DIARY In the Village Hall unless otherwise stated Regular activities Baby & Toddler Group: Fridays 10-11.30am in term time Toffee Stall: Fridays 3.20 - 3.50pm in term time Children’s Judo Club: Fridays 5-5.45pm (younger group) & 5.45-6.30pm (older group) in term time - contact Antony 07738 408731 for further details Dog Training: Mondays 6-8.00 pm; Tuesdays 6-7.00pm (Monday class outside during summer - contact Elaine 07790 395289 for further details) Fitness/Weight Classes: Wednesday, 6-7.00pm & 7-8.00pm and Saturday, 7.30-8am & 8.10-9am (To book contact Jennie Marie 07502 981608) APRIL & MAY 2020 South Lancaster Speakers Club: Methodist Church Hall, Most 2nd & 4th Wednesdays, 7.30pm September-May (Contact David Knox 01524 805554) Singing Club: St Peter’s Church, Scorton - NOTE: TEMPORARILY PAUSED Thursdays, 6.30pm - contact Jan Hindle 07730 646581 1st Forton Scout Group meet at the Scout Hut on Hollins Lane Scouts – ages 10½ to 14 – Thursdays 7.00 to 9 pm Beaver Scouts - ages 5½ to 8 - Tuesdays 6.00 to 7.15pm Cub Scouts - ages 8 to 10½ - Wednesdays 6.00 to 7.30pm Brownies - Mondays 6.00 to 7.30pm Please tel 01524 792089 for more information FORTON POST OFFICE, Methodist Church Hall, Hollins Lane: Mon - Fri 9am-1pm FORTON PRIMARY SCHOOL Closure after school on Friday 3rd April, reopens on Monday 20th April May Day closure on Friday 8th May: Mid-term closure 21st May - 29th May (inclusive)

APRIL MAY Thurs 16th, 3.15-3.50pm: Mobile Library, Thurs 7th, 3.15-3.50pm: Mobile Library, School School Lane Lane Thurs 7th, 8pm: Village Hall AGM in the Playing Thurs 16th, 7.30pm: WI talk with David Mower Field Pavilion from Leighton Moss Thurs 21st, 7.30pm: WI cosmetic demo. by Fri 17th, 7pm: 1st Bowling Club practice ‘‘Colour Me Beautiful at Home’.

Thurs 28th, 3.15-3.50pm: Mobile Library, School Church Services and events are on page 21

PLEASE NOTE DIARY EVENTS MAY BE Parish Council meetings will now be held on the CANCELLED BECAUSE OF COVID-19 1st Monday of each month in the Playing Field Pavilion at 7pm. The Parish website address is: fortonvillage.org Coordinator - Neil Adams (791004) email: [email protected] Items of interest regarding Forton’s past remain available on: http://www.shireshead-forton.co.uk

Signs of Spring - Page 15 The email address for the Village Voice is: [email protected]

