good chemicals.

ALCOHOL Red wine's skin contains resveratrol, a polyphenol linked to cardioprotective benefits. And we know alcohol stimulates GABA chemicals in the brain, causing relaxation. Some find when they hit menopausal age they struggle with sleep due

to hot flushes and lower progesterone levels. They reach for a few more glasses of wine to help boost GABA and help them to sleep and relax. The recommended weekly allowance for men and women is 14 units per week, yet 30% of them are expected to exceed this. However, we know alcohol can impact our health in the following ways.

1. Impacting on the transition through the phases of sleep so it can hinder brain-derived neurotrophic factor (dubbed Miracle-Gro for the brain) 2. Alcohol can have a negative effect on our gut health, which has been linked with dysbiosis and subsequent inflammation.

3. Alcohol can stimulate the aromatisation of male hormones to oestrogen, and some people can suffer from symptoms of hyperestrogenism (worsening premenstrual syndrome symptoms, etc.)

4. Alcohol can negatively impact our mental health as it is a depressant.

TOXINS EVERYWHERE ELSE… Where else are we faced with toxins?

Our food! Modern-day farming and chemicals in the soil, e.g.,

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HEALTH & SELF

glyphosate, have been linked with inflammation, nerve damage, and damage to the powerhouses of our cells (mitochondria). Try to eat organic food where possible, especially in foods dubbed the ‘dirty dozen’, which are foods found to have the highest pesticide concentration in them.

THE DIRTY DOZEN LIST 1. Kale 2. Blueberries 3. Lettuce 4. Potatoes 5. Bell peppers 6. Grapes 7. Nectarines 8. Spinach 9. Peaches 10. Strawberries 11. Celery 12. Apples Our household products, such as some we use on our skin and in our home, can contain toxins too, such as: 1. Triclosan (a hormone disruptor in toothpaste and mouthwashes) 2. Sodium lauryl sulphate used to remove dirt in body washes 3. Some non-stick coatings on pans at high temps can create endocrine disruptors, which can affect our hormones, and some have been linked with obesity – we refer to these endocrine disruptors as obesogens.

4. Some plastic bottles and receipts contain bisphenol A, and our makeup can contain parabens, which are xenooestrogens—man-made substances that mimic oestrogen.

WHAT ORGANS ARE INVOLVED IN TOXINS STORAGE DETOXIFICATION? THE LIVER Well, the liver probably springs to mind—the mighty organ involved in SO many body processes, including detoxification of our food, medicines, and toxins.

THE GUT Just like we get rid of waste through our urine and passing water, did you know that the gut is another major organ involved in detoxification? The third phase of oestrogen detoxification occurs in the gut. An unhealthy gut microbiome with organisms that predominate with an enzyme called betaglucuronidase can cleave part of the oestrogen molecule off, reabsorbing it back into our body.

THE SKIN Another organ we don’t typically think of when we detox in our bodies is our skin – that’s why some can experience a breakout of acne and spots when they start eating cleaner foods, as toxins can be cleared through the skin spores.

Sweating from exercise is a great source of getting rid of toxins through the skin.

FAT CELLS Fat cells are a source of storage of toxins -this is why some can feel unwell when losing body fat as the toxins are released into our bodies. That is why losing weight slowly and not NL 79

rapidly with drastic measures is important through lifestyle changes.

TOP TIPS ON HOW WE MINIMISE OUR EXPOSURE 1. Use glass storage tubs to reduce BPA exposure 2. Avoid receipts in supermarkets.

3. Be aware of what your make-up contains and toiletries.

I use the app ‘Think Dirty’, which was an eye-opener to see what was in our household goods.

4. Eat organic where possible.

5. Use iron or steel cookware rather than nonstick cookware.

6. Avoid plastic packaging around fruit and veg.

7. Healthy lifestyles, including unprocessed nutrition and exercise, can also assist in reducing and eliminating the toxin burden.

In my clinic, some patients want to focus on detox. For some people who suffer from headaches and migraines, acne and other hormonal dysfunction, detox is an area we prioritise as it is a huge causative factor. Through genetic testing, we can personalise what we do to help the body work for us and not against us, especially when navigating a world filled with toxins.

Dr Milli offers free strategy/discovery calls to assess whether she can help you on your health journey. These can be booked via her website, www.drmilli.co.uk. For 5% detox genetic testing, please quote DETOX5 when you arrange your testing.

For more in-depth reading on toxins and how they can impact our hormones, my book Happy Hormones, Happy You (Beaten Track Publishing 2023) explores this in more detail.

Available to buy from Amazon for £12.99 Dr Milli sees patients privately. To arrange an appointment and free discovery call to better healthvisit drmilli.co.uk Until next time.

Dr Milli x

Coach Lindsay

ANXIETY

How It Shows Up and How To Support It How Can You Help Your Child in An Anxious Moment?

W

hen your child is in the middle of an anxious moment, they may feel frightened, agitated or worried about having a panic attack. The important thing to do in the moment is to help them calm down and feel safe.

These strategies can help: • Breathe slowly and deeply together. Place their hand on your heart and let them feel the beats and the calm breaths you are taking.

• Sit with them and offer calm physical reassurance. Keeping your own emotional state regulated.

• Feeling you nearby, holding your hand, or having a cuddle, if possible, can be soothing.

• Connecting with what they can see, touch, hear, smell, and taste can bring them closer to the present moment and reduce the intensity of their anxiety. You might think together about five things they can see, four things they can touch, three things they can hear, two things they can smell and one thing they can taste.

• Reassure them that the anxiety will pass and that they will be okay.

• It can be helpful to describe it as a wave that they can ride or surf until it peaks, breaks and gets smaller.

• Ask them to think of a safe and relaxing place or person in their mind.

How Anxiety Can Show Up

Remember that everyone is different and that, over time, you and your child can work together to find the things that work best for them in these moments.

Acting out - Dysregulation in children often appears as acting out. They may struggle to control their emotions, resulting in outbursts or disruptive behaviour. This is their way of coping with overwhelming feelings.

Negative thinking - Anxiety in children often manifests through negative thinking. They might frequently worry about worst-case scenarios or doubt their abilities, leading to feelings of fear and uncertainty. This pattern of negative thinking can impact their confidence and overall well-being.

Avoidance - Anxiety in children often shows up as avoidance.

They might steer clear of certain situations, people, or activities that make them feel anxious. This behaviour is a way of coping with their discomfort, but it can also prevent them from fully engaging and enjoying their daily experiences.

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HEALTH & SELF

Lack of attention - Children who are anxious often struggle with maintaining attention and can become easily distracted. Their anxiety makes it challenging for them to concentrate, leading their minds to frequently wander. This can impact their ability to stay focused on tasks and activities, requiring extra understanding and support.

Needs constant reassurance/clingy - A child who is anxious may also seek constant reassurance and display clingy behaviour. They might frequently look for validation and comfort from caregivers, needing to be reminded that everything is okay. This can manifest as a strong attachment, where they stay close to trusted adults and become distressed when separated.

Anger/frustration - A child who lives with anxiety may also exhibit signs of anger and frustration. These intense emotions can surface when they feel overwhelmed or unable to manage their anxious thoughts. Their frustration might be a response to the internal struggle of coping with anxiety, leading to sudden outbursts or irritability.

Trouble sleeping - Their anxious thoughts can make it difficult for them to relax and fall asleep, leading to restlessness and frequent waking during the night. This lack of restful sleep can further exacerbate their anxiety, creating a challenging

cycle. They might also experience nightmares or difficulty staying asleep, as their worries invade their dreams.

Sleeping too much - A child with anxiety may also sleep excessively.

This can be a way for them to escape their overwhelming feelings and find a temporary refuge from their anxious thoughts. Over-sleeping might serve as a coping mechanism, allowing them to avoid the stress and pressures they face during waking hours. This need for extra sleep can be a sign that their anxiety is taking a significant toll on their mental and emotional wellbeing. It’s important to recognise this behaviour and provide the necessary support to address the underlying anxiety, helping them find healthier ways to cope and ensuring they have a balanced and restful sleep pattern.

“Their anxious thoughts can make it difficult for them to relax and fall asleep Stomach ache/headache - Stomach aches and headaches are common physical symptoms of anxiety in childhood. When a child feels anxious, their body can respond with these types of discomfort, reflecting the stress they are experiencing. These physical manifestations of anxiety can further impact their daily activities and overall wellbeing.

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Inflexibility/needs things to be in their places - They might insist on strict routines or become upset when things are out of order, using these behaviours as a way to create a sense of control and predictability in their environment.

This rigidity can be their way of coping with anxious feelings, providing them with a semblance of security and stability.

Lots of worrying - Their minds are often preoccupied with concerns about various aspects of their lives, from school performance to relationships with peers and family.

This constant state of worry can make it difficult for them to relax and enjoy activities, leading to increased stress and emotional strain.

Gives up on things easily When faced with challenges, their anxiety can overwhelm them, making tasks seem insurmountable. As a result, they might abandon activities or projects quickly, fearing failure or disappointment.

Pushes people away/wants to be alone - This behaviour can be a way for them to cope with their overwhelming feelings, as social interactions may feel too intense or stressful. They might seek solitude to regain a sense of control and calm. Recognising this need for space and providing gentle support can help them feel more secure and understood, eventually allowing them to re-engage with others at their own pace.

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Sending you all love and light.

Go gently on yourselves.

Coach Lindsay x

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linical Dental Technician Carrie Whitton works hard to provide only the best services for her patients. Located conveniently in Halifax’s thriving town centre, her clinic, Confident Dentures, offers bespoke, personalised denture construction that not only looks natural and is comfortable, but is sure – as its name suggests - to restore your confidence.

A crucial aspect of Carrie’s service is that she offers free consultation – something that not only sets Confident Dentures apart from other dental clinics, but ensures full patient input and satisfaction throughout the whole process. “Getting new teeth is a big investment for anyone. That’s why it’s important for us to offer our patients free consultation, giving them the time and space they need to outline their problems, allowing me to present them with suitable, individualised treatment options, and, most of all, enabling me to listen to their ideas and suggestions.

That listening is really important.

Being engaged with on a personal level is, I think, far better than being rushed through in a quick 15-minute appointment.”

