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Lancashire News

The winner of the Ribble Valley Open exhibition 2019 has been chosen, and will have his work exhibited at Clitheroe Castle Museum next year.
Darwen artist Dave Gudgeon has won the main Selectors’ Choice award for his painting ‘Back Road to Clitheroe’. Dave’s work will be showcased next year in the Steward’s Gallery.

The annual Ribble Valley Open exhibition is an opportunity for local amateur and professional artists to submit work on a given theme. This year the exhibition was been inspired by the Pendle Hill Landscape Partnership and artists were challenged to produce work to reflect their personal interpretation of ‘Pendle Life’.

Visitors to the exhibition can still vote in The People’s Choice category and the winning artist will be announced in October. A visitor who has voted for the winning artist will be chosen at random to receive a prize. County Councillor Peter Buckley, Lancashire County Council’s cabinet member for community and cultural services, said: “I’m sure visitors will be impressed by the high quality of Dave’s work. “His work is very compelling. He is a worthy winner, and is no stranger to success in this competition as he won it a few years ago.

“Over 30 local artists entered this year. Although their work demonstrated many different styles of art, they all focussed on the heritage, landscape and the people of Pendle. The artists used a variety of techniques to convey their own ideas on this theme.

“I’m looking forward to seeing more of Dave’s work next year. “Our annual Open Art exhibition really does give local artists a chance to show their skill and creativity.” Dave Gudgeon said: “I’m delighted to have won. I love to paint, and this year’s theme of an area close to my heart really got my creative juices flowing. “I really am over the moon and this has really inspired me to carry on painting.” The second prize was won by Langho artist Peter Hopwood for his painting ‘Pendle Hill from Moor Lane, Langho.’
The current Ribble Valley Open Art Exhibition runs until 30 September, and all of the artwork featured is for sale.

The Steward’s Gallery is open daily from 11am to 4pm and admission to the exhibition within the Steward’s Gallery part of Clitheroe Castle is free.
Admission to Clitheroe Castle Museum is £4.50 for adults, £3.40 for concessions. Young people up to 18 go free. Children up to the age of 12 must be accompanied.

Limited disabled parking is available at the museum. Parking is also available on car parks in the town centre.
For more information please phone 01200 424568 or email clitheroecastle@lancashire.gov.uk
Alternatively, please visit http://www.lancashire.gov.uk/museumswww.lancashire.gov.uk/museums
Clitheroe Castle Museum is managed by Lancashire County Council’s museum service, on behalf of Ribble Valley Borough Council.

Nottingham News

If your child is due to start secondary school in September 2020, you can apply from now until the closing date, Thursday 31 October 2019.
Nottinghamshire residents need to apply to Nottinghamshire County Council even if their preferred schools are in other areas such as Nottingham City or Derbyshire.

Nottinghamshire County Council’s service director for education, learning and skills, Marion Clay, said: “It probably seems no time at all since parents were looking for a reception place for their child and deciding which schools to apply for.

“However, if a child is about to start in Year 6 at primary school, it’s time to think about applying for a secondary school place for next September.
“This time around it might feel more complicated because your child may have strong ideas about which secondary school they want – or don’t want – to attend, and their ideas may not be the same as yours. “The good news is that, last year, nearly 98% of families who applied for a secondary school place on time were offered one of their preferred schools. Applying within the deadline is key.”

The easiest way to apply is online at www.nottinghamshire.gov.uk/schooladmissions. Parents who apply online will receive email confirmation that their application has been received.
Parents are strongly advised to:

1) Apply on time – by Thursday, 31 October 2019. If parents do not apply on time, they substantially reduce the chances of getting a place at one of their preferred schools. Late applications will only be processed after all on-time applications. By then, the schools that parents would really like their child to attend might all be full, so the County Council will make an alternative offer of a place at a school which could be at a distance from the home address.

2) Use all 4 preferences – so that they are more likely to be offered a place at a school they are happy for their child to attend.