Content not attributed has been contributed by the editors VILLAGE VOICE VILLAGECONTENTS VOICE Master Plan update - page 3 Except forCONTENTS reports made by Village Voice Editorial Team & Advertising: David & Rhona Sharp (791758) Except for reports made by Christian Aid Week - page 3 Proof Reading: Margaret Mansfield members of Forton Parish Council,members the ofviews Forton expressed Parish in Distribution: West of A6 - Janet Huddart (791571) & Michael Briggs (791026) C o u n c i l , t h e v i e w s Field Day 2020 - page 7 East of A6 - Fiona Riley (792245) reports are not necessarily thoseexpressed of the Council. in reports are not Bulbuls - page 9 necessarily those of the Printed by Colin Cross of Bowling Club contacts - page 11 Council. Village Hall AGM - page 15 ITEMS FOR THE NEXT ISSUE (June/July) BY 12 MAY, PLEASE 2 3 This issue Parish News Chairman’s Comments For the first time, Village Voice can only be accessed online. The With the dominance of older (elderly? senior?) people in Forton, I would urge everyone April/May issue was with the printers, unfortunately Colin Cross to be a ‘nosey neighbour’ at this time. We have lots of houses with single occupants, so informed us on Tuesday, 24th March that they would be closing please don’t assume that someone else has contacted them. Can you offer help with: A phone call/tap on the window temporarily and our order cancelled. Posting letters Shopping/urgent medical supplies Whilst we were putting together the magazine, we were contantly being The notice board opposite the school is being repaired and will be back soon. asked to cancel events and spent most of the week of 16th March rearranging items on the page. We have compiled a shortened form, The public consultation on the draft Forton Master Plan produced 68 responses from residents and I thank them for their interest and effort. These have been analysed by making the decision to remove the centre pages as we felt this particular the Local Planning Authority and four main themes have emerged. These are drainage, article would be of special interest to our older residents who may not green infrastructure, highways and non-residential uses (community hall, employment land, convenience store and possible school expansion). have access to the internet. We will use this in a future issue when the From this, 12 key issues are identified which impact the Master Plan (MP) and the LPA paper copies resume. None of us know when the present lockdown will be has made detailed modifications to the MP. One of these is to make the preferred over, so we have left, in the magazine, many events that most likely will location of the community centre on Trust land. By the time you read this, the amended MP will have gone to landowners, the final be cancelled. You will probably have some idea at the time whether these version of the MP published and sent to a cross-party group of Wyre Councillors (to will go ahead but obviously it is wise to check with the contact points which our Ward Councillor, Jonny Leech, is linked). The final MP will be sent to the Wyre Cabinet to seek their approval at their meeting on before making arrangements to attend. April 22nd. If approved, then individual landowners can proceed with planning applications in the usual way and the MP will be used by planning officers as a material Our world has seen unimaginable change in just a few short weeks. We consideration in making planning decisions. hear on the news about the worst of humanity, stockpiling, stealing hand Residents in Hollins Lane are being inundated with building work. There is special sanitisers from hospitals etc. but then we are heartened by the stories of concern about the work being done on the railway embankment and the consequent destruction of plants and wildlife. We have been promised a meeting with British Rail, kindness. We wish to thank those who put together the Covid-19 help but that has not yet happened! The matter will be pursued. Please use the contact sheet and delivered it to all our doors. numbers in Village Voice if you have concerns about things in the area. The Parish Council doesn’t have miracle powers, but we do our best to help. Janet Huddart Our next issue of Village Voice, June/July, will be compiled early May and many of our regular contributors will have nothing to report as a Christian Aid Week, 10th - 16th May. result of cancellation of activities. If anyone, young or not so young, has This year Christian Aid is highlighting the issue of climate change. Whilst we complain about the amount of rain we have, interesting photographs and/or stories to tell about Forton and the many others struggle with drought. Droughts are now more surrounding area, now is the time to share. Or perhaps just let us know frequent and more intense due to the climate crisis and millions of people in Kenya are struggling to get enough food and water. what you have been doing as you isolate, ways to exercise, home- schooling etc. We learned that one of our granddaughters is having Your donations are very much appreciated and if you pay Income Tax, please gift aid your donation. This enables a further 25% donation from the UK Government. interactive ukulele lessons with her teacher. She is learning to play ‘The Show Must Go On’ by Queen . It is uncertain at this time as to whether the usual envelopes will be delivered but donations can be made at: https://www.christianaid.org.uk/give-money/make-donation We send our best wishes to all our readers and hope you stay well . Alice Jesmont 01524 792768 Rhona and David email: [email protected] 01524 791758 4 5 Forton Primary School

Lawn Care Lawn Treatment From only £14 plus vat The children have been out and about representing school at a range of activities this term. Our Year 3 and 4 pupils showed real sportsmanship and made Miss Mac very proud, at the annual athletics competition at Myerscough. Whilst, Year 6 proved that they are a small but mighty group with their win at GCA’s Maths Challenge both in and out of the ‘pit’!

All the juniors have been improving their climbing skills with Year 5 completing a six week course at Hothersall Lodge and Years 3 and 4 spending an afternoon ascending the wall at Salt Ayre Leisure Centre. Many thanks to St John’s Hospice for this opportunity.

Clougha Class have all written and submitted their own story in the BBC’s 500 Word Competition, we think we might possibly have a winner!