Carrie first trained as a Dental Technician in 2003, before then undertaking additional training with the Royal College of Surgeons to becoming a Clinical Dental Technician, which enabled her to provide dentures directly to the public. Having worked

in dental care for so long, Carrie is not only clearly passionate about her field, but is highly qualified to provide professional, reliable consultation and support. “I put all my experience into making the best quality dentures, and providing friendliest service possible,” she explains. “From me you get only the best materials, and the most up to date methods.”

as much in her practice as anywhere else in town. “It’s a lovely town centre here,” she smiles, “everyone is really friendly and welcoming, and there is such a nice sense of community. A lot of infrastructure and regenerative work is being put into the area, too, which is absolutely great.”

Carrie’s professional experience and friendly services, then, only

“I put all my experience into making the best quality dentures, and providing friendliest service possible” New changes are coming to Confident Dentures at the beginning of October, too. “We’re in the process of moving to a new premises on Clare Road, Halifax,” Carrie explains. “It’s a really lovely, big new building. It’s in a great location too – in walking distance from the bus station, and with parking available right outside, so there’s lots of great transport links! Plus, it’s all on one level with no stairs up to the entrance, which is really important for me as that means it will be accessible, especially for people with mobility issues who might not have been able to access the previous premises. It’s all new, and very exciting.”

The local Halifax community functions as an important foundation for Carrie’s work, with that same warm and welcoming spirit embodied NL 83

cement Confident Dentures as an important part of Halifax’s budding business ecosystem. The central role that providing free consultation takes just goes to show how valued patient comfort, satisfaction, and input is in everything Carrie offers. Not only does she provide a comfortable and caring atmosphere – now from a new, fresh, and accessible venue – but her words constantly highlight her genuine care for her customers. All of this comes together to form a service that is, naturally, sure to leave you with a smile.

Connect with Cheryl

IN THE HEART OF LANCASHIRE, CHERYL SANDFORD STANDS AS A BEACON OF COMMUNITY SPIRIT AND FRIENDSHIP. CONNECTING THE LOCAL COMMUNITIES OF PENDLE.

BY SOPHIA SMITH

B

Cheryl Sandford

urnley, Blackburn, Whalley, Clitheroe, and Langhorn.

Cheryl’s dedication is unwavering commitment, ensuring nobody’s left twiddling their thumbs alone.

From historical romps to cheesetasting, she organises days out for groups of people across Lancashire.

The events consist of day trips out to complete treasure hunts Cheryl has crafted, exhibitions about the Pendle witches, trips covering the tales of the Brontës, and days where everyone can get together and just have a meal and play bingo.

“I used to deliver mentoring programmes for job seekers; I would help them tackle isolation, meet new people, show them how they can use sustainable transport, and help them with interviews for new jobs. The funding finished for this programme, and I decided to retire. But I wanted to continue helping with the community aspect because it’s so good and so beneficial for people.”

Last year, Connect with Cheryl had over three hundred participants getting involved with events. “It’s a big friendship group I am coordinating.

Since I have retired, there have been no boundaries on what I can organise.

Previously, they were more local events. But now they can be anywhere and further afield. I’m still mindful of everyone, ensuring it’s affordable and suitable for people who are also retired or may have disabilities,” said Cheryl. “I work harder now than I did at work! It occupies me and keeps my mind going whilst looking after my health and well-being.”

Following the footsteps of literary luminaries like the Brontë sisters, her troupe embarks on immersive journeys through time. But it’s not just about revisiting the past; it’s about creating experiences that stimulate the mind for the group. “I like to focus on the historical side to help people with dementia. I had a day where we

“It occupies me and keeps my mind going whilst looking after my health and well-being.”

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followed the lives of Charlotte Brontë’s friends, Mary Taylor, Margaret Wooler and Ellen Nussey. We followed their lives around Gomersal and visited the school they attended. We also took a trip to Thornton where Charlotte was first born.

We went to Wycoller, to explore the inspiration for Ferndean Manor from Jane Eyre. Then we experienced the magnificent Wuthering Heights as we hopped on a steam train that took us to Keighley and on to the Bronte Parsonage Museum as well as St Michael and All Saints Church. You can tell it’s a pet subject of mine!”

From the haunting allure of the Pendle witches to the chilling trials at Lancaster Castle, Cheryl’s expeditions transport people into the heart of Pendle’s bewitching history. But fear not - the group did not embark on the 45-mile hike like the Pendle witches!

Despite the rain, the community group enjoyed a fascinating visit to Pendle Heritage Centre, discovering the vast history of the former farmhouse, Park Hill. They explored the stories of the Bannister and Shuttleworth families dating back to 1660, followed by a delightful lunch and an insightful talk by the head gardener in the 18th-century walled

garden despite getting wet through.

Last autumn, Cheryl organised a festive outing, “All I Want for Christmas is Cheese,” with a cheese factory visit aboard a merry minibus, followed by a joyous gathering at The Barn in Scorton where everyone could buy lunch and drinks and see the biggest tree Cheryl says she has seen.

Self-funding and self-motivated, as previous funding stopped, Cheryl’s determination hasn’t wavered; instead, she’s taken the reins. Cheryl keeps her loyal followers in the loop, sending out quarterly flyers and harnessing the power of Facebook and WhatsApp, rallying friends old and new to join in the fun. Cheryl’s social calendar remains packed, as she effortlessly integrates Connect with Cheryl into her newfound passions, inviting friends from her gardening and lunch groups.

“I’m the chair of a local group, Langhorn District Ladies, and I have been since 1979. I was just a young bride; I’ve done it all my life! They would just let you carry on as chair if you were willing to. We meet in each other’s houses, and organize speakers to come to us which our subs cover.

We go on local trips each year to the theatre and dinners out too!”

In addition to her bustling social calendar, Cheryl conducts talks herself. With two engaging talks under her belt, Cheryl shares her experiences with the Repair Shop and the restoration of a cherished family heirloom, which is over 100 years old.

The other talk takes her listeners on an unforgettable journey to Thailand.

Cheryl is also involved in the Mother’s Union at her local church and a presiding member of Whalley Deanery, where she helps out with projects like safeguarding and campaigns, showing how the group can tackle things like domestic abuse.

The group is now a close-knit community, providing comfort to those with hidden disabilities and also people new to the area. “Someone told me one morning they were really anxious and they didn’t want to go on the trip we had planned. And she said she pulled herself up and when she arrived and saw me and the group, she instantly calmed down and felt at peace.”

“We have a couple that joins our trips occasionally, the lady is from South Africa originally, and she told me we have shown her places she never thought would exist in Lancashire!”.

Cheers to Cheryl for bringing a little slice of joy to the world, one escapade at a time! NL

“The group is now a close-knit community, providing comfort to those with hidden disabilities” “My daughter Karli ended up living in Thailand; I read it like a book with a prologue, chapters, and an epilogue of her story over the years, why she went, what she did, and how I came to visit with my friend. She lives in Italy now!

“My other daughter Dawn, who lives near me, helps to design our event flyers. They look very different to the ones I design. She’s got all the software and she knows what she’s doing! Not only does she help with the flyers, but she will also test the treasure hunts I make, she will go around the area and complete it to see if it’s made correctly, she’s super duper.” smiled Cheryl.

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IF YOU’D LIKE TO CONNECT WITH CHERYL EMAIL - cherylsandford. activities@gmail.com

A R T & C U LT U R E 88 HERITAGE QUARTER

92 BOOK CLUB

94 KING OF SPORTS

97 WHICH WITCH IS WHAT?

96 UNVEILING THE UNDERBELLY

Manchester - Lewis

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The

Heritage Quarter

I

n Spring 2023, a grand total of £3,487,000 was awarded to the newly formed Heritage Quarter, which brought together three of Colne’s iconic theatres The Muni Theatre, Pendle Hippodrome, and the Little Theatre. Fast-forward a year, and the curtains have risen once again, unveiling these beloved venues to the public after extensive renovations. We stepped behind the scenes to uncover the story of these transformations that have left these historic theatres ready to take centre stage once more.

BY JOSH SWARBRICK

THE LITTLE THEATRE’S BIG TRANSFORMATION

Money from the Government’s Levelling Up Fund (LUF) has done wonders to renovate much of Colne’s Heritage Quarter – with the Little Theatre no exception. The Theatre is no stranger to transformation, being converted from an old stable block in 1939 to the warm, welcoming, cosy venue it is today. Now, thanks to the LUF, it’s also kitted out with a new green room, foyer, courtyard, garden, kitchen, bar area, additional bathrooms, and a wheelchairaccessible entrance.

“The night we found out we might be eligible for the LUF, I didn’t go to bed,” recalls John Mills with a laugh.

John is a committee member with the Little Theatre and oversaw how the levelling up fund was used. “I sat there doodling drawings, getting together a rough plan of what we wanted,

and writing a four-page summary of why we needed some upgrades. To our delight, the bid was approved, and whilst COVID put things on ice for a while, and whilst we’ve had some bumps along the way, we finally completed it earlier this year.

Audiences are really loving the changes so far!”

fantastic atmosphere that we didn’t have before.”

As well as growing in size, the refurbishment has also enabled the Little Theatre to expand its social calendar. “There’s lots of exciting new events coming up,” Tristesse James, chairperson, explains. We can now accommodate things like quiz and

“It just gives the place a fantastic atmosphere that we didn’t have before.”

“This new space is like a new, fabulous extra venue,” adds Sue Hartley, the theatre’s secretary.

“Normally, during intervals, people would be confined to their auditorium seats – there was nowhere else for them to go! But now, there’s a buzz about the place: people are walking around in the foyer, out in the courtyard and garden, all chatting to each other. It just gives the place a

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open mic nights, as well as our usual performances. A lot of our upcoming events - like the Autumn Fair - aim to include children, too.”

“Plus,” adds Sue, “people still hire the theatre from outside spaces. It’s fantastic that we have a few performances booked in from other theatres – it means the whole community is using and wants to use our space.”

ART & CULTURE

The community also helps to preserve the theatre internally, too.

Not only does the Little Theatre work closely with other theatres – liaising with different wardrobe and prop departments, for instance – but the theatre’s committee itself is built out of a small, passionate core of local people. “There’s only really a few of us fully involved!” John laughs. “Eight on the committee in total. Often, people seem reluctant to get involved - they don’t want to be on committees or things like that, but without those, nothing survives! We want some new blood, and we’re hoping that our new bar and a wider variety of events can hopefully attract some new members.

