. February 2019 - Page 4 of 6 - Wilcop Media

February 2019

Lancs Sport

Striker departs DW Stadium after three-and-a-half years with Latics, joining Sunderland in £4million transfer.

• Will Grigg completes £4million move to Sunderland from Wigan Athletic
• Striker leaves Latics after three-and-a-half years at the DW Stadium
• Grigg scored 65 goals in 150 appearances after signing from Brentford in 2015.

Wigan Athletic can confirm that striker Will Grigg has completed a £4million move to Sky Bet League One side Sunderland, subject to EFL and FA approval. Grigg, 27, has had an incredible three-and-a-half years at the DW Stadium and leaves the club having scored 65 goals in 150 appearances after signing from Brentford in 2015. The Northern Ireland international has enjoyed some memorable moments throughout his three-year stay at the DW, including the winning goal against Manchester City in the Emirates FA Cup last season and the title-winning strike at Doncaster Rovers in May.

The club have reluctantly agreed to allow Grigg to move to the Stadium of Light, with manager Paul Cook saying:

“The club desperately wanted to keep Will but this is an offer we simply couldn’t refuse. “This comes with so much emotional attachment because Will is so popular with our supporters and is somebody who has given everyone associated with the club so many great moments during, not just my time as the club’s manager, but throughout his three-and-a-half years at Wigan Athletic.

“We all wish Will the very best for the future.”

Lancs Sport

The Rugby League World Cup 2021 (RLWC2021) has chosen Preston to be a training base for the international sporting event, set to take place in two years’ time. The tournament will see England welcome world-class athletes performing on rugby league’s biggest stage, and the city is proud to play such an important role. Excitingly, the Rugby League World Cup 2021 will be one of the most inclusive and diverse sporting events ever hosted in England, promoting the three simultaneous disciplines of the men’s, women’s and wheelchair competitions.

Preston City Council and partners, including the University of Central Lancashire (UCLan) and the Preston Marriott, have combined forces to produce a successful bid for Preston to be a training base for the tournament, which will be held in October and November 2021.

Chief Executive of Rugby League World Cup 2021, Jon Dutton, said:
“Preston City Council along with the University of Central Lancashire and its partners put together an incredibly impressive bid to be a training base during the tournament. The facilities on offer for the teams is fantastic and it’s great to know that the teams will have everything at their disposal to support their performance and make this the best Rugby League World Cup ever.”

The RLWC2013 set new records for economic impact and media reach that organisers predict will be smashed again at England 2021. An expanded event footprint will attract more live spectators, encourage domestic tourism and longer overseas visitor stays, all of which Preston will have the opportunity to engage with through its involvement.

Mayor of Preston, Councillor Trevor Hart, said:
“We are incredibly proud to have been chosen as a host city for a Rugby League World Cup 2021 training camp. Preston is perfectly located for fans and teams to access game locations across England, and has a proven track record with hosting international teams, thanks to the University of Central Lancashire’s state of the art facilities.

“This is a great opportunity for the city and we hope that Prestonians – current and future rugby fans alike – embrace our role in the Rugby League World Cup 2021!”

Councillor Peter Kelly, Cabinet member for culture and leisure for Preston City Council added: “This is fantastic news for Preston. The opportunity to be involved in such a high profile sporting event is a real coup for the city and demonstrates its potential for engaging in sports on a world stage.
“Whether already a Rugby League fan, or yet to see your first match, I hope you embrace the chance to see world-class athletes in Preston and enjoy the whole Rugby League World Cup 2021 experience.”

Dr Adrian Ibbetson, Head of the School of Sport and Wellbeing and Director of Sport at UCLan, said: “We are thrilled to once again play a vital role in the Rugby League World Cup. UCLan Sports Arena boasts professional facilities for teams to prepare for some of the biggest games of their careers. It was a host training venue for the last Rugby League World Cup on home soil in 2013, welcoming both Ireland and Fiji, and I’m sure that whoever we host in 2021 will excite and inspire the local community to really feel a part of this international sporting event.” Ed White, Multi-Property General Manager for Marriott Hotels International said:

“We are delighted to support the city by participating in this partnership that is bringing the Rugby League World Cup 2021 to the city. Preston Marriott Hotel is located just outside the city centre in 11 acres of beautiful countryside and offers customers a perfect base to explore and enjoy comfortable accommodation, extensive leisure facilities and a range of food and drink outlets. We are so proud to be playing an active role in this exciting venture.”