We celebrated World Book Day one day later than the rest of the country as we all visited Zoo as part of our science curriculum. At the zoo we saw all sorts of animals from wallabies to wild cats and on World Book Day we dressed up as a variety of characters from the Tin Man to James Bond, much fun was had by all. Sadly, we had to leave the lemur behind ... Lorna Boase, Headteacher

Forton Baby and Toddler Group We have had an enjoyable couple of months back so far this year and we are busy on a Friday morning with a great mixture of grandmas, mums and lots of children enjoying themselves. It is lovely to get together with new and old friends.

If you would like to join us at our Baby and Toddler Group, we would love to see you during term time, please just come along on a Friday, 10am-11.30am in the Village Hall.

Unfortunately because of COVID-19 Baby and Toddler Group is closed for the foreseeable future. Jenna Metcalfe 6 7 69th Forton Field Day - Saturday 27th June 2020 House to House Collection Computer Help At Home Following Government advice there will be no house-to-house collection for the Field Day this year. For all Computer or Internet and Tablet Problems Connection Issues Rose Queen and Retinue Congratulations to this year’s Rose Queen, Maisie Walling along with her retinue, Georgina Benson, Kaitlin Wain, Bethany Redmayne, Holly Gornall, Grace Kidd, Repairs Plain English Tutorials Angelica Irvine, Edward Hartley and Eric Gornall. We hope you will all enjoy the next year representing Forton at the local festivals.

We hope that Katie Heath has enjoyed her time as Rose Queen over the last year and we would like to say a big thank you to all the parents of the children in Katie’s retinue for the time and effort they put in to transporting their children to all the Call Graham on 07787 727443 other local festivals and representing Forton. Craft Competition This year’s craft competition will be ‘decorate a hat’. This can be any type or size of hat and decorate it however you like. This year we shall have three catagories: under 4's; 5-8 years; 9 years and over. To take part please bring your decorated hat down to the playing fields on the morning of the Field Day, ideally by 11am with your name and age clearly labelled.

Fancy Dress It’s time to get your thinking hats on for the fancy dress competition. We welcome fancy dress from all age groups including adults! You can be part of a group or solo - all age groups are judged on the day and prize money given to 1st, 2nd and 3rd winners.

Raffle Any donations for our raffle would be gratefully received and can be dropped off at 22, Coronation Avenue with Mark and Michelle Pye.

Tombola B.C Maintenance We also welcome any tombola prize donations, and these can be dropped off anytime with Jenna Metcalfe at 12, Coronation Avenue.

Decorating,Tiling Install new fencing Stalls Painting inside & out Flat pack assembly We will, as always, be asking for volunteers to help man stalls on the day between 2- Fascias/Guttering Kitchen updates etc 4pm (1 hour slots). If you can help please contact Jenna Metcalfe, 07794 337282, or keep an eye on our Facebook page for when we put our plea out to the village. We appreciate all the help we can get on the day from volunteers so that the children can General Property Repairs have fun and an enjoyable day! Over 10 years experience It is possible the Field Day may not go ahead this year, we are looking to make this decision around April time. No job too small! Jenna Metcalfe Contact Brent on 01524 793949 or 07947 508272 8 9 1st Brownies Forton Post Office Forton The sponsored silence in aid of St John’s Hospice in January raised an amazing £151 and we want to thank all the parents, 01524 793402 Post Office grandparents and friends who supported this great effort - there For all Post Office services except hasn’t been much silence since then! Car tax & Passports *Cash withdrawal *Cash & Cheque deposits *Chip ‘n’ Pin *Post your parcels to UK & abroad *Drop & Go facility *Euros on demand or ‘Click & Collect’* *Other currencies to order (1 or 2 days) *Travel Insurance* *Greetings Cards & One4all Gift Cards *Range of Stationery* AMPLE FREE PARKING Methodist Chapel Meeting Room, Hollins Lane Monday to Friday 9am-1pm

This term we have chosen to look at India and learn a little about the culture of this country and the sort of activities enjoyed by the Brownies, who are known as Bulbuls after a brightly coloured bird. Rather than Owls, they have Flock Leaders. New games (Kabaddi, the bulbul game), crafts (sewing felt elephant purses, 3D Luxury Kitchens, Bathrooms, peacock cards - peacocks being the National bird of India), designing Mendhi hand Bedrooms & Home Office patterns, cooking (delicious samosas!), dressing up and much more. Designed to your every need