For the longest time, I’ve been one of the younger ones helping out – and I’m 72!”

Despite all its changes, the Little Theatre remains the quaint, cosy, incredibly friendly corner of Colne’s Heritage Quatre that it always has been. The team is particularly eager to remind audiences that the theatre’s beloved complimentary tea and biscuits tradition will not be going away anytime soon.

“It’s beyond our wildest dreams that we have this now,” John concludes. “I think somebody has been smiling down on us to make it all happen. We’re so grateful, and feel we have a duty to get it opened up, get it used, and pay back to our community.”

Tristesse, Sue, and John’s passion for the performing arts, excitement for the Theatre’s future, and, most of all, gratitude for their community’s endless support really shine through in everything they say. It’s clear that their hard work, as well as the generous assistance from the government and the public alike, has more than paid off.

The venue not only looks stunning but seems to have an exciting road ahead, especially with the Colne Dramatic Society’s 100th Anniversary around the corner in 2026. This Little Theatre clearly has big plans for the future.

Tristesse James behind the bar at the Little Theatre.

Onstage at the Little Theatre

LEVELLING UP THE HIPPODROME

Kevin Mason talks about the theatre’s new and impressive £1.6m refurbishment.

To say the Levelling Up Fund has enabled the Pendle Hippodrome Theatre to transform would surely be an understatement. Twelve months of hard work and tireless planning have enabled the much-loved theatre to expand and modernise – not only future-proofing the original Edwardian building but making use of the longvacant pub space next door. The latter has been renovated into a stunning modern bar area, with new toilets, an updated box office, and upstairs function rooms available to hire. An accessible street-level entrance is now also in place, which, combined with the new lifts front-of-house and backstage, finally enables wheelchair access to the auditorium and onto the stage.

only further guarantees continued prosperity for the Hippodrome, with modernisation and expansion ensuring local performers, schools, dance, and drama dance groups can continue to call this theatre their home for many years to come.

Initial plans to expand the theatre began nine years ago, following the closure of the pub next door, the Derby Arms. “We were short of space, we didn’t really have enough front-of-house toilets, and we had no accessible disabled facilities,” explains Kevin Mason, chairman of the Hippodrome’s Board of Directors. “It was a real struggle for us. But when we took occupancy of the Derby Arms, change began to feel possible – it needed a lot of work doing, but we had a vision… until we quickly realised that we couldn’t afford everything we planned!”

Over the years, the pub space stayed unused, essentially additional storage for the theatre. “It was in a sorry state,”

“The theatre’s recent £1.6 million refurbishment is truly nothing short of incredible” First built in 1914 by Colneborn architect George Fort, the theatre’s varied history is defined by transformation in many ways. Starting life as a cini-variety theatre, presenting variety acts and screening ‘talkies’, the Hippodrome eventually became a bingo hall during the mid-1960s, before then being saved from closure by the clubbing together of local operatic societies, reopening in 1986 as the theatre known and loved by locals to this day. This new refurbishment

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Kevin recalls, “and even our plan B to cut costs was still too expensive. Then – a little over a year ago, and quite out of the blue – we got a call from one of the local councillors who told us they were putting together a grant application for the heritage quarter.

Hastily, we put our plans together, sent it all off, and - low and behold - we were successful and were delighted to be given an absolutely fantastic sum of money to start, at last, putting things into place.” ›

ART & CULTURE Left, The Hippodrome’s new bar area Below, the Muni’s freshly decorated auditorium

But despite all the new additions, the team has also worked hard to protect the original historic features of the two buildings. “It was essential for us to preserve a lot of the old features as best as we could,” says Kevin.

The theatre’s recent £1.6 million refurbishment is truly nothing short of incredible, with both modernisation and expansion finally possible thanks to Government funding and the tireless work of local tradespeople, councillors, and Hippodrome volunteers. With an exciting future ahead of them – namely upcoming youth theatre performances of ‘Grease’, ‘Six’, and ‘High School Musical’ – it’s clear that this new renovation will go a long way in preserving the Hippodrome’s instrumental role in the thriving world of local theatre.

THE MUNI HERITAGE QUARTER

The Muni Theatre, originally known as the Municipal Hall, opened in 1900.

This versatile building also housed a public library and technical school.

Over the decades, the theatre has kept Colne entertained through two world wars, countless pantomimes, and a wide range of musical genres, from jazz to heavy metal.

The theatre fell silent in April last year when scaffolding went up for major renovations. Allocated £1,563,300, the refurbishment project included new roofing, windows, heating, and lighting to improve energy efficiency and reduce carbon emissions.

While the work was initially expected to be completed by autumn 2023, the century-old building presented unforeseen challenges. As renovation teams peeled back layers,

they discovered additional structural work was necessary to ensure the theatre’s longevity.

“With old buildings, the more you peel back, the more you reveal,” explained Frank Burkitt, the Theatre Manager. “It was decided that a complete renovation was needed.

The auditorium, the Albert Room (formerly the Mini Muni), the bars, and the toilets have all been completely redone.”

A highlight of the renovation was finding the original paint colours and restoring the theatre to its original appearance from 124 years ago. Despite the extensive work, Frank is optimistic

going to the Muni for years will be quite taken aback by the changes. It’s an incredible refurbishment.”

With the doors open again, the Muni has a busy season ahead, with events scheduled through 2025. The first major event is ‘Gobbess’, Naomi Wood’s one-woman show, on Saturday, September 14th, fresh from the Edinburgh Fringe. The show combines circus, poetry, and storytelling to explore creativity and resilience.

Frank is eager to bring new experiences to Colne. “I’m keen to get some new stuff into the Muni

“Now we have a building that’s fit for purpose for hopefully decades to come.” about the outcome. “Now we have a building that’s fit for purpose for hopefully decades to come.”

Frank is keeping details of the finished result under wraps, wanting people to experience the transformation firsthand. The Muni Theatre’s grand reopening coincided with the Rhythm and Blues Festival over the August bank holiday, but the official VIP opening is set for Thursday, September 5th. Local dignitaries, artists, and the mayor will preview the renovation at 5 pm, followed by a public event at 7 pm featuring drinks and a performance by local singer Russell Shaun. The event is free and promises to showcase the theatre’s new look.

Frank believes the refurbishment will impress long-time patrons. “It’s completely different from how it looked before. People who have been NL 91

that people aren’t maybe used to. It’s something fantastic that Colne hasn’t necessarily seen a lot of before.” Other upcoming performances include a Bruce Springsteen tribute band, ‘Sounds of Springsteen’, and the popular Kate Bush tribute act, ‘Cloud Busting’. The theatre will also host the panto, ‘Sleeping Beauty’ from January 4th to 19th.

The Muni Theatre is not just for professional acts; it also welcomes community engagement. The Albert Room can be used for smaller gigs and community activities such as yoga classes and board game nights. “We’re really looking to put together as varied a programme as possible that reflects basically all tastes, varieties, styles, and genres,” Frank explains.

To explore the Muni’s full schedule or inquire about renting a space, visit themuni.co.uk/whats-on-at-the-muni. NL

ART & CULTURE BOOK CLUB

NorthernLife

BOOK CLUB

With the nights drawing in, we’ve curated a collection of scary stories to suit every taste, from traditional ghost stories and heart-pounding thrillers to dystopian nightmares.

GHOST STORY

BY ELISA LODATO

Elisa Lodato’s third captivating novel offers a ghoulish escape to the Outer Hebrides. In this eerie tale, Seren Doughty moves to the abandoned island of Finish, hoping to immerse herself in a new project. However, she quickly learns the island is not as deserted as she initially thought.

Strange noises and echoes of a bloody massacre fill the air, bringing the island’s haunted past to life. Lodato masterfully blends suspense and the supernatural, making this novel a must-read for those dark, gloomy nights as winter draws in. £16.99. Published by Bonnier. Out 26th September.

LORD OF THE FLIES

BY WILLIAM GOLDING Acclaimed artist Aimée de Jongh has brilliantly adapted Lord of the Flies into a mesmerising graphic novel, perfect for the book's seventieth anniversary. The full-colour illustrations captivate readers, pulling them into the idyllic island setting and then into the boys' terrifying descent into savagery. This adaptation powerfully juxtaposes their initial innocence with the ensuing chaos, capturing the essence of Golding’s iconic tale. It’s a visually stunning rendition of the classic story, perfect for both new readers and long-time fans.

£20. Published by Faber & Faber.

Out 12th September.

SAVANNAH

BY JANE WHITEFORD

Set in 1870, this captivating coming-of-age story follows Savannah, a headstrong young woman from a privileged family whose reckless actions at seventeen lead to heartbreak and tragedy. Whiteford, who lives in Lancaster and published her first novel at 68, draws inspiration from the beautiful yet treacherous landscape near Morecambe Bay – the vast, alluring sands, mudflats, rivers, and gullies with the hidden dangers awaiting the unwary mirror Savannah's tumultuous journey. £12.99. Published by Troubador. Out now.

MOVED TO MURDER

BY GIANETTA MURRAY

Vivien Brandt and her cat Sydney bring a breath of fresh air to a quaint South Yorkshire village, but their new life takes a dark turn when Vivien discovers a body. As she gets to know the vicar, a charismatic politician, and troubled teenagers, she uncovers the village’s hidden secrets. This compelling whodunnit blends cozy village charm with gripping suspense, making it a mustread for mystery lovers. The welldrawn characters and intriguing plot promise an engaging read from start to finish. £10.99. Published by Troubador. Out now.

THE REVENGE OF RITA MARSH

BY NILESHA CHAUVET

This debut author navigates a complex web of morality and justice in this gripping thriller.

By day, Rita cares for the vulnerable; by night, she hunts online predators. When a figure from her past resurfaces, her worlds collide, forcing a reckoning with her own motivations.

Taut with tension, the narrative questions whether Rita is a saviour or a harbinger of fear. This electrifying debut probes the shadows where righteousness blurs into vengeance, leaving readers riveted till the final page. £16.99. Published by Faber & Faber. Out now.

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Which Witch is What?

'Ow much d’ya know about the Pendle Witches?

Test your knowledge with our witchy quiz.

1.

Of the 11 witches that were put on trial, how many were found guilty?

