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Lancashire News

Lancashire News

Trinity provides Secure English Language Tests (SELTs) across the UK. SELTs are taken by people who need to demonstrate their English language level for the purpose of obtaining British Citizenship, Settlement or a visa for work or study.

The SELTs Trinity offer are:
GESE: Graded Examinations in Spoken English – approved for British Citizenship, Settlement and visa applications
A 6 minute (A1), 7 minute (A2), or 10 minute (B1) one-to-one speaking and listening test

ISE: Integrated Skills in English – approved for Tier 1, Tier 2 and Tier 4 visa applications. A contemporary four-skills qualification testing reading, writing, speaking and listening

For Trinity’s GESE exams, candidates receive provisional results on the same day and certificates are usually sent within 7 days. For Trinity’s ISE exams, results/certificates are usually sent within 21 days. To help prepare for Trinity’s SELTs we have a wide range of free learning resources and sample papers at trinitycollege.com/SELT. Click on an exam level to view sample videos to see what the exam is like, download preparation activities and Trinity’s exam information booklets which include the language requirements that the examiner is looking for.

Organisations in the UK that offer preparation courses for people who want to take a Trinity SELT can also be viewed online. Trinity has 10 SELT centres across the UK with tests available up to 7 days a week in Belfast, Birmingham, Cardiff, Glasgow, Leeds, London Croydon, London Hammersmith, London Holborn, Manchester and Peterborough. Information about the SELTs offered by Trinity can be found at trinitycollege.com/SELT or call us on 0333 358 3183.

Lancashire News, Lancs Health & Care

Throughout May, Helping Hands Home Care celebrated the company’s 30th birthday. The family-run company has been providing quality care for three decades and celebrated with the help of two of the company’s longest standing customers.

To commemorate this milestone, Chairman Tim Lee visited Julie and Jean, two customers who have collectively received care from Helping Hands for nearly 40 years.

Customer Julie with her carer Mandy, receiving a thank you card from Helping Hands

Jean, a Helping Hands customer for 23 years, and Julie who has received both live-in and visiting care over the past 16 years was visited by Tim, Area Manager Joanne Broderick and their respective visiting carers. Mandy Baylis has been supporting Julie for the full 16 years that she has been with Helping Hands and said: “It’s been an absolute pleasure looking after Julie all these years. She’s a wonderful lady and we have a great relationship. “Our visits are more like a catch up between old friends than care.

I see first-hand the benefit she feels by having someone there to support her; it means the world to her that she can be independent at home.” Tim Lee said:

“We are absolutely thrilled to be celebrating our 30th year and I am so proud that we are now considered one of the nation’s leading providers in home care.” Later this year, the company will open its one hundredth branch, enabling even more people to remain in the comforts of their own home – regardless of age, disability or geographical area. Tim concluded: “It’s a fantastic achievement and we couldn’t think of a more fitting way to mark this special year by spending time with two of our most loyal customers.”

Chairman Tim, visiting carer Mandy and longstanding customer Julie together in Julie’s home

Helping Hands, now going in to its thirty first year is able to provide both live-in and visiting support across Lancashire, and the management team in the area will be very happy to support you.

For more information on the support that Helping Hands can offer please visit our website: www.helpinghands.co.uk or find your local page on Facebook.

Lancashire News, Lancs Health & Care

Save the date, Sunday 14th July, it’s the 28th annual Disability Awareness Day at Walton Hall Gardens, and it’s set to be a cracker. More than 25,000 visitors are expected to attend this year’s DAD, the world’s largest not-for-profit, voluntary-led, pan-disability exhibition, which will once again be hosted at Walton Hall Gardens. Organisers Warrington Disability Partnership is proud to announce their new joint principal sponsors, Expanse Learning Group and Harry Fairclough Construction.

A huge tented village will house over 220 exhibitors – including equipment suppliers; transport; holidays; leisure and employment providers; and support groups and services – is set to attract visitors to travel from all over the UK and beyond. Inclusive Arts is just one of the highlights, plus a free fully accessible Sports Zone with have-a-go events, and a main arena and children’s rides and entertainment.