3) Check the admission oversubscription criteria – and include at least one school within the four preferences where their child will have high priority within the admission oversubscription criteria and will therefore be most likely to get a place. Information about the criteria can be found on the Council’s website. All secondary schools in Nottinghamshire are now own admission authority schools and have their own oversubscription criteria – this can vary from school to school.

4) Include other relevant information – in the application, parents should mention any information which may affect how the admission oversubscription criteria are applied. They should also tell the Council if they are moving house as this may affect how their application is considered. It is important to read the relevant sections in Admissions to schools: Guide for parents 2020/21, which can be found: www.nottinghamshire.gov.uk/admissions.

The Council’s committee chairman for Children and Young People’s Services, Councillor Philip Owen, stressed the importance of applying on time and using all four preferences: “We cannot stress strongly enough the importance of applying on time and identifying four preferences.
If you apply late or only list one preference you may substantially reduce the chances of getting your child into your preferred school.
Last year, of those families that were not successful for any of their preferences, 58.4% had expressed only one preference.”

Secondary school offers will be made on Monday, 2 March 2020. If parents apply online an email will be sent on this day if they have opted to receive an email outcome. All online applicants can log in to the online application service to view the outcome of their application. For parents who apply by telephone or by completing a paper application, the outcome of preferences will be posted second class on Monday, 2 March 2020. For more information about the application process, schools, the number of places available or how places are allocated, please visit the website at www.nottinghamshire.gov.uk/admissions or call 0300 500 80 80.

Lancashire News

When it comes to keeping the borough tidy, Blackburn with Darwen’s volunteers have bags of enthusiasm! And there’s now a small army of them pounding the streets with the figure recently topping the 1,000 mark!
Many are part of the Keep Blackburn Tidy and Keep Darwen Tidy groups – offering daily support through their network and busy Facebook pages. Others simply applied through the Lancashire Volunteer Partnership and take pride in making a real difference to their borough. They’re all part of the Red Bag Revolution – named after the distinctive bags they fill with litter.

Councillor Jim Smith, Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council’s Executive Member for Environmental Services, said: What an incredible achievement to top 1,000 volunteers for the Keep It Tidy initiative in our borough. These volunteers are out come rain or shine helping to make Blackburn with Darwen a better place to live and what a difference they’re truly making!
You only have to drive down the street and you often see a red bag left next to a council bin – chances are that the red bag will have been filled by a volunteer giving up their own time.

We’re proud of each and every one of them and can’t thank them enough for their efforts. As part of a drive to encourage volunteering, the council offers a free kit to help residents get started. It includes a littler picker, red and clear bags, gloves, a first aid kit and even a bag of tea bags as a small thank-you.

Councillor Smith added:
These volunteers are a shining example of the council’s Your Call initiative working at it’s very best. The scheme is designed to help encourage and support residents to volunteer in many different ways right across the area with lots of opportunities available. The volunteers tell us that they feel a real sense of pride in what they’re doing and there’s significant health and wellbeing benefits too.

They’re supported by our own dedicated Environment Team who themselves are passionate about making a difference to the borough. Amongst their many activities, The Keep Darwen and Keep Blackburn Tidy groups organise regular litter picks and play an active part in reporting waste issues from around the borough.

They also help to recycle – separating much of the litter they collect while also educating and encouraging their fellow residents to do the same.
You can find them by searching on Facebook. Want to get involved, https://lancsvp.org.uk/opportunities/kit/

Lancashire News

South Lakeland Leisure Village nestles amongst the rolling green countryside of the borders of the Southern Lake District and Yorkshire Dales; just five minutes away from junction 35 of the M6 and on the doorstep is the Arnside and Silverdale ‘Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The park boasts an outstanding range of five star facilities, including the delightful Waters Edge Restaurant and a state-of-the-art leisure centre which incorporates a gym, spa and indoor heated swimming pool.