2.

Whose supposed cursing of a pedlar from Halifax sparked the witch hunt in Lancaster?

3.

Jennet Preston, the only witch to have been trialled in Yorkshire, was hanged on which date?

4.

Of those accused, whose statue was unveiled in Roughlee in 2012?

5.

King James I had a specific interest in dark magic. What is the title of his novel based primarily around witchcraft?

6.

Many people say the witches continue to haunt Pendle Hill today. Which peculiar object do paranormal investigators claim landed on a Oujia Board at Malkin Tower?

11.

20.

12.

21.

13.

22.

The Pendle Witches were alleged to have hatched a plot to do what?

In 2011, a 17th century cottage believed to have belonged to a Pendle Witch was unearthed. What animal skeleton was found inside?

A House of Commons spokesman said the petition to pardon the Pendle Witches would be considered if it reached how many signatures?

14.

Which historic pub is said to be where the Pendle Witches had their final drink?

15.

Which BBC documentary, narrated by poet Simon Armitage, was adapted from the Pendle Witch Trials?

The bad blood between the Chattox and Device families was caused by the theft of how much money?

7.

16.

8.

17.

9.

18.

The Wonderfull Discoverie of Witches in the Countie of Lancaster was written by which clerk to the Lancaster Assizes?

In spirit of the witches, Burnley’s independent brewery ‘Moorhouse’s’ gave what name to their Pendle-inspired beer?

10.

An exhibition marking the 400th anniversary of the trials was held where?

What was the name of Alison Device’s fabled familiar?

How long did the witches spend in their dungeon before they were taken to court?

How old was Jennet Device when she gave evidence against her own mother during the trials?

A hilltop gathering commemorating the event is annually held at Pendle Hill on which date?

23.

Which well-known novel written by Terry Pratchett and Neil Gaiman features a number of characters named after the Pendle Witches?

24.

25.

Who was the last Pendle Witch to be hung?

If a Pendle Witch was stood at the summit of Pendle Hill, how high would they be?

Katherine Hewitt, one of the many accused of witchcraft, was often referred to by what nickname?

Held on the 17th September 2022, the Pendleside Hospice Witch Festival broke which world record?

19.

Where can the tombstone known as the ‘Witch’s Grave’ be found?

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SCAN HERE for the answers

KING OF KING SPORTS

In 1967, Peter Ward crashed during a training ride. While recovering, he wrote the iconic “King of Sports: Cycling Road Racing,” which hasn’t been republished—until now.

Sixty years ago, “King of Sports” offered up-and-comers, trainers, and veterans a proven methodology not just for training and racing, but for embracing the cycling lifestyle.

In his foreword, former UCI and British Cycling president Brian Cookson introduces the book to a new audience, making it essential reading for all cyclists.

Peter Ward_ National Championships 1956

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ART & CULTURE

I

was delighted to be asked to write the Foreword for this new edition of King of Sports

by Peter Ward. It is perhaps difficult to imagine, in this era when books about cycling are so numerous and ubiquitous, that this book, first published in 1968, was in fact the first book in the English language on the subject of cycle road racing - its tactics, how to train for it, and how it should be organised. It was ground-breaking at the time.

When I first joined a cycling club in 1965 in Preston, Lancashire, having been inspired by the remarkable victory of Tom Simpson in the World Road Championships that year, Pete was a local hero. His formidable training rides were legendary and his performances at national level were

“Pete was very much the leader of the group.

We all looked to him as a role model” talked about with awe. When, after a few months with the local group of the Cyclists Touring Club, I started to think about racing and graduated to training with the “chain gang” of local racing clubs Ribble Valley CRC and Preston Wheelers, Pete was very much the leader of the group. We all looked to him as a role model.

When his book was published, we found it contained much of the advice and many of the anecdotes that he shared with us - about riding on the bikes and at café stops on long winter rides. Plus, of course, there are many more details, facts, and examples from his lived experience. As I progressed from junior to senior ranks and raced in events alongside him, I not only saw him applying this accrued expertise but also learned from him in pre- and postrace discussions, as he often generously gave me a lift to and from those events.

In fact, it was often during those journeys or on training weekends on the tough roads of Lancashire and the Lake District that I learned other things from Pete - about health and fitness generally, about how to organise cycling events, of course, but also about ethics and integrity, about politics and about the ways of the world.

Peter Ward winning the Tour of Britain stage at Morecambe taking the Yellow Jersey_ 1956.

I learned from Pete that if you weren’t happy about something, if you wanted to make something happen if you wanted to change the world or change the bits of it that affected you, then there was no point waiting for other people; you had to get involved.

Outside the world of cycling, Pete has demonstrated all of those qualities in his own life, in trade unionism, in politics, and as a magistrate. And, of course, through his family and through his relationships with friends and colleagues.

For me, learning from that example led to organising races when I felt there was a shortage of the kind of events that were needed, then becoming a local official of the then British Cycling Federation, then a national official, then an international official, then President of British Cycling, before finally being elected as President of the UCI (Union Cycliste Internationale), cycling’s international governing body.

All whilst continuing to enjoy regularly riding my bike and competing in cycle races, as and when family, career and other demands on my time permitted.

So, Pete’s impact on me, particularly during those formative years of my late teens and early twenties, was both considerable and long-lasting. Perhaps not surprisingly, I’ve kept my original copy of King of Sports on my shelves all those years. Reading it again today half a century later, though obviously of its time, it remains remarkably relevant and useful. Any current rider or follower of modern cycle racing will, I’m sure, learn something new and will be charmed and enthused by reading it today.

King of Sports

By Peter Ward. £15. Published by Pendle Press. Out now.

Brian Cookson 1971

›

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UNVEILING THE

UNDERBELLY Through the Lens of Lewis

L

ewis, a Mancunian freelance photographer, has made it his mission to capture the essence of urban life, often focusing on areas that many might dismiss as mundane or unsightly. His journey, much like his art, is deeply personal and profoundly influenced by his working-class roots.

“I’m just a working-class lad,” Lewis explains. “But my mum introduced me to the arts from a young age. I saw my first opera at nine and my first ballet at ten. I just thought that was the way that everyone else was, but when I got to university, I realised that wasn’t the case!”

“The arts are seen as more of a middle-class thing,” Lewis continues.

“Even for some of my friends, the thought of going to an art gallery is ridiculous to them, and it shouldn’t be. I’m hoping that taking photos of working-class places opens photography up to people who wouldn’t normally view it.”

To get more people involved in photography, Lewis offers classes to young people through his Urban Lens NL 96

Academy. “People are taking more photographs than ever, but they’re not going anywhere. I think photography should be for everyone because I’m a great believer that everyone needs a way to destress, and art is a great way to do it. With photography, you could go out and take a shot and be happy with it without any skill or training.

But I do think there are certain barriers to working. I’ve been trying all my life to open it up more.”

Lewis’s approach emphasises identity and personal vision before delving into technical skills. This method, which he plans to expand through his upcoming Urban Lens Academy, aims to democratise art and make it accessible to everyone,

ART & CULTURE regardless of background. “Hopefully, when I’m in front of a class of young people, my accent and how I show that I’m exactly the same as them. It doesn’t matter if they want to get into art or something else – hopefully, that shows that if you’re willing to work hard, you can do whatever you want.”

He believes that photography, in its simplicity and immediacy, is a perfect medium for expression. His teaching philosophy is rooted in the idea that everyone sees the world uniquely, and he encourages his students to embrace this individuality.

Photography found Lewis early, with an adventure set camera at the age of six, though it lacked film. He began filing mental snapshots of his surroundings, a habit that would shape his distinctive style. “I like to show the beauty in things that people wouldn’t normally notice the beauty in,” he says, emphasising his focus on urban landscapes and the nuances of everyday life.

Growing up in Manchester, with its storied past and vibrant present, serves as a major influence on Lewis’s work. He is particularly inspired by the work of Shirley Baker, a Mancunian photographer renowned for her candid, working-class street scenes.

“Cities are living, breathing places,” he muses, describing how the city’s character imprints on its inhabitants.

“There are certain places around the world that have a massive effect on your personality and your psyche that remain regardless of if you move elsewhere. I was working in Berlin, and if I met another Mancunian, I could tell where they were from straight away and not just from the accent. There’s a certain attitude Mancunians have they’re inbuilt sceptics, but when you actually get to know them, there’s that warmth, and then there’s a sense of humour underlying it, and I try to get that across in my photographs.”

During the pandemic, Lewis turned his lens to Blackpool. “I remember first hearing rumours of this illness spreading in China, but it never usually spreads worldwide. By the next day, it was in the country, and the supermarket shelves were empty.

I remember feeling panicked. When I’m feeling down or panicked or out of place, then I immediately pick up my camera.”

Usually working freelance, Lewis found his work drying up during lockdown. So, he decided to spend his time photographing local places that

“Lewis’s approach emphasises identity and personal vision before delving into technical skills”

he was familiar with but soon found his expectations being blown apart.

“Being from Manchester, I used to go to Blackpool all the time, and I grew to dislike it a lot. I used to go to the Sandcastle Centre with my daughter when she was young, but with the nightclubs being open during the day, it created friction with families trying to enjoy the place with young children.

I went to Blackpool expecting to portray it a certain way, but when I got there during the pandemic, and it was quiet, and no stag dos were staggering around the street at 10 in the morning, it became a completely different place to me.”

Looking ahead, Lewis is drawn to documenting cities like Stoke-onTrent, which he describes as facing significant decline. His interest lies in showcasing these areas, not just NL 97

to highlight their struggles but to advocate for the help and recognition they deserve. This aligns with his broader mission: to use photography as a tool for social commentary and change.

“It’s a shame because places like that were often the heart of the community, but then they’ve been left to decline. I want my photography to point out that these places need help; these people need help. That’s the reason I got into photography in the first place.”

For those interested in exploring Lewis’s evocative work, his ever-evolving Instagram gallery, @photographybylewis, offers a glimpse into his ongoing projects.