Checkout the website for details on the free accessible Park and Ride service, plus a free bus service from Warrington Bus Interchange, British Sign Language (BSL) interpreters, scooter / wheelchair loans. The big day on Sunday 14th July from 10am to 5pm – will be a fitting finale to a week comprising a variety of complementary daytime and evening events to savour, including:

Tuesday 9th July 6.15pm – 9.30pm Frogtastic in the Park – Arts Marquee, Walton Gardens: Featuring fantastic Tribute Artists ‘Robbie Williams / UB40 / The 80’s & Swing’ plus special guests including DJ’s from the famous Frogtastic Club Night. Come and enjoy a great evening of Live Music, Dance Floor and Licenced Bar, bring your own food. Advanced Tickets £6.00 call 07875 142233 or online at www.ldok.net/shop, £8 on the door.  

Wednesday 10th July 7pm – 10pm – “Ella’s Summer Time Special” – Arts Marquee, Walton Gardens: The Ella Performance Group, one of the UK’s leading inclusive drama groups will be performing thrilling and entertaining songs from their recent productions. Adult tickets £8.00 and children’s tickets £5.00 from The Ella Team on 01928 713877 or Kate 01925 240064.

Thursday 11th July 6pm- 9.30pm – Children’s Party in the Park – Arts Marquee, Walton Gardens: Warrington Wolves Foundation & Warrington Disability Partnership present a fun filled evening for disabled children/young people, their families and friends. Sports, Arts, Dance, chill out and fun areas. Free admission: Contact Craig 01925 248894.

Friday 12th July. 7.30pm – 11.30pm DAD Mega Quiz Night, Charity Auction with Hot Food, Arts Marquee, Walton Gardens: Teams of up to 8 people, hundreds of £’s worth of prizes, fun quiz, great food, licensed bar and a charity auction. Tickets £8.00 (includes hot food). Contact Kate on 01925 240064.

For more details on exhibiting or attending #DAD2019 and our ‘DAD Week’ events, please contact Warrington Disability Partnership on 01925 240064 or visit www.disabilityawarenessday.org.uk

Lancashire News, Lancs Health & Care

Staff working for Personal Care Services Limited are going the extra mile to make a difference for their clients.

For a team from Personal Care Services Limited will walk 27.2 miles along the canal from Liverpool to Parbold in a strenuous fund-raiser.

A team of 30 walkers is made up of staff from the Skelmersdale-based firm, which provides domiciliary and palliative care across Wigan and other parts of the North West, along with family, friends and staff from Wigan Council.

Every year the firm supports a charity that helps their clients in some way and this time employees will raise for money Breast Cancer Care.

The team at PCS Personal Care Services Ltd are not shy of getting dressed up, getting mucked in and raising awareness and funds for amazing causes … Despite how silly they may look!

This Event will not be of any exception, as even the male employees, husbands, family members and friends will all walk just over a marathon length of 27.2 miles dressed as Pink Fairies.

The planned route will take in the Leeds-Liverpool Canal, the starting point will be the end of the canal in Liverpool and will walk alongside the canal through to The Wayfarer Parbold where the pink fairies will enjoy some well deserved cold beverages and food.

Personal Care Services have set a target of £100 per mile, hence the rather specific goal amount and are hoping everyone will get behind them and sponsor the walk!

If you would like to join the walk, you can Reserve your Spot on their Facebook Event. This Event is open to the public and anyone that would like to join will be kindly requested to make a small donation to help raise funds for this amazing charity.

If you can’t join but would like to show some support, you can sponsor the walkers by donating via our their JustGiving Page.

Donate Here – https://www.justgiving.com/fundrais…/pcspersonalcareservices

Lancashire News, Lancs Health & Care

one inspirational Blackburn couple have shared their experiences to help encourage more people to consider giving a child a loving and stable home. At the age of 70, retired caretaker Frank Tomlinson and his wife Bernie, could well be forgiven for wanting to put their feet-up and enjoy a slower-paced retired lifestyle. But the Tomlinsons say they wouldn’t have it any other way and fostering is one of the “best things they’ve ever done”. Marking the start of Fostering Fortnight, Bernie and Frank are sharing their story to help others consider making a difference to vulnerable children and young people who cannot live with their families.

