A 4-star council Awarded top marks by the Audit Commission April 2008 PREMIER LEAGUEBEEFED UP GENERATION GAME Reading scheme backed 44 per cent meat Win £100 for your by Rovers’ star increase in school meals parenting tips Page 11 Page 3 Page 7 County’s shining example IS THIS THE County Council has been awarded the coveted Beacon Council status for its work on “improving accessibility”. The council is one of only five authorities nationally to be chosen LAST POST? as a shining example by inspectors. The award recognises the council’s Move to close post offices will see ‘slow commitment to ensuring that all the county’s resi- dents are able to get access to the jobs and death of rural communities’ services that they need. The highly competi- tive national Beacon COUNTY councillors from across the scheme identifies excel- political spectrum have united to fight lence and innovation in possible post office closures in local government. Lancashire. Beacon authorities are If government approval is given, the current also expected to share information and expert- proposals would lead to the closure of one in five ise with others councils of Lancashire’s post offices. to raise standards. A move to close 56 post offices across the county The government was has been condemned as a significant threat to com- particularly impressed munity life. Councillors have vowed to continue lob- with the county council’s bying post office officials and the government for a actions to improve fairer deal. access to healthcare and The council’s official response to the post office con- employment. sultation claims how Lancashire has been unfairly County council work targeted. More than a quarter of the county’s post with the health sector offices have closed since 2003 - only London has had was praised, in particu- more closures. lar work with East Councillors have written to local MPs to make the Lancashire Hospitals’ case for keeping the post offices open. Petitions Trust for a clinical serv- against the closures were also placed in county ices review and the libraries. Lancashire Mental County Councillor Doreen Pollitt, deputy Labour Health Trust in choosing leader of Lancashire County Council, said: “These appropriate locations for plans will remove an important part of our neigh- their new in-patient bourhoods. The county council is working closely units. with district councils to improve our local areas and County Councillor develop sustainable communities. Hazel Harding, leader of “These plans would go against that work and be Lancashire County seriously damaging to our county. Council, said: “This is “The people who are taking these decisions need to tremendous news and be clear about the very serious impact of these clo- proof that we among the sures.” leading councils in the Although the county council has responded to the country and that our proposals and is awaiting the post office’s response, FIRST class: determined residents in Lytham where their post office is one of 56 under threat across Lancashire. (Left to right) Thomas Jeferries, Florence Kirrelly, Mark Bamforth, sub-postmaster, Cath Powell and Clem Camotto. residents benefit from councillors have pledged to continue their discus- the work we do with sions with local communities, the government and County Councillor Shelagh Derwent, speaking on estimate the negative impact this will have on our other organisations to other groups, to find ways to safeguard services and maximise opportunities. protect communities. behalf of the Conservative group, said: “Closing post communities, both urban and rural alike.” offices without proper consideration of all the conse- At the time of going to press, a public announce- “Improving accessibili- Councillor Pollitt added: “We’re currently looking ty is about breaking at county council services and post offices to see quences can result in the slow death of rural commu- ment from Post Offices Ltd regarding possible clo- nities.” sures in this area was due to be made on Tuesday down all the barriers whether we could work more closely together. There that prevent people from might be options for us to join up and maintain serv- County Councillor David Whipp, leader of the 1 April. Liberal Democrat group, said: “Lancashire has Read next month’s Vision for more details. taking advantage of ices in our communities.” opportunities.” Senior councillors from the other parties have also already had to bear the brunt of office closures and New county lifeline for Dolphinholme library criticised the government’s plan: we are now being targeted again. We cannot under- and post office - see page seven Cont p11

A cassette version of Vision is now available for visually impaired people from Galloway’s Society for the Blind by calling 01772 744148

The presence of promotional leaflets delivered inside Vision does not imply Lancashire County Council endorsement. YOUR LANCASHIRE: A PLACE WHERE EVERYONE MATTERS 2 April 2008 Providing • food safety • welfare advice www.lancashire.gov.uk

A full job description of all vacancies is available on our website www.lancashire.gov.uk/vacancies

ASK THE EXPERT Ged returns Questions answered by your friend in the know to his roots

Price of Council’s new boss aims to happiness My partner and I are planning on getting boost residents’ life chances married some time next year at the register office LANCASHIRE County in Burnley. Please can Council has appointed a new you tell me how I go about starting the chief executive. Ged Fitzgerald has been named as process off and how the new head of the fourth largest local much a ceremony would authority in the country. He is current- cost? Miss A Holden, Padiham ly chief executive at four-star rated Sunderland City Council. Marriages and Civil County Councillor Hazel Harding, Partnerships in leader of Lancashire County Council, Lancashire can be said: “I am sure that Ged will build on booked, at the earliest, the solid foundations laid by Chris 12 months to the day in Trinick, the current chief executive, advance of the wedding and prove an excellent chief executive. date. A register office “He is an experienced chief executive NEW boss Ged Fitzgerald. ceremony currently with a proven track record of achieve- costs £43.50 during the ment particularly in cultural change, still to be done.” week and on Saturday A GOOD start (see Price of Happiness). After graduating from London mornings, and a University, Mr Fitzgerald started his Lancashire County Saturday afternoon cer- Parking help Lancashire is on an local government career at Sefton Council Student emony costs £153.50. I am a blue badge hold- Council. He then worked for several Services. Student exciting journey Prices are subject to er and have sent off my authorities before some Services’ main aim is to change on 1 April each renewal forms, along major appointments at City advise and staff give year. However you will with the photographs customer focus, regeneration and part- Council. guidance to young peo- be advised of the new and other information ‘nership working - all of which are at Senior positions followed at ple and adults, on the charges by the cere- that was requested by the top of our agenda.” Calderdale Council, Rotherham financial assistance monies officer. the blue badge depart- Mr Fitzgerald (46) said: “Lancashire’ Council and currently as chief execu- available for further In order to make a pro- ment. I did this three has great potential and the county tive at Sunderland City Council. higher education. To visional booking you weeks ago, but I still council is in an excellent position to Originally from the North West, find out more, or to will need to ring haven’t received my new improve the quality of life and the Liverpool-born Ged is married and has speak to Student Don’t know who to Lancashire County badge, or had heard opportunities available to residents an eight-year-old daughter. Services, call 0800 contact when you Council’s Registrars’ anything since. and its communities. The job is a return to the county for 0530000. need help? Helpline on 0845 I am getting worried “Helping to lead the county on the Ged, who has gained a postgraduate 0530021. because my current next stages of its journey is an exciting Diploma in Management Studies from Baffled by Tidy trees badge is due to expire in opportunity. the University of Central Lancashire. bureaucracy? My husband and I are two weeks. “I hope to build on the achievements Chris Trinick, Lancashire’s current Financial elderly pensioners who Mr N, Leyland and improvements already made, chief executive is to retire from the Ring Shirley on advice are both very proud of whilst recognizing that there is much county council on 31 May 2008, after 0845 0530000 or email I am starting university the road that we have There is nothing to six years in charge. Shirley on enquiries@ in September and I have lived on for 30 years. I worry about as this is css.lancscc.gov.uk no idea on how I go am very pleased to say the normal procedure about getting my stu- that over the years all for renewing a blue Tudor tower leads tourism charge Write to: dent loan sorted! I the residents, including badge. Ask Shirley would greatly appreciate ourselves, have kept the You will be informed only if any additional Customer Service Centre it if you could advise me maintenance of the on how I do this. street to a very high evidence is needed. Your The Red Rose Hub new badge is sent out 5- Bluebell Way Mr G, Morecambe standard. Unfortunately we have a 7 working days before Preston Advice on new and the current badge is due PR2 5PZ problem with trees and existing student loans bushes hanging over to expire irrespective of can be found into our garden which when you posted it. by call- looks rather untidy. We If you have any further ing were wondering if you questions please contact do any kind of pruning Lancashire County service? Council s blue badge Mrs H Denton, team on 0845 0530049.