Head to the Urban Lens Academy, perfect for aspiring photographers who want to gain the tools and inspiration to see the world through their own unique lenses. NL

NorthernLife’s

WHAT’S ON GUIDE

TIME OUT

•

THEATRE

•

MUSIC

Road, Shipley For over 10 years the festival has been a staple in the beer festival calendar, exhibiting over 50 beers, across four bars. This year, Saltaire Brewery Beer Festival is back – two days of great beer, street food and live music. 12 pm – 10 pm. £8.95 per adult. visitbradford.com HARROGATE AUTUMN FLOWER SHOW 2024 Newby Hall, Ripon The finest in seasonal horticulture. Various prices. 13-15 Sep. flowershow.org.uk Sat 14th

TIME OUT S E P T E M B E R / O CTO B E R / N OVE M B E R

September Thurs 12th WORKING THE WOOL South Square Centre, Thornton, Bradford This exhibition is a collection of work exploring the media of wool using needle felting. Until Sep 29th. southsquarecentre. co.uk WOMEN’S LIVES IN SEVENTEENTH-CENTURY Gawthorpe Hall, Burnley Road, Padiham Professor Cordelia Beattie will be giving a talk on Women’s Lives in seventeenth-century England. £8 (includes entry to

the Hall, booking essential). 1 pm to 2.30 pm. lancashire.gov.uk Fri 13th AUTUMN STEAM GALA East Lancashire Railway, 23a Bolton St, Bury A celebration of all things diesel-powered, featuring iconic locomotives from this highly regarded home fleet. The event will see diesel services running an intensive passenger timetable from 13-14 Sep. eastlancsrailway. org.uk SALTAIRE BREWERY BEER FESTIVAL Saltaire Brewery, Unit 7, Dockfield

SALTAIRE FESTIVAL Saltaire Village, Victoria Road, Saltaire Join the Saltaire Festival for incredible live performances, captivating art exhibitions, mouthwatering food stalls, unique markets, and so much more. Various prices. saltairefestival.co.uk NELSON FOOD & DRINK FESTIVAL 2024 Nelson Shuttle, Scotland Road, Nelson TikTok and Instagram star Shabaz Ali, also known as ‘Shabaz Says’, will headline the free-to-attend Nelson Food & Drink Festival. Free. 10 am to 4 pm. nelsonfoodfestival.co.uk VINTAGE AND PERFORMANCE CAR SHOW St James’s Street, Burnley 2024’s event will feature an array of classic and retro vehicles lining up on St James’s St all the way down to Curzon St. Free. 11 am to 4 pm. discoverburnley. co.uk JURASSIC JUNGLE TRAIL Ilkley Town Centre, Ilkley Discover Dinosaurs with the free Discover Ilkley App! Go on an epic dino-adventure this summer with the Jurassic Jungle Trail.

Travel back in time to prehistoric Ilkley and come face to face with

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some of the most extraordinary dinosaurs to ever roam the world. Any time. Until 31 Oct. discoverilkley.co.uk HERITAGE OPEN DAY Gawthorpe Hall, Burnley Road, Padiham Come and explore the fabulous historic rooms of Gawthorpe Hall and discover the story of the Shuttleworth’s and their family home. Free as part of national Heritage Open Days. 12 pm to 4 pm. lancashire.gov.uk BUILD A MORSE CODE MACHINE Horsforth Village Museum, 5 The Green, Horsforth Town Street Build your very own Morse code machine and earn a codebreaking certificate.

Find out about the HMS Aubrietia, the part she played WW2 and how she saved an Enigma machine from a German U Boat. 11 am – 4.30 pm. Free. leedsinspired.co.uk Sun 15th LIGHT UP THE NIGHT CRAFT WORKSHOP A craft workshop run by local artist and teacher, Carole Griffiths. Local people will be encouraged to come along to make their own unique light-up flower torches.

Carole is an experienced art teacher and welcomes people of any age and ability. It is a drop-in workshop, and there is no charge to attend. Part of the Keighley walking festival. 11 am – 3 pm. keighleycreative.org Thurs 19th VOLUNTEERING PROGRAMME – TREE PLANTING & MAINTENANCE Harwes Farm, Foulridge Planting trees to create woodland rides in the interior of the woodland - this does several things: it improves bio-diversity by introducing a mid-layer of › trees, and it directs footfall

DON’T MISS OUT - CHECK OUT NorthernLife’s WHAT’S ON GUIDE - UPDATED REGULARLY GO TO NORTHERNLIFEMAGAZINE.CO.UK/EVENTS

throughout the woodland, protecting undisturbed areas and allowing maximum wilding to take place. 10 am to 2 pm. Free. harwesfarm.org LOCAL WRITER’S NIGHT Burnley Mechanics, Manchester Road, Burnley Now Listen ‘Ere - Local Writers’ Night. Come down, enjoy a poem or two and support Burnley’s own! This event is free, but pre-booking a ticket in advance is recommended. 7 pm. blcgroup.co.uk Tues 24th CONSERVATION IN ACTION East Riddlesden Hall, Keighley Come along and watch the Collections Team clean and care for the historic items in the Hall, find out more about the techniques they use and how they help. 11 am – 12 pm. nationaltrust.org.uk Sat 28th BINGO THAT’S BONKERS Burnley Mechanics, Manchester Road, Burnley Be expected to be picked at random to join in on a wide range of party games and win some really crazy prizes. 1 pm & 8.30 pm. £17/£21. All day. blcgroup.co.uk Sun 29th ILKLEY BANDSTAND CONCERTS The Grove, Ilkley Fantastic music playing at the bandstand in Ilkley. 12 pm – 2 pm.

Free. visitbradford.com DOLLS’ HOUSE COLLECTION AT HOGHTON TOWER Hoghton Tower, Hoghton, Preston The collection spans three centuries with many fine examples to pique your interest and imagination. 11.30 am & 1.30 pm. All day. hoghtontower.co.uk

October Wed 2nd MIDWEEK DIESEL Keighley and Worth Valley Railway, Station Road, Haworth On selected Wednesdays a heritage Diesel will run a passenger service, working to the Yellow Timetable. £22 Adult. £11 Children (5-15). FREE Children under 5. kwvr.co.uk

Fri 4th ILKLEY LITERATURE FESTIVAL Ilkley Centre The north’s liveliest, most prestigious Literature Festival returns for another phenomenal event in 2024. Founded in 1973, it’s the north’s longest-running literary event, loved by writers, readers and publishers alike for its warm welcome and wide-ranging programming.

Until 20th Oct. Various prices. ilkleyliteraturefestival.org.uk AUTUMN STEAM UP Keighley & Worth Valley Railway, The Railway Station, Station Road, Haworth Across the traction-packed days, there’ll be a goods train demonstration, special doubleheaded trains, and even a visiting locomotive. . 4-6 Oct. kwvr.co.uk Sat 5th 10TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION EVENT Trawden Forest Community Centre, Trawden Trawden Forest Community Centre is celebrating its 10th birthday and is hosting a free event for everyone. 12 pm – 4 pm.

BURNLEY ARTISAN MARKET St. James St, Burnley With over 65 local Lancashire producers offering food, drink, arts and crafts, plus street food and live music, there will be something for everyone. First Sat of each month. 10 am to 4 pm. discoverburnley.co.uk Sun 6th WOOF SHACK AT HAPPA Happa, Shores Hey Farm, Briercliffe, Burnley Join the Woof Shack on the first Sunday of every month for an exciting array of activities.

Enjoy special guests, guided walks, engaging activities, and informative talks and training sessions. Free. 6 Oct - 1 Dec. happa.org.uk

Dress to impress as you step back in time to the 1940s! Online prices for adults are £15, children £13, and families £56. 12-13 Oct. edencamp.digitickets.co.uk Sun 13th

residence Sophie will launch a zine celebrating all things Burnley Pride of Place Project!

Drop in and make your own zine using a range of handcrafted stamps. 10 am – 12 pm. discoverburnley.co.uk

THE AUTUMN TRANSPORT SHOW The British Commercial Vehicle Museum, King Street, Leyland Owners of vintage and classic cars, trucks, buses and motorcycles gather for their end-of-season show. britishcommercialvehicle museum.com

Fri 25th

Thurs 17th

Sat 26th

BEER & MUSIC FESTIVAL 2024 Keighley & Worth Valley Railway, The Railway Station, Haworth There will be a wide selection of beers (mostly real ales) from all over the country to choose from. Live music throughout the weekend. 17-20 October. beerandmusic.co.uk

LEEDS HALLOWEEN Leeds City Centre Have a spooktacular Halloween with offerings of ghost walks, shows, workshops, and interactive experiences. There is something for everyone, from family-friendly frights for the half-term to truly terrifying tales for our adult audience. Until 3rd Nov. visitleeds.co.uk

Sat 19th PUMPKIN TRAIL Bolton Abbey Estate, Skipton Come along and navigate your way through Strid Wood following the giant pumpkins!

Keep your eyes peeled for clues hidden in the mystery boxes along the way. These will help to unveil clues to solve the puzzle!

The Pumpkin Trail is included in the Estate car park fee. 19 Oct to 3 Nov. boltonabbey.com Sun 20th FARMERS’ MARKET Hoghton Tower, Hoghton, Preston Explore the finest produce Lancashire has to offer, set against the spectacular backdrop. £2 per car. 10 am to 2 pm. hoghtontower.co.uk Tues 22nd

REAL FOOD ILKLEY MARKET The Grove, Ilkley The Real Food Ilkley Market is a celebration of locally produced fine food and drink in the heart of Ilkley, on the first Sunday of every month. 10 am – 3 pm. Free. realmarkets.co.uk

PONY GROOMING AT HAPPA Happa, Shores Hey Farm, Briercliffe, Burnley Have you ever wanted to groom a horse or pony? Now is your chance to here at Happa. For just £5, you can learn how to correctly groom one of our Happa ponies with our qualified & experienced staff during a 15-minute grooming session.

Ages 4 years plus. £5. 11 am to 3 pm. happa.org.uk

Sat 12th

Sat 21st

STEP BACK IN TIME: 1940S WEEKEND AT EDEN CAMP Eden Camp, Malton

PRINT YOUR OWN ZINE Burnley Town Centre, Burnley As the final event, artist in-

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WALKING WITH WITCHES Various locations around Pendle Halloween paranormal investigations. 7 pm – 8.30 pm and 9 pm to 11 pm. £15-20. For more information or to book email walkingwithwitches@ hotmail.com

RECORD FAIR Curzon Street, Burnley Premier Record Fair spins into Burnley Market Hall with tons of stalls selling vinyl and music memorabilia. Doors open at 9 am and its free entry. discoverburnley.co.uk HALLOWE’EN IN COLNE Colne Town Centre Hallowe’en in Colne is an amazing event for all things horror inspired with live music, spooky performances, funfair rides, face painting, Halloween market and many more events available. 11am-4pm.

