. April 2019 - Wilcop Media

April 2019

Lancashire News, Lancs Health & Care

With the weather getting warmer and the days getting longer, this means many children are playing outside. Parents are therefore being advised to be prepared for treating minor injuries.

It’s not uncommon for children to have accidents, particularly on their bikes. According  to the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents, 90% of child cyclist accidents happen between 8.00 to 9.00 a.m. and 3.00 to 6.00 p.m. on weekdays. 

Dr Preeti Shukla, Clinical Lead at NHS Blackburn with Darwen CCG said:

“Self-care is often best for cuts, scrapes and grazes, so it’s a good idea to check your first aid kit to make sure it’s stocked for all eventualities.  There’s nothing worse than getting out the first aid kit to discover you’ve run out of plasters or antiseptic wipes. It doesn’t cost a lot these days to get everything you need for your kit.”

“Your local pharmacy can advise you on treatment for minor injuries and over the counter medicines that are safe for your child. To keep your child is as safe as possible make sure they wear appropriate head gear, and if possible, protect their knees and elbows.”

A typical first aid kit should include:

  • High factor sunscreen (SPF 50 provides the best protection) – you should apply this before school so that your child is protected from the early morning sun.
  • Antiseptic – this can be used to clean cuts before they are dressed (bandaged) and most can treat a range of conditions, including insect stings, ulcers and pimples; alcohol-free antiseptic wipes are useful to clean cuts.
  • Tweezers – for taking out splinters; if splinters are left in, they can cause discomfort and become infected.
  • Plasters – a range of sizes, waterproof if possible.
  • Sterile dressings – larger injuries should be covered with a sterile dressing to prevent infection until treatment can be given by a health professional.
  • Medical tape – this is used to secure dressings and can also be used to tape an injured finger to an uninjured one, creating a makeshift splint.
  • Bandages – these can support injured limbs, such as a sprained wrist, and also for applying direct pressure to larger cuts.
  • Cooling gel packs or flannels – dip in cold water and use as a compress if your child has a small bump to the head.
  • Eyewash solution – this will help wash out grit or dirt from the eyes
  • Insect bite and nettle rash cream – good for reducing skin irritation if your child is bitten or stung.
  • Allergy medicine – your local pharmacy can advise you on the best type of allergy treatment for your child.
  • Thermometer – digital thermometers give very accurate readings and are quick and easy to use.
  • Coughs, colds and pain relief remedies – paracetamol or ibuprofen are good for relieving discomfort.  However, avoid ibuprofen if your child has asthma, unless advised by your GP.

If you’re worried about your child’s injuries and unsure if they need medical help, call NHS111.  This service offers advice 24 hours a day, seven days a week and can advise you where to go if your child has experienced a bang to the head or a bad sprain.  All the caller has to do is dial 111 to talk to the NHS.

For more information about what to do if your child has an accident, visit www.nhs.uk

Nottingham News, Notts Leisure, Notts What's On

  With a successful run in the West End, Motown the Musical has now hit the road with a year-long tour with the latest stop being The Theatre Royal in Nottingham,  

Based on the book by Motown founder Berry Gordy, The musical takes us from Gordy’s childhood where he dreams of making a difference, through the foundation of Motown with an $800 loan into the finding and nurturing of the stars such as Diana Ross and the Supremes, Stevie Wonder, the Jackson 5, Smokey Robinson, The Four Tops, Martha Reeves and the Vandellas and The Temptations, and then onto the decline of the label as those same stars were snapped up by companies with bigger budgets, The Motown label produced more than 525 albums, and collectively its artists achieved more than 57 No 1 hits on the Billboard Hot 100 pop charts.  

A scene from Motown The Musical, UK Tour

This is the next chapter in Motown’s incredible history and is an experience you’ll never forget. Featuring over 50 classic hits including My Girl, What’s Going On, Dancing in the Street, I Heard It Through The Grapevine and Ain’t No Mountain High Enough.  

The production as a whole looked fantastic even reliving news and politics in which JFK and Martin Luther King was featured, this Detroit-based record label that emerged in the 1950s and made a succession of black solo artists and singing groups into global superstars.  