And whilst becoming ‘empty nest’ foster carers certainly isn’t without its stresses, Bernie says it has quite simply transformed their lives. The inspiring couple are currently caring for a seven-month-old baby, her four-year-old sister and a 15-year-old boy.

I honestly think it’s the best thing we’ve ever done,’ says Bernie, who has four children of her own and 10 grandchildren. ‘It makes us feel young and has definitely brought us closer together as a couple. Seeing the change in the children is just so rewarding when you get them into a routine you see them thrive.

Bernie said: We had one little lad who wouldn’t come out from behind the settee at first, very quickly he changed and became a lovely, confident little boy because of the support and encouragement we gave him, for some children they’ve just never had that.

For Bernie it was a natural thing to do, having spent her earlier career working as a childminder, she was asked to look after a child in foster care whilst the child’s grandmother continued to work. I’ve always fancied it and it didn’t take long to convince Frank either, Bernie recalled.

The couple have been fostering for 15 years and have looked after almost 40 babies, toddlers and teenagers. There’s never a dull moment in this house,” said Frank, who spent 20 years working at Blackburn College. “It definitely keeps you busy, active and your brain working that’s for sure. It was good for our son too, he showed real maturity and empathy and the children related to him as he was closer to their age.

There are many different types of fostering, from providing part time respite care to full-time fostering arrangements.

Director of Children’s Services Jayne Ivory said:
What’s important is not age, but the ability to provide love, stability and security, as well as having a strong motivation to foster. There’s a need for all types of foster carers, particularly for teenagers, sibling groups and disabled children but recently we’ve seen an increase the number of babies needing carers. We need to recruit an extra 30 foster carers over the next twelve months.

Jayne added:
Foster carers have the capacity to help children who have had a bad start in life overcome their early life traumas, and as such they help improve children’s outcomes in the most significant way. There are many different types of fostering from long-term fostering, often until a child is 21. Others may prefer the idea of shorter-term care, including short-breaks care, emergency care (where you might get a call in the middle of the night because of a home alone situation) or short-term care (where a single parent might need to go into hospital or someone might be waiting to be adopted). You can also specialise, for example in, neonatal care, children with disabilities or mother and baby placements.

Approved foster carers receive a generous allowance, full training package and ongoing support is provided with a strong foster carer network to share experiences with.

Lancashire News

Proposals for 28 large, luxury residential apartments and a first of its kind 11,500 sq ft rooftop terrace at Barrow House have been approved for planning permission today by award winning developer, Luxor Group. Barrow House, which is located on the corner of Claughton Street and Barrow Street in St Helens, was purchased by Luxor Group towards the end of 2018 and details of its transformation into Nicholson Plaza and Nicholson Place have now been announced. The latest project, adjacent to the recently completed Nicholson House development, will spearhead the urban-led regeneration of St Helens’ newest neighbourhood, nestled in the professional quarter of the town centre.

Phase A of this groundbreaking project will be known as Nicholson Plaza. It will comprise 12 modern one bedroom apartments, with the largest apartment being a sizable 68 sq m. This is set to be completed by summer 2019.

Phase B will be known as Nicholson Place. This will be made up of 14 one bedroom apartments and two spacious two bedroom apartments, which is earmarked for completion at the beginning of 2020. A selection of the apartments in this phase will benefit from breath-taking floor to ceiling windows. Topping off this landmark development, Luxor Group has detailed plans for a private rooftop terrace, a first of its kind for the borough. Offering residents 11,500 sq ft of outdoor space to enjoy with unobstructed panoramic views, it will boast landscaped gardens and relaxing seating areas for tenants of both Nicholson Plaza and Nicholson Place.

