WIN AATLUXURY BREAK

SHARROW BAY FLASH PHOTOGRAPHERS

Plus VIP tickets to the Game Festival YOU COULD WIN A 500 CAMERA!

August 2017
www.lancashirelife.co.uk

Equestrian ITS OFFICIAL:

DISCOVE R

Special The Lakes are world class

BURNLEY
Meet our top The towpath to happiness
female jockey LYTHAMS
sporting chance

CHORLEY
15
Family days
Why farmers have
taken to drink
Theyve struck oil in
out in the
Lakes
STANDISH

WICKED JIMMY
Rider on Ainsdale Beach by Cernan Elias/Alamy

3.45

AND THE GLASS TOPPED COFFIN!

ROSSENDALE: WILDLIFE: A SOAR A STUNNING WALK
A SADDLERS SECRET AWAY SUCCESS IN CONISTON
 Editors comment
I STOPPED wearing ties shortly after I became
a magazine editor. Thats not strictly true I
will wear one if its a formal occasion such
as an audience with royalty (although I dont
encourage them) or the funeral of someone
especially close, such as a pub landlord.
But generally, as a home-worker it seems
a little stuffy to wear one and, besides, I nd
it almost impossible to nd one that matches
the silk pyjamas I sport around the ofce.
Nevertheless, informality doesnt come
easy to men of a certain age and a generation
of young reporters sent home by me because
theyd arrived for work tieless will mutter the
word hypocrite (or much worse). One who
was particularly irked by my attitude arrived
for his nal day at work wearing a red leather
suit with matching tie. I dispatched him to
the coroners court to join the bereaved at that
days inquests. I gather he nipped home rst.
When I rst joined this magazine we made
a short video for the website, mainly me
gurning at a rather shaky camera. It produced
a urry of emails from former colleagues
demanding to know where my tie was.
Well, editing magazines seems a more civilised
some may say louche world that requires a It isnt a good look, is it?
relaxed approach. But if I turn up at an event
sans tie when all around are wearing theirs I still until an elderly chap emerged from the
feel somehow disadvantaged, almost naked. hydrangeas and remarked to my wife:
A female captain of industry who had Bloody ell, and I thought I had white legs!
taken over a boardroom of grey, middle- He was right. When I returned home a
aged men once told me she had instructed quick look in the mirror produced just three
her colleagues not to wear ties for work. She words: Milky. White. Thighs. The shorts were
assured them it would create a more laid- duly dispatched to the bottom drawer.
back approach but she confessed privately I was intrigued to see that MPs have now
that it was her way of emasculating them been told they can enter the chamber without
(or words to that effect). It worked. ties, making me wonder how the Old Etonians
While Ive embraced the open neck, I still will be able to recognise each other?
struggle with my knees. What is it about A far better idea would be to tell them it was
men who, at the merest hint of sunshine, obligatory to wear shorts in the chamber. Who
turn the country into some giant knobbly could fail to be enchanted
knees competition? Ive always regarded it as by Michael Gove in a pair
the worst form of deviant exhibitionism. of cut-away denims? On
Therefore, it provoked no little astonishment second thoughts
when I arrived in the hallway ready for a trip to
the garden centre wearing something that would
not have disgraced an Eric Morecambe sketch. Roger Borrell,
I seemed to be getting the hang of it Editor, Lancashire Life

{ MEET OUR CONTRIBUTORS }

ANNA IZZA EMMA SAYER REBEKKA OGRADY
She meets a This outstanding A couple who helped set
farming family who female jockey tells us up a B&B in the Gulf of
took to drink - in the what its like to ride a Panama returned home to
nicest possible way, winner and beat the Southport to restore a
of course! men. stunning property.

LANCASHIRE LIFE August 2017 11

 LA NCASHIR E LIFE
DONT MISS NEXT MONTHS
Whitehouse, Greenalls Avenue,
Warrington WA4 6HL
Telephone: 01925 438121

Lancashire Life
Septembers issue will be packed with fascinating features
EDITORIAL ENQUIRIES
01925 438021

GROUP EDITOR
Roger Borrell 07841 492724
roger.borrell@lancashirelife.co.uk

DEPUTY EDITOR
Paul Mackenzie 07834 101712
paul.mackenzie@archant.co.uk

Well be preparing for the Lancashire FEATURE WRITER

Emma Mayoh 07785 629287
Game Festival by hunting trout on the emma.mayoh@archant.co.uk
Hodder. No fish were harmed in the
DESIGNER
making of this feature! Stewart Muller
stewart.muller@archant.co.uk

EDITORIAL ASSISTANT
Rebekka OGrady 01925 438021
rebekka.ogrady@archant.co.uk

CHIEF PHOTOGRAPHER
Kirsty Thompson 07501 227079
kirsty.thompson@archant.co.uk

John Lenehan will be taking us on a
coastal walk where he spotted some
unusual sites - including this view of
Knot End Airport
ADVERTISING
COMMERCIAL DIRECTOR NORTH
Rhiannon Wragg
01925 438121
SALES DIRECTOR NORTH
Derek Perkins
07557 232101
KEY ACCOUNTS & BUSINESS
DEVELOPMENT MANAGER
Andrew Bellamy 07834 101691
ACCOUNT MANAGER
Wayne Rafferty 07841 498614
TELEPHONE SALES MANAGER
Louise Doyle - 07785 425103
TELEPHONE SALES EXECUTIVES
Stephen Boonham 01925 430337
Amanda Hayes 01925 438039
Melanie Hooks 01925 430351
PROPERTY SALES EXECUTIVE
Lynda Tommony - 07918 738234
NATIONAL SALES: MEDIAFORCE
archant@mediaforce.co.uk
MARKETING & PROMOTIONS MANAGER
Kate Wilson 07725 828755
kate.wilson@archant.co.uk

REGIONAL CIRCULATION MANAGER

Richard Shevlin 07970 047024

COMMERCIAL DIRECTOR MAGAZINES

And well be Peter Timperley
meeting the peter.timperley@archant.co.uk
01242 216062
people
creating Subscription enquiries please call
some of 0844 848 4224

Britains
most
luxurious
garden Lancashire Life is published by Archant
structures Community Media Limited (company number
19300) and printed by Headley Brothers, Ashford.
the Archant Community Media Limited is a leading
Americans family-owned community media company based
at Prospect House, Rouen Road Norwich
love them! NR1 1RE. The company is active in the fields of
newspaper and magazine publishing, contracting
printing, marketing, internet communications and
television.
Reproduction of any material, in whole or in part,
is strictly forbidden without the prior written
If you love life in Lancashire and the Lake District, consent of the publisher. All material is sent at the
owners risk and, while every care is taken,

youll love Lancashire Life. On sale August 23

Archant Community Media Limited will not accept
liability for loss or damage.
Lancashire Life and its journalists are committed
to abiding by the Society of Editors Code of
Practice. If you have a complaint that cannot be
resolved by the editor, please contact the
SUBSCRIBE TODAY Independent Press Standards Organisation
(IPSO), c/o Halton House, 20-23 Holborn, London,
Get the essential guide to Lancashire delivered to your door every month EC1 2JD, or via complaints@ipso.co.uk. More
Visit www.subsave.co.uk/LAN information about IPSO and its regulations can be
found at www.ipso.co.uk.

12 lancashirelife.co.uk
 INSIDE
August 2017 | Volume 70 Issue 8 | Established 1947

26
50
COUNTY LIFE
22 Feedback
Your news and views
26 Never say cheese
Remarkable images from
Southports award-
winning photographer
30 Raptor revival
Alan Wright charts the
rise and rise of these
iconic birds with one
notable exception
40 Lythams sporting
chance
There is more to this
leafy coastal community
WIN!
30
than caf society 84 Brilliant Burnley
and the Proms This heritage-packed
town prepares for its
50 Riding high
Meet Emma Sayer, the
VIP TICKETS annual canal festival

norths most successful TO THE GAME 104 World beaters

woman jockey FESTIVAL The Lake District is now
a world heritage site
56 Sitting pretty PAGE 24 up there with the Taj
The Rossendale master Mahal and Stonehenge
saddler who kept secret
the fact she was a woman TICKETS TO THE 108 Little green
monsters
60 Dressage dreams LOWTHER SHOW Volunteers are ghting
Many people are
heading to Grange-
PAGE 63 back to rid the Lakes
of alien invaders
over-Sands to learn
112
this difficult discipline A LUXURY Meet Wicked Jimmy
One of the more
70 Flash photographers BREAK AT colourful characters of
Your brilliant pictures
could win a top of
SHARROW BAY the Lowther family is
featured in a brilliant
the range camera PAGE 122 new exhibition

SUBSCRIBE TODAY
Get the essential guide to Lancashire delivered to your door every month
Visit www.subsave.co.uk/LAN

14 lancashirelife.co.uk
 194

FOOD 194 The couple who have

restored a stunning
& DRINK mansion in Birkdale
134 Striking oil in 200 The folks who
Standish live in the mill
The farmers who
have sown the seeds
of a success story
FASHION
140 Taking to drink
The family seeking to & BEAUTY
forge a future with a
drop of Mothers Ruin 218 Take the plunge
with beautiful beachwear
154 Not run of the mill
We stage a Lancashire 222 Hot looks
Life luncheon at for city slickers
Clitheroes new
landmark attraction
PLUS
HOMES & 116 Super subscription
offers
INTERIORS
118 A walk from Coniston
163 The norths 240 Crossword
ultimate guide
to lovely homes and 244 Whats on in
luxurious interiors Lancashire and the Lakes

218
LANCASHIRE LIFE August 2017 15
QUIZ

General
knowledge Name
1 In what
sport did
them
Widnes-born
Identify
teenager Jamie
Hull compete these
in the world three
championships in famous
Spain in June? faces
A World Cup
Skateboarding and what
B World Scooter connects
Championships them.
C World Surng
Games

2 Who has
been named TRUE OR
in the cast of the
new production
FA L S E
of Fat Friends The JUST A LITTLE 1 The Lord Mayor of Manchester was
Musical when it
opens in Leeds in
November and its
tour early in 2018?
A Former rugby
Wit & born in Manchester

2 The Lord Mayor of Liverpool was

born in Manchester

wisdom
league player 3 The Lord Mayor of London was born
Jason Robinson in Manchester
B Former footballer
John Barnes
C Former cricketer WHAT LINKS
Andrew Flintoff 1 Bobby (Oldham); Johnny (Bolton);
Our nest brains were Two Alans, senior and junior,

3 What sport
did Pam Clark
asked to create a monthly
quiz for readers and this
(Farnworth); Zoe (Blackpool)?

quit after being left 2 Oldham; The Wombles; Mr

out of the Olympic was all they could come up Hutchinson in Fawlty Towers;
team just weeks Alfred Hitchcocks Frenzy; Doctor
after winning the with. The answers are on Who; Right Said Fred; Wally
2016 British title? page 247 Bannister in Coronation Street?
A Rhythmic
gymnastics 3 Castle; Rivesaltes, southern France;
B Trampolining Olympian Helen from Preston; Palace
C Judo of Westminster turret in a rose garden?

Wheres that?
Identify the Lancashire location from these picture clues

1 2 3

18 lancashirelife.co.uk

A selection from our postbag. Write to us at letters@lancashirelife.co.uk
Whitakers
wonders
What a fascinating place
you uncovered in the form
of the Whitaker Museum in
Rawtenstall. I love the idea
of tours of the attic and the
fact the museum curators
arent exactly sure whats up
there. It sounds irresistible
if a little dusty. With
Lancashires museums
facing such uncertainty, its
great to read a success story.
M. Walker, email
10 THINGS
1 A little dab of honey on a
dogs nose is a photogra-
phers trick to get an
interesting expression and
a happy hound.
2 Theres a well-climbed
peak in the Lakes that is
virtually hollow thanks to
mining.
3 People in a Lancashire
community are known as
22
Feedback
Caroline Johnsons view of the Whitaker from last months issue
<RXPLJKWQRWKDYHNQRZQLI\RX
KDGQRWERXJKW/DQFDVKLUHOLIH
Brindle Cuckoos because of
a legend dating back to the
Middle Ages.
4 And the story has helped
to inspire a farming family
who have all taken to drink!
5 The hugely talented
Michelle Miller hid the fact she
was a woman because people
thought only men could make
great riding saddles.
6 When the mistress of
Wicked Jimmy Lowther almost single-handedly.
died he had her body placed
in a glass-topped coffin and
kept it in a cupboard.
7 Top jockey Emma Sayer
(pictured) says that some
male jockeys still cant bear
to be beaten by a woman.
8 A young farmer took over
a 600 acre farm near
EQUALITY
FOR GIRLS
I was glad to see the women are
now taking part in the wrestling at
Ambleside Sports (July). The only
mystery for me is why it has taken so
long an echo of past prudery, maybe.
There are accounts of women
wrestling as far back as ancient Sparta
so there is nothing groundbreaking
about this. My nine-year-old grandson
told me recently his local mixed
sex rugby team will be broken up
next year because boys and girls
cant play together. A scandal.
Joy Wilkins, Southport
Left: Girls ready to
grapple in
Ambleside
WHAT A GREAT
WOMAN
Ive enjoyed your
series of 70 Great
Lancastrians but I
have heard of most
listed so far.
However, Kathleen
Mary Drew-Baker
was completely new
to me. A woman
scientist who is so
revered in Japan
they erected a
monument in her
honour thats quite
something.
Pat Gould, Preston
Standish and has restored it
9 Many raptors are now
thriving in Lancashire and
the surrounding region but
its a very different story for
the poor hen harrier.
10 A green monster is
threatening to choke one of
the regions most beautiful
lakes.
lancashirelife.co.uk

Staying aoat
Sarah Livingstones story was
an inspiration (July issue). She
suffered the sort of run of bad
luck that would drag many
under. I loved her phrase It was
sink or swim and I decided to
swim. I can see that up above
my desk one day soon!
Ken Buchanan, email
BAY OF PLENTY
Id never heard of the Morecambe Bay
Partnership until your report in Julys
Lancashire Life. What an excellent
idea to promote and improve the
image of one of our major assets.
Hopefully, this effort will be another
step on the path to putting Lancashire
back on the tourist map for our natural
beauty as well as the more boisterous
pursuits a little further south.
J.T. Laws, Bolton
Strong Words
Each month Adam Jacot de Boinod, author of The Meaning of Tingo and the iPhone
App Tingo on interesting words, poses a vocabulary quiz from our local dialect.
Can you guess the correct definition from the following:
thrums
A) fingernails
B) breadcrumbs
C) ends
$QVZHUVC, B & A
LANCASHIRE LIFE August 2017
POETRY
CORNE R
Thunders Yawn
By Gerard OHanlon
Why; The Old Man Replied
With Quiet Pleasantness
Do Swallows Dive To Thunders Yawn
And Forecast Predict White Wispy Cloud
Yet North North West A fiery Shroud.
I Went Outside
Watched Swallows Dive
Through Pinewood Trees and Spineless Wind
They Dance and Weave
To Joys of Spring, and Yen
For Moonlights - Spidery Gloss.
Send your poems to letters@
lancashirelife.co.uk
Its a major attraction
dolly camplin
A) a scarecrow made of A) children talking
old garments saucily to their elders
B) a handled implement B) someone who feasts
with four legs at its base or lives upon the industry
C) the leather strap to of other
bind a hawks wing C) an urchin
FEEDBACK
TOP TWEETS
Its the summer holidays again and if you
have children to entertain you might find
it an uphill struggle to compete against
tablets and games consoles, writes Vijay
Arogyasami.
An Ofcom report found that nearly
one in three people said they missed out
on time with family or friends due to
their online use, so the summer months
could be a good time to try a digital
detox day.
You may find it strange that a column
about all things digital would encourage
you to ditch the electronic devices, but
its a worthwhile experiment.
A lot of us spend most of our working
lives in front of a screen, so to go a day
without checking emails, twitter or even
text could be the perfect way to switch
off - literally.
To prepare for this you can head over
to our website and find hundreds of
different things to do in the county, but
write it down on a notepad, get all the
details you need and head off to the
country. (You probably wont be able to
use your phone in a remote place
anyway).
Normally, I would advise you take
loads of photos of your trip, but on this
occasion keep the sights as your
personal memories instead of taking a
selfie. If you do want to see some
fantastic views of the county, there are
plenty you can see on our photo section
before your detox day.
We hope you can manage one day
this summer to truly experience our
county without interruption.
@therubyslippers
Vicariously living a @lancashirelife
tonight, after joyful arrival of this
months mag. Get. In.
@Breda_Murphy
With insight into the birth of Food by
Breda Murphy & a look ahead following
our renovation, the @lancashirelife
write-up is a joy to read.
@KaraRosePR
Great @lancashirelife lunch today
hosted by fab hotel @
HydroWindermere. Gorgeous food and
lovely company #windermere
@StandfastFabric
We are mentioned in @lancashirelife in
an article about the very clever @
bonkersclutter
@EagleChildRammy
Great to see our Head Chef Ben Morris
alongside other great #Lancashire chefs
in the new @lancashirelife
@VideoforBurnley
A lovely article about @
WhitakerMuseum in this months @
lancashirelife magazine. If you love #
Rawtenstall too join @Rossendalehour
on Monday
23
COMPETITION

WIN EXCLUSIVE VIP TICKETS

TO THE LANCASHIRE GAME
& COUNTRY FESTIVAL
Falconry, y shing, hound and horsemanship will be among the many
outdoor pursuits at this years Lancashire Game & Country Festival

PHOTOGRAPHY: NANCY LISA BARRETT

KEEP ahead of the game by winning
exclusive VIP tickets to this years
Lancashire Game & Country Festival,
the countys only dedicated game fair,
which returns to Scorton Showground
the weekend of September 9th and
10th for its third successive year.
Having already established itself as
a rm favourite among fans of country
pursuits from across the north west,
organisers have for the rst time
devised a two tier ticket system. VIP
ticket holders will be able to enjoy
a Prosecco reception and gourmet
lunch in their own dedicated marquee,
which is situated close to the events
main arena a stage for the ultimate
programme of sporting prowess.
Falconry, y shing, hound and
horsemanship are among pursuits
that will be showcased. And around
the showground, there is plenty of
opportunity for visitors to try their hand
at them and more. The showground is
also a hub of rural of industry with craft
demonstrations and the best of local
produce, kit and countrywear on offer.
For further information, visit www.
lancashiregamefestival.co.uk
Scorton Showground is set in the
beautiful Wyre village of Scorton just
minutes from Junction 33 of the M6 and
directly off the A6. VIP festival tickets
are 35 each. General admission is 10
for adults and 7 for children aged 10
to 16 years with under-10s admitted
free. Parking is also free. Tickets can
be ordered online at a discounted rate.
Overnight camping is available.

To win a pair of VIP tickets, simply answer the question below:

WHAT IS THE NAME Submit your answer via our August 10th to: Lancashire The winners will be the first
GIVEN TO A YOUNG website www.lancashirelife. Life, Lancashire Game & five correct entries drawn after
PHEASANT? co.uk or send your answer, on a Country Festival Competition , the closing date of August 28.
A) Chick postcard with full contact Whitehouse, Wilderspool The editors decision is final.
B) Poult details including your email Business Park, Greenhalls For full Archant terms and
C) Fledgling address and mobile number by Avenue, Warrington, WA4 6HL conditions please visit our website.

24 lancashirelife.co.uk
Sparks fly at a
shoot in
Sledmore Hall,
North Yorkshire
26 lancashirelife.co.uk
 NEW LIFE

NEVER SAY
CHEESE
In our latest feature on people who have switched careers in
mid-life, Jo Rutherford talks about aliens and dogs with honey
on their noses. Roger Borrell reports

IF you ever stumble into Jo
Rutherfords studio dont be
surprise if you come face to face
with Darth Vader. Or that slimy
space monster from Alien. Or even
a dog with a dollop of honey on its
nose.
Its all in a days work for Jo who
probably wouldnt argue if you
accused her of being acquainted
with a fascinating collection
of slightly eccentric people. Its
a predilection that has done
her no harm in her career as a
photographer.
Multi award
winning Jo
Her determination not to
follow the crowd has brought
her photographic awards in
numbers that are thought to be
unprecedented. During this years
BIPP North West Photographer of
the Year Awards she picked up no
less than three golds, including
the overall prize as photographer
of the year, the third time she has
won the coveted title in ve years.
There is no sense of false
modesty when she says: I wasnt
at all condent going into the
awards this year. There are so
many more entrants and the
standard just keep getting higher.
Jos success is all the more
remarkable when you discover she
has been a full-time photographer 

Sit boys and they

all did with the
help of a dab
of honey

LANCASHIRE LIFE August 2017 27

 we can all make dinner but if you
want something really special you go
out to a restaurant

28 lancashirelife.co.uk

for little more than ve years.
Before that she was part-time
while working as a physiotherapist
at Southport Hospital. She has
also been a lecturer in health
and social care at UCLan.
Photography had always been
more of a hobby for me but I
seemed to have a air for it, says
Jo, whose studio is in the West
Lancashire village of Banks.
Friends started asking me to take
portraits so when I was made
redundant I took the leap. Im very
glad I did. There is still food on the
table and a roof over my head!
The growth of smart
phones and seles means that
everyone considers themselves
a photographer but Jo, who
lives in Southport with husband
Mike, detects a swing back to
professional portraiture.
People who take pictures on
their phones never print them
out and rarely feature in them
because they are taking the shot.
Families, and particularly
children, are now coming in
for portraits. It is starting to
pick up once again. Portrait
photography is like cooking we
can all make dinner but if you
want something really special
you go out to a restaurant.
Most of Jos work is taken up
with studio work. It is mainly
families, children and dogs.
Sometimes together Im not
frightened to work with animals
and children, she laughs.
And laughter is another essential
ingredient of any conversation
with Jo, who clearly enjoys
what she does. This seems to
rub off on clients young and old,
two-legged and four-legged.
I spent a lot of time with dogs
and treat them like I would
boisterous children, says Jo, who
has a son, Craig. I give them
time to settle down, sniff around
the studio, give them treats
and create a calm atmosphere.
Then, when the moment
comes, you have to be quick.
And tricks of the trade? I
sometimes put a dab on honey
on their nose. That makes them
lick their noses because they
like the taste. But I havent
tried that with children yet!
Its not all about dogs and
children. Jo has a growing
LANCASHIRE LIFE August 2017
NEW LIFE
reputation for photographing Above and below: Jo loves taking dog portraits. These
cosplayers. This is short for include her own cockapoo, above, and one that need a
coat because he has so little fur
costume play when people dress
Far left: A selection of stunning character studies
up as a favourite character at
conventions or as performance art.
Thats why people might have
spotted Darth Vader or the monster
from Alien in my studio. People
come some considerable distances
to have their pictures taken in
costume. Word has got around.
While studio photography
is Jos bread and butter, she
constantly stretches herself by
creating personal projects. These
have involved recent shoots at
Norton Priory in Runcorn and
Sledmere Hall in East Yorkshire
both striking backdrops to
some outstanding photography
of men and women in costume.
Another recent project was
the result of a tweet she sent out
looking for men with unusual or
striking beards. Theres was a
lovely man called Dave, quite shy,
a paramedic from Liverpool. He
ended up with green Hobbycraft
glitter in his beard and another
had Christmas decorations
hanging from his face.
I want people to get something
different from my photography. I
dont do cheesy grins! Thats true
but she does make people smile.
You can see more of Jos work at
www.jorutherfordphotography.co.uk
29
The golden head and face of
the wonderful golden eagle
A A COUPLE of weeks before Phil Dykes told
SOARAWAY
SUCCESS
The golden eagle is one of our most
iconic birds and there have even
been rare sightings in Lancashire.
Alan Wright, of The Lancashire
Wildlife Trust, reports on the rise of
the raptors
30
me about his Nature Moment in Scotland
I saw my rst golden eagle in Dumfries
and Galloway. At rst, I doubted what I
had seen because the Dalbeattie Forest
is not a regular haunt for the UKs iconic
bird of prey its a bit far south. However
it was denitely a golden eagle much
bigger than a buzzard, with its long, nger-
edge wings and a straight-edged tail.
It lifted itself out of the tree and those huge
wings took a couple of aps before it had
vanished. But I had enough time to spot its
golden head and neck on a huge brown body,
and the distinctive yellow around its bill.
I spoke to a couple of people and
apparently it wasnt such a surprise to see a
golden eagle in the south of Scotland. But
then I heard of sightings in Lancashire.
According to the National Biodiversity
Network, the go-to place for wildlife records,
there have been ve sightings of golden eagles
in the past 50 years. Conrmed sightings
were in Liverpool, Bolton, Garstang, Clitheroe
and further up in the Forest of Bowland.
Some will still doubt these sightings and
suggest the birds in question were buzzards
and there have also been cases of birds
lancashirelife.co.uk

escaping from collections into the wild.
However there have been reported cases
of golden eagles spreading their wings and
heading even as far as Essex, a long way away
from their vast home territories. This would be
a terrible shock to your average Essex rabbit.
But, to be honest, we dont really
need golden eagles as Lancashires
birds of prey are quite enough to sate
the appetite of any birdwatcher.
For starters we have the buzzard, which has
bounced back from persecution and pesticide
poisoning in the early 20th century. Recently,
there were plans to destroy nests in certain
areas until Government experts remembered
that the buzzard generally only feeds on
carrion thats dead things to you and me.
Yes, the buzzard will eat small
mammals and birds and will even go
for large insects and earthworms, but it
is mostly food that is already dead.
You will spot buzzards as you are walking
through meadows or driving along the
motorway. They are the birds that are soaring
on thermals high in the air. You can also
see them being chased by bullying crows.
I was stuck in a trafc jam, coming off the
M602 into the M60 at Worsley, when I was
entertained by a couple of crows badgering a
Apparently,
it wasnt such
a surprise to
see a golden
eagle in
the south of
Scotland. But
then I heard
of sightings in
Lancashire
LANCASHIRE LIFE August 2017
NATURE MOMENTS
B U T IT S N OT
ALL GOOD
N E WS
The Wildlife Trust is seeking
more protection for a bird
of prey that has been
persecuted to the brink of
extinction in the north west.
There are believed to be
just four surviving pairs of
hen harriers in all England,
one of the outposts being
the Forest of Bowland in
Lancashire, where the hen
harrier is the symbol of the
Area of Outstanding
Natural Beauty (AONB).
A buzzard feeds on a rabbit. Picture by Alan Price Numbers in Scotland have
also fallen by nearly ten per
buzzard in the woodland between the roads. cent in recent years.
Buzzards have broad wings and relatively They are the most
short tails. They vary in colour from endangered breeding bird
of prey in England, feeding
dark brown to paler shades. Under their
mainly on small birds and
wings they are white, fringed by brown. mammals. That includes
They are most obvious by their sheer red grouse in upland areas,
size compared to other local birds. which brings them into
Heading our way, and expecting to conflict with the driven
colonise the region in the next couple of grouse-shooting industry.
years, are red kites. Again this bird was The Wildlife Trust is
working with the RSPB in
persecuted and was extinct in many areas of 
Bowland and the South
Pennine Moors to call for
more protection for the bird
If you see a golden eagle The Trusts Dave Dunlop
in flight you will be said: Hen harriers are still
amazed at its sheer size seen hunting over the
moors in warmer months
and on the coast in winter. It
is a bird that has always
bred in Lancashire and it
would be devastating if it
were to become extinct.
We are keen to work
with farmers, gamekeepers
and landowners to ensure
they are not killed or
injured, either illegally or by
mistake. I am certain
nobody wants to see the
extinction of hen harriers in
our county.
Male hen harriers are
slim, blue-grey with a white
rump, pale underside and
black wing tips. Females are
slightly larger, brown above,
streaky below with a white
rump and a banded tail that
gives them the nickname
Ringtail.
Dave added: We need
the public to support this
initiative by writing letters
to MPs to call for increased
protection of the hen harrier
and all of our birds of prey;
and to ensure that existing
wildlife laws are retained
and improved on as and
when we leave the EU.
31
NATURE MOMENTS
Rob Skinkis took
this brilliant
picture of a
peregrine falcon
the UK but, like the buzzard, the red kite is a at St Georges
scavenger only eating smaller live animals. Church in Chorley
A reintroduction programme began
30 years ago and there are now healthy
populations in Scotland, Yorkshire, Wales
and off the M40 in the Chilterns.
We have reports of red kites on many
of our reserves, probably the birds from
Yorkshire extending their territory.
Red kites are easy to identify with a
white head, red body and wings. In the air
they have an obvious forked tail. Keep an
eye out this summer, you may see one.
The most exciting bird of prey that we have
in Lancashire is the peregrine falcon, this is
the fastest creature on earth when it dives
from great heights to pounce on prey. The
dives have been recorded at up to 200mph.
The black mask, moustache and hood
give them away, with their slate-grey
body and white chest. We know that
they nest in cliffs in many areas around
north and eastern Lancashire.
When you add the kestrel, hobby,
marsh harrier, hen harrier and our many
owls, there is a wide variety of wonderful
raptors hunting in our patch.

Alan is the senior communications and

campaigns officer for the Wildlife Trust for
Lancashire, dedicated to the protection and
promotion of the wildlife north of the River Mersey.
It manages around 40 nature reserves and 20
Local Nature Reserves covering
acres of woodland, wetland,
upland and meadow. The Trust
has 28,000 members, and over
1,200 volunteers. To join go to
the website at www.lancswt.
org.uk or call 01772 324129.

M Y N AT U R E M O M E N T BY P H I L DY K E S

My wife Rose and I were holidaying of their Woodland Champions

in Scotland and while we were there
we took the opportunity to visit one
of our favourite glens close to where
we used to live back in the 1990s. We
wanted to see if golden eagles were
still living there and we were not
disappointed.
As we walked up the track and the
trees thinned out we had our first
views of an eagle circling above the
crags there was no mistaking the
scale of this magnificent bird.
Locating its mate further up the glen
was brilliant. It was the start of a
fantastic day in that special place.
Phil Dykes was Lancashire Wildlife
Trusts East Lancashire Reserves
Officer from 2004 to 2015.Since I
retired I have kept myself busy in
various ways with various
organisations. With LWT I am a
member of the conservation
committee and also a member of
their Speaker Team. I still give
support to St James Primary School
giving advice on new tree planting
schemes and visiting potential
planting sites to talk to landowners. I
am also planning to start some
management work at one of their
woodlands in Grindleton just outside
Left: Phil
Clitheroe.
Dykes, who
spotted With Hansons Cement, I look
golden after their Chatburn Nature Reserve
eagles in and also have got a quarry
Scotland restoration project in hand with the
aim of establishing a new wildflower
meadow. I run monthly work parties
in Clitheroe with members of my at Towneley Park on behalf of
former volunteer team we look Burnley Borough Council. And when I
after their wildlife garden and I do am looking for something to do my
bug hunts etc with the classes for wife normally collars me to do some
which they pay LWT. work on behalf of Whalley in Bloom
With the Woodland Trust I am one for whom she is an active volunteer.