Follow #RLWC2021 to engage with the Rugby League World Cup 2021 build-up and ongoing conversation.

Lancs Sport

Leigh Sports Village will host three Rugby League World Cup games in 2021. The Rugby Football League announced the stadiums across the country that will host international teams during the tournament, which will be watched worldwide by an estimated 150 million people across 115 countries.
It will bring 40 squads of elite players to the UK, as well as thousands of overseas supporters, making it the most diverse and inclusive rugby league tournament ever held.

Simon Toon, chief executive of Leigh Sports Village said: “This is absolutely fantastic news for us and we are really proud our stadium has been recognised and chosen for multiple games. “We can’t wait to host thousands of international visitors and show them what Leigh has to offer. “Our stadium, facilities and our passion for the game will certainly help to deliver a successful Rugby League World Cup and we’re sure all who come to LSV will have a great experience.”

Leigh’s successful bid was submitted in July 2018 in collaboration with the other local authorities within Greater Manchester to highlight all that GM has to offer and to showcase how it can work together for the benefit of the city region. The bids were considered individually and Bolton and Trafford were also announced as hosts for the games.

Leader of Wigan Council, Councillor David Molyneux said: “We’re thrilled that Leigh Sports Village has been chosen to host three World Cup matches.
“Not only will this be a fantastic occasion for our residents to be involved with, but the matches will also attract visitors from across the country and the world to our borough and will prove a big boost for our local economy.
“We will make sure the grassroots of the sport benefits from the legacy of the tournament and we will ensure as many people as possible get to be a part of the tournament celebrations in 2021.

“I am extremely disappointed and I can’t understand why Wigan, the home to one of the most famous teams in the world, was not given any games to host throughout the tournament. “I’m sure this feeling is shared among fellow Wigan residents, however, we will of course support Leigh’s fantastic achievement proudly and look forward to the games.”

More than 1 million people are expected to attend the games over the five week tournament, which will be held in October and November 2021.
The tournament will also feature the men’s, women’s and wheelchair games.

Lancashire News

We’re asking local businesses to pledge their support to helping out the borough’s future workforce. This week councillors, council officers and representatives from leading local firms met for the Oldham Pledge Business Launch. The Oldham Pledge has been up and running for a number of years and is led by schools and young people across the borough. The scheme gives our young people the opportunity to take part in a wide range of activities – helping to build their confidence and supporting their education and development so they can contribute to their communities. Those who sign up to The Oldham Pledge are asked to show evidence that they continually show 14 key character traits, such as leadership, take responsibility for their health and wellbeing, volunteer and pursue learning opportunities. The Pledge also aims to focus on developing a range of skills in children and young people to help improve their employability, in terms of personal skills and experiences.

And this is why we are asking local businesses to get involved and help support the Oldham Pledge. You can do this in various ways: by offering to go into schools and give talks/workshops; invite pupils to your firm; help with mock interviews; offer work experience and by considering those who have taken The Oldham Pledge when it comes to employment. Councillor Paul Jacques, Cabinet Member for Education and Culture, attended the launch, which was held during Business Month, at the Civic Centre. He said: “As well as having the right technical skills and qualifications it is equally as important for our young people to have key, transferable skills and values that underpin their jobs and careers in the future.

“It’s vital that this starts from a young age and carries on throughout the school life of a child so these positive character traits can be developed. “By signing up for the Oldham Pledge our young people are showing they are prepared to go the extra mile when it comes to learning and development. “Now we are calling on businesses to get involved. Together we can help support our young people and ensure they are ready for work in the future so they help the borough grow.” Dave Benstead, HR Director of Diodes and Chair of Oldham Enterprise Trust, said: “We want to recruit young people who we believe can add the most value to our business. “Being involved in the Oldham Pledge helps us to strengthen the talent pool available for selection and encourages young people to exercise initiative and responsibility, and engages them to make a positive difference for the common good; attributes we look for.” For more information about how your firm or business could get involved with The Oldham Pledge contact Suzy Ashworth on 0161 770 8997 or email suzy.ashworth@oldham.gov.uk or Lorna Philip on lp@hathershaw.org.uk

The Oldham Pledge is supported by the Oldham Educational Partnership and the Oldham Enterprise Trust.