Free Design Service I Complete Installation Service Available

Nateby Works I Longmoor Lane I Garstang I PR3 0JB Tel: 01995 606311 www.ccsupplies.co.uk I www.fittedkitchenpreston.co.uk [email protected] FORTON GLASS HIGH QUALITY PVCu WINDOWS & DOORS SUPPLIED OR FITTED

FAILED/MISTED UP DOUBLE GLAZING UNITS REPLACED IN TIMBER OR PVCu

GLASS CUT TO SIZE, BALUSTRADE GLASS We have spaces available in the 1st Shireshead Brownies, so do spread the word to HORTICULTURAL GLASS, MIRRORS & SHELVES girls aged 7-10 years who might like to come along and give it a try. For more information about the 1st Shireshead Brownies, contact the Owls: Brown Owl Ruth Tel: 01524 751600 or 07580 025368 (792306) and Barn Owl Nichola (791301). Email: [email protected]

OR CALL IN AT UNIT 18, GALGATE MILL Following an instruction from the Guiding Association, Brownie meetings GALGATE, LANCASTER are now suspended, we don’t know when they will resume. 10 11 I am sorry to report that we have lost one of our members LANDROVER®SPECIALISTS recently. Gill Close played for our Ladies B team on a Tuesday afternoon and was always cheerful and willing to help. She hadn’t played bowls for long but her enthusiasm 01524 791 214 or 07990 554 883 and sunny personality will be sorely missed and all Bowling Club members send their sincere sympathies to Alan and his family at this sad time. Our thoughts are also with Alan and Judith Grocott but we are pleased to hear that LANDROVER® PARTS Judith is now back home. Amy Hall has also been ill recently and is currently staying in Stanley Lodge. Again, our thoughts are with her and her family. LANDROVER® SALES The new season is fast approaching and here are contact details as currently available for REPAIRS & SERVICING Captains and Committee members. At the moment it is planned that the season will go ahead as usual, but there may be changes in line with Government recommendations with regard to any impact of the Coronavirus on Crown Green Bowling. Unit 5, Hamilton House Workshops Chair - Gary Mollart - 07761 965021 Vice Chair - Phil Winstanley - 07712 045564 Station Lane, , Garstang, PR3 1AN Secretary - Brian Tabner - 01524 791118 www.rogersonsgarage.co.uk Treasurer - Louise Day Sheila Gambles - Captain Over Wyre Ladies A (Tues. afternoon) - 01942 242032 Ken Gregory - Captain Mixed Young Vets. (Wed. afternoon) - 01257 421233 Alan Grocott - Committee Linda Mallinson- Committee & Captain Woodplumpton League (Wed. night) 01995 600087 Annabel Murchie - Committee - 01995 601570 Dave Richmond - Committee & Captain Over Wyre B (Tues. night) Tony Richmond - Committee - 07984 624996 Yvonne Rogerson - Committee & Captain Over Wyre Ladies B (Tues. afternoon) - 01524 791723 Graeme Swindlehurst - Committee - 01524 793454 Viv Tabner - Committee & Captain Over Wyre A (Tues. night) - 01524 791118

