A 4-star council Awarded top marks by the Audit Commission September 2006

Providing • education • highways • trading standards • social services Jazz up your life Eyesore land September fun Dream ‘wedding’ New look at life 1,000 acres of land have Lots of fun for all Register prompts long-term been converted from the family in our offices change for us all grotspot to beauty spot seasonal listings changing

Page 7 Page 3 Page 8 Page 10 Change ahead 600 BUS ROUTES, for older people

A MAJOR reshaping of services to improve 12m PASSENGERS, the lives of older peo- ple is in the pipeline. Lancashire County Council is “future-proof- ing” services to ensure they are right for the next generation of older people. Better access to leisure, more flexible provision to £13m SUPPORT services, a renewed look at town centre safety – all are detailed in Strategy YOUR for an Ageing Population We’re keeping 50-plus. Two years of work between Lancashire Cou- buses on the road to keep nty Council, district coun- cils, the NHS, police, the private sector and volun- Lancashire on the move tary organisations has led to the strategy. It has LATEST figures show that to £26 per person, per journey - and that been adopted by Lanca- Lancashire County Council is unfair for Council Tax payers. We can’t shire Partnership subject be expected to continue like that. to public consultation. support for buses is more “Some people will never be able to use generous than that spent on County Councillor buses – so we also support community Doreen Pollitt, county buses by most other councils. transport groups and voluntary car council deputy leader, Research shows that Lancashire schemes. Last year alone 240,000 were said: “People used to County Council provides investment made on county council-funded dial-a- retire at 65, often in poor of more than £4 per person – and bus and community car schemes.” health, and typically die that means more passengers on Few people realise that Lancashire just eight years later. County Council’s 600 routes carry a total “The help they need more buses in your area. of 12m passengers. Despite rising oil, insurance and gen- was aimed at their frailty. Councillor Martin added: “Commer- “The next generatione eral running costs, Lancashire passen- cial operators will always provide most gers can still use more buses than in will be different. Early services, but we have a role to play in retirement for some means many other areas of the country. complementing that network. zNEW bus and rail stations and interchanges - this is a computer-generated picture of the About 600 routes are running – proposed Nelson interchange: Lancashire County Council is keeping people on the move. many have 20-30 years of “These subsidies help hundreds of life ahead of them. thanks to support from county council thousands of people in their daily lives.” z(Inset) High-tech signs use the latest technology to tell people when their bus is due. coffers to the tune of about £13m. “They are interested in Further investments that make leisure and are the first Lancashire one of the nation’s leading major beneficiaries of occu- supporters of public transport include Technology, computers . . . and cash pational pensions. They new bus/ rail interchanges, park-and-ride have huge spending power schemes, innovative marketing of routes – and private and public and “live” computer-linked bus stops that AS well as buses that “kneel” need. So we support Traveline, a information about the next three sectors have to respond. tell people when the next bus is due. to let passengers on, we also seven-days-a-week transport infor- to five buses from that stop. “People over 50 will County Councillor Tony Martin, provide good-quality mation service. In 2005 it We also work with operators to form 44 per cent of the answered over 120,000 public calls. market commercial as well as sub- Cabinet member for Sustainable timetable information in a population by 2025. Development, said: “County council And more money is being sidised buses. Timetable improve- “We simply cannot spending keeps hundreds of routes open wide and imaginative range invested in www.transportforlan- ments led to a 400 per cent rise in wait 20 years and then that would otherwise close down. of outlets. cashire.org.uk and www.trave- passenger numbers on the X40 wonder what has hit us. “Some bus routes will never be prof- There are more than 8,000 bus line.org.uk which help passengers Great Harwood to Manchester “We will still support itable but we want to keep them open for stops in Lancashire. More than 50 plan longer journeys – together route. frail people as much as the sake of people who rely on them. per cent display timetable infor- with connection times and total Safety is key and we have a ever but our wider “That is when we give the operator mation. We want to help – so we journey times. Safer Travel Unit to carry out approach must change help to keep the service running. It may are installing more and more live, Nearly everyone these days has safety checks on buses as well as totally.” be that it services an area full of older electronic displays on bus stops. a mobile phone. A few clicks are working closely with schools to Pensions, jobs, health, people, for example. We know many infrequent users all you need to text in your bus encourage bus use – and good welfare, leisure, retail “Even so, some routes have cost us up can’t remember which routes they stop code and receive timetable behaviour. - see centre pages The presence of promotional leaflets delivered inside Vision does not imply Lancashire County Council endorsement. YOUR LANCASHIRE: A PLACE WHERE EVERYONE MATTERS 2 September 2006 Providing • nurseries • pedestrian crossings www.lancashire.gov.uk Carers told Ask Shirley to put their Are you having difficulties knowing who to contact when health first you need help? Are you baffled when you open the phone GETTING to health appointments is getting easier for carers and their book to ring for assistance? Shirley is here to help you. dependants, thanks to a new Age Concern scheme backed by Lancashire County Council. Pressures of time and the lack of someone IF you are having problems get- to look after their dependant mean that car- ting hold of someone to help, ers often struggle to get to health appoint- Lancashire County Council has ments to look after themselves. many staff trained and willing But the Carers’ Access to Health Project, to assist. funded by the county council, is able to pro- Sometimes you just can’t think who vide a limited sitting service while the carer to ask - and this is where Vision’s attends appointments, can help with actual Shirley comes in. attendance and can help rearrange appoint- Shirley answers all the letters she BUNKING OFF? ments to more convenient times. receives and some will feature on this Age Concern’s Janice Taylor said: “There page. Others may take a while as are 125,000 carers in Lancashire and some Shirley will seek responses from other are so dedicated that they risk their own council teams. health so as to look after others. Shirley is not able to offer legal “This new service is free and can offer help advice. in a variety of ways, including arranging transport to and from the visits.” The carer or cared-for person must be 65 or older. MISSING OUT! The service is provided by a mix of volun- Wish you were here MISSING OUT! teers and paid staff. To seek help, or to volunteer, contact Mr J from Fleetwood writes: 01257 479014 or 07890 215506. am interested in working for truancywatch Lancashire County Council. Can you tell me where the I zTRUANCY posters like this, produced by Lancashire County Council and the police are used to back up truan- vacancies are advertised? Loving care cy sweeps in all parts of the county. ll Lancashire County Council street or road. Before 9.30am ove- 60s Nowcard holders will vacancies are advertised on the Can you help? receive half-price travel all over Lancashire. In blossoms A website at addition when travelling wholly outside your dis- www.lancashire.gov.uk. trict council area but within Lancashire you will ny queries you have regarding also receive half-price travel. Alternatively please see local papers for street name plates will be dealt for Rosebud vacancies. with by your district council. You will find that there are usually vacancies A Suspicious minds Penwortham is in South Ribble in all parts of Lancashire. Good luck! Council’s area. Contact 01772 421491. Mrs D from Preston writes: while ago, my 15-year-old My humps, my humps. . . Ticket to ride daughter and her friends A were in town when they were Mrs H from Bamber Bridge writes: approached by police officers Ms T from Leyland writes: conducting a “Truancy Sweep”. here are cars that speed up hat is the criteria for a free school bus pass? They asked the reason they and down the road I live on. weren’t in school. My daughter said zGREAT business start for, from left, Sophie T How do I ask for speed humps W they were in the middle of exams (22), pictured with Niki Penney and staff. to be installed? ree school transport can only be and didn’t have to be in school A NEW Leyland business is blossom- unless they were sitting an exam. o ask for traffic-calming measures provided if the pupil has to travel ing thanks to a Rosebud loan from two miles or more to the nearest The police then rang the school to Lancashire County Developments Ltd to be put on the road please put F check they were telling the truth your your request in writing to suitable school if the child is (LCDL), Lancashire County Council’s T under eight; or three miles or more if the which I am glad to say they were. economic development company. the Traffic and Safety Team at child is aged eight or over. I would like to say how impressed Gibson’s Domiciliary Care and Support Lancashire County Council, PO Box 9, The distance is calculated as the safest walk- I am at this excellent idea. was set up in February by 22-year-old Sophie Guild House, Cross Street, Preston, ing route to the school. We consider the child’s Gibson and the company already employs Lancashire, PR1 8RD. age and religion and the availability of places. Truancy Sweep is an operation seven local people. They will look closely at traffic conditions in The pupil must live in Lancashire and may undertaken by police and Sophie has worked in the care sector for the area. There are usually more areas request- attend a school outside Lancashire. Pupils living A Lancashire County Council’s around six years and decided to set up on her ing such traffic-calming than there is money outside Lancashire but going to a Lancashire Education Welfare Service. own after taking maternity leave. She available, so a final decision is usually made in school need to contact the Education Office in Young people considered to be of school age applied for funding to help with her various consultation with district councils through the the area where they live. can be stopped and officers will make enquiries start-up costs and has since been working new Lancashire Local structure. to establish whether the young person is out of hard to make Gibson’s a success. school with or without authority. She said: “When I took time off work I I