November Fri 1st BONFIRE WEEKEND Thornton Hall Country Park, Thornton in Craven, Near Skipton Be amazed as the night sky is brought to life in a unique story-led fireworks display.

Featuring fireworks, music, lighting, and special effects – this is not to be missed! 5.30 pm – 10 pm. Adult £19.95. Child £19.95. thorntonhallfarm.co.uk Sat 2nd YORSTOX STOCK CAR RACING Odsal Stadium, Rooley Lane, Bradford 1600cc Bangers, Lady Bangers, Heritage F2 & Firework display. 5 pm. yorstox.co.uk ›

BONFIRE NIGHT @ THE RAM INN The Ram Inn, Burnley Rd, Burnley Bonfire and firework display at a large family pub in Cliviger, Burnley. 5.30 pm til 11.30 pm. £6.

photographer Paula Duck, taking in the Minster and Bar walls, The Shambles, Museum Gardens and Lendal Bridge. 1 pm – 4 pm. Adult £75. Child £30. yorkphotowalks.uk

Sun 3rd

Thurs 7th

NLP PRESENT DR LOUISENEWSON King’s Hall & Winter Garden, Station Road, Ilkley Dr. Louise Newson, leading medical expert on menopause and hormones, is embarking on her inaugural UK theatre tour accompanied by Dublin-based comedian Anne Gildea. £29.50.

7.30 pm. visitbradford.com

FRED DINENAGE – RONNIE, REGGIE AND ME Darwen Library Theatre, Knott Street, Darwen Discover the definitive insight into the real life of Britain’s most notorious gangsters from their trusted official biographer, Fred Dinenage. £26.50. 7.30 pm. bwdvenues.com

OPEN DAY AT KEIGHLEY BUS MUSEUM Keighley Bus Museum Trust, 5 River Technology Park, Riverside, Keighley The return of the popular “Twilight” event (12 noon to 6 pm). Featuring a Leeds special to commemorate 90 years of ANW 682 (139) the Leeds Regent. 12 pm – 6 pm. kbmt.org.uk Mon 4th CRAVEN MUSEUM RELAXED SESSION NOVEMBER Skipton Town Hall, High Street, Skipton A relaxed session in Craven Museum on the first Monday of each month. Relaxed sessions are aimed at people with additional sensory needs and anyone else who may benefit. Sessions are available to individuals, groups and families to make visiting the museum more accessible.

Relaxed sessions run 9.30 am -10.30 am & 3.30 pm – 4.30 pm. skiptontownhall.co.uk Tues 5th AN EVENING WITH AUTHOR TAWSEEF KHAN Truman Books, 95 Town Street, Farsley, Leeds As part of the 2024 Farsley Literature Festival, an evening with qualified immigration solicitor, Tawseef Khan as he discusses his latest modern contemporary fiction ‘Determination’. £8. 6.30 pm. trumanbooks.co.uk Wed 6th YORK PHOTO WALKS Outside York Art Gallery An inspiring photography walk experience with professional

ALED JONES – FULL CIRCLE King’s Hall, Station Road, Ilkley After 40 years in the business, Aled is looking back on a remarkable career with a oneman show and, for the first time, his story told in his own words.

It’s time to come Full Circle. £32.75 - £72.75. 7.30 pm to 9.30 pm. bradford-theatres.co.uk Fri 8th YORKSHIRE YARN FEST Sandburn Hall, Flaxton, York A whole weekend celebrating all things yarn with crochet and knitting meet-ups, craft nights and workshops. Until 10th Nov. £12.50. YorkshireYarnFest.com Sat 9th ANNUAL DIESEL MULTIUNIT GALA East Lancashire Railway, 23a Bolton St, Bury Fans of railcars won’t want to miss the annual diesel multiple-unit gala. Usually seen supporting their larger cousins, this event sees the diminutive DMUs take centre stage. 9-10 Nov. eastlancsrailway.org.uk Sun 10th REMEMBRANCE SUNDAY Colne Town Centre, Colne This is an event not only for the British Legion, but for all the community in Colne as well. 10 am to 11 am.

Fri 15th BUTTERFLIES AND OTHER STORIES Barrowford Library, Ann St, Barrowford Local author Jenny Palmer discusses her new book Butterflies and Other Stories. 2 pm. Free.

DON’T MISS OUT - CHECK OUT NorthernLife’s WHAT’S ON GUIDE - UPDATED REGULARLY GO TO NORTHERNLIFEMAGAZINE.CO.UK/EVENTS Webber, and lyrics and libretto

by Don Black and Christopher Hampton. It is based on the 1950 film of the same title. 17-21 Sep. £12-£15. pendlehippodrome.com Thurs 19th THE GLEN SOUTH AFTERNOON VARIETY SHOW The Muni Theatre, Colne From singers and comedians, to magicians and musicians, back at The Muni Theatre: The Glen South Afternoon Variety Show! £8. 2 pm. themuni.co.uk Tues 24th KINKY BOOTS The Grand Theatre, St. Leonardsgate, Lancaster Morecambe Warblers present this amateur production. This exhilarating musical, featuring a joyous score by Cyndi Lauper and a hilarious book by Harvey Fierstein, will lift your spirits to high-heeled heights! 7.30 pm.

Sat mat 2 pm. £14/£18. 24-28 Sep. lancastergrand.co.uk

THEATRE

Wed 25th

S E P T E M B E R / O CTO B E R / N OVE M B E R

September Mon 9th SAME TIME NEXT YEAR – BINGLEY LITTLE THEATRE Bingley Arts Centre, Main Street, Bingley Doris and George meet in 1951.

It is a bittersweet, nostalgic and very funny portrait of two people who find themselves in the most unusual of long-term relationships. £12. 9-14 Sep. bingleyartscentre.co.uk Tues 10th GARY MEIKLE – NO REFUNDS Preston Playhouse, Market Street West, Preston Last year “Papa”, as he is becoming more commonly known, became the 1st ever comedian worldwide without an agent (his choice) to be granted a full working visa for the USA and is keen to keep on showing why Gary’s tour this year promises to deliver. 7.30 pm. prestonplayhouse.co.uk Wed 11th LLOYD GRIFFITH: BAROQUE AND ROLL City Varieties Music Hall, 46 New Briggate, Leeds

Fresh from supporting Jack Whitehall on his 2023 UK arena tour, comedian Lloyd Griffith is back with a brand-new show, Baroque and Roll. £20. 7.30 pm. leedsheritagetheatres.com PADDY MCGUINNESS NEARLY THERE WIP WARM UP SHOW Darwen Library Theatre, Knott Street, Darwen In 2021, Paddy released his acclaimed autobiography ‘My Lifey’ and is now raring to get back to where he belongs – on stage, making people laugh, with his hotly anticipated show. £15. 11 Sep - 16 Oct. bwdvenues.com Tues 17th BIRDSONG Leeds Playhouse, Playhouse Square, Quarry Hill, Leeds Sebastian Faulks’s epic story of love and loss returns to the stage marking the 30th anniversary of the international best-selling novel. Various times & prices. 1721 Sep. leedsplayhouse.org.uk SUNSET BOULEVARD Pendle Hippodrome Theatre, New Market Street, Colne Sunset Boulevard is a musical with music by Andrew Lloyd

WHEN WE ARE MARRIED – J. B. PRIESTLEY Preston Playhouse, Market Street West, Preston In JB Priestley’s ‘When We Are Married’, time is once again of the essence, but this time it’s definitely a ‘farcical comedy’—presented by Preston Drama Club. £12. 25-28 Sept. prestonplayhouse.co.uk Thurs 26th COMMON GROUND – MIKRON THEATRE COMPANY Skipton Town Hall, High Street, Skipton Join Mikron Theatre Company on a ‘hill-arious’ ramble through the history of land access in England. £16/£14. 7.30 pm. skiptontownhall.co.uk LEMONS LEMONS LEMONS LEMONS LEMONS Ilkley Playhouse, Weston Road, Ilkley The average person will speak 123,205,750 words in a lifetime.

But what if there were a limit?

In this moving romantic comedy with a twist, Oliver and Bernadette are about to find out.

Adult £8, student £5. 26-28 Sep. ilkleyplayhouse.co.uk Sun 29th AMAZING ANIMALS Pendle Hippodrome Theatre, New Market Street, Colne A show dedicated to and celebrating all creatures, great

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and small. The only show around that you get to see life-sized crocodiles, sloths, reindeer, dinosaurs, penguins, orangutans and maybe even a spraying skunk bursting out onto the stage right before your very eyes. £14-£54. pendlehippodrome.com

October Wed 2nd JASON MANFORD: A MANFORD ALL SEASONS – WORK IN PROGRESS The Grand Theatre, St. Leonardsgate, Lancaster Join Jason as he steps back on stage to try out brand new material ahead of his UK & Ireland Arena Tour. £22.50. 6.30 pm. lancastergrand.co.uk Thurs 3rd RITA, SUE AND BOB TOO Albert Halls, Victoria Square, Bolton Andrea Dunbar’s semiautobiographical work is a funny, touching and vibrant play, full of wicked humour. It is a stark snapshot of 1980s northern working-class life, under an increasingly repressive Tory government. £26. 7.30 pm to 10 pm. alberthalls-bolton.co.uk Fri 5th DARWEN COMEDY CLUB Darwen Library Theatre, Knott Street, Darwen Stand-up comedy with Lou Conran, Aaron Twitchen & Gareth Mutch. £12.50 - £15. 8 pm. bwdvenues.com Mon 7th ONLY FOOLS AND HORSESMUSICAL The Alhambra Theatre, Morley Street, Bradford Based on John Sullivan’s legendary television show, this critically acclaimed homegrown musical spectacular features cherished material from Britain’s best-loved TV series.