The 34,500 sq. ft. former office building also includes basement and ground floor commercial space which is fully let by local businesses MD Productions, The Dean Champagne Bar and Restaurant and Laguna Tanning. Paul Nicholson, CEO of Luxor Group, said: “We’re pleased to submit our ambitious plans for Barrow House. This building has a lot of potential which we are keen to unleash. We will be adding to our usual impressive specification with modern touches such as Wi-Fi wall heaters which can be managed from a mobile phone app. The CGI visuals speak for themselves in illustrating our vision for the building.

“The success of Nicholson Lofts and Nicholson House and the continued demand for our product has fuelled our ambition for town centre development and we are looking to fulfil this gap in the market. We are in discussions to secure other buildings to fulfil our project pipeline and hope that our future plans can come to fruition through our aggressive acquisition programme. “St Helens Council has been supportive with all of our developments so far and we hope with their backing, we can deliver both of the schemes on time. There is a variety of investment coming into St Helens which is giving it a great buzz and will change the landscape of the local economy for the better.” Paul adds:

“We have already secured tenants for all of the commercial units at this mixed use scheme, which shows there is confidence in the town centre for fellow entrepreneurs to invest. We are determined for St Helens’ high street to flourish and providing some more much needed footfall in the town centre can only be a positive step.” The developer has also submitted plans for change of use at Unit 4 Nicholson House (previously part of Keith Park Solicitors which occupies Unit 3) and will now function as the resident’s concierge desk, giving Luxor Group physical high-street presence in the town centre and showing its commitment to both residents and to St Helens town centre.

An animation and full specification of Nicholson Plaza and Nicholson Place can be found at: www.nicholsonwa10.com, where you can also reserve an apartment and see its progress develop with weekly and personal construction updates for the tenant which reserves thie new luxury home.

Lancashire News, Lancs What's On

The National Festival of Making has just revealed its food and drink line-up for 2019 and it’s enough to make your stomach rumble!

Vendors from right across the North West will turn out to Blackburn’s biggest event of the year over the weekend of 15 and 16 June. With top food and drink being the essential ingredient of any award-winning event, festival organisers have signed up renowned culinary producers to tickle the taste buds of its 40,000 visitors. From pear drop liqueur to Hanky Panky Pancakes and delicious homemade pies, there’ll be something to suit almost every palate and the Taste Lancashire marquee will be back for a second year too.

The line-up includes:
Shirley’s Pies – tasty, homemade, traditional pies
Ginger’s Comfort Emporium – piles and piles of decadent puddings
Hanky Panky Pancakes – syrup smothered, stacked pancakes
Sleazy Tiger – South Indian thalis, street food the way it’s eaten in Kerala
Wah Wahs – deep fried Mexican churros, hot chocolate and spicy treats
Pie Mezzanae – the famous Lancashire-baked pies with surprising twists
Belgian Waffle Tuk – does what it says on the tin – delicious Belgian waffles!
Chicken Little – crispy, tender chicken pieces served from a cute tuk tuk
Burger and Lobster Brothers – doing what they do very well, this is the place for burgers and lobster
Deli Delite – festival regulars bringing the spice with their curries and wraps
Nasi Lemak Manchester – absolutely irresistible, authentic Malaysian dishes to savour
Wignalls Yallo – Rapeseed oil from Standish Hall Farm
Batch Gin – multi award winning gin made in Burnley
The Bee Centre – honey products from Lancashire bees
Bowland Food Hall at Holmes Mill – a selection of what’s on offer regularly at the popular foodie destination
Bowland Brewery – described as ales of outstanding natural beauty, brewed in the picturesque heart of Lancashire
Cuckoo Gin – gin made on a farm in Brindle
Calyx Drinks – soft drinks made from flowers in Burnley
Heritage Kitchen – chutneys, relishes and marmalades made in Bacup
Black Powder Gin – gin distilled at Preece Hall Estate, Preston
Mr Fitzpatricks – vintage cordials produced in Rossendale
Our Paula’s – flavoured butters produced in Chorley
Hoyle Bottom Spirits – producing Tinker Brook Gin
Nowt Poncy – low sugar/healthy cooking sauces from Rossendale
Panache Natural Flavour Infusions – producing flavour infusions, an ingredient popular with budding and expert mixologists
Love Cheesecakes – handcrafted cheesecakes from Poulton
Pretzel and Spelt, Bolton – Bavarian goodies and Alpine bakes from Bolton
Ripplehead Ices – a traditional ice cream van
The festival, sponsored by Blackburn with Darwen Council, scooped Best Non-Music Festival at the UK Festival Awards as well as Visit Lancashire’s Large Event of the Year.
Stretching right across the town centre, there’s fun for all the family with everything from workshops to a BBC stage, live music, works from national and international artists, a Maker’s Market, street food, performances, tours and talks.
For more information, visit: www.festivalofmaking.co.uk