want to be free If they are out of school without authority the realised that I wanted something to do that would allow me to look after the children and Walk on by Ms G from Ribbleton writes: young person can be escorted back to school. If the young person is accompanied by an work from home. have received my new over-60 adult, enquires will be made as to the reason for “I’ve worked for quite a few care compa- Ms M Woods from Penwortham Nowcard and on the front it the child’s absence from school. An education nies so I knew exactly what was needed. writes: states half fare. I was under the welfare officer will then advise the adult as to “The help I have had from Lancashire he numbering system on the I County Council has been invaluable and the impression that it was free. whether the given cause of absence is justifiable. signs on our estate is in des- fact that they try to nurture us rather than perate need of being simply leaving us to it makes a difference.” T ll over-60 Nowcard holders are Email: [email protected] or As well as running a growing business revamped. entitled to free travel within their write to: Ask Shirley, Customer Service Sophie is also mother to five children – three On a number of occasions, drivers A district council area after 9.30am Centre, The Red Rose Hub, Bluebell Way, of which she has fostered. of emergency vehicles have got con- County Councillor Niki Penney, LCDL Monday to Friday, all day Preston PR2 5PZ. Telephone 0845 0530000. fused and turned down the wrong Saturday, Sunday and bank holidays. chairman, said: “Caring must be in Sophie’s blood. Gibson’s is exactly the sort of business we like to support through Rosebud.” Don’t forget - your county councillor can help. Contact details are available on 0845 0530000 or at: www.lancashire.gov.uk Gibson’s can be contacted on 01772 493685. A full job description of all vacancies is available on our website www.lancashire.gov.uk/vacancies www.lancashire.gov.uk Providing • information centres • hotlines September 2006 3 NEWS IN BRIEF Jobs plan ‘will close skills gap’ Give your AN ACTION plan has The plan, part of Area Agreement covers four ble careers. been agreed to increase Lancashire’s Local Area areas, namely safer and “The opportunities and skills, entrepreneurial- Agreement (LAA) meant to healthier communities, potential of this plan are reps a guarantee “joined-up” think- young people, older people – ism and prosperity enormous and will be ing between public and pri- and economic development matched by the scale and grilling among Lancashire’s vate agencies, aims to in which LCDL will take a complexity of partnership workforce. improve employment rates, lead. working needed to make a SENIOR county council- Lancashire County increase Modern “I am particularly pleased success of the Local Area lors will offer themselves Developments Ltd, Apprenticeships in the pub- at the emphasis on training Agreement. for a public grilling when Lancashire County Council’s lic sector and assist people in and apprenticeships. Cabinet Question Time economic development com- leaving incapacity and sin- Lancashire has to develop its Partners in the economic rolls into Ormskirk. pany, has teamed up with gle-parent benefits for a new new industries if its people development aspect of the The heat will be turned partners in the training and start in paid work. are to enjoy a more prosper- LAA include Lancashire up on county councillors business field to agree a Councillor Terry Burns, ous future and young people Learning and Skills Council, Hazel Harding, county zTERRY Burns: more appren- brighter future for tomor- Lancashire County Council need structured apprentice- Business Link Lancashire council leader; Anne ticeships needed. row’s workers. chairman, said: “Our Local ships if they are to enjoy sta- and Jobcentre-Plus. Brown, finance chief; Chris Cheetham, adult and com- munity services boss; Clive Grunshaw, planning and environment decision- maker; and Alan Whittaker, schools chief. Starting at 7.15pm on Wednesday 20 September, the evening is £2m new start for designed to allow mem- bers of the public to ask no-holds-barred questions EXAMPLE NOW: Arden Hall, Accrington on any Lancashire County Council matter. The county council aims to be as open as possible so Cabinet Question Times are held around 1,000 acres Lancashire. Future evenings, all starting at A MASSIVE near-1,000 acres of tremendous bargain. We have given an 7.15pm, are planned for initial grant and that, in turn, has been Penwortham on 11 land have been spruced up – and 273,000 trees planted – in used to attract money from bodies such October and Nelson on 1 as the National Lottery. An initial £2m November. See Vision or Lancashire County Council’s from the North West Development www.lancashire.gov.uk/c Small Sites Reclamation abinetquestiontime for Agency has been turned into improve- further details. Programme. ments worth an actual £8m. In four years alone, the programme “Working with local community has given £2m to local groups to tackle groups has shown us how keen people Web targets 200 eyesore sights across the county. are to improve their local areas. Many of the sites were formerly “Projects can be as small as developing alcohol scarred by industrial decline. They were an allotment or community garden or as so ugly that economic experts feared big as landscaping for a new village hall. A WEBSITE designed by they were driving away new jobs by “Our job is to work alongside local peo- Lancashire children and deterring inward investment. teachers to fight under- ple and provide the skills and time as Tim Blythe, Lancashire County well as grants to turn schemes into a age boozing is in the Arden Hall, Accrington running for a national Council’s environmental projects team reality.” Ask us for BEFORE: award. leader, said: “The improvements are It is estimated that 300,000 The site is aimed at worth it for the environmental gain Lancashire people live near an improve- cash help primary-aged children alone, but there is also major economic ment site. value in improving Lancashire’s former About five miles of cycleway have been and contains education- THERE is still money image as an area with much industrial made from formerly derelict sites and al facts about the effects left for further commu- of alcohol on health and dereliction. about three miles of footpath have been nity grants – visit social attainment. “The whole scheme has been a created or improved. It includes an informa- www.lancashire.gov. tion page for parents as uk/environment/gra well as downloadable EXAMPLE NOW: Wholaw Nook, Burnley nts and click on small lessons for teachers. sites or email: project- Staff at the county [email protected] council’s Alcohol ancscc.gov.uk Project will find out at Details are also avail- the end of September if able from Tim Blythe they have won the coun- on 01772 534186. try-wide Alcohol Misuse Prevention Awards Scheme. They are on a shortlist of just two in the Young People’s Involvement category. Free Nursery Education places in The website can be seen at: www.lookoutal- Lancashire for all 3 and 4 year olds cohol.co.uk If you have a child born on or between 1 September 2001 High notes and 31 August 2003 your child is entitled to a free part-time pre-school nursery education place from the start YOUTHFUL members of of the Autumn Term 2006 commencing in September. Lancashire Music Service and Fulwood Music A free place consists of a maximum of five sessions per week and Centre Concert Band and no more than seventy sessions for the Autumn term. A free session Choir are staging a “sum- is for a period of 2.5 hours in length. There are three terms in the mer spectacular” concert year, covering a total of 38 weeks per year. at 7.30pm on Thursday 7 September. Places are available from any of Lancashire County Council's It will be staged at eligible providers of pre-school nursery education. Preston’s Guild Hall and These can be Local Authority (LA) maintained nursery tickets cost £9 (adults) z(Above) TIM Blythe at one and £7 (concessions). of the 200 sites improved so BEFORE: Wholaw Nook, Burnley schools and nursery classes, providers in the independent, far. private and voluntary sectors or accredited childminders on an approved National Childminding Association (NCMA) Children Come First Network. Roadlife hits shops Further information including a parent SHOPPERS are being invited to join guide and lists of eligible providers Lancashire County Council’s Road Safety within your area may be obtained from Group during September. the Childcare Information Service on Group members will be visiting Asda stores to pro- mote the latest Roadlife magazine. Corrie’s crimper Freephone 0800 195 0137. Maria (actress Samia Smith) is backing the latest edi- tion, which is packed with information, real-life sto- ries, web reviews, competitions and much more. Samia said: “Roadlife covers stories on education and training programmes available and is packed with exciting interviews and helpful safety advice. It’s a great way to get up to speed with road safety.” 4 September 2006 Providing • bridge maintenance • paths www.lancashire.gov.uk

Blackpool Pleasure Beach - with over 145 rides and spectacular shows, there’s enough thrills for a full day and evening. WIN TOP Join Blackpool’s The Sandcastle Waterworld - this indoor waterpark has undergone a AUTHOR’S £4.5m investment and now boasts the world’s longest indoor rollercoaster SIGNED Party and win waterslide. The Sealife Centre - home to a myriad of underwater creatures, from the small- BOOK SUMMER isn’t over just of quality hotels. est seahorses to some pretty large sharks yet… You even enjoy the thrills of and everything in between! And what better way to the Pleasure Beach with a Blackpool Zoo - get up close and per- enjoy the remains of the holi- wristband for a mere £15. sonal with a range of creatures in their days - before the children All these discounts are own habitat – not forgetting a wander return to school – than an action- available at the click of a button. back in time at the Dinosaur Safari. packed visit to Blackpool? All you need to do to Join the All you need to do is answer the follow- The UK’s favourite seaside Party is visit the website: ing question: resort is bursting at the ww.jointheparty2006.com seams with things to do to and download a free party How many rides and shows are The winners will be those answering keep the entire family enter- pack which contains a raft of there at Blackpool Pleasure Beach? correctly and drawn first. County council tained. vouchers and further details. There’s no better time to be making a employees are not allowed to enter. And thanks to an exciting new To help celebrate the launch trip to Blackpool. The world-famous Entries must be received by Monday 18 promotion, visitors can enjoy up to of the party, Vision has got its Illuminations will shine nightly from September. £100 of fantastic savings on some of hands on a fantastic competi- Friday 1 September until Sunday 5 For all the information and assistance the top local attractions. tion prize exclusive to its read- November, giving visitors miles of free you need in planning your visit to ers. Readers are urged to Join the