For those who enjoy a spot of fishing, there is a peaceful, well stocked lake and for those who enjoy sailing, there is the option of enjoying sailing on the parks large lake. There are many wonderful places to visit nearby, including the very interesting historical halls of Leighton, Levens and Holker. There are also numerous museums, restaurants, cafes and shops at Lancaster, Kendal and Kirkby Lonsdale. And finally the Carnforth Railway Station has a fabulous coffee shop and exhibition which celebrates the David Lynch film ‘Brief Encounter’.

Call our friendly and professional Holiday Sales Team on 01524 917311 for more information or book online.

Nottingham News

Rushcliffe Borough Council have granted an application to list Lutterell Hall in West Bridgford as an Asset of Community Value (ACV).
The application made by St Giles’ Preschool, who are based at the site, means the building cannot be sold without giving a community group the opportunity to purchase it.

If a group wishes to buy Lutterell Hall, this application means they can trigger a six month period in which they are given time to raise the money to purchase the building should the authority seek to relinquish ownership of the venue. In May, the Council highlighted the need to assess the future options for the Hall, in line with the potential marketing by Nottinghamshire Police of the neighbouring West Bridgford Police Station and Community Contact Centre site. The ACV update has been announced as the Council confirmed it is set to further assess options to market the Hall after continued dialogue with Police.

This will be alongside considering any expressions of interest from community groups that then can be appraised with the options to retain Lutterell Hall for community use, as agreed at its Cabinet meeting in June.
Leader of the Council Cllr Simon Robinson said: “We are pleased to have granted this application from the preschool and welcome further expressions of interest from third parties as to the Hall’s future use or ownership.

“As we stated at our Cabinet meeting in June, a future report will consider any expressions of interest in the Hall and the outcome of marketing the site that then can be appraised alongside the options to retain it.”

Nottingham News, Notts What's On

Six exciting digital exhibits which will form an important part of the renewed Nottingham Castle visitor experience from 2021 are up for grabs for creative companies. The £30m Nottingham Castle Transformation Project, made possible thanks to a grant from The National Lottery Heritage Fund, is well underway and now a process to select companies to deliver six exciting digital projects has been launched.

These range from medieval themed interactive exhibits and games to immersive film production and more, capturing a thousand years of history and transforming it into a revolutionary modern visitor experience.
Nottingham Castle has a highly ambitious vision for the various exhibits, experiences and games, which will bring history to life for visitors. It is therefore seeking digital companies with a talent for storytelling and the ability to produce highly immersive, creative, engaging and visual experiences. It is hoped that in the initial years after reopening in 2021, Nottingham Castle will attract around 250,000 visitors annually. Any digital company involved in designing and delivering these projects can therefore expect a substantial amount of exposure and the opportunity to play a defining role in the future of Nottingham Castle.

CPU 3650 – Rebellion Films (£115k): A synced, multi-screen film experience telling stories of rebellion in Nottingham’s history. Closing date 11/09/2019.
It will be followed by an additional four opportunities which will go live on ProContract in September: Robin Hood Immersive film tender (£220k): An immersive film experience with accompanying audio soundscape that transports viewers on a journey from modern day Nottingham to the medieval world of Robin Hood. Opens w/c 02.09.19.

Gallery Screen Games tender (£180k): A series of fast-paced and challenging interactive touchscreen and tabletop games to encourage visitors to engage with the world of medieval Nottingham by playing the role of particular characters. Opens w/c 02.09.19.

Rebellion Digital Content (£70k): A series of high quality digital, explorable interactives and animations which bring to life objects in the gallery and the idea of satirical political posters, encouraging visitors to engage with these objects and concepts. Opens w/c 23.09.19.

Alabaster Carving & Salt Glazed Pottery (£30k). A series of ‘making’ stations which allow visitors to try out and learn more about the design and production techniques of alabaster carving and salt glazed pottery. Opens w/c 30.09.19.

During the tender process, digital companies will be asked to provide a company profile, detail of any relevant previous experience and a proposal for how they would design and deliver the project.