32 lancashirelife.co.uk
holts
ORANGERIES - CONSERVATORIES
Freephone: 0800 085 2338
Telephone: 01565 740579
Email: sales@holts-orangeries.com
Web: www.holts-orangeries.com

Ladies in red blow kisses at the celebration ball
{ ANNUAL FAIR PARTY }
Ruby red revellers
The 40th anniversary of the annual fair in
Newburgh was celebrated in style by 150
guests. Attendees at the Ruby Ball enjoyed
a 1970s style retro-dinner and danced the
night away to the music of Jacquis Rhythm
Katz Jazz Band and DJ Gregg Richie.
The ball was followed by a week of
entertainment including a Houghton
Jane Seddon, Fiona Casey (chair, Newburgh
Fair Association) and Jeff Seddon
Sarah Graham, Caroline Tipper,
Donna Wyn-Jones and Abi Holland
34
PHOTOGRAPHY: SARAH GLYNN
Weavers concert, a ladies night and the fair.
The fair procession was led by two dressed
shire horses and welcomed 20 former Rose
Queens including the 1977 Rose Queen,
Karen Bailey, who opened this years event.
Any surplus proceeds from the fair are
donated to Newburgh School and local
charities.
Sarah Richards, Maria Evans, Jacki Haughin and
Tansi Hunt
Alfred and Loraine Cook Rachel and Angus Clarke Catherine and Benjamin Williams
Peter and Nicola Norbury Matt and Jennie Williams Charlotte and Rebecca Menarry
Louis Casey, Chris and Emily Grant, Julia Childs, Julie Mcquire, Matt Mcquire,
Philippa and Gary Howard Barry Sumner, Lynette Sumner and Max Mallon
lancashirelife.co.uk

Deborah Rowell and
Sharon Lees
Marlene Farrow and
Jackie Holt Sophie Herrick, Charlotte Lord, Ellie Earle, Yvonne Herrick, Georgina Earle and Jayne Rafter
{RACE DAY FUNDRAISER}
Riding high
Bets were placed and champagne toasted
at a recent Ascot Ladies Day event held at
St Marys Chambers in Rawtenstall, to raise
funds for Burnley based project, T.E.A.M
R.I.S.E. The project gives disabled and
disadvantaged individuals
the opportunity to develop, socialise and
explore their ideas and goals through a
wide variety of educational, social and
practical activities. Presenter, radio
broadcaster and comedian Ted Robbins
opened the event, and chose the best
Eunice Whittaker, Susan Jackson and
Margaret Kennedy
Margaret Kennedy, Margo Nicklin, Debra Kelly
and Eunice Whittaker
36
PHOTOGRAPHY: KIRSTY THOMPSON
dressed lady out of the 62 guests in
attendance. After a three course lunch and
afternoon tea, guests were entertainment
by Josh Hindle and the racing event was
compared by Jason Duckworth of HR
Entertainment.
Organiser Sharon Lees said: The 6,000
we raised will help us to fund a full year of
day trips which we carry out every Friday,
and visit many places of interest, including
museums, events and many more fabulous
locations.
Victoria Coxen and Gill Barnard
Sharon Lees, Laura Richardson and Jean Smith Judy and Ted Robbins with Joan Lodge
Victoria Hadfield, Sarah Dugdale, Sharon Astin Yvonne Herrick, Gillian Shepherd, Claire Bailey
and Nicola Graham and Jayne Rafter
lancashirelife.co.uk
Skin lifting with Ultherapy
BEFORE AFTER 70 DAYS
BEFORE AFTER
BEFORE AFTER
Ultherapy is a non-surgical ultrasound
treatment that stimulates the production of
new collagen and elastin deep within the
skin which can reverse the signs of ageing.
Body sculpting
with coolsculpting
Many of us have stubborn fat deposits
that wont shift, despite a healthy diet
and exercise. Coolsculpting technology
safely delivers controlled cooling to kill
precisely targeted fat cells. In the weeks
following your treatment, your body
naturally eliminates these dead cells - and
once the fat is gone, its gone for good.
BEFORE
10 WEEKS AFTER
BEFORE
16 WEEKS AFTER
No knife non surgical face lift Introducing UltraPulse
Dr Nyla has perfected the art of non For dramatic results after a single session
surgical facelifts using a combination of on eye bags, deep wrinkles, scarring
ultherapy to lift the lower face descent. and sun damaged skin. Signicant skin
The only super technology which rejuvenation, llers and tightening without
scans the area of concern and then surgery, in one single treatment.
uses ultrasound to stimulate the mass
production of collagen, elastin and BEFORE AFTER
brin lifting up the jowl areas. This is
followed by the use of dermal llers in a
synchronised pattern to gently plump out
areas of volume loss and deep grooves.
One year later this 69 year old lady looks
very refreshed and happy with the long
lasting results Dr Nyla has achieved.
BEFORE AFTER
BEFORE AFTER
BEFORE AFTER
Skin tightening with
Elixis Elite
Skin laxity, which increases as we age, is
a key factor in the development of deeper
lines and wrinkles, particularly around the
Introducing: M22 Aesthetic
eyes. Elixis Elite tightens loose skin whilst Multi-Application System
also stimulating collagen production, This state-of-the-art technology offers you
plumping the skin from below. the ultimate non-surgical skin rejuvenation
and re-surfacing treatment available,
with zero downtime: for stretch marks,
rosacea, thread veins, acne scarring,
sun blemishes, scars and tattoos.
BEFORE AFTER
BEFORE AFTER
Skin lifting with Threads
Threads, by Silhouette Soft, is a unique
treatment with dramatic and long lasting
effects. This treatment is wholly bespoke BEFORE AFTER
for each individual client, addressing
sagging and folds on the jawline, cheeks,
eye area and neck.
BEFORE AFTER
BEFORE AFTER
 Why choose Medispa by Dr Nyla?
We are the most experienced clinic in the north west
We are the largest Ultherapy clinic outside London and the most
preferred Coolsculpting clinic as advised by Zeltiq
Teoxane clinic of the year
Winner of the very prestigious BTL Face of the Year

The Medispa by Dr Nyla, 3 Hawthorne Lane, Wilmslow, Cheshire SK9 1AA

01625 523 307 | 0800 009 6661 | www.doctornyla.com

TO BOOK YOUR FREE CONSULTATION, CALL 01625 523 307

 Lythams sporting chance
We meet the locals putting their best foot forward
to put Lytham on the map. Emma Mayoh reports

WEVE all done it: decided for the hundredth
time were going to be more active, eat better
and get t. For many, other plans can get in
the way and weeks later were back where
we started. But for Mark Selby, organiser
of Lytham Sportfest, this wasnt the case.
The dedicated runner, who has also
organised Lythams popular Green Drive
Five race, admits there was a time when
he lived off takeaways and wasnt very
active. But today its a different story.
The 39-year-old has completed several
races, including two marathons and
is a member of Lytham St Annes Road
Runners and a running tness coach.
He founded Lytham Sportfest last year
in a bid to get more people interested in
more sports, to encourage people to try
new activities and to produce world class
sportspeople. This years event, which

40 lancashirelife.co.uk

takes place at Park View 4U on August
26th and 27th, will have different sports
to try including zumba, Nordic walking
and basketball as well as battlezone
archery, a mini tough mudder and BMX.
Sports clubs need to take what they do out
to the people, rather than it being behind
closed doors, said Mark, who also organises
Lytham Runhunt. But doing Lytham
Sportfest, I really believe we are doing that.
Lythams Nordic walkers stepping out at Park View, Janet Lloyd, Camilla Woolner,
Vicki Owen, Marlene Seidel, Sally Plenderleith and leader, Isabel Marsters
LANCASHIRE LIFE August 2017
LYTHAM
Above: All aboard the A lot of people can nd it intimidating going
Sportfest express. into a new club and there is no need for that.
Organiser, Mark Selby,
with his assistant, Kira
Its also really important, for the future
Curtis (left), and Natalie of peoples health, to take more interest in
Bell (next to Mark) with what sports get people moving. Traditional
staff and children from ones like football might not be for everybody
the Learning Curve
Nursery but battlezone archery might be something
they would love. The more people we
can encourage to get active the better.
I want Lytham Sportfest to be the start
of something exciting. And Im looking at
organising an endurance event next year. I
would love for lots of top athletes to come
from this area. It wont happen overnight but
there is nothing wrong with aiming high.
If you prefer a slower pace, members of
Lytham St Annes Lions Club could have
the answer. The group are renowned
for being dedicated to local causes
and community including organising
an annual Swimarathon which raises
thousands for cardiac arrest charities.
They are also supporting Blackpool
Victoria Hospital doctor Steve Mason,
who will travel to third world countries
to work with charity Feet First.
But the group has gone one step further
with a new project designed to bring more
tourists into the area. The new treasure
hunt app, Coastal Treasure Hunts, was the
brainchild of members Drew Thompson,
Martin Rimmer and Howard Palmer.
41
Above: Lytham Lions, Hunts for Lytham and nearby Fairhaven
Drew Thompson, Martin Lake have already come into operation and
Rimmer, Roger Franklin
there are plans in the pipeline for another
and Howard Palmer
dedicated to one of the towns architectural
gems, Lytham Hall. Each hunt, which is
available via donation which goes to the
charitable group, offers a fun way to explore
the area, solving clues and puzzles.
Not only does this give people something
fun to do while they are here, they also get
to learn lots of things about this beautiful
area, said president Roger Franklin,
who has been a member for eight years.
Its a challenge for all the family.
There are some simple and more difcult
ones and it means more can be learned
about Lytham and the areas around it.
Playwright and author David Slattery-
Christy has grand plans to put Lytham
on the world stage. The 57-year-old, who

A F E S T I VA L O F F U N

Lytham Festival is one of the dates on the
UKs entertainment calendar not to be
missed. This years hugely popular event,
which takes place from August 2nd to 6th on
Lytham Green, will including performances
from chart topping pop star Olly Murs,
experimental orchestra Haienda Classical,
80s and 90s stars The Human League,
Midge Ure, and Dodgy, Ska legends Madness
and a host of West End stars will take
There will be also be performances from
The Mersey Beatles, Woofers Comedy Club
presents Tom Binns and aftershow parties as
well as fringe events at other Lytham venues.
The event is the brainchild of Lytham
residents Peter Taylor and Daniel Cuffe,
founders of live music and event promoters
Cuffe and Taylor. The company, borne out of
the success of the festival, has been
established for more than seven years. It
presents tours, festivals and shows across
the UK and has worked with artists including
Bryan Adams, Noel Gallagher, Rod Stewart,
Neil Diamond and Joan Collins.
Peter said: Once again we have a packed
week of live events taking place in Lytham
and we cant wait.
We always programme the Festival with
a view to ensuring there is a wide variety of
artists appealing to as many people as
possible and that is exactly what Lytham
Festival 2017 will do. Its a great week of live
shows and entertainment and we look
forward to welcoming people from far and
wide.
www.lythamfestival.com. Lytham Festival attracts thousands of people to the town.

42 lancashirelife.co.uk

has lived at many places around the UK
including Lytham, will feature the world
premiere of his new two act play, Elvira
& I: Puccinis Scandalous Passions.
The show, which will be performed at
Lytham Methodist Church on August 2nd to
6th as part of Lytham Festival, explores the
stormy relationship between famed composer
Giacomo Puccini and his wife Elvira.
Ive always been fascinated by those
people who might get forgotten, said
David, who has written award winning
plays and books as well as becoming an
expert on composer and actor Ivor Novello.
Ive always focussed on those people
whose stories could be lost in time.
Elvira had a bit of a hard time with
Puccini. She had an affair with him and
they ended up living in secret. In Catholic
Italy this was no small thing. When
Puccini became well known, she wasnt
accepted into the operatic community and
she was treated very badly. Its important
for people to know more about her.
The play is one of several written by David
that champions underdogs. Ivor Novello
may be a well known name now but there
was a time when this was not the case. To
try and address that David wrote extensively
LANCASHIRE LIFE August 2017
about him and is now an expert consultant
on the topic. His knowledge has earned him
tremendous opportunity including directing
a 50th anniversary concert to celebrate
Novellos life and work at the Theatre Royal
in Drury Lane in Londons West End.
He has also worked as consultant with
Downton Abbey creator Julian Fellowes and
lm director and producer, Robert Altman
on the BAFTA award winning lm Gosford
Park. He advised actor Jeremy Northam, who
played Novello, as well as production staff.
I remember being called to an apartment
by Robert Altman who was going to
ask me to be involved, said David. I
walked in I could see Helen Mirren,
Maggie Smith, Charles Dance. What
an intimidating encounter that was.
But what a tremendous experience working
on that lm was. We had a great amount
of fun and laughs including when I sat on
Stephen Frys knee by mistake. The room
was dark and I didnt realise anyone was
there. We had a good laugh about it though.
I really love what I do. Im particularly
looking forward to Elvira and I. Im very
proud to be able to put this show on as a part
of Lytham Festival, a place thats so special
to me. Im honoured to be involved.
Author and playright
David Slattery-Christy at
the Methodist Church hall
LYTHAM
Queen Hotel owners Ross
Robinson and Katie Baillie
THE QUEENS REIGNS
FOR ROSS AND KATIE
Ross Robinson has spent
much of his working life in the
hospitality and catering
industry in bars, pubs and
restaurants across the UK. But
when the opportunity to take
over his favourite local pub in
his home town, the 32-year-old
and partner Katie Baillie, 30,
jumped at the chance.
Its somewhere weve spent
a lot of time in the seven years
weve lived here, said Ross. It
was too good an opportunity
to miss. We knew if we didnt
go for it then we would watch
someone else take it on.
We have some great plans
to improve it even more and
its an incredible opportunity
for us.
Since taking over in May the
couple, who have daughters
Evie, five, and Lily, one, have
refurbished outdoors with
plans for the interiors later this
year. They are revamping the
menus including the
childrens offer which has been
devised by Evie and also
want to bring the function
room into everyday use. The
couple are determined to keep
The Queens Hotel at what they
consider is the heart of the
Lytham community.
We do feel a responsibility,
said Ross. People love this pub
and we want to keep it that
way because we love it too.
We want the pub to be a
community hub. A pub that
people really want to come to
with world class
accommodation, a function
room that can be used for
occasions, by local groups and
for events wed love to do like
craft ale and cheeses and wine
evenings. It will take time. But
were going to work hard at it.
43
 Baby Love,
Baby Massage
Relaxation Bonding Sinus problems Muscle tone
Tummy issues (wind, colic and constipation) Teething
Respiratory problems Soothing an inconsolable baby

Baby massage has been passed down from generation to generation in many
countries such as Africa and India. Soothing, rhythmic strokes are given to
We are located on Grane Road between each part of the body enabling the baby to feel loved and relaxed. I can
St. Crispin Way and the A56 in provide a one-to-one course in the comfort of your home with soothing
music, low lights and high quality organic, cold compressed grapeseed oil
Haslingden, Lancashire. a non greasy oil that is great for the skin. A four week course is 220, on
completion the babies get a certicate stamped with their footprints.
Fabric from 3.50 per metre

50% off all fabric

20% off all accessories

Michelle Hilton, Lytham 07745 766010 Baby-love@email.com

www.babylovebabymassage.co.uk

Monday 21st August to Saturday 2nd September

T&Cs apply.
Please see instore for more details.
Discount applied to all fabric by the metre,
and selected accessories.
Introducing the Lancashire Life app
Access 50 issues of the magazine!
Keep updated with the latest news & features from our website
New Special Editions give you great bonus content!

We offer a custom-made curtain

& Roman Blind service.
Cushions Throws Blinds Bedding Voile
Seatpads Pole Kits Beanbags Footstools

Open Monday to Saturday: 9:00 to 17:00

Grane Road, Haslingden, Lancs BB4 5ES
Download now and try
01706 233652 millshop@jh-birtwistle.com an issue for FREE
SIMPLY SEARCH LANCASHIRE LIFE MAGAZINE ON THE APP STORE
@JHBirtwistleMillShop

44 lancashirelife.co.uk
 PHOTOGRAPHY: LINDA VINEY
Aaron Cafferty and
Lucy Bennett

Valentino Ranieri and

Chloe Sandal Immaculate make-up and stunning dresses as students pose for shots

{ RANGE HILL PROM }

Formbys frock stars

Fabulous frocks and smart suits were
the order of the day when students
from Range High School, Formby, held
their annual prom. Parents and friends,
cameras at the ready, waited at the
school gates for the arrival of the
guests dressed up to the nines as they
walked down towards the main
entrance to a red carpet leading them
to the start of an evening of fun.
Mia Scorgie, Casey Macdonald,
Katherine Williams, Amy McNee, Kisha Guinto

Grace Hankinson, Hannah Walsh, Eve Trayer- Alice Evans, Hannah Redfern, Anais Knight, Tom Frackleton, Katie Mills, Chloe Adams,
Blackhurst, Jessica Williams, Ella Byrne Zachery Green, Casey Andrews, Abbie Copeland Will Hobbs

Harry Brownley, Myles Roberts, Joe Edwards

Will Miller, Matthew Vansperang-Rimmer, Colin Appleton, James Forrester Kyra Ball, Olivia Williams, Emma Rackham

LANCASHIRE LIFE August 2017 45

 EQU ESTR I A N LIFE

Top jockey Emma Sayers runaway success

Sitting pretty with a bespoke saddler | Impressive dressage

LANCASHIRE LIFE August 2017 49

 EMMA IS
RIDING HIGH
Farmers daughter Emma Sayers is now one of the UKs
top women jockeys. She talks to Martin Pilkington about
striving for success and sexism in the sport
PHOTOGRAPHY: JOHN COCKS

JOCKEY Emma Sayer doesnt normally

celebrate a win, even though with more
than 50 to her credit she has had plenty
of opportunity. Last August, however, she
punched the air, and later even allowed
herself a rare glass of bubbly after riding I
Am Not Here to win by a length at Haydock.
No wonder, the triumph meant shed won
a 20,000 development award that has
provided a major boost to her sporting career.
In fact, she needed two rst places to
scoop the Jockey Club prize. You had to
win at Carlisle ve days earlier to be in with
a chance, she explains. Fittingly, it was a
horse Gold Chain trained by her mother
Dianne that gave her that Carlisle victory.
Emma is quick to emphasise the
importance of her deep roots in the sport.
My grandmother trained, my mother trains
on our farm, my father owns a couple of
racehorses its a family business. I started
at Pony Club when I was three at the
Emma with Star of Kalani at Haydock
Celebrating a first place (Picture: John Grossick)
Cumberland Farmers Hunt South, competed
at Hickstead, The Horse of the Year Show
and so on. Then at 16 got my amateur licence
and had my rst win in my third race.
Her life is not all champagne and silver
cups. I had an accident and broke my
neck in a race in France. It wasnt great
spending 14 weeks in a brace. Strangely
the inactivity helped with one aspect of
life thats a constant concern for jockeys.
I lost quite a lot of weight recovering. My
mum told me pain strips weight. I got to the
lightest Ive ever been. Weight was even more
signicant during the three years she rode as
an apprentice effectively semi-professional.
I was totally disciplined. It was a boiled
egg for breakfast every day, salad for lunch,
then another boiled egg or, if my weight
was really good, some cooked chicken in
the evening. Id go out with friends and just
drink water with lemon squeezed into it.
Having qualied at the Lancaster campus
of the University of Cumbria, she now
teaches PE at Ullswater Community College,
while riding still as an amateur. Juggling
the two careers is no mean feat. I ride out
most mornings before school, run to keep t
four times a week, and do a workout on my 

50 lancashirelife.co.uk
 EQUESTRIAN LIFE

Relaxing in a dress by former show-jumper Karl Bowman, of Penrith

I had an accident and broke my neck

in a race in France. It wasnt great
spending 14 weeks in a brace

LANCASHIRE LIFE August 2017 51

EQUESTRIAN LIFE
Above: Modelling a dress mechanical horse bought with some of the
by Liverpool designer sponsorship money most nights. Its hard
Philip Armstrong
to work the muscles needed to ride any other
Right: Emma with way but in the saddle. I work hard during the
another Philip Armstrong week at school, but can race at weekends.
creation As the glamorous shots of her in designer
dresses show, the life clearly keeps her trim,
but she often hits the course saunas to lose
an extra pound before a race, in spite of
greater weight allowances for amateurs.
Racing is one of the rare sports where men
and women compete, and its not always
without friction. Theres less sexism from
male jockeys than there was a few years
ago but the men still dont really like to be
beaten by a girl. If a horse ridden by a girl
is unexpectedly beaten youll occasionally
hear an owner or trainer suggest a man
would have been better, she says.
Emma counters that for some horses
52
Theres less
sexism from
male jockeys
than there was
a few years ago
but the men still
dont really like
to be beaten by
a girl
women jockeys provide an advantage.
We offer an alternative style of riding.
We may not be as strong, though we work
hard to be strong enough, but sometimes
women get a better tune out of a horse.
Maybe were more sympathetic some
horses denitely run better for girls.
Shes very positive about the future for
women in the sport. The girls are very
supportive of one another, and were
holding our own. The Women in Racing
organisation is helping hugely. Theres
a lot of support for women now and the
best courses are forever improving how
they look after you. At Carlisle, the ladies
facilities are superb. Here at Haydock you
have your own sauna, likewise at York.
Her 20,000 award has made a big
difference to Emma, whose family farm is
near Penrith. In addition to that mechanical
horse, its paying for the three modules she
needs to complete to become a trainer, and
Emma has invested in new racing equipment.
Its all very expensive. My lightest saddle is
just 300 grammes, pretty much a strap the
stirrups hang off, and my boots are hand-
made. Her at-racing boots look paper thin.
The cash has also helped with the expenses
she incurs travelling around the country.
Its a really lonely job, hours by yourself in
the car driving from one ride to another.
If youve had a winner its all right, but if
youve been beaten you go over and over it,
asking yourself what you could do better.
Youre often hungry from not eating for 24
hours, and tired from exercise and riding.
So why does she do it? Passion, the
adrenaline and the buzz, and I love working
with horses, theyre such fantastic creatures.
When you are hooked on racing its for life
anything can happen, particularly over
the jumps. And you live for a winner.
lancashirelife.co.uk
 SUPPORT
F O R WO M E N

This year will be the

seventh where the North
West Region of the Jockey
Club, which runs the
Aintree, Carlisle and
Haydock courses, offers its
development award for
female jockeys. If a female
jockey wins a race at the
all-female race-card (all
seven races for women,
which is the only such
event in the world) at
Carlisle on Monday 7th
August and then wins the
Rose of Lancaster
female-only race at
Haydock on 12th August
(Haydocks Ladies Day),
as Emma did last year, she
scoops a 20,000 award
to support her career.
For tickets and
information for Carlisles
#AmazingMonday and
Haydock Parks Betfred
Rose of Lancaster
racedays, please go to
carlisle.thejockeyclub.co.
uk and haydock.
thejockeyclub.co.uk,
respectively.

HAIR & MAKE UP

CREDITS:
Hair by Andrea at Barbara
Daley hair and beauty www.
barbaradaleyhair.co.uk

Make up by Faye McAuley

@fayemcmakeup
(Instagram)

FASHION DESIGNER
Dresses provided by Philip
Armstrong British fashion
designer based in the North
West @philiparmstro

The dress worn in the

Afternoon Tea shot was by
Karl Bowman, a Penrith
based fashion designer

HORSE CREDIT:
Star of Kalani looked after
by Danielle McCormick

LANCASHIRE LIFE August 2017 53

 For all things
Equestrian
& Country
Find everything you need online or instore
where the family always has a warm welcome.
We have recently undergone refurbishment to
include a feed store for equine and pets.

01704 821119 | sales@fearnsfarm.com

www.fearnsfarm.co.uk

54 lancashirelife.co.uk
PROMOTION
 Michelle reins
IN A MANS WORLD
Saddle making is an almost exclusively male occupation but that
didnt deter Lancashires Michelle Miller, writes Mairead Mahon.
PHOTOGRAPHY BY KIRSTY THOMPSON

MICHELLE Miller and JK Rowling have
one thing in common they both found it
easier to disguise the fact that they were
women until they had established themselves
in their respective professions. Thats why
Michelle Miller, a master saddler and harness
maker, only has M. Miller written on the
sign outside her picturesque Rossendale
workshop at Shawforth, near Rochdale.
There arent a lot of lady saddlers, let
alone master ones, and when I began in
the early 80s, there were even fewer, she
says. I got used to people coming into the
workshop and telling me to run along and
get the saddler and then looking astonished
when I told them that it was me.
Most clients gave me a chance but I
thought it best not to deter them from
even stepping over the threshold by
advertising the fact that I was a woman.
Michelle grew up on the family farm,
knowing that she wanted to work with
horses. It was her father, an equine judge,
who suggested that she thought about
training as a saddler but when she mentioned
it to her careers teachers at school, their
rst reaction was to be ummoxed and
then to tell her that it just wasnt a job for a
woman. But Michelle was made of sterner
stuff and, aged just 16, she left home in
1978 to study leather crafts in London.
I was the youngest there and far away from

56 lancashirelife.co.uk

Above: Inside the home but I was following my dream and I had
workshop at Shawforth the support of my parents, so I completed the
Left: Michelle with four-year course. It has to be said, the rst
examples of her work year concentrated on shoes and handbags
and Im not a huge fan of either, although,
if necessary I can make a pair to rival
Louboutin. I am a Rossendale girl after all!
Michelle passed the course with ying
colours and her dad, who was very proud,
converted an old farm building for her
to work in. Once people had recovered
from the shock of a young woman making
and repairing saddles, her reputation
began to spread and her skills became
so honed that it was suggested that she
apply to become a Master Saddler.
No one else in the area was a Master
Saddler but armed with the condence
of youth, I applied and The Society of
Master Saddlers sent someone down
to assess me. I had recently passed my
driving test but this was a much more
unnerving experience, says Michelle.
I had to demonstrate various techniques
and different types of stitching, as well as
undertaking tasks such as lining a harness
collar, something which is very skilful. Just
like the driving test examiner, he remained
impassive, giving no indication of his views.
Four weeks later, the letter arrived
bearing the news that this 24-year-old
EQUESTRIAN LIFE
woman had impressed enough to be
admitted to the ranks of Master Saddle
Makers. It was virtually unheard of.
I was delighted and so were my parents.
Its the highest honour that a saddle maker
can be given. Sadly, saddle makers who can
make bespoke saddles and riding equipment
are thin on the ground now. For example,
all my tools are heritage ones. Many of them
were bought from saddlers who were retiring
when I was a girl and goodness knows how
long theyd had them for. Im not keen on new
tools at all! If a Victorian saddler walked into
my workshop, hed recognise the tools and
know how to use them. I occasionally even
make my own thread from waxing linen.
The equine community values her skills
and they come from all over the north
west to take advantage of them. People 
The sign that doesnt reveal the business
is run by a woman
57
EQUESTRIAN LIFE

still do want bespoke saddles, although

usually its for a horse or pony that is
just that bit awkward to t, she says.
It might be a pony with a round at
back or a horse with quite prominent
withers. I usually go out, have a look at
the gait of the horse and watch both horse
and rider in action because the needs
of both have to be taken into account.
Then, armed with measurements and
specic knowledge, I come back and
make the saddle from English leather.
A good saddle will last a life time if it
is maintained properly and I do carry out
MOTs on them. Sometimes adjustment
is needed because horses, like humans,
can put on unwanted pounds.

Im not a huge fan of handbags

and shoes although, if necessary,
I can make a pair to rival
Louboutin. I am a Rossendale girl
after all!

Bespoke saddles can cost between
1,000 and 3,000 but Michelle also
sells other reputable brands, new and
second hand, and they all come with
a good dollop of expert advice.
You cant just pick up a saddle you like
the look of. Remember that a horses spine
is a rigid structure, unlike that of humans.
A badly tting saddle could harm the horse,
you or both, says Michelle, who will make
adjustments to the saddles that she sells.
Its not just saddles that Michelle
makes. She also makes most other
things that a horse could need including
harnesses, bridles, standing martingale
attachments and whips and, like the
saddles, these should last for years.
Bespoke saddles are still in demand
Yes, I am seeing pieces come in for some
tender loving care that I made decades
ago. It can make me feel old when the
third generation of a family come in but
there is nothing better than talking horse
sense, except maybe when Im stitching in
the early morning light, says Michelle.
So, now Michelle no longer has
anything to prove can we expect to
see her full name on the sign?
No, things have changed but Ive
been M. Miller for so long now, that is
how its going to stay, she laughs.
www.mmillersaddler.co.uk

The tools she uses have been handed down

Threads and needles used in the process the generations

58 lancashirelife.co.uk
 MELANIE GOES FOR
HORSE POWER
Interest in dressage continues to grow and in the north
we have some of the best exponents and nest teachers.
Writer and photographer Sandy Kitching met one

WHILE her two younger brothers followed
their father, Roy Allen, into the car sales
business, Melanie Turner had a different
kind of horse power in her sights.
For the last 17 years she has been
training horses and giving riding lessons
at a purpose-built equestrian facility
on the premises of a former dairy farm
at Lindale near Grange-over-Sands.
My parents bought Castle Head Farm
in 2000 and still live in the farmhouse
in the grounds, leaving the former farm
buildings free for me to convert into a large
stables with tack room and an area for an
outdoor arena, said Melanie. Many of my
clients have been incredibly loyal, coming
to me for years to help them to continue to
improve their riding and dressage skills and
build a stronger bond with their horses.
The yard is pristine and riders benet
from the arena having a wall tted with
mirrors so they can see their posture
as they go through their paces.
Although Melanie did not come from a
horse background, she showed an interest
in ponies from an early age, asking for horse
riding lessons for her eighth birthday.
Melanie was born in Kendal and went to

60 lancashirelife.co.uk
 EQUESTRIAN LIFE

school at the Lakes School in Windermere.

Desperate to be around horses in all her
free time, she started helping out at Frances
Hay-Smiths riding school in Windermere
and was rewarded by being sent to groom
at various events around the country.
The biggest thrill in the early days was
riding the horses bareback into their elds
at the end of a day, she said. I got my rst
pony when I was 12 and my rst horse at 16.
When she left school, Melanie had thought
she would take a year out before going to
train as a primary school teacher, but her
love of all things equine led her to use the
year to train with Judith Buckley at Ings.
I started winning dressage competitions
and became Judiths head girl in the stables,
Melanie explained. While working for
Judith, I continued to train with Frances
and she encouraged me to go and train with
the British Dressage pony team trainer, Ian
Woodhead, and by the time I was 19, I knew
all I wanted was a career with horses.
Melanie stayed in Ians family home
in Grimsby and lived, worked and own stables to clients. The stables were
breathed horses seven days a week at always immaculate and we had a weekly
Weelsby Park Riding School. She loved Above: Melanie Turner list to polish brasses and tack, she said.
riding Frasier in her
it so much, Melanie ended up working outdoor arena Saddles were cleaned and saddle pads
for Ian on-and-off for 11 years. and bandages washed after every ride.
I rode some fantastic dressage horses Left: Melanie leading Even the weeds between the cobbles had
and started to make friends in the world youngsters Kappow FST to be removed. My clients think I am a bit
and and Just Wilhelm BS
of dressage. I had some wonderful obsessive, but it has become so important to
opportunities, she said. I also realised how Below left: Melanies look after every small part of the yard, and
much money there was involved in competing arena has mirrored walls it is even more important with the horses.
to Olympic standards, which was quite so riders can better judge Melanies horses and the two she looks
their performances
daunting for someone from my background. after and competes on for the owners,
Ian Woodheads yard was run with military Below right: Emilias Debbie and Kevin Thompson, are washed
precision, something that Melanie has kept Welsh pony, Deio and groomed daily and their coats are
with her when it comes to presenting her immaculate and shiny. Its the same even if 

LANCASHIRE LIFE August 2017 61

EQUESTRIAN LIFE
I am just exercising a horse on my own, she
said smiling. They are groomed, their hooves
oiled and manes and tails brushed through.
While still working for Ian Woodhead,
Melanie bought a coloured horse,
Tamberonie, and she knew they had a
very special connection from early on.
David Hunt started to train me and
continues to do so. He put us forward to
the Lottery funded World Class Selection
Olympic pathway squad of 2012 which I
became part of, she said. With Tamberonie
I won regional titles and national placings,
competing to Intermediare II level and we
were all ready to enter our rst Grand Prix,
but he went lame a month before we were to
compete and that was the end of our dream.
Losing horses is part of the harsh reality
and Melanie has lost more than her fair
share to unforeseen illness and injury.
I have recently bought foals, so it can
take ve years or more to get one ready to
competition level, she explained. People
ask why I dont just get an older, trained
horse, but some people have no idea how
much that can cost and, even then, you
still have to build the bond, and theres
no guarantee any horse wont get ill.
Melanie is currently working with a horse
called Frasier FST, taking him through his
paces in the arena for me to see. I got him
as a foal and hes still quite ery at six-
years-old, but is showing lots of potential,
she said. He is British born and was British
Hannovarian Champion Foal in 2012.
62
Above: Melanie giving a Another young contender is ve-year-old
lesson to Marie Watson OFS Pitch Black, affectionately known as
on Lescadeur
Peter, who is owned by Debbie and Kevin
Thompson of Flookburgh. All our horses
have been bred in Britain, said Melanie.
Many people go abroad, but theres no need
as we have some excellent breeders in this
country. I have great support from Debbie
and Kevin, whose horses I hope to train
and compete to a high level in the future.
They are People of all ages and abilities bring
their horses to Melanie for tuition and they
groomed, travel from as far as Penrith in the north
and Preston and Chorley in the south.
their Before the end of my visit, Melanie gave
a lesson to Marie Watson from Lancaster on
hooves her horse, Lescadeur. Melanie has a special
gift for bringing out the best in a horse and
oiled and rider, said Marie. She is so calm and patient
and, with her help and encouragement, I won
manes a British Dressage national title in 2016.
Melanie lives in Grange-over-Sands with
and tails her husband Craig and daughter Emilia,
who will be ve in October. Emilia is already
brushed showing an interest in the horses and has
her own little grey Welsh pony called Deio.
through I wont ever discourage her from following
an equine career, although I sometimes
wonder how different my life would have
been if I had followed my father into the car
business at Lake District Audi, especially
when I see my two brothers taking paid
holidays and having the security of company
pensions!But horses are my passion I
wouldnt change things for the world.
lancashirelife.co.uk
 COMPETITION

WIN TICKETS FOR

THIS AUGUSTS
LOWTHER SHOW
One of the norths nest outdoor events promises to be bigger and better than ever

SET to welcome
in thousands
through its gates
this 2017 season,
the Lowther Show
returns this August
to the remarkable
grounds of Lowther
Castle. To celebrate,
weve got ve pairs of adult day
tickets to give away to our lucky
readers and to those who love the
best our countryside has to offer.
Taking place over the weekend of
August 12 and 13, this years showcase
welcomes the return of its ever-popular
key show features including the Lowther
Horse Driving Trials, Food & Beer
Festival, the Lowther Fishing Island
and the Lowther Hound Show and,
along with its renowned key areas,
Lowther is also pleased to welcome
a full line-up of family inspired fun
inside the Realtree Main Arena.
Whether youre a sports fan or a
family looking for a day out with the
kids there is something for everyone to
get involved in at this years Lowther
Show. If championship action is more
your thing, Lowther also welcomes
qualifying rounds in the Chudleys
Gundog Championship, has competitions
throughout the weekend across at
the Clay Shooting Festival and offers
a wide range of terrier and lurcher
showing classes and eld events.

To discover more whats in store this

year, visit www.lowthershow.co.uk

To win tickets to this Augusts Lowther Show, and to be a part of this fantastic northern
countryside showcase, simply answer the multiple choice question below:
CUMBRIA IS HOME TO The winners will be the first five number by August 4 to:
WHICH OUTSTANDING correct entries drawn after the Lancashire Life, Lowther Show
AREA OF NATURAL closing date of August 4. The competition, Whitehouse,
BEAUTY editors decision is final. Submit Wilderspool Business Park,
your answer via our website Greenhalls Avenue, Warrington,
A) Lake District www.lancashirelife.co.uk or send WA4 6HL
National Park your answer, on a postcard with For full Archant terms and
B) Peak District full contact details including conditions and opt-out,
C) Dartmoor your email address and mobile please visit our website.

LANCASHIRE LIFE August 2017 63

PROMOTION

W O R L D H O R S E W E L FA R E
P E N N Y FA R M R E S C U E
A N D R EHOM I NG CEN TR E

World Horse Welfare Penny Farm Rescue and rehoming centre is

the Lancashire home of international charity, World Horse Welfare
and is a great day out for the whole family. The farm is home to
around 65 horses rescued from neglect, abuse or abandonment.
They receive our specialist care and are nurtured back to health
before being rehabilitated and found loving new homes through
our rehoming scheme the largest of its kind in the UK. Anyone
looking to rehome a horse or pony can browse all the available
equines and nd out more on our website.
Visitors are welcome Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday to meet
the ponies and to nd out more about our important work. Onsite
parking is free and we have award-winning disabled access.
Penny Farm has a coffee shop serving homemade cakes, there
are paddock walks and dogs on leads are welcome.
The highlight of our year is our annual open day on Sat 2nd
September we have a fun packed programme of entertainment
throughout the day including stunt rider displays, Lancashire
Mounted Police, dog agility, pony club games, Penny Farm ponies,
fairground rides, classic cars and even pig racing to name a few!

Tel: 01253 766983 | penny@worldhorsewelfare.org

www.worldhorsewelfare.org
 EQUESTRIAN LIFE

Equestrian diary
This summer there are plenty of equestrian events to get excited about

July 22-23
SUMMER DRESSAGE
FESTIVAL
If you love everything dressage,
then this is the event for you.
Held at Crow Wood, a premier
purpose build equestrian facility,
the festival features two days of
competition, with amazing prizes
and sashes to be won. As well as
the various competitive classes,
there will also be combined
training classes and special
classes and across the two days.
Crow Wood Equestrian, Royle
Lane, Burnley, BB12 0RT
Tel: 01282 471906, www.
crowwoodequestrian.com

August 12
BETFRED ROSE OF
LANCASTER STAKES:
LADIES DAY
Fashionistas, get your best hats
and frocks at the ready as Haydock
Racecourses popular Ladies Day
returns this August. An exciting
day full of great fashion and racing,
make sure to enter your outt into
the RoL Style Stakes competition
for the chance to be crowned
the winner and take home some
fabulous prizes. BBC DJ Jo Whiley
is also on hand to get racegoers in
the party mood after the last race.
Haydock Park Racecourse,
Newton-le-Willows, WA12 0HQ
Tel: 01942 725 963, www.
haydock.thejockeyclub.co.uk
Above: Racing August 11-13
at the Rose of ROYAL LANCASHIRE SHOW
Lancaster Held in the picturesque grounds
Stakes Ladies
Day 2016 at of Salesbury Hall, the Royal
Haydock Park Lancashire Show is a brilliant day
out for all of the family. Alongside
Below: Join in various agricultural displays and
the celebrations
at Cartmel a wealth of food and drink, youre
Racecourses sure to see plenty of spectacular
end of season light horse displays. Ranging from
race day
show jumping and side saddle to
dressage and ridden classes, watch
as ponies, hunter, sport and veteran
horses compete for a red rosette.
Royal Lancashire Show, Salesbury
Hall, Samlesbury Hall Road,
Ribchester, PR3 3XU
Tel: 01254 814712,
www.royallancashireshow.co.uk
August 28
CORAL BOOKMAKERS
AUGUST BANK
HOLIDAY MONDAY
This is the nal day of the season
at Cartmel Racecourse, so its sure
to have an electric atmosphere.
Make sure to place your bets on the
Bank Holiday Celebration Hurdle.
Sponsored by Coral Bookmakers,
the race is the highest class event
staged at Cartmel and attracts the
top jockeys and trainers, as well as
highly rated horses. This traditional
holiday meeting is also great fun
for the family, so bring a picnic
and have a go of the fairground.
Cartmel Racecourse, Cartmel,
Grange-over-Sands, LA11 6QF
Tel: 015395 36340,
www.cartmel-racecourse.co.uk
September 3
BRITISH MASTERS SHOWING
CHAMPIONSHIPS
This newly established annual
summer show will feature in
hand and ridden championships,
evening performances, section
championships, supreme in hand
and supreme ridden classes. During
the lunch break, there will also
be a special fancy dress in hand
or ridden class, where you can
choose any theme or idea and all
money raised will go to charity.
Croft Top Farm, Stonefold Village,
Rising Bridge, Accrington, BB5 2DP
www.bmshowing.wixsite.
com/britishmasters

LANCASHIRE LIFE August 2017 65

EQUESTRIAN LIFE

Right: A masterpiece of design

and technology, the Charles
Owen eLumen8 riding hat is
also very stylish with an easy
snap magnetic buckle so
the rider secures the
harness with just one
hand. Fearns Farm Equestrian
and Country Store, with a
recommended price of 262.