entertainment. Blackpool, click on www.visitblack- Party and take advantage of this A package of FREE tick- Send your entry to Blackpool pool.com or call the Blackpool Visitor special offer. There are two-for-one ets is up for grabs, giving Competition, Vision, Corporate First Centre on 01253 478222. But don’t deals at a variety of popular attractions the winning entry more than £125 worth Communications, County Hall, Preston forget to take advantage of the party zTOP authour Anthony as well as special discounts on a number of goodies, including family passes to: PR1 8XJ. pack at www.jointheparty2006.com Horowitz with Terry Burns, Lancashire County thoughts on a nomination Council chairman. form to make judging Lancastrians We’re proud of Lancashire decisions easier.” DURING his recent This year’s awards are visit to Lancashire, the third. Categories bestselling author cover almost all areas of life. Judges will include Anthony Horowitz wear crown signed four copies ordinary people from across Lancashire as well of his fantastic book as county councillors and Raven’s Gate. with pride Search for media personalities. Four lucky readers Nomination forms will win a copy of THE big-hearted people of Lancashire have stant – selflessness, dedi- are now available in Raven’s Gate, exclu- cation, a willingness to libraries, county infor- sively signed by the won royal recognition for their work for others. help others. mation centres and in author. Four Lancashire groups have been honoured with County Councillor the county council Raven’s Gate is a the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service at a recent Hazel Harding, leader of mobile information supernatural story ceremony at County Hall. Lancashire County unit. which begins across Lancashire, of course, has scores of such groups and a star Council which backs the They are also avail- the Pennines. people - and the good news is that nominations are now awards, said: “Lancashire able at the reception Last month, Vision open for the 2007 awards. THE search is now ple but they have rarely people need to celebrate desks of our partners brought you details of County Councillor Terry Burns, Lancashire County received public recogni- the values that make the at the Lancashire Anthony’s visit to Council chairman, said: “Voluntary work is a vital part on to find the most tion – before the Red Rose county such a distinctive Evening Post, Rock County Hall to collect of any local community and the recognition of these public-spirited peo- Awards. place. These awards offer FM, BBC Radio the prestigious local groups reflects that. ple in Lancashire. Members of the public that chance. Lancashire, Magic 999 Lancashire Children’s “The recipients have done extremely well and we are And your help is are asked to nominate “We can all think of and on the Rock FM Book of the Year very proud of their achievement.” needed in finding people in 10 categories. many people we respect “ThunderTruck”. award. The winners were from Donna’s Dream House in them. There may be 10 headings and admire. We are ask- Nominations close on 22 Many readers will be Blackpool; Hospice Care in Burnley and Pendle; We all know such peo- but qualities remain con- ing people to put their September. familiar with Antho- Preston Panthers; and Silverdale First Responders. ny’s highly popular Donna’s Dream House members offer free holidays to Alex Rider series, children with life-threatening illnesses. Often they are Categories which hits the big- too ill to go abroad – but their families enjoy the oppor- Tell us who you want to win screen this summer tunity of a holiday with their children. „Teacher of the Year Tell us here or on a nomination form available from the places above with the release of the They transformed a derelict building into holiday „Parent of the Year film Stormbreaker. apartments for children. I nominate ...... Category ...... „Community team – To be in with a Hospice Care members received their award from Their address ...... for voluntary groups chance to win a signed Lord Shuttleworth, Lancashire’s Lord Lieutenant and ...... Tel (if possible) ...... „Community champion book, answer this ques- the Queen’s representative in Lancashire. They care for Have you told them of the nomination? ...... – building community spirit tion: patients in dozens of different ways, including driving, Young Person of Year Who plays Alex gardening and raising money. Your name/address ...... „ Rider in the Preston Panthers started work six years ago to help ...... Tel ...... „Amateur Sportsperson Stormbreaker film? young, disabled people in the Preston area enjoy sports. This person deserves the award because (continue on separate sheet if necessary) „Businessperson of Entries must be Club members provide activities such as swimming, the year received by Monday 18 athletics, team games, rock climbing and outdoor pursuit. September. Silverdale First Responders aims to help heart „Lancashire Hero Send entries to attack victims within six minutes - a huge step in the „Celebrity of the Raven’s Gate competi- direction of saving life. Year (decided by public tion, Vision, County The awards – started to mark the recent Golden vote from list nominated by judges) Hall, Preston, PR1 Jubilee - were presented by Lord Shuttleworth. 8XJ. Nominations for the 2007 awards can now be made. „Lancastrian of the „ County council Application forms are available by calling Ian Johnston Year (named by judging panel and not open to employees are not on 01772 533364 or via email on: Return to: Lancashire Red Rose Awards, PO Box 78, County Hall, Preston PR1 8XJ public nomination or vote allowed to enter. [email protected]

Once again I thank you very much and hope you have the same result in Cash converter all your cases. I WOULD like to convey my DELIGHTED DRIVER thanks to Sylvia, from the Morecambe Welfare Rights Service, who guid- All welcome ed me through several hurdles. to his or her own children. When I retired with a reasonable Tooty fruity In the modern parlance, you could Road to salvation I RECENTLY enjoyed a fantas- pension, I didn’t think I would be enti- tled to further help. I HAVE just returned from a say it is a strong social and genera- I WOULD like to start by saying tic weekend hosted by tional bond. On enquiry they put Sylvia in touch great outing picking bilberries. a huge thank you to trading Lancashire County Council and we have ended up with Youth workers and schools could do Countryside Service and vari- The bushes are fairly heavy far worse than organising such trips standards officers for all their Attendance Allowance and a Council with them this year. for their children. hard work helping me sort out ous other agencies. Tax rebate. They truly are one of the best wild There are few parts of Lancashire my car finance. The work that is going into making She kept appointments and tele- fruits we enjoy in England. where you have to travel more than a It’s taken about seven months to the countryside more accessible is phoned when promised - a most pro- Am I alone in thinking that there mile or two to find the fruit. finalise but I could not have done it very exciting. fessional performance. appear to be fewer families out pick- There is still much time for Vision without their help. We could not fault the variety of SATISFIED ing bilberries these days? Plenty of readers to see for themselves. I would like to thank Julian facilities provided in Arnside and Preston single people and couples, but where Silverdale Area of Outstanding The bilberries will soon be gone – Edwards from Trading Standards and Letters containing a name are the children? but there will surely be a massive crop anyone else who may have helped in Natural Beauty. Let’s turn this around. I am very grateful to Tony Lund and address will be given of blackberries in September. any way. priority in publication. A family that does things together This taught me a very harsh lesson and his team for all their hard work in We’ll be picking them by the buck- Letters may be edited. We is a good family. etload. Who could ask for anything about finance companies and you’ll be making Lancashire more accessible. A child that learns to enjoy bilberry- more. pleased to know I paid cash for my EILEEN TOMLINSON cannot provide individual ing will enjoy it for life – and pass it on B PERRY new car. (by email) replies. www.lancashire.gov.uk Providing • adult education • libraries September 2006 5 Ahoy there me hearties, I spy free treasure PARENT ALERT CHILDREN across Lancashire are joining a treasure trail – with the gift of knowledge as FOR NEW the prize. Every three- and four-year-old is to be given a Bookstart Treasure Chest containing crayons, CAR LAW colouring books, reading books and an invitation to join their local library. NEW seatbelt regula- Lancashire County Council’s aim is to familiarise tions for children, children with books at an early age. Bookstart baby which could prevent bags, for tots up to nine months, and Bookstart-plus up to 2,000 deaths or packs, for two-year-olds, were launched a few years injuries a year, are ago while the new Treasure Chests are being given out this month. set to be introduced “Many homes have a lot of books already – but on 18 September. many don’t”, said Sheila Woodburn, Lancashire Anyone transporting County Council’s Early Years officer. children, especially under “There is evidence that children have an in-built the age of three, will need advantage throughout their school careers and later to be aware of the if they acquire a love of books at an early age. changes and ensure that “All parents want the best for their child and they have the correct these chests make it easier for parents to make child restraint or car seat. reading and learning fun. The rules are: “A love of learning almost always lasts a lifetime.” zAppropriate child The Treasure Chests are to be given out at play- restraint when travelling groups, nurseries and pre-schools. in any car or goods vehi- cle (except in the rear of a taxi if a child seat is not zON the treasure trail: children, staff and County available) for children Councillor Penny Martin at the Treasure Chest launch at under 3. Thornton library. zNo rear-facing baby seats in seats with an active frontal air-bag. zChildren aged three or more and up to 135cms (about 4ft 5ins) must use Safety in numbers a child restraint when travelling in cars or other PUPILS in Preston have received a stamp of vehicles with seatbelts. approval after gaining their Passports to zWhere seatbelts are Bus louts on provided, the number of Safer Cycling. Schoolchildren at Queen’s Drive Primary School in people carried in the rear Fulwood have completed the scheme, organised by of vehicles may not Lancashire County Council’s Road Safety Group. exceed the number of A total of 29 young cyclists from the school have seats available fitted with successfully completed the first three modules of the seatbelts or child scheme. restraints (to apply from The school has trained approximately 420 children, May 2008.) DNA spit-list during the last seven years they’ve been involved z European-approved with the Passport to Safer Cycling scheme. standard child restraints must be used from 2008. TRAVEL on