Lancashire News, Lancs What's On

A historically vacant area in a Greater Manchester shopping centre that was transformed into a hub of culture over the weekend saw an increased footfall of more than 2,000 people.

The upper floor of The Galleries shopping centre in Wigan town centre was completely re-imagined as part of Wigan Council’s launch of #TheFireWithin – a new manifesto outlining the borough’s focus on arts and culture over the next five years. On Saturday 11th May, 11am-4pm, six vacant units in The Galleries were opened to the public once more and were completely transformed from shells to bright, vibrant and open rooms with interactive displays, performances and exhibitions. Footfall figures show an increase of more than 2,000 people in comparison to the previous Saturday.

Wigan Council hosted the event in partnership with cultural organisations and internationally renowned artists Al Holmes and Al Taylor, who also live in the borough.

The social event is in line with the local authority’s plans to revitalise the shopping centre, connect new audiences to culture, showcase talent and create exciting, diverse units for the town centre.
Chief executive of the council, Alison McKenzie-Folan said: “On behalf of the council I’d like to thank everybody who came to #TheFireWithin Festival at the weekend.

“We worked really closely with Al and Al plus a range of different cultural organisations to host a fresh, creative and ground-breaking event to inspire people to engage with arts and culture in our town. “It’s been a great success and we now look forward to the next five years where we will explore the five themes outlined in our borough-wide manifesto, which was created in partnership with local people.

“Culture is a driver in reducing social isolation and in improving health and wellbeing. Increasing cultural activity, seeking investment and putting resource into cultural activity is a key priority for us. “This work will help to position Wigan Borough as a culturally thriving district in the North West and will provide fantastic economic benefits as we know that culture plays a big part in regenerating areas. “We do have a significant cultural offer in Wigan Borough but now The Fire Within has officially launched, we have something much more inclusive that will inspire residents and visitors alike to choose our town over cities like Manchester and Liverpool.
“And it’s already happening. Artists and groups are heading to our borough because we’re ready to be bold and ambitious.”

The event saw a headline performance from local band, LYNCHS, and further performances from WigLe Dance, singer Zack Carpenter, poet Louise Fazackerley, Wigan’s 50-piece orchestra, soundscape artist Overload and many more.

There were also a range of works open for viewing from the council’s archived items to local artist creations. Some of the works included a taxidermy display, a simulated total eclipse and a world exclusive exhibition of Theodore Major’s paintings that were created in the final year of his life surrounded by coal slagheaps.

Residents and shoppers were excited to see a buzz in the shopping centre, describing the event as ‘fantastic’ and explaining how they are ‘happy to see the shops so full and empty spaces being used for something so different.’ A number of high-profile movers and shakers in the cultural world have also expressed their support for the event and the council’s plan for the future. Sacha Lord, night time economy advisor for Greater Manchester came to the event. Afterwards he tweeted: “The Fire Within is fantastic. Go and support it. You can spend hours there and it’s free! Extra bonus the car park was free on a Saturday (others take note). Huge congrats.”

Stuart Maconie, Wiganer, broadcast presenter and journalist also attended. He tweeted: “This by Al and Al is the most inspirational and exciting thing to do with my home town in decades, go and find out more at The Galleries, Wigan.” Darren Henley OBE, chief executive of Arts Council England took to The Fire Within’s brand new emoji stage at the beginning of the event and spoke to attendees.