Lancashire News, Lancs Weddings

Trying to make your wedding different from the others you have attended is not easy. Being creative with your venue can often be the start of helping to bring your ideas to life. Every little detail should say something about the happy couple and your choices of food and drink should be no different to this.

A drink on arrival for guests doesn’t have to be a glass of fizz, ready poured on a table. Why not think about a quirky Prosecco Van if you are outdoors ?
Also, a simple but delicious glass of fizz can be lifted by the addition of fresh fruit, luxury cordials or liqueurs, even a small cloud of candy floss, so think about how you can ‘pimp that fizz’.

Alternatively, if the happy couple love a G&T, a Gin bar can be curated to reflect artisan gins from the area where the happy couple are from, or are planning to set up home together.  Special gin bottles can even be given as table wedding favours or included into the table plan, as a reminder of the bride and groom. A good mobile Gin and Prosecco bar can provide all these services and we can even create a wedding cocktail, personalised menus and help make your wedding standout and memorable for all the right reasons.  

For all your innovative drinks related solutions, please contact: Gillian Bartlett

Director, Copa Fizz on 07787867262 or visit www.copafizz.co.uk
‘If Prosecco isn’t the answer….. then Gin definitely is!’

Lancashire News, Lancs Weddings

With many years in the fashion industry and a degree in tailoring, I decided to open Romantique Couture in 2004 and offer a variety of dressmaking/designing services. Since 2004 I have created five beautiful collections from my studio in the Lakes ; collections exhibited to various fashion shows and art exhibitions around the country.

From Carlisle to Newcastle to London Fashion Week and back. My services are centered on unique outfits, one-off designs as well as ready to wear versions of stylish clothes from my collections. My speciality is creating something unique and ‘different’ by challenging that fine line between the ‘urban chic’, ‘fantasy’ and ‘practicality’. I am committed to provide a professional and unique service at all times, as well as maintaining the highest quality of work.

Angy provides the following services:
unique bespoke gowns
unique designer outfits
unique ready to wear collection
unique prom dresses & ball gowns
unique wedding dresses and oufits.
unique accessories – clutches, handbags, bags
unique recycled clothing
unique baby wear (A-Goo label)
Romantique Couture

High Dyke Cottage
Mosser, Cockermouth, Cumbria, CA13 0RA
T: 01900 824329
M: 07379 496485
E: romantiquecouture@yahoo.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/amdressdesigner/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/angymortondressdesigner/

Nottingham News

A retail and business group has been praised for being ‘High Street Heroes’ by creating initiatives to drive visitors and footfall to their village including the launch of their own market.

Ruddington Village Centre Partnership (RVCP) only formed last year but is exploring ways to further attract people to visit local businesses in and around their High Street.

They have created a loyalty card, a festive The Twelve Traders of Christmas video, a Ruddy Good Day Out Guide and now their first event, the Ruddington Village Market which launches tomorrow (Saturday February 2) from 9am to 1pm at the White Horse Inn in the village featuring a host of stalls.

Rushcliffe Borough Council has praised the efforts as part of their High Street Heroes campaign that aims to celebrate the efforts local business groups and individuals go to in encouraging businesses to thrive.

Cabinet Portfolio Holder for Economic Growth and Business Cllr Andy Edyvean said: “This is a fitting first example of High Street Heroes, a group who have really taken up the mantle in Ruddington to show what is achievable in a relatively short space of time when businesses are willing to work together.

“It’s fantastic to see people coming together and enabling their own communities to thrive.

“The village market looks set to be a wonderful event that has captured local imagination and we wish RVCP every success with it.

“Wherever we can we will support our towns’ and villages’ efforts who introduce new ideas and such positive initiatives.”

The group were formed as a mixture of local business owners, residents and members of Ruddington Parish Council who could see the advantage of bringing local business owner’s expertise together to create the projects.