public trans- with Lancashire Constabulary port in Lancashire is to ensures that initiatives such as become an even safer these exist, to reduce crime and anti-social behaviour on the bus experience thanks to the service network.” county council, police and In the event of a spitting attack bus companies. the victim will be able to take a Lancashire County Council’s sample which will then be passed to Safer Travel Unit has teamed up the police to add to any other evi- with Lancashire Constabulary to dence. issue 4,000 DNA Swab testing kits Operation Buswatch has just to bus drivers, inspectors and sta- begun on Preston Bus and a launch tion staff to aid detection and preven- is planned across Lancashire for the tion of assaults involving spitting. start of September. County Councillor Tony Martin, The ongoing initiative will be Cabinet member for sustainable supported by a poster campaign on development, said: “It’s hard to away with it due to lack of evidence. buses and at stations. believe that someone would choose But now, thanks to the DNA swabs, It is hoped that raising aware- to spit at drivers and other staff, but simply by spitting they are provid- ness to the issue will also impact on it happens. It’s despicable. ing the evidence. the general behaviour of customers “In the past they may have got “Our tremendous relationship using bus services. Pud-ding money into jobs TOP chef Rick Stein with other dishes. There cooks them, former are entire cookbooks ded- minister Edwina icated to them and chefs such as Simon Rimmer Currie loves and Rick Stein are big them…and even the fans of such traditional French have had to fare.” bow down to the The little-understood superior nature of puddings are, in fact, 90 Lancashire’s black per cent fat free. The company has now puddings. invented a vegetarian And thanks to a little black pudding, known as help from Lancashire County Council Andrew V-pudding. Holt’s famed delicacies County Councillors have a bright future on Hazel Harding, county the nation’s plates. council leader, Niki The Real Lancashire Penney, LCDL chairman, Black Pudding Company and Sean Serridge joined concoctions, made from a guests from the gastro- secret 1879 recipe, have nomic world at the open- GOLDEN future for black puddings: from left, black pud- won 225 British and z ing of the Haslingden ding maestro Andrew Holt and county councillors Hazel European awards in site. Harding and Sean Serridge. recent years alone. Councillor Harding Andrew turned to small. Thanks, partly, to trying – and succeeding – said: “It is good to work Lancashire County an LCDL Rosebud loan to raise the profile of this with local people and Developments Ltd the firm is now based in fine Lancashire food. especially nice when they (LCDL) when his premis- fabulous and larger “Black puddings are are helping to promote es in Stacksteads and premises in Haslingden. great on their own, but part of Lancashire’s her- Waterfoot became too Andrew said: “We are also extremely versatile itage.” 6 September 2006 Providing • youth services • tourism www.lancashire.gov.uk www.lancashire.gov.uk Providing • information centres • hotlines September 2006 7 Lancashire will change drastically in the next 20 years - and we are starting to prepare now

IT IS difficult to predict what make up a greater proportion of the Jazz up your society will look like in 20 years. workforce. More flexible working SERVICES INFORMATION FEARS LIFESTYLE TRAVEL Looking at significant trends, practices to allow older people to This is however, gives us a pretty accurate continue working. We asked: which We asked: what We asked: what, We asked: what, We asked: what glimpse. Downward pressure on income services will be information will apart from health, apart from health, forms of transport and pension rights for those on important in the you need more of is most important are the most people aged 45-64 outlook, says Lancashire County Council future (per cent)? lower incomes. to make the right to avoid in older important lifestyle say they will use what we analysis suggests the main trends choices in older age (per cent)? issues in older age when retired (per will be: „ Increased life expectancy. Health services 85 age (per cent)? (per cent)? cent) „A more diverse society with More people living with long-term Transport 67 Going into a care more older people, citizens living chronic illness. Considerable poten- Community Info on health and home 60 Being financially Car, in a driving safety 63 healthy living 61 Not being able to get comfortable 73 capacity 75 dad, forecast tial to increase disability-free life longer, more and varied ethnic- Info on local neigh- expectancy. Leisure services 39 about 57 Being able to live Foot 71 minority communities and wider dif- Housing services 26 bourhood 48 Having to depend on independently 62 Car, in a passenger ferences in household and individ- „ More older women with pen- Employment/finan- Info on social others 48 Being able to stay in capacity 49 Lancashire ual wealth. sion entitlements but also more cial aid services 24 activities 45 Not having enough own home 58 Bus 46 „ More households and more men without full pension rights. Education service 19 Info on housing and money 44 Leading a full, active Train 36 70 varied types of households. An Uncertainty about levels of Other 2 your home 37 Having to leave my life 48 Don’t know 1 increase inn people who are child- income from private pension Finance planning 27 home 41 Having friends/family will be like less and/or living alone. schemes. Increase in housing Pension/savings not around 30 Time for me 25 „ An older workforce with people wealth and a possible greater Source: Life in Lancashire. Base: adults aged 45- enough 36 working longer. Older people will propensity to realise that. plus (1,706).

zAGE? I want to OBJECTIVE TELL US WHAT stay busy and enjoy life, says More support to remain active and YOU WANT FOR Derek Daniels. involved in work, leisure, housing, Insert pic shows learning and community life YOUR FUTURE him with son Generation game Jack (10). How do you see your future? What OBJECTIVE changes do you want to see for when you are older? DECISION-MAKING Write to: You’re Telling Us, Vision, County Hall, Preston PR1 Engage older people in shaping servic- 8XJ or email to: es. [email protected] Older People’s Forum and the “Strategy for an Ageing Population begins for retiring Partnership Board - older people must 50-plus” is open to consultation until be able to know what services to use mid-October. If you are a public, pri- and feel engaged. vate or voluntary organisation this is We will develop collaborative your chance to speak now. arrangements for service planning with Copies can be viewed in public older people and carers. libraries and at: Services will go beyond health and www.lancashire.gov.uk/corporate/co social care in line with what people want. nsultation baby boomers Rally-rescue Changing lifestyles mean older people will redraw the Les has little face of society - so services must be future-proofed WE may all get old. We need not all for an increasingly large and active section of soci- get poor ety. In a sense, it is about the future economy of POINTER TO YOUR FUTURE Lobbying for a better state pension is part of the Lancashire. time to rest proposed Strategy for an Ageing Population 50-plus. “Services must not only concentrate on ill- We asked, among many LIFE is too good to sit back questions: Money is only part of it. In fact, it is a who- health and frailty. We must concentrate on quali- and do nothing, says jazz fan zHELPING others: lescale reassessment of the needs of older people. ty of life and well-being.” Which of the following Derek Daniels. Les (62), left, stopped Approximately 15 per cent of older people are would most allow you to Each generation of older people has different remain living in your At 70 years old Derek likes noth- paid work six years needs. The current generation enjoys a longer classed as frail and, as such, major users of serv- ing more than encouraging pen- ago. He is pictured ices. The other 85 per cent have other needs which neighbourhood in your lifespan than people 50 years ago. old age? sioners along to his jazz club with Harold Lowe. range from how to handle large sums of money, a The next generation will have different needs To feel safe 63% inside a Preston Conservative and expectations altogether. desire for leisure and – sometimes - a desire or club. need to keep working. Help caring for That is what the strategy will prepare for. zDOROTHY Westell: yourself 35% Sousaphone-playing Derek is It would be irresponsible to stand still. Within 20 years people aged 50 or more (50 champion for older Help getting out 30% also busy with his family. He is The strategy, if finally adopted will achieve is not actually classed as old!) will form people. The next More social service married to wife Jackie and togeth- major gains by 2015. More long-term aims will be about 40 per cent of the population. generation of older support 31% people will have dif- er they have a 10-year-old son achieved by 2025. Dorothy adds: “Outside health, social care and More money 34% called … Jack Daniels. ferent needs from Help with household The Lancashire Partnership plan is about life housing, older people are largely invisible. Derek said: “I’ve always been as a whole – not just Lancashire County Council “They actually have work, leisure, tourism and today’s so we must chores 28% be ready Aids and adaptations 26% pretty active. I’m not one for sit- services. learning needs. We found, for instance, that older ting around. It has involved the private sector, district coun- people wanted to go to town centres but feared “Once you stop being active cils, the NHS, police and other bodies. Retailers, crime there after dark. lic services by reducing both the need for health then your brain stops being employers, leisure providers – all must consider “That is another thing that the strategy will care and by helping people lead fulfilling lives. active.” the way they work. need to address. “This strategy is a comprehensive approach Despite a heart attack, three ous generations,” he adds. County Councillor Dorothy Westwell, “Concentration on health and social care will towards improving the lives of our older people.” strokes and a triple heart by-pass “I have my own jazz band. Three Lancashire County Council’s Champion for lderO continue. But the overall focus needs to shift to a A total of 300 people and organisations helped operation Derek has no plans to of us have 200 years of musical People, said: “This is about so much more than much greater emphasis on supporting older peo- draw up the strategy. slow down. experience between us. whether, for instance, your grandma is eating well ple to remain healthy and independent. A further 1,706 members of the public offered “Lots of people are staying “Older people are very different – important though that is. “This makes sense for older people in terms of their views when asked what they wanted for active for much longer than previ- to what they were in the past.” “It is about adapting a whole range of services quality of life and it makes sense in terms of pub- their own future.