He said “I love the sense of ambition the sense of possibility and opportunity. Looking at some of the plans for the town centre, I thought, this is going to be brilliant, and then coming in here [The Galleries] and hearing all of the stories and all of the things you’re planning is absolutely brilliant.” He concluded by saying:

“The Arts Council will support this borough. We want to invest in Wigan.”
Al and Al, who managed the event and all of the performances said: “This has been an intense, immense and amazing process. We’ve worked really closely with the council to host this event and although we have led on installations across the world, this has to be one of the best installation teams we have worked with. “The process of making this show happen has been a dream and we have worked with people who have gone above and beyond their usual day job to make this happen. Everybody is an artist, including the taskforce who have been involved in this work and the council employees who have built the staging and transformed the space.”
The cultural manifesto was created following extensive consultation with residents through The Deal 2030 survey where local people had their say on what they want to see in the borough’s future.

The survey outcomes were clear in that residents wanted to take part in more social and cultural activities locally and they wanted to celebrate the borough’s heritage.

Lancashire News, Lancs What's On

Blackpool’s Armed Forces Week is back with an uplifting programme of events and entertainment to honour the nation’s military personnel of the past, present and future. Armed Forces Week is Blackpool’s opportunity to say thank you to our heroes. Since 2006, we have been celebrating the event annually, and it now forms an integral part of VisitBlackpool’s events calendar.

From 24–30 June, Blackpool will come together to welcome serving military personnel, veterans and cadets, with a wide range of activities designed for them and their families, as well as the many thousands of people visiting the resort.

Here are some of the events!
Armed Forces Week Flag Raising Ceremony
24 June 2019 (10:00)
Blackpool Armed Forces Week officially begins with the raising of the Armed Forces Day Flag above the Town Hall. Free to attend so please come and join us.

Music for Heroes
24 June 2019 (18:00)
Blackpool says thank you to the Armed Forces with this musical extravaganza in Blackpool’s Grand Theatre. The theatre will host a night of free music, comedy and live performance with a full programme of entertainment. To get your free tickets now, book online or in person at the Blackpool Grand Theatre, or at the VisitBlackpool Tourist Information Centre on the Promenade. Please note a booking fee of £2 applies to all tickets.

Viva Vegas Variety Cabaret Showtime Afternoon
25 June 2019 (12:00)
Join us at Viva, Blackpool’s very own Vegas show venue for an afternoon of entertainment and variety followed by a quiz and bingo! Serving personnel and veterans get 25% off ticket prices – discounts apply so check for details. To claim the offer, quote AFW2019 when booking. To book, please call the Viva Box Office on 01253 297297 or call in!

Armed Forces Week Afternoon Tea Dance
26 June 2019 (10:00 – 17:00)
The Mighty Wurlitzer will play at an Armed Forces themed afternoon tea dance in the magnificent surroundings of Blackpool’s famous Tower Ballroom. Entry to the Blackpool Tower Ballroom is £9.95 and entry with Afternoon Tea is £17.00. Tickets are available from The Blackpool Tower Box Office and the event is open to all.

National Armed Forces Day
29 June 2019 (10:00 – 16:00)
Enjoy a full day of entertainment at Blackpool’s Stanley Park to celebrate Armed Forces Day. A number of vintage and modern day military vehicles will form a static display in the Italian Gardens, including the Lytham St Anne’s Spitfire Ground Display Team. A Royal Navy Wildcat Helicopter from 815 Naval Air Squadron will be in attendance, and you can cheer on local military cadet forces as they battle it out for the Armed Forces Week trophy in a series of challenges!

Come and see what other stands and displays are on offer including military associations, local military cadet units, decommissioned military items for all to view, with fun and games for all the family!

Armed Forces Day Military Concert
29 June 2019 (19:30)
Armed Forces Day is brought to a rousing finale with a full, live concert by the Band & Corps of Drums of The Royal Regiment of Fusiliers (Lancashire) at the Norbreck Castle Hotel. Tickets are free, and are available from the Norbreck Castle Hotel and VisitBlackpool Tourist Information Centre.