A scene from Motown The Musical, UK Tour

A huge mention must be made to the crew and the cast of Motown the Musical which was superb, Edward Baruwa & Karis Anderson have so much on stage chemistry you could be forgiven for thinking they we’re the real Gordy and Diana, however Nathan Lewis (X Factor finalist in 2016) who plays Smokey Robinson was unforgettable, this cast had the audience singing and dancing throughout, actually they we’re still dancing on the way out of the theatre.  

This is an absolute must see, there is no mountain high enough or river wide enough to keep you from seeing this wonderful production!!  

The show runs at Nottingham’s Theatre Royal until Saturday 4th of May. Visit www.trch.co.uk for tickets.

Lancashire News, Lancs Health & Care

Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, and is observed by Muslims worldwide as a month of fasting. This year Ramadan will be starting around 5 May.

Doctors at NHS Blackburn with Darwen and NHS East Lancashire Clinical Commissioning Groups (CCGs) are encouraging residents to stay safe and well during this period. The fast lasts from dawn to dusk, and this year that means nearly 19 hours of no food or drink passing the lips.

Dr Pervez Muzzafar, a local GP who will himself be fasting said:

“Ramadan is a period of spiritual reflection and anyone suffering from chronic diseases like diabetes, high blood pressure, heart failure, lung diseases and arthritis  or those taking medications, require more planning and discipline to observe the fast.

“Please seek advice about your disease and medications as this is extremely important so that your doses can be assessed.

“It is important to make sure you have two meals a day; sehr and iftar.  Also avoid or limit your intake of deep fried food such as pakoras and samosas and high sugar desserts. You can replace these foods with plenty of fruit, fibre and fluid to keep well hydrated and energetic.”

For many people Ramadan is a good time to consider stopping smoking for good or making permanent changes to their diet long-term to help with healthy eating and weight loss.

The key to maintaining health during Ramadan, especially if it takes place during warm weather, is to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water when not fasting. Excessive caffeine should be avoided.

Signs of dehydration to look out for include producing little or no urine, feeling faint, disorientated or confused and having a persistent and severe headache.

If you feel ill during your fast, make sure you seek medical help as soon as possible and do not leave it for too late, especially if you are diabetic or suffer from kidney diseases. If you are in any doubt, please consult your pharmacist or GP to avoid any complications. Have a very happy and healthy Ramadan from both Blackburn with Darwen and East Lancashire CCGs.

Working in partnership:

NHS East Lancashire Clinical Commissioning Group

NHS Blackburn with Darwen Clinical Commissioning Group

Lancashire News, Lancs Health & Care

Gluten Free Diet benefits includes improving energy level, help with managing autism, promotes weight loss, allows for improved absorption of nutrients, decreases cancer risk, improves immunity, reduces arthritic flare ups, reduces the risk of heart related diseases and stroke, reduces symptoms of celiac disease, reduces allergies and improves fertility.
What is Gluten Free Diet?

If you haven’t heard of the gluten free diet by now, you’ve probably been living underground somewhere, or under a rock for the past two decades or so. Yes, since the turn of the new millennia, the gluten free diet’s popularity has surged, thanks largely to the numerous health benefits it is known for.
Don’t think you need to follow the gluten free diet? That may be true. Originally, the gluten free diet was developed for persons with gluten insensitivity, gluten being a protein found in certain foods, but especially those of wheat origin. Today, those following the diet are no longer limited to persons with gluten sensitivity, but people from all walks of life, who could handle gluten just fine, but are sold on the other benefits it has to offer your health.

Wondering how a gluten free diet can benefit you? Let’s dive right in then!