OBJECTIVE OBJECTIVE OBJECTIVE OBJECTIVE OBJECTIVE OBJECTIVE FINANCIALLY AND MAINSTREAM OPPORTUNITY OLDER PEOPLE WILL SUPPORT FOR OLDER RALLY rescue team member is how it should be. Local authori- LEARNING Les Nehrlich has no plans to ties have to take a wider approach MATERIALLY SECURE SERVICES TO WORK BE HEALTHY AND WELL Possible actions include more adult PEOPLE AND CARERS to older people than just provid- slow down. Priorities include more training education, better access to sports ing the traditional services. Take-up of ever-changing benefits is We will remember that only 15 per Good health is more than just Supporting people with long-term or Les, from Newton-with-Scales, is lower than it should be. cent of older people require health opportunities, flexible retirement, physical well-being. It is also about and leisure, possible passport to chronic conditions. 62 – but likes little more than “People do not want to sit there leisure. vegetating. Older people should receive pro- and social care. many are and will more support for older people in happiness and mental well-being. Integration of health and social spending a weekend with fellow fessional help in maximising in good health. establishing businesses and more Access to community activities Possible one-stop shop to leisure care. rescuers. “Much of my rally rescue work and information. involves sitting in a forest in case income. Older people should be able to support for older volunteers. and good social networks is vital. Support for carers. Widower Les stopped work six Our research showed that most access mainstream services easily. Age discrimination will be illegal Our priority areas include health Extension of Direct payments years ago and has plenty of inter- there is an accident that needs attending to. older people use state pensions to They will need clearer access to from later this year. checks for older people, local NHS scheme so that people can arrange ests to fill his time. fund their retirement. About 61 per information and good public trans- Some older people have to work dental surgeries and services that the help they require. He said: “In my mind I am still in “Often there is no accident. If there is, the adrenaline really cent would use, or are already port. longer, some want to work longer. are available when required. A wide range of older people my early 30s. What people of my using, an occupational pension. They should have access to Employers can benefit. age expect from life is different to starts flowing and you can do No older person in Lancashire should be supported, not just those things you didn’t think you were We will lobby for an increase in advice and advocacy. should suffer enforced isolation. regarded as frail. what someone from the previous Development of e-technology and generation would have expected. capable of.” state pension. learning. “More and more older people Les, a former rally navigator, There should be improved finan- are getting out and about and that also likes walking and gardening. cial planning to help people through Extend scope of concessionary the retirement-age maze. fares scheme. Fifty-plus: we’re finding new ways for a new age 8 September 2006 F e a t u r e s www.lancashire.gov.uk Time to record county’s colourful complexion Record-keepers start the job of charting Lancashire’s constantly changing population THE surprisingly long history Caribbean and West African nurses in of black and Asian people in Lancaster in the 1950s. Lancashire is being told in a “The Colonial ffice,O together with the Ministries of Labour and Health, began a new exhibition. programme to train ‘coloured’ men and Their history goes back about 400 women in British hospitals. They were years, although it has been more recent warned to pack for a cold climate!” waves of immigration that have been About 30 such nurses had arrived in most visible. Lancaster by 1950. Some later returned Staff at the Lancashire Record fficeO to colonial life while others remained in have combed their archives for historical Lancashire. The Ministry of Health’s zNEW start in Lancashire: two Caribbean nurses are pictured with civic VIPs and fellow nurses at Royal Lancaster artefacts such as baptisms, church docu- annual report in 1949 said: “Almost all … Infirmary’s prize-giving day in the late 1950s. (Picture courtesy of Lancaster Guardian). ments and records of welfare societies. from the colonies are keen and make The exhibition – entitled “Surgeons, good students”. Soldiers, Settlers – 400 earsY of Black Neil added: “Unfortunately no first- Swallow swoops on county’s slaving past and Asian history in Lancashire” – will hand accounts have yet been found from tour county council libraries in those nurses who joined at Lancaster. AN ART exhibition by tion of African cloths, optical September, ctoberO and November as “That is one problem that historians artist Lubaina Himid is illusions, wild flowers, ship part of this month’s Local History Month. face and we hope more organisations will exploring the theme of design, river navigation and Senior archivist Neil Sayer said: “From take advantage of the storage facilities at building decoration. Padiham to Preston, and rmskirkO to slavery and Lancaster’s Himid, from Preston, has pre- Lancashire Record ffice.O viously displayed at the Tate Lancaster black and Asian people have “There are a number of welfare soci- involvement. Traders in the city were Gallery and in Vienna and New been making a contribution to Lancashire. eties in the Asian community, for exam- “It is a gripping history of ordinary peo- responsible for 200 slaving voy- York. ple, and their records will give an invalu- ages which carried 25,000 “Swallow” will be staged until ple living extraordinary lives as they able insight to tomorrow’s historians.” adapted to a completely new way of life. Africans across the Atlantic. the end of October at the Judges’ “One of the most fascinating and visi- „See “Summer listings” below to see The sad tale is being told by Lodgings Museum, Church ble aspects was the arrival of the the exhibition at a library near you. Himid in “Swallow”, an exhibi- Street, Lancaster.

Saturday 16 September Walkers also welcome. Tel in activities, particularly jew- Summer listings Map and compass workshop, 01995 640557. ellery. Museum of Lancashire, Beacon Fell Country Park, near Saturday 23 – Monday 25 Preston. Tel 01772 534075. Longridge. All day. Booking is September 10am-4pm. Horse demonstra- essential as numbers are limit- 12-5pm. The Making of tion, Beacon Fell Country Park, Story-telling, cycling, comedy, theatre, ed. Lancashire – a celebration in near Longridge. Booking not Tel 01995 640557. flowers. See Turton Tower dec- necessary. For details, tel countryside - Lancashire County orated with floral displays 01995 640557. Tuesday 19 inspired by Council has something for families and September the building All month Surgeons, and the fam- Earth: Grand Designs. Keep people of all ages and tastes Soldiers, ilies that the children entertained with Settlers – lived there. hands-on interactive exhibition. 400 years of Explore rocks, minerals and Sunday 2 September formed into an attractive Black and Monday 25 fossils, millions of years old. 2pm. Guided cycle ride, Lea to resource for people and Asian History September Museum of Lancashire, Treales. Mainly Lancashire wildlife. Meet at the Nature in Surgeons, Preston. Cycleway and minor lanes. Park. Moderate walk. Tel Lancashire. Soldiers, Exhibition of Settlers – Grin Up North. Popular travel- Eight miles, suitable for families 01995 640557. ling exhibition of comedy arte- with children. Meet at Lea CE 9am. Guided bike ride, Lancashire 400 years of Record Office Black and facts. Discover the world’s Primary School, Darkinson Scorton. Oakenclough, worst joke and the answer to Lane, Lea. Duration: three Chipping, Dunsop Bridge, project. Asian Whalley History in questions such as, “Is laughter hours. Trough of Bowland, Marshaw, good for you?” and “Can you Scorton. Long (33 miles) but Library. Lancashire. Exhibition of tickle a money?” Fleetwood Monday 4 September classic ride, combining open Museum. 2pm. Under-4 storytime and moorland, river valley and Wednesday Lancashire activities. Briefield library. Also Fylde plain. Breaks to be taken 20 September Record Office project. Surgeons, Soldiers, Settlers – Lancaster Library. Every Thursday 11, 18, 25 September. at Chipping and Dunsop 3-5pm. Wise-up Sexual Health 2pm. Pre-school storytime. Bridge. Duration six hours. 400 years of Black and Asian History in Lancashire. Wednesday 27 September Service. Free and confidential Chorley library. Also 11, 18, 25 Meet Scorton picnic site. advice for young people. 01772 September. Exhibition of Lancashire Cycle skills course - intermedi- Record Office project. Padiham ate. Lancaster. Tel 01524 621077. No appointment nec- essary. Wednesday 6 Library. 65328. September Surgeons, Soldiers, Settlers – Thursday 21 September 400 years of Black and Asian Every Friday 2pm. Pre-school story- 3-5pm. Drug Support team time. Clayton Green Surgeons, Soldiers, Settlers – History in Lancashire. 400 years of Black and Asian Exhibition of Lancashire drop-in. Leyland Youth and library. Also 13, 20, 27 Community Centre, West September. Burnley. See entry on 9 www.lancsycs.org/southribble History in Lancashire. Record Office project. Great September. Exhibition of Lancashire Harwood Library. Paddock. 01772 457107. No appointment necessary. Thursday 7 September 1-4pm. Heritage open day – Tuesday 12 September Record Office project. Colne 11am. Pre-school story- lotions and potions. Learn Cycle skills course - intermedi- Road Library, Burnley. Thursday 28 September time. Adlington library. about herbs and how they were ate. Lancaster. Tel 01524 Surgeons, Soldiers, Settlers – Also 14, 21, 28 used in Tudor times. Make a 65328. Friday 22 September 400 years of Black and Asian Find out more September. lotion or potion to cure your ills. 5.30pm. Red Rose Junior Surgeons, Soldiers, Settlers – History in Lancashire. Free entry. Turton Tower, Youth Theatre (age 11-13). 400 years of Black and Asian Exhibition of Lancashire You can find lots of Friday 8 September Edgworth. Tel 01204 852203. Penwortham Youth and History in Record information about Pennine Lancashire Festival of 10am. Children’s bike ride, Heritage open day – activities Community Centre, Priory Lancashire. Office proj- events on: Food and Drink. Darwen and Walton-le-Dale to Cuerden for all the family. Fleetwood Lane. Also 19, 26 September. Exhibition of ect. www.lancsmuseums.g Museum. Tel 01253 876621. Visit: West Pennine villages. Giant Valley (5 miles). Off-road cycle Lancashire Fleetwood ov.uk and at www.lan- country markets, masterchef paths. Qualified coaches. Rail Ramblers and DalesRail. www.lancsycs.org/southribble Record Office Library. demos, world’s biggest custard Cycle activity games en route. Swaledale and Wensleydale project. cashire.gov.uk/envi- pie fight, brewery tours, fungi Parents should accompany Day. 14-mile guided walk starts Wednesday 13 September Clitheroe Friday 29 ronment/countryside forage, meet growers, produc- children under eight. Older chil- by alighting from train at Surgeons, Soldiers, Settlers – Library. September ers etc. Also Sat and Sun. Tel dren can be accompanied or Ribblehead. Train collects at 400 years of Black and Asian Surgeons, Useful phone 01254 53277. signed in by parents. Bring number of points in Lancashire. History in Lancashire. Saturday 23 Soldiers, numbers packed lunch and drink. Meet Details at: Exhibition of September Settlers – Saturday 9 September Walton-le-Dale Primary School, www.dalesrail.com Lancashire Record 1pm. Tramper 400 years Bowland Visitor Centre, Heritage open day. Family Severn Drive. Duration three Office project. Harris Trek through of Black Beacon Fell Country activities all weekend and free hours. Monday 11 Library, Preston. Lune Valley. and Asian Park 01995 640557 September entry on Sunday. See the 9am. Farmers’ market, Market Starts Crook History in Wycoller Country Park annual historic vehicle caval- Square, Lancaster. 