If you are interested in playing in any of these teams, or for any information about the Club, please contact the relevant captain or any committee member. The first League games commence the week beginning 30th March and there will be games at Forton on most Tuesday afternoons and evenings and on alternate Wednesday evenings and Wednesday afternoons throughout the summer. Green maintenance and work around the green is well underway and all involved are heartily thanked for their efforts. The green officially opens on the first Sunday in April, but is available before then, weather A & P permitting, and throughout the season for social bowling except when matches are in progress. All are very welcome. Phil Winstanley is trialling a four week period of Friday Painting and Decorating night practice sessions, commencing 17th April at 7pm. All are welcome and this is a good orton based chance for beginners to come down and have a go. The Social Afternoons have now Satisfaction guaranteed F Competitive rates concluded and will resume in October. Thanks to all involved in making them a success. No job too big or small Free no obligation quotes We are still looking for sponsors of our Open Pairs competition to be held on 26th July. Contact any committee member for info. Also thanks to our current sponsors who have purchased banners for the 2020 season. Please support these local businesses and mention you saw them advertised at Forton Bowling Club. Long-term supporters are Six Arches and Cockerham Sands Caravan Parks, Haldane Fisher timber merchants and Nicksons Kitchens and Bedrooms. We would like to thank Hayley at the Barberz Lounge opposite the New Holly for taking a banner for the first time this season. If you would like Call: 01524 903204 / 07858 796676 to take out a banner, the cost is £50 per season and you provide the banner. Hopefully we will meet around the green in the spring. Email: [email protected] Viv Tabner (791118) on behalf of Forton Bowling Club Committee 12 13 Spellbound Films did as the name suggests and held members of D.C. WILSON Forton WI spellbound at their meeting on 20th February. Entitled ‘Home and Away’, the films transported us via stunning camerawork PENNINE GARAGE on a tour of the Lake District, including a walk up Haystacks. Then we Lancaster Road, Forton, Preston, PR3 0BP were taken to Switzerland for journeys aboard steam trains and paddle steamers. 01524 793323 www.dcwilson.co.uk [email protected] This was followed by the pleasure of a steam hauled train journey on the West Highland line from Glenfinnan to Mallaig. Next we were taken to the East Riding of • New & used car sales • Tyres Yorkshire for the ‘Bygone Bykes’ tour of 2017 when all the competitors’ cycles had been made between 1865 and 1935 and most of the cyclists wore period costume. • Mots • Brakes The evening ended with Spellbound’s light-hearted award winner ‘A Great Escape’ • Servicing • Exhausts showing colourful ‘wellies’ escaping for a paddle in the river with the music accompaniment appropriately Nancy Sinatra’s ‘These Boots Are Made For Walkin’. It • Air conditioning regas • Engine diagnostics w as great entertainment and superb escapism from the bad weather we were & leak detection experiencing. Courtesy cars available free of charge Special guest at the meeting was Simon Hanson, Open 6 days a week Monday - Friday 8.00am-5.30pm & Saturday 9.00am-12.00noon Chairman of NW Blood Bikes and Lakes, to whom Forton WI President, Pat Murgatroyd, presented a cheque to the value of £400, which had been raised at the Craft Fair last November. He expressed their gratitude and explained that every penny is valued for the worthy work they do transporting vital supplies for the NHS.

The monthly raffle was won by Hilda Dugdale and the winner of the Valentine’s card competition was Pat Murgatroyd with Christine Smith runner-up. Members also had a busy time making plans for future activities. One suggestion was that we have a litter pick and all agreed so wholeheartedly that there will in fact be two. One will be on the west of the A6 starting from the Village Hall and the second will be on the east of the A6 starting from the Post Office on Hollins Lane. Originally planned for March, it is now hoped to do this in the Autumn. You won’t have to be a WI member to join in.

Forton WI are supporting the appeal for bras for young girls in Africa where wearing a bra ‘ups’ their status and means they are less likely to be victims of rape. Contributions to the appeal will be brought to the next meeting.

Members expressed their enjoyment of Forton WI’s 98th Birthday Party which had been at the Royal Oak Hotel, Garstang in January and several are looking forward to the Fashion Show at ’s Midland Hotel in April. In summer we will be having a day trip for which suggestions were sought.

The next meeting is on Thursday, 16th April with David Mower from Leighton Moss and on Thursday, 21st May there will be a cosmetic demonstration by ‘Colour Me Beautiful at Home’. The meetings start at 7.30pm and are held in the Village Hall. For more details, please contact President Pat (791580) or Secretary Christine (793549).

Christine Smith 14 15 Walks around the village with my dog As I sit and write this article after another wet walk with my dog, which is now cosy in its bed, I am led to wonder, who benefits from our daily walks the most. I have come to the conclusion it’s me. I have been unable to walk through fields, so have kept to familiar road walks and in these uncertain times, rather than familiarity breeds contempt, it also provides security.