RVCP Chairman Mike Ader said: “This is the second major initiative by the RVCP, which we hope will prove very popular with both residents and also visitors to the village. The aim is to run the market every month and expand it as times goes on.”

Fresh fruit and vegetable boxes will be available at the market together with the range of stalls including Black Cat Café, Doughnotts, The Jam Lady, Ruddington Village Butchers, the Sweetie Boutique, Cocoabake, Turners Bakery, The Peckish Artisan Kitchen and Split Screen Coffee

A craft section will further complement the event offering pictures from Ruddington arts, jewellery, scented candles, hardwood goods, hand-made hats made in the village and hand-made cards and gifts.

Nottingham News, Notts Leisure

Review of the Full Monty at Nottingham’s Theatre Royal

  The Full Monty has arrived at Nottingham’s Theatre Royal and what a treat of a play it is. This is the perfect pick me up for this rather drab time of year – a real belly laugh of a show which holds our attention throughout.   The Full Monty is one of the most acclaimed British films ever and this stage play, with the (predominantly female) audience loving the tale of redundant steelworkers in Sheffield forming their own strip act to perform the Full Monty.

The cast have such good chemistry which shines throughout as it deals with some very challenging subjects with such a genuine sense of humour.

Gary Lucy as Gaz

Set in Sheffield, small screen favourite Gary Lucy (Hollyoaks,EastEnders, The Bill and winner of Dancing on Ice)– who’s sheer presence on stage elicited excited screams from the audience – plays the main character Gaz, a cocksure and swaggering likely lad who decides to form a band of male strippers to make some easy cash and drags some unlikely accomplices along for the ride.

There’s Dave, his chubby, comedic and more likeable best mate, impressively played by another TV regular, Kai Owen(Torchwood and Hollyoaks); and Gaz’s son Nathan played astoundingly well by 17-year-old Fraser Kelly. Guy, a well-endowed, gay plasterer given a sensitive portrayal by James Redmond(Hollyoaks and Casualty); stuffy former-foreman Gerald, played by Andrew Dunn (best known from Dinnerladies and for his regular appearances on Bremner, Bird and Fortune), who teaches the improbable strippers dance moves learnt from his time on the Conservative Club ballroom. Joe Gill (Emmerdale) plays tragic Lomper, a suicidal and in the closet loser, who finds confidence and friends; while Louis Emerick (Benidorm,Brookside, Last of the Summer Wine) plays arthritic-hipped and ironically-named Horse, a role he’s played on staged for a number of years – which showed through his confident, charismatic and absolutely entertaining stage presence.

There are far too many comedy highlights to mention them all with laugh-out-loud moments aplenty. The dancing is so funny (where it needs to be) and so entertaining and yes you get the full monty!

What you will get when you go to see The Full Monty is a play with a fantastic cast, set and soundtrack with a relevant heart warming and hilarious story resulting in a fantastic night out.

As they say, drop everything to get a ticket!

The show runs until Saturday. Visit www.trch.co.uk

Lancashire News, Lancs Leisure

Age, rarity, condition and provenance – the four pillars of finding and acquiring antiques. I’ve found visiting historic houses that remain in private ownership to be an enjoyable and educational way of fine-tuning my antiquing skills. These houses represent the organic growth of a family residence over time, where each succeeding generation added things they found beautiful and useful. I’ve chosen three of my favourite houses in North Wales. They have an interesting story and reflect the owner’s tastes and interests. Go, visit, enjoy a day out. Find out how each owner chose the things for their home – the beauties of their time and the antiques of today. And, when you are in the neighbourhood, give us a call to make sure we are in and drop by the Banquet House in Rhuddlan. We would love to meet you, offer you a cup of tea, and talk about collecting and living with antiques.

Bodrhyddan Hall
The present building was remodelled in the 1690s. The original house was obtained from King Henry VIII at the time of the dissolution of the monasteries when the abbot and his flock relocated to another site at Hendre Farm nearby. The house is known for its collection of armour and militaria; however, the 9th Lord Langford, who died in 2017 at the age of 105, collected ceramics and added many pieces of tourist souvenir ceramics from places he visited. Those tourist pieces are displayed alongside Minton, Royal Doulton and Wedgwood pieces of great value.