7pm. Red Rose Friday 15 September O’Lune picnic Lancashire. cade. Queen Street Mill Textile Lancaster Castle open day. Senior Youth Surgeons, Soldiers, site. Exhibition of 01282 870253 Museum, Burnley. Tel 01282 Tours of Shire Hall will be free Theatre (age 14- Settlers – 400 years of Experience Lancashire Spring Wood Picnic Site 412555 for details. of charge from 10.30am up to 21). Penwortham Black and Asian History the beauty of Record 01254 825187 Heritage open day – activities and inc the 1pm tour. First Youth and in Lancashire. the area and Office proj- Lancashire Countryside Community Exhibition of for all the family. Fleetwood come, first served. 01524 travel the ect. Service main office Museum. Tel 01253 876621. 64998. Also Sun. Centre, Priory Lancashire Record Lune Millennium Park cycle- Chatsworth Library. 1pm. Introduction to Lane. Office project. way. All-terrain electric buggies 01772 534709 Fleetwood Marsh Nature Park. Sunday 10 September Also 18, 25 Accrington Library. for people with limited mobility Saturday 30 September Museums’ main office Discover how the site of the old Heritage open day. Queen September. See Also to be held on of varying types. Free but must 12.30-3.30pm. When Saturday 01772 534061 power station has been trans- Street Mill Textile Museum, website: Saturday. be booked in advance. Comes: Arts and Crafts. Drop- www.lancashire.gov.uk F e a t u r e s September 2006 9

included path-widening, lime- stone resurfacing and bridge works. Improvements to the picnic site and car park have been designed to improve Family day launches river path access. Landscape works include coppicing, new seating, picnic THE newly restored Lune National Bike Week, were led the county council’s environ- REclamation and walkers, cyclists and horse facilities and the creation of a Estuary Coastal Path by Lancashire County ment roadshow and other MAnagement of DErelict riders along with improved new viewing area. received a fun test from Councillor Clive Grunshaw - events. Land, and has been set up by access for people with mobility All the works have been Cabinet member for Planning Lancashire County the county council in partner- problems. the public following its carried out subject to ecologi- and Environment - who offi- Council’s REMADE land ship with the North West It is now part of the success- cal concerns designed to pro- official opening. cially opened the newly reclamation programme fund- Development Agency as part ful River Lune Millennium tect important wildlifehabi- The path, which runs from restored path. ed the Aldcliffe to Glasson of the agency’s commitment to Park, the Lancashire Coastal tats. Aldcliffe to Glasson, was offi- Activities for the Family Greenway project to renew tackling the region’s derelict Way and the section from Funding partners were cially opened with a family Fun Day included wildlife the coastal path as part of a land problem. Conder Green to Aldcliffe is Lancashire Environment fun day this summer at walks, cycle rides, a cycle sim- wider project to extend the The formerly neglected also part of the National Cycle Fund, the Millennium Conder Green Picnic Site. ulator, free cycle safety checks, River Lune Millennium Park. coastal path is now a high- Network’s Route 6. Commission and the The celebrations, part of a children’s scavenger hunt, REMADE stands for quality path for shared use by Works to the coastal path Environment Agency. Make a trip to Beacon Fell Country Park From walking to pond-dipping, from picking blackberries to spotting birds, there are plenty of things to do at zTRADITIONAL pastime: this year’s bil- berry harvest has been the best in years. Hundreds of people visit each year to Beacon Fell’s enjoy the “fruit of the field”. numerous Everyone can do something DEEP in deepest, lushest beauty spots - Lancashire, there is some- OUTDOOR activity buggies are bike-style handlebars and one thing for everyone in the 75 available free to help people with has a joystick arrangement. hectares of Beacon Fell and they are low mobility cover rough ground. Country Park. Three Tramper trails have been „Advance booking required – constructed for the electric vehi- contact a countryside ranger or The park boasts two picnic areas, a all free cles. Most vehicles have motor- tel 01995 640557. barbecue area, thousands of trees, three nature trails, sculptures, mead- ows, hills, moorland and views of the How to find us Bowland fells. It is a haven for wildlife, especially National grid ref SD 564 427. woodland birds. The really fortunate Beacon Fell is 10 miles north of may catch a glimpse of a deer or a Preston and is signposted from lizard. Broughton (A6 3.5 miles north of Approximately 300,000 people per Preston), from Brock Bridge (A6 14 year already visit the Lancashire miles south of Lancaster) and from County Council-owned park, 10 miles Longridge and Chipping. north of Preston. David Bentley, information assis- tant at the park’s purpose-built and modern visitor centre, said: “Beacon Organised Fell can be seen from miles away. I think of it as the gateway to the 300 events square-mile Forest of Bowland. “We believe it was the nation’s first Birdbox-building, birds of prey, country park when it opened in 1969. a willow workshop and art The idea was and still is to allow peo- events are some of the activi- ple to enjoy beautiful country near ties on offer. Families are centres of population. especially welcome. “Some people come for the lovely You may be inspired to join the views, but others want to learn about Green Gang – a wildlife club nature or the history of the area.” for children – or the Displays in the seven-days-a-week Conservation Crew that gives visitor centre explain how prehistoric practical help to the ranger. man settled on the fell and surround- Volunteer rangers work at ing area. The visitor centre also offers weekends to support the an information desk, a picnic area, a zVISITOR centre has cafe, bird-watching area, toilets and lots of information - but the pond will always attract the young. ranger, helping with activities or café and pond. even the Isle of Man. “We always aim to balance recre- we hope, will lead to a lifetime of talking to visitors. A picture window offers the chance Much of Beacon Fell was denuded ation and conservation and that exploring the countryside. Tel 01772 534709, 01995 to see woodland birds on the feeders – of trees until a planting programme means there is something for every- “Beacon Fell is a recreation area for 640557 for details. tits, chaffinches, willow warblers, began in 1938. Birdwatchers now one. the whole of Lancashire.” goldcrests, bullfinches and crossbills visit frequently. “Some come for a ‘brew, loo and a The park is free to all. Above all else, are regular visitors. David said: “The park’s habitats view’ while others want walking, Trained staff are available to organ- The park is circled by a narrow, include wildflower meadows, mixed strolling or even cycling and horse rid- ise activities for schools and visiting simply get out of one-way road with plenty of car parks. woodland and open moorland. All the ing. groups. The fell summit, at 800ft, offers trees we plant are native broad- “For many people the park is an Telephone 01772 534709 or 01995 the car. It’s all free! views to distant Morecambe Bay and leaved species. introduction to the countryside and, 640557 for details. 10 LOOKSeptember 2006 Providing • youth LIVELY services • tourism www.lancashire.gov.uk Voice of Register Office start for TILL vow ceremony DEATH by which their adult children, DO US Gary and Kirsty, each Mike Warren did a reading. Trish added: “We PART A QUARTER of a century after are more happy now than when we met. n - Trish and Carl Sumner walked SOME people like ne Branki We’re the best of Elai down the aisle, they have just the Registration iary carer enjoyed the “wedding” they friends. domicil “It was my mum Service for its always dreamed of. and dad who organ- marriage, civil Trish was only 18 when she married ised things when I Carl in Coppull and much of the organi- partnership, IT IS nice to be popular. was 18. Our renewal of renewal of vows sation was done by parents. vows was done our way.” Lancashire County Council’s domi- But the couple are now Lancashire’s and naming cer- ciliary carers – they used to be The county’s first duo to take part in Lancashire Registration Service has emonies. Others known as home-helps – bring a ray of Registration Service’s new service to seen a number of major may be sur- sunshine to people’s homes across the renew vows. changes in the last 18 Other recently introduced ceremonies prised to hear of county. months. The next change, its new venture . . People think of their work as helping the old include baby-naming and civil partner- expected to take place in with work around the house. They also help ships. . civil funerals. spring, will be Saturday From this disabled people and a variety of others. And Trish said: “We only went to Blackpool afternoon marriages. autumn, staff will be their work, these days, extends far beyond the for three days when we married so, in a able to conduct non- former tasks of shopping and dusting. way, this was my actual dream wedding. religious funeral serv- Elaine has seen many of these changes in her “Renewing our vows was just like a DREAM “wedding” ices at crematoriums 18 years of helping people in Hyndburn . . . wedding, only we walked down the aisle for Trish and Carl. together. I was just as nervous and excit- They renewed their and gravesides for £95. ed as the first time.” vows with Lancashire Superintendent What does your job involve? The happy duo went on a Caribbean Registration Service. Registrar Gillian It has changed a lot from the old home-help days. We cruise after the Preston ceremony at Greeson said “ We are in used to do things such as vacuuming, shopping and the process of training cleaning skirting boards. ceremony directors to We still do that. But there is also a large element Taiwan tour conduct these services of personal care – the sort of thing that was done by Library’s own hit parade ONE of the country’s and write eulogies medical staff, things such as bathing people, chang- most beautiful areas according to the families ing dressings and preparing meals for people. THE most-borrowed books in 9. Honeymoon – amesJ Patterson wishes. Lancashire libraries last 10. Break no Bones – Kathy Reichs has received the first of Some people think it is Do you get to know people well? month were: a new wave of “green” a requirement for a min- What’s more, reading in tourists. ister of religion to be Yes and no. Most people really like to see us and we 1. The Righteous Men – Sam Lancashire is now more fun than Two visitors from Taiwan present at a funeral. This try to keep the same clients – but we have to accept Bourne ever – you can write your own became the first official sus- is not, in fact, the case at that our client list will change. 2. At Risk – Patricia Cornwell reviews. tainable tourists to visit the all.” We do become attached to people. 