  1. Improves Energy Levels
    Low energy levels have become so common nowadays that most people take for granted that it typically has a deeper cause. One such cause? Gluten.
    Gluten intolerance can take on various forms, and be of numerous severities, some so mild that it tends to go under the radar. In this case, a sluggish feeling or lethargy results after eating foods high in gluten, but no other symptoms resembling a real good allergy or insensitivity.
  2. Helps With Autism Management
    Autism is a disorder that affects mental development, common diagnosed in children under two years of age. Common treatment modalities include medication and specialized social therapy, though research has now found that removal of gluten from the diet also does a big part in reducing associated symptoms of autism, such as ADHD and other behavioral disorders. Though it is not 100% known why diets that are free from gluten are correlated with improved symptoms, it could be attributed to reduced inflammatory markers in the brain or decreased formation of proteinaceous brain plaques that affect cognition and behavior.
  3. Promotes Weight Loss
    Though there isn’t a proven scientific basis to this claim, researchers have observed that rodents fed a gluten free diet experienced increased fat loss, compared to those that were still fed gluten in their meals. This increase in fat loss was interestingly observed even though no difference in calories were given, but the subjects given the gluten free diet had an upregulation of enzymes and receptors that promote fat loss.
    Yet another study even found that diets containing gluten actively work against fat loss, as they decreased energy expenditure from fat cells, and inhibited fat cell death.
  4. Allows For Improved Absorption of Nutrients
    Unknown to many, gluten intolerance can manifest in the subtlest of ways, including poor nutrient absorption. One may notice unexplained weight loss that is not healthy, and gives the impression that one is starving of healthy nutrition. However, by restricting gluten from the diet, nutrient absorption is improved and optimized, so that the body gets the nutrients it needs for improved cellular rebuilding and recovery. You will see improved energy levels, tying into the first benefits perfectly.
  5. Decreased Cancer Risk
    Gluten is a protein that is associated with high levels of inflammation in the body, ultimately causing an increase in oxidative stress to cells and the likelihood that they could undergo cancerous changes. Inflammation is at the heart of many cancerous changes, as the immune system may be suppressed simultaneously and unable to take care of cancerous changes in their infancy.
  6. Improved Immunity
    Did you know that a significant proportion of your immune system resides in your gut? Yes, when it boils down to it, the part of the immune system that is likely to be recruited first are the good bacteria that resides in your colon and small intestine. A gluten free diet reduces inflammation throughout the gut, allowing these good bacteria to function uninterrupted. The result? Decreased incidence of food poisoning and other infections spread via oral consumption.
  7. Reduces Arthritic Flare-ups
    There are a couple different types of arthritis, even though they share a very common component; joint inflammation. While you can manage it to an extent with NSAIDs and corticosteroids, they are not a good idea for long term use. Removing gluten from your diet,
    Continues on next page…
    Continued…
    but following a gluten free diet helps to reduce the flare ups of inflammation that characterize arthritis, be that osteo-arthritis or rheumatoid arthritis. Persons that have removed gluten from their diet experience less flare ups and less severe symptoms when they do occur.
  8. Reduces Risk of Heart Disease And Stroke
    Many diseases of the heart and blood vessels are caused by inflammation, and you guessed it- gluten is more than happy to feed those flames. Following a gluten free diet can in turn reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease and stroke, by helping to avoid the inflammatory changes that occur. In blood vessels, high levels if inflammation lends itself to promoting atherosclerotic fat deposit, which blocks them and can cause a heart disease or stroke from interrupted blood flow.
    Elimination of gluten from your diet reduces inflammatory processes and reduces deposition of plaques in blood vessels, decreasing your cardiac risk.
  9. Significantly Reduces Symptoms of Celiac Disease
    Celiac disease is a condition characterized by excessive immune response to gluten, causing inflammation in the small intestine and the inability to properly assimilate nutrients. Celiac disease often occurs with Crohn’s disease, causing bleeding and discomfort as well. Gluten free diets reduce symptoms significantly, and can help offset nutritional deficiencies and overall discomfort.
  10. Reduces Allergies
    Gluten intolerance also manifests externally, as frequent outbreaks that resemble dermatitis are common occurrences. While these can be managed by application of topical anti-itch creams, it is a much better idea to prevent the rashes in the first place. Urticaria (also known as hives) occur frequently in persons with gluten allergies, and can be uncomfortable and embarrassing when it occurs often. These can also be a thing of the past if you follow a gluten free diet.
  11. Improves Fertility
    Though consumption of gluten does not mean one will have a harder time conceiving children, women who have insensitivities but do not know it stand to gain the most from eliminating gluten. Gluten insensitivities can cause difficulty in egg implantation following fertilization by the sperm, can cause disruptions in the lining of the womb that functions as a necessary cushion to the embryo, and can cause increased risk of spontaneous miscarriages.
    This is in addition to the already disrupted hormonal balance that it causes in women, making it a very uphill task in conceiving without outside help.
    Conclusion
    It is an arguable fact that everyone can benefit in some way from following a gluten free diet, even if you do not have a gluten allergy. But then again, many millions of people have low grade gluten intolerances and have no idea, but suffer from inexplicable health ills with no apparent cure. Try following a gluten free diet for 12 weeks. Then, if you are unable to find something that vastly improves following that time period, go back to your usual way of eating. But knowing the benefits you are likely to see, we trust you will not be going back!
Nottingham News