Various times & prices. 7 -12 Oct. bradford-theatres.co.uk JOHN NICHOL: THE UNKNOWN WARRIOR City Varieties Music Hall, 46 New Briggate, Leeds John Nichol, a former RAF Tornado Navigator and Gulf War POW, embarks on a poignant journey to uncover the emotional tale of The Unknown Warrior interred in Westminster Abbey, highlighting our enduring need to honour and grieve for the fallen. £28. 7.30 pm. › leedsheritagetheatres.com

DON’T MISS OUT - CHECK OUT NorthernLife’s WHAT’S ON GUIDE - UPDATED REGULARLY GO TO NORTHERNLIFEMAGAZINE.CO.UK/EVENTS Tues 8th WONDER BOY The Grand Theatre Blackpool Olivier Award-winner Sally Cookson (A Monster Calls) directs the critically acclaimed Bristol Old Vic production of WONDER BOY by Ross Willis, a heart-warming and inspiring story about the power of communication. 10 am, 2 pm & 7 pm. £18.50 - £28.50. 8-12 October. blackpoolgrand.co.uk THE KILLING OF SISTER GEORGE Colne Little Theatre, Lancashire Sister George is a beloved character in the popular radio series Applehurst, a district nurse who ministers to the medical needs and personal problems of the local villagers.

She is played by June Buckridge, who in real life is a gin-guzzling, cigar-chomping, slightly sadistic masculine woman, the antithesis of the sweet character she plays. 7.30 pm. £10.

Until 12th Oct. facebook.com/ ColneLittleTheatre GREASE Pendle Hippodrome Theatre, New Market Street, Colne Basics Junior Theatre School presents Grease. 8 – 12 Oct. 7.30 pm Nightly & 2 pm Saturday Matinee. £20. pendlehippodrome.com Wed 9th LEGENDS OF THE DANCE FLOOR St. George’s Hall, Bradford Strictly Come Dancing legends Brendan Cole, James Jordan, Pasha Kovalev, Vincent Simone and Ian Waite are to perform in a spectacular new show called Legends of The Dance Floor. £32.75 - £57.75. 7.30 pm. bradford-theatres.co.uk Thurs 10th DANIEL O’REILLY: OUT OF CHARACTER Burnley Mechanics, Manchester Road, Burnley Daniel has had many characters, but for this live show, he’s going ‘Out Of Character’ to stand up as he brings the laughs and looks back on the mischief, the mistakes and the madness of his career so far. £27. 8 pm. blcgroup. co.uk Fri 11th BLACKADDER II: HEAD, POTATO AND CHAINS The Grand Theatre, St. Leonardsgate, Lancaster After last year’s fabulously

successful and hilarious show, they are delighted to announce that Footlights will be returning to Elizabethan England this October for three more Blackadder II stories. £12. 11-19 October. lancastergrand.co.uk

Fri 25th

Tues 15th CLUEDO 2 The Grand Theatre Blackpool Set in the swinging 1960s, we meet a host of new suspects, a new house, and a lot of new bodies in this all-new tale of murder, mystery and secret passageways. 7.30 pm. Thurs & Sat mat 2.30 pm. £20 - £47.50. 1519 October. blackpoolgrand.co.uk Mon 21st SWAN LAKE – IMPERIAL CLASSICAL BALLET King George’s Hall, Northgate, Blackburn Swan Lake captures, like no other ballet, the full range of human emotions - from hope to despair, from terror to tenderness, from melancholy to ecstasy. Featuring live orchestra with over 30 musicians. £23 - £41. 7 pm. bwdvenues.com Tues 22nd ABIGAIL’S PARTY The Grand Theatre Blackpool Welcome to Mike Leigh’s cultclassic comedy, and prepare to see it like never before. This is the party to end all parties, and you’re all invited. RSVP. 7.30 pm. Thurs & Sat mat 2.30 pm. £15 - £39.50. 22-26 October. blackpoolgrand.co.uk Wed 23rd SWAN LAKE – CROWN BALLET The Grand Theatre, St. Leonardsgate, Lancaster Magic of classical ballet, performed live on stage. £17 £24. 7.30 pm. lancastergrand. co.uk Thurs 24th SIX: TEEN EDITION Pendle Hippodrome Theatre, New Market Street, Colne Six the musical tells the history of Henry VIII’s wives in a way audiences haven’t seen before.

From Tudor Queens to Pop Princesses, the six wives of Henry VIII take to the mic to tell their tales, remixing five hundred years of historical heartbreak into a celebration of 21st-century girl power. 24-26 Oct. Adults £14, Under 19s £12. pendlehippodrome.com

THE WIZARD OF OZ – FAMILY PANTO The Muni Theatre, Colne Take a stroll down the yellow brick road this October half term as Tom Rolfe Productions proudly presents everyone’s favourite pantomime story, The Wizard of Oz, live on stage. £14.50 - £18. 6.30 pm. themuni. co.uk SWAN LAKE Albert Halls, Victoria Square, Bolton Swan Lake – The greatest of all romantic ballets. Swan Lake is one of Tchaikovsky’s best works, featuring some of ballet’s most memorable music and breathtaking dance. £22.75-£27.75. 7:30 pm to 10 pm. alberthalls-bolton.co.uk Sat 26th CROWN BALLET® PRESENTS THE NUTCRACKER The Muni Theatre, Colne The Nutcracker - a charming and kind fairy tale, is one of the jewels of Tchaikovsky’s repertoire.

Prepare to enter a magical new world – the nutcracker in this ballet may be a handsome prince in disguise. £27. 2.30 pm. themuni.co.uk

November Fri 1st MURDER MYSTERY: THE CROWN DUELS The Atkinson, Lord Street, Southport You’ve heard of The Peaky Blinders…it’s time to get acquainted with The High Rip, Liverpool’s infamous Gang. 8 pm – 10.30 pm. £25 includes a glass of prosecco. theatkinson.co.uk HALLOWEEN SPOOKTACULAR Colne Little Theatre, Lancashire An evening of creepy fun at the theatre. Traditional Halloween tales, games, ghost stories and spooky goings on. Supper is included with every ticket, plus a Halloween disco! 6.30 pm. facebook.com/ ColneLittleTheatre Sat 2nd WOMEN IN ROCK The Muni, Albert Road, Colne You think you know rock?!

GIRL now you do…Because The Night Belongs To Us!! Attend

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for a night of unforgettable and outrageous female rock. 8 pm. £24.50. themuni.co.uk Sun 3rd SWEENEY TODD Winter Gardens Blackpool, Church Street, Blackpool Prepare to be transported back in time as the Pavilion Theatre transforms into the infamous Mrs. Lovett’s pie shop. 4 pm and 8 pm. £34.35, including pie. wintergardensblackpool.co.uk Mon 4th AN EVENING WITH GUENTHER STEINER Winter Gardens Blackpool, Church Street, Blackpool Don’t miss a hugely entertaining access-all-areas conversation with former Haas Formula 1 team principal Guenther Steiner, star of Netflix’s smash hit docuseries Drive to Survive. 7.30 pm. From £29.25. wintergardensblackpool. co.uk Tues 5th SWEET CHARITY The Grand Theatre, St. Leonardsgate, Lancaster Set in 1960s New York, this fabulous musical features classic songs such as Hey Big Spender, Rich Man’s Frug, If My Friends Could See Me Now, There’s Gotta Be Something Better and many more. 7.15 pm, Sat mat 2.15 pm. £16. 5-9 Nov. lancastergrand. co.uk DRACULA The Atkinson, Lord Street, Southport The time is 1897. Mankind is on the cusp of vast technological change, scientific mastery and media innovation. But poised between traditional beliefs, the threat of the unknown and the shock of the new world, an altogether darker fear is emerging. Times vary. £24. theatkinson.co.uk Wed 6th CHICAGO Palace Theatre, 97 Oxford St, Manchester Murder, greed, corruption, exploitation, adultery and treachery…all those things we hold near and dear to our hearts… So begins the international multi-awardwinning musical Chicago. 7.30 pm. Until 9th Nov. From £15. manchestertheatres.com

›

Thurs 7th THE HERD Ilkley Playhouse, Weston Road, Ilkley This sharp and witty play examines how a severe disability for one family member can define the lives of all those around him. £6 - £14. 7 November to 16 November. ilkleyplayhouse.co.uk RANK: A TALE FROM PARADISE HEIGHTS The Muni, Albert Road, Colne This Halloween in Paradise Heights will be a night like no other… With the local police trying to quell a full scale riot, and Death quite literally stalking the streets, the rank is cut off and in the dead of night a ghost from the past is watching and waiting. 7.30 pm. Adult £17, concessions £14. themuni.co.uk Fri 8th LUCY BEAUMONT – TROUBLE AND STRIFE King George’s Hall, Northgate, Blackburn BAFTA nominee and star of Taskmaster Lucy Beaumont is going to let loose and let slip on her roller coaster world. Life through the Beaumont lens is more surreal than you could ever imagine, with off-beat stories, unusual anecdotes, and bizarre journeys through modern-day womanhood. £26.50. 7.30 pm. bwdvenues.com Sat 9th STEP INTO CHRISTMAS The Atkinson, Lord Street, Southport Step Into Christmas for the most magical show of the year.

This Christmas concert feelgood show brings all the magic of the season to life, with all your favourite songs, you will know and love! 7.30 pm. From £30.35. theatkinson.co.uk Wed 13th THE HAUNTING – PRESTON DRAMA CLUB Preston Playhouse, Market Street West, Preston The haunting is a spine-chilling, traditional ghost story with unexpected twists, turns, thrills and revelations. £12. 13-16 Nov. prestonplayhouse.co.uk Thurs 14th BLUE STOCKINGS The Grand Theatre Blackpool A moving, comical and eye-

opening story of four young women fighting for education and self-determination against the larger backdrop of women’s suffrage. 7.30 pm. Sat mat 2.30 pm. £12.50. 14-16 Nov. blackpoolgrand.co.uk PADDY MCGUINNESS – STAND UP TOUR Leeds Grand Theatre, New Briggate, Leeds Paddy McGuinness returns with Nearly There… his first stand-up tour in eight years. £43.50 - £33.50. 14-15 Nov. leedsheritagetheatres.com Sat 16th ARTS, CRAFTS & GIFTS FAIR Pendle Hippodrome Theatre, New Market Street, Colne Each year, the theatre is transformed into a major exhibition hall and regularly features over 70 local crafters and artists. It runs for nine days and over two full weekends, giving you every opportunity for a return visit.16-24 Nov. £2. pendlehippodrome.com

MUSIC

Mon 18th

S E P T E M B E R / O CTO B E R / N OVE M B E R

THE LION, THE WITCH AND THE WARDROBE Leeds Playhouse, Playhouse Square, Quarry Hill, Leeds With magical storytelling, bewitching stagecraft and incredible puppets, it is guaranteed to delight audiences of all ages. Various times & prices. 18 Nov to 25 Jan 2025. leedsplayhouse.org.uk Fri 22nd STEPTOE AND SON Darwen Library Theatre, Knott Street, Darwen You wouldn’t think it was possible for this ‘rag and boning’ duo to still be at it after all this time, but here they are! Albert is still a dirty old man and Harold is as pretentious as ever! £16.50. 7.30 pm. bwdvenues.com Sat 30th RAPUNZEL Albert Halls, Victoria Square, Bolton Get ready for a hair-raising adventure about the girl with the magical golden hair as Polka Dot Pantomimes and the Albert Halls proudly present RAPUNZEL – A Tangled Tale!