3. Predator – Patricia Cornwell Library staff have established a Forest of Bowland Area of The move to provide 4. Live the Dream – osephineJ Cox website at Outstanding Beauty. The civil funerals to the local How do people get your help? 5. The Journey – osephineJ Cox www.lancashire.gov.uk/libraries trip was designed to min- community will bring They or their family members are typically referred 6. The Island – ictoriaV Hislop which allows readers to write a imise car use. the Registration Service to social workers who will then visit and assess some- 7. As the Night Ends – Audrey review of any of the top 10 books. Travis Tseng and friend in line with much of the one’s needs. Howard The site also details new book immy,J took a two-day tour rest of the country. We call ourselves the fifth emergency service as 8. Calico Road – Anna acobsJ acquisitions for libraries. domiciliary carers can then help the person con- through Lancashire. cerned – and can see that other needs are met. Sometimes that can be in a crisis. A husband can be looking after his wife in their own home – and then he has to go to hospital. We offer crisis support at times like that. What I want for my future Can the job shock you? It is possible you can visit someone and find they Work to ‘future proof’ tomorrow’s world has begun. have fallen and are still on the floor. Without our vis- We seek the views of people in the bus queue its they could stay there for days. Some clients require more than one visit per day. People can neglect themselves when they are on SOME newspapers ask “white van man” what he thinks “My husband can’t work due to ill their own. We try to encourage them to keep quality about big issues of the day. health so I will need to keep on of life in whatever way we can. Simply helping them Lancashire County Council provides countless bus routes - so we working to support the family. take care of their appearance can make them feel seek the views of the man and woman at the bus stop! There’s not enough support for us much better. A major exercise has begun to get tomorrow’s public - and private- now – let alone in years to come. sector - services ready for future generations of older people. We visit- “It’s wrong that people are What is the best part of the job? ed Preston bus station and asked future older people: forced to sell their homes to pay No two days are alike. You get up in the morning not for care when they’ve worked so knowing what you will be doing or who you will meet. What will you want out of life when you are “getting on”? hard to earn it. It’s not fair and I actually look forward to getting to work. something needs to change.” Jenny Philbin said: “I don’t What is the worst part of the job? Geoffrey Bisby said: “I’ve got a keep that up as long as I can. feel old enough to give up work It is when someone you care for gets to the stage part-time job in a hardware store “I’d certainly be interested in and I don’t want to because I where they can no longer stay in their own home or, and I plan to keep on after I’m 65 organised fitness sessions.” enjoy my job. I can see myself car- public transport system. at the worst, passes away. and work as long as I’m still fit. Older people of the future will, rying on until I’m no longer able – “I’ve spent my working life sit- “I don’t want to stop at home more than ever, want to stay in it keeps you in touch socially and ting in traffic and I’d like things to What sort of person does the job? and I also want to have some touch with modern times accord- you feel like you are contributing. improve in that respect with You need to be sensitive – and you have to change money for myself apart from hav- ing to Suresh Mistry. He said: “I “You would expect people’s fewer cars on the road. It would your personality from house to house. ing enough to pay the bills. would prefer to remain useful as quality of life when they are old to be good for everyone. One lady I used to help always used to like being “One of my elderly neighbours long as I can and live with my improve upon previous genera- “Government needs to commu- told lots of jokes! fell down recently and the council family – I don’t want to go into a tions but it depends on your nicate with people better – at the came and fitted out her house so home when I’m old. finances – a lot more people need moment it’s left to individuals to Are there any calls you dread? she could get around, which I think “It would be nice to be able to to keep working to afford to live.” find out what help is available but It is always in the back of my mind when clients live is excellent but there will need to be come into town for a drink at night Lesley and George Cutler you need to know services exist alone that they may have had a fall in the night. a lot more of it in the future.” and have somewhere to go – but I are already looking forward to before you need them them – it’s Russell Ghulam also wants to don’t even do that now because it’s George’s retirement from his job especially difficult if you’re old.” Do you feel appreciated? stay independent and work as not safe – I’d like to see that change as a coach driver. They want to Lesley added: “I’m looking for- Yes. I know I make a difference to people’s lives. long as his health allows. He said: by the time I’m old.” enjoy old age. ward to getting out on day-trips, We now help people stay in their own homes, “My generation is different from For Christine Mackie the George said: “I go to watch the relaxing and spending more time rather than going to care homes as in the past. I my parents’ generation – I keep need for people to work beyond cricket all over the country and I’d with George but he will probably know it is what people and their families prefer. myself as fit as possible by run- the current retirement age is like nothing more than for there be working until 70 to afford a ning in the park and I want to already a vital issue. She said: to be a really decent affordable retirement.” www.lancashire.gov.uk Providing • youth services • tourism September 2006 11 The changing face of libraries - from the Victorian era to gateway to cyber-space . . . It’s you we answer to New library centres will end public confusion on services

A FACE-to-face “gateway” to know that many people want to speak to council services is to open someone in person. later this year in Accrington – “Our libraries are perfect for this. They exist right across Lancashire and as a blueprint for the whole of the staff are well trained to retrieve Lancashire. information and help people.” The Accrington Library Information The council’s recently opened Red Gateway will allow Lancashire County Rose Hub includes a customer service Council staff to answer public queries centre that members of the public can within minutes – saving members of the telephone with inquiries. public the time involved in trying to find out who to speak to. Gateways, it is expected, will allow The county council runs approximate- staff to answer council service inquiries ly 85 per cent of local government servic- as well as supporting a wide range of es in the area. The eventual aim is to activities such as sale of bus tickets, open such “gateways” in libraries across tourism literature and sale of tickets for Lancashire. leisure venues. County Councillor Doreen Pollitt, Councillor Pollitt added: “The service county council deputy leader, said: will be available in the week and on “Accrington will join Rawtenstall as pilot Saturdays. schemes which we hope will revolu- “In addition, libraries also have free zHAPPY birthday: staff and tionise relations between the council and internet access, with 42 computers in civic dignitaries celebrate 100 the public. Accrington library, that we hope will years at one of the many “We have already eased telephone eventually enable people to get informa- libraries paid for by rail 100th birthday at access to the 700 services we run, but we tion and services for themselves.” tycoon Andrew Carnegie. library that showed We just love tycoon’s softer side Wednesdays LIBRARIES are timeless – but proper’ person to borrow a book in those they never stand still, as days. Even so, Rawtenstall library has WEDNESDAYS are wonderful at a pri- Rawtenstall library members always been a place for ordinary people and it was one of the first in Lancashire mary school where careful timetabling know very well. allows pupils the pleasures of railway to boast open access – before that you It is 100 years since American/Scots had to ask a librarian to go and find the modelling, building birdboxes, extra rail magnate Andrew Carnegie – the Bill book you wanted.” sports and cooking. Gates of his day – donated £6,000 to Libraries have always been an educa- “Creative timetabling” has won a Learning build the library. tional as well as social facility. They still Excellence Award for Stanah Primary School And this summer, civic IPsV and keen are – knowledge is as important as ever in Thornton – turning Wednesday afternoons readers gathered for a centenary cele- and many students these days are as into an opportunity for practical skills while bration and to see the changes that 100 likely to be bent over a computer as over academic classes are concentrated into other years have brought. a pile of books. parts of the week. Silence is still golden, shelves still Some things never change. Running Headteacher Tony Ford said: “Wonderful zCAREFUL timetabling means that Stanah pupils have creak with books and some people, as libraries costs money and the opening of Wednesday is crated simply by changing les- Wednesdays free for activities such as model-building, always, go in to keep warm. But who in Rawtenstall was accompanied by a sons around and scrapping the Wednesday sports and cooking. The school also uses novel ways to 1906 could have guessed of the wonders penny in the pound rate increase to cover afternoon playtime. tackle the so-called gender gap which leads to boys of the computer world and the high- book-buying and staff costs. “All the new lessons are about practical achieving less than girls in many schools. speed links that shrink the world to the Change is still as fast as ever. CDs skills that do not appear in the National size of a living room. were introduced in 1990 and the tradi- Curriculum.” have lagged behind girls academically. County Councillor Hazel Harding, tional cardboard library tickets were The school has now gained two Learning The main methods have included breaking Lancashire County Council leader, said: replaced by plastic in 1991. More recent Excellence Awards in recent months. subjects into shorter chunks and relating “Carnegie gave £6,000. It wasn’t a lot for still was the installation of free-to-use The second award is for successfully tack- them to real life so that football goals are used what we got. People’s Network computers, a passen- ling the so-called gender gap in which boys to teach how to draw graphs. “You had to show you were a ‘fit and ger lift and new adjustable shelves. Red-hot Lake thrills road Care home opens experts prove a splash LANCASHIRE for young people County Council’s with £1.5m new look emergency experts A group of young people in care from demonstrated their Morecambe and Lancaster have been working quick thinking dur- RESIDENTS raised a the building. ued to run smoothly dur- It also contains a sepa- ing the building work and together to prepare for their futures. ing a motorway acci- glass to celebrate the official opening of rate facility called I’d like to thank the proj- Ten young people – a mixture of children in foster dent on the hottest Oakview Day Centre, ect team and the care and residential care, care leavers, and Connexions day of the year. Woodlands Care with 20 day-care places home staff for their pro- clients – spent two days at Brathay Hall in the Lake Working with the