Yes there is a pruning service. Lancashire County Council does keep the maintenance of trees and other plants DON’T under their responsibili- ty. This includes prun- FORGET GREAT time: Brittany Rossall (8) and Lewis Gannon (9) of Hayhouse CE Primary School. ing them and making sure that they are not TURTON Tower held a special in woodlands on the edge of the West causing a hazard to the You county councillor event last month to mark the Pennine Moors and hosts rooms dis- public and residents. will be keen to help. second annual British Tourism playing a magnificent collection of A request can be put Contact details are decorative woodwork, paintings and available on Week to promote the importance furniture, including items loaned from forward to Lancashire of tourism to Lancashire and the County Council, for the 0845 0530000 or at: the Victoria and Albert Museum. trees to be pruned by www.lancashire.gov.uk UK economy. Built in 1420, Turton Tower is calling the highways Visitors including pupils from Listed and is a popular tourist attrac- department on 0845 You can also try your Hayhouse CE Primary School in St tion for local and national visitors. For 0530011 whereby a area’s County Information Annes met the Tower’s historic Tudor more information about Turton Tower member of the team will Centre where staff are Lord of the Manor William Orrell and and Lancashire Museums visit online be happy to help. trained to help the public his steward Alexander. at www.lancsmuseums.gov.uk or The 15th-century Tudor tower is set contact 01204 852203. www.lancashire.gov.uk Providing • adult education • libraries April 2008 3 Catch the direct bus - to court

FIRST there was the Trojan By Martin Crabtree horse and now there’s the Trojan bus! were detained by the officers acting as A special vehicle has been touring passengers, taken home and Youth parts of the county in the guise of a Referral Notices issued. normal public transport service. But, Rick said: “People have the choice to MAKE trouble if you dare: law enforcers are ready to make arrests on Lancashire’s “Trojan bus”. Troublemakers can be hiding inside, is a crack team of crime leave the bus to travel round its route caught red-handed in a bid to boost public confidence. prevention officers ready to swoop on in peace, sadly there are some that anti-social individuals. have to learn the hard way that we will Trouble-makers in Skelmersdale take action.” Sign up for were amongst the first in the county to The Trojan bus started off in West get caught out when they fired at it Lancashire but now plans are being Much more meat for knowledge with an airgun and launched an attack made to launch another in Preston and when it “broke down”. more could spring up in other parts of THE real St George, cre- Officers responded immediately and the county if needed. no more money ative writing, composer a large group of teenagers was Vernon Roby, general manager at Puccini, the Celtic king- detained. One had the rifle in his pos- Arriva, said: “Following successful doms of north Britain session and was arrested. Trojan Bus operations in the SCHOOL dinners are should not rise due to a “The extra cash means and birdlife will all be Rick Wilson from the county coun- Merseyside area, the result of the to be better than ever mix of extra Whitehall we can boost the menu the subject of a series of cil’s Safer Travel Unit explains: “It Skelmersdale operation was certainly with 44 per cent more cash and a forecast in a way that youngsters day schools at Lancaster seems incredible that someone would a major triumph. increase in pupil will enjoy. meat. University. attack a bus, or any vehicle for that “Arriva’s commitment to this part- demand. “We have spent six Experts from across The extra helpings of matter, but it happens. nership approach underlines just how County school meal months rejigging the Britain will teach mem- “Bus operators know very well that much we value public and staff safety. goodness will be added chief Roger Eakhurst menu in a way that will bers of the publicat the there are some hot-spots on some of “I would like to express my thanks to school meals from this said: “There will be more benefit everyone.” schools. Lessons start at their routes and they are now getting for the support given by West month (April) in a bid to iron and zinc to guaran- The meals redesign 10am and end at 4pm on the support to sort the problems out.” Lancashire Police and can assure the boost the health of tee healthy development also aims to encourage various days in April. Later, at a staged “breakdown”, a public that further Trojan Buses are Lancashire’s children. – and less fat and sugar pupils to eat more fruit Further details on group of youths attacked the bus and planned.” Prices, however, in meals. and vegetables. 01524 592623/4. 4 April 2008 Providing • bridge maintenance • paths www.lancashire.gov.uk NEWS Easy-to-use ‘Oyster card’ bus BRIEFS A cleaner county scheme may come to county THOUSANDS of Lancashire County A PILOT scheme to test out technology Council staff are being that could banish the fumble for bus encouraged to ditch their Work underway on Nelson’s interchange cars and cycle to work. fares forever has been underway in the Council bosses esti- county for the last few weeks. mate the Cycle to Work The county council has been carrying out a month- OUR picture shows the initiative could see 1,800 long trial of smart-card technology - a similar scheme progress on the multi- workers make the switch has been a huge hit in London - on Fishwick’s and million pound bus and to cycling by giving them rail interchange in the chance to save on the Stagecoach buses in Preston and South Ribble. cost of buying a bike with The initiative is part of the CIVITAS initiative Nelson. Contractors are cur- a special tax scheme. which is bringing a wide range of innovative trans- Combating climate change port schemes to the city. rently hard at work and road congestion are Bus projects officer Dianne Taylor explained: assembling the main key aims for Lancashire “Our trials involved staff from the council and the structure of what will be County Council - everyone bus companies boarding buses and swiping their one of Lancashire’s best will benefit from less con- cards to see how the technology works and to identi- public transport facilities. gestion. fy potential problems. The £4.8m project will “If the system works it could help bus journey provide a state-of-the-art Library friends times improve, bring to an end problems with bus station linked directly change, and take us some way towards a ‘cashless’ to the existing railway LIBRARIES across station and, it is hoped, Lancashire may soon system like ones that operate in places like London.” have their own Friends Depending on the outcome of the trials the next will welcome its first pas- sengers in October. of the Library group. step will be to roll the scheme out to the public, It is hoped that the potentially aiming it at the 16-23 year old age group. Funding for the new proposed groups will Dianne said: “Ultimately we are looking towards a building has come from provide the public with a system which would allow people to ‘charge up’ their Lancashire County say in deciding what travel cards with cash and purchase things like sea- Council and the Pendle services each library will son tickets or weekly passes electronically.” Partnership. offer. New boss for child services Know your rights on cil’s services for chil- HIGH-flying private-sector exec- utive Helen Denton has been dren and young peo- appointed as the county council’s ple, including educa- new executive director for tion. free nationwide travel Helen started her Children and Young People. career as a secondary Blackpool-born Helen will join the teacher in OVER 250,000 concessionary England. Friday and all day on Saturdays, council from Serco, one of the leading before a spell as head travelcards English National In readiness the NoWcard Sundays and bank holidays. private-sector partners in the educa- of home economics in a Concession Bus Passes will team, based in Lancashire, has Anyone who is entitled will be tion and children’s services sector. Hong Kong School. been busily producing and send- receiving full details direct by As operations director, Helen has On returning to the Helen Denton. have been issued to residents ing out cards to over quarter of a mail direct from the NoWcard been responsible for Serco’s education in Lancashire and Cumbria UK, Helen did a million people. It is hoped that by team. Additional local concessions and children’s services contracts for Masters degree, worked for the by the time Vision reaches 1 April ALL residents currently may be available and details will authorities in the Midlands and West Department for Education and Science you. registered for the entitlement will be published in the local press and Yorkshire. then built a career in local government On 1 April new rules mean that have their cards. the NoWcard website www.now- Here in Lancashire, Helen will be with senior roles in several authorities, the over-60s and eligible disabled NoWcard English National card.org . responsible for all of the county coun- including Leeds and Sefton. people will be entitled to free Concession card holders will be More information on the transport on buses throughout the able to travel for free on local bus scheme is available by visiting UK, and to travel free on off-peak services available after 9.30am www.nowcard.org or by tele- local bus services throughout and before 11pm Monday to phoning 0845 0581096. WIN a day trip to Edinburgh