Left: Pikeur Keep your horse safe from the elements

Ladies with this WeatherBeeta ComFiTec Rug
Quibelle Collection. Prices start from 49.99 and
Show Jacket you can see the full range at Naylors.com.
in black is
elegant as Left: The Ariat Bit
well as water Cruiser ladies shoes
resistant. It combine style, comfort
retails at and elegance for almost
249. View every equestrian
the full occasion. Available
competition from Fearns Farm
wear range at Equestrian and Country
Naylors.com. Store, recommended
price 76.99.

Lancashire Life tack shop

A selection of top quality equestrian goods for
horse and rider in the north west

Left: The Z-itch Sweet Itch Rug

is 100% soft and tightly woven
polyester with elasticated
edges to stop small insects. It
vents the sweat and reduces
the UV rays on sensitive skin.
Sizes available from 46 to
70. priced RRP 84.
www.z-itch.co.uk

This Easidri Grooming Towel is super

absorbent, re-usable, machine
washable, tough and durable. Whatever the discipline, Ariat riding boots provide the
Available in three sizes and prices essential foundation for any successful equestrian
start from 12. www.easidri.com athlete. Prices starting from 129.99 from Naylors.com

Below: Stay tidy with these attractive

Shires Horse Print Bags. The grooming kit
bag is 20.99 and the boot bag is 19.99
both from bags from Todds of Kendal.
www.toddsofkendal.co.uk

66 lancashirelife.co.uk
 I have gained all my
condence back with
my new smile! Jan 2017
Before After

HYSLOP DENTAL AND IMPLANT CLINIC CALL US ON 01704 536 003

8 Albert Road, Southport PR9 0LE Email us emma@hyslopdental.co.uk

LANCASHIRE LIFE August 2017 67

68 lancashirelife.co.uk
 Make it a snappy summer
Dont miss out on our annual photography competition
in association with Wilkinson Cameras
THE longer days of summer are the
perfect time to capture the beauty of the
county and your pictures could win you
wonderful prizes in our super competition.
The competition is once again sponsored
by the award-winning independent photo
retailer Wilkinson Cameras, who have
provided prizes for the top three photographs.
The rst prize winner will receive a
black Sony A6000 camera with an E16-
50mm f3.6/5.6 PZ lens worth 549.
The second prize is a 150 Wilkinson
Cameras gift voucher and the third
prize winner will receive a 75
Wilkinson Cameras gift voucher.
All the pictures uploaded to our website
which already hosts the most comprehensive
gallery of contemporary Lancashire
70
photography youll nd anywhere are
automatically entered to our annual hunt for
the countys best amateur photographer.
BE IN THE PICTURE The examples on these pages are just
All photographs added to some of the wonderful images submitted by
our online gallery will be Lancashire Life readers in recent weeks.
entered into the You have until Friday September 22 to
competition. Go online to get your entry in. On that day the shutters
lancashirelife.co.uk now will come down and our judges, headed by
and click on the Upload a
Lancashire Life editor Roger Borrell and
Photo tab. You will be
asked to register, which is David Parkinson of Wilkinson Cameras, will
free and also allows you to begin the hard task of choosing a winner.
comment on articles and There are just two rules the competition
photographs on the site is not open to professional photographers
and to take advantage of and while the pictures can contain any
special offers. subject matter landscapes, wildlife,
views or people they must be taken in
Lancashire or the Lake District.
lancashirelife.co.uk
 THE BIG PICTURE

Above: Lytham
Sunrise by
Patrick Frost

Left: Jenny
Browns Point,
Silverdale by
Marie Savage

Right: Walking
in Grasmere by
Paula OHara

The camera champions

Wilkinson Cameras, is an award winning, independent photo
retailer with nine stores throughout the North West as well as an online store at
wilkinson.co.uk, where youll also find a list of store locations and opening times.
And dont miss the Wilkinson Cameras photo show event Digital Splash 17 at the
Exhibition Centre Liverpool on October 7 and 8. There will be a great line up of First prize, a black Sony A6000
photographers to inspire and improve your photo skills, plus Sony and many more camera with an E16-50mm
big photo brands exhibiting too. f3.6/5.6 PZ lens worth 549

LANCASHIRE LIFE August 2017 71

 Kitchens.
Bedrooms.
Studies.
Interior Design.

Opening Times:
Mon-Fri: 9am-5pm, Sat: 9am-4pm
www.room-makers.co.uk
Showroom:
Unit 9, Bankeld House, 01253 351 278
info@room-makers.co.uk
Bristol Avenue,
Bispham, Lancs, FY2 0JF
The aim for this project was to bring functionality
and warmth to a large master bedroom,
which was achieved through bespoke painted
furniture and carefully selected interior
elements. The space is brought together with
the statement headboard in Harlequin velvet
complimented by mirrored doors and drawers,
whilst the muted green and greys throughout
present a calm colour scheme. To bring a sense
of intimacy to the room we carefully chose
the damask Zoffany wallpaper, custom-made
ottoman and upholstered cube in Osborne
and Little fabric.

At Room we pride ourselves on the quality

of our work, using the art of cabinet making
and design to manufacture traditional and
contemporary made to measure furniture.

Visit our showroom to see how we can create

an innovative design for any room in your home,
including the option to have a consultation
with our interior designers.

Leigh Bray and Matthew Hill
Bhuvana Chandra and Mita Mathew
{ TWO CHARITIES BENEFIT }
Think pink
Consultant plastic surgeon Dr Jeyaram
Srinivasan and his wife Krishna organised
and hosted their third Touch of Pink Ball at
the Dunkenhalgh Hotel, Clayton-le-Moors.
The event, which included entertainment
from magician Jason Rea and a ballroom
Louise Fox and Dave Ward
Jeyaram Srinivasan, Ted Robbins and Eliza Bryning
Jeyaram Srinivasan, Anne Baines, Cathy Chapple
and Lawrence Azavedo
74
PHOTOGRAPHY: JOHN ALLEN
Gaurav Agrawal, Praful Methukunt, Rakesh Jaidk, Monika Jaidk and Abi Methu
dancing demonstration by Ron and
Iris McDonald, raised 10,000 to be split
equally between Rosemere Cancer
Foundation and St Catherines Hospice. BBC
Radio Lancashire presenter, comedian and
actor, Ted Robbins, compered the ball.
Organisers Krishna and Jeyaram Srinivasan with
Alexandra and David McDowell
Kate Quinn and Karen Slater Iris and Ron McDonald
Helen Turner, Diane Russell and David Russell Bernadette Taylor, Laura Cannan and Tiffany Taylor
Peter and Janet Boast, John and Dr Sanjay Pitalia, Dr Shikha Pitalia, Dr Swati Raut
Lindsey Morris and Videsh Raut
lancashirelife.co.uk
 EXCEPTIONAL
FURNITURE FOR EVERY
ROOM IN THE HOME SINCE 1982
Carl Josef Head Ofce, Showrooms and Workshops
2 Wyreelds, off Bracewell Ave, Poulton Le Fylde FY6 8JX
2 Market Place, Garstang PR3 1ZA
T: 01253 890464 enquiries@carljosef.co.uk www.carljosef.co.uk

KITCHENS BEDROOMS BATHROOMS STUDIES MEDIA ROOMS

PHOTOGRAPHY: GLYNN WARD

Richard Sherman stands next to a 1937 MG-TA

{ FULL STEAM AHEAD }

Well oiled machine

Chipping Steam Fair returned for a successful 19th year
Hundreds of exhibitors, food stalls and engines, classic cars, bikes, vintage tractors
attractions kept Lancashire families and commercial and military vehicles on
entertained across three days at the annual display, popular attractions also included the
Chipping Steam Fair. Held on the Green Lane beer tent, which featured live music until late
showground in Chipping, the popular event is across the weekend, a steam engine evening
run by volunteers, with all proceeds raised procession through the village and arena
going toward good causes and local charities. entertainment such as sheep dog and duck
As well as the many fantastic steam herding.

Robert Cookson of Longton Walking Sticks Samantha Richmond and her St Bernard, Sophie Wildlife officer, PC Nigel Keats

Edward Atkinson with the Theresa Kitching and Alex Scott of Twins Millie and Megan having a ride on
Foden Showmans Engine Leagram Organic Cheese Blackpool donkeys

76 lancashirelife.co.uk
 Batala Lancaster

Paul and Sue Clark with their 1942 Chevrolet Diane Carney and Hugh Winterbottom
next to a 1934 Sentinal

Clitheroe Ukulele Orchestra Emma Sanderson and Jonathan Fullalove of The

Luxurious Liqueurs and Spirits Co

LANCASHIRE LIFE August 2017 77

78 lancashirelife.co.uk
WINNER RETAIL ART GALLERY OF THE YEAR 2016

Heskin Farmers Market and Craft Centre,

Wood Lane, Heskin, Chorley, Lancashire PR7 5PA

t: 01257 451121 e: sales@hepplestonefineart.com

w: www.hepplestonefineart.com
5 minutes from Junction 27 off the M6 Open 7 days. Ample free parking
 PHOTOGRAPHY: SARA CUFF
Linda Rawcliffe, Bridget Towers and
Eileen Ballard

Linda Singleton, Tony Singleton and

Joanne Wu The Committee members who organised the fundraising event

{ SPORTS FOUNDATION }

Fundraising success
The 17th annual fundraising dinner for
the Richard J. Wilson Sports
Foundation Charity was held at Ribby
Hall. Attended by 174 guests, including
the Mayor and Deputy Mayor of the
Fylde, the event raised over 8,000
through a raffle and auction and
included matched funding by Barclays
Bank. Entertainment was provided by
the Swing Commanders.
Hadia Donnelly and Margaret Sandes

Alicia and Craig Hough Hayley Salisbury and Jane Williams Leon King and Zoe Hallcroft

Becca Webster, Mel Jones and Karen Hall, Jo Robinson, Hayley Stafford and Phil Shuttleworth, Ashleigh Coles,
Emma Houseman Emma Oldfield Sarah Cartmell and David Cartmell

80 lancashirelife.co.uk
 We make & t

Beautiful Curtains
& Blinds

Inspiring you
since 1990
Lancashires Largest
Independent Soft Furnisher
Bespoke Curtains, Hand Sewn
Here in Lancashire
From all the top designer names
in Curtain Fabrics, Upholstery,
Wallpapers & Blinds
Visit our new Showrooms
Open 7 days a week FREE Measuring - Samples - Quotes
01254 832177 www.choosecurtains.com rbcontactsltd@aol.com
R.B. Contacts Ltd, Churchill Rd, Brinscall, Chorley PR6 8RQ
OPENING TIMES: Monday to Friday 9am5pm, Saturday 10am3pm, Sunday 11am1pm
*ARTWORK BY LOCAL ARTIST GLYNIS KIDSON
by diane berry kitchens
Galit and Jason Walshaw wanted more than a standard
kitchen design for their busy, family home. Deciding on
Diane Berry Kitchens was a simple decision after they were
impressed with a detailed and thoughtful consultation. The
couple were asked practical questions which would give
Dianes trusted company a valuable insight into the familys
daily lives and provide all important detail for exactly what
the household of six needed.
From this, Diane produced a beautiful design for the kitchen,
but went further and offered up a solution for the downstairs
layout, opening up the dining room and kitchen into one.
The couple were impressed too with unexpected detail such
as a curved wall and the addition of a utility room for a
practical, well thought through, flowing home.
The symmetrical design is pleasing on the eye and offers a
neat, balanced space. The kitchen unusually features two
islands which offer the family enough space for separate
activities, whilst keeping them together. The breakfast bar is
certainly Galits favourite feature, and the most practical too.
The couples four children were equally impressed, (surely no
meat feat!) Their 18-year-old is as equally happy to reside at
the stylish bar along side the busy four year old. The Diane Berry Kitchens Ltd,
hobs location keeps the chef sociable too and is 132 Bury New Road,
particularly convivial when entertaining friends.
Prestwich, Manchester, M25 0AA
Galit found it difficult to sum up her finished kitchen in www.dianeberrykitchens.co.uk
just one word so opted for a simple sentence instead; diane@dianeberrykitchens.co.uk
just beautiful and sociable. Exactly what their brief was Tel: 0161 798 5335
at the start, and more.
 Best of Burnley
Whether its preserving heritage or creating new
memories, theres real passion in this former mill
town, as Rebekka OGrady discovers

THERES a general feeling that

The Festival team; Sharon
Burnleys canal towpaths are special, Demaline, Linda Hamer,
hidden gems. Some local people are Elena Adorni, Melanie
dimly aware that theyre there, so Diggle, Dylan Manning,
since the beginning, the festival has Lee Shepherd, Emma
Fielding and Nick Hunt
had the intentions to celebrate them
and the towns heritage, said Nick
Hunt, the creative director of Mid
Pennine Arts. The commissioning
agency, which develops projects
across Lancashire and beyond
including the now iconic Singing
Ringing Tree sculpture is one of the
partners involved in bringing to life
the annual Burnley Canal Festival,
which takes place from August 26-27.
First held in 2012, the multi-site
event offers residents and visitors a
free and unique way to explore the
towns towpath environment, while
having plenty of fun along the way.
Driven by a volunteer committee,
it is supported by Burnley Borough
Council and the Canal and River
Trust, alongside other partners.
At one point it was possible to
attend the festival and not see
the canal at all, so a key aim last
year was to ensure people were
exploring the towpaths, said
Melanie Diggle, nance and admin
director at MPA. Because of the Below: Visitors process, drew in 12,000 people. was derelict until a few years ago,
200th anniversary of the Leeds enjoying The whole idea is to get people to is where you can wind down and
traditional
and Liverpool Canal, last years festivities at the visit the different sites, as each has take part in various arts and craft
festival secured additional money Burnley Canal their own feel, as well as further workshops. On your route to each
to enable organisers to celebrate Festival aeld. The festival is a real mix of destination you may also come
across three sites, as opposed to contemporary and heritage. The across the Towpath Explorers, who
just Burnley Wharf, and in the canal is a superhighway of both need your help solving puzzles, or
the past and future, it was a way of see people out on the water itself
transporting goods in the past, and in canoes or the free waterbus.
today theres a digital infrastructure There is a challenge to be
that runs underneath the tow economical this year, as we still
paths so our high speed internet want to keep this same footprint but
comes from the canal, something dont have the same level of funding,
very much linked to the future. said Nick, who explained that they
The festival hub at Sandygate do have a reasonable baseline to
Square is contemporary, with dance make it happen, but additional
workshops, theatre and street funding and sponsorship is always
food. Walk along the towpath to appreciated to boost the festival and
arrive at Burnley Wharf, which has the activities. There will still be a
a traditional, Victorian feel with great mix of performance, food and
funfair, brass band and insect circus. as many free activities. Its a very
Finally, Finsley Gate Wharf, which important aspect that this is a free

84 lancashirelife.co.uk

day out for all of the family and is
accessible to all. We wont undermine
the quality of what we are doing,
but it just may be slightly smaller.
To nd out more about the Burnley
Canal Festival, get involved in
sponsorship or become a volunteer,
visit www.burnleycanalfestival.org.
RESTORING
GLORY
From Charlie Chaplin to Harry
Houdini, many entertainment
icons have performed at the
Burnley Empire Theatre.
However, the building has lain
empty since closing as a bingo
hall in 1995, with many people
not even knowing it exists.
From the word go, since it
opened in 1894 as a purpose built
music hall, headline acts from
around the world would perform
here, said Shaun McCree, acting
chair of the Burnley Empire Theatre
Trust and magician. As a variety
performer myself I nd it very
interesting the assortment of things
they would have here. People walk
past here now and have no idea
what it was or that it was there,
until we started to promote it.
The trust was formed in late
2015 to raise public awareness of
the grade II listed building and
undertake the steps necessary to
preserve and renovate it. At the
time it was listed on the Theatres
Trust Theatres at Risk register
at number 22 (its now gone up
to number ve, thanks to the
campaign), and the group of
volunteers knew they had to act fast
if there was a chance to save it.
We set up a stakeholder group
with UCLAN, Burnley College,
Burnley Borough Council and the
Civic Trust so that we could launch
the project. The rst phase was the
commissioning of a feasibility study
to establish the work needed to be
able to restore, as well as looking
at its future as a performance
venue, said Shaun. This phase
was completed in November 2016,
and they are now waiting for the
imminent results of phase two,
which was commissioned via
a grant from the Architectural
Heritage Fund thanks to the
Theatres Trust, which will establish
what now needs to be done and
how the BETT can proceed.
LANCASHIRE LIFE August 2017
Jackie McCree, Shaun McCree and Sophie Gibson
outside the Burnley Empire Theatre
Its been done with the likes
of The Grand in Blackpool and
the Stockport Plaza, this is how
buildings like this are saved now,
and worse ones than the Empire
have been restored. We have
high hopes that it will go ahead
but nothing is certain. A lot of
the campaigning for us is to raise
money and to get people aware
of the project, so that they can
be involved in taking care of it.
Although from the outside the
theatre may look like a crumbling
building, a lot of the interior
features, designed by renowned
A TA S T E O F N O S TA LG I A
Rest your feet and enjoy a scenic
ride around Burnleys Thompson
Park aboard the Burnley and
Pendle Miniature Railway. For a
fare of 1, the one kilometre of
track takes visitors on a journey
from the station, down through
the trees and around Beech
Garden, before travelling around
the Italian Gardens and over a
bridge back to the station.
Bank Hall colliery was
adjacent to Thompson Park and
a little steam train could often be
seen passing along the mineral
railway line at the rear of the
park, hauling coal wagons to the
marshalling yards near Burnley
Central Station, said Diana
Hayes, one of the volunteers who
give their time willingly to
operate the railway on a
not-for-profit basis.
Then in 1990, a group of three
men met with the idea of
PLACES TO VISIT
theatre architect Bertie Crewe
during a reconstruction in 1911,
is in good condition, with original
stained glass windows bricked
up and elaborate plasterwork
having survived remarkably well.
If they are to go ahead, the BETT
would like to secure the building
as an opportunity for training and
apprenticeships throughout the
restoration process, with on-site
learning and experience for those
at Burnley College and UCLAN.
Once the theatre is complete, the
space would act as a centre for the
community and a performance
venue for students at the colleges,
as well as professional and
amateur theatre companies.
We hit the ground running as we
knew it needed to be done fast, so
we pushed hard and the Theatres
Trust have been brilliant at helping
us. Were just in limbo now, but
we have our ngers crossed.
www.burnleyempiretheatretrust.
weebly.com
CULTURE
VULTURE
Its ironic that what used to be the
servants quarters now hold some
of the most important items in
Towneley Hall. Today the North
Wing is home to a substantial
collection of Victorian oil and
watercolour paintings, ranging
People queue for a ride on the Burnley and Pendle Miniature Railway
forming a miniature railway and wheelchairs or childrens
over the years several local pushchairs giving access to all.
councils were approached with a They also host various special
view to finding a permanent site. events including a teddy bears
The chosen site was picnic (July 30) and super
Thompson Park and in late 2001 heroes day (August 27).
construction on the track Trains run every Saturday and
started. Since then, the railway Sunday afternoon, on Bank
has been extended several times Holidays and Wednesday
and a recent addition is a during school holidays.
purpose built coach to carry www.bpmrs.org.uk
85
Above: from J.M.W. Turner to Burnley
Towneley Hall artist, Noel H. Leaver, and
Below: Ken
what you see on display is
Darwen, only half of whats on offer.
Towneley Hall The paintings are shown on a
manager rotational basis because they are
susceptible to light, explained Ken
Darwen, who has been manager at
Towneley Hall for 15 years. He left
his previous role at Granada after
the job opportunity arose in Burnley
... AND RELAX!
After all that exploring around scenery, the luxury destination,
Burnley, you may need to make which also has a critically
some time to relax. Thankfully, acclaimed restaurant with
the town is home to the rooms, Betrams, was named
award-winning Woodland Spa, Global Spa of the Year in 2016
which is the perfect tonic if and awarded Best Spa in the
youre looking for a day of R&R. North 2016/17 by the Good Spa
Set in 100 acres of woodland Guide. It features one of
86
what he describes as a dream
come true. Some of our paintings
go on loan to New York and China,
and a lot of the statues from Charles
Towneleys collection of Roman
antiquities are now on display at the
Museum of London. A lot of people,
visit here because our art collection
is of such importance. As a regional
art gallery, we have one of the best
collections in the North West.
Europes largest hydrotherapy
pools and a stunning serenity
pool. Day spa guests have
unlimited access to the thermal
experience, where various
pools and cabins offer to
soothe, relax and detoxify.
www.thewoodlandspa.com
Set in over 400 acres of beautiful
parkland, Towneley Hall was
home to the Towneley family for
over 500 years, but in 1901 it was
sold to Burnley Corporation.
The park was opened to the
public a year later and in 1903
the council decided to keep the
hall open as a permanent art
gallery and museum. Today, there
is a regular changing exhibition
programme (which are planned
up to two years in advance),
as well as fabulous permanent
displays such as Egyptian artefacts
and 20th century ceramics.
When I joined, I brought more
of a commercial attitude to the
team and introduced things
like weddings and events, as
well as more elements of family
fun, said Ken, who this year has
launched a series of free origami
and arts and crafts workshops.
As well as activities inside the
hall, the parkland hosts events
from classic car shows and festivals
to craft fairs and reworks.
Were trying to give added
value. We now run two free
visitors tours around the hall a day,
offering an insiders perspective,
and children love the Pendeln
wooden rabbit trail and the Bill
the Bear adventure backpacks,
named after our Himalayan bear
who originally arrived as a rug. I
wanted to change what could be
viewed as a boring museum into
something very family friendly.
lancashirelife.co.uk
by
Lancashire: 11 Common Garden Street, Lancaster, LA1 1XD. 01524 63273
Cumbria: 85-87 Stricklandgate, Kendal, LA9 4RA. 01539 728513
www.markleigh.co.uk
DAYS OUT

Jolly good show!

Westmorland Show is one of the norths outstanding outdoor
events - make sure its in the diary

CELEBRATE the best of farming, food

and country living at the Westmorland
Show, one of Britains favourite agricultural
events on Thursday September 14.
Enjoy a unique day out, watching
livestock competitors battle it out for a
coveted Champion trophy, or take in all
the Main Ring action with top level show
jumping, the fantastic Parade of Hounds and
traditional heavy horse turnouts. Explore
Englands largest locally produced food
hall to sample your favourite treats or see
demonstrations in the Food Theatre from
celebrity chef Phil Vickery. With all the
usual livestock classes, from cattle, sheep,
goats and pigs to poultry and alpacas, 2017
will see even more classes introduced and
dont miss the new Brown Swiss cattle.
Its all change this year, with a new layout
and plenty of entertainment and exhibitions
including the Sheep Show and larger Forestry
Arena. Watch the impressive strength of the
Cumbria Axe Men in action, and marvel at
birds of prey, gundogs, y shing, chainsaw
and forestry displays. Head to Rural Crafts to
have a go at spinning or join in the competitive
fun of Cumberland & Westmorland wrestling.
The WI Marquee will house stunning
displays and explore the craft marquees to
pick up exclusive handmade treasures. Round
off the day with a shopping spree from our
selection of 400 trade stands and delicious
food and drink from one of our many caterers. ESSENTIAL INFO
With baby changing facilities and crche on Keep up to date with
site, drop the children off whilst you relax everything
with a locally produced beer or gin and tonic. Westmorland Show on:
Children will love the pets area and meeting Facebook at Westmorland
their favourite farm animals. With so much to County Show & Agricultural
do, it promises to be an event not to be missed. Society
Dont forget theres free parking too with a free
bus service from Kendal and Milnthorpe. Twitter WcaShow

Instagram
westmorlandcountyshow

Pre-book your tickets now

for fast-track entry and
generous discounts at www.
westmorlandshow.co.uk

The show is held at The

Showfield, Lane Farm,
Crooklands, LA7 7NH, on
September 14

Open 8am-5pm

90 lancashirelife.co.uk
 The 70 greatest
Lancastrians
We reveal the latest nominations for our eclectic
list of the countys most celebrated people
RICHMAL CROMPTON
Born: Bury
THE ve names on this page are the latest The nal ten names for our list will appear
additions to our virtual hall of fame of the 70 in next months magazine so let us know Dates: November 15
greatest Lancastrians. who you think should be named among the 1890-January 11 1969
The eclectic list is part of the celebrations greatest ever Lancastrians. Send us a tweet at
for Lancashire Lifes 70th anniversary and @lancashirelife with your nomination, along Although she wrote many
novels for adults, Richmal
many of the people have been nominated by with the #lancashire70 hashtag, or email your
Crompton is better known
readers. suggestions to letters@lancashirelife.co.uk. by far for her series of
stories about the anarchic
schoolboy William Brown.
RACHEL ROGER MCGOUGH WALLACE HENRY HARTLEY
Richmal Crompton
KAY-SHUTTLEWORTH
Born: Litherland Born: Colne Lamburn, known as Ray,
Born: Padiham was the daughter of Clara
Dates: November 9 1937- June 2, 1878 April 15, 1912 and Edward Lamburn, the
Dates: February 17 1886-April 20 latter a cleric and
1967 The award-winning poet, The Lancastrian bandleader became the schoolteacher who taught
playwright and childrens legendary figure of the sinking of RMS at Bury Grammar School.
When she was just nine-years-old author taught in Liverpool and Titanic. Survivors said they saw Hartley and She won a scholarship to
Rachel Kay-Shuttleworth began was a member of the pop his band playing until the moment the ship Royal Holloway College
collecting what became one of the music/poetry group The went down after hitting an iceberg. His name and became a classics
finest collections of textiles in the Scaffold before making his became synonymous with a particularly teacher. The William
country, which is now on display at name as one of the Liverpool English type of bravery. stories were originally
her familys ancestral home, Poets with Adrian Henri and When his body was found two weeks intended as potboilers
Gawthorpe Hall. She was also the Brian Patten. A Fellow of John later, Hartley was still fully clothed with his that first appeared in a 1919
first County Commissioner for the Moores University in Liverpool, music case strapped to his body. His father, short story but his
Girl Guides in Lancashire and a he has produced several the local choirmaster, was at the quayside in adventures caught the
contributor to the movement on a anthologies of his poems. He Liverpool when his sons body was brought imagination of readers and
national level, drawing designs for presents Poetry Please on home and up to 40,000 people lined the prompted the book Just
banners, guide badges and Radio Four and has given his streets when he was buried in Colne. There is William which has been
samplers. voice to talking books and a bust of Hartley in Colne and his headstone re-invented many times for
* Nominated by reader Mary Davis advertising campaigns. has a carved violin at its base. stage and screen.

SIR WILLIAM LYONS

Born: Blackpool
September 4, 1901
February 8, 1985
Lyons and Stockport-born
William Walmsley, a fellow
motorcycle enthusiast,
co-founded the Swallow
Sidecar Company, which
became Jaguar Cars after
World War Two. The son of
an Irish immigrant and a mill
owners daughter, he
showed early business
acumen. The sidecar
business eventually
developed into a
manufacturer of low cost
cars, including the Austin
Seven Swallow, produced in
Blackpool at the rate of 12 a
week.
Sadly for us, he moved
the business to Coventry
and it eventually took on the
iconic name Jaguar. Lyons
was knighted in 1956 in
recognition of Jaguars
booming exports but
eventually he was forced to
merge with other car
makers in the Midlands. Had
he kept the business in
Blackpool, the local
economy could have been
very different.
* Nominated by reader
Richard Jardine, Hest
Bank.

T H E F U L L L I S T S O FA R :

Fred Dibnah Thora Hird Gracie Fields Carla Lane Alfie Boe Ian McKellan
Victoria Wood Tony Warren Jack Walker Kathleen Ferrier Steven Gerrard Kathleen Drew-Baker
George Romney Robert Peel Jimmy Armfield Samuel Crompton George Formby Angela Brazil
Henry Holland Alfred Wainwright Maxine Peake Michael Atherton Leonora Carrington John Kay
Lily Parr Jeanette Winterson Johnny Sullivan Miranda Richardson Willy Russell Rachel Kay-
Jason Kenny Helen Bradley Betty Jackson Emmeline Pankhurst Richard Ansdell Shuttleworth
Stan Laurel Andrew Flintoff LS Lowry Eric Morecambe Morrissey Stanley Matthews
Alistair Cooke Henry Tate Peter Kay Doreen Lofthouse Ken Dodd Richmal Crompton
Richard Arkwright Jeremiah Horrocks Brian Cox Jane Horrocks Beryl Baingridge Wallace Hartley
John Lennon Les Dawson Peter Maxwell-Davies AV Roe Cilla Black Sir William Lyons
To see more details of the people on the list, go online to lancashirelife.co.uk.

LANCASHIRE LIFE August 2017 91


Kusum Kapour, Kumudini Premras,
Nazeeha Hasan-Rao and
Yashoda Punreddy
Lynne Nickson, Anne Geldard,
Sheena Byrom and Eileen Blackburn Six doctors: Sekar Selva, Raj Shirvastava, Venkat Raman, Vasu Kamath, Nirmal Kumar and Raj Murali
{ MIDSUMMER BALL }
A touch of magic
A Magical Midsummer Ball was held at
the Dunkenhalgh Hotel, Clayton-le-Moors,
raising 25,000 for the Northern Cleft
Foundation. The charity, founded in
Blackburn, supports a group of doctors
and nurses drawn from across the UK
who volunteer to provide free corrective
cleft surgery to disadvantaged children in
India. The ball was attended by 250
people, who enjoyed a cocktail reception
and four course meal. Entertainment was
Neil and Hilary Wallbank with Heather and
Mark Bailey
Frank and Lynn Nickson, Alison and David Bennett,
Debra and Clive Wood and Sheena and Paul Byrom
92
PHOTOGRAPHY: JOHN COCKS
provided by a live band, Entourage,
and Darren Brand, an illusionist.
Dr Sheila Bailey, who organised the
event, said: The money raised will help
provide vital equipment to be used
during the next outreach in January,
when the Northern Cleft Foundation
team will once again be travelling to
India to provide free corrective cleft
surgery to extremely disadvantaged Dr David Bailey and his wife, Dr Sheila Bailey,
with Dr George Teturswamy (founder of
children. The Northern Cleft Foundation)
and his wife, Rani
Ian and Anne Lloyd, John and Susan Kenyon, Aarthi George, Raji Menon, Rema Rajan,
Ian and Suzanne Liddle Rebecca Monks and Ramola Balachander
Andrew James, Katy Bailey, Adam Gamble, Dani Wood,
Steven Smith and Lucy Bailey
lancashirelife.co.uk
 FARM SHOP
OPEN 7 DAYS

Come and meet our rare breed animals and take a walk
around our heritage meadows.

A fantastic selection of organic meats, vegetable and dairy

including our award winning raw milk. We also stock a
growing range of organic ambient goods, and have a great
selection of home grown vegetables, herbs and edible
owers, come and pick your own...
CLICK AND COLLECT OR SELECT FREE NATIONWIDE
DELIVERY FOR NEXT DAY SERVICE

m is s o u t o n o u r fa ntastic
Don t er...
e e v e n t s t h is s u m m
programme of fre

HEDGEROW SAFARIS
9th, 10th, 11th, 16th, 17th, 18th, 23rd and 24th August
Look for our small mammal traps
We also offer fun, and study what we nd, woodmouse,
safe, secure activities bank vole or shrew get up close to
for all needs. these amazing small mammals and
learn more about them
Wellies or boots essential,
and suitable outdoor clothing.
Please bring a pack lunch.
Free glass of organic milk provided!
BOOKING ESSENTIAL
Please call Feona on 077885 44923 or the ofce on 012004 45519.

GAZEGILL
ORGANICS
Lower Gazegill Farm, Dancer Lane, Rimington, Clitheroe, Lancashire. BB7 4EE
Telephone: 01200 445519 | Email: orders@gazegillorganics.co.uk
www.gazegillorganics.co.uk
 ANNIVERSARY

History coming soon

The items you have chosen for a special county-wide
celebration of our heritage will soon go on show

WERE almost ready to unveil one of the used their websites and social media to gather Spotters
most ambitious projects Lancashire Life has votes and one presented a shortlist of objects
ever attempted. To mark the magazines to a local school and asked the pupils to vote. guide
70th anniversary, we are working with Not all the nominated objects were what Young visitors to
the countys museums service to tell A we would have expected and I think some the countys
History of Lancashire in 70 Objects. museum curators and staff will have been museums and
The objects were chosen by people across surprised that the object they might have heritage venues
the county, including visitors to museums and chosen wasnt selected by the public. will be able to tick
other heritage venues, and we will reveal the The sheer variety of venues and the off the objects as
objects in the magazine over different methods of choosing they see them in a
three months. The rst 20 will their objects has helped free Spotters
appear in next months issue. create an eclectic list which Guide.
The project, which was ranges from an object dating The guides will
given a 55,000 grant from from 300 million years ago be available from
the Heritage Lottery Fund, to one from 2016. Each all participating
was open to any heritage item will be on display in its venues and you
venue in the county palatine venue, along with a specially- can download a
and visitors, friends groups created information board. copy from our
and their local communities Lynsey Jones from Museum website,
were able to help select which Development North West said: lancashirelife.
object should be nominated. It wasnt easy to agree on the co.uk/topic/Tag/
More than 100 objects nal list and we have not been Lancashire70.
were put forward and able to include everything we Each item is
a panel including would have liked. We wanted featured in the
heritage experts from across the county to ensure we had a list that included items guide, along with a
and Lancashire Life deputy editor Paul from collections all over the county, and that fun fact and an
Mackenzie decided on the nal 70. we covered as much of the countys history as associated question
Gill Brailey, the heritage learning manager possible so some objects have had to miss out. or activity.
at Lancashire County Council, said: It was In spite of that, we think the nal list And once youve
fascinating to see the different methods that has something for everyone and that the spotted enough
various venues used to select their objects. project will give a fascinating overview objects, youll be
Some had ballot boxes in the venue, others of Lancashires incredible story. able to download
certificates from
our website. So
make a start as
Spot with Spotty soon as you can.

Meet Spotty hes a bear on

Spotty the Bear, the mascot of the History
of Lancashire in 70 Objects project
a mission. He wants to visit
each of the 70 objects before
Lancashire Day on November
27. Hell be taking a sele with
each object he spots and you
can follow him on twitter at
#Spottythebear.
And be sure to let us know how
youre getting on too share The cover of the History
of Lancashire in 70
your seles with the objects on Objects Spotters Guide
@70_Objects #lancashire70.