My daily walks give me opportunity to stop, look, listen and feel and the times I least want to go out are the times I feel the most benefit. Stop gives you time to reflect on where you are and more importantly, where you have come from. There is an ancient Chinese proverb that says, “One step at a time is good walking”. Look at what is around you, there are signs of spring. An old saying from my childhood came to mind as I noticed the first hawthorn flower blossom peeking in the hedgerow. “Ne’er cast a clout til May be out”. This old country saying has been used since the 18th century. Clout is an old word for clothing. Some people think “May” refers to the month of May, whilst others say it means the May flower or hawthorn which flowers in late April or early May. In other words, don’t put your warm clothes away until May as the cold weather could still return. Listen to the birds, wind and rustle of the trees. I can see some buds appearing on oak and ash trees. Remember the old rhyme, “oak before the ash we’ll have a splash, ash before the oak we are in for a soak”. This country saying was widely used to predict summer rainfall. Although there is no scientific evidence behind this, it does demonstrate a long-standing interest in the variability of seasons from year to year and how trees respond differently to it. Feel the company of those you meet and the conversations you have on these walks as these are moments to treasure.

I have come to realise that I use these walks as opportunities to solve problems. The Latin phrase ‘solvitar ambulando’ seems very apt. It simply means ‘solved by walking’ and Hippocrates says “walking is man’s best medicine”. Heather Moorland Village Hall Committee The Village Hall AGM will be held on 7th May at 8pm in the Playing Field Pavilion. The position of Chair of the Committee will become vacant. If anyone is interested, please talk to the current Chair, Mark Yates, or any other member of the Committee. Lindsey Hall

Mobile Library The van is scheduled to be in School Lane (near Coronation Avenue) from 3.15 to 3.50pm on 16th April & 7th and 28th May Glenys your Mobile Librarian offers a warm, friendly welcome to her ‘New White Library Van - Chitty Chitty Book Book’

The Mobile Library stocks books in a variety of formats and has a wide range of fiction and non-fiction titles for all ages. It is easy to join if not already a Library member. For details of exact times and locations of stops, please ring 07717 543763 or email: [email protected] Please note routes and dates can be subject to change.

16 17 Cat Smith MP First of all, I hope everyone is keeping well. I know this is a worrying time, particularly for those of us who have existing health concerns. At the time of writing, Government advice is that anyone with a new continuous cough or a temperature over 37C should stay at home for at least seven days to halt the spread of the virus. If you experience a dry cough, a high temperature or shortness of breath and you are worried then call 111 or check the NHS 111 webpage.

Thank you to everyone who came along to my recent drop-in surgery at the village hall in Cockerham. Residents from across the area came to talk to me about flooding and the problems you are experiencing - particularly farmers who are struggling to reseed weeks after the flood water has receded elsewhere. I shall be writing again to the Environment Agency to ask them to investigate and to determine whether the outflow pipes to drain excess water are blocked.

I have also been informed that there are still concerns about the dispersal of surface water on the Kingswood Homes estate plan. Wyre Planning have been contacted for specific information regarding the planning consent requirements and I‘ll be keeping a close eye on developments.

If you have any further concerns then please do contact me by calling 01253 490440 or email me: [email protected] - you can also follow me on Facebook, Twitter or check out my website: www.catsmith.co.uk

I hope by the next time I write the worst will be behind us and we can look forward to a nice summer ahead.

Forton Beavers, Cubs & Scouts STOP PRESS Following Government advice concerning the developing Coronavirus (COVID-19) situation.

The Scout Association nationally has decided that all meetings should be cancelled immediately and until further notice.

Normally with this edition of Village Voice we would include order forms for bedding plant sales, sadly this year we can no longer undertake this activity. I apologise to our loyal customers and I hope that you will all return next year.

The most important thing is the lives and health of our friends and those we love. On behalf of Forton Scouts I send everyone our best wishes for their health over the next few months.

John Nelson, Scout Group Leader 18 19

Messy Church Saturday, April 4th, 4-6pm in the School Hall

Christian Aid Week is during the week starting May 10th and will conclude on Sunday 17th with the service at Hollins Lane Methodist Church at 6pm. The Community Prayer Group meets in the United Reformed Church Hall from 9.15- 10am on Fridays, next meetings are April 3rd and May 1st.