Rushcliffe residents have been named the third happiest in the UK, based on a new study of measures including access to health services, crime and life expectancy. A Happiness Index commissioned by Royal Mail has found the Borough’s inhabitants are among the most joyful in the country due to very positive reported personal well-being, earnings and low levels of crime, deprivation and carbon emissions.

The research, commissioned to Cebr, saw eight measures inputted into an indexing methodology across districts in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland with only Winchester and Babergh scoring higher than the Nottinghamshire authority area. Rushcliffe Borough Council’s Chief Executive Allen Graham said: “We are proud yet another independent study has found Rushcliffe residents to have among the most positive and happy communities to live, work and play in across the UK.

“It is even more pleasing that we have highlighted that happiness can be found outside the South East and that the East Midlands is such a good place to live.

“The findings of this study further show that a number of great facilities and great opportunities contribute to the high quality environment that makes a difference to resident’s lives. This study also once again justifies our strapline great place, great sport and a great lifestyle.

“We know however there are always ways we can improve the quality of life for our residents and will endeavour to work with our partners to further develop the environment and facilities that can help make people happy.”

Nottingham News

Belvoir Castle Pledges Trees to Help Rebuild Notre Dame

British oaks from some of the UK’s most famous estates could contribute towards the rebuilding of Notre Dame cathedral, following an offer from members of Historic Houses, the association for independently owned historic homes and gardens. So far more than one hundred donor estates, including Belvoir Castle, Hutton-in-the-Forest, Scone Palace, Castle Howard, Holkham Hall, Powderham Castle, and Firle Place (named after the Anglo-Saxon word for ‘oak woodland’), have volunteered valuable trees, planted for timber centuries ago, as a gift from the UK to France for the restoration of the iconic landmark’s roof, destroyed by fire earlier this week.

DIt’s not the first time Britain’s great houses have rallied round to help with a major heritage restoration project. After the devastating York Minster fire in 1984 more than forty Historic Houses member places pledged eighty oak trees for the reconstruction efforts, joining donations from the Queen and the Prince of Wales. Given that the construction of the original roof in the twelfth century is estimated to have required 1,300 mature oaks, the donors are well aware that their contribution could only provide a fraction of what’s needed, but they hope the gesture will inspire others. James Birch, owner of Doddington Hall, one of the estates that has pledged timber, and President of Historic Houses, said, ‘The fire at Notre Dame is a terrible tragedy. It is also a reminder of how our great buildings provide a cultural back drop to everyday life that is often only recognised when they are threatened. Some of our members have first-hand experience of the damage and destruction of catastrophic fires. It’s fitting that we would offer to help restore such an important part of the world’s heritage.’ The trees, from sustainable forestry and already destined for use as commercial timber, are estimated to have a combined market value of well over £100,000. But the donors are keen to emphasise that the timbers used in buildings like Notre Dame are about something that money alone can’t buy. ‘Anyone who lives in an old building knows there’s something special about the way it was built and the materials used,’ said the Duke of Rutland, who first suggested the idea to his fellow members. ‘The trees in the original roof at Notre Dame probably started growing over a thousand years ago. We’re able to donate replacements because my great-great-grandfather had the foresight to plant trees that would only be valuable long after he died. And in turn we’ll replant every tree we fell – someone will need them for something in another few hundred years. It’s a reminder of how important it is to both look after and renew our heritage resources. In our business you have to plan in centuries, not years.’
Nottingham News

The Council has submitted its bid to the Government’s £675 million Future High Streets Fund as it forges on with its ambition to reinvigorate Worksop’s Town Centre.