LANCASHIRE LIFE August 2017 95

 PHOTOGRAPHY BY JOHN COCKS
Radio City presenter Claire Simmo, with Ben Hatton,
Mike Fletcher and Sharon Mills of the Princes Trust

Jordan Williams, Yanna Algar, Mark Widdup and

Gerard Lane Derek Hatton, Mike Fletcher, Claire Simmo, Beth Tweddle and Steve Parry

{ PRINCES TRUST EVENT }

Backed by business
Prestigious charity fundraiser Its The
Business took place at Panoramic 34 in
Liverpool, generating 25,000 for The
Princes Trust. Hosted by Radio City
presenter Claire Simmo, over 50 guests
attended the sold out event, which was
sponsored by Artorius Wealth, enjoying a
champagne reception and an intimate four
course meal. The afternoon is a chance to
network with esteemed business leaders
and share the highs and lows of their
successes. The 2017 business panel included
Olympic medal winners Beth Tweddle and
Steve Parry, CEO of Bike2WorkScheme,
Derek Hatton and former football manager
and pundit Peter Reid.
Mike Fletcher, managing partner of
Praetura, said: This years edition focused on
sports and business and it was fantastic to
have distinguished panellists from Liverpool
who have achieved so much and made such
a positive contribution to both sports and
business. Above all, it was great to see how
committed everyone in that room was to
supporting disadvantaged young people
into training, education or work.
Martin Smith and Gareth Cowley

Mark Williamson, John Foreman and The Princes Trusts Laura McGuinness with Cathy and Bill Tannahill with Ged Leahy and
Peadar OReilly Hugh Frost and Eleanor Wotherspoon Peter Carway

Princes Trust ambassador Steve Sealey, with Simon Harvey, Sian Catteneo, Danny Driscoll and The Princes Trusts Lisa Burke and
Karen Lewis (left) and Cathy Frost Lee McCarren Susie Cuthill with Susan Sherry

96 lancashirelife.co.uk
Relax in the heart of the English Lake District
where everyone deserves a little luxury
Restaurant & Brasserie meals
Sunday lunches
Stylish lounge bar and luxurious
accommodation
State of the art leisure facilities
including indoor pool & fabulous
outdoor hot tub
Award Winning Breakfast
Non residents most welcome
Great for Family get-togethers
Breakfast Club, Swim Sunday Lunches
& Dinner & Dip
Dining offers all include free use of
our fantastic on site leisure facilities
Excellent Spa facilities for pamper
days, treatments and hair call
015394 32385
Close to home, far from expected.
The Ambleside Salutation Hotel & Spa, Lake Road, Ambleside,
Cumbria LA22 9BX | Tel: 015394 32244
www.hotelslakedistrict.com

Rediscover Hoghton Tower at the start

of our house open season (May through
September, Sunday to Thursdays) for house
and garden tours, special events, monthly
farmers markets, tea room and gift shop.

Find out why 2017 is a special

anniversary year for Hoghton Tower

Visit www.hoghtontower.co.uk for all information

LANCASHIRE LIFE August 2017 97

 PHOTOGRAPHY: KIRSTY THOMPSON
Founder Coral Horn Gill Barton

Gemma Voaden, Gill Arnott and Ruth Wyers Heather Waters, Michelle Billington, Helen Fish and Emily Brocklehurst

{ TIPS FOR TOP AWARDS }

Tips for the top

Businesswomen from around the region
attended a popular information roadshow
hosted by the Enterprise Vision Awards
(EVA) team. The event, held at the RBS
Tower in Spinningfields Square, Manchester,
attracted a variety of female business
owners who were seeking top tips and skills.
Gemma Voaden, survey director at All
Survey Ltd and winner of the 2016 Small
Business of the Year award at last years
EVAs, spoke to more than 40 ladies,
offering hints and tips about succeeding
and entering the awards.
Coral Horn, organiser of the Enterprise
Vision Awards and founder of networking
group Pink Link Ladies, said: The turnout at
the Manchester information roadshow was
outstanding, it really was fantastic to meet
so many different women from the North
West who were new to the awards.
Sonya Bithell

Mandy Tythe-McCallum and Maria Lee Lydia Howbrook and Vicky Tickle Lottie Griffiths, Fiona Gaskell and Stacey Hogan

Sonya Bithell, Samantha Clifford, Mandy Tythe-McCallum and Nicky Metcalfe Gemma Voaden, Jackie Hyde, Helen Dixon and Ruth Wyers

98 lancashirelife.co.uk
 Parquet Designs

European Oak Boards 23 years ago you laid the oak

oor in our house and it has
served us really well since then.
The refurbishment you have just
completed has brought the oor
up as good if not better than
new. Thank you very much.
The oors look stunning. Also
really appreciated the skilled
and professional work of your
Versailles Pattern Panels colleagues. D.& J.H Brinscall
(17th December 2014)

Scandaoor
producers, designers and installers of traditional

Solid Wood Flooring

for Homes, Hotels, Restaurants, Churches & Schools - since 1985

Call 01253 714907

for a survey, presentation & estimate

www.scandaoor.co.uk

All of the guests at the 25th anniversary party staged at the De Vere Herons Reach
{ ANNIVERSARY BOOSTS CHARITY }
Celebrating 25 years
Businesses from across the UK joined Leith
Planning to celebrate its 25th anniversary
at the De Vere Hotel, Blackpool. Over 100
guests enjoyed exceptional food and
entertainment at the private rooms
overlooking Herons Reach golf course.
Theevent also held a charity auction for
Cancer Research which was a great
Alice Plenderleith, Michelle Nicholls,
SamanthaDassanaike and Sally Plenderleith
Philip Philippou, Ken Wilson, Chris Betts,
Luke Fay, Rob Chambers, Jason Borrows,
Nick Nicholas, Stella and Peter Petrou
100
PHOTOGRAPHY: DANIELLE GORNER
success, with the money raised supporting
its vital work.
Leith Plannings owner, Chris
Plenderleith, was touched by the support
and said: As a family run business it was
great to see so many friends and family,
oldand new, celebrating our journey and
we look forward to the next 25 years.
Owner Chris Plenderleith and his wife, Sally
Shan Dassanaike and Wayne and Joanna Farnworth, Tony and Ann Whitehead, Marc and
LeeBloomberg Heidi Whitehead and Neil Mallalieu
Alec Hickey, Alice Plenderleith, Paige Linley, Sally Plenderleith, Samantha Dassanaike,
ChrisPlenderleith, Rebecca Booth, Lee Bloomberg, Scott Bracken, Stephen Sandford,
JohannaLucketti and Shan Dassanaike
lancashirelife.co.uk
Our vision is a simple one
To deliver our clients aspirations, protect their
interests and ensure that the customer experience
is exceptional. This is all underpinned by exquisite
client care and hard working family values.

www.leithplanning.co.uk T: 01253 795548 M: 07885420398

14 South Clifton Street, Lytham, Lancs FY8 5HN
Ofces also located in Central London

www.facebook.com/The-Leith-Planning-Ltd-Group-141867812567177
www.linkedin.com/in/leith-planning-group-62692858
www.instagram.com/leithplanning
 Creative Floorcovering & Rugs by

CRUCIAL TRADING

Our family run company specialises in the import and retail of beautiful stone and porcelain tiles for the home.
We are one of the largest stockists of stone tiles in the North West of England and have a well appointed showroom
which exhibits our full range of limestones, agstones, marbles, porcelain tiles, wood ooring and lighting.

STONE TILES & PORCELAIN TILES

WOOD FLOORING & RUGS
HURLINGHAM BATHS & RADIATORS
FEISS & HINKLEY LIGHTING

NEW SHOWROOM
Pure Stone Ltd, Prizet Court, Nr Kendal LA8 8AA
T: 015395 61307 M: 07909 674 385

www.pure-stone.co.uk
 LAKE DISTRICT LIFE

The view to Great Gable

Celebrating this world class region

LANCASHIRE LIFE August 2017 103

 ON THE
WORLD
STAGE
After being granted World Heritage status, work begins to build
a successful future for the Lake District, writes Paul Mackenzie
PHOTO: MICHAEL_CONRAD/THINKSTOCK

104 lancashirelife.co.uk

THE Lake Districts inclusion on the
Unesco list of World Heritage sites
has been greeted with joy across
the region. After more than 20
years of trying, the national park
was added to the list last month,
putting it alongside the likes of the
Grand Canyon, the Taj Mahal and
the Great Wall of China as one of
the worlds most special places.
For those of us who know the
area well, its easy to see why the
Unesco committee reached the
decision. Its a place of superlatives
Englands largest natural lake,
the countrys highest mountain,
and the most beautiful scenery. It
has inspired some of the best loved
writers, artists and poets and it now
attracts about 18m visitors a year
who spend a total of 1.2bn and
sustain in the region of 18,000 jobs.
It is the 31st place in the UK and
overseas territories to be put on the
Unesco World Heritage List and as
they announced their decision, the
delegates praised the areas beauty,
farming and the inspiration it had
provided to artists and writers.
But they also wanted the impact of
tourism be monitored, improvements
in conservation efforts and called
for more affordable housing.
And those concerns have been
echoed by Douglas Chalmers, chief
executive of the Friends of the Lake
District group. He told Lancashire
Life: We want to see cultural heritage
continue to evolve with no landscape
harm in the future, and have some
concerns that the resultant increase
in publicity and awareness of the
Lake District may lead to more
unsustainable tourism whether an
increase in international ights or,
and more directly affecting the area,
an increase in car journeys and the
threat of inappropriate developments.
We see an opportunity to
develop and adopt more sustainable
tourism practices and transport
solutions that reduce the risk
of harm to our landscape yet
contribute to an economic benet.
We would like to see the status
used as a focus to grow the value
of sustainable tourism by giving
people more reasons to make day
visits and sustained visits while
ensuring the landscapes they come
to enjoy are managed appropriately.
And he added: This gives
Douglas Chalmers, chief
executive of the Friends everyone involved in protecting
of the Lake District and enhancing the Lake District
LAKE DISTRICT LIFE
National Park a fresh opportunity to
ensure that the park is managed in
a sustainable way to guarantee the
unique qualities of the Lake District
are there for future generations to
discover. Achieving Word Heritage
Site status provides a further level
of accountability for us all.
Winning this status marks the
beginning of a new adventure and
there is still much to do to ensure
the threats and opportunities
are balanced appropriately.
Steve Ratcliffe, director of
sustainable development at the
Lake District National Park,
said the application had been a
long time in the making and
he was incredibly proud of the
landscape which has been shaped
by nature, farming and industry.
He told the committee: The
Lake District now becomes an
international and global property
and we look forward to working
with you and our communities to
make sure this site inspires future
generations around the world.
The UK now has 31 world
heritage sites including Stonehenge,
Durham Castle and Cathedral,
and the city of Bath, the Tower of
London, Canterbury Cathedral
and the Giants Causeway.
Lord Clark of Windermere, who
chaired the Lake Districts bid, said
the decision recognised the regions
contribution to culture, art and
literature, as well as its landscape.
He said: It is this exceptional
blend which makes our Lake District
so spectacularly unique and we
are delighted Unesco has agreed.
A great many people have come
together to make this happen and
we believe the decision will have
long and lasting benets for the
spectacular Lake District landscape,
the 18m visitors we welcome every
year and for the people who call
the national park their home.
Nigel Wilkinson, managing
director of Windermere Lake
Cruises, added: World Heritage
Status is another opportunity
to build the reputation of the
Lake District internationally.
We think it will be a great way
to help encourage international
visitors to venture outside London
and highlight the Lake District, as the
favoured destination to prospective
visitors from a wide variety of
countries around the globe. 
105
LAKE DISTRICT LIFE
FROM THE WATER
Take to the water and enjoy a day on
one of the Ullswater Steamers. This
award winning environmentally
accredited attraction runs a serpentine
course for eight miles through
picturesque views of Lakelands highest
mountains, with journey times varying
from 20 to 120 minutes. The cruises also
connect to some of the most famous
and iconic walking routes in the National
Park, meaning you and the family can
take in even more fantastic history and
scenery.
Ullswater Steamers, The Pier House,
Glenridding, CA11 0US, ullswater-
steamers.co.uk
THREE HOMES TO VISIT
Couple walking in the
grounds of Muncaster
(Picture: Cumbria Tourism)
MUCASTER CASTLE
The fabulously imposing Muncaster
Castle has been home to the Pennington
family for more than 800 years and it
now attracts tens of thousands of
visitors. Some come for the splendid
architecture, historic rooms and
beautiful furniture, others area drawn by
the 80 acres of glorious gardens which
feature hardwood trees planted in the
Towns and villages across Lakeland put on a show every summer and some of the biggest and best happen this month
Wednesday 2 August: Cartmel Show,
rural family entertainment in the
parkland at Cartmel Racecourse.
cartmelagriculturalsociety.org.uk.
Tuesday 8 August: Lunesdale Show, a
traditional country show held in
Underley Park, Raygarth,.
lunesdaleshow.org.uk.
Saturday 12 to Sunday 13 August:
Lowther Show, country crafts and
106
WAYS TO SEE THE
NEWEST WORLD
HERITAGE SITE
FROM ABOVE
This one is not just for children!
Even the biggest of kids can
have fun running along over
1500m2 of netted tree canopy
in Windermere, suspended
40ft off the ground. From
giant trampolines and
walkways to slides and tunnels
surrounded by 3m high walls
of netting, its an adventurous
yet safe way for all to play up
high in the trees and you
dont need harnesses.
Treetop Nets, Brockhole on
Windermere, Windermere,
LA23 1LJ, treetopnets.co.uk
18th century by the first Lord Muncaster
as well as splendid collections of
rhododendrons, camellias, hydrangeas
and maples. The grounds also host
events, such as the Three Inch Fools
production of Shakespeares Romeo and
Juliet, which will be performed on the
castle lawn on Sunday August 6th.
For tickets and more information, go to
muncaster.co.uk.
I T S S H OW T I M E
activities in the grounds of Lowther
Castle, lowthershow.co.uk.
Thursday 17 August: Rydal Show,
the 114th sheepdog trials and hound
show will also feature catering,
shopping and trade stalls. rydalshow.
co.uk.
Saturday 19 August: Gosforth Show,
animal classes, steam machinery,
wrestling, entertainment what
FROM BELOW
The last working slate
mine in England and home
to the iconic Westmorland
Green Slate, Honister Slate
Mine offers a range of
indoor and outdoor
adventures for a range of
ages and abilities. Get your
adrenaline pumping and
head deep inside the heart Will you brave the Infinity Bridge at Honister?
of the mountain to climb
the mine, make your way across the
Infinity Bridge, which is strung across for all the family if its a rainy summer
a gorge high up on the mountain,
2,000 feet above the valley floor or
take part in a fully guided
BRANTWOOD
The former home of John
Ruskin, this historic house is
now a museum and vibrant
centre for the arts.
Brantwood has a wealth of
things to see and do for the
whole family, and offers an
interesting insight into the
world of the critic, painter
and poet and the last 28
years of his life spent here.
Filled with many fine
paintings, beautiful
furniture and Ruskins
personal treasures, visitors
are free to explore the
rooms and there are a range
of quizzes and activities for
children.
The Brantwood Trust,
Coniston, LA21 8AD,
brantwood.org.uk
more do you need? gosforthshow.
co.uk
Tuesday 22 August: Hawkshead
Show, a full day of rural entertainment
with animal classes taking centre
stage. hawksheadshow.co.uk.
Sunday 27 August: Grasmere
Sports, a regular since 1868, its one
of the most popular events around
with races, wrestling and dogs on
underground tour which is perfect
day.
Honister Pass, Borrowdale,
Keswick, CA12 5XN, honister.com
BLACKWELL ARTS AND
CRAFTS HOUSE
This summer, Blackwell celebrates
Arthur Ransomes classic novel,
Swallows and Amazons, which like
the historic house, was inspired by
the Lake District. Running until
September 3, the tale is brought
to life with an exhibition featuring
props from the 2016 film and
objects from the Ransome archive
borrowed from Blackwells sister
museum, the Museum of Lakeland
Life and Industry in Kendal.
Theres also an indoor recreation
of the Walker childrens campsite
on Wildcat Island plus a childrens
trail and craft activities for the
whole family to enjoy.
Blackwell, The Arts & Crafts
House, Bowness-on-
Windermere, LA23 3JT,
blackwell.org.uk
show. www.grasmeresports.com.
Monday 28 August: Black Combe
Country Fair, traditional crafts, sports,
vintage vehicles and entertainment.
blackcombecountryfair.co.uk
Wednesday 30 August: Ennerdale
Show, animal classes are the main
event, with traditional crafts, sporting
events and hound trailing too.
ennerdaleshow.co.uk.
lancashirelife.co.uk
LANCASHIRE LIFE August 2017 107
 LITTLE GREEN
MONSTERS
Its over here and over grown an invasive plant that could pose
a major threat to the Lakes economy
A DEDICATED army of Lake
District volunteers are ghting
a rearguard action against a
formidable foe alien invaders
that can even wrap around the
necks of unsuspecting swimmers.
The reality might not be quite as
spectacular as a horror movie but
the threat is far more real. In fact,
some believe it poses a greater
threat than climate change.
These aliens nd their
way into our lakes, along the
riverbanks and across the
countryside and they are,
almost without exception,
monsters of our own creation.
National Trust rangers and
volunteers across the Lake District
PICTURE: STUART HOLMES
108
are now spending more than 350
days a year tackling the growing
problem of non-native invasive
plant species in the area.
And they could be ghting
a losing battle unless
everyone does their bit to halt
their relentless march.
Some seem like quintessential
Lakeland plants. These include
the rhododendron. Its owers
might look the part but the
several million seeds they
produce each year see them
dominating areas and making
them immensely difcult to
remove. National Trust rangers
have been trying to repel them
for more than 15 years in places
like Windermeres west shore,
Monk Coniston and Wray Castle.
These thugs of the plant
world prevent native owers
from growing and can impact
on trees by damaging the
surrounding habitat.
Their leaves and buds
contain toxic chemicals that
are indigestible to grazing
animals and poisonous to
humans and bees. Rhody
bashing - where the branches
are cut down to the stump - is
taking place to remove as many
as possible over the coming
weeks before the plants seed.
Himalayan balsam is good
for bees but not much else. If
A National Trust
team clearing
pigmyweed from
Derwentwater
lancashirelife.co.uk

not kept in check, it threatens to
destroy the areas diverse natural
habitats. Large scale bashing has
to take place every three weeks
in Langdale to stop seeds from
setting and National Trust rangers
work in partnership with South
Cumbria Rivers Trust on regular
bashes around Windermere,
Langdale and Ullswater.
Japanese knotweed is a name
to strike terror in the heart of any
homeowner. But it has been in this
region for some 90 years and its
small pink owers can be spotted
in some of the areas valued
habitats including Sandscale Haws
near Barrow-in-Furness where it
spreads quickly and out-competes
native species by preventing
sunlight from reaching them.
Rangers and volunteers have
to cut, burn and treat the area
each year to avoid re-growth.
One of the latest and most
pernicious is Crassula helmsii,
known as swamp stonecrop or
New Zealand pigmyweed and
the bad news is that it has set
up home in Derwentwater.
According to Penny Webb, the
Lakes countryside manager at
the National Trust, it is almost
impossible to eradicate and
grows 200 times faster than
native pond plants. Aliens such
as Crassula pose problems on
a global scale, impacting on
native species and threatening
recreational income for locations
such as the Lakes, she said.
There is an argument to say
it is a bigger threat to habitats
than global warming. Despite
this, it is not being agged up
by the Government. There
needs to be a rise in awareness
before it is too late.
PICTURE: ROLAND WICKSTEED
Rangers in the Lakes clearing
Himalayan balsam
LANCASHIRE LIFE August 2017
A volunteer at Littledale Hall in north Lancashire tackling rhododendron
One of the latest and most
pernicious invaders is Crassula
helmsii, or New Zealand pigmyweed,
and the bad news is that it has set
up home in Derwentwater
Crassula arrived in the UK
from Australasia just before
the First World War as a way
of oxygenating aquariums. It
has had the opposite effect,
strangling the life out of water
courses with thick matted areas
that can be three metres deep.
Native plants are threatened,
sh die due through a lack of
oxygen in the lake and water
sports such as swimming and
boating become impossible
as the lake becomes choked.
There have even been reports
of wild swimmers coming
from the water with Crassula
wrapped around their necks.
And it is so vigorous only
Spraying Rosa Rugosa, another invasive species from
the Far East which is taking a grip
XXXXXX
takes a small piece to spread it to
other lakes. So far, Buttermere,
Crummock Water and Loweswater
have remained clear and Penny
and the team are involved in
a public education exercise to
make people aware of the need
to clean canoes, wet suits, boots
and dogs at the waterside before
moving on to other locations.
The only option for volunteers
is to cut and physically remove
the Crassula by hand and this
is helping to keep it from taking
over. The wind has also helped,
conning it mainly to the
eastern side of Derwentwater
although it has been spotted in
the channel by Lords Island.
Doing nothing isnt an
option, said Penny. If we ignore
the problem it will spread to
other lakes and the economic
benets the region gets from
the lakes will be lost.
Some research is going on
around the country to nd the
best way to control this mean
green machine but, for now, the
visitors need to wash their kit
and the regions volunteers need
to keep bashing and slashing
for all theyre worth.
Anyone interested in nding out more
about supporting the work of the
National Trust in the Lake District
should visit www.nationaltrust.
org.uk/lakedistrict. For more
information on the South Cumbria
Rivers Trust invasive plants summer
work party dates, visit scrt.co.uk.
109
escape, relax & unwind...
at this hidden oasis, just a two minute stroll from the Lake
and shops, with ample parking and lots of walks nearby.

Bowness on Windermere
www.burnhow.co.uk | tel. 015394 46226

110 lancashirelife.co.uk
 WICKEDLY
WONDERFUL
The Lowther family have made an indelible mark on the landscape and
now an exhibition at their ancestral home tells the full fascinating story
IT is impossible to pass Lowther Castle
without being intrigued by its past. This
spine-tingling shell of a building, once
compared favourably to the palaces of the
Chinese emperors, is lled with the ghosts
of a family of remarkable people who made
fortunes and feckless sons who spent them.
This is a long and fascinating story
involving Vikings, vegetarians, secret
weapons and an ancestor known as Wicked
Jimmy and it is being told in full thanks to
Jim Lowther, current owner of the castle
and a member of the 850-year-old dynasty.
He decided to tell the story of his
family, the castle and gardens in
an exhibition entitled The Story of
Lowther. It is now open to the public.
The opening of this exhibition marks
the culmination of a dynamic 20-year
112
restoration project, in which we have been
working to add new purpose to the castle
and the gardens, he said. Our aim is to
make Lowther Castle one of the norths
most enticing visitor attractions. In words
and objects, with colour and a great deal
of chutzpah, the exhibition brings Lowther
Castle and its rich history vividly to life.
Jim doesnt exaggerate. This exhibition
opens with a room made out as the castle
tower showing its perilous state in the
1950s. Visitors are then taken back to the
Above: Dan Pearson, left,
with Jim Lowther
beginnings, when Doln, a man of Viking
descent, settled in 1150 by the river Lowther.
Below: Lowther Castle is a The story tells of the Lowthers constant
magical place to visit battle with the Scots while they consolidated
their lands and status. One of the jewels
in this room is the original seal of 1283,
granted to Hugh de Lowther by Edward I.
lancashirelife.co.uk

Another highlight is the ledger of Viscount
Lonsdale in which he lays down his reasons
for being a vegetarian highly unusual for
the landed gentry in the 17th century.
The vast wealth created by the 18th
century ancestor Sir James Lowther of
Lowther derived from coal and land,
including plantations in Barbados, and the
power through involvement in politics.
One of the more alarming family members
was Wicked Jimmy, a demonic character
and the room devoted to him takes a look at
A 1283 seal given to Hugh the many facets of his personality, the walls
de Lowther by Edward i
Displays chart the history of the family and the castle
LAKE DISTRICT LIFE
An aerial picture of the castle taken in 1939
painted dark grey and the windows kept
closed to hint at his stormy nature. Lowthers
appalling treatment of his political agent,
John Wordsworth, the father of poet William,
is represented with some of the original
legal papers from their long legal battles.
Despite marrying Mary Crichton-Stuart,
daughter of John Stuart, 3rd Earl of Bute and
Mary Wortley-Montagu, in 1761 he had a
string of mistresses. One he fell in love with
was the daughter of a tenant and when she
died he could not bear to have her buried.
The body remained lying in bed until the
113
Wicked Jimmy, also
known as the Tyrant of
the North

114 lancashirelife.co.uk
 LAKE DISTRICT LIFE

increasing putrefaction became unbearable.

He then had her body placed in a glass topped
cofn and kept in a cupboard. Eventually,
the poor woman was taken to a cemetery.
The room also features the stunning silver
collection that remains in the family the
bulk of it bought in the 1750s by Wicked
Jimmy and his mother on one of their
sprees to Garrard & Co. This collection
includes the Pitt Salver, a gift to the
Lonsdales from Pitt the Youngers family.
Perhaps the showpiece of the Lowther
exhibition is the Yellow Room yellow
oor, yellow walls, yellow ceiling devoted
to the history of Hugh Cecil Lowther
(1882-1936).No surprise to discover
he was known as the Yellow Earl.
The amboyant Earl was said to be a
boxer, horseman, compulsive show-off,
enthusiastic ladies man and spendthrift.
The room recreates a dinner at Lowther
with Kaiser Wilhelm II, a shooting guest
at the castle on a number of occasions. Some of the grandeur of the castle interior has been reconstructed
During the war, Lowther Castle was
requisitioned by the army. They spent estate with a desire to concentrate on
three years experimenting with a secret farming. He saw Lowther Castle as an
weapon and photographs in the exhibition extravagance and said it was a place that
reveal a tank on night manoeuvres. exemplied gross imperial decadence
In 1953 James Lowther inherited the during a period of abject poverty.
The army had damaged the grounds
and buildings and the castle had remained
The amboyant empty for many years. James couldnt even
Earl was said give the place away so nances forced
to be a boxer, him to demolish parts of the property.
horseman, He left the shell of the castle intact as
compulsive a silhouette. The forecourt became pig
show-off, pens and the concrete on the south lawns
enthusiastic laid by the army was a base for a broiler
ladies man and chicken factory. The remainder of the
spendthrift gardens were used for timber plantation.
Happily, this tale doesnt end there
thanks to Jim Lowther. His story of Lowther
itself is a one of endeavour, enterprise
and energy and this is a step in Lowther
Castles journey to becoming one of the UKs
The salver given to the family by Pitt the Younger most impressive visitor destinations.

G LO R I O U S G A R D E N S

A visit to Lowther is not complete
without a tour of the stunning
grounds which have been designed
by gardening guru, writer and
broadcaster Dan Pearson.
They represent pockets of charm,
drama and rarity in equal measure.
They include the great Yew Walk, the
Roman Bath, the now half-forgotten
Iris Garden, the all-new parterre and
Pearsons imaginative planting of
what was once the billiard room.
You can also join head gardener
Martin Ogle for a 90-minute guided
tour. He has been working at Lowther
since 2012 and his knowledge of the
whole garden project and future
plans is unrivalled.
Children will also be entertained.
The Lost Castle is a huge adventure
playground built from more than
18,000 metres of sustainably grown
timber. The structure is an echo of
Lowther Castle itself, with the
addition of turrets, zipwires,
walkways and slides.
Lowther Castle is located at
Lowther, near Penrith, CA10 2HH.
For more information go to
www.lowthercastle.org

LANCASHIRE LIFE August 2017 115

SUBSCRIBE & SAVE 40%
& claim your welcome gift

Worth
39.95!

12 issues of Lancashire Life for just 24.85, saving

40% or 31.05 by credit / debit card and receive a
set of 5 books from the Enid Blyton spoof range
The new Enid Blyton for Grown-Ups series written by Bruno Vincent brings
the beloved characters from The Famous Five into a modern and somewhat mystifying
adult world. The books include Julian, George, Dick, and Anne re-imagined as adults
in a way that teems with humour not forgetting their dog Timmy!
Enjoy as your welcome gift when you subscribe today.

116 lancashirelife.co.uk
 SUBSCRIPTION OFFER

DONT MISS NEXT MONTHS

Lancashire Life
Itll be packed with great features from across the region

Youll have a chance to win a luxury break at The

Trout, a lovely hotel on the banks of the River Eden

Well be
bringing you
our weddings
special a
must for
budding
brides and
grooms

And well be
taking a trip to
Cartmel, one of
the most
vibrant and
most beautiful
communities
in the north

If you love life in Lancashire

and the Lake District, youll love
Lancashire Life. On sale August 23

SUBSCRIBE TODAY
Get the essential guide to
Lancashire delivered to your
door every month
Visit www.subsave.co.uk/LAN

SUBSCRIBING IS SIMPLE
www.subscriptionsave.co.uk/LAN 01858 438840 quoting CMM17X8B
Lines are open 8am-9.30pm, Mon-Fri and 8am-4pm Saturdays. T&Cs: This is a UK only offer. Savings
are based on the cover price. After your rst 12 issues, your subscription will continue at a 35% saving
by annual Direct Debit. Free cover mount gifts with the magazine are not included in subscriber copies.
Gift available whilst stocks last. Please allow up to 28 days for your gift to arrive. Offer ends 23/08/17.

117
 The Old Man
has still got it!
However many times you tackle
Conistons iconic peak, a bright day
never fails to inspire. John Lenehan
takes the easy trail
THIS walk has a bit of everything
the Lake District has to offer with
magnicent views, two great
mountains, hidden tarns and,
best of all, by doing the walk
the way I suggest, it involves a
lot less steep climbing to reach
the summits of the two peaks.
The starting point of this walk
means that straight away you are
up in the fells. Purists might take
the view that this walk should
start in the village of Coniston but
to reach my starting point on foot
involves a trudge up a steep single-
track road from the village. Given
the number of cars usually on the
car park it seems I am not alone
in taking the motorised option.
THE WALK
1
Leave the car parking area
and follow the Walna Scar
Road. The track is wide and the
walking is very good but eventually
a few short steep sections are
encountered and the track is
a little rough but still good.
On the Walna Scar Road towards Dow Crag
118
If there are a lot of walkers
2
en route it is quite probable
that most of them will leave the
Walna Scar Road at this point and
go right to climb the good path up
to Goats Water and Goats Hawse.
It can be tempting to follow the
crowd when walking on a new
route but resist the temptation to
follow the majority at this point
and keep on the Walna Scar
Road. Carry on to Torver Bridge
and a lovely stone foot bridge
then take time to look up the
valley behind you and admire
the view between Dow Crag and Coniston Village from The Old Man
the rounded western anks of
Coniston Old Man on the right. was the result of the same sequence
of natural events that formed Dow
Note: Dow Crag and Coniston Old Crag. Much later men searching
Man are two dramatic Lake District for slate gouged massive quarries
mountains but in different ways. The and soon tunnels were driven into
drama of Dow Crag is natural. Its the mountain and millions of tons of
near vertical eastern face, with its slate were ripped out. It is probably
huge crags plunging hundreds of one of the most visited summits in
feet from the summit to the deep tarn the Lake District but I wonder how
of Goats Water, was created by Ice many of the thousands that stand on
Age glaciers and subsequent erosion. the top realise that below their feet
The dramatic Coniston Old Man the mountain is virtually hollow!
Dow Crag from Brown Pike
lancashirelife.co.uk

Carry on following the track as
it leaves the bridge and starts
to climb gradually then steeply
to the coll that is the Walna
Scar Pass and the summit of the
Walna Scar Road that from here
descends into Dunnerdale.
On a clear day the view as
you reach this point over to
Harter Fell and the Scafell
range is breathtaking.
3
At the coll take the obvious
wide track that goes right and
starts to climb the ank of Brown
Pike. It is a little steep in places but
it is relatively short and, once on
the summit of Brown Pike, the path
to Dow Crag summit is obvious.
Dow Crag looks huge and the path
below it looks steep, but the height
difference between the two is 315
feet and this is spread pretty evenly
along the length of the ridge. In
reality, it is pretty easy walking.
4
Brown Pike Summit. The
views just get better as now
to the left the Isle of Man comes
into view and to the right beyond
LANCASHIRE LIFE August 2017
the almost vertical plunge into
the valley Coniston Lake and
Morecambe Bay stand out as does
the bulk of Coniston Old Man
opposite. Follow the path as it
skirts the ridge with the valley on
the right and pass the heads of the
huge gullies that cut the eastern
crags of Dow Crag. It is easy now
to see why they should not be
used as an escape route in bad
weather. The terrain now becomes
rocky from to Dow Crag summit.
Dow Crag summit is on top
5
of a small steep rocky tower
and a bit of scrambling is required
to actually stand on it. It is not
really serious rock climbing but
does require using hands to get
up it. This has got to be the place
to eat lunch on a warm, clear day
and admire the stunning views.
Leave the summit but, for obvious
reasons, not on the valley side and
scramble back to the path then
bear right and follow the path that
is now a little indistinct down to
the coll that is Goats Hawse.
LAKE DISTRICT WALK
Note: Once at Goats Hawse take
time to walk over to the left away
from the Goats Water side and
admire the view over Seathwaite
Tarn and on to Harter Fell that
from here looks a perfect pyramid.
Cross the Hawse and start to climb
the good path uphill keeping right
at the fork then keep on the path
as it bears right and uphill towards
the summit of Coniston Old Man.
The path is steep as it leaves the
Hawse but gradually gets less as
it reaches the summit ridge.
Note: To the left of the ridge, the
anks of the Old Man take a different
appearance. Gone are the rounded
western slopes that have been on view
for the majority of the walk. The north-
eastern side is the complete opposite
and crags plunge vertically into the
cove containing Low Water Tarn. The
views are good but, in my opinion, not
quite as good as the views from Dow
Crag. Wetherlam across the valley
really does stand out as the impressive
mountain it truly is. The valley
between the two mountains looks
peaceful today but over 100 years ago
this was one of the most industrialised
places in the Lake District. Copper
mines riddle the slopes of Wetherlam
and Swirl How above Levers Water
and slate mines riddle the slopes of
Coniston Old Man and the produce of
both was cut, milled or crushed in huge
factories that once sat in the valley.
The noise must have been incredible.
Coniston Old Man summit.
6
It is fair to say that on a nice
sunny day you are very unlikely
to be alone on this spot. The
day we did the walk there must
have been 40 people in various
parties admiring the view. 
Coniston Old Man Summit
119
LAKE DISTRICT WALK

{ COMPASS POINTS }

CROWN COPYRIGHT 2017 ORDNANCE SURVEY. MEDIA 013/17

Note: The proximity of the mountain
to Coniston and the fact that the 7
car park on the Walna Scar Road 6
makes it a relatively easy spot to
start the climb to the summit makes 5
it a very popular tourist mountain.
That doesnt mean that the climb up
from there or Coniston is easy as it
certainly isnt and there must be many
sore legs of rst time mountaineers
that have underestimated it. Start/finish 1

Leave the summit and take

7
the obvious path that heads
down in the direction of Coniston. 4 2
The path is very steep and rocky
but in places it is stepped to help 3
ease erosion. It turns into the
cove and below some old quarry
Start and Finish: Car bit of steep hill very steep at first and the gullies down to
workings then winds its way
park area Walna Scar walking but mainly on rocky. Good boots are Goats Water they
down to Low Water and runs Road above Coniston good tracks and a must and walking are dangerous.
parallel before bending right away Village paths. The descent poles would help on
from it and carries on down hill. from Dow Crag to some sections if your Map: OL6 The English
Eventually the path reaches the Distance: 6 Goats Hawse is rocky knees are a bit dodgy. Lakes South Western
ruins of what was a slate cutting Miles/9.65 Km and the path is not as It is important for Area
building with the rusted shell distinct as the rest of walkers to note that in
Time: 4.5 Hours the walk and the bad weather DO NOT Facilities: Public
of what was once the electric
descent from try to descend from Toilets in Coniston
motor that ran the saw inside it. Terrain: Obviously a Village.
Coniston Old Man is Dow Crag via any of
The motor was made in Leeds.