Plas Newydd (Llangollan)
Plas Newydd is in the town of Llangollen, Denbighshire, Wales, and was the home of the Ladies of Llangollen, Lady Eleanor Butler and Sarah Ponsonby, for nearly 50 years. Their story is most romantic and the house reflects their collecting interests. The most unusual feature is the panelling made of pieces of reclaimed oak carvings collected by the ladies and set in a patchwork style over much of the interior of the house. The carvings came from broken-up furniture and church fittings, ranging from medieval to Baroque, dominated a vernacular folk and Jacobean styles.

Gwydr Castle
During the 16th and 17th centuries the Gwydir Estate belonged to the Wynn family. The Wynn’s were closely associated with the courts of Charles I and Charles II. In the early 20th century, the castle and its contents were sold and key components of the interior were purchased by William Randolph Hearst and taken to storage in warehouses in New York City. The castle is now privately owned by Peter Welford and his wife, Judy Corbett. They purchased the castle in 1994. They then began a programme of conservation with authenticity as the main consideration. Part of that programme was identifying, locating, and acquiring pieces that had been sold. A key find was the contents of the dining room.

With the assistance and support of Prince Charles, the dining room was acquired from the Metropolitan Museum of Art in NYC, to which it had been donated by Mr. Hearst. The restoration continues, funded primarily by the current owners according to their philosophy. “Ancient houses like Gwydir are the sum of their parts, historical as well as architectural. But in addition, they evolve a particular frequency, over the centuries, which is specific to nowhere else. Gwydir has its own time, its own smell, its dense and layered atmosphere, which amounts to the metaphysical equivalent of its archaeology; this represents, in short, the soul of the house.”

Lancashire News, Lancs Leisure

Historic St George’s Hotel is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr Philip Newmarch as the new General Manager of the Hotel. This senior appointment follows the recent acquisition of Rowton Hall Hotel and Spa in Chester by Anderbury Ltd, an independent group of award-winning properties that also includes Hatherley Manor Hotel and Spa in Gloucester.
Mr Newmarch has a wealth of experience in working in a number of leading hotels throughout the North West, including Peckforton Castle Hotel, Craxton Wood, Carden Park and more recently the Abode in Chester.
Commenting on his appointment, Philip said, “I’m excited to be taking on the role of General Manager at the iconic St George’s Hotel and I am looking forward to working with such an experienced and enthusiastic team. Having worked in a variety of hotels across Cheshire I am looking forward to continuing to build of the hotel’s proven success.

Speaking of the new appointment, Mr Tony Burns, now the Group Operations Director of Anderbury Ltd, commented.
“Philip is joining the team at the perfect time, after almost 25 years in managing St George’s I am pleased to be handing over the managerial reins to him so that I can concentrate on the further development of the Anderbury Hotel Group which has recently expanded this year after the acquisition of Rowton Hall Hotel and Spa in Chester in June. We are thrilled that Philip has come on board, and his valued management experience will go a long way in helping us deliver a seamless guest experience at one of the leading hotels in Wales.

St George’s has 81 beautifully decorated rooms with air-conditioning, high speed internet access, LCD TVs, luxurious Egyptian cotton duvets and many offer stunning views across the bay of Llandudno. Among the bedrooms are the new Rooftop Rooms which were completed last summer. These rooms capitalise on their elevated position and stunning Orme to Orme view by having large glass patio doors leading out onto a panoramic seaview balcony. The rooms also benefit from having some of the latest in-room technology, stunning bathrooms with walk in shower plus ‘His and Hers’ sinks and guests are able to enjoy a personal concierge service offering a range of tailored services. The hotel has a variety of dining options to suit all tastes including the AA Rosette winning Terrace Restaurant, serving a mouth-watering selection of dishes sourced within Conwy and North Wales. The Terrace Lounge serves light lunches, traditional afternoon teas and the best espresso and cappuccino in the area.

St George’s Hotel has seven function rooms including the stunning Grade II listed Wedgwood Suite which is one of the largest function rooms in North Wales and has hosted many prestigious events in its 150-year history including political party conferences for Labour, Conservatives and Liberal Democrats, esteemed Guests have included Winston Churchill among others.

Further information St George’s Hotel can be found at www.stgeorgeswales.co.uk