The Future High Streets Fund was created following a report by Sir John Timpson, a retailer and chair of the Town Centres Expert Panel, that called for more money to be granted to local authorities to rejuvenate their towns. Town Centres across the country have seen a decline in the retail sector, predominantly brought about due to a change in shopping habits and a major shift towards online shopping.

The Future High Streets Fund will be used by Councils, like Bassetlaw, to bring about transformational change and create more of a community hub in order to reduce the reliance on retail to ensure its high streets remain a vibrant and attractive place to visit.

“I am excited by our bid,” said Cllr Jo White, Cabinet Member for Economic Development at Bassetlaw District Council. “We have been asked to be dynamic and to think outside of the box in order for it to be considered.
I believe we have risen to this challenge, which is essential because we are seriously committed to turning around the future of Worksop town centre.

“The priority of the Council is to deliver growth and investment and we have identified a number of proposals that will help to bring about lasting change and address some of the challenges that Worksop is facing. “Quite simply, shopping habits have changed and like many other high streets up and down the country we are seeing the results of this with empty shops and major retailers like M&S abandoning Worksop in favour of larger cities.

“We want to make sure that Worksop does not get left behind and should our bid to the Future High Streets Fund be successful, we will strive to turn around Worksop’s fortunes and arrest a decline in the Town Centre.”
The Future High Streets Funding could be used to transform an area of Worksop Town Centre between Victoria Square and Newcastle Avenue.
This could include the regeneration of public spaces, efforts to improve the night-time economy with opportunities for additional bars and restaurants, in addition to more leisure and tourism attractions.

Investment and infrastructure would also be a focal point for the Council’s ambitions and would include a proposal to condense the retail offer of the high street, and link in with other Council projects such as the £2.3 million Townscape Heritage Scheme that is helping to bring some of Worksop’s most historic buildings back to their former glory.

Lancashire News, Lancs What's On

Lancashire Encounter is delighted to have joined Without Walls as a part of the Touring Network Partnership. Lancashire Encounter to work with 35 other partners as part of an England-wide network of outdoor festivals, bringing more opportunities for people in Preston and across Lancashire to experience fantastic art performances.

Lancashire Encounter is now a partner of the Without Walls Touring Network Partnership, a project that tours high-quality outdoor shows – for free – to towns and cities across England without regular arts activity.

The next Lancashire Encounter arts festival will be in September 2020.
Without Walls is a network of festivals and arts organisations that brings fantastic outdoor arts to people in towns and cities across England for free. Established in 2007 as a partnership between five festivals, Without Walls has grown in size, ambition and reputation to become a network of thirty-six in 2019. This huge expansion has been made possible with National Portfolio investment from Arts Council England to Without Walls, recognising the value of outdoor arts which bring communities together and attract visitors to the area.

Lancashire Encounter will benefit from being part of the new Without Walls Touring Network Partnership which comprises of outdoor arts festivals, venues, local authorities and arts organisations partners across the country. With this, Preston will have more world-class free outdoor shows and arts activities on its doorstep and the region will become nationally recognised as part of the largest network of outdoor festivals in England.

Tim Joel, Deputy Head of Culture at Preston City Council, said,
“For Lancashire Encounter arts festival to be part of a national network of festivals is fantastic news. Without Walls has an international reputation for ambitious outdoor arts, and enables us to bring a free arts and performance offer to Preston.

“Past Encounter festivals have been a huge success for Preston and Lancashire, and now this partnership further enhances the high quality, outdoor performances we’ll be able to bring to the city.”
People from across Lancashire will also be able to see Without Walls street theatre shows in Preston city centre on Saturday 10th August as part of our Preston This Summer offer.

For further information about Without Walls, its network of touring festivals, performances and dates, visit www.withoutwalls.uk.com
For further information about Lancashire Encounter festival visit www.lancsencounter.co.uk

Nottingham News

A £115,000 upgrade of Retford Railway Station is on track to smarten up one of the town’s most prominent landmarks, celebrate the surrounding area’s heritage and improve customer experience. The upgrade project is expected to be completed in the coming weeks and features a revamp of the subway to Ordsall including new LED lighting, improvements to the steps, a new surface for the tunnel footpath, repainting of the walls and new decorative panels.