Note: This area gives an insight

into how massive the workings were.
Scattered around are the huge wire
ropes that were part of an aerial
overhead cable system that transported
the rough slate from the workings
above on and inside the mountain to
be cut. If you look up the mountain
there are still some support towers for
the wire ropes in place. There are also
railway tracks in place that carried
the slate to and from the cutting saw.
Keep following the path as it skirts
past a man made support wall
and step over the two wire ropes
that cross the path and keep going
down hill. Eventually over to the
right you can see the distant car
park area on the Walna Scar Road.
8
The path eventually turns
into a track and meets
with the paths coming up out
of the valley. The track itself
bends sharp right here so simply
this all the way to the Walna
Scar Road car park area.
Watering Hole: The
Crown Inn, Coniston
John, my friend, and I ordered steak pie
and chips and what a steak pie it was.
Huge would be an understatement and it
looked as though the landlord had bought
extra large plates to fit it all on. It was very
good but did eventually defeat us. There is
also a good range of real ales including a
wonderful pint of Golden Ale. As driver I
had to make do with orange cordial.
The Crown Inn, Coniston 015394 41243
info@crowninnconiston.com

Explore Lancashire
Ordnance Survey maps are
available from all good
booksellers and outdoor
stores or visit our online shop
www.ordnancesurvey.co.uk/al

Wetherlam from Coniston Old Man

120 lancashirelife.co.uk
COMPETITION

WIN A NIGHT AT
STUNNING
SHARROW BAY
This hotel has to be in one of the most breathtaking locations in the country

ENJOY a leisurely dinner at Sharrow

Bay, and wake up to glorious views!
Sharrow Bay is offering one night stay
including dinner, bed & breakfast.
Your stay will be in a deluxe room,
midweek, allowing you to relax in
the old world charm and hospitality
of the original Country House Hotel,
in one of the most secluded yet
dramatic locations on Ullswater.
Steeped in history and culture
the stunning Ullswater valley has
changed very little in centuries but it
is now home to outdoor adventures,
too. It really does have it all.
The hotel is cradled in one of the most
heavenly landscapes you could ever
dream of. Take the most leisurely option
of a cruise along the lake and decide
for yourself if Wordsworth was right
when he declared that Ullswater has
the happiest combination of beauty and
grandeur that any of the lakes afford.

For your chance to win, simply answer the following question:

WHICH DELICIOUS Submit your answer via our Terms and Conditions the date of announcing the winner,
POPULAR DESSERT DID website www.lancashirelife. The prize is available Monday and is not transferable to a cash
SHARROW BAY CREATE? co.uk or send your answer, on to Thursday, in a deluxe room, alternative. Extra activities are
a postcard with full contact subject to availability at the time not included in the prize. For full
A) Peach Melba details including your email of booking, extras including drinks, Archant terms and conditions and
B) Sticky Toffee Pudding address and mobile number are to be settled by the guest at opt-out, please visit our website.
C) Bread and Butter Pudding to: Lancashire Life, Sharrow the time of departure. Deposit and Sharrow Bay, Ullswater, Penrith,
Bay Competition, cancellation fees do not apply, but Cumbria, CA10 2LZ. t: 01768
The winners will be the first Whitehouse, Wilderspool the prize will be counted as used if 486301 e: info@sharrowbay.co.uk
correct entries drawn after Business Park, Greenhalls cancelled at short notice, (7 days www.sharrowbay.co.uk
the closing date of August 10. Avenue, Warrington, WA4 or less before the date of the visit). fb: @sharrowbayhotel
The editors decision is final. 6HL The prize is valid for 6 months from Twitter: @sharrowbay

122 lancashirelife.co.uk
WHEELER A Fleetwood business founded on the supply of fossil
fuels is joining the chain gang of cycling enthusiasts,
writes Mike Glover. Photography: Sandy Kitching

Some of the Biketreks team, from the left, Tom Hallett, Keith Ronson, MD Simon Hockings and Simon Metcalfe

SIMON Hockings family rm
was founded on selling fuel to
motorists. But now it has taken a
new direction by expanding from
petrol pumps into pedal power.
Bicycles dont seem an obvious
t, but Simon is passionate about
the project and has opened a new
store, Biketreks, to cater for the
mounting interest in biking.
The Olympics of 2012 inspired
me to buy a bike to keep t,
said Simon, managing director
of AUK Investments, based in
Fleetwood. I was always into golf,
but I thoroughly enjoyed biking.
Everyone tells me its the new golf.
One of his companys six garage
forecourts is at Ings, on the A591
near Windermere. For years it
had been a popular stopping off
point known for its Little Chef.
He got together with his brother-
in-law, John Holt, an architect
based in Ramsbottom, to plan a
new look with a cafe, a bicycle
store and a convenience shop.
The cafe is run by Ambio, which
also has restaurants at Lakes Motor
Museum and Junction 36 Auction
Mart selling locally-sourced food,
cooked freshly to order. In the
meantime, AUK bought Biketreks an
existing bicycle shop in Ambleside,
which it is maintaining as its
primary mountain bike store.
It is perfectly placed to attract
a loyal customer base and stocks
a good range of brands aimed at
that market, including Orange,
Santa Cruz, Specialized, Scott,
Alchemy and Open. At the new
site at Ings we are focusing on road
bikes, hybrids, electric, ladies and
childrens bikes, said Simon.

124 lancashirelife.co.uk

DEALERS
It has its own specialist brands
of bikes, cycling clothing, showers
and changing rooms cater for
passing cyclists. Bike prices
range from around 500 to
10,000 for a bespoke machine
made up for the customer.
We have a team of highly
trained mechanics who will build
your bike and ensure the right
t to make sure it is perfect for
the customer, said Simon.
Both Ambleside and Ings have a
mechanics area for servicing, and
even hold evening classes for bike
maintenance for everything from
repairing a puncture to a full service.
Since 2012 we have all enjoyed
watching the Olympics and the
clutches of medals won by Team
GB, 25 per cent of which were
won by the cyclists. There is a new
young generation, and an older
generation, turning to cycling to
keep t and get out on the road.
And the Lake District is a
wonderful place to cycle both
off and on the road. The Tour of
Britain passed through with its
dramatic climb up Kirkstone Pass. It
is clear from the number of people
turning out to see such events
that cycling is really on the up.
The growth is an opportunity
to link up with one of our service
LANCASHIRE LIFE August 2017
stations. There is a Windermere
to Kendal cycle path which
comes through Ings where you
can stop, have a coffee and
have your bike attended to.
It all seems a long way from the
days when Simons father, Reginald,
who had a passion for walking
XXXXXX
and climbing in the Lake District,
borrowed money to buy his rst
petrol station at Plantation on the
A591, nearer Kendal, in 1967.
It was all a lot quieter then, with
the whole business being about
selling fuel, said Simon. While he is
MD, one brother ,Angus, is nance
director and another, Marcus, is
human resources director. They now
employ 65 staff across the group.
I like the idea of having bikes in
the mix, because of the growth of
that business with people coming to
the Lakes because they like to cycle.
There has always been a link
between petrol stations and the
leisure industry in the Lakes.
Once you had water-skiers lling
up their car from one pump
and their outboard motors at
another. Now a lot of motorists
have their bikes on board.
Simon is planning for the future
of his family rm. Daughter,
Sophie, aged 21, is studying
fashion journalism at Kings
Above: Simon College, London, while 19-year-
Metcalfe old son, Benjamin, is studying
working on a
engineering at Bristol University.
customised
mountain bike Its no surprise to discover that
in the Simon, who trained as accountant
workshop with Ernst & Young in Manchester,
has provided each with a cycle
to bike to and from studies.
Above and below: Biketreks has a full
range of cycling accessories
Left: Displays inside the Ings store
125
 Leaf garden buildings are
beautifully crafted high-end
outdoor buildings built to sit AS SEEN
beautifully in any garden and AT THE
CHESHIRE
withstand whatever the UK SHOW
weather throws at them.

Showroom: Unit C2 Bronte House,

Redgate Road, Ashton in Makereld,
WIGAN WN4 8DT | T: 01942 718483

www.leafgardenbuildings.co.uk
sheds@leafgardenbuildings.co.uk

128 lancashirelife.co.uk
 EVA AWARDS

ITS CRUNCH TIME

The shortlist is ready and soon nalists will be trying to
convince the judges that they should be EVA winners

THE wait is ofcially over as the nalists for

the coveted Enterprise Vision Awards have
been revealed. Hundreds of entries were
received for a raft of categories covering
a wide range of industries and skills.
Current and former winners as well as
new entrants have all made the shortlists for
the women in business awards, supported
by Lancashire Life. Finalists from across the
region will now gather at The Village Hotel,
Blackpool, where they will produce and perform
a presentation in front of a judging panel.
Then, the public will then be asked (L-R) Winner Julie Maughan from Woodhouse Opticians with
to cast their votes, but be quick voting sponsor Jane Cole from Blackpool Transport
opens on Monday, August 14 and closes
at midnight on Friday, September 8. shortlist are Michelle Billington, Chantel Beech
Coral Horn, organiser of the awards and founder and Morgan Grifn, plus a vast number of others.
of networking group Pink Link Ladies, said: Its Its great to see so many of the 2016 award
been so difcult to nalise the shortlists, there winners re-applying to win another award. But not
was so much quality on show and it isnt easy only that, its pleasing to see plenty of new entrants
having to rule people out. The standard of entries as well, Coral added. The EVAs are a specialised
has been the best yet. They just keep on getting awards that shines the light on women in business.
better and the awards are continuing to grow. Now in its seventh year, winners of the awards
Familiar faces on the nalist shortlist include will be announced at a black-tie ceremony at The
Lisa Jackson, a two-time award winner, who Winter Gardens in Blackpool on Friday, September
will be looking to scoop her third award, this 29, when the nalists will compete to win one of
time in the Professional Services category. the UKs most coveted female-only business awards
Others include current award holders, Julie in front of an audience of over 600 guests.
Maughan and Ami Sekhon, as well as Lydia
Upjohn, Julia Eastwood and Michelle Turnbull. For more information on the awards or to book
Newcomers to the awards who have made the tickets visit www.enterprisevisionawards.co.uk.

(L-R) Winner Lisa Jackson and award sponsor Rose Watkins from (L-R) Winner Lydia Upjohn with Sponsor Jenny Bird of Jenny Bird
Centaur Training Services (North West) Holistic Beauty Therapy

LANCASHIRE LIFE August 2017 129

 2 COURSES 15
AVAILABLE ALL DAY MONDAY TO WEDNESDAY
Weekly changing menu.

Aughton, Ormskirk, Call 01695 420883

Lancashire, L39 6SE to book and quote LL15

132 lancashirelife.co.uk
 FOOD & DRINK

Go Cuckoo for gin | The best al fresco dining

Say Yallo to rapeseed oil from Standish

PLUS: FOOD NEWS, REVIEWS AND RECIPES

LANCASHIRE LIFE August 2017 133

 STANDISHS
GOLD
FIELDS OF

Striking oil in Standish hasnt been easy for John

and Clare Wignall. But it has given them a golden
opportunity, as Emma Mayoh discovered

WHEN people drive down the lane it
denitely gives them a wow effect, said
John Wignall, farmer at Standish Hall Farm.
They cant quite believe it. Or that its so
rural being so close to Standish centre. You
feel like youre in the middle of nowhere.
I do love seeing peoples reactions. When I
walk across the elds to work every morning
I get that same feeling. It never wears off.
What visitors to Standish Hall Farm
dont realise is that path wouldnt even
be there without John. The 34-year-old
has almost single-handedly brought this
nearly 600 acre farm back into use.
His brother Derek, who has a background
in the food industry, bought the farm in
2011. It once was the home of Standish
Hall, the family seat of the Standish family
and has historical importance. But you
wouldnt have known it back then. It was
a neglected, unloved looking site that had
dilapidated, tumbling down agricultural
buildings and was in much need of attention.
It had been tenanted and no-one
had really been here for more than a
year, said John. It meant any issues just

John and Clare Wignall

of Wignalls Yallo

134 lancashirelife.co.uk

hadnt been tackled. So that was left to
us. It really wasnt in the best condition
and it was really quite overwhelming,
especially the rst time I saw it.
Since taking the farm on with Derek,
John has worked tirelessly getting the farm
back in working order. He has restored
old farm buildings to prevent them from
being lost, done extensive work on the
drainage of the land, as well as farming
using sustainable methods. Johns wife,
Clare, who joined the business full time
last August, Derek and the occasional
contractor have also helped with the work
but the lions share has been down to John.
I suppose when I look back it is a bit crazy,
said John. It has been a lot of hard work but
its something I have just done. And its not
just down to me. We have a small but brilliant
team here. Ive had Clare and Derek and
Sandra and Linda in the ofce who have given
up their weekends if its been necessary.
I am proud of whats been achieved. But
I still cant help focussing on whats still left
to do. Its a big job and a big responsibility.
LANCASHIRE LIFE August 2017
FOOD & DRINK
SEEDS OF
PLENTY
Rapeseed oil comes from
the seeds the oilseed rape
plant youll see fields full
of yellow flowers every
spring.
Other vegetable oils, like
Fields of oilseed rape at Standish Hall Farm olive and sunflower, are
mostly imported. It also
contains less saturated fat
But at the same time Ive always wanted to
than other commonly used
farm. And this is a special place to do that. cooking oils and fats.
Although John is modest about his
achievements, it is testament to his dedication John and Clare say Yallo
to farming. He grew up on a small farm has a subtle nutty taste
in Dalton with beef cattle and free-range that contributes a delicate
chickens and hed spend many evenings something extra,
boxing up eggs with his dad. He has always flavour-wise, to salad
dressings and dips, as well
worked on farms or been studying agriculture.
as for roasting and frying.
Clare, who met John while studying at
Myerscough College, has done similar. She Cold-pressed rapeseed oil
grew up on a mixed livestock farm and has huge nutritional
worked on her familys farm as a livestock benefits. It contains plant
specialist and assistant herdsperson. sterols and is a rich source
As Standish Hall Farm started to come of vitamin E, a natural
into working order, the couple began to antioxidant. Current advice
says we should be cutting
think of ways they could work the land.
down on all fats and
That idea was to produce rapeseed oil. All of replacing saturated fat in
the oil seed rape is sown, grown, harvested our diets with some
and pressed into oil on site. There are no unsaturated fat, like cold
food miles during the production process. pressed rapeseed oil.
They use a single seed variety too, making
the product purer and better quality. Cold-pressed rapeseed oil
is a good source of omega
The Wignalls Yallo oil is cold-pressed all
3, 6 and 9.
the oil from the seeds is squeezed out and 
135
FOOD & DRINK
is naturally processed without
heat or chemicals. This means
the natural avour is retained
and none of the goodness is lost.
Its an amazing crop, said John.
There might be times when we
think its not going to work and
then it owers and its incredible.
We only use single seed
too which makes for the
best taste. People love it.
They have also adopted
sustainable farming methods to
improve the oil even more. This
includes using a minimum tillage
soil conservation system where
only the very minimum is done to
the soil for successful crop rotation.
The soil isnt turned over or
ploughed so there are more worms
to improve the soil naturally. Their
carbon footprint is also reduced
because fewer machine hours
working the land means less fuel is used.
When the oil is pressed from the seed there
is a bi-product thats made into pellets and sent
to a local dairy, beef and sheep farm to feed
the animals. They also collect rainwater, store
it in large tanks and use it across the farm.
The oil, which is processed in 1,000 litre
batches by Clare in a specialist unit on the
family farm, is rich in omega 3 and has
less than half the fat of olive oil. Like wine,
avours vary and each producer will have
their own unique cold-pressed rapeseed
oil thanks to different soils, weather and
farming methods. Its health benets have
meant more people are turning to it for
frying, roasting, as a dressing and in baking.
People love the cakes we make with the
Wignalls Yallo products among the seeds of their success
136
Clare Wignall with a four head vacuum bottle filler in the production room
oil, said Clare. They go mad for it. You use
it in place of butter and this reduces the
saturated fat content. It does work really well.
Bottling it up is denitely my role.
Although I dont see daylight for eight hours
I do enjoy doing it. Its a very slow, careful
process but its great seeing it when its done.
Their Wignalls Yallo oils have already
garnered a stellar reputation and they
are sold in many farm shops and delis as
well as used by top chefs including Mark
Birchall at the much lauded Moor Hall
and Paul Macnish, executive chef for Lord
and Lady Derbys estates, which includes
Knowsley Hall. They have also launched
a range of new infused rapeseed oils
Chefs absolutely love the oil which
is a real pleasure to see, said Clare, 33.
Once theyve tasted it, they want it. It
means we must be doing a good job.
Were focussed on the infused
oils too, now. Its taken a lot of trial
and error and were really pleased
with how they have turned out.
The two are now focussed on building
a farming business that will reduce
chemical use and reduce their carbon
footprint as well as continuing to produce
their little bottles of sunshine.
Sustainable farming is at the heart of what
they do, as is their desire to be responsible
guardians of Standish Hall Farm.
Were the stewards of this wonderful
farm, said John. Its up to us to ensure
its future and make sure, when the
time comes, we pass it on in a better
condition than when we arrived here.
I think weve probably done that.
This really is a wonderful place and
the team all feel like family. Im excited
to see what the future brings.
lancashirelife.co.uk
 LITTLE HOOLE LYTHAM

CELEBRATING 8
OPEN NOW YEARS THIS YEAR

Freshly cooked Proud to be serving the

Mediterranean food, cocktails, freshest Mediterranean
cask ales and al fresco dining. cuisine to the community.

THE FOX CUB EGO LYTHAM

Bridge House Farm, Liverpool Road, 3-5 Pleasant St,
Little Hoole, Preston PR4 5JT Lytham Saint Annes FY8 5JA
01772 616679 01253 737758

WWW.EGORESTAURANTS.CO.UK
138 lancashirelife.co.uk
PROMOTION
The distinctive
bottle with the
Cuckoo label
140 lancashirelife.co.uk

Gin and bear it Liz, Mark, Cath, Gerard, Alice and William
Gin is just the tonic
Farms have found many ways to diversify but the Singletons
of Brindle have taken to drink, as Anna Izza discovers
WHAT was once considered Mothers Ruin
could now be the saviour of a Lancashire
farming family. Gin is fast becoming
the countys favourite tipple with new
manufacturers, bars and even gin festivals.
The latest is a real family affair as Gerard
and Cath Singleton set about transforming
Holmes Farm in Brindle, near Chorley,
into the countys newest distillery with
the help of their children Alice, William,
Liz and her husband, Mark Long.
The farm has been in the Singleton
family since 1931 and Gerard is the third
generation to care for the land. Its all about
the next generation now, he says. Farming
isnt what it used to be and when Cath and I
were on holiday discussing the future, over
a drink or two, we came up with the idea
of producing our own gin something that
would use the resources we have, involve the
whole family in something we enjoyed and
would help secure the farm for the future.
LANCASHIRE LIFE August 2017
FOOD & DRINK
Within months the plans to create
the Brindle Distillery were taking
shape. Supported by a grant from the
Lancashire County Council LEADER Fund
and with son-in-law Mark a former
chef on board looking after sales and
marketing, Cuckoo Gin was born.
Its true Lancashire gin made from locally
grown or sourced barley. The Singletons have
20 acres of their own due to be harvested
this month or next and they have more land
available as and when they need to expand.
Its a business with sustainability at its
heart. The renewable energy biomass boiler
fuels the still, the by-products of the distilling
process feed the farms pedigree cattle and
free-range chickens and the straw from the
barley provides bedding for their livestock.
Weve also got our own artesian well,
adds Gerard proudly and points to the far
horizon as we look out over the lush elds
that stretch as far as the eye can see. We 
141
FOOD & DRINK

always knew there was a good water source

here but when a pipeline was installed
through the land in the 1970s, the wells
that I remember on the farm were lost.
The whole family are all hands-on in
this new venture. But theres a very recent
addition thats crucial to our success, adds
Mark. As we enter the large barn and he
introduces us to Maggie who to be fair,
has already gained our attention with her
ne curves and impressive stature. Shes
our new still and the real star of the show,
he says, checking dials and peering inside
this state-of-the-art, hand-built copper
still recently arrived from Germany.
Once in full operation we should be able to
produce an adequate amount of Cuckoo Gin
to satisfy the interest already shown, he says.
That interest has already been considerable.
Theres a busy looking wipe-board
by the ofce with a long list of familiar
hostelries, restaurants, hotels and retailers.
Weve already had great interest locally
and have started to receive enquiries from
all over the country so the samples, the
branding and eye-catching bottle seems
to have done the trick, says Mark.
But what exactly can we expect from
Lancashires newest gin and why Cuckoo?
Weve been learning as we go along but
obviously, as newcomers, weve not been
working alone, says Mark. Were working A shining Maggie checked over by Gerard and Mark
closely with a Master Distiller from Herriot
Watt University and have been experimenting to get the botanicals just right. As a family
we all enjoy gin, so the testing has been
a fun but very serious business, with
everyone contributing to the nal recipe.
Naming it Cuckoo wont come as any
Maggie surprise to locals as legend has it that in the
has already Middle Ages the people of Brindle hatched a
gained our plan to keep the rst cuckoo of spring in their
attention village and set about building a wall around
with her ne its eld. If only the wall had been two stones
curves and higher they may well have succeeded but
impressive the cuckoo escaped, thwarting their plans.
stature To this day people born and bred in Brindle
are known as Brindle Cuckoos, says Mark.
It seems appropriate then that a farming
family, so rooted in Brindle, has brought
new life to these Lancashire pastures in
the guise of a cuckoo, the herald of growth
Samples when they were experimenting with flavours and fertility. We say cheers to that!

The Brindle farmland providing essential ingredients

142 lancashirelife.co.uk

Speakers Dorthe Grainger from
NWTS and Joanne Ivers from
House of Colour
Carol Shields and Emma Yarwood The Committee members who organised the event
{ BOOST FOR THREE CHARITIES }
Ladies who lunched
Three charities have benefitted from an
event hosted by an organisation called
Lancashire Ladies Fundraising Group. Held
at Rivington Barn, the spring luncheon and
fundraiser generated money for Urban
Outreach, the Wigan and Leigh Deaf
Chrissie Haworth and Sacha Warren
Clare Gratton, Jo Leary and Lee Thawley
LANCASHIRE LIFE August 2017
Childrens Society and The North West and
North Wales Paediatric Transport Service.
Guests enjoyed a lunch followed by a talk
from speaker Jo Ivers from The House Of
Colour and entertainment from Guy
Porteous.
Susan Briggs, Elizabeth Crossley and
Sandra Isherwood
Margaret Hough, Margaret Laking,
Joan Farnworth and Nora Howcroft
Jacqui Williams and Carol Halliwell
PHOTOGRAPHY: SARA CUFF
Shelley Halstead, Anglea Howe, Valerie Unsworth,
Sally Hunt and Irene Whalley-Jones
Susan Briggs, Pauline Derbyshire, Susan Walker,
Anne Eckersley and Emma Yarwood
Anne Duckworth, Nicola Mackay, Helen Stevens
and Sacha Warren
Suzanne Kay and Angie Kay
143
 ONE
STUNNING
VENUE
FOR YOUR
SPECIAL DAY
Following our multi-million pound investment, Hurlston Hall can now cater for every party
from 30 to 300 guests in a fabulous wedding space with panoramic views over 200 acres of
rolling countryside. And, with newly-refurbished, luxury cottages for the wedding party and a
license for all ceremonies, you can relax while we handle the whole day under one roof.
Email our dedicated wedding planner Amy: amy.carr@hurlstonhall.co.uk.

01704 840 400 | WWW.HURLSTONHALL.CO.UK

HURLSTON HALL, HURLSTON LANE, SOUTHPORT ROAD, SCARISBRICK, LANCASHIRE L40 8HB
Indulge in
modern British food at The Cherry Tree

We aspire to serve classic British dishes with a modern

inuence, using only fresh local produce. Join us and
experience our newly launched menu.
u soon!
S ee y o

The
Cherry Tree
at Blackrod
To make a reservation...

01257 481234
info@cherrytreeblackrod.co.uk
www.cherrytreeblackrod.co.uk
Chorley Road | Blackrod | Bolton | BL6 5LA

LANCASHIRE LIFE August 2017 145

 Food excellence,
friendly welcome
& outstanding value

Lindeth Howe
Country House Hotel
Open to N
on-
Residents
,7
Enjoy our delicious days a wee
k.

Afternoon Tea with a

beautiful view. the white swan
www.whiteswanatfence.co.uk | 01282 611773
Book your table today on 015394 45759 300 WHEATLEY LANE ROAD, FENCE BB12 9QA

/thewhiteswanfence @whiteswan_fence @whiteswanatfence

www.lindeth-howe.co.uk
Bowness-on-Windermere,
LA23 3JF
015394 45759

146 lancashirelife.co.uk
LANCASHIRE LIFE August 2017 147
 Keeping it simple
MasterChef champion Simon Wood serves up a no
fuss tuna dish that will impress your guests

AS development and testing for my of Gavi Di Gavi my favourite white for

new restaurant WOOD Manchester
intensies, we have been trying some
new and fresh recipes. I have one
that I love the freshest tuna, sweet
and crunchy kohlrabi, zingy lime,
and just a little heat from
the wasabi. Its a dish that
ticks all taste boxes.
So much so I made this
dish for 60 people recently
and not a single plate came
back with anything left
on it. Considering I was
cooking for some people
who dont like sh, it was
testament to just how tasty
this meal is. Its also perfect for that
summer dinner party no matter how
many people you have visiting. All
the real work is in the preparation.
Then its simply a case of plating it up
and enjoying with a nice chilled glass
this recipe. Like the dish its refreshing,
vibrant and zesty and its from my
favourite culinary region, Piedmont. It
complements the dish perfectly. In fact,
on a nice August evening, eating alfresco
with friends, you may need
to pick up an extra bottle.
This recipe also fuels
great dinner conversation.
Kohlrabi is somewhat of an
unknown vegetable. Part of
the cabbage family, it has a
mild, sweet avour that is
somewhere between a turnip
and a water chestnut, with
a crisp, crunchy texture.
Theres also the fresh, vibrant red, silky
tuna and vanilla and lime syrup that
perfectly balances the gentle heat from
the wasabi. Your guests wont think
it can work. But let me set your mind
at rest, it can and its amazing!

T U N A TA R TA R E W I T H KO H L R A B I , F E N N E L ,
WA S A B I , C I T R U S , VA N I L L A A N D L I M E

Serves a light lunch for 4

Ingredients
320g fresh tuna, cubed 1 tbsp chopped dill For the dressing
1 ruby grapefruit, 1 tbsp chopped coriander 50ml lime juice
segmented 100ml olive oil 100ml water
2 fennel bulbs, sliced 1 tbsp wasabi paste 50g sugar
1 kohlrabi, cut into batons 1 lime, zested and quartered 1 vanilla pod
1 tbsp chopped chervil 2 limes, juiced

Method
As I mentioned earlier, all the hard
work goes into the preparation for
this dish. Theres no slaving away over
a stove or timings to worry about.
In a small bowl, combine four
tablespoons of olive oil, one
tablespoon of wasabi paste and the
juice of two limes. This will dress your
tuna. Set them aside until the last
minute. Dont dress the fish too early or
the lime juice will begin to cook it and
you will lose that vibrant red colour.
Slice your kohlrabi into batons and
your fennel into long slices around
5mm thickness and dress them in a
little lime juice, olive oil and your
chopped herbs.
The best way to prepare your
grapefruit is to cut off the top and the
bottom and then use a sharp knife to
remove the remaining peel. Then,
holding it carefully in the palm of your
hand, slice in between each segment
and set aside ready to plate.
For the dressing
This is simple to make and will last in
your fridge for three months. It works
well on salad, with chicken or grilled
seabass. Add everything into a
saucepan and heat until it is reduced
by half. It is as easy as that. Once
reduced, pass through a sieve and
refrigerate in a sanitised jar.
Once the garnish is prepared, cube
your tuna evenly, allowing 80g per
person. Once cubed, dress it in the
wasabi and lime and the start to plate
your dish, making sure there is
enough garnish to complement
every bit of tuna on the plate.
Finish with the vanilla and lime syrup
and serve immediately.

148 lancashirelife.co.uk
 FOOD & DRINK

LANCASHIRE LIFE August 2017 149

 FOOD & DRINK

1
EAGLE AND CHILD,
RAMSBOTTOM
Theres been quite a transformation
at this multi award winning venue. A
huge project to redevelop the
popular pub has included a new bar
and eating areas as well as a stunning
orangery that has long reaching
views across to Holcombe Moor.
There is also a huge garden that
offers fantastic summer dining. Here
there is a chicken run, a safe place for
the young members of the family
and a small holding maintained by
the local Incredible Edible group. A
new outdoor kitchen and bar is also
set to open this summer. 01706
557181,
www.eagle-and-child.com.

2
THE GIBBON BRIDGE
HOTEL, CHIPPING
Located in the Forest of Bowland, The Gibbon Bridge Hotel, Chipping
Gibbon Bridge Hotel is the perfect
place to dine in a stunning location.

6 OF THE BEST
The four-star country hotels
restaurant already offers great views
of their award-winning gardens, but
it also has two lovely patios. These
areas provide guests with an
amazing al fresco dining experience,
perfect for special occasions and
celebrations. 01995 61456,
www.gibbon-bridge.co.uk.
Summer dining
Our pick of Lancashire and the Lake Districts
best places for fantastic al fresco dining
3
THE WHITE CROSS,
LANCASTER
This canalside pub and restaurant,
set in a refurbished 130-year-old
4 5 6
Storeys cotton mill warehouse, is the THE MASONS ARMS, ARMATHWAITE CARTFORD INN,
ideal place to while away a sunny STRAWBERRY BANK HALL COUNTRY LITTLE ECCLESTON
afternoon. Run by a small, HOUSE AND SPA,
The Masons Arms is the An award-winning restaurant,
independent team since 2004, the KESWICK
quintessential country inn in pub and boutique hotel, the
menu is packed with local produce
old Lancashire. Summer is a Secluded in 400 acres of Cartford Inn is a charming 17th
including meat from the Vale of Lune
good excuse to claim one of deer park and woodland, century coaching inn at the
and Cumbria, vegetables from South
the seats outside and enjoy the magnificent historic crossing of the River
Lancashire, fish from Fleetwood and
the stunning views across the Armathwaite Hall has Wyre. The River Lounge boasts
almost all of the ales come from
Winster Valley. A former unrivalled views when panoramic river views but on
breweries within a 40 mile radius.
Lancashire Life Dining Pub of looking to dine al fresco. summer evenings you can take
It was once used to store raw
the Year winner, the Surrounded with a front row seat and enjoy the
materials to make oil cloth, linoleum
downstairs is quaint and full of panoramic views of the scenery of the Bowland fells
and other chemical produce that
character, upstairs has a more Lake District fells and while eating or drinking on the
contributed to Lancasters role as
modern feel with a restaurant Skiddaw, you can enjoy landscaped al fresco dining
one of the norths most lucrative
menu that is confident and full calming views across terrace. Theres also a super deli
industrial areas. Today, you can enjoy
of local produce. Bassenthwaite Lake when and some new stunning studio
a super pint of ale and fantastic food
015395 68486, www. dining on the lake view lodges overlooking the river.
overlooking the Lancaster Canal.
masonsarmsstrawberrybank. patio in the sunshine. 01995 670166, www.
01524 33999,
co.uk. 017687 76551, www. thecartfordinn.co.uk.
www. thewhitecross.co.uk.
armathwaite-hall.com.

LANCASHIRE LIFE August 2017 151

 The Best
AFTERNOON TEAS

BREDA MURPHY RESTAURANT

Fall in love with Afternoon Tea at Breda Murphys in stunning surroundings
with amazing views of Whalley railway viaduct. Scones and sandwiches
are served, plus delicious homemade pastries and cakes with Bewleys
Dublin Tea and optional sparkling wine. Breda Murphy also features a
standalone delicatessen where you can take home amazing goodies for
later. Afternoon Tea serves Thursday - Saturday from 3pm 18pp or 24pp
for sparkling wine.

41 Station Road, Whalley, Near Clitheroe, Lancashire BB7 9RH

Tel: 01254 823446 | www.bredamurphy.co.uk

KING STREET TOWNHOUSE

Indulge in a luxurious afternoon tea at the elegant King Street
Townhouse. Ladies afternoon tea begins with delicate nger
sandwiches served with the pice de resistance three tier stand with
light, crusty scones, rich clotted cream and a variety of homemade
cakes and pastries. Enjoy as much tea and coffee as you need to fuel
the gossip or, if youre feeling extra indulgent, why not add a glass of
Perrier-Jout Champagne. Afternoon tea from 23.50 pp. Midweek
afternoon tea from 17.50 pp.
10 Booth Street, Manchester, M2 4AW
Tel: 01234 567890 | www.eclectichotels.co.uk/king-street-townhouse

LILY & ARTHURS LICENSED

CAF BAR & TEA ROOMS
We serve homemade sandwiches & cakes using fresh, local, quality
ingredients. We use Atkinsons Coffee from Lancaster and serve our loose
leaf tea in pots and vintage china. Reserve a table for lunch via our website
or book for our popular Afternoon Tea on the rst Saturday of the month.

37 Mesnes Road, Wigan WN1 2DF

Tel: 01942 665950 | www.lilyandarthurs.co.uk
 MIDDLE HOLLY COTTAGE
Enjoy a delicious Afternoon Tea in our delightful 200
year old cottage and beautifully landscaped gardens.
We are a traditional Tea Room where all food is freshly
baked on the premises. If you enjoy quality and taste,
you wont be disappointed. Advanced booking is
required. Open Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays.

Middle Holly, Forton PR3 1AH

Tel: 01524 792399 | www.middlehollycottage.co.uk

MITTON HALL
Afternoon tea at Mitton Hall consists of a delicious selection of sweet
and savoury treats that can be enjoyed in our bar and brasserie areas,
or if the sun is shining, our outdoor terrace with stunning countryside
views is the perfect setting to relax and indulge.
For an extra treat or special occasion, why not opt for our champagne
or cocktail Afternoon Tea. Vegetarian and gluten free Afternoon options
are also available.
Mitton Rd, Whalley, Lancashire BB7 9PQ
Tel: 01254 826544 | www.mittonhallhotel.co.uk

THE TEA ROOM AT THE MIDLAND

Manchesters oldest afternoon tea in its new-fashioned most elegant
setting. As Manchesters only setting specically designed for, and
dedicated to, afternoon tea, The Tea Room at The Midland is truly one of
a kind. Served in opulent surroundings overlooking the historic St Peters
Square, afternoon tea at The Tea Room is the perfect way to mark any
occasion and enjoy this quintessentially British pastime.

16 Peter St, Manchester, M60 2DS

Tel: 0161 2354782 | www.tearoomatthemidland.co.uk

SWEET LITTLE THINGS

Established in 2013 this quaint independent shabby-
chic cupcakery & tearoom boasts a warm and friendly
welcome that has earned them a high reputation in a short
time. Vintage with a modern twist Sweet Little Things
Afternoon Tea is attracting guests much further aeld than
the small mining town of Leigh.