For more information, go to ProContract to register. Nigel Hawkins, Head of Culture at Nottingham City Council, said: “This is a very exciting stage in the development of the Castle Transformation Project. We are looking for the most imaginative and creative ideas from local talents and further afield who will play a defining role in the future of Nottingham Castle for years to come. “These exhibits will contribute significantly towards building the experience for our visitors as they begin to explore the site and the thousands of years of history it holds. We’re really looking forward to receiving entries and expect there to be a great deal of competition as the project continues to bring investment and opportunities into the city.” For more information, please visit https://www.nottinghamcastle.org

Lancashire News, Lancs Health & Care

A cavernous warehouse, in deepest Trafford Park, might not be on Indiana Jones’ radar but it is packed with treasure. CleanStart, an innovative social enterprise, takes in old furniture, white goods and televisions and upcycles them to near-mint condition. Some of the repaired and upcycled furniture is given away to residents of Trafford borough who may be in need, some is given to housing associations in the area as ‘starter packs’ for social tenants moving into a new home. Some, however, is sold from its warehouse at a fraction of the price you would pay in other second-hand shops, at antiques dealers or discount chains.

While the price and the quality of the upcycled furniture is attractive, it is what CleanStart does with the money you spend in the CleanStart store which makes it special. CleanStart is dedicated to providing employment opportunities, training and support for those who may find it difficult to find jobs elsewhere. These include ex-offenders, homeless people, and those with mental or physical difficulties.

As well as offering upcycled treasure, CleanStart provides contract gardening and property services to both individual clients and major companies and housing associations. This allows the employees at CleanStart to learn a wide range of skills, which they can take as they progress their careers in new jobs across Greater Manchester. But training takes money. This is where you can help. If you are clearing a house before a move, looking to get rid of some much-loved but frankly battered furniture, white goods or televisions (maybe the last two aren’t much loved…) or generally looking to declutter, ring us. And we will come to you, free of charge, and take away your furniture and other goods you are looking to donate.

We will turn your unwanted items into essential items for those who need them. We also work hard to upcycle really interesting pieces of furniture, televisions and white goods into treasures for you to discover, and buy at bargain prices.

When you have seen how we upcycle your items, and the other furniture donated to us, you might want to take a class in upcycling – we run them regularly – to undertake your own projects at home. In that warehouse, in deepest Trafford Park, you will find a friendly team, doing a great job and working hard to improve their lives.

Please come along to Warehouse Z, Mosley Road, Trafford Park, M17 1HQ, visit www.cleanstart.uk.com or ring us on 0161 968 0125 to find out more or to arrange a furniture collection. Just don’t tell Indiana Jones.

Lancashire News

Plans to transform Burnley into a university town are fast taking shape as work on new student accommodation changes the town centre skyline.
A lattice of steelwork is being created next to Sandygate Square which will provide the foundation for a 136-bed building with car parking to provide high-quality student accommodation. On the ground floor there will be units available for shops, cafes or offices.

It is part of the University of Central Lancashire’s (UCLan) plans to expand student numbers in Burnley from 400 to 4,000 by 2025. It complements recent investment by UCLan at nearby Victoria Mill, including state-of-the-art medical teaching facilities. The building is due to be completed by late summer 2020 ready for its first student intake.

Council leader Charlie Briggs said: “It’s exciting to see the steelwork going up and the new accommodation taking shape. “It will help support UCLan’s ambitious expansion plans for Burnley and attract more students to our town which will have wider benefits for our local economy. You only have to look at other places with thriving universities to see the economic and social benefits that brings and we want Burnley to see those benefits too.”
UCLan Dr Ebrahim Adia, Provost at UCLan Burnley, said: “This purpose-built student accommodation on the banks of the canal, adjacent to the university’s Victoria Mill, is key to fulfilling our exciting plans to deliver an outstanding university experience in Burnley.

“Watching the new accommodation take shape sends out a clear message of UCLan’s commitment to attracting a new generation of students to the town as well as boosting economic and social growth in the area.”