Hollins Lane Methodist Church We join with our friends at Scorton Methodist Church for the Good Friday Service on April 10th at 11am. It will be followed by a procession with the wooden cross to the Church Hill for a brief service. Easter Sunday, April 12th, 10.30am, Rev Derek Oldham will take the service which will include the Holy Communion and at 6pm we shall have our time of worship, study and prayer. Sunday, May 17th, 10.30am, we celebrate the Church’s 198th Birthday! The preacher will be Rev. John Maiden. The open midweek events are as usual, with Forton Friends on Wednesdays, April 8th and May 13th from 2-3.30pm and the Wednesday Fellowship Meetings on April 15th, 2pm with the Rev Ken Clapham, and May 20th, 2pm with the Rev Andrew Champley as speakers. On Fridays, 10-11.30am (ish)you are invited to Coffee+ for coffee/tea and biscuits and the opportunity to buy Fairtrade commodities and gifts. St James’ Shireshead Saturdays, April 4th and May 2nd, 8.30am, Men’s Breakfast, Upper Room, Shireshead Palm Sunday, April 5th, 10am, Family Eucharist, 6pm, Passiontide Reflection - music and readings with augmented choir. Holy Week: Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, April 6th, 7th and 8th, 7.30pm, Said Eucharist in church. Maundy Thursday, April 9th, 6.30pm, Agape Supper followed 7.30pm by the Last Supper Eucharist. Good Friday, April 10th, 10am, An Hour at the Cross. Easter Day, April 12th, 6.30am, Dawn Service, St Paul’s Churchyard followed by cooked breakfast in Upper Room. 9.45am, Champagne Reception followed 10am by the Eucharist. Sunday, May 31st, 10am, We celebrate Pentecost with the Eucharist.

United Reformed Church Wednesday, April 1st, from 2pm, Open Church with speaker Pat Ascroft on Bygone Times. Good Friday Service, April 10th, from 3pm led by Revd David Greenwood. Followed by Afternoon Tea. Easter Sunday, April 12th, we shall join with sister churches at Garstang or Bowerham, no service at Forton. Friday, May 8th, The May Day walk from Garstang will finish at Forton with refreshments.

Roman Catholic Church There is no Roman Catholic Church in the village so the nearest services are: Sunday Masses, 8.30am, St Mary and St James, Scorton. Sundays, 9am, St Thomas and St Elizabeth, Thurnham. Vigil masses: Saturdays, 6pm, St Mary and St Michael, Garstang. Saturdays, 6.30pm, St Bernadette, Bowerham. 20 21 Angel Festival St James’ Church would like to thank everyone who helped in any way to make the Angel Festival a very successful event.

To the many people who brought their own Angel, the village groups and local businesses in the community, their time and effort in creating their outstanding Angels was amazing.

We can now announce the decision taken in January, there will be the second Angel Festival in December 2020. This will give us time to think about creating and joining in with an even bigger host of Angels. Margaret Humphreys and Ruth Ross

Notice from the Singing Club St Peter’s Church, Scorton, Thursdays, 6.30pm Unfortunately temporarily paused due to surgery. I fully intend restarting it A.S.A.P. Jan Hindle 07730 646581 for updates ‘Good Vibrations’ or ‘Jan Hindle’

THE PARISH COUNCIL Chairman Mrs Janet Huddart Parish Clerk: Lindsey Hall Home Farm, Clifton Hill, Stony Lane, Tel 791571 Forton, PR3 0AR Tel. 01524 791313 Dr Peter Young, OBE email: [email protected] Tel 792678

Mrs Lesley Dodgson County Councillor Tel 792978 Mr Matthew Salter (07803 723958) District Councillor Mr Jonny Leech (07980 759576) Mr Don McLoughlin Tel 792805 Forton Parish Council operate a publication scheme. For more information, please contact Mr Robbie Stewart Tel 07791 669140 the Parish Clerk. Parish Council meetings are usually held on Mrs Sarah Taylor the 1st Monday of each month in the Playing Tel 01524 792528 Field Pavilion Some Councillors may be contacted by email: Mrs Janet Huddart: [email protected] Mr Don McLoughlin: [email protected] Mr Robbie Stewart: [email protected] Mrs Sarah Taylor: [email protected] Dr Peter Young: [email protected]