Keep calm in Disabled people often need Even when they do, the classes drivers and they must park are overcrowded and there is a and the chance to visit the royal yacht Britannia the car park somewhere! lack of basic materials such as SOME people really take the B SHARON exercise books, pencils and text- HERE is your chance to to enjoy a friendly staff as you travel at speed biscuit when it comes to Chorley books. We in Lancashire have great day out in Scotland by entering through beautiful countryside to offensiveness. been well provided for in schools, our latest competition. The prize is for Waverley station, Edinburgh’s main They assume that all blue- Mountain challenge but we should not forget that oth- two adults or a family with two children railway station. From there, the royal badge holders must be disabled. I WONDER ers are not so fortunate. between the ages of five to 15 years. yacht is a few minutes away by taxi or That is not the case. I want to raise at least £2,000 Included are First Class midweek bus. if any Vision for Childreach (registered charity In my case, my young son is readers can Virgin Train tickets with the chance to For a chance to win, answer the fol- autistic and, as so, is in danger of 1106400) and hope that readers visit the royal yacht. lowing and send your completed entry wandering into the road – among help me to can help with donations. You may stay longer than a day - to Edinburgh Comp, Vision, County a number of other perils he must help commu- Anyone kind enough to help providing you arrange your own Hall, Preston PR1 8XJ by Friday 18 face. It means the blue badge in nities in the can send donations to: Fox accommodation - recommended for April. my car is for his benefit. It is per- Kilimanjaro Clough Barn, Birchenlee Lane, the royal yacht option. You could save a stamp by entering fectly deserved and perfectly region of LANCS BB8 8HL. Edinburgh offers you a choice electronically at: legitimate. SARAH PICKERING between the traditional and new. From www.lancashire.gov.uk/corporate/vision Tanzania. Colne Why then must I put up with a This sum- the magnificent castle to a world-class farrago of abuse each time I take selection of museums, walking tours Name Edinburgh’s main rail station. mer I will trav- him to the shops? People see me el to Tanzania Sarah Pickering. Cycling vision and unique visitor attractions, park the car and assume I am a and climb Scotland’s capital has something to The winner will be asked if he or fraud. WHAT a great idea to use former interest everyone. she wants to visit the royal yacht. Mount Kilimanjaro. It will be a railway tracks as cycle paths The language is bad. The black huge challenge to me – and will Shopping there is an experience For information about Virgin Trains, looks are even more wounding. (Vision, March). like no other. including online bookings, visit also give me the chance to spend Lancashire has any number of Such poor behaviour comes not time at some of the Childreach With more restaurants per head www.virgintrains.com or phone just from general members of the such tracks - all specially than any other UK city, dining out is 085457 222333 or any staffed railway International projects in the area. designed to link towns. public, but also from other blue- Childreach projects include fantastic whatever your budget. station or rail-appointed travel agent. badge holders who you might It is a shame to see them go to Your journey with Virgin Trains VisitScotland Edinburgh and finding suitable means of provid- waste, so let’s hope that more think would be more ing clean water, improving educa- starts in style and comfort from a Lothians can send accommodation sympathetic. money is made available to con- choice of stations on the West Coast details. Check out www.visitscot- tion and vocational training and vert them into safe cycling I understand people getting also working with, and helping line, including Preston and Lancaster. land.com or call 0845 2255121 for angry at parking cheats – but “motorways” for shoppers and Meals are served at your seat by information. street-children. children going to and from appeal to people to be more con- Not all children attend school. siderate in general. schools. The prize is as stated. Travel to and from mainline rail stations is not included. Lancashire County Council employees cannot enter. Usual competi- G DOUGLAS tion terms and conditions apply. www.lancashire.gov.uk Providing • information centres • hotlines April 2008 5 Programmes fit for a Prince

ROYALTY paid a visit to two job creating Burnley projects that are supported by Lancashire County Council. Prince Charles paid the visit to Burnley to see the regeneration work that is being carried out in the town. His visit saw him take in two projects that Lancashire County Developments Limited (LCDL) help to support - Lancashire Digital Technology Centre and the Weaver’s Triangle in Burnley. At the technology centre he was greeted by Steve Dean, LCDL managing director, who said: “It was very interesting to meet His Royal Highness and to see at first hand his commitment and support to the work that Lancashire County Council, LCDL and Burnley Council are doing in regenerating the town.”

(Left) PRINCE Charles chats with staff at Lancashire Digital Technology Centre in Burnley. THE heir to the throne meets Steve Dean, managing director of LCDL. Taking aim at replica guns Roundabout right TRADING Standards officers are backing a to around 1,600 businesses in the county so that MOTORISTS used to encounter- times there would often be queues. ban on realistic replica guns on sale on the shopkeepers know the rules. “There was also a perception that “Imitation firearms can look so realistic that crim- ing one of Lancashire’s regular high street. congestion black spots got a the roundabout was dangerous and The police enforced ban now means that shops are inals will use them to commit crime. Even if used many drivers were hesitant about not allowed to sell convincing looking guns, including innocently, they can cause alarm if seen in public and pleasant surprise last month. pulling out. certain BB guns that fire pellets and toy guns. the user could be confronted by armed police. Work to remodel the infamous “The feedback we have had since we It is now an offence for anyone to sell, import or “Although Trading Standards does not enforce the Whitebirk roundabout was completed finished the project has been quite manufacture a realistic imitation firearm. The maxi- new law, we support any initiative that helps to pro- towards the end of February and driv- amazing. Nobody expected such a mas- mum penalty for breaching the restriction is six tect public safety.” ers have since reported improved jour- sive improvement except the county months imprisonment and/or a £5,000 fine. Traders are now also unable to sell items that ney times. council’s engineers!” Steve Brimble explained: “We have been working resemble firearms, even if they do not look entirely The £2m project has seen the round- Whitebirk roundabout sees thou- closely with the police to get information leaflets out realistic, to anyone under the age of 18. about expanded to four lanes and traf- sands of vehicle movements each day, fic lights controlling all the approach to access the M65 and the A678. roads. Funding for the scheme came from Since the switch-on, traffic queues the Highways Agency and the have been all but eliminated and early European Regional Development Fund Get on the trail to Buck House indications show that bus journey though Blackburn with Darwen times have been improved. Borough Council. The whole project, ORDINARY people with tory workers, parents - everyone entrepreneurialism. Project engineer Phill Wilson from initial discussions through to the extraordinary achievements has the same chance of featuring Nominations should be made by explained: “Many people used to dread design and building took just 11 are being sought to receive in the New Year or Queen’s birth- a third party at any time of the using the roundabout because at peak months. day Lists. year. national honours. The only requirement is to have Nominees should not be The honours system is widely made a significant contribution informed - in case the application believed to be for celebrities and either to their community or in is subsequently unsuccessful - and the rich. In fact, however, anyone their field of work. nominations are treated in strict can be nominated for the Honours It can also include exemplifying confidence. Lists that are announced twice selfless voluntary service, More details and nomination each year. displaying moral courage or forms are available on 0207 2762 Office workers, gardeners, fac- demonstrating innovation and 777 or at: www.honours.gov.uk