The accommodation is being developed in partnership by the council, UCLan and Barnfield Investment Properties.The council will receive an income from rent and UCLan will run the facility on the council’s behalf.

Nottingham News

Never leave items on view in your vehicle. That’s the message from Rushcliffe Borough Council and Nottinghamshire Police who are reiterating to motorists to always remove anything from sight that could attract a thief.
Whether an old coat, cardigan, scarf or even an empty carrier bag, never give a thief the reason to target forced entry into your vehicle. Always check too that all windows and doors are locked as you leave the vehicle, park in a well-lit or busy location wherever possible and leave the glovebox or other compartments open to show there is nothing of value in them.

At home, ensure keyless entry fobs are kept in a signal blocker pouch or metal box to ensure you are not victim to car thieves. Rushcliffe Borough Council’s Cabinet Portfolio Holder for Environment and Safety Cllr Rob Inglis said: “Never give a thief an excuse to target your vehicle by removing anything that is on show. “You may be in a hurry on the way to a meeting, or a social occasion to see family or friends but taking a few extra seconds to ensure all items are removed can make all the difference to ensure it is not targeted.

“Always remember to lock the car and make sure windows are fully closed. Again, it’s vital to do this to not give opportunist thieves the chance to steal items or cause damage.”

Lancashire News

‘The Bee Centre’ is a multi-award-winning, centre of excellence for bee-related education and training.

Based near Preston, the organisation works with customers from across the world to raise awareness of bees and their importance to our environment.
They also run beekeeping courses for hobbyists and professionals alike; incorporating their unique approach to ethical and sustainable beekeeping. The organisation currently manages over 150 colonies of honeybees across the North West and North Wales.

Public interest in bees (and other pollinators) has grown considerably in recent years. At their visitor centre in Samlesbury, ‘The Bee Centre’ delivers education and awareness to the public throughout the year.

This ranges from live talks and demonstrations to their award-winning ‘Bee Experience’. This popular event provides a 90-minute immersion onto the world of the honeybee, for those who are brave enough to put on a beekeeping suit and accompany the beekeeper into the apiary. There is also a huge, indoor, glass hive where visitors can get up-close-and-personal with the bees in complete comfort and safety. Entry and parking are free. For those interested in learning to keep honeybees successfully, ‘The Bee Centre’ runs beekeeping courses ranging from beginner to advanced levels. Their practical, hands-on courses are well respected, professionally run and receive excellent feedback. They are usually delivered at their purpose-built training apiary which is believed to house the most diverse collection of working hives in the UK. ‘The Bee Centre’ is also the regional training hub for beekeepers and bee farmers wishing to gain professional qualifications through the Bee Farmers’ Association.

‘The Bee Centre’ works with schools to help educate children about bees (and other pollinators), habitats, biodiversity and the environment as part of their curriculum.

They have an extensive programme of support which includes both school trips to their facility in Samlesbury as well as visits to schools, to deliver talks and activities. The latter is a popular option as it reduces the transport costs associated with school trips. They even have a special, child-proof, portable beehive which keeps the bees safe and securely contained, whilst remaining visible through the shatterproof glass walls.

Beginner Course; Bee Experience; Honeybee; Honeybees; beekeeping; The Bee Centre; www.thebeecentre.org

For schools that have space available, ‘The Bee Centre’ can work with them to establish hives on site and to set up school beekeeping clubs. The organisation has partnered with Jackon UK, a leading manufacturer of insulation materials to the construction industry. With Jackon’s support, ‘The Bee Centre’ can offer warm, lightweight, polystyrene hives as part of a heavily subsidised package to get schools started.

They can also provide beekeeping suits, equipment and The Bee Centre’s very own, locally bred, Lancashire bees. These girls are of a good temperament and ‘well behaved’, making them ideal for keeping in schools. They are also suited to our northern climate and overwinter well. More information about bees, beekeeping, planting for bees and much more can be found at www.TheBeeCentre.org.