Sunday Morning Service and Parade
30 June 2019 (From 10:30)
Blackpool comes together to honour and unite Britain’s Armed Forces past, present and future. Attending the service will be veteran’s associations, cadets, serving military as well as their friends, families and associates. Everyone is welcome to the service of appreciation that takes place within the grounds of Blackpool grade II listed War Memorial on Blackpool Promenade next to North Pier.

In addition to these events, the hugely popular “Going to the Flicks” event returns to the Odeon Cinema throughout the week, as local schoolchildren take part in the project to see a specially commissioned education film to show what happened in Blackpool during WWI and WWII. Current serving tri-service military personnel and veterans will bein attendance to participate in a Q&A.

On 27 June, Coral Island will play host, offering veterans and their families this generous invitation to dine out and enjoy a free carvery. Tickets are free but advance booking is essential. Proof of service required (MOD 90 or Veterans Badge, subject to availability). A £5.00 per person deposit is required and fully refundable upon arrival. Bookings are open from 10/06/2019 on 01253 922182.

On 28 June, the Service of Dedication at the Fylde Memorial Arboretum will take place to commemorate our Armed Forces and veterans while the evening sees what many veterans consider the highlight of the week, the Grand Gala Dinner at the Norbreck Castle Hotel. Following the formalities there will be a raffle and then entertainment from a top-class cabaret line-up and band. Tickets are £19.75 per person and to book, call 01253 352341.
The week ends with the annual Blackpool Taxi Pull on 30 June at the Blackpool Cenotaph on Blackpool Promenade near North Pier. The event sees local cabbies show off their strength to raise money for Armed Forces charities. Following this a barbeque will be held at the Guards Club for serving personnel and veterans of the Fylde Coast post service and parade. Admission to the Guards Club is free, with 50% discount on food for all uniformed regular service personnel.

Councillor Simon Blackburn, Leader of Blackpool Council, said: “Armed Forces Week is back for 2019 for another week-long of activities and events to celebrate our Armed Forces past, present and future.

“We invite visitors and residents alike to join in the celebrations for this annual event which gets bigger and better each year.”

The full programme for Armed Forces Week, and more details about individual events, news and tickets, go to www.visitblackpool.com/armedforces

Lancashire News, Lancs Health & Care

A new business offering healthy meals, snacks and shakes to-go for those keen to shed some pounds ahead of the summer months. Health Hut North West, based on Market St in Wigan town centre, is preparing for its official opening on Saturday 4th May following support from Wigan Council’s invest in Wigan team. The healthy eatery is predominantly a take-out service but does have limited seating available.

Darren Maxfield and Ben Moore from Orrell and Pemberton respectively, have always had aspirations of running their own business and last year, they made their dream a reality.

After the duo contacted the council, they successfully applied for £2,000 from the authority’s Business Booster pot and were put in touch with the Business Growth Hub who also offered start-up business support. Speaking of this partnership working, Darren said: “Contacting the Invest in Wigan Team was one of the best decisions we made. The support we have had from them has been instrumental in getting us to the position where we are today. We cannot thank Wigan Council enough for believing in our idea and supporting us every step of the way.”

The launch will have live music, free food samples and guest appearances from the world of Super League. Darren added: “We are really looking forward to the opening and are very proud to open our business in our home town.

“We have always had an interest in health and nutrition. Our aim is to provide high quality food that is healthy and good value. We are committed to establishing ourselves as a business with a good reputation making the healthy option the easy option.” Health Hut NW is now one of almost 400 companies now signed up to Wigan Council’s Deal for Business, which is a relationship between the council and local businesses to work together to build a stronger borough.

In return for local business people working with the community and supporting council initiatives, the council can provide financial support, training guidance and help with the legalities of running a company.
Tricia Evans, economic development service manager at Wigan Council said: “It’s our job to inspire people to step out of their comfort zone and help them create a business that is relevant, sustainable and most importantly, successful.

“Developing skills in local people, inspiring young people from the borough to think about a range of careers and encouraging people to work and invest in Wigan Borough are key priorities for us. “We look forward to continuing to support Health Hut on their journey and strive to help even more people make their ambition a reality.”