127 Bradshawgate, Leigh, Lancashire WN7 4ND

Tel: 01942 674698 | Facebook.com/cupcakesSLT
 This is one marvellous mill
James Warburton and his team have taken an old mill
and turned it into something special. It was the venue for
our latest Lancashire Life luncheon
PHOTOGRAPHY KIRSTY THOMPSON

IT requires great vision to take a

run down old mill and turn it into
the sort of facility that any town
would be proud to call its own.
Great vision, great patience and,
no doubt, a great deal of money.
It was during the early part of
the 19th century that Holmes Mill
had a signicant impact on the
economy of Clitheroe, employing
hundreds of men and women in
its weaving sheds. Almost two
centuries on, the mill once more
hums to the sound of a very Plenty of sparkle in the Holmes Mill function room Warren Bennett and Carol Sleet
different type of commerce.
Businessman James Warburton However, this is much more Great efforts have been made
and his team have created one than simply somewhere to to maintain the character of the
of the countys most striking enjoy delicious real ale from the building and theyve even restored
leisure and hospitality facilities adjacent Bowland Brewery. a 1910 steam engine and turned
starting with what is thought to As part of the James Places it into a striking centre-piece.
be one of the biggest bar rooms portfolio, which includes Mitton There is also a function room,
in England. Not that it looks Hall, the Shireburn Arms and the an ice cream parlour and a
like a bar in a barn the chic Royal Hotel in Kirkby Lonsdale Bowland Food Hall concentrating
industrial dcor means it could among several others, the on the produce of Lancashire,
never be mistaken for anything substantial Holmes Mill complex supplying local people and visitors
other than a former mill but is set to become a landmark as well as the kitchens at the Hill.
with bold 21st century twists. destination for Lancashire. Further work is underway

Andrea Simpson and Rebecca Johnstone

Laura and Max Walker-Williams Katherine Smith, Jill Taylor, Kimberley Thompson and Liz Holgate

154 lancashirelife.co.uk
 FOOD & DRINK

Tom Pridmore, Lancashire Life editor

Roger Borrell and Wendy Hope

to create a restaurant and grill,

a boutique hotel, bakery and
the nal phase will transform
the old weaving shed now
with a smart new curved roof
into a gym, pool and spa.
It has been quite a learning
curve for the James Places
team. Transforming such a huge
industrial space could and did
present all manner of health,
safety and structural challenges.
Carol Sleet, who is in charge
of operations for the group, said: Phil Keenan, Sam Keenan, Sally Sutcliffe and Mark Sutcliffe
These have been testing times
but theyve also been a lot of fun.
Weve learned a lot of new things
from the project and that will
help make the next one easier!
Its really been such a privilege
to work with the local community.
They have taken our vision on
board and together we have
been able to create something
that we believe will be a real
boost to tourism in this area.
Local people have been Neil Andrews, Carol Sleet and Ian Brown Wayne Rafferty, Jonathan Harrison and Carl Lightbown
interested and excited to see
what we have been doing and
we are now employing 120
people so it is making quite an
impact on the local economy.
The new function room a
striking hall combining retro
architecture and old beams with
contemporary furnishings was
the venue for the latest Lancashire
Life luncheon when guests enjoyed
Main course of Goosnargh chicken breast, peas,
some outstanding canaps followed Steve Sankson, Joanne Fletcher, Julia Murphy broad beans, heritage carrots, asparagus,
by a main course of Goosnargh and Heidi Kettle parmentier potatoes and chive velout
chicken with summery vegetables
followed by a deliciously light
chocolate and strawberry mousse.
There are so many amazing
facilities in the Ribble Valley and we
are delighted to be a part of it, added
Carol. James has real passion and
great vision. Initially, it was hard to
grasp what he was trying to achieve
here but it soon become clear that it
was going to be something special. Bryan Townson (head of food production), Alex Dessert of white chocolate and strawberry
Thats mission accomplished. Marshall (sous chef) and Paul Grice (sous chef) mousse, strawberry gel and ice cream

155

Singing for our supper
The Lancashire Life Food and Drink Awards
welcomes a Manchester singing talent
ITS a night that takes
months of planning.
When youre serving
up to a room full of
the countys best
chefs and hospitality
greats the food at
Lancashire Lifes Food
and Drink Awards
must be perfect. Then
theres the service, the dcor and
the atmosphere to get right too.
Helping with the latter will
be talented Kirsty Tattler. The
Manchester-based jazz singer,
who sings solo, as part of a duo
and with her own band, will be
entertaining nominees, judges and
invited guests at the prestigious
evening at the Dunkenhalgh Hotel
and Spa, Blackburn, in October.
The former Royal Northern
College of Music student, who grew
up in Southport, has been singing
and playing piano since she was
four years old. She has spent all
of her formative years dedicated
to building a career as a singer.
The 27-year-old is relishing
the opportunity to perform at
such an important event.
Im really looking forward to it, its
exciting, said Kirsty, who performs
at events around the country. I
absolutely adore singing because
I love seeing and meeting people
and being able to share occasions
and celebrations with people.
To be able to sing and experience
and celebrate at the food and
drink awards will be a lot of fun.
Im really happy to be involved.
The Lancashire Life Food and
Drink Awards are always a very
special occasion and no more so than
in the 21st year of the awards and
70th anniversary of the magazine.
LANCASHIRE LIFE August 2017
FOOD & DRINK
The very best in the
hospitality and food
industry will gather
for an evening of
drinks and dining
excellence.
The elegant black
tie presentation night
on Monday, October
16th, celebrates
the expertise of hoteliers, chefs,
restaurateurs, pub landlords, food
producers and their staff. And our
judges are already putting likely
contenders under scrutiny.
The panel of judges, chaired by
Lancashire Life editor Roger Borrell,
are busy drawing up a shortlist based
on readers nominations as well as
their own knowledge and expertise.
They then visit each establishment
incognito before contenders are
revealed in a future issue.
Tickets are now available for the
event on Monday 16th October
at The Mercure Dunkenhalgh
Hotel and Spa for a fabulous
evening of food and drink.
For further details please
email Linda Chase at linda.
chase@archant.co.uk. Tickets
are 75 each + vat. The price
includes a drinks reception, a
four-course dinner and wine.
Lancashire Life readers wishing
to stay at The Dunkenhalgh Hotel
on the evening of October 16th
can take advantage of a preferred
room rate of 80 bed and breakfast
based on single occupancy and
90 bed and breakfast based on
double occupancy. Please call 01254
303407 and quote Lancashire
Life Food and Drink Awards.
For further info visit www.foodawards. Kirsty Tattler
lancashirelife.co.uk. #LLFoodawards
In association with:
157
 THE ORIGINAL COUNTRY HOUSE HOTEL
WITH THE MOST BEAUTIFUL VIEW IN ENGLAND

Sharrow Through the Ages Lunch 25.00

www.sharrowbay.co.uk
Ullswater, Penrith, Cumbria, CA10 2LZ
t: 01768 486301 e: info@sharrowbay.co.uk

Visit England - 4 star rated

EAT SLEEP
ENJOY
Fresh, local and delicious
seasonal menus
Make a Reservation: Call 01524 846094
27 St. Georges Quay, Lancaster LA1 1RD Visit www.wagonandhorseslancaster.co.uk
Close to Lancaster city centre with free parking behind Maritime museum

158 lancashirelife.co.uk
 Bathrooms
to inspire...
Be inspired in
our 3000 sq ft
showroom ...for over 14 years we have been creating everything you
need for a luxurious & practical bathroom or kitchen.

The Original Bathroom Company

DESIGN SUPPLY INSTALL

tel: 01772 611622 www.theoriginalbathroomcompany.co.uk

84 Liverpool Road, Longton, Preston PR4 5NB Open MonSat 9am5pm Next to Booths Supermarket
 HOMES &
INTERIORS

Water bowl for a special garden feature from Solus Decor. Price: 2,750

LANCASHIRE LIFE August 2017 163

 Victorian
splendour
A handsome home of distinction

164 lancashirelife.co.uk
 HOMES & INTERIORS

ROECROFT HOUSE,
3 1 2 S O U T H P O R T R OA D ,
U L N E S WA LTO N ,
P R 2 6 8 LQ
WHAT: This is a handsome, former Victorian
gentlemans residence set in approximately an
acre of mature gardens. The property is brimming
with original architectural features and is ideally
placed for both village and commuter routes.

INSIDE: There are four bright and generously

sized reception rooms, a well appointed kitchen,
utility and laundry rooms, four rst oor bedrooms,
one with en suite, and a family bathroom.

OUTSIDE: The pebble driveway provides parking

for numerous cars and leads to a detached double
garage. A front lawn garden is edged with box hedging
and a second set of wrought iron gates open to the
secluded rear garden with a York stone sun terrace
overlooking the extensive lawn garden. Theres also
a pebbled area with raised rose bed, a decked seating
area and a less formal lawn and greenhouse.

PRICE: Offers in the region of 700,000

CONTACT: Maria B Evans, 01704 892001,

www.mariabevansestateagents.co.uk

LANCASHIRE LIFE August 2017 165

HOMES & INTERIORS

Perfect properties
These detached homes have plenty of space

NEW HOME
PRICE: 600,000
WHERE: White Gate House, Egerton
WHAT: A beautifully presented recently built
five bedroom detached house, located in a
small and select cul-de-sac.
INSIDE: Briefly comprises: hallway, living
room, dining room, music room, Siematic
breakfast kitchen, utility room, four bedrooms
and two bathrooms to the first floor and a
further two bedrooms and shower room to the
second.
OUTSIDE: The property features RHS gold
award winning inspired patio gardens designed
by Andy Kirman of Bents.
CONTACT: Fine & Country East Lancashire,
01706 826754, www.fineandcountry.com

TRANQUIL WHAT: A desirable, four bedroom detached
home in a gently elevated and tranquil woodland
SURROUNDINGS setting.
GUIDE PRICE: 875,000 INSIDE: The main house dates from 1930 and
WHERE: Fell End Cottage, Ghyll Head, was recently extended to include a rather
Bowness-on-Windermere interesting and rare eyebrow dormer to take full
advantage of the fine views from the master
suite.
OUTSIDE: Large mature gardens, ample
parking, multi-car garaging and workshop.
CONTACT: Fine & Country Lakes & North
Lancs, 01539 733500, www.fineandcountry.com

166 lancashirelife.co.uk
HOMES & INTERIORS

Country living
Enjoy the great outdoors with these homes

S PA C I O U S
PROPERTY
PRI C E: 1,50 0,0 0 0
WHERE: Moorlands, Foulridge
WHAT: A substantial six bedroom
country residence with detached
coach house.
INSIDE: Theres a family room,
dining room, drawing room, fitted
kitchen, study/office, courtyard
garden room, laundry, large
cellars, master bedroom with
en-suite bathroom and dressing
room, five further bedrooms (one
with en-suite), separate low suite
WC and staircase to attic
storeroom. Coach house has been

converted to provide sweeping driveway and storage yard offering a range

additional two bedroom features mature landscaped of possibilities and would suit
accommodation with open gardens laid mainly to lawn those with equestrian
plan living/dining/kitchen with summer house, patio interests.
area. areas and superb views to the CONTACT: Fine & Country
OUTSIDE: The property is Yorkshire Dales. In addition, Whalley, 01254 828922,
approached via a long there is a large paddock and www.fineandcountry.com

FA M I LY H O M E
P R I C E : Of fers in the region of 850,000
WHERE: Richmond House Barn, Hough Clough Lane, Chipping, PR3 2NT
WHAT: Situated within an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, this five bedroom
stone barn conversion is set in a plot of just over five acres.
INSIDE: Lounge with attractive Inglenook style fireplace, large kitchen, two
further reception rooms, five bedrooms, family bathroom and master en-suite.
OUTSIDE: The property is surrounded by large lawned gardens, with two fields
and offers dramatic background views.
CONTACT: Armitstead Barnett, 01995 603180, www.abarnett.co.uk

178 lancashirelife.co.uk
 THE PROPERTY PROFESSIONALS
Selling the South Fyldes Finest Homes

West Penthouse, 7 Glengarry, 32 East Beach, Lytham FY8 5EX

This fabulous penthouse apartment benets from

fantastic sea views over Lythams famous
green & windmill.
With spacious accommodation measuring
approximately 3,000 sqft, the property comprises: lift
access, reception hallway, large lounge with balcony,
dining room with second balcony, superb dining
kitchen, master bedroom with dressing area & new
luxurious en-suite, two double bedrooms, beautiful
new family bathroom, double garage & visitor parking.
Viewing essential. Available with no forward chain.

Guide Price 695,000

2a Clifton Square, Lytham, Lancashire FY8 5JP

01253 796996 | www.lythamestateagents.co.uk
Private Listing

Luxury 4 bedroom detached house,

Lancashire FY6
Extensive front and back gardens.
Double garage plus parking for 4 cars.
Incredible views from Blackpool to Lancaster.
Outside brick pizza oven perfect for
entertaining guests.
Property comes with planning permission to
build detached bungalow on rear garden.
550,000

For all enquiries contact 07730 897060

HOMES & INTERIORS

Style & substance

These properties each have their own charm

FA M I LY H O M E
P R I C E : OIRO 895,000
WHERE: Bradley Hill House,
Claughton-on-Brock
WHAT: A beautifully appointed
family home set in grounds of
0.5 acres.
INSIDE: The property offers
substantial accommodation
including a contemporary living
kitchen, three reception rooms,
six bedrooms and six bathrooms.
Internal glazing and bi-fold doors provide exceptional levels of natural light.
OUTSIDE: A large gravel driveway leads to a double garage. There is an expanse
of lawn to the rear and side of the property, with a large patio and stone under slate
built outbuilding.
CONTACT: Armitstead Barnett, Garstang, 01995 603180, www.abarnett.co.uk

ICONIC VIEWS
G U I D E PR I C E: 1,60 0,0 0 0
WHERE: 23 East Beach, Lytham,
FY8 5EX
WHAT: This beautiful period house
is currently split into two apart-
ments, facing Lythams iconic
windmill and green with views over
the Ribble Estuary.
INSIDE: Ground floor apartment
comprises: reception hallway,
lounge, large dining kitchen, three
double bedrooms, two bathrooms and separate WC. First floor duplex
comprises: open plan living dining kitchen with private balcony, lounge, two
double bedrooms and two bathrooms to the first floor. Lounge, kitchen, two
double bedrooms, shower room and bathroom to the second floor. Large
basement/cellars.
OUTSIDE: Large secluded mature gardens, coach house/double garage and
off road parking.
CONTACT: Lytham St Annes Estate Agents, 01253 796996, www.lythames-
tateagents.co.uk

FA M I LY H O M E
PRICE: 548,000
WHERE: Limbrick House, Wigan
Road, Standish, WN6 0AG
WHAT: Dating back to 1700s, this
beautiful, double fronted four
bedroomed detached Georgian
house was originally a tenant farm of
the Standish Estate.
INSIDE: Comprises: dining room,
main lounge, bespoke David
Salisbury hardwood conservatory,
Martin Moor handmade kitchen diner,
study, utility, shower room, cloakroom, four good sized bedrooms and bathroom suite.
OUTSIDE: Gardens are mature and fully landscaped with an Indian stone garden patio,
a further patio, fruit trees, herbaceous border, play area and greenhouse. A driveway can
accommodate several cars and gives access to a double attached garage.
CONTACT: Regan & Hallworth, Standish, 01257 473727, www.reganandhallworth.com

188 lancashirelife.co.uk
 for sale in Cartmel

Luxury holiday lodges, built to residential standard,

situated within two minutes walk from the centre
of Cartmel Village.
Cartmel Park is a family owned park set in the idyllic
village of Cartmel in the South Lakes. Just 20 minutes
from junction 36 of the M6 motorway.
The Park is open for 52 weeks (holidays use)
and owners benet from a 125 year lease.
Please visit the website to view our Site Video

For further details of how you can own a

luxury holiday home call us today

01539 536270
2 new show
lodges
available to
Please call fo view.
r details.

01539 536270
info@cartmellodgepark.co.uk
www.cartmellodgepark.co.uk
 Labour of ANDREW and Ricardo Leon-
Lymath dont do things by halves.

LOVE
They may have jetted around the world,
but this couple call a beautiful 19th
century property in Birkdale, home
WORDS: REBEKKA OGRADY PHOTOGRAPHY: KIRSTY THOMPSON
The couple, who this year celebrate
their rst wedding anniversary,
met in Panama in 2012, and in
the ve years that followed have
been on a whirlwind of romance,
travel and restoration.
When we met, it was clear
we had a mutual interest in
interiors and buildings, which
was great because it has now
become our business, said
Andrew. He met Ricardo while
living in Panama, where he had
relocated to expand his fashion
magazine and marketing business.
Ricardo was working for his
familys property business.
After time spent living abroad

194 lancashirelife.co.uk
 HOMES & INTERIORS

Right: Carvings
on the wood
panels
represent the
Dewhurst
family

Below: The
living area was
once the
ballroom

working on a worldwide portfolio in 1840 for Thomas Dewhurst of

of properties, including helping
internationally acclaimed
designer, Diane Burn, set up
a bed and breakfast on the
island of Taboga in the Gulf
of Panama, the couple moved
back to Andrews hometown
of Southport to start their next
project their own home.
The property in question is
the stunning rst oor at of a
converted period property in
Birkdale, a villa which was built
the Dewhurst Cotton Company.
During the 18th and 19th centuries
he built up an empire shipping
cotton around the world.
It was the rst house to be built
on Westcliffe Road, and it was
later extended in 1860 to include
a ballroom which is where we are
stood today. Before we moved in,
my mum was living here and we
had restored the at ten years ago
as prior to that it was owned by an
elderly lady who had it since the 

Ricardo and Andrew Leon-Lymath

LANCASHIRE LIFE August 2017 195

Above: The 1970s so it looked very different.
stylish kitchen That initial renovation included
has a touch of
glamour with
installing a new kitchen and
Gucci wallpaper plumbing, restoring the oors
(which were hidden away by
Below: The heavy carpet) and bringing the
back window of
the original
wooden window in the bay of
property is now the living area back to life as it
the ceiling of was concealed by a pelmet.
the entrance We didnt know the history
foyer
of the building until we found
an auction catalogue while
renovating. It was fascinating
to learn more about it. There
196
are details in the woodwork
that link back to the Dewhurst
family, such as cotton and
liverbirds, said Andrew.
Most recently, the couple
decided to update of the property,
so that Ricardos ideas were
included as much as Andrews.
The result is a simply beautiful
three bedroom home, which
effortlessly blends contemporary
with period features. The stand
out room is the living area, which
incorporates a fantastic ballroom
ceiling complete with chandelier
that you cant help but marvel at.
Its a brilliant place to throw
a party! said Ricardo, who is
originally from Guatemala but
was schooled in Switzerland and
Melbourne. Before Birkdale, he
had travelled to 72 countries,
taking in around 400 cities.
You dont feel like youre in an
apartment, its not square. I just
love the living area as theres
a real mix of new and historic.
In Latin America everything
is new so in the past Ive never
been able to work in a historic
property, taking it back to its
roots and starting again.
The couple work in sync on all
of their projects, with Andrew
taking care of the logistic side
of things such as oorplans and
electrics and Ricardo focusing
on the detail of the design.
Ricardo hand paints a lot. The
furniture is a mix of new things
from Neptune in Southport and
online store, Maisons du Monde,
as well as old pieces found in
antique stores or online which
we then restore. When we go
shopping Ricardo can already
visualise the end product after
it has been upscaled, said
Andrew, who says they both
enjoy nding things and putting
their on stamp on them.
Each piece seems to have a
story. For instance, the kitchen
table, bought from Stokers, was
too large so Andrew took it to
a stone mason on Cemetery
Road to be cut down to size.
Touches of glamour are evident
all over the at, with Andrews
chic Gucci wallpaper lining one
wall of the kitchen, and a recipe
book from The Ritz adorning the
coffee table. Fabulous smelling
candles from Neptune are lit in
lancashirelife.co.uk
 HOMES & INTERIORS

each room, and theres even a

television built in by the bath.
However there are plenty of
personal touches too, including
a trio of original books on the
conquest of Mexico displayed
proudly in one of the guest
bedrooms (a reminder of the
time Ricardo spent living in the
county), hand drawn illustrations
of the venues where the couple
were married hang in the
bathroom and historic photos of
Andrews family line the halls. By
contrast, theres a futuristic image
of New York printed on perspex
in front of what was considered
an ugly looking window.
Theres another ceiling in the
at which has the wow factor,
and it hits you as soon as you
walk in the door. The entrance
foyer has a stunning stained Luxury furnishings and fabrics are found in each bedroom
glass ceiling, believed to have
been the back window of the own the at beneath their home.
house prior to the extension. This was once the billiard room
John Dewhurst, Thomass and they say its a complete
son, got sick, so his doctor contrast to the light and
advised he move to Southport contemporary home they have.
to be by the sea, said Andrew. Theyre also continually
They then completed the working toward their ve year
extension but retained details plan, which they hope will
such as the window, just moving result in them owning their own
them into different places rather bed and breakfast and idea
than getting rid of them. inspired from their time spent
Its these amazing touches with Diane Burn in Taboga.
that make the couples They will run it themselves,
home a joy to visit. and also promote it as a
So whats next for the design destination for large groups to
duo? Its not a project that requires hire out as a private venue.
jet setting around the world, We dont know where it will be,
but in fact just downstairs. but we will know when we nd the Above: Ricardo transformed this desk after finding
Andrew and Ricardo also right property, said Andrew. it on eBay

Below: One of the stylish guest bedrooms

The bathroom comes complete with a television

LANCASHIRE LIFE August 2017 197

01942 815953 www.ad3design.co.uk
360 Park Road, Westhoughton, Bolton BL5 3JD sales@ad3design.co.uk

Dunsley Highlander 5 Solo Broseley Desire 6 Parkray Aspect 5

multi fuel electric stove wood stove

Abbey Mill Fireplaces & Stoves

Contemporary, traditional or bespoke replaces
Visit us on our open weekend 12th & 13th August 10am to 4pm
Where you can enter our free prize draw and receive special deals. Follow us on Facebook
We offer a full design and tting service or supply only.

TEL. 01254 208606 / 01254 831305 I www.abbeymillreplaces.co.uk

Preston Old Road, Cherry Tree, Blackburn, Lancashire BB2 4SH

198 lancashirelife.co.uk
The original mill was
built in 1783 and rebuilt
in the 1830s after a fire
Far from run of the mill
An old Lancashire cotton mill has been transformed into residences
for community living with a difference. Sue Riley reports
PHOTOGRAPHY BY KIRSTY THOMPSON
THE residents of Low Mill invariably say
they feel on holiday the moment they
return to their Lune Valley home. Its a
feeling they are keen to protect and under
an unusual management scheme, they
have the means to do so. The mill, with
its roses around the door and six-acres of
landscaped grounds full of woodland glades,
pond and views to the River Lune, is owned
and run by the homeowners. Each home
has one share in the plc which owns it.
Theres more to living at Low Mill than
people realise. Its a pretty special place,
said Bill Scott, who is to become chair of the
management board later this year. We like to
think that its not just somewhere to live, its a
community. Its not unique that we own and
run the place ourselves but I do not know any
others in Lancashire. Of course, not everyone
agrees with what we do, we work on a
majority programme, said Bill. People can
be very private here. Its a very safe place.
Like so many former textile mills in
200
Above: Bill Scott says its
more than just a place to live
Below: Retired teacher Marie
Boardman
Lancashire, it was converted into luxury
accommodation in the 1990s. Local
builder John Collis transformed it into 35
apartments from one bedroom ats to the
largest, which is over three storeys (there
are only three which have identical layouts)
and ten houses built on the foundations of
the original building. Then theres a mill
pond, large bits of machinery including
a 2.5 ton ywheel in the communal
entrance and landscaped gardens.
Marie Boardman was one of the rst to
buy in April 1995 when she and her husband
moved from south Lancashire. We took a big
gamble and bought off plan, she said. Her
airy apartment full of large windows and
high ceilings is right in the middle of the mill.
From the day we moved in it felt like we
were on holiday. Im not a country lover in
the traditional villagey senseI like mod
cons, said Marie, a retired teacher, who has
been on the board for the past six years.
She has happy memories of the early days.
lancashirelife.co.uk
 HOMES & INTERIORS

On Sunday afternoons the thing was for

people in the houses to wander around the
mill, she remembers. We have pride in
keeping it pretty decent. In the beginning
of course there was nothing to do. We
have become very professional as a board.
We have always had a mix of talent.
There are rules to living at the
mill in Caton youre not allowed to
sub-let, have more than two pets or
park a caravan without permission.
However you are positively encouraged
to help in the garden (major changes
need to be agreed by the board).
Everyone on the board is a volunteer and
takes responsibility for different areas
the garden, the mill, the grounds before
putting forward a draft budget every year.
The residents then vote on what should
be funded from their service charge at an
annual meeting held in the atrium, the one
communal space. Everyone who attends
has to bring their own chair. This year Chas Jacobs and TV comedian Jim Bowen Above: The view over
the budget for repairs and maintenance while steeplejack and TV personality Fred the beautifully
maintained gardens
is 65,000 which will include painting Dibnah also demolished the mill chimney.
the outside of the Grade II listed mill. All the residents are responsible for the Below: Some of the
The board has a wealth of experience inside of their properties, although the residents of Low Mill,
among its residents for example, a water board has a list of local tradespeople who who share jobs such as
gardening
engineer proved invaluable when they come in on a regular basis to do repairs.
had a problem with the water course from Most people do want us to spend money and
the mill pond. And the current nancial ensure that its well spent. We do not spend
director is a retired manager of commercial money on management fees and we can pick
properties. Former residents include artist and choose who does the job, said Marie. 

LANCASHIRE LIFE August 2017 201

HOMES & INTERIORS

Local Mill resident Hazel Hewitt moved to Caton from Texas

Residents can take part in as many or as

few of the community events they wish
although the June Boules tournament and
Jacobs Join events at Easter and Christmas
are well attended. Its predominantly
older people who live there, although
there are three families with young
children in its heyday 80% of the mills
staff were youngsters from Liverpool who
boarded in apprentice houses on land just
outside the main iron gates. Theres an
international avour to its residents too.
Hazel Hewitt moved in a year ago with
her husband after living in Houston for
three decades. She is now on the board.
People take things on. They look out
of their windows and see something they
want to do, she said. We have gone from a
Texas-sized house and have about a quarter Gardening on the rockery, Sally Shears and Harry Price with Stanley the dog
of what we had before. It is very freeing.

We like to think that its not

The simplicity of life here is the attraction.
It would be nice to have people round for a

just somewhere to live, its a

dinner party but we have the picnic tables
and barbecue area outside. We can use it and
we do not even have to look after it! she said.
The gardens are a particular source of
Fred Shears in one of the converted flats
community. This place is special
pride. Tended by a professional twice a week,
a team of female residents also help tidy the
dozens of ower beds, knot garden, memorial
garden for Ruth Winterbottom, a former High
Sheriff of Lancashire who lived at the Mill,
composting area, rockeries and seating areas.
There are also arches made from millstones
the mill shut in 1970 after being run by
the Storey Brothers of Lancaster for nearly a
century and a charming courtyard garden
which is due to be replanted this year. We are
asking the residents what plants they would
like, we do try to be democratic, said Sally
Shears, who chairs the gardening committee.
Bill Scott added: Its a very unusual
situation because you can live here and
not say anything to anyone. You do not
really bump into people. You can also be
as friendly as you like! Its the sort of place
where you are never in need of a friend,
we are very good at supporting people and
getting things done. This place is special.

202 lancashirelife.co.uk
 relax

01942 326123 | www.bathe-showroom.co.uk

55 Pottery Road, Wigan WN3 5AA
 CUSHIONS
for well dressed sofas

visit us online at www.cushions.co.uk

Bespoke KITCHENS
Custom BEDROOMS
Unique BATHROOMS

www.hillside.kitchen
302 Liverpool Road, Southport PR8 4PW | 01704 560758

204 lancashirelife.co.uk
 HOMES & INTERIORS

Be bold

WALLtoWALL
Big, bold patterns can make
a small space seem larger.
Grey Surface Pattern, POA
made to measure, www.

GLAMOUR
wallsauce.com

Wallpaper is the way forward

Shine on
Nothing says luxe like
precious metals.
Clockwise: Salvador
silver, Rio copper, 18 &
Copacabana gold, 13
www.arthouse.com
Busy, busy
Dont shy away from
complex patterns;
fabulous requires
commitment.
From top: Asian Fleur,
Secret Garden &
Royal Pagoda, all
from the Chinoiserie
collection, 120
www.debbie
mckeegan.com

A trick of the eye Ooh, clever...

Tin tiles were very popular in Victorian buildings
in North America in the late 19th and early 20th
century; this trompe loeil effect wallpaper makes
achieving the on-trend industrial look very easy.
Lex Tin Tiles, 85
www.woodchipandmagnolia.co.uk
A quick kitchen makeover is simple with this
unbreakable PVC wallpaper. Water resistant,
heat resistant, wipe-clean and in a dizzying array
of designs, whats not to love?
Kitchenwalls wallpaper splashback in Fresco,
110 www.limelace.co.uk

LANCASHIRE LIFE August 2017 207

 PROMOTION

HILLSIDE KITCHENS & BATHROOMS LTD

With precise temperature technology and beautiful high-quality designs, the Bathroom Brands digital
shower makes safety, simplicity, and sophistication integral to your everyday routine.
Make a statement with our Classic 1910 style, designed to look perfectly at home in traditional bathrooms.
This luxurious trim combines elegant lever and cross handles and is finished with touches of ceramic.
Southport | 01704 560758 | www.hillside.kitchen

M A K E I T A WOW RO OM
Make your bathroom a space for pure pleasure

THE ORIGINAL BATHROOM

COMPANY
With stunningly polished edges and boasting a deep set
bowl, the unique Dansani Fresco washbasin is now on
display in our 3000 sq ft showroom. Established for over
14 years in the heart of Longton, the Original Bathroom
Company can help you create the Bathroom of your dreams.
Longton | 01772 611622
www.originalbathroomcompany.co.uk

BATHE
Bathe is family owned, with
over 30 years experience in
plumbing. We have what we
believe is not only the Largest
and Finest Showroom in the
North of England, but
possibly the Whole U.K.
We believe in selling the
Best Quality products,
at the most Competitive
prices you will find on
the market.
Bathe means Quality
Wigan | 01942 326123
www.bathe-showroom.co.uk
CARL JOSEF INTERIORS
Carl Josef Interiors are known for designing and creating
bespoke, beautiful, unique luxury bathroom spaces. For over
35 years they have been incorporating the latest bathroom
innovations with the highest quality handmade furniture in any
finish or style. Call into one of their showrooms and they can
manage every aspect your project no matter how big or small.
Poulton-le-Fylde & Garstang
01253 890464 | www.carljosef.co.uk

WATERFORD INTERIORS
Small rooms can be dramatic and stunning with some well
thought out design to create a dramatic and elegant feel.
This cloakroom with panelling and furniture in Black Walnut is
by Waterford Interiors, who manufacture bespoke Luxury
English Furniture in their Lancashire workshop.
Bolton | 01204 578752 | www.waterfordinteriors.com

CLEARLY INTERIORS
Get the Luxe Look with the Crosswater Luxe collection now featured in Clearly
Interiors showroom, we can bring that unique look to your home. With over 60
Bathroom displays and a range of brands, Clearly Interiors, is the only option when
it comes to upgrading your bathroom. Visit there showroom off Junction 11 M65.
Burnley | 01282 448800 | www.clearlyinteriors.com
Replacement dwellings
Stanton Andrews is developing a reputation for designing some of Tender documentation is being prepared and it is anticipated that
the most interesting contemporary, vernacular with a twist, dwellings. work will start on site this year with completion late 2018.

Stanton Andrews have recently obtained planning permission for this If you have a project, whether it is an extension, conversion or a
replacement dwelling, for a mature couple, in the Green Belt on the new building and want a good local architect then why not give
edge of the West Pennine Moors North of Bolton. Stanton Andrews Architects a call.

With a gross area of 3390 sqft this property will have four bedrooms
and a rst oor lounge, to exploit the views. The property will
stanton andrews limited
44 York Street, Clitheroe BB7 2DL
combine contemporary stone detailing with large areas of glazing Clitheroe tel. 01200 444 490 | Lytham tel. 01253 369 032
and high levels of insulation and ground source heating. mail@stantonandrews.co.uk

www.stantonandrews.co.uk
 HOMES & INTERIORS

Rockabye
Perfect for summer, it
Beach read will look fab in a dull
Yes, I know its a beach bag, corner in the winter too.
but wouldnt it look fab in Folding rocking chair,
the sitting room filled with from 495
your favourite magazine? www.wawa.co.uk
(hint hint)
Handmade silver
sequinned basket, 58
www.hectorandqueen.co.uk

Small but
perfectly formed!
Beach Huts jug,
17.95
www.annabel
james.co.uk

Lifes a beach
Bring a little maritime avour to your home

Cornish crab Put the kettle on

Dress your table with this beautiful bone china and youll be Whether you see eight-limbed creatures of the deep or
whisked straight off to Cornwall every time you dine. those pretty patterns found on the beach at low tide,
Maritime crab dinner set, from 17 this very maritime mug will hold the perfect cuppa.
www.creamcornwall.co.uk Chehoma Octopus mug, 11.50 www.berryred.co.uk

LANCASHIRE LIFE August 2017 211

 Little corners of calm
Just because you live in a busy urban area that doesnt stop you
nding sanctuary in the city. Linda Viney visits Didsbury
WE may dream of turning our
gardens into a sanctuary but few of
us achieve it. However, I recently
met three gardeners who have
come very close to their ideal.
They are all based in Didsbury
Village, the old Lancashire
community on the southern edge
of Manchester. They and four
others are part of the National
Garden Scheme, opening each
year to raise money for charity.
Anne Britt, who lives in
Brooklawn Drive, has been
a designer for 25 years and
specialises in cottage garden
styles and she also holds ten week
courses to teach the subject.
So her own garden should be
a stunner and it is, of course; a
testament to her style with what
looked to me like a Gertrude
212
Jekyll approach to design. She
and her husband, Jim, who
is happy to be the labourer,
moved there 16 years ago.
I drew the plan on the back of
an envelope and Ive spent the
last few years nally achieving
it, Anne said, as we wandered
through her garden accompanied
by the perfume from her roses.
I remarked on all the artefacts
she had. eBay is a wonderful
source as are reclamation and
builders yards, she explained,
pointing out a window frame which
she had backed with a mirror to
bring light into a dark area.
A water feature made from
a metal tank caught her eye
because of the rivets and an old
hand pump provided the gentle
sound of running water. Gravel
Above: Anne paths in a gure of eight lead us
has been a round and, despite the garden
designer for
25 years
being fairly small, this created an
illusion of it being much larger.
Below: Towards the rear of the garden
Looking theres a summerhouse and a
down on
part of
wooden jetty over a pond.
Williams Anne believes gardens should
garden be a sanctuary but tranquillity
lancashirelife.co.uk

Alpine troughs and unusual planter in Annes garden
was not much in evidence when
she had a telephone call from a
television production team wanting
to feature her in Alan Titchmarshs
Love Your Garden programme.
I went into panic mode, Anne
said. All the things that needed
doing! But nally the garden was
chosen and Alan came. Two friends
were called in to help, owering
plants added, seating areas dressed
and titivation everywhere. A
farewell kiss on each cheek from
Alan made it all worthwhile as
I sat down exhausted from the
day with a glass of Prosecco!
Leaving Annes garden, I went
off to The Drive to discover another
beautifully tranquil garden where
you can see countless shades of
LANCASHIRE LIFE August 2017
green among a wonderful array
of deciduous plants and trees as
well as shade loving evergreens
with varying textures.
It was created by Peter Clare
following his purchase of the
property in 1999 when the site
was pretty much derelict. He
was joined there by Sarah Keedy
six years ago and they are both
passionate about wildlife and do
everything to encourage it into the
garden - including foxes. They are
also passionate gardeners and their
plot comes into its own in spring
with owering bulbs bringing
a splash of welcoming colour.
There are numerous artefacts
placed all around and theres
even an old army ambulance
GARDENS TO VISIT
Bird table among Annes plants
William Godfrey ready to label plants for open day
which is shielded on three sides
with bamboo screening while
the roof is planted up with
sempervivums. This is their shed.
Alpine troughs and rockery
areas take you on a journey and
trees forming the boundaries
ensure privacy. Seated areas
allow you to view the garden from
different aspects and clipped box
adds formality. I noticed how
creative people are with their
summerhouses, complimenting
the style of the owners much as
houses do in their furnishings.
Time was running out and I still
had to go and visit William Godfrey
who lives at Moor Cottage, a
Left: Georgian house within a short
Summerhouse walk of the busy high street.
in Annes
A door from the house opened
garden by the
jetty over a up onto a beautiful large family
pond garden where again roses 
213
GARDENS TO VISIT
Peter Clare relaxing in the garden in The Drive
featured prolically. They have
had an amazing season this
year. The large patio area has
plenty of seating which he can
enjoy along with the pupils from
the Language School he runs.
He also does garden courses.
These are great fun and of
course gardening is universal and
a great way to learn a language,
he said. His garden is divided
into different areas with each one
having its own charm. Archways
invite you through as you catch a
glimpse of each vista. Herbaceous
plants and shrubs are very much
a featured and rambling roses
abound both over a pergola and
training over the wall of the house.
One of the rst features he
wanted to show me was the very
tall echium which he said was
18 feet. Its young offspring were
starting to grow in the soil below
ready to shoot up to the sky next
Above: Gunnera contained in pot
Right: Rambling rose up wall of
Williams house
214
year. As you can see on the right,
giant echiums are much in vogue!
We followed on, passing a shady
area with attractive tree roots
and ferns before coming to the
vegetable garden where he also has
pots of dahlias, a ower he loves.
An auricula theatre is placed on
a red brick wall where an old tin
bath also hangs. Again, in this
garden there are many quirky
corners and features while clipped
box adds to the formality. His
space is so tranquil and peaceful
because the trees and hedges
absorb any noise from the busy
main road a stones throw away.
If you are looking for
sanctuary in a city setting,
make a note in your diary for a
trip to Didsbury next year. Ill
certainly be going back.
The gardens are open in May and
June. Go to www.ngs.org.uk for details.
BY E C H I U M , T H AT S A
WHOPPER!
When a newspaper reported that a 14 foot echium
pininana had been grown in a back garden in Devon,
Lythams Marianne Blaauboer reached for her
measuring tape. The story suggested it could be
Britains biggest.
Marianne and the team at Lytham Hall knew better.
They have one basking in the protection of their
Paradise Wall in the South Prospect Garden, which at
the time of my visit was over 16 feet and still growing.
The echium is also known as Vipers Bugloss or
Tower of Jewels. Its a bi-ennial, flowering in a giant
spire of blue flowers which are attractive to bees. No
special effort went into growing this specimen, just
occasional watering by the volunteers.
As a bi-ennial, once flowered it dies leaving the
seeds to produce plants to flower two years later.
Originating from the Canary Islands, it has another
connection to Lytham Hall as the squire John Talbot
Clifton (1868-1928) died in Tenerife whilst travelling to
Timbuctoo.
Heres a challenge is there a taller one in
Lancashire? The one I photographed in Didsbury for
this months feature was claimed to be taller but the
flowers had already fallen, apart from the very top,
and as this one at Lytham Hall was still growing to
dizzy heights. Sadly, by the time you read this it may
also be past its best.
Lytham Halls Marianne Blaauboer, lead volunteer
John Hornyak and the giant echium
lancashirelife.co.uk
216 lancashirelife.co.uk
 WILLS WISDOM
Will Clark studied horticulture at Myerscough College and worked in several nurseries
before joing the Barton Grange plant team. Ruth McNamee also studied at Myerscough
and when not working at Barton Grange, she can be found on her allotment

OF course, the trouble with the

great British weather is that it is
so unpredictable that we need to
be ready for any eventualities,
especially if we have holidays
planned this month.
Typically, August can be a very
dry month so its vital we keep
on top of the watering in the
garden, especially plants that
are in containers as these will
dry out very quickly. Its always
worth asking a kind neighbour,
family member or friend to
pop round to water your plants
whilst youre away to make sure
they are still looking fresh and
healthy when you get back.
The same goes for dead
heading too. Roses for sure
will benet from regular dead
heading. With repeat owering
roses, once the entire cluster

Small but beautiful

has faded, cut back the shoot
that carried them by six to eight
inches, to where the stem is of
pencil thickness. Cutting back
this far ensures a more vigorous
second owering shoot that
will emerge from the outward
facing bud you cut above.
A stem that isnt cut back quite
so far is thinner, and will not have
the same energy, therefore will
produce fewer owers. For your
container plants, regular dead
heading with your green ngers
will ensure vigorous growth
and allow plenty of new ower
buds to push through. Dont
forget to feed these plants too,
keeping them full and healthy.
There are so many colourful
herbaceous plants to feast our
eyes upon this month. Phlox,
verbena, scabiosa, liatris,
delphinium, aster, echinacea
and lavenders not only look
August is here, says Will Clark, and its time to
prepare your garden for the summer holidays
Above: lovely but also have the added
Rudbeckia Little benet of attracting butteries
Gold Star lives up to your garden. Another brilliant
to its name
plant for attracting butteries
is the buddleia (or aptly-named
buttery bush). This August-
owering shrub is a great addition
to any garden or even a container,
with cylindrical sprays of owers
at the end of arching stems.
All this talk of butteries
makes me think of those other
great friends of the gardener,
bees, which in turn brings me
round to my feature plant for
August. Ive chosen Rudbeckia
Little Gold Star which is a
beautiful, dwarf cone ower
with a bushy, compact habit. It
is much loved for its masses of
star shaped, golden daisy like
owers which absolutely cover
the plant in August. These owers
certainly do their name justice,
brightening up any border or
container from mid-summer to
late-autumn, making Rudbeckia
Little Gold Star one of the
longest owering perennials you
can buy. What a shining star!