Museum of Lancashire gets quality award THE Museum of Lancashire and its new conservation studio in Preston has joined the ranks of the London Eye and Hampton Court Palace after being named a Quality Assu- red Visitor Attraction by Visit Britain - the offi- cial site of the British Tourist Authority. Charlotte Steels, Assistant Keeper at the museum, said: “We are delighted by this award. “The staff work hard to make the museum a welcoming place for visi- tors and it’s fantastic that we have been given this acknowledgement. The assessment has given us a lot of con- structive feedback which will help us to improve and develop the visitor experience fur- ther.” 6 April 2008 Providing • youth services • tourism www.lancashire.gov.uk Workers driven Royal stamp STAMP of approval: Christine Goodier from Lancaster Castle examines one of the stamps, in front to break the law of the John O’Gaunt Gateway. (Photograph cour- tesy of Royal Mail New survey shows not all drivers get Group.) road safety training from their employers EMPLOYERS are expecting their staff to risk drivers at risk. huge fines and their lives while driving, Over 90 per cent of people indicated that they plan according to research. rest stops on longer journeys - good news as driver Vision readers took part in a recent road safety fatigue can be lethal. quiz - and 6 per cent say their bosses expect them to Neil added: “Figures indicate that driver fatigue answer mobile phones while driving. contributes to around 20 per cent of crashes on long One in three drivers say their employer has provid- journeys in Lancashire and 23,300 road crashes ed them with any degree of driver training. nationally every year.” Using a mobile telephone while driving was made illegal because of the dangers. Winner of the £20 gift voucher for the Vision quiz Neil Cunliffe, Lancashire County Council’s Road is Andy Pearce from Poulton. Safety Group manager, said: “Companies must recog- LANCASTER Castle has wel- Lancaster Castle was once owned by nise that they are responsible for employees’ safety. comed some “royal” visitors this Henry IV, the first Duke of Lancaster “That applies whether you drive for a living or just BREAKING THE LAW? month as the Royal Mail launch- to become king and first of the Red drive to the occasional meeting. es its latest special stamp collec- Rose dynasty to rule England. “They could be held liable if you are involved in a For a free one-hour consultation about your company’s tion: The Houses of Lancaster It has a long and important history, crash while on work duty. occupational road risk, call James Powell on 01772 531 348. dating back to the Roman period. “The good news is that by putting the right policies and York. The collection of six stamps is the Much of the castle is still open to the into place, managers can protect their organisation For more information about the Road Safety Group visit: public and by joining one of the guided and reduce road risk for employees. first in a series of six kings and queens www.lancashire.gov.uk/roadsafety tours you can view many historic arte- “From our survey we found that 60 per cent of you sets celebrating the royal houses of the facts and learn about the castle's fasci- were not aware of any such policies being in place British monarchy to be issued over the where you work. It’s important to find out what your To find out more about road safety legislation, visit the forthcoming years. nating past. company is doing so that you know what is expected Department for Transport’s website at: The set will feature the three For more information about of you whilst out on the road.” www.dft.gov.uk/drivingforwork Lancastrian kings: Henry IV, Henry V, Lancaster Castle or Lancashire Even using hands-free devices can still put and Henry VI, and their three Yorkist County Museum Service, visit: successors. www.lancashire.gov.uk/museums Creative young people Staff wellbeing AN innovative and Finalists compete for writing and poetry award-winning pro- CASE STUDY gramme led by Walter Street Community Primary School prize at County Hall event Lancashire County in Brierfield has seen the full benefits of Council is helping focusing on wellbeing. THE final judging of schools improve by Involved in the Wellbeing Programme since a writing and poetry focusing on the well- 2001, the school recently won a Learning competition for being of their staff. Excellence Award for incorporating staff wellbeing young people, run by The Wellbeing Prog- into the school’s culture and practices. ramme offers schools a Debbie Boughen, from the school’s wellbeing Lancashire County systematic approach to team, said: Council's Library creating a healthy, posi- “Involvement in the programme has had a posi- and Information tive working environ- tive impact on staff and led us to make changes in Service, took place at ment, which is recog- our communication systems, planning, training County Hall. nised as an important opportunities and staff consultation. The competition, factor in a school’s over- “This in turn has helped us retain staff and called “Preston Youth all success. enable staff to provide positive role models, be Slam”, was aimed at 11- Since its launch in more robust and resilient in their work, work as 19 year-olds from 2002, more than 200 an effective team, manage change effectively and Preston, South Ribble schools and other organ- feel appreciated. and Longridge. isations across Lanc- “This can only have a positive impact on the Entrants had to write ashire, including nurs- children in our care and our most recent Ofsted a poem, rap, song lyrics eries and children’s cen- report recognised the progress that our children or short story, which tres, have been involved make. Taking staff welfare seriously has had very could be performed in in the programme. real benefits for our school and all of our children.” less than three minutes. Lancashire’s The ten best entries Wellbeing programme is SATs performance is where teachers want to were shortlisted and part of a national higher. work and our self- entrants were asked to scheme, in partnership Brenda Hopper, the assessments provide perform their work in with Work Life Support. Wellbeing co-ordinator, reliable and accurate front of a judging panel, Schools whose staff said: “The programme data which helps head headed by Liverpudlian report higher levels of offers very clear benefits teachers manage their performance poet Terry feeling valued, greater to schools which are schools. Caffrey. PICTURED: Poet Terry Caffrey with winners (left to right): Heather Lomax, Natalie job satisfaction and passed on to their pupils. “We feel the pro- Terry, who uses rap Hamer and Anna Middleton. lower levels of work “We help schools cre- gramme offers major music to communicate The judges selected The idea for the com- write and be creative overload are also ate healthy, positive benefits to schools, staff rhythm and beat in his three winners on the petition came from the and think about the dif- those schools where working environments and pupils alike.” poetry, also uses his night. Anna Middleton members of the teenage ferent ways in which we voice to create a series of (11), from Samlesbury, reading group which can express ourselves. clicks, thumping and won for her poem “The meets once a month at “The standard was very Transport chiefs unveil new scheme whirring noises which truth about school”, the Harris Library in high and there were helps give students a Natalie Hamer (12), Preston. many diverse and inter- A SENIOR member of European ing, cycling and using public transport. feeling for poetic timing. from Preston, who also The group were also esting pieces of work to Commission and a Government The area is now a showcase for new The panel also includ- wrote a poem, “Forgive involved in shortlisting choose from. Minister visited Lancashire to ideas and Rosie Winterton MP, ed Bushra Dasu from me bleeding battle field”, their favourite and most “Everybody did extre- Minsiter of State for Transport, Eleni mark the opening of the Adelphi Kopanezou, head of unit for clean the Harris Library and Heather Lomax inspiring entries. mely well on the night.” Quarter Clear zone in Preston, teenage reading group, (16), from Houghton, Hazel Becker, senior For more information transport and sustainable develop- Jean Wolstenholme and won for her short story librarian for young peo- about events and activi- close to the University of Central ment at the European Commission, Jacob Hope from entitled, “Peter Howard”. ple at Lancashire Coun- ties taking place in your Lancashire. and other dignitaries toured the area Lancashire County All winners received a ty Council, said: “The local library, visit the As part of the CIVITAS SUCCESS to see the exciting developments first- Council’s Library and new iPod nano, with all Preston Youth Slam Library and Information project, the University of Central hand. Information Service, and shortlisted entrants competition was a really Service website at: Lancashire area including Fylde Road CIVITAS SUCCESS is the only John Brown, manager of receiving a book and CD fantastic way of encour- www.lancashire. and Adelphi Street has been trans- scheme of its kind in the whole of the Waterstone’s, Preston. of Terry Caffrey's poetry. aging young people to gov.uk/libraries formed into the ideal location for walk- north of England. www.lancashire.gov.uk Providing • youth services • tourism April 2008 7 Library and Post Generation game Office team up Booklet project offers grandparents £100 for top tips on raising children

By Neil Graham TELL US A TIP &WIN £100 PARENTAL pearls of wis- dom are being sought for We want to know Lancashire’s top 10 tips in rearing children. We’ll publish the a new booklet on bring- best entries in our new booklet – and give £100 to each winning contributor. ing up children. Almost every mum and dad This is the sort of thing that parents have already told us: knows the best way to bring up children. I play with them lots of the time so they know they are And soon, a new book will be loved and wanted available giving Lancashire par- ents official advice on issues Eat your vegetables, and eat meals with your children. such as bedtime, discipline and food – and also the distilled wis- ‘ Let them see you eating your veg dom of mums, dads, carers and grandparents. (and from a child’s perspective).’ . . £100 vouchers, to be used in ‘ When we come home from school, our mum starts to POST office rural lifeline: customer Linda Newby supermarkets, cinemas or ask us: ‘how was it, what did you do?’ orders a library book at Dolphinholme post office (right). leisure complexes will be given ’ to the 10 winners. A NEW library and information free library card and pin number. Cath Coucill, parenting proj- Send your top tip to: Top Tips, Lancashire County Council, FREEPOST PR503, County Hall, Preston PR1 8RJ. Closing date: 30 April. service has been introduced in The village store acts a delivery and ect co-ordinator said: “Parents ‘ collection point for books, CDs and Dolphinholme, near Lancaster, have a wealth of tips that need to DVDs from libraries. ’ giving the local post office and be passed on from one genera- play, learning and making The county has a “Supporting Richard Nye, postmaster at tion to another. They often know friends. Parents’ Framework” which residents a vital lifeline. Dolphinholme, said: “This new service precisely how to handle a situa- “They represent a fascinating involves the county council, the The Dolphinholme Rural Library gives people the ability to search and tion - which new parents need to insight into child-rearing.” NHS, police and a number of Service is provided by the county coun- order books and material online to be know. People have until 30 April to other agencies. cil in the post office and village store. delivered and collected here. “We want to celebrate their enter. The post office has been installed “Most importantly, it encourages role. The booklet, to be called The county also has 10 with a computer linked to the People’s people to visit the shop and gives them “Being a parent involves lots of “Lancashire Top Ten Tips for parenting forums which Network – the national electronic ref- a reason to get out and about.” skills and can be very satisfying, Parents” will be published later need parental input. erence library - giving local residents but can also be tough at times. The rural library project, part fund- this year. For more information, con- and visitors free public access to local “Some entries have already ed by the North West Development Involving parents is vital in tact Laura on 01772 531169 information and email via the internet. Agency and the Lancashire Economic arrived – and they cover all man- shaping the future of public serv- or email: policydevelo ner of subjects including feeding, Residents are able to search, renew Partnership, is also being piloted in ices in Lancashire. [email protected] and order books online from the coun- Chipping community centre, Dunsop ty council’s library website using their Bridge village hall, and in Caton. 8 Life in Lancashire the strangeinclusionofroundedapertures. resemblance toasea-wornpebble,butwith Padiham. Gawthorpe butlerandhousekeeper. GawthorpeHall, textile village. 11-1, 2-4 9 April 11-1, 2-4 7 Apri 1pm, 2pm,3pm 6 April 1-3.30 1.30-3.30 5 April 5 April 10-12 1-2, 2.30-3.30 10.30-12.30, 1.30-3.30 11-5 8 April aigjm costegpfo h lf behind onto daring jumpacrossthegapfromcliff relative oftheCunliffesWycoller Hall.Hemadea outcrop isbelievedtobenamedafterFosterCunliffe,a LeapRock.This kissing-gate thereisagoodviewofFoster’s LeapFarm.Fromthesecond path downtowardsFoster’s you reallydoseeeverything! Astheword“panoptical”implies, tical qualitiesofthe Atom. ture onthesurfaceofsteelball–toappreciatepanop- centre representingthelastremainingatominthis Preston. Preston. City Museum. Lancaster. Swords,sandalsandstandards.Lancaster Queen StreetMill Textile Museum,Burnley. Lanterns. LancasterMaritimeMuseum. T N W Marmot waterproof jacket. offering Vision readers thechancetowinaquality Prestons newestoutdoorandtravelsuperstore is particular molecule. beautiful out in Take time Two waystospend T SOMETHING foreveryoneatthefamousabandoned Look outfromanyoftheopenings–orviewtheminminia- Inside, thereisalargestainlesssteelsphereinthe by Monday21 April, toCotswoldcompetition,Vision, . OntheRopes!LancasterMaritimeMuseum. i A . (until18 April). Holidayactivitiesforchildren. East LancashirehastwootherPanopticons. n l . PotionPowerwithLelHoyle. Turton Tower. Simply answerthefollowingquestionandreturn, . Easterholiday fun.MuseumofLancashire, . Easterholidayfun.MuseumofLancashire,