Other elements of the project include new station and town centre signposts, new ‘Welcome to Retford’ signs on the platforms and in the entrance hall, and new window displays and interpretation panels that focus on Retford’s Heritage and the destinations that can be reached from Retford Station.

The multi-partner project is being funded through a £90,000 grant from LNER’s Customer and Community Investment Fund, in partnership with Bassetlaw District Council and supported by North Notts & Lincs Community Rail Partnership (NNLCRP) and Retford Civic Society. In addition, funding of £25,000 has been provided by Nottinghamshire County Council to carry out the subway improvements.

Cllr David Pidwell, Cabinet Member for Transport and Infrastructure at Bassetlaw District Council, said: “Over half a million journeys either start or finish at Retford and we are thrilled that LNER have made a substantial investment in order to improve both the look of the station and the visitor experience.”

“Visitors using the station to access the town and North Nottinghamshire will be given a sense of arrival. The improvements will also make the surrounding area safer and more appealing for local people.”
LNER’s Station Partnership Project Manager, Rachael Wilson said: “LNER is very pleased to be working with Bassetlaw District Council and other stakeholders to deliver these improvements, which we’re supporting through our Customer and Community Investment Fund. With this funding, we have been able to create a welcoming and interesting environment for customers and the local community.”

Councillor John Cottee, Chairman of Communities and Place Committee at Nottinghamshire County Council which arranged the subway and footpath improvement works, said: “The public footpath is a very useful and popular link between Ordsall and Retford town centre. “We are pleased to have played our part in providing safer and improved access at the station.
It’s great to see all the partners working together and contributing with the aim of improving facilities for both local residents and visitors to the county.”

Local community groups including the North Notts & Lincs Community Rail Partnership (NNLCRP) and Retford Civic Society have worked closely with the District Council to develop the project.

Rick Brand, Chair of the Bassetlaw Area Group, NNLCRP, added: “Retford station is a major gateway, with a fast and convenient service from London. The improvements will be welcomed by both residents and visitors, especially those coming to Mayflower Pilgrims country as we approach the 400th anniversary next year. Further enhancements are also being planned for the future, which will increase the accessibility of the station.”

Derek Turner, Chairman of Retford Civic Society, added: “This is wonderful news for the people of the Retford area, Ordsall and visitors to North Notts. We are proud to have been part of this project which enhances our heritage Railway Station as well as providing a safer environment with the upgraded tunnel. These impressive improvements will be appreciated by the growing number of rail travellers and will contribute to our vibrant and expanding economy and community.”

Lancashire News, Lancs Leisure, Lancs What's On

So here it comes… Chipping Steam Fair 2019…our 21st show!!! We’re very nearly ready to open our gates to you all, just a few final preparations to make and then once again Green Lane Show field will be a hive of activity for 3 days (Sat 25th, Sun 26th & Mon 27th May)!

If you’ve never been before then you can expect a combination of sights, sounds and smells that you only really experience here at CSF. Set in the heart of the Forest of Bowland, aka “the Switzerland of England”, with its stunning 360-degree back drop of rolling fells, woodlands and picture postcard villages it’s one of the UK’s best kept secrets. Once at the show there is literally something for everyone… if your 3 or 103, from donkey rides to the digger play pen, tea and scones to burger and chips, funfair to food hall.

The list goes on… beer tent and live music (until late Sat & Sun), gift and crafts fair, arena entertainment, live commentary of what’s on around the field, competitions and static displays, working machinery and demonstrations, awards, trophy’s and presentations, not to mention the hundreds of vintage vehicles and exhibits. Set up by Mary Harrison in 1998 who is still at the helm supported by her tenacious team of enthusiastic volunteers who work tirelessly throughout the year to put on the best show possible for their thousands of regular visitors, with all proceeds going to local charities and good causes.

Follow us on Facebook,
Instagram and Twitter
www.chippingsteamfair.com