A giant book club is about to take over the North West and St Helens is invited to join in. The Great North West Read (GNWR) transforms the region into one massive, interactive book club — and this year’s chosen read is Phaedra Patrick’s charming novel, The Library of Lost and Found.

Now in its second year, the GNWR’s goal is to be the North West’s largest community read and is supported by public libraries from Cheshire to Cumbria. It is a wonderful opportunity to bring readers in the North West together through online and in-person book discussions. Taking inspiration from Phaedra’s own love of libraries, the story tells of volunteer librarian Martha Storm, who finds a mysterious book of fairy tales. Within its pages lies a surprising dedication that stirs up family secrets and sparks her own emotional journey of discovery.

During November Phaedra will visit libraries in the region, and will be at Newton-le-Willows Library on Wednesday 6 November at 2pm. Afternoon tea will be served and Phaedra will read from her book, sign copies, answer questions and share stories about her journey to becoming a best-selling author. The event is free but places must be booked by contacting Newton-le-Willows Library on 01744 677885 or email newtonlewillowslibrary@sthelens.gov.uk.

Phaedra said: “As a child, I used to visit my local library in Oldham and dream that one day my own book would sit on the shelves. The Library of Lost and Found celebrates the power of stories and I’m delighted it’s been selected as the 2019 Great North West Read.”

Councillor Anthony Burns, St Helens Council’s Cabinet Member for Public Health, Leisure and Libraries, said: “The Great North West Read is a great time to visit our libraries and get involved, and I’m proud to welcome best-selling author Phaedra Patrick to St Helens to discuss her life and works.”
Sue Lawson, who leads Time to Read, said: “The novel received huge support from librarians who enjoyed this warm-hearted story. We believe it’s a fantastic choice to engage adult readers across the region and it’s sure to touch the lives of those who participate.”

Readers are also encouraged to get involved on social media using the hashtag #GNWR.

As Andrew and Karen reflect on the success enjoyed by The Riverside Deli in Barrowford in 2018, they can feel more than satisfied. When the business opened more than a year ago, it was about much more than simply showcasing the wonderful flavours of plant based foods and their many exciting possibilities. They wanted to introduce these delicious dishes to everyone and challenge the stereotypes about the limited choice and versatility of plant based ingredients. And it is mission accomplished. Last year, we all became more aware of the potential harm our conventional eating habits and meat consumption could cause to the planet.

While that didn’t mean countless numbers turning to a plant based diet (although there has been a sharp rise due to the recent publicity and documentary’s), it did alert us to the benefits of a plant based diet. For those committed to such dietary or lifestyle changes this new year, The Riverside Deli is the perfect destination. Despite being a store committed to the vegan principles upon which it was established, it certainly isn’t a ‘vegan only’ venue! Whatever your dietary balance, you are welcome to find out more about potential alternatives and their nutritional benefits. It’s also ideal for anyone with vegan friends or family members.

Thanks to its range of products, you’re sure to find a birthday or anniversary gift that wouldn’t be available on the high street. The Riverside specialises in takeaway food of exceptional quality, including wraps, stews, curries and sandwiches, all of which demonstrate the incredible range of options available using only plant based ingredients. And it’s not just the quality and taste that has attracted customers from across Lancashire and beyond; more and more people are discovering that plant based foods are healthier, more filling, and don’t leave them feeling bloated.

This year we have also gone into partnership with just eat offering a unique vegan street food range delivered stright to your door. In addition to its extensive range of foods and ingredients, 2019 will see the introduction of 5 events licences, allowing The Riverside Deli to sell vegan beers, wines and spirits. on selected dates throughout the year. Ingredients and products are sourced locally wherever possible. All packaging is biodegradable or recyclable. Importantly, both Andrew and Karen hold university degrees in the related fields of food science and the health sciences respectively, so they can answer questions about the dishes and ingredients in-store. This knowledge is what sets them apart from others in the field, helping them to develop a genuine relationship of trust with their customers.

Alongside its mouth watering food, The Riverside’s vegan beauty care products from Tropic proved to be another exceptionally popular range among customers in 2018. This demand is likely to continue into 2019 too, with the new clothing and accessories
– all made using only natural materials
– also gathering rapid momentum.

This range includes innovations such as T-shirts made from recycled natural fabrics, and a stunning range of leaf leather shoulder bags, wallets and purses. In addition to the tropic and leaf leather products, this years xmas range includes a variety of chocolate products, rum & traditional minced pies, turkey style roasts, nut roats in three fabulous flavours, salt lamps and lanterns (perfect alternative gift) not forgetting our dairy free advent calendars. 131 Gisburn Rd, Barrowford, Nelson BB9 6EP – 07484 776299

Christmas is the most wonderful time of the year in Chorley with so much to check out that you’ll never want the celebrations and Christmas cheer to end. There’s everything from Chorley’s very-own Winter Wonderland to festive market stalls to lots of independent shops for unique Christmas presents, cheeky elves, Christmas crafts and not forgetting opportunities to meet the main man – Father Christmas!

Get your skates on this Christmas and glide, pirouette and whirl across Chorley’s real ice rink and then enjoy some festive drinks in Betty’s Tipi when they return as part of Chorley’s fantastically festive winter wonderland on Cleveland Street in Chorley town centre.