. SuperSaturday–whattheRomansdidfor representing amolecule–bearssome Wycoller themodernistic Atom – close totheHaworthRoadcarparkin ESTLING ontheedgeofagrassyknoll Leap. takes offalongthesideofvalleytowardsFoster’s between the Atom andthecarparkwhereafootpath his walk,nearColne,beginsfromawaymarkpost K a hr h arwpt iie take theright-hand Where thenarrowpathdivides

. Woodland Wander. Turton Tower. M E . Upstairs,downstairswiththe a County Hall,Preston PR18XJ: A r April 2008 Spring . CoolerWoodlands –Willow m Name oneofthem. W o t

A w discount atCotswoldOutdoorPreston L a listings t Present thisvoucherfor15% 135 Fishergate,Preston(opposite K e Waterstones) Tel: 01772270910 www.cotswoldoutdoor.com r p r Providing o o f

j a birdbox. Turton Tower. . 11-1, 2-4 14 April 12.30-3.30 11-1, 2-4 11 Apri 1-2, 2.30-3.30 10.30-12.30, 1.30-3.30 10 Apri 10.30-12.30, 1.30-3.30 1-4 11-1, 2-4. 16 April 1.30-3.30 12 April 1-3.30 Maritime Museum. 11-5 10.30-12.30, 1.30-3.30 15 April Museum ofLancashire,Preston. Museum ofLancashire,Preston. sessions. LancasterCityMuseum. Lancaster CityMuseum. Lodgings,Lancaster. Judges’ woodlands: naturecollege. c . Woodland GnomeHunt.GawthorpeHall,Padiham. . OntheRopes!Lancaster k . Don’tbeabirdbrain,build l l e . Easterholidayfun. . Easterholidayfun. . Hands-onarchaeology Easter holiday fun. . Children’s Activities. t . Historymysterybox. Turton Tower. • food safety •welfare advice . Romanartandcraftactivities. . Gamestomakeandplay. . Cooler conjunction withanyother Tel 01772534709 environment/countryside www.lancashire.gov.uk/ site Countryside Serviceweb- outlets orontheLancashire be availablethroughlocal should takeaboutanhour. over 1.5miles,longand The walkis2.5km,orjust *Cannot beusedin offers ordiscounts. leafletforthewalkwill A and at www.lancsmuseums.gov.uk information abouteventson: You canfindlotsof environment/countryside Useful phonenumbers Beacon FellCountryPark Spring Wood PicnicSite Lancashire Countryside Bowland Visitor Centre, Wycoller CountryPark uem’main office Museums’ Service mainoffice www.lancashire.gov.uk/ 01772 534061 01772 534709 01254 825187 01282 870253 01995 640557 Fleetwood Museum. Museum ofLancashire,Preston. 12.30-3.30. 1-3.30 10.30-12.30, 1.30-3.30 17 April 10.30-12.30, 1.30-3.30 Lancaster CityMuseum. Lodgings,Lancaster. Judges’ B uphill totheHaworthRoadcarpark. a life-sizedhorseandrider. is oneofasetwillowstructures,including Road behindthe Aisled BarnVisitor Centre. area withitsduckpondtotheOldCoach crossed bytheprehistoricClamBridge. short distancefurtherdownstream,is utaries unitetoformWycoller Beckwhich,a “Water Meetings”.Here,twounnamedtrib- the walkdowntree-linedfarmtrackto any moment. look asifitisabouttorolldownthehillat a greatviewofthePanopticon.Itreallydoes Lee Farm.Fromtheendofbarnthereis a footbridgeoverthestreamnexttoParson wall totheleftandcrossintonextfield. Follow theroaddowntonextfarm. marking arrowtojointhemetalledroad. cross thelawn,followingyellowway- pink hippopotamus, where thereisanattractivepondboastinga the topofrock. WYCOLLER’S Atom: wellworthacloserlook. Attractive waterfallsarethehighlightof Two morepostsshowthepathdownhillto Enter thefieldthroughagate,follow LeapBarn, Foster’s Enter thegardenof Follow thetrackbehindvisitorcentre The willowtunnelisworthadetourasit . GoingPotty!Craftactivity. Turton Tower. Area, orheadingthroughthepicnic Area, willow tunnelintheConservation choice ofwalkingthroughthelive House Bridgewherethereisthe eyond theClamBridgeisCopy Fabulous FleetwoodChildren’s Activities. 2.30-3.30 20 April Museum. museum tour. LancasterMaritime nature detective. dren’s activities.Fleetwood Museum. 1.30-3.30 19 April 12.30-3.30 Museum ofLancashire,Preston. 11-1, 2-4. 18 April find outhowyoutoocanbecome a study thewildlifeofLancashireand world oftheamateurnaturalistswho Explorethe Preston (unitl2July). secrets, MueumofLancashire, Natural Curiosity–Uncovernature’s sessions. LancasterCityMuseum. . Romanartandcraftactivities. . Gamestomakeandplay. . Museum Ahoy! –themed . Hands-onarchaeology Easter holidayfun. . FabulousFleetwoodchil- Burnley young people.QueenStreetMill Textile Museum, stART: Writings; drawings;paintingsanexhibitionby Padiham. Aspects oftextileandembroidery art. 10 yearsofProgressive Threads. GawthorpeHall, shops –contactmuseumon01706260785. work- Includes grew upinthemidtwentiethcentury. cially memoriesofchildhoodinIndia,wheretheartist Museum. Seriesofpaintings,basedonmemories,espe- Reflective JourneysbyElizabethCrabtree.Rossendale All month 2-4 27 April Fri 12-4,Sat/Sun 12-5. Lancashire textile industry. Suitableforthefamily. Mon- Helmshore. Newlyrefurbished museumofthe Helmshore Mills Textile Museum,HolcombeRoad, Celebration ofMexicanartand craft. Viva Mexico, RossendaleMuseum(until27 April). sculpture andmoderncreationsforthefuture. Lancashire furnitureandwoodlandinspiredpaintingsto woodland crafts–fromsophisticated,traditional make theirhomesinourwoodlands.Featuresarangeof Maritime Museum.Lookatsomeofthecreaturesthat From CoolerWoodlands, exhibitionatLancaster - anhonestandtouchingartisticdisplay. people whohaveoffended orbeenexcluded fromschool . HerbWalk. Turton Tower. . OS explorermapOL21 Ringing Tree. Halo andBurnley’s Singing, two otherPanopticons-Rossendale’s Atom mayenjoyeastLancashire’s Monday, 11am-5pm). and tearooms(opendailyexcept to callinattheWycoller CraftCentre before thefinalstretch,youmaywant spectacular views. Panopticons todiscover, eachcommanding above Wycoller village,therearethreemore area hastooffer. and wealthofattractionsthatthisdelightful countryside toenjoythestunninglandscapes marks, designedtoattractvisitorsintothe unique seriesoftwenty-firstcenturyland- Panopticon view. providing acomprehensiveorpanoramic P . People suitablyimpressedbythe If youareinneedofrefreshment In additionto Atom, nestlingonthehillside Pennine Lancashire’s Panopticonsarea tR highlightsthecreativetalents ofyoung stART A N www.panopticons.uk.net n. structure,spaceordevice O P www.lancashire.gov.uk T I C O N S www.lancashire.gov.uk Providing • youth services • tourism April 2008 9 Life your weekends TAKE A RIDE Make tracks in along the Lancashire safe and growing cycle network