R U T H S V E G TA L K

Sow Swiss chard and perpetual
spinach. You should get a few
pickings before the worst weather
hits but the plants stand all winter
and put on masses of welcome
new growth in the spring. Such a
useful crop to be used all year
round.
Look out for seed potatoes in
the garden centres. These are for
planting now to grow a crop of new
potatoes for Christmas. Plant two
or three tubers in a large pot or
potato grow bag, one third full of
compost. As the potatoes grow,
earth up by adding more compost
to the pot. Bring into the
greenhouse in early September, to
avoid blight and the coming frosts.
Keep on top of harvesting
especially climbing and runner
beans. If pods are missed and the
seeds form, the plant will stop
producing. Both beans freeze well
after blanching for a couple of
minutes and you can be reminded
of summer while eating beans in
the cold months ahead.
Keep watering in dry weather
and weed, weed, weed! The
perfect way to spend the summer
holidays!

LANCASHIRE LIFE August 2017 217

TAKE
THE

Lets be brief
Versace black swimmers,
90 www.harveynichols.com

Cover up in this Velvet By Graham and

Spencer Adalina cotton jacquard kaftan,
200, www.harveynichols.com

Keeping it simple
Green knotted bikini
top, 19, and
bottoms, 17, Cos
www.cosstores.com

Ruffles are so now.

Lisa Marie Fernandez
Arden polka dot bikini,
365 www.harvey
nichols.com

Dive into
summer
in sassy
swimwear

Cultivate a natural look in this Mixed Leaf bikini top, 19.95, and
bottom, 15, and bracelet, 15 from White Stuff www.whitestuff.com

218 lancashirelife.co.uk
 FASHION

Picture yourself in...

Orlebar Brown, Setter Photographic printed
swim shorts, 225 www.harveynichols.com
Look sassy in
these Le Cap shorts,
90, www.lecap-paris.com

Flaunt your assets in this

Antigua double string
bikini, by Heidi Klein
www.heidiklein.com

Classic cuts
Vilebrequin Moorea Anchor Of China swim
shorts, 160 www.houseoffraser.com

LANCASHIRE LIFE August 2017 219


Rachael Vipond and the MD of Rolex UK,
Richard de Leyser
Rose Wilson (assistant manager) and
Joanna Rhodes Valentine (managing director)
{ EXCLUSIVE WATCHES ON SHOW }
Time for a party
Managing director Joanna
Rhodes-Valentine and the sales team of
Whittles Jewellers, Preston, were proud
to host a VIP celebratory lunch at the
Gibbon Bridge Hotel, Chipping. Attended
by 100 valued customers and the
managing director of Rolex UK, Richard
de Leyser, the main focus of the afternoon
was to exhibit the new releases presented
by Rolex as part of the Baselworld
Collection 2017.
A touch of glamour was brought to the
Anthony and Linda Rickerby with Sue and
Richard Ashton
Annie Plumbridge, Gary Lowe and Janet
Simpson, proprietor of Gibbon Bridge
220
PHOTOGRAPHY: LINDA VINEY
Staff of Whittles Jewellers at the Gibbon Bridge Hotel
occasion with the addition of two specially
commissioned, hand carved Rolex inspired
ice sculptures. A magician and jazz band
entertained guests during the drinks
reception, and after lunch there was a
special viewing of the 49 new Rolex
watchreleases.
Joanna Rhodes-Valentine said: We
were delighted to welcome so many of our
loyal customers and unveil what has been
a trulyspectacular Rolex Basel Collection
thisyear. David Hester and Joe Westney showing two
of the new Rolex launched at the Basel Fair,
Sea Dweller and Sky Dweller
Geoff and Carol Toft with Debbie and Clive Hurt, Clare Watson, Nicola and
Andrew Worthington Jonathan Simpson
Peter Marquis, Kelly Gibson, Sarah and Tom Rigg Maxine and Chris Roche with Rose Wilson
lancashirelife.co.uk


EARLY AUTUMN
COLLECTIONS
NOW ARRIVING
COLLECTIONS INCLUDE:
Elie Tahari
Marc Cain
Nicole Miller
Chiara Boni
Hugo Boss Orange
Guess by Marciano
Moschino Boutique
SportMax Code
Class by Roberto Cavalli
Paul Smith PS
Joseph Ribkoff
Patrizia Pepe
D.Exterior
Aireld
Hale Bob
Riani
Halston Heritage
7 For All Mankind
AND MORE

50A High Street, TARPORLEY,
Cheshire CW6 0AG
01829 733251

www.sibelle.co.uk info@sibelle.co.uk www.facebook.com/si.belle.tarporley

Opening hours: Monday to Saturday 9:4517:30 Evenings & Sundays by appointment
FASHION

HOT
in the city
Accessorise in style.
Victoria Beckham Happy Butterfly
oversized sunglasses, 275
www.harveynichols.com

Oh, how we love dressing up

when the weather is ne!

Left: This combo will

work for both summer
and early autumn.
Jacket, 655, and
trousers, 375,
from Escadas
Resort collection
www.escada.cm

A dress that takes you from work to bar

from the Robe Lgre Vera Mont
Collection, 140
Right: Team up this www.bettybarclay.com/Vera_Mont
Finders Keepers
Windsor spot-print
top, 100, and
culottes, 115, for a
cool summer look
www.harvey
nichols.com

Right: Blossom out

in this dress by
Fenn Wright
Manson, 169,
www.
fennwrightmanson.
com

Above: Tan suede platform

sandal, 95 Sosandar
www.sosandar.com

Left: Dress up or down

in this Diane Von Furstenberg
Sepia polka-dot silk maxi
skirt, 415, www.
harveynichols.com

Right: What a carry on.

Barbur Larkhall tote, 79.95
www.barbour.com

222 lancashirelife.co.uk
 Contemporary and traditional Bespoke jewellery designed and
engagement and wedding rings handmade on the premises

S.Carr & Son, High Street, Garstang, Nr Preston, Lancs PR3 1FA | 01995 602148 | www.carrsjewellers.co.uk

LANCASHIRE LIFE August 2017 223

 BEAUTY

BEAUTY
and the
BEACH
Looking good as we hit the sun-
1
lounger? You will, with these
goodies, says JANET REEDER

1 BY TERRY SUN DESIGNER PALETTE
How glamorous is this palette? Open it up
and feast your eyes on six shades that work as
bronzers, blushers and highlighters. Pack this
for your hols and youll have everything you
need to bring out your inner sun goddess.
65 www.space-nk.com
2 THIS WORKS, PERFECT LEGS
SKIN MIRACLE
My pins need all the help they can get when
I nally reveal them to the elements so I was
very keen to try This Works, Perfect Legs
Skin Miracle. Its a leg make-up in effect and
contains hyaluronic acid and vitamins C and E
to rene and moisturise the texture of the skin
as well as having an SPF30. Its very easy to
apply and you can get a lovely even nish but
for best results I would use a self-tan product
rst and then layer this over the top. You can
also use it on other areas of the body including
the face. 37 www.thisworks.com
3 CLINIQUE SPF 30 VIRTU-OIL
BODY MIST
This is the one for those who dont want to feel
weighed down by the feel of a more traditional
sunscreen. Its as light as a feather and has an
SPF30 for max protection. Theres a waft of
coolness on the skin when you rst spritz it
2 3
4 5
then the mist sinks comfortably into the skin
and works its magic banishing those nasty
UVA and UVB rays. 25 www.clinique.co.uk
4 SUNLEA G.E GLOBAL ANTI-
AGEING SUNCARE
Oh how we really didnt care about UVA and
UVB lters when I was young. In fact, we
didnt even know what they were. The lower
the protection the better, we misguidedly
believed. Fast forward to 2017 and high
protection is my middle name. Sisleys
Sunlea G.E ghts against skin photo ageing
by protecting against UVA and UVB rays and
has powerful anti-ageing ingredients to help
combat wrinkles and loss of elasticity. This
is premium sun care that feels and smells
amazing and is waterproof too.
124.95 www.sisley-paris.com
5 AESOP DELICIOUS REDEMPTION
BODY SCRUB
If you want to slough off dead skin cells for
summer (and who doesnt?) look no further
than Aesops delicious Redemption Body
Scrub. It has essential oils that include pine,
sage leaf and clove stream in a beautiful
forest and uses natural nely milled pumice
and bamboo stem to do the exfoliating bit,
25, www.aesop.com

POUT AND ABOUT

I apparently live in the south of
England - why? Its all about the
lipstick. A recent survey revealed
that women who lived in the bottom
half of Britain favoured dramatic reds
and berry colours while northern
damsels wanted to be pretty in pink
- ergo, as an inveterate wearer of red
I must live in London (I dont).
Interestingly, another survey a
couple of years ago drew the
conclusion that Japanese women
wearing brighter lipstick meant that
the economy was doing well.
Lipstick has always been seen as
part of a womans armoury no
matter what.
If youre sad, add more lipstick
and attack, said Coco Chanel. Umm I
sort of agree but I might leave out
the violence.
Whatever anyone says, lippy is
always good news. Its the perfect
pick-me-up on a shopping spree
when you cant find anything else to
buy, and a surefire way to brighten
up your day.
So this month be southern. Buy a
bright lippy and raise the prospects
of a better economy. Its almost a
political act!
From left: Marc Jacobs Le Marc
Lip Crme, Oh Miley, 25
www.johnlewis.com
Chantecaille Lip Chic, 32
www.hoopers.com

LANCASHIRE LIFE August 2017 227

LANCASHIRE LIFE August 2017 229
230 lancashirelife.co.uk

FOR ANY EDUCATION
NEWS PLEASE CONTACT
roger.borrell@lancashirelife.co.uk
{ PREMIER AMBITIONS }
Soccer girls sign up
TWO girls from Bolton School have
impressed top teams with their soccer
skills so much theyve won contracts.
Anna Phillips, who is in year
nine of the girls division and Lizzie
Harkness, a year eight pupil, have
been signed up by Premier League
teams Manchester City and Everton.
Lizzies father, Duncan, said: She
started to play football age six at Bolton
Wanderers junior whites open training
sessions. She quickly gravitated to
a local boys team and her primary
school, until age 11 when she moved
to girls football with Preston North
End. She always loved football.
Lizzie stayed at Preston North
End until March when, following a
successful trial, she was asked to join
Royal guest at Bluecoat
The Earl of Wessex attended a special tour of
Bluecoat, Liverpools centre for the
contemporary arts - the highlight of the arts
centres 300th anniversary programme.
During his visit, HRH was given a tour of the
300 year old building, taking in the buildings
striking architecture; a heritage display charting
Bluecoats history, and the current contemporary
art exhibition on display in the galleries.
Bluecoat is Liverpool city centres oldest
building, Grade I listed, and located within the
UNESCO World Heritage Site.
EDUCATION LIFE
A round-up of events and achievements
from schools across the region
Anna and Lizzie
Everton ladies to play for their under
14s squad, one of the ve regional
training clubs here in the North West.
The Regional Talent Centres bring
together the most talented female
players, and it is from the RTCs that the
current England international squad
and junior international teams and the
players playing senior football within
the Womens Super League are drawn.
Annas mother, Janet, added: Her
dad played football right into his 40s,
before his knees gave way, so Anna
has always been around football.
Also, having an older brother and
cousin who both played football,
Anna has always wanted to do
what they did so just got stuck in.
That goes for her cricket as well.
The Earl of Wessex unviels a plaque at Bluecoat
Dr Margaret Bainbridge
UNIVERSITY
BENEFACTOR
A passion for local and family history led
to legacies of more than 140,000 to
Lancaster University, which will be used
to safeguard and promote the regions
heritage.
Benefactor Dr Margaret Bainbridge, of
Aldcliffe Road, Lancaster, died in May
2016 aged 91 leaving legacies to a range
of regional heritage organisations
including two to Lancaster Universitys
Regional Heritage Centre (RHC).
These included a gift of more than
136,000 which will become the
Bainbridge North West Regional Heritage
Fund and another of 5,000 which will be
used to archive some of her research and
stage a touring exhibition.
The legacies were borne out of Dr
Bainbridges passion for local and family
history and her commitment to Lancaster
Universitys RHC which inspired much of
her more recent research.
Barrow-born Dr Bainbridge worked at
London University and later became the
Turkish expert at the London School of
Oriental and African Studies (SOAS) until
her retirement in the 1990s. She then
moved to Lancaster and gained a
diploma in Local History from in 1993.
This was the catalyst for her long
association with the university.
PHOTO: (C) BRIAN ROBERTS
231
 PROMOTION

W EST HOL M ES
W E ST SI DE STORY
A dramatic and high octane story with powerful
performances by Westholmes incredibly talented young actors

AT the start of July, Westholme students
performed a three night run of West Side Story
in the schools impressive Croston Theatre.
The musical closely follows the narrative of
Shakespeares Romeo and Juliet, but with one
important difference; the lovers in this 1957
interpretation are related to two street gangs,
one noticeably more disadvantaged than the
other. The Puerto Rican Sharks have come to
New York seeking opportunity, whilst the Jets are barely a
rung up the social ladder from the Sharks, but their white
European roots afford them a measure of protection from
the racist and corrupt police force.
The cast of Senior School and Sixth Form students were
transformed into the rival street gangs, the Sharks and
the Jets with fabulous costumes, snappy choreography
and vibrant language, all set against a larger than life
New York City stage set. With moody lighting
and a grafti backdrop the audience were
transported from The Croston Theatre into
the colourful world of grime and crime,
st ghts and brawls and the ercely loyal,
if misguided, street gang life.
The audience were drawn into this
dramatic and high octane story with powerful
performances by these incredibly talented
young actors and by the upbeat songs and dances delivered
with energy and conviction. Every scene captivated the
viewer, from the quiet secret meetings of the lovers to the
spirited gang encounters. It carried the audience along
through the twists and turns of this romantic tragedy as
its story unfolded and ran away to its heart breaking nale.
Another outstanding Westholme performance!

Westholme School, Wilmar Lodge, Meins Road, Blackburn, BB2 6QU

For more information visit www.westholmeschool.com or call the Registrar on 01254 506088

QUESTION TIME
Westholme School principal Lynne Horner answers
eight key questions about her school and her ethos
Q: What are the
ingredients that go to
making a great teacher?
A: This is a very special recipe:
enthusiasm; energy; genuine
engagement with young people;
a love of subject; expertise and
most denitely a sense of humour.
Q: Did you have a
particularly inuential
teacher or colleague?
If so, please tell us
about him or her.
A: My history tutor at university
was an inspiration. He was
passionate about his subject
(and Chelsea FC!) and made
the most complex dry topics
fascinating. I have been blessed
over the years to work with
many inspirational colleagues
too numerous to mention.
Q: What are the attributes
that make you proud to lead
the team at Westholme?
A: A shared commitment to do
the very best for the children
in our care and teamwork.
These attributes inltrate all
aspects of life at Westholme.
Q: How do Westholme
pupils fare when it comes
to academic achievement?
A: We nd their talents
and help them to ourish.
Westholme students are all
different and we cherish their
uniqueness. Academic success
is fundamental to an excellent
education and we ensure this
Parents should always choose a school where
pupils are nurtured and given the condence to
believe in themselves
LANCASHIRE LIFE August 2017
is realised and recognised
in all subjects across the
curriculum. We always recognise
hard work and endeavour
as well as natural talent.
Q: And what about sport
and drama? Are they
an important part of
life at Westholme?
A: Absolutely, they are at the
heart of our curriculum and the
wider life of the school. Drama
productions at Westholme
are truly amazing and our
sporting provision is second
to none. We succeed at the
top level competitively and
actively develop sport for all.
The blended balance of sport,
drama, music and academia is
one of our greatest strengths.
EDUCATION LIFE
Q: What would you
advise parents to look
for when selecting a
school for their child?
A: I always tell parents to trust
their own instincts, no one knows
their child better. Parents should
always choose a school where
pupils are nurtured and given the
condence to believe in themselves.
Q: Tell us a little about the
facilities at Westholme.
A: We have super facilities
including a wonderful 532
seat theatre, oodlit astro turf,
sports hall, tness suite, Trim
Trail, Discovery Dell and Music
centre. Our Sixth Form Common
Room and Learning Resource
Centre look out across elds and
inspire students to learn about
and respect their surroundings.
Science laboratories and Design
& Technology complete a very
well-resourced campus for children
from three months to 18 years.
Q: When you see a student
leave Westholme what is
it about them that makes
you think Job Done?
A: If I see a condent, articulate,
respectful and mature adult
who has fullled their potential
and is ready to step out into
the wider world and make a
difference then I know we
have done our job properly.
Westholme School, Wilmar Lodge,
Meins Road, Blackburn, BB2 6QU.
01254 506070, westholmeschool.com.
233
 GOL F L I F E EMAIL:
GGGgarnett@aol.com
Geoff Garnett is a well-known sports TEL:
writer covering golf across the North West 0161 881 7550.

{ HONOUR FOR INJURED GUARDSMAN }

Ashton star leads our

Invictus team
ASHTON-UNDER-LYNE golfer
Bernie Broad has delighted everyone
at his club by being selected as
captain of the UK team of 90
injured servicemen and women
who will compete in the Invictus
Games at Toronto in September.
Bernie has enjoyed his golf at
Ashton for some years and has a
very respectable handicap of 19
despite having prosthetic legs.
He lost both limbs below the knee
in an explosion while serving as
a major in the Grenadier Guards
in Helmand Province in 2009.
His appointment led to his
meeting the charitys champion,
Prince Harry, and the rest of team
with the prince giving an inspiring
speech to the UK competitors.
Bernie fought back from his Ashton member Bernie in golf action. He will lead the UK team
horric injuries and played a big
part in Battle Back Golf and as the Personnel Recovery Unit. the physical benets of swinging
the Break Back Golf Captain he As a fully blooded late entry a club, negotiating slopes and
recently accepted a cheque for over ofcer into the Grenadier bunkers when mobility was
10,000 from the captain and lady Guards I ate up the chance to already severely compromised by
captain of Lancaster Golf Club. take part in the Invictus Games loss of a limb, signicantly aided
He spent four years of and become the captain. balance and co-ordination.
intensive surgery followed by When you become injured its The cognitive skills required to
two years of assistance from amazing what you lose condence, negotiate a course, mark a card
dignity and stature I didnt want and apply a handicap are taken
anyone to see me like this. Since for granted by the able bodied,
being medically retired from the but individuals particularly with
Armed Forces in 2014 I felt that I head injuries nd these skills
had become quite complacent. exceptionally difcult. However,
But I did not want to stand once mastered, they can then be
around feeling sorry for myself readily transferred into everyday life.
and as I have always been a keen Golfs unique handicap system
and competitive sportsman so I also allows individuals to be
kick-started my tness regime competitive at all levels and it
and now regularly swim, cycle is a great condence booster for
and walk as well as play golf. someone less able to play against
Invictus was a big bright light that an able bodied individual and
I needed to get into now Ive got be on an equal playing eld.
no excuse to do nothing. I see this Ashton secretary Steve Martin
as a way to refocus me physically added: Everyone at the club is
and mentally and engage in a full, delighted for Bernie, who is truly
Bernie with Prince Harry, who created active, competitive and fullling life. inspirational and they will all
the Invictus games He said for Battle Back Golfers, be 100 per cent behind him.

234 lancashirelife.co.uk

LUCY SHOWS ENDURING CLASS
Lucy Pottage found a
passion for golf many
years ago. She joined
Chorley Golf Club and
has never looked back.
Lucys achievements
during her golng
career saw her
become lady captain
at Chorley in 1998
which was a very
special time for her.
In 2004, Lucy
qualied to play in the
AEG nal in Sun City
South Africa and at the
age of 70 Lucy won
the Lora Fairclough Jack Arrowsmiths daughter presenting the prize to Lucy with
Order of Merit which Pauline Forshaw, the lady captain
is for the best six cards
Jack Arrowsmiths daughter presenting
the prize to Lucy with Pauline Forshaw,
the lady captain over the golng year.
Seven years later Lucy won
a major board competition
- the Captain of Captains Rosebowl
coming in with a nett 75.
The Rose Bowl Trophy was donated
by Mr Jack Arrowsmith who was
Captain of Captains of the Bolton Golf
Association in 1975 and a lifelong
Front row: John Burgoyne, Sue Catlow, Anne Graham and Marshall Brown. Back row John Graham (club
captain), Ann Waddington (lady captain), Irene Lonsdale, Phil Vernon, George Bradbury, Anita Duncan, Val
Standage and Barrie Clements.
MIXED DAY IS ANOTHER BIG HIT
Colne Golf Club held their eighth
annual Mixed Texas Scramble in
brilliant sunny weather and it proved
to be another memorable and enjoyable
day both on and off the course.
The format sees teams of four
selected at random comprising two
LANCASHIRE LIFE August 2017
member of Chorley Golf Club.
For the last 12 months Lucy has
not been able to play a full round
of golf due to health reasons.
But this year she returned to the
game with her usually passion and
won the Captain of Captains Rose
Bowl for the second time at the
young age of 79 and came in with
a nett 71 and she was delighted to
have won this prestigious award.
senior men and two ladies which
enabled members who dont normally
play golf together the chance to meet
and take part in this fun event.
The competition was nished off with
a two-course meal in the clubhouse
followed by the prize presentation.
GOLF LIFE
Boh Greenwood
BIDDING FOR
N AT I O N A L
G LO RY
Two young stars of the future did
Lancashire Schools proud in the
North of England Schools Golf
Championships by winning
through to the national finals.
The competition was held at
Whickham GC, County Durham,
and the 2017 boy champion is
Matthew Jackman of Southport
and Ainsdale GC.
The three-handicapper who
attends Bishop Rawstorne
School, Leyland, posted rounds of
70 and 69 to win by three shots.
In the girls competition Royal
Birkdales Boh Greenwood was
the only Red Rose entry, playing
off nine handicap. In miserable
weather for the morning round
Boh shot 83 but as the weather
improved in the afternoon so did
Boh and carded a superb 71 to
break the course record.
Both Boh and Matthew have
now qualified for the National
Schools Finals to be played at
Kendleshire GC, Bristol, and will
be looking to bring the national
titles back to Lancashire.
Matthew Jackman
235
 Women in the trenches
Author Caroline Scott honours the worthy women who would
fully do their bit with spade, saw and plough to win the war
YOU will do the straight, honest, and
pure-minded thing, and be worthy
of the name of Englishwomen.
The words, spoken in 1918, came from
Meriel Talbot, head of the Womens Land
Army, and were addressed to a combined
meeting of the organisations Lancashire,
Cheshire and Westmorland members.
Talbot told them the country was looking
to them as much as the men in the trenches
for winning the war. But, she said, although
they were dressed rather like men, they
should remember that they were women.
There was a long history of women being
employed on the land in Lancashire and
the Lake District. They had worked both as
farm maids combining housework with
dairy duties and caring for livestock and as
harvest labour. But in the last quarter of the
19th century women had been leaving the
land. Employment as a domestic servant in
town, or a mill worker, or a shop girl offered
greater variety, more freedom and better pay.
236
Above: A rally in Preston Through 1915 the Lancashire Committee
to encourage women to for Promoting the Employment of Women
join up (permission of
in Agriculture, presided over by Lady Derby,
Lancashire County
Council and Preston City campaigned to encourage women back
Council) to the land. However, they would prove
reluctant to return to the conditions known
Left: Women sheaving
by their grandmothers, and there was much
corn in August 1914
temptation in the higher wages offered in
Below: Cover for the munitions factories. Moreover, it wasnt easy
special Christmas issue of to persuade farmers to exchange their skilled
The Landswoman, from
December 1918 and
men for inexperienced women. While 1,000
clothing adverts for every women had volunteered in Lancashire by
well-dressed April 1916, only 100 vacancies had been lled.
Land Army recruit But agricultures need would become more
urgent. A real labour shortage was starting
to impact farm productivity by the spring
of 1917, just as Germanys U-boat campaign
was shifting up a gear and threatening to
starve Britain into surrender. It was this crisis
that prompted the launch of the Womens
Land Army (WLA) in March 1917. Notices
placed in newspapers appealed for 10,000
Women Wanted at Once to Grow and Harvest
the Victory Crops. In April 1917 candidates
began to be interviewed by selection boards
in Preston, Lancaster and Ulverston. The
Lancashire County Committee reported that
they were particularly gratied by the type
of women who have offered themselves.
The roles that these new recruits took
on were very varied. For example, of 35
women trained in Carlisle in the spring of
1918, ve gained situations in forestry, six
in forage work, four in market gardening,
lancashirelife.co.uk
 ART & CULTURE

and the remainder in a range of eld work.

In the summer they would be haymaking,
then later lifting potatoes and in the autumn
picking damsons in Westmorland. And
all of that hard graft was rewarded with a
change in farmers attitudes. In 1918 James
Hamilton, who farmed at Old Garswood,
Wigan, said: A short time ago I would not
have thought it was possible for women to do
the work they were doing on the land. He had
women learning to plough with a tractor.
When the German army launched its spring
offensive in 1918 there was a renewed call
for army reinforcements. More men would
leave the land, and more women would be
required to take their places. There was
a particular push in the north, with the
recruitment campaign in Lancashire and
Cumbria aiming to sign up 30,000 volunteers.
Four recruiting stations were opened in
Liverpool and a recruiting tram toured the
suburbs. Play up, Liverpool! urged adverts
placed in the local press. Members of the
WLA marched through Manchester carrying
A special word of praise should be
banners bearing the legend We Are All Fit.
The Manchester Evening News observed:
recorded to the farmers wives of
The hefty representatives of the Land
Army, clad in breeches and smocks looked
Lancashire, who are doing noble
particularly well. Some carried rakes, hoes,
double-handles saws, and other implements
work. They are astir at sunrise, and
used on the land, and the young lady who
placidly sat among the pigs in the high-sided
are at work long after dark.
cart came in for a large share of attention.
In the spring of 1918 there were 800 Above: Recruiting rally for The award ceremony in London was hosted
members of the Land Army working in the Womens Land Army by Princess Mary, and followed by a supper
in Preston, June 1918
Lancashire. But, in addition to the uniformed (permission of Lancashire
and concert at which two Land Army girls
Land Girls, a Board of Agriculture report County Council and sang and several girls from Cumberland
counted some 2,187 local women working full- Preston City Council) danced old country dances while one of
time on farms and another 2,421 part-time. their number played a mouth organ.
And that report also noted: A special word As the centenary of the Land Armys
of praise should be recorded to the farmers formation is marked this year, its timely to
wives of Lancashire, who are doing noble remember the contribution of the norths
work. They are astir at sunrise, and are at female farm workers to the war effort.
work long after dark. The Land Army was just
a small part of the whole female agricultural
labour force then, but their signicance, in
encouraging other women to come back to M Y R O C H DA L E R O OT S
the land, and winning farmers acceptance,
was greater than the sum of their numbers. As the centenary of the
Although the work was often dirty, heavy start of the First World War
and tiring, many would also nd a sense of approached, like so many
other people, I was inspired
purpose and pleasure in it and excel in their
to begin researching how
roles. In 1919 55 members of the WLA were the conflict affected my
recognised for their exceptional achievements own family. My great-
with the presentation of a Distinguished grandmother was 21 in 1914
Service Bar. One of the recipients was Miss and living on the family
F. Bridgman, a Lancashire woman, who by farm in North Middleton,
her strenuous efforts for 16 months had a Rochdale. When her elder
weekly tractor average just double that of the brother left for the
Manchester Regiment in
men, and on one occasion she risked her life Caroline Scott
1916, it then fell to his
to deal with a tractor that was out of control sisters to keep the farm how typical this experience familys story into context.
on a hill. Miss D. C. McCrae was awarded going. I was interested in was. My book, Holding the Published by Pen & Sword
for ploughing land in Cumberland which how they coped, what Home Front, is the result of Books and available
some soldier workers had refused to touch. challenges they faced and trying to put my own online for 11.99

LANCASHIRE LIFE August 2017 237

 Artist of the month
Former mining engineer John Sibson now uses
his skills as an artist to reveal some less travelled
parts of the region. Barbara Waite reports

IF you ever come across a man on a vintage

grey Ferguson tractor trundling along the
byways peering over the hedges at the
landscape it could well be artist John Sibson.
The painting gear would have been the
giveaway as he hunts for subjects for his next
artwork off the beaten track in the Lake District.
My philosophy is simple I paint what I see,
he said. I have no great underlying artspeak
about abstraction, emotions or whatever I just
hope that my work gives the viewer the feeling
of how I see the location and transmits the
enjoyment that I have had in creating the work.
That said, Johns style can be very different
depending on the medium. In watercolour he
aims to capture the sharper lines of buildings,
boats and machines amid the soft tones and
shapes of the natural landscape for which he
uses the texture of the paper and the ow of the
paint to generate an impression of the locale.
Subtle denition is added by light pen-
work which contrasts with the softness
and the whole is often enhanced by fading
out the edges to create a vignette.
In oils and acrylics, his style is more colourful
and bold with extensive use of the palette knife
to give the texture that he enjoys, and helps
him to continue to drift into impressionism.
John was formerly a mining engineer and his
family go back many generations on his fathers
side in the Maryport, Great Broughton and
the Vale of Lorton areas where his namesake
was the vicar of Lorton around 1800.
He spent his earliest years at Silverband

Whitehaven trawlers John Sibson

238 lancashirelife.co.uk
 ARTIST OF THE MONTH

near Appleby where he now lives during the away as Spain and New Zealand. Above:
summer months. His father was manager In the past he has exhibited in The Mall Sunset at
of the Silverband Barytes mine high on Galleries in London, in the Royal Society Haig Pit
Whitehaven
Great Dunn Fell and John followed his of Marine Artists Open Exhibitions and
fathers footsteps into the industry. has been a prizewinner in the Cumbria Below:
After studying mining engineering Artists Open Exhibition. One time Lancaster
chairmanship of the Yorkshire Watercolour Canal
at Newcastle University his career took
him to North Wales, Northern Ontario, Society took his work to many locations
British Columbia, the Scottish Hebrides, including the Houses of Parliament.
Andaluca and, nally, North Yorkshire. He became well known among many
It was during this time he started painting, northern art societies demonstrating and
and when his company was taken over he teaching workshops, although he has now
took the plunge and decided to concentrate retired from tutoring. You can see more of
on his art. In developing his painting, he his work at www.johnsibson.co.uk with
took time off for a summer school at the prices starting from about 200.
Slade in London where he studied the
basics of colour and oil painting which has
been a strong inuence on recent work.
He returned to Cumbria to live with his
wife, Frances, at Hilton on the Pennine
Fells near Appleby, and has recently moved
and now has bases in the town itself,
and on the Norfolk/Suffolk border.
John started to paint what was on his
doorstep, and continues to paint watercolours
of the towns, dales and fells, but his
engineering background and love of the
sea from many sailing voyages stimulated
his interest in marine and industrial work,
capturing more overlooked areas.
He has had many one-man and shared
exhibitions in galleries in Yorkshire
and Cumbria and has sold in galleries
at home and abroad even as far

LANCASHIRE LIFE August 2017 239


Two chances to win a years subscription to Lancashire Life
ACROSS
1 Dinosaur with three horns to be
seen at Jurassic Kingdom, Stanley
Park, Blackpool, this August (11)
9 Plant-like grass that grows in wet
areas such as Lake District mires (5)
10 On Strike, 1854 article about
the Preston strike written
anonymously by the novelist .
Dickens (7)
11 It is hoped that Graces Place,
Radcliffe, will be operating as a
childrens hospice by the end of the
year with Princess as patron (8)
13 Cox, former Radio 1 DJ from
Bolton who now hosts Sounds of
the 80s on BBC Radio 2 (4)
15 To run at a very fast speed for a
short distance or a river near
Kendal (6)
16 A kingdom of the Hen Ogledd
during the post-Roman era that is
thought to have covered Cumbria,
possibly Lancashire and Scotland,
and that gives its name to a tourist
attraction near Penrith (6)
19 John Alexander Brodie, a
Liverpool engineer, is credited with
the invention of football goal ,
although some say they were
previously used in 1890 for a match
in Bolton (4)
21 Flower or . Bucket, character
in Keeping Up Appearances
played by Patricia Routledge, a
University of Liverpool graduate (8)
24 Hid leap, anagram of Liverpool
hotel that featured in the 1997 BBC
documentary series Hotel (7)
25 Giles Deacon, who grew up near
Ullswater, designed the wedding
dress for Middletons wedding to
James Matthews earlier this year
(5)
27 Structure that spans a river plus
composition of a river make up a
canal often described as Englands
first canal? (11)
  
   Name
 
 
 
  
 
   Send your completed sudoku to: Sudoku Competition, Lancashire
   
240
Crossword & Sudoku
DOWN
2 Arrows, the famous RAF aerobatic team,
will perform at the event in 12 Down (3)
3 The thwaite ending of Lake District places
such as Esthwaite is Norse for this tree-free
in a wood (8)
4 Retro cocoon holds elaborate baroque
style of decoration fashionable in 18th
century Europe, of which Blackpools Tower
Ballroom is a local example? (6)
5 Join Badger, Ratty, Mole and for the
Wind in the Willows outdoor theatre at
Hoghton Tower this August (4)
6 Timmy Mallett, a former DJ with
Manchester Piccadilly Radio, had a hit with a
re-release of Itsy Bitsy Teeny Weeny Yellow
Dot Bikini (5)
7 Bird charity that has taken over the
tenancies of two Haweswater farms (1.1.1.1.)
8 Ince-in-Makerfield ince is thought to
refer to this type of land mass surrounded by
water (6)
12 Watch flying machines past and present
at The Blackpool Show this August (3) The winner will receive a years free subscription to Lancashire Life
14 A hard, round, yellow seed that can be
cooked and eaten - or Press, Kendal, a Name
spiritual publishing company that takes its
name from a poem by Mevlana Jalaluddin Address
Rumi (8)
15 Waternook, Ullswater, is listed in The Postcode Telephone
Times newspapers 2016 Top 12 Party Pads
in Great Britain (6) Send your completed crossword to: Crossword, Lancashire Life,
17 Weapon in 1856, the Liverpool-built The Whitehouse, Greenalls Avenue, Warrington, WA4 4HL. The
Horsfall was the largest in the world (3) winner will be announced in the October ssue. The editors decision
18 The Story of , 1958 hit single for is final. No correspondence will be entered into. It is not necessary
Liverpool-born Michael Holliday (2, 4) to purchase this magazine to enter the competition. Closing date:
20 Stars in Eyes, Granada talent show August 23, 2017
that began filming in Manchester in 1990 (5)
22 In 1746, Francis Towneley of Towneley
Hall was hung, drawn and quartered before
Answers to Julys Crossword
his was displayed on Temple Bar, London,
Across: 1 Littlewoods 8 F A Cup 9 Lie 10 Age 11 Over 12 Heraldry
for the crime of supporting the 1745 Jacobite
14 Essex 15 Mints 20 Robinson 22 High 24 You 25 Esk 26 Abuse
rebellion (4)
27 Gingerbread
23 Common name for the type of vegetable
Down: 1 Life On 2 Tickets 3 LIPA 4 Walter 5 Operatic 6 Stand
that forms the principle filling of the dish in
7 Meryl 13 Sean Bean 16 Tribute 17 X-Rays 18 Cockle 19 Shield
26 Down (4)
1 Brung 23 Lamb
26 Lancashire Butter , local pastry-
encrusted dish (3)
Complete the grid correctly to be in with a chance of         
winning a years free subscription to Lancashire Life.
        