Home in Clayton-le- for people with dementia. fessionalism. District taking part in a range of activities aimed at Somerfield supermarket, Moors, Accrington. Work started in “It is an excellent home helping them to develop their communication skills, in nearby Garstang, bot- Lancashire County November 2004 and was with a very caring atmos- teamwork, personal confidence, and self awareness. tles of water were hand- Council Deputy Leader completed in October phere. The staff take The event, funded and organised by Connexions, ed out to motorists after Doreen Pollitt cut the rib- 2005, with the renovation immense pride in their with the help of the Leaving Care team and residential a coach overturned on bon and declared the carried out in stages to work and the refurbish- staff from Lancashire County Council provided the the M6. building open following a ensure the home ment has added to the young people with the opportunity to undertake a num- The crash involved a £1.5m makeover as part remained in operation. quality care that has ber of new and exciting challenges. This included facing coach of schoolchildren of the county’s multi-mil- County Councillor always been provided.” their fears on a high ropes course and working togeth- from Cumbria who were lion pound care homes Doreen Pollitt said: “It County Councillor er to row large whalers on Lake Windermere. travelling to Southport. improvement project. gives me great pleasure to Chris Cheetham, Cabinet ohnJ Gregg, residential and leaving care team man- County Councillor Woodlands has been come and meet the resi- member for Adult and ager for Morecambe Bay, said: “Outdoor activities are Hazel Harding said: completely refurbished to dents of Woodlands to Community Services, and an important part of our work with young people who “This shows how councils the highest standards and hear how pleased they are County Councillor Susan have been in care. These challenging activities enable can respond well with contains a total of 44 beds, with the refurbishment. Shorrock also attended zDOREEN Pollitt: immense them to develop their confidence, self esteem and trust other partners.” following an extension to “Woodlands has contin- the opening. pride. in others.” 12 September 2006 Providing • food safety • welfare advice www.lancashire.gov.uk HEALTH COURSE Teams join up to STARTS FOR CARERS save runaway kids A SERIES of 12 les- sons will start in September to help people who either have, or who care for people with, long-term illness. from trouble The Blackpool-area course is for people by County Council, Lancashire Police and from across Lancashire The Lancashire Young Runaways project and financial help will Andrew Lynn have worked hard to address the prob- be available for those lem. Using partnership working, prob- who have to travel – CHILDREN and young people lem solving and performance manage- the course is run in who go missing and run away ment the incidence of repeat runaway premises handy for from care across Lancashire behaviour has reduced by around 20% Blackpool bus and train across the county. stations. are the focus of a new multi- Acting Deputy Chief Constable Adrian agency joint protocol McAllister of Lancashire Constabulary launched at Lancashire Cons- who has been actively involved in setting tabulary headquarters. up the protocol said: “Young people who The aim of the joint protocol is to go missing from home are at their most reduce the incidence of Lancashire’s vulnerable. We know they are more like- Looked After Children (LAC) going miss- ly to be involved in crime, either as a vic- ing from care. tims or offenders. The partnership in The protocol has been developed by Lancashire and this protocol, in particu- Lancashire County Council and lar, aims to prevent that.” Lancashire Constabulary in partnership According to The Children’s Society, it with The Children’s Society, Blackpool is estimated that there are around 2,500 Borough Council and Blackburn-with- incidents of children under 16 who have Darwen Borough Council. run away from home or care in zMAKE time for health: It has been designed as guidance for Lancashire. The Young Runaways Ann Hull, ICHER chair of agencies to support children and young Project provides a vital potential link to trustees and Collette people under the age of 18 looked after some of those children. Taylor, LCDL’s grants for by the three local authorities in In December 2005 Lancashire growth co-ordinator. Lancashire. The looked-after children Constabulary and the Young Runaways Picture courtesy of Blackpool (LAC) are either placed in council-owned project was awarded a coveted Guardian Citizen. residential care homes or in private Public Services Award. Funded by establishments, placed in foster care or Pauline Geraghty, project manager at Lancashire County with agency foster carers within the Lancashire Children’s Rights Service, Developments Ltd’s county. said: “Children missing from care face Grants For Growth and The protocol will act as guidance for zPROTOCOL: Bob Gower, county residential manager at Lancashire County Council with many dangers and this unique partner- with help from the police, children’s services staff including Assistant Chief Constable of Lancashire Constabulary Wendy Walker; and Pauline Geraghty ship and project helps young people European Union, the social workers, residential managers, from The Children’s Society, Lancashire Children’s Rights Service (back). access support they need when they find course will address care support staff, private foster agencies themselves in difficult circumstances. matters such as self- and foster carers. Estimates show that over 210,000 “Children who go missing from care, like Too often children who run away can slip confidence and self- The protocol covers a range of joint missing person reports are made to all young people who run away from under the radar but by working together esteem using a variety police each year across the UK. Over home, often place themselves and others working procedures and systems includ- agencies and communities can create a of therapies such as 9,000 of these are made every year in at risk. The focus of this new protocol is ing: safe environment for children.” remedial massage, Lancashire with 6,200 cases being for- about ensuring agencies work closely - agreed categories of absence and def- Councillor Ivan Taylor, Cabinet reflexology and relax- mally investigated by the police. Of these together in sharing information, coordi- inition of absconding from local authori- Member for Children and Young People ation techniques. over 4,800 (77%) involve young people nating systems and responsibilities that at Blackpool Council, added: “We are all The course is run by ty care. under the age of 18 years. help provide appropriate support for vul- - appropriate responses to children very committed to supporting our chil- the Institute of In Lancashire over 300 children go nerable children and young people that dren and young people as part of the and young people who go missing from Contemporary missing on at least three occasions a run away from care. Every Child Matters initiative and this care. Healthcare, Education year. These children account for almost “Significant achievements have been new protocol will help protect some of the - escalating system of interventions to and Research (ICHER). 3,200 (52%) of Lancashire’s missing per- made especially in light of the Young most vulnerable. The aim is to ensure reduce the likelihood of a child repeated- Contact Ann Hull on son investigations by the police. Runaways project through inter-agency that the reasons for young people in care 01253 620006 for more ly going missing. Many of these cases involve children working and a joint approach and com- running away are recorded and details. - agreed reporting and recording sys- and young people in care, particularly mitment in tackling this problem. addressed in a cross-agency approach to tem for local authorities. those who live in children’s care homes Already we have been able to take proac- proactively support them.” - effective reporting and information operated by the three local authorities or tive steps to better safeguard some of our Executive member for children’s serv- Road sharing across agencies. by private care providers. However, the most vulnerable young people in care ices at Blackburn-with-Darwen Council, - prompt follow-up interviews with majority of looked after children do not who need our additional support. This Councillor Maureen Bateson said: “All young people who go missing. go missing as do most children in resi- joint protocol is another positive step in young people deserve the best care and trainers - joint assessment information for care dential care. the right direction.” protection. plans. Bob Gower, county residential manag- The protocol is a revised version of an “A joint approach, like this protocol, visit - monitor outcomes jointly via quarter- er and lead officer for missing children at initial set of guidelines introduced in can only be good for children across ly analysis reports. Lancashire County Council, explained: November 2003. Since then, Lancashire Lancashire.” school PUPILS in Clayton- le-Moors have taken a step in the right Students set to shine direction thanks to an award-winning THE county council’s econom- Twelve promising and talented experience but Lancashire tourism child pedestrian ic development company, undergraduates from Lancashire businesses gain from their energy training programme. Lancashire County universities have been recruited for and talent. Children from St a 12-month period. For the first In Lancashire the tourism indus- Mary’s RC Primary Developments Limited, has three months they will be placed try generally is vibrant and grow- been creating opportunities School have just complet- with a larger tourism organisation to ing. Tourism is a major sector in the ed Stage One of for the county’s young people gain a greater understanding of Lancashire economy – in 2005 Lancashire County who want to work in tourism. tourism marketing and the tourism Lancashire and Blackpool wel- Council’s Right Start In recognition of the importance industry as a whole whilst also comed 64m visitors contributing Child Pedestrian and significance of tourism in enhancing their skills. These skills £2.5b to the local economy and help- Training Programme. Lancashire, Lancashire rural will then be used during the follow- ing to support over 52,000 jobs. Since it began in 1999, tourism businesses are set to ing nine-month placement with a The county council’s economic the course has educated receive support for a second year for smaller Lancashire rural-based development company also attract- 41,000 children. a pilot scheme run by Lancashire tourism business. ed funding through the Lancashire For more information County Developments Ltd in part- The students are taking up these Rural Tourism Initiative, which in about Right Start or the nership with Lancashire Rural To- placements to enhance their future turn is funded through the Road Safety Group, con- urism Initiative, Lancashire Rural career potential. This is a double Lancashire Rural recovery Action tact 01772 531048, or Recovery Action Plan and Lanc- win! Not only do the young people Plan supported by the North West visit www.lan- ashire and Blackpool Tourist Board. benefit from the years practical Development Agency. zSTUDENT support for rural businesses. cashireroadsafety.co.uk A cassette version of Vision is now available for visually impaired people from Galloway’s Society for the Blind by calling 01772 744148

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