They sit on the bank and only move out of the way at the last minute. The sound of traffic disappears as you get out towards Reedley – and the scenery changes from HE idea of cycling from industrial By Neil Graham industrial to verdant green. Lancashire to the pretty borders And now spring is here, there is no better way (Above) n the right-hand side, diggers were excavat- of North Yorkshire had immediate Lancashire ing a new marina. It will be fascinating to appeal to me. to get the family together and to get fit than by T biking along Lancashire’s 160 miles of off-road has mile after see it progress. Part of the appeal, I confess, was doing it all on mile of safe Industrial architecture dominates again the flat. cycleway. I enthusiastically saddled up at the car-park cycleway - O in Brierfield. At Lob Lane bridge you can Never having been the sort of rugged cyclist that next to Tesco in Burnley centre…and immedi- just plan depart on two trails – each concentrating on cotton, searches for steep hills, I am never happier than ahead and the canal, religion and social change. when cycling along a canal. Water is always level… ately had to push my bike up the steep banking to Burnley’s famous straight mile. start enjoying Not until you are past Nelson are you truly into But that isn’t the only appeal of riding on the them. open country and the sound of traffic recedes. Leeds-Liverpool Canal from the centre of Burnley The seven locks look splendid – and to . Yes, I enjoy the flat nature of the he water here is steel grey, exposed and choppy so it was a dramatic start that represent the only bit of uphill on the entire route. canalside, but I also enjoy the freedom from traffic. The only bit of traffic you will meet is at the locks I enjoy looking at the gaily coloured narrowboats also offered great views over Burnley. Down below, the traffic was congested. – I met just one car leaving a nearby car-park. – and also the hidden side of mills and wharves we From the locks to - about three miles – take for granted when not travelling at … well, to T I knew, as a cyclist since childhood of the is the prettiest part of the route. Dozens of narrow- be honest, less than 10mph. perils of cycling along that main road between Burnley, Nelson, Colne, Foulridge and boats grabbed my attention as I sped through lush Barnoldswick. fields. And as I carried on past scenic Thompson If you want I wondered what had happened to Park, I could still hear the roar of traffic. What information on the pleasurecraft that had been Find your struck me, apart from the safety and peace, was cycle routes, smashed into two on the towpath. the speed at which I travelled. visit our Poor weather meant I did not get way through Within only five minutes I was cycling under- website at to Barnoldswick, ending my ride at neath the Colne Road bridge. It would have www.lancashire. Foulridge’s famous Mile Tunnel and the benefits taken double that on the road with its numer- gov.uk/cycling then heading back to Burnley – a ous roundabouts, junctions and traffic lights. where all the 16-mile round trip. Far from my childhood memories of a bum- cycle maps are It took very little maze pety-bump towpath, the surface on this journey on-line or ring planning and very little Jim Dickson, head of is almost perfectly smooth – a great help in our free effort to enjoy my after- going fast. number: noon out – while meet- Lancashire County Council’s The main reason it has been resurfaced for 0800 328 1635 ing just one car in 16 Welfare Rights Service, may be cyclists is that transport planners and cycling miles. Where else in enthusiasts want it to be seen as a safe and Britain could I write able to help swift alternative to the road. that? It is like a motorway for cyclists. I remember IF you are a carer sometimes it is worth- cycling from Colne to my school in Nelson – a while claiming Carer’s Allowance even if journey that is now safer than ever. you know that you cannot be paid And as I headed to Barden, I noticed several because you are getting another benefit places for families to stop along the way. My or State Pension. favourite resting place at this spot is the Barden If you satisfy all the other conditions, you will Mill coffee shop. get a letter to say that you are entitled but you The only obstacle on this canalside “motor- cannot be paid. way” were not traffic lights but…ducks. You have what is called “underlying entitle- ment” to Carer’s Allowance, and you qualify for the carer premium. THERE are many organised cycling trips The carer premium is not a benefit itself. It is planned for this spring: an extra amount which is included when work- Sun 6 April SADDLE UP AND GO ing out your Income Support, income-based 11.30am. Pedalling picnic. Enjoy a ride Jobseeker’s Allowance, Pension Credit, Housing Sat 19 April 26 April Benefit and Council Tax Benefit. around Hyndburn and, when you book, a If you already get any of these benefits the picnic will be provided. Led by John Taylor 10am. Damson day out. Family-friendly day Burnley FC is encouraging all supporters to carer premium can increase the amount you get and Nicola Honey. Allow 1.5 hours. out to Damson fair in the beautiful Lyth cycle to the last game of the season. by up to £27.75 a week. Or it can help you quali- Beginners welcome. Bikes and adapted Valley. 50 stalls inc cookery demos,archery, Wed 30 April bikes available and to book the ride, tel music, beer tent. £4 adults, children £2. fy for one or more of these benefits for the first 3.15-5.15pm. Exploring Preston by bike. time. 01254 356800 or 07746 127683. Different starting points - contact organisers for options Stuart or Kirstie from Wheely Departs university, crosses the city, follows A couple who both have underlying entitle- Sat 12 April to docklands then heads north ment to Carer’s Allowance qualify for two carer Good Communities on 01524 782351 or 11-3pm. Hyndburn Greenway or Ribble email [email protected]. to Preston Sports Arena. Back on Lancaster premiums. Valley villages. Enjoy Ribble Valley villages Canal on National Cycle Route 62 to the To find out more about benefits for carers get a with lunch stop in Waddington or travel the Wed 23 April university. Approximately 7 miles, mainly copy of our booklet “Carers – benefits for you” by Hyndburn Greenway with lunch at Read 10.30-3pm. Preston to Kirkham, using ringing 01772 533504, or witing to: Welfare flat. Meet outside the ‘i’, Foster car park, Garden Centre. 15-25 miles. Meet at Rights Service, Freepost, Preston PR1 8RR (you Route 6 and 90. 22 UCLAN. Contact Clair Challen on 01772 don’t need a stamp). Primetime Centre, Norden School, Stourton miles. Meet Moor Park Avenue/St Paul’s 892052 or visit www.uclan.ac.uk/bug for St, Rishton. Anne Stott on 07890 520077. Road junction, Preston. information. 10 LOOKApril 2008 Providing • youth LIVELY services • tourism www.lancashire.gov.uk Voice of A picture of your health LANCASHIRE libraries, museums and Lancashire Record Office are cele- brating Local and Community History Month with a focus on health. Next month’s celebra- tions will include displays in many libraries using extensive local and com- munity history collections along with talks, lectures Donald ilys Mac and other events. D The month will be Safeguarding adults launched on Friday 9 co-ordinator May at 2pm with a talk by local historian Barry Lowe at Chorley library on the history of health LANCASHIRE county coun- care in Chorley. cil has the lead responsibili- On Friday 16 May at ty for safeguarding vulnera- 11am Dr Alan Crosby will ble adults across the county. talk at Lytham library on Dilys MacDonald explains “Dealing with Nuisances and other Nastinesses: what abuse or neglect The Medical Officers of means – and how it can be Health in Victorian stopped. Lancashire”. Preston’s Harris Library will present a What does your work involve? display, “A Preston Physician: Books from It involves working with other organisations the Library of Dr such as police and the NHS to develop sys- Shepherd”, which show- ill in the olden times!”. running a display on Museum. tems to protect vulnerable adults across cases the fine book collec- On Wednesday 7 and health and heritage in Contact Andrew All hands Lancashire. tion donated to the peo- Sunday 25 May at 2pm Colne in association with Walmsley on 01772 Many people routinely meet older people. ple of Preston by the for- Oswaldtwistle library is the Colne Heritage 534020 for more details on deck We are now asking that they speak out if mer physician and mayor running a local heritage Centre. or email: andrew.walm- RESIDENTS, something is not right. of the town. walk: “Healthy Steps Some libraries will also [email protected] council staff, police On Tuesday 13 and around Oswaldtwistle” in have displays from Details will also be post- What types of people are considered Thursday 15 May from conjunction with Ossy Lancashire Record Office ed on and firefighters vulnerable adults? 9.30am Lancaster library Roots and the Stepping and exhibitions of some www.lancashire.gov.uk have united to will have an event for Out Health Walks proj- of the artefacts from /libraries and available clean up a part of It can be a person unable to take care of children aged 4-6 years: ect. Lancashire Museums and in a booklet from Skelmersdale - and themselves. They will often be old, but it can “You wouldn’t want to be Colne library will be Lancaster Medical libraries during April. give hope to the actually be anyone over the age of 18. community. A 12-month clean- What constitutes abuse of adults? up will, it is hoped, Top national award for youth website inject pride into the Abuse can be a single act or repeated acts of Though pipped to the post for the the first What Now? handbook. Acregate area of Little physical, verbal or psychological abuse. LANCASHIRE County Coun- cil’s award-winning website for top slot, What Now? was praised for What Now? offers a range of Digmoor. its imaginative use of technology to interactive services from 10am to The project started What is the county council and agencies young people has again been bring no-nonsense essential infor- 10pm, 365 days a year, and is after a public meeting doing to protect vulnerable adults? singled out for praise. mation to young people. staffed by qualified information and last month to discuss The What Now? website was the area. The county council has been working with The What Now? range of services, advice workers. All the services, shortlisted along with major players The hope is that partners to introduce new systems and poli- now in its 19th year, was started by including WebTalk, can be reached such as CBeebies and Disney in the setting a good exam- cies. Some of those processes include investi- a group of out-of-work teenagers in from the What Now? web site ple will lead to long- gating on whether the abuse has taken place “Best Kids’ Site” category of the BT Accrington who collaborated with www.whatnow.co.uk which also term improvements. and if so, what measures to introduce. Online Excellence Awards. youth and community workers on has regularly updated content.