Various times & prices. 30 Nov to 31 Dec. alberthalls-bolton. co.uk

September Wed 11th

Sat 14th

ELKIE BROOKS: LONG FAREWELL TOUR Leeds Grand Theatre, New Briggate, Leeds The show is a celebration of Elkie’s illustrious awardwinning career in music, performing some of her biggest hits. £30 - £60. 7.30 pm. leedsheritagetheatres.com

HELLO AGAIN: THE NEIL DIAMOND SONGBOOK City Varieties Music Hall, 46 New Briggate, Leeds Evocative imagery, video and narration enhance the magic as the show takes on a musical journey through Neil Diamond’s glittering 50year career. £28.50. 7.30 pm. leedsheritagetheatres.com

Thurs 12th LIONEL – THE MUSIC OF LIONEL RICHIE Burnley Mechanics, Manchester Road, Burnley Malcolm Pitt delivers a powerhouse and breathtaking performance in this highoctane show celebrating the music of Lionel Richie and the Commodores. £27.7.30 pm. blcgroup.co.uk Fri 13th GIVE ME THE NIGHT – GEORGE BENSON’S HITS LIVE ON STAGE The Grand Theatre, St. Leonardsgate, Lancaster Pay tribute to the American soul superstar who helped make R’n’B soul what it is today. £29. 7.30 pm. lancastergrand. co.uk

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JOHNS’ BOYS MALE VOICE CHOIR Leeds Grand Theatre, New Briggate, Leeds In 2019, they became the third male voice choir to win the prestigious Choir of the World at the Llangollen International Eisteddfod. £25 - £35. 7.30 pm. leedsheritagetheatres.com Thurs 19th BYE BYE BABY – CELEBRATING FRANKIE VALLI AND THE FOUR SEASONS The Grand Theatre Blackpool A jaw-dropping tribute to the musical phenomenon ‘Jersey Boys’ and the timeless, iconic music of Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons. £31.50.7.30 pm. blackpoolgrand.co.uk ›

MUSIC

DON’T MISS OUT - CHECK OUT NorthernLife’s WHAT’S ON GUIDE - UPDATED REGULARLY GO TO NORTHERNLIFEMAGAZINE.CO.UK/EVENTS

THE TAKE THAT EXPERIENCE Albert Halls, Victoria Square, Bolton The Take That Experience marks over a decade together as their most popular and recognised tribute act. £25.50. 7.30 pm to 10 pm. alberthalls-bolton.co.uk Fri 20th FLEETWOOD BAC King George’s Hall, Northgate, Blackburn Fleetwood Bac were the world’s first and are regarded as the UK’s most authentic Fleetwood Mac Tribute show. £22. 8 pm. bwdvenues.com Sat 21st SOUL NIGHT The Muni Theatre, Colne Come along for what is now an established feature of the Northern Soul Circuit in the north, hosted by superb Northern Soul and Motown DJ Roman. £8. 8 pm. themuni.co.uk Fri 27th FROM GOLD TO RIO Albert Halls, Victoria Square, Bolton The greatest hits of Spandau Ballet & Duran Duran. Two of the UK’s most iconic bands will be brought to life in one powerpacked show! £24. 7.30 pm to 10 pm. alberthalls-bolton.co.uk

October Fri 11th THE MAGIC FLUTE – OPERA NORTH Leeds Grand Theatre, New Briggate, Leeds Various prices. 7 pm. leedsheritagetheatres.com

TALON – THE BEST OF EAGLES Burnley Mechanics, Manchester Road, Burnley Talon – The Best of Eagles - To The Limit 2024 features the Eagle’s timeless back catalogue. £30. 7.30 pm. blcgroup.co.uk SOUND AND VISION – DAVID BOWIE TRIBUTE Darwen Library Theatre, Knott Street, Darwen A memorable rock experience with the UK’s best sound-alike Bowie show. £21.50. 7.30 pm. bwdvenues.com PENDLE LADIES CHARITY CONCERT FEATURING TWO AWARD-WINNING CHOIRS St John’s Methodist Church, Exchange St, Colne The current Lancashire choir of the year will be supported by the outstanding Lord St Junior Choir to present an evening of Lancashire music. £10. 7:30 pm to 11:00 pm.

Fri 18th

The international smash hit returns to the stage. 7.30 pm.

Wed & Thurs mat 2 pm, Sat mat 2.30 pm. £15.50 - £50.50. 29 Oct - 2 Nov. bradford-theatres.co.uk MAGICAL MOZART BY CANDLELIGHT The Grand Theatre, St. Leonardsgate, Lancaster The European Baroque Ensemble and world-class opera singers transport you back to the sumptuous past. £22.50. 7.30 pm. lancastergrand.co.uk

NICK CAVE AND THE BAD SEEDS First Direct Arena, Arena Way, Leeds The band is widely regarded as one of the greatest live acts in the world today. Doors open 6.30pm, event starts 7.30. Tickets available at firstdirectarena.com

Wed 30th

Tues 5th

THE HOUGHTON WEAVERS Preston Playhouse, Market Street West, Preston The Houghton Weavers have been entertaining folk for many years. £15. 7.30 pm to 10 pm. prestonplayhouse.co.uk

ROBERT PLANT PRESENTS SAVING GRACE FEATURING SUZI DIAN Royal Hall, Ripon Road, Harrogate A rare opportunity to witness the collective’s unique blend of folk, Americana, and blues. 8pm.

Prices range from £37 to £134. harrogatetheatre.co.uk

Thurs 31st THE MAGIC OF MOTOWN The Grand Theatre, St. Leonardsgate, Lancaster Get ready for all the hits, glittering costumes, dazzling dance routines and outstanding musicianship in this breathtaking live concert. £32. 7.30 pm. lancastergrand. co.uk

JERSEY BEATS Burnley Mechanics, Manchester Road, Burnley The Jersey Beats – Oh What a Nite Tour. A sensational show celebrating the wonderful music of Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons! £27. 7.30 pm. blcgroup. co.uk

November

Sat 19th

Fri 1st

BRIGHOUSE & RASTRICK BRASS BAND Leeds Playhouse, Playhouse Square, Quarry Hill, Leeds £15 - £35. 7.30 pm. leedsplayhouse.org.uk

KILLER RHAPSODY: A NIGHT OF QUEEN Bingley Little Theatre, Bingley Arts Centre, Bingley A night of Queen performed by Killer Rhapsody. Standing only. £18. 1-2 Nov. bingleyartscentre. co.uk

Fri 25th

GO YOUR OWN WAY Bingley Arts Centre, Main Street, Bingley Tribute to the music of Stevie Nicks and Fleetwood Mac. £13 in advance, £15.50 on the door. 7.30 pm. bingleyartscentre.co.uk/

MAGIC QUEEN King’s Hall, Station Road, Ilkley Magic Queen’s ability to recreate Queen’s live performances is something truly special, and its high-energy show offers the greatest hits and maximum entertainment. £29.25. 7.30 pm. bradford-theatres.co.uk

Sat 12th

Sat 26th

30TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE CRAVEN ACCORDION ORCHESTRA Gargrave, Gargrave Village Hall, Skipton The Craven Accordion Orchestra is celebrating its 30th Anniversary with a day of Celebrations at Gargrave Village Hall. The day will culminate with a Grand Concert at 7.30 pm. Tickets £10 and £8 are available via Harry Hinchcliffe 07401 768356. £10. All day.

OPERA NORTH’S RUDDIGORE Leeds Grand Theatre, New Briggate, Leeds Hilarity, dancing and tonguetwisting singing… Various times & prices. 26 Oct - 2 Nov. operanorth.co.uk Tues 29th GHOST THE MUSICAL The Alhambra Theatre, Morley Street, Bradford

back on the road. Doors open 7pm, event starts 7.30pm. £32.55. Book online at wintergardensblackpool.co.uk

CHINA CRISIS Lancaster Grand Theatre, St. Leonardgate, Lancaster, Celebrating four decades of music-making, A distinctive blend of jazz, reggae, and other genres, crafting a sound that earned them eleven UK top 50 singles. £28. 8pm. lancastergrand.co.uk THE PRETENDERS Sheffield City Hall, Barker’s Pool, Sheffield The 2024 theatre tour arrives in the wake of The Pretenders’ new album, Relentless. Doors 6.30pm. sheffieldcityhall.co.uk

Thurs 7th SLEEPER UNPLUGGED King George’s Hall, Northgate, Blackburn Join Britpop legends, Sleeper for a rare unplugged performance!

8pm. Advance tickets £27. bwdvenues.com Fri 8th YOUR FAVOURITE COMEDY SONGS CONCERT Skipton Little Theatre, Clifford Street, Skipton Join them for a hatful of comedy songs, covering a number of years by a host of great names. Book online via skiptonlittletheatre.org.uk Sat 9th WHITBY BLUES FESTIVAL – DAY 1 Whitby Pavilion, West Cliff, Whitby Get ready to groove to electrifying performances by some of the most talented blues musicians from all over the UK. 2pm. From £35.40. whitbypavilion.co.uk

TO PROMOTE YOUR CHARITY EVENT FOR FREE SCAN HERE

Sat 2nd THE ELO SHOW Opera House, Winter Gardens, Blackpool Church Street, Blackpool The World’s Greatest tribute to Jeff Lynne and E.L.O are

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