        
        
Address
        
         
         
Postcode         
       
Telephone
 
Sudoku June winner
Life, The Whitehouse, Greenalls Avenue, Warrington, WA4 4HL.. The
Mrs Mary Lloyd from Wigan
winner will be announced in the October issue. The editors decision is
final. No correspondence will be entered into. It is not necessary to
Crossword June winner
purchase this magazine to enter the competition. Closing date: August
Mrs R Worden from Nelson
23, 2017
lancashirelife.co.uk
 Wright Marshall
Fine Arts
Now accepting consignments for
specialist, ne and interior auctions!

RECENT RESULTS

Sold Sold
12,800 9,600

Sold Sold
4,900 3,800

Sold Sold
3,800 1,400

Sold Sold
6,000 5,350

DATES FOR YOUR DIARY:

Beeston and Knutsford Salerooms
AUGUST
12th August - Saturday Sale of Antiques & Interiors, Beeston
15th August - General Interiors Sale, Knutsford
SEPTEMBER
5th September - Fine Antiques & Interiors Sale, Knutsford
9th September - Saturday Sale of Antiques & Interiors, Beeston
19th September - General Interiors Sale, Knutsford
OCTOBER
14th October - Saturday Sale of Antiques & Interiors, Beeston
17th October - General Interiors Sale, Knutsford
28th October - Decades of Design Sale, Knutsford
For more information contact either saleroom,
Knutsford WA16 6DH - Tel: 01565 653 284 or
Beeston, Nr. Tarporley CW6 9NZ - Tel: 01829 262 150
Email: neart@wrightmarshall.co.uk
Get in touch now to see what your items could be
worth, wed be delighted to hear from you.
FREE VALUATIONS
Every Friday, Knutsford: 9am - 12pm & 1pm - 4pm
Every Monday, Beeston: 9am - 12pm & 1pm - 4pm

LANCASHIRE LIFE August 2017 241

 ANTIQUES
Christopher Proudloves monthly rummage
around the regions sale rooms

{ LANCASHIRE SHIP PORTRAIT }

Tales of the Witch

BUILT in 1878 as a
private vessel for Sir
Thomas Fermor-Hesketh,
MINING THE BIDS
RSYC Lancashire Witch
embarked on a world Leyland auctioneers Warren
cruise a year later, & Wignall recently emerged
interrupted when its from beneath the builders
dust to reveal a re-modelled
owner, an honorary
saleroom, a new first floor
colonel of the 4th antique and collectors
Battalion, Liverpool room with display cabinets
Regiment of Militia, and shelving, a new
heard of the British reception area, offices and a
defeat at Isandlwana. coffee shop called Lot1 The
He immediately set Coffee Shop.
sail for Natal and This miners lamp created
much interest among
fought with Redvers
collectors. Sadly unmarked
Buller at Ulundi, the and anonymous, little is
last major battle in the Zulu War, after during the Boxer Rebellion in 1900. known about who patented
which he continued with his cruise. He She was lost in Singapore harbour in it, but it was learned
subsequently married an American heiress 1912 after being rammed accidentally subsequently that only
and became Sherriff of Northamptonshire. by the governors personal launch. about 20 of this design are
Later sold to the Admiralty and Auctioneers Cato Crane took a winning known to exist. It was
renamed HMS Waterwitch, the yacht bid of 1,500 from an Italian buyer for this purchased by a collector
born in St Helens but who
was put into service as a survey ship gouache and its pair by Antonio de Simone,
now lives in Holland who
working off Australia and Hong Kong with his father Tommaso arguably the best secured it against tough
before participating in the relief of Peking known 19th century Italian ship portraitists. opposition for 4,500.
Owner and auctioneer were,
naturally, delighted.

Madonna in blue
This Royal Doulton piece was
modelled by Phoebe Stabler
(1910-1946) a noted sculptor
who studied at Liverpool
University and the Royal
College of Arts. She
designed for a number
of potteries, notably
Worcester and Poole,
and worked in
partnership with her ON THE TILES
husband, a silversmith. This group of tiles sold at workshop at Merton Abbey,
The Madonna of the Square, a young woman Mitchells in Cockermouth near Wimbledon, making
cradling her infant with flowers at her feet, was for an amazing 5,600, more tiles. Working subsequently
produced in 1913 and was the first of Royal than 10 times expectation. at a factory at Sands End,
Doultons flower seller figures. Looking to extend They were made by William Fulham, production of
the longevity and popularity of its figures, Doulton De Morgan (1839-1917) de Morgans Persian and
subsequently produced many of them in varying a follower of the Arts and lustre ware, the decoration
colourways, the Madonna included, but this Crafts Movement, who populated by medieval
prototype, covered completely in French blue glaze, discovered the ancient secret animals, grotesque birds,
which surfaced in an auction at Gerrards in Lytham, of replicating Persian lustre animals and sea creatures
was never put in to production and is therefore glazes. In 1881, he joined more likely to be seen in
possibly unique. It sold for 800. William Morris at the latters Italian Renaissance art.

242 lancashirelife.co.uk
 ANTIQUES

Conquering heroes SA L E DAT E S

F O R AU G U S T
These two seven feet tall carved
wooden gures were found in Byrnes, Chester 9, 23: General
a modern house in Ulverston Capes Dunn, Stockport 1: Ceramics,
and date from the 19th century. Glass 14, 29: General 15: Summer
Each bare-chested warrior was Antiques & Fine Art

depicted wearing animal skins Cato Crane, Liverpool 1-2: Antiques &
and a helmet in the style of Fine Art
native conquistadors. No-one Gerrards, St Annes 17-18: Antiques &
knows where they were made Fine Art
but after much pre-sale interest, Halls: Shrewsbury 9, 23: General
bidders in the room, on the
internet and three telephones Hansons, Etwal, Derby 17-19, 21:
Four-day Antiques & Fire Art 19:
pushed the price at 1818 Automobilia, Classic Cars 21:
Auctioneers in Milnthorpe to Collectables 23: Antiquities, Stamps
19,500 against an estimate of Maxwells, Stockport 16: General (am)
3,000-5,000. Antiques, Collectables

Omega Auctions, Stockport 18: Vinyl

COTTON CANDY Adam Partridge, Liverpool 2:

The Amalgamated Cotton
Mills Trust, formed in 1918 and
headquartered in Preston,
comprised 15 of Lancashires
leading cotton spinners and
associated businesses. In its
heyday, it owned nearly 60
spinning mills and weaving
sheds and employed 17,800
workers. This beautifully
bound presentation copy of
the Trusts book Concerning
Cotton containing chapters
on each of the firms sold at
Silverwoods for 150.
Iillustrations of the mythical
Cotton Fairies punctuate the
pages, adding charm to the
books historical significance.
Antiques, Toys
Adam Partridge, Macclesfield 10:
Antiques, Fine Art, Cars, Automobilia,
Stamps, Ephemera
Silverwoods, Clitheroe 2, 9, 16, 23,
30: General 17: Antiques, Fine Art
Sporting Art , Collectables
Tennants, Leyburn, North Yorks 2,
Books, Maps, Manuscripts 9: Militaria,
Ethnographica 12: General, Costume,
Textiles 25: General, Beswick, Border
Fine Arts
The Auction Centre, Runcorn 12:
British Toy Auctions 26: Antiques, Fine
Art & Collectables

Warren & Wignall, Leyland 2:

Antiques & Fine Art 9, 16, 23, 30: General

RUPERT FLIES Warrington & Northwich Auctions,

Warrington 2, 16, 30: Antiques &

AGAIN Collectables

Whittaker & Biggs, Congleton 4, 11,

Against all the odds this chap, called Rupert,
18, 25: General
survived the D-Day parachute drop on the night
of June 5, 1944, and was supposed to burst Peter Wilson, Nantwich 3, 17, 31:
into ames on landing to avoid detection. Was General
he faulty and failed to go bang, or did he avoid
the drop altogether? Well never know, but Wright Marshall, Beeston 12: General
around 500 of the sand-lled paradummies,
Wright Marshall, Knutsford 15:
three-foot tall deception devices nicknamed
General
Ruperts, were dropped in four false Normandy
locations to fool the Nazis, while thousands 1818, Milnthorpe 7-8 Antuqyes &
of Allied airmen landed in the correct drop- Fine Art 14, 21: General 29: General with
zones. Our hessian hero was found in the Photography
loft of a former soldiers home on Merseyside
and sold at Adam Partridges rooms in the Dates may change - please check
city for 2,500, to become the latest recruit before travelling
at the House on the Hill Museum in Essex.

LANCASHIRE LIFE August 2017 243

 The diary
Our guide to the best events in August and around Lancashire
THEATRE
& DANCE
4t h - 1 2 t h
TREASURE ISLAND
The Dukes present an outdoor
walkabout production of Treasure
Island, where the winding
paths and dark woodlands of
Williamson Park are transformed
into the ctional island.
Williamson Park, Lancaster,
01524 598500
6th
PRIDE AND
PREJUDICE
Take a step back in time with
Chapterhouse Theatre Company
to meet Elizabeth Bennet, Jane
Austens most loveable heroine,
in this open-air performance.
The brand-new adaptation also
celebrates the 200th anniversary
of Jane Austens death.
Houghton Tower, near Preston,
www.hoghtontower.co.uk
7th - 19th
FUNNY GIRL
This critically acclaimed and
record-breaking theatre production
returns to Manchester to complete
its national tour. Sheridan Smith
reprises her smash hit performance
in the role of Fanny Brice, and
playing opposite her is Darius
Campbell as Nick Arnstein.
Manchester Palace
Theatre, 0844 871 3019
8th - 12th
FO OT LO O S E :
THEMUSICAL
Based on the 1984 cult classic
starring Kevin Bacon, Footloose:
The Musical tells the story of
city boy Ren, who has to move
to rural backwater in America
where dancing is banned. It will
star Gareth Gates as Willard and
Maureen Nolan as Vi Moore.
Charter Theatre, Preston,
01772 804444
244
16 t h - 18 t h
T R I A L BY J U RY
Lovehistory return to St
Georges Hall with a brand
new case to solve. This
compelling and immersive
theatre production puts the
audience in the driving seat,
giving you the power to decide
the fate of those on trial.
St Georges Hall, Liverpool,
0844 800 0410
20th
THE MIK ADO
The Lord High Executioner is
expected in the parkland of
Lytham Hall as Illyria stage
Arthur Conan Doyles adventure
story, the basis of the Jurassic
Park series. Artistic director
Oliver Gray has a reputation
for the spectacular and his
always inventive company
may have the audience hiding
behind their picnic rugs.
Lytham Hall, 01253 736652
22nd
THE EMPERORS
N E WC LOT H E S
Held in the setting of Brantwoods
lakeside meadow, bring your own
seating and enjoy Illyrias show
of the Hans Christian Andersen
story. Coniston Launch will also
be running a ferry service to
and from the performance.
Brantwood, Coniston,
www.brantwood.org.uk
Au g u s t 2 5t h u n t i l
S e pte m b e r 2 3 r d
PIPPIN
The Tony Award-winning
performance, directed by
Jonathan OBoyle and co-
produced by Guy James, tells
the story of a young prince, the
heir to a throne, and his journey
to nd meaning to life - only to
discover true happiness is more
complicated than he thought.
Hope Mill Theatre, Ancoats,
www.hopemilltheatre.co.uk
26th
D I N O SAU R
I N VA S I O NS H OW
Have a fun afternoon lled with
dinosaurs. Over 15 realistic
dinosaurs, puppets and characters
will be a part of the educational
show, which delivers animatronics
from tiny baby hatchlings to a
gigantic T Rex and Triceratops.
Thwaites Empire Theatre,
Blackburn, 01254 685 500
31st - September 2nd
D E R R E N B R OW N :
UNDERGROUND
The multi-award winning
master of psychological illusion
brings his latest performance to
Blackpool. Direct from its recent
sold-out London run, it features
a collection of some of the very
best of his previous stage work.
The Grand Theatre, Blackpool,
www.blackpoolgrand.co.uk
Un t i l S e ptem b e r 3
WHERE IS
P E T E RR A B B IT ?
This innovative show is a
combination of live performance,
uplifting songs, inventive staging,
projection and beautifully created
puppets - all designed with
exquisite attention to detail and
staying faithful to Beatrix Potters
original stories and illustrations.
Old Laundry Theatre, Bowness-
on-Windermere, 015394 40872
The Tony Award-winning performance
PIPPIN arrives in Ancoats
lancashirelife.co.uk

MUSIC &
CONCERTS
3rd
RHYTHM OF
T H E DA N C E
World champion dancers, a
traditional Irish band and the
handsome Young Irish Tenors
who have wowed audiences
wowed all over the world.
Charter Theatre, Preston,
www.prestonguildhall.co.uk
4t h
ABBA REUNION
TRIBUTE
Relive the addictive Abba
phenomena of the 70s and 80s in
a feel good party style concert.
Southport Theatre,
0844 871 7642
5th - 6th
LIVERPOOL
LOV E S
Live entertainment, food and
drink, activities and attractions
see the city centre come alive with
the sounds of some of the best
bands and rising local artists.
Derby Square, Liverpool,
www.liverpoolloves.co.uk
5th - 6th
B I C K E R S TO C K
This free community music
festival gives up-and-coming
local musicians the chance to
perform alongside established
musicians and raises thousands
for local good causes.
Bickerstaffe Parish Field,
www.bickerstock.org
LANCASHIRE LIFE August 2017
ARTS & CULTURE
concerts. The Jacksons will headline
the Friday, with the Saturday
featuring some of the biggest pop
hits of the 1980s as part of Pete
Watermans Hit Factory, including
Jason Donovan and Sinitta. The
Sunday closing night sees Holywood
star Will Smith and DJ Jazzy Jeff
team up for a rare UK appearance.
Blackpools Headlands Arena,
www.livewirefestival.co.uk
COUNTY
DAYS OUT
5t h
Relive the 1980s classic Footloose this August G A R S TA N G S H OW
This one day agricultural and
horticultural show is packed
full of entertainment for all the
6th
M AG I C O F M OTOW N
family. At its heart is livestock and
horticulture displays, but also look
Celebrate the sound of Motown
with 40 back-to-back classic
out for the the Adrenaline Tour
quad bike stunt show, Cumberland
hits, glittering costume changes and Westmorland wrestling and
and dazzling dance moves. local treats at the farmers market.
The Grand Theatre, Blackpool, Garstang Show,
www.blackpoolgrand.co.uk www.garstangshow.org
8th 6th
TO OT S A N D M A K E M Y DAY !
T H E M AY TA L S A free festival packed with
Ska and reggae legends, Toots creative activities. Grab a bundle
and the Maytals, return to touring of recycled wood and a hammer
after a three year break and will and get building, or pick up a
perform a number of classics brush and help to ll in the giant
from their back catalogue. paint-by-numbers. Entertainment
Olympia, Liverpool, includes a duo of dancing jellysh,
0844 561 7672 561 a troupe of Lancashire Cloggers
and an orchestra of utes.
13th West End Gardens, Morecambe,
BR ASS IN THE GR ASS www.makemyday.org.uk
Blackpool Brass Band will
perform at this free Sunday 1 1t h - 1 3 t h
concert in Ashton Gardens. R OYA L L A N C A S H I R E
Ashton Gardens, St Annes S H OW
Expect magnicent livestock
2 5t h - 2 7 t h displays, food and drink, crafts,
G R E AT B R IT I S H a huge country life area, and lots
RHYTHM AND of traditional entertainment and
B L U E SF E S T I VA L avenues of trade stands offering
Among the award-winning blues a wealth of goods. Highlights
artists from around the world on include the local food and drink
the bill this year are: Grammy- showcase, with celebratory real
nominated singer Janiva Magness, ales and traditional ciders as well
British Blues band King King and as award-winning artisan foods.
rising star Joanne Shaw Taylor. Salesbury Hall, Ribchester,
Colne, www.bluesfestival.co.uk www.royallancashireshow.co.uk
2 5t h - 2 7 t h 12th
LIVEWIRE CO C K E R H A M
F E S T I VA L2 017 V I L L AG E S H OW
Blackpools Headlands Arena will Anyone can take part and there are
host some of the worlds biggest classes for all skills and interests 
musical stars for this new series of including horticulture, arts,
245

Wine evenings at Askham Hall with Nico Chize and Richard Bracken
cookery, photography, and lots of
classes for children to enter. The
show is open to the public between
2-4pm and admission is 1.
Cockerham Village
Hall, 01524 793549
12th - 13th
LOW T H E R S H OW
This years show will include
the Lowther Horse Driving
Trials, Food and Beer Festival,
the Lowther Fishing Island, the
Lowther Hound Show and the
new Clay Shooting Festival.
Lowther Castle, Penrith,
www.lowthershow.co.uk
12th - 13th
B L AC K P O O L
A I RS H OW
See the RAF Red Arrows, the RAF
Typhoon and many more ying
machines in the sky and enjoy
exciting sights on the ground with
stalls, stands and attractions.
Blackpool Promenade, www.
visitblackpool.com
1 5t h
WINE EVENING:
D O M A I N E S OT T,
BANDOL AND
P R OV E N C E
As part of Askham Halls wine
evenings, learn more about
Domaines Ott wineries, which
are owned and managed by
Champagne Louis Roedereres.
Head Chef Richard Swale will
prepare unique four to seven
course menus to complement
the wines. 95 per person.
Askham Hall, Penrith,
www.askhamhall.co.uk
246
2 7 t h-2 8 t h
S T E A M I N G S AT
B O LTO N S T E A M
MUSEUM
Volunteers have rescued and
restored 30 old stationary steam
engines, many which once
powered the cotton and woollen
mills. See these engines, some of
which are now the only ones of
their kind to survive, running in
steam across these two days.
Bolton Steam Museum,
www.nmes.org
Un t i l S e ptem b e r 3
S WA L LOWS A N D
A M A ZO N S : A R E A D I N G
A reading in association with
the LDNP, the University of
Liverpool and the Arthur Ransome
Trust. Writers, artists, lm stars
17 t h - 2 0 t h and fans will read the classic
SOUTHPORT childrens story on the lakeshore
F LOW E RS H OW north of the boating centre
The largest independent ower Coniston Boating Centre,
show in the country is set to www.conistonboatingcentre.co.uk
be bigger and better than ever,
and the theme for 2017 is The
Curious Garden. Exhibitors and EXHIBITIONS
visitors will be inspired by a Un t i l S e p t e m b e r 17 t h
sense of mystery, wonder and BRICK DINO
curiosity. There will also be a Meet dinosaurs built by artist
host of famous faces sharing Warren Elsmore and his team
gardening tips, teaching you new using Lego bricks and the
skills in the kitchen or simply latest knowledge about how
keeping the kids entertained. they would have looked.
Victoria Park, Southport, Harris Musuem and Art Gallery,
www.southportflowershow.co.uk Preston, 01772 258248
20th Un t i l S e ptem b e r 3 r d
KIDSFEST T R AC E Y E M I N A N D
An exciting afternoon of free family WILLIAM BLAKE
fun, with a packed programme INFOCUS
of entertainment, activities, This exhibition reveals surprising
workshops and attractions. The links the work of Tracey Emin
childrens festival was launched and William Blake. Emins My
in 2015 to honour the short life of Bed 1998, and some of her
James Bulger who was murdered drawings from the Tate collection,
in 1993 at the age of two. are presented alongside those
Stanley Park, Liverpool, of the visionary British poet
www.forjames.org and artist, William Blake.
Tate Liverpool, 0151 702 7400
27th
P L A N T FA I R A N D Un t i l S e ptem b e r 3 r d
FOOD MARKET BRIGHT AND
This is a specialist plant fair that B E AU T I F U L
brings together many of the Norths A major new solo exhibition by
top nurseries and growers. Its Tracy Levine. Thirty new paintings
the perfect opportunity to pick up are in the display at Brantwood,
a variety of seeds and plants, as all based on weeds, hedgerows
well as enjoying delicious, local and meadows as well as garden
produce at the popular Holker Food owers and a special series of
Market which runs alongside. large Hydrangea paintings.
Holker Hall & Gardens, Grange- Brantwood, Coniston,
over-Sands, 015395 58328 www.brantwood.org.uk
lancashirelife.co.uk
lancashirelife.co.uk
DI REC TORY
INCLUDING Antiques/Arts and Crafts Garden Life (Everything you need for the Garden)
Home Life (Home Improvement and Furnishing/Design) Holiday Accommodation
Party Services Health and Beauty Personals
ANTIQUES
E.DAVIES &SON
ANTIQUE LONGCASE CLOCKS
Always 15-20 hand picked clocks in stock
SHOWROOM OPEN SIX DAYS A WEEK 10-5.00
Other times by appointment
32 KING STREET, WHALLEY,
RIBBLE VALLEY, LANCS
01254 823 764
ALSO A GOOD SELECTION OF ANTIQUE FURNITURE
Established 1960. 35 years in Whalley
Northern Clocks
Stock of over 100 antique clocks on:
www.northernclocks.co.uk
Boothsbank Farm,
Worsley, Manchester
T: 0161 790 8414
M: 07970 820 258
LANCASHIRE LIFE August 2017
To advertise, please contact
our classified telesales team:
01925 438 121
PERSONAL WANTED
The Dinner Club
SINGLE AND AGE 40+?
BLACK TIE SUMMER BALL!
SATURDAY 12TH AUGUST
I BUY
MOLLINGTON BANASTRE HOTEL & SPA, STAMP COLLECTIONS
MOLLINGTON, CHESTER. PRICE: 68
Price includes: A welcome drinks reception, 3-course OLD COINS & MEDALS
dinner with wine, coffee and dancing till late (DJ).
Accommodation available book through The Dinner Club. PRE 1960 POSTCARDS
We also have weekly events all accompanied by a Dinner Club host.
OLD DINKY TOYS
For further details please telephone:
(01244) 677030 or 548816. Mobile: 07885 274671 CIGARETTE CARDS
Website: www.thedinnerclubuk.com
I visit throughout the North to
view and my offer will be backed
by an immediate cash payment.
Ronald J Smith
TEL: 07721 651751 or 01524423180
Email: FILLATELLIC@yahoo.co.uk
QUIZ ANSWERS
General knowledge
1 B. The World Scooter Championships. 2 C Andrew
Flintoff. The tour will be at Manchester Opera House from
March 19-24 and at Blackpool Opera House from May
2-June. 3 B. Trampolining. The 2017 British Championships
will be held in Liverpool this month.
True or false
1 False. Eddy Newman was born in Liverpool.
2 False. Malcolm Kennedy was born in Gateshead.
3 True. Andrew Parmley was born in Manchester and
brought up in Blackpool.
What links
1 All have the surname Ball. Comedian Bobby, tv presenter
Johnny, footballing father sons Alan, and radio presenter
Zoe (daughter of Johnny). The towns in brackets are where
they were born. 2 Bernard Cribbins: born in; narrated;
appeared as; played the barman in; appeared in several
episodes and a lm; one of his comedy songs; appeared
as. 3 Clitheroe; landmark; twinned with; Olympic athlete
Helen Clitheroe; another landmark, presented to the town
to mark the coronation of King George VI.
Wheres that?
Identify the Lancashire location from these picture clues
1 Ramsbottom. 2 Wigan. 3 Hornby.
247
 EXCLUSIVE SUBSCRIBER PRIVATE VIEW EVENT

Matisse in the Studio

Royal Academy of Arts, London
Saturday 9 September, 6.30pm 9pm
Archant magazine subscribers are invited to an exclusive private
view on Saturday 9 September 2017, 6:30pm - 9pm
Join us at the Royal Academy of Arts for a drinks
reception and private view of the unmissable
exhibition, Matisse in the Studio.
This sumptuous exhibition offers a rare glimpse into
the artists personal collection of objects, as well as
the paintings, sculptures and drawings it inspired.
Matisse drew his collection from the far corners of
the world: Buddhist statuary from Thailand, Bamana
gures from Mali, furniture and textiles from North
Africa. Rarely of material value, these objects were
nonetheless precious. Seen side by side with the works
they inuenced, they reveal how Matisses vision of rich
and masterful energy rst stemmed from the collage of
patterns and rhythms which he found in the world of
objects.

The evening will include a glass of wine on arrival, introduction from an RA expert and
private view of the exhibition outside public opening hours.

Exclusive subscriber tickets are just 25

www.roy.ac/archantmatisse 020 7300 8090
quoting ARCHANT PRIVATE VIEW
Please have your 12 digit subscriber number to hand (you will nd this on your address label above your name and address with each issue)
T&Cs: Tickets are limited and subject to availability, assigned on a rst come rst served basis. Offer open to Archant subscribers only. Booking paid in advance and non-refundable. New subscribers welcome,
please turn to the subscription page for details. Henri Matisse, Still Life with Seashell on Black Marble, 1940. Oil on canvas, 54 x 81 cm. The Pushkin State Museum of Fine Arts, Moscow. Photo Archives H.
Matisse. Succession H. Matisse/DACS 2017. Exhibition organised by the Royal Academy of Arts, London and the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, in partnership with the Muse Matisse, Nice
 MOTORING

As good as it gets
Tony Yates thinks the Audi A5 3.0 TDI Quattro S
Line leaves little room for improvement

ONCE again, Audi have proved

why the A5 is a car that ticks all the
boxes for the modern driver. The
A5 I had on test was powered by
a 218PS 3.0 litre V6 turbocharged
diesel engine which produces sharp
responsiveness with the added
bonus of 400Nm of torque. It easily
manages the 0-62 mph sprint in
just 6.2 seconds, yet returned a
combined 57.1 mpg - pretty good
for a V6. I am also going to be bold
here and say that the 3.0 V6 is a
brilliant engine and Audi have
done a fantastic job of wringing
out every last bit of horsepower.
The A5 handling is poised
thanks to Audis engineers setting
up the suspension with perfect
precision, although the ride can be
quite harsh, especially for those of
you more accustomed to a softer
approach. If you do decide to
engage WARP drive and stick it into
the corners you will safely come
out the other side still pointing in
the same direction. This is mainly
due to the fact that it has Audis
brilliant Quattro permanent all-
wheel drive system which happens
to have a self-locking centre
differential and Torque Vectoring
along with a whole host of safety
features such as ABS, EBD and a
dual circuit breaking system.
As you would expect from Audi,
the cabin materials are exceptional
quality and this runs right though
the veins of the A5. There is even
more good news because gone
are the days of the normal dull
plastics that you expect from the
Audi designers. Overall then,
the quality and feel inside are
excellent, with all the dials and
switches set out in such a way that
the driver will always have nger
tip control with minimal effort.
Theres also plenty of standard
kit like air-con, cruise control,
duel zone climate control,
automatic wipers, Bluetooth
handsfree, reversing sensors,
tyre pressure monitoring and
a leather steering wheel.
Thanks to the all-new operating
and display concept, including
free-text search, the driver can
control all functions effortlessly
and intuitively. As an alternative
to the standard-t analog
instrument dials, there is the
Audi virtual cockpit (optional),
which you can customise just by
pressing the view button on the
multi-function steering wheel.
Choose the classic view, with
prominent speedometer and rev
counter, or the infotainment
view, which brings functions such
as the navigation map or media
to the fore with crisp 3D graphics
and highly detailed effects.
There is an abundance of driver
assistance systems that cover a wide
range of functions, all combining
an intelligent combination of
different technologies to enhance
safety, comfort and efciency.
I like the Audi A5 a lot thanks
mainly to how it makes you feel
when you drive it. I am not sure
it could get any better. Prices
start at around 40,000.

LANCASHIRE LIFE August 2017 249

 JUSTIN MOORHOUSE
The Manchester-born comedian recalls a
Monday evening more than 30 years ago

WE all like a bargain, hey? But you lead and Im wearing shorts.
know what? Nothing is worth the This doesnt narrow it down to
cost of buying cheap essentials. I a season if I can get my pins
learned this recently, one of those out, I will, theyre a treat.
pivotal days. Let me explain. I nip to the bank, and the
If Id not heard a comedian on post ofce, clear my shopping
the radio one sunny Tuesday being list of the bits I need and set
interviewed about how he started, off home across the park,
I wouldnt have had a go myself. Im throwing the ball for the dog,
In 1999 I was working as sales rep shes loving it as usual. Further and
for a transport company. I didnt further the ball pings majestically
enjoy the work, and the company across the lush green of the park.
didnt enjoy employing me, to I turn and launch the ball from
be fair. I was rubbish. This day the thrower the other way.

Bagging
however was a good day as I was It soars. The dog watches
getting my car serviced and that the arc of the ight.
meant a couple of hours messing Oops.

a bargain
about dropping it off, getting It lodges in a tree. Oh no.
a courtesy car and stretching The dog whines, looks at me
the transaction out as long as I and I think I can sort this.
could. I got my replacement car I look up, its not that far up.
and switched on the radio and I check for sticks to throw up,
there I heard the comedian talk It was pivotal day in Justins life when he nothing. I consider climbing
about his careerI was hooked found out the hard and messy way that the tree, decide against.
and the rest is, well my life. you get what you pay for I throw the ball thrower up,
The thing about those days, the to attempt to dislodge the ball.
pivotal ones, the life altering times, You know what
is that you dont often realise they happens. It gets stuck.
are signicant until much later. picture of a Snowdonia railway Above: He should So now Ive ball and the
That chance meeting on a bus track on the box. Our jigsaw pieces keep hold of that thrower is up the tree too.
ball in case it gets
with someone who turns out are days, days that might have bits lost I decide on a course of
to be mates with the brother of you dont expect to t into other emergency action. I launch the
the best friend of the one you bits.not making sense now is it? lead into the branches to attempt
decide to spend your life with Several jigsaw pieces of a day to dislodge the ball and thrower.
may never have happened if you in my life led me to my conclusion Of courseyou know
hadnt opted to stop at the shop that nothing is worth the cost of what happens.
for onions after leaving work. buying the cheapest essentials. The dog whines, looks at me
Ive often been fascinated Ill never forget the day. It and I think I can sort this..
with the tortuous analogies that was one of those great days So now Ive ball, its thrower
priests, vicars, rabbis, imans when the house was mine for and the dog lead up the tree. I
and other people of faith use as the day. Everyone shipped off cant even take the dog home
their jumping off points on Radio early and I had the full day to now, I havent got a lead.
4s Thought For The Day. be the king of my own castle. Ive only one more thing
I tend not listen to the context Of course I still have my to throw up the tree.
of their message as Im reeling jobs to do. Whats a day The dog whines, looks
open mouthed at the audacity of without errands, hey? at me and I thinkdo you
them comparing our lives to a golf I run round the house. really think I meant you?
course or the inside of a shoe. Emptying the bins from each No, the thing I have left is a
But Im giving it a go. room, sorting the recycling, small bag, containing what Id
For most of us, life is a jigsaw making the beds, washing the dutifully picked up en route as a
puzzle, full of odd-shaped bits that pots and having a cup of tea. responsible dog owner. And yes I
seemingly should t together. But Its only nine o clock have carried it with me ready to
unlike a jigsaw puzzle our lives and Im on re put into the bin and not hung it in
havent got straight bits to help us I nip out. Its bright, warm a tree as some people think t.
make an easy start, or a helpful and clear. The dogs on her I launch the bag. It doesnt
get stuck. Phew. It plummets
down. I catch the bag. It splits.
Life is a jigsaw puzzle, full of odd-shaped As I scrub my hands on the
bits that seemingly should t together, but grass on all fours the dog whines,
unlike a jigsaw puzzle our lives havent got looks at me and I think Ill never
straight bits to help us make an easy start buy the cheap ones again.

250 lancashirelife.co.uk