What does the new Safeguarding Adults agenda mean for people of Lancashire?

It means better co-ordination for protecting RE answers life’s big questions and safeguarding vulnerable adults.

Do you enjoy your job? HAVING happily spent 28 years in several Lancashire School taking like a duck to water when offered the schools with 11-19 year-olds it was a hard decision to opportunity to play drums in the local Gurdwara and Yes, because it has given me the opportunity turn my back on the classroom. watching 10-year-olds whirl like dervishes at the to make a difference in the protection of vul- My passion for religious education (RE) drove me annual youth conference all confirm for me that this nerable adults. Safeguarding adults, of on and, in 2003, I joined the council’s teacher advis- is a worthwhile job. course, is everybody’s business. ers’ group. RE is a much misunderstood subject and I wel- It was nerve-wracking at first as who was I to tell come the opportunity to explain that in Lancashire it What should people do if they suspect a colleagues what to do? The job entailed working with has at its heart, “What is it to be human?”. vulnerable adult is being abused? teachers individually or in groups to make RE the best it can be for children. Exploring the big questions of life through investi- They can contact Lancashire County Council I also served Lancashire’s Standing Advisory gating local faiths and their beliefs and practices pro- via our Safeguarding Adults telephone num- Council on RE (SACRE) whose responsibility it is to vide models for the children to reflect on. ber on 0845 0530028 or, for more informa- create the local syllabus for county schools and then On my classroom wall was a Monty Python poster tion, visit online at monitor and support its delivery. with the words, “My brain hurts”. Good RE encour- www.lancashire.gov.uk/safe- After a couple of years I was appointed as the ages our young people to have the skills to listen, guardingadults Lancashire consultant for RE and Collective Worship. understand, evaluate, empathise, analyse and thus You can also tell partner agencies such as Helen Harrison I continue to work with schools and SACRE members think for themselves. To make them thoughtful, car- the police and health professionals such as but have more capacity for development projects ing and responsible citizens. doctors, nurses, health visitors, occupational such as working with local faith groups to allow visits As a young teacher in the 1970s I used to wince therapist, nurses or ambulance services. to and from local faith communities and establishing when I told people that I was an RE teacher – now I If someone is in immediate danger or a Consultant, religious educa- a pilot Youth SACRE. am proud to serve such an important part of the cur- criminal act is being committed, ring the The sight of a young man from Hutton Grammar riculum. police on 999. tion and collective worship www.lancashire.gov.uk Providing • youth services • tourism April 2008 11 County Supply and demand access award Pioneering teaching scheme CASE STUDY Continued from p1 LINDA MYERS - HEADTEACHER Other examples of good practice in its bid were: celebrates its fifth birthday TALKING about Burnley BEST - a the Lancashire bus service specifically A PIONEERING partnership in ensuring they continue their training Teaching Agency, introduced to serve we think the agency has helped to Linda Myers, head- employment opportuni- Lancashire has raised the quality ties. of supply teaching, ensured a fair improve the quality of supply teaching teacher of Ryelands across the county, which has obvious Primary School, Preston Orbit - a bus deal for teachers and schools and benefits to our children and young peo- service linking deprived played a key role in recruiting Lancaster, said: “As residential areas with ple.” a headteacher of 11 and keeping teachers in the coun- By offering flexible working options employment sites. Network Chorley - a ty. the LTA has helped teachers, including years one of the partnership with The Lancashire Teaching Agency women returning from maternity biggest stresses for Stagecoach NW. (LTA), a partnership between leave and older teachers, stay in the me was finding sup- WyldeFyre - a bus Lancashire County Council and Reed ply teachers, some- profession. Working with Newly service to help people Education, has just celebrated its fifth Qualified Teachers, particularly those times at very short from the smaller towns birthday. The first of its kind in the from the big teacher training colleges notice. and villages on the Fylde UK, the LTA now employs more than in the County, has helped to ensure “Some evenings I peninsula to get access to 1,000 teachers on the same pay and that talented young teachers also stay would spend two or health facilities. conditions as contracted staff. in Lancashire. three hours making Councillor Harding Chris Lennox, who is responsible for County Councillor Vali Patel, explained: “Improving school workforce development at the Cabinet member for schools, said: “We phone calls and would work my way down or accessibility is about county council, said: “Our primary feel we have done an excellent job over breaking down all the aim when setting up the partnership the last five years but are not compla- up the supply list sup- barriers that prevent was to supply high-quality, trained cent. We are continually reviewing plied by the local people from taking teachers to schools in Lancashire. By current arrangements to improve serv- authority. advantage of opportuni- paying supply teachers a fair wage and ices available to our schools.” “In a school of this Lynda Myers - Headteacher of Ryelands Primary ties.” size supply is needed School, Lancaster. Lancashire has previ- CASE STUDY every week for insight into where they sions for long term ously achieved Beacon absences and courses. are sending their sup- supply for teachers status for many of its SAMANTHA CULKIN - TEACHER “Five years ago when ply teachers. They have and teaching assistants. areas of work including the LTA formed it was asked lots of questions This saves the hassle Supporting the Rural a blessing for us head- I qualified in 2007 and joined LTA in the forward for long term supply at two of the to ensure they get a full of adverts, interviews, Economy, Transforming teachers. picture of our require- paperwork etc. because the School Workforce, September. This was due to the fact that schools I had been working in. “Now when we get there were so many teachers and not I accepted one of the posts and am ments so that they can we know the agency Positive Youth Engage- the 7.30am call we do ‘best match’ and so has ensured that they enough jobs in my area! now working on completing two terms of ment and Healthy make one call to the indeed give ‘best value’. have up to date refer- Schools. LTA made it clear to me that at the start my NQT year. agency, tell them our “There have also been ences, police clearance work would be quiet, but soon, jobs start- Working for LTA has meant that I am requirements and the occasions when a mem- etc. ed to appear. able to develop my teaching and observe job is done. ber of staff has been and work of the BEACON I was sent to local schools for day to how a variety of schools worked. “I have found the sent home ill during the agency and the quality day work and soon enough I had visited I have picked up numerous tips and am staff who work at the course of the day and of the teachers they STATUS at least six schools in a short time. now using them in my classroom! agency have all been again the agency can supply. I do not use any This then led to more and more work LTA has also offered me the same polite, helpful and effi- usually find someone other agencies and will For more information about as the schools requested me to go back. opportunities that would be available to cient. Most of the sen- very quickly who lives continue to use this one I then built up strong contacts with four me if I was on a fixed contract in a school. ior staff have taken the Beacon status visit their close to school so as long as the quality website at: local schools where I started to cover for They offer training courses which time and trouble to promptly the class is “All in all I have been a week and I had set days during the enables me to build on and develop my visit school, meet with http://www.beacons. covered. very happy with the idea.gov.uk week. knowledge and it also keeps me up to me, see round school to “I have used the support of work contin- I was then given the chance to be put date. get a flavour and agency on many occa- ues.” Premier League star Budding business award success THE pride of Pendle’s busi- Engineering Ltd. ness community were cele- The event was attended by over backs reading scheme brated at a recent awards cer- 250 business people and almost 80 emony. companies entered the awards. TEN children and their families The award categories included in Longridge have been selected Lancashire County Develop- ments Limited (LCDL) sponsored New Business of the Year, Most to become Premier League the Pendle Business Awards, held Outstanding Small, Medium and Reading Stars, in a partnership at Fence Gate Inn, which saw Large Businesses of the Year, between the local library and businesses recognised for their Business Person of the Year and Blackburn Rovers FC. achievements in ten categories. the Mayor’s Lifetime Business Rovers’ goalkeeping ace Brad LCDL also saw success with Achievement Award. Friedel, along with Everton’s Leon Rosebud recipient Giddy Kippers County Councillor Niki Penney, Osman and Manchester United’s Ltd, which won New Business of chair of LCDL - Lancashire Edwin Van der Sar are among the 20 the Year. The Nelson-based play County Council’s economic devel- Premier League players who have centre received funding in 2006. opment company, said: ‘’We strive revealed their favourite books as part Giddy Kippers company direc- at LCDL to play our part in help- of Premier League Reading Stars - the tor Nicola Nuttall said: ‘’We only ing businesses to excel and spon- AWARD: Mark Nuttall and Nicola national reading initiative. started this business 20 months sorship of the awards is one way of Nuttall, the directors of Giddy Each club has nominated a Reading ago and we are thrilled to have achieving this in Pendle. I con- Kippers. Champion who selected his favourite received an award! The Rosebud gratulate all the winners and am years Rosebud has helped over book, for either children or adults, to loan helped us get established, particularly thrilled to see a 128 businesses by investing £4m create a list that will be used to inspire provide facilities and buy the Rosebud recipient amongst them.” in Lancashire-based companies. families across the county to read. equipment that we needed to suc- The Rosebud Finance Scheme, Rosebud finance is only avail- Brad’s choice of book this year is The ceed.’’ a Lancashire Dealmakers’ triple able for companies either already Gruffalo by Julia Donaldson. He said: GOAL: Brad Freidel shows his book choice. LCDL also sponsored the award winner, has been hugely based in Lancashire or those relo- “The Gruffalo is a great book that Pendle Business Woman of the successful in providing funds for cating to the county. shows how brains can defeat brawn. It Lancashire County Council, said: Year award which was won by established or start up businesses For more information on tells the story of how a small mouse, “Using the footballers’ favourite book Annette Getty of PDS across the county. In the last three Rosebud call on 01772 536 600. while walking through a dark wood, choices are a way of inspiring families outwits several larger dangerous ani- to read together. By tapping into peo- mals who want to eat him. The poetry ple’s passion for football and providing is appealing to all ages, especially the positive role models, the initiative Inclusive sporting activities encouraged very young, and the book has some inspires families to enjoy reading and sessions as part of the week. Salt Ayre Sports Centre, fantastic illustrations too”. sharing books together.” FITNESS activities for dis- The facilities are accessible, Lancaster, 01524 847 540; All participants will meet the foot- The scheme is run in 60 libraries abled people are the focus for have trained fitness professionals Sporting Edge, Ormskirk, ball author Tom Palmer and take part around the country in partnership events later this month. and accessible fitness equipment. 01695 584 745 in a series of football-based reading with the Football Foundation and the Inclusive Fitness Week, 24-30 For details visit the IFI website West Craven Leisure Centre, games throughout the initiative, as National Literacy Trust. April 2008, aims to encourage at www.inclusivefitness.org or Barnoldswick, 01282 666 710 well as attending Blackburn Rovers The county council has previously inclusive physical activity. contact individual venues: WestView Leisure Centre, ground for a behind-the-scenes tour. run the scheme in libraries in Chorley, Sports centres across the county All Seasons Leisure Centre, Ribbleton, 01772 796 788 Hazel Becker, senior librarian at Read and Church. are arranging physical activity Chorley, 01257 515 000 12 April 2008 Providing • food safety • welfare advice www.lancashire.gov.uk

Sample menus

Roast Pork Loin with Roast Potatoes, Gravy (v) Toasted Panini with your School’s Choice of Filling and Jacket Wedges Fresh Seasonal Vegetables What does Welcome to exciting • Crunchy Italian Salad *Salad bar Meringue Nests Filled with the new Tropical Fruit menu new menus for Fresh Fruit or Yoghurt provide for schools in Lancashire. Chilled Water, Fruit Juice or Fresh Milk Traditional Top Crust Pie with Baby Mid your child? September sees the introduction of tough new standards for the nutritional content of Potatoes & Gravy school lunches. We are delighted to announce that nutritional analysis shows that in Here are ten good reasons to Breaded White Fish Fillet with Chunky Chips Lancashire these have been met ahead of schedule with the introduction of our new Fresh Seasonal Vegetables choose a school lunch. summer menu. The new menu is being phased in over the two weeks • Garden Peas • *Salad bar Daily choice of tasty meat following the Easter Holidays. Currant Bun or Fingers with a Drizzle of or non meat main meal. Water Icing Portions of meat Diane, our menu planner, and Alison, our nutritionist, have been working with our Fresh Fruit or Yoghurt increased to provide catering staff and consulting children’s panels on ‘taster days’ to produce recipes and Chilled Water, Fruit Juice or Fresh Milk extra iron and zinc. menus that not only meet the new standards but which will also be enjoyable to eat. Daily main meal suitable Grilled Gammon & Pineapple for vegetarians. Special Diets with Jacket Wedges Standards exceeded for (v) Freshly Made Tomato & Lentil Soup We are able to cater for most special diets. These are normally arranged though a energy, protein, with Hot Filled Baguettes child’s dietician to ensure that the meals we provide are appropriate to the carbohydrate and Roasted Vegetables • *Salad bar individual child. If you require a special diet, please contact your school and ask them saturated fat. Fresh Fruit Platter and Shortbread Biscuit to make contact with us. Standards exceeded for Fresh Fruit or Yoghurt vitamins and minerals. Chilled Water, Fruit Juice or Fresh Milk Unlimited salad from the Free Meals *Fruit is available either as part of or with each main desert. salad bar or servery. Free school meals are offered to children of families who are in receipt of: Vegetarian choice available daily. Up to 3 of your child’s • Income Support or five a day portions of • Job Seekers Allowance (Income based) or fruit and vegetables. • Support under part V1 of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999 or Extra bread without • The Guaranteed element of State Pension Credit or spread. • Child Tax Credits (if you are entitled to Working Tax Credit or your total yearly Daily choice of fresh milk income, assessed by the Inland Revenue, is in excess of £14,495 you are not or fruit juice plus chilled entitled to free school meals). water. The Government does not allow us to recognise any other benefit other than those No confectionery or mentioned above. To apply, you need to complete an application form. These are added salt. available from your child's school or your local Area Education Office, or as a downloadable form from www.lancashire.gov.uk/eadmissions.

Commercial services

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