E E E E Jodie Prenger in her own words Page 3 A marriage of minds Pages 4 & 5 Cancer patients help each other Page 6 fashion family friends fashion family friends V V Tuesday, February 24, 2009 P P o o s sh h f fr r o oc ck k f f o or r a a p po op p s s t t a ar r VERSACE or McQueen? It’s the delectable dressing up dilemma which would have any any pop princess quaking in her Little Boots! That was the wardrobe worry for the Fylde-grown talent, hailed as the future of British pop, when she had to choose what to wear for music’s biggest night of the year, The Brit Awards. It wasn’t so long ago that Little Boots, real name Victoria Hesketh, had to settle for high street fashion buys. Now the world’s top design houses are queuing up to get her into their frocks. Her meteoric rise to fame, which started when she moved from her family home in Thornton to pursue a solo career in London, has also made her a hot property when it comes to rocks, with her diamonds on loan from Bulgari! On her way to The Brits, Little Boots confided to her fans via web blog- ging service, Twitter, that she was was feeling nervous about her celebrity red carpet debut. “I’m a bit nervous even though I’m not really doing anything.” After opting for a neat little number from British designer Alexander McQueen, she also ‘fessed up that the gorgeous dress was just a bit too figure hugging. “Can’t breathe thanks to the dress, or walk thanks to the TV shoes.” For fashionistas who want to know the price ticket on the blue crystal print mini dress ... it would set you back a cool £1,595! [email protected]
VERSACE or McQueen? It’s thedelectable dressing up dilemmawhich would have any any popprincess quaking in her LittleBoots!That was the wardrobe worry for theFylde-grown talent, hailed as thefuture of British pop, when she hadto choose what to wear for music’sbiggest night of the year, The BritAwards.It wasn’t so long ago that LittleBoots, real name Victoria Hesketh,had to settle for high street fashionbuys. Now the world’s top designhouses are queuing up to get herinto their frocks.Her meteoric rise to fame, whichstarted when she moved from herfamily home in Thornton to pursue asolo career in London, has also madeher a hot property when it comes to
rocks, with her diamonds on loanfrom Bulgari!On her way to The Brits, Little Bootsconfided to her fans via web blog-ging service, Twitter, that she waswas feeling nervous about hercelebrity red carpet debut.“I’m a bit nervous even though I’mnot really doing anything.”After opting for a neat little numberfrom British designer AlexanderMcQueen, she also ‘fessed up thatthe gorgeous dress was just a bittoo figure hugging.“Can’t breathe thanks to the dress,or walk thanks to the TV shoes.”For fashionistas who want to knowthe price ticket on the blue crystalprint mini dress ... it would set youback a cool £1,595!
SpringapancakedaysurpriseTODAY is pancake day today andthere’s still time to surprise yourfamily by tossing a filling into themix.Just squeeze caramel sauce overyours, with ice cream and bananas,or try this recipe fortangy BramleyApples and crèmefraîche:
METHODTo make the pan-cake batter, beatthe flour and theeggs togetherwith a little of themilk until smoothand then gradual-ly add the rest ofthe milk.Heat a 20cm (8in)
non-stick frying pan. Brush sparinglywith a little oil and pour in a ladelfulof the batter. Immediately swirl andtilt the pan to create a thin, evenlayer.Cook until golden around the edgeand dry in the centre, about 45 sec-onds. Carefully flip the pancake overand cook for a further 15 seconds.Turn out onto a plate. Repeat withthe remaining mixture.Peel and core the apples and slicethickly. Melt half the butter in a fry-ing pan and fry the apple slices inbatches until golden brown on allsides.To serve, reheat each pancake, andfill with apples, crème fraîche anddrizzle with caramel.
A helping hand from Eve’s agony auntFiona Caine. If you have a problemwith your relationship, marriage orfamily, Fiona is here to give advice
Letters and replies (names will remain strictly confidential)will be published here every week. Write to Fiona Caine, c/oEve, The Gazette, Avroe House, Avroe Crescent, BlackpoolBusiness Park, Blackpool, FY4 2DP. You can also e-mailFiona with your problems [email protected]● Fiona regrets that she cannot enter into personalcorrespondence.
COLD HANDSAND FEET
For some years now I’ve beensuffering from really cold
hands and feet and sometimesthey are so cold that I can’thold on to things.These last few weeks havebeen absolute agony. At myhusband’s insistence, I went tothe doctor.The doctor has diagnosed acondition called Raynaud’sDisease which I had neverheard of before.My doctor says I must findways of keep myself warm butI’ve always had to do that so Iam not sure what else I can do.He also wants to send me forfurther testing to make surethere isn’t anything else wrongwith me.It’s all a bit worrying. I wish Ihad talked to him more but Ididn’t want to bother him withmy trivial problems.
ACI am sure your doctor would nothave regarded this as trivial and,had you asked, I am sure hewould have given you more infor-mation.However, the Raynaud’s andScleroderma Association canadvise. Their helpline number is0800 917 2494.They can supply you with all kindsof information on living with thecondition.For many people, Raynaud’s isn’tonly triggered by cold weather; itcan also be caused by suddenchanges of temperature such astouching cold objects.With the help of the associationyou can find out more about whatcauses your particular version ofthe condition, and get help indealing with it.In Raynaud’s the blood supply tothe body’s extremities is tem-porarily blocked and the fingerschange colour, looking very white– almost dead.They then turn blue and finally gobright red when blood flows backinto them again. The wholeprocess can be agonising; it’sbeen compared to shutting yourfingers in a car door.Heating aids can be something assimple as a couple of hot potatoespopped into a coat pocket beforegoing out or using a hair dryer towarm up shoes.Tips like these and more can befound on the RSA websitereynauds.org.uk where this also arange of advice for medical pro-fessionals.
PRESSURE TOSETTLE DOWN
I’m 28, single and quite happywith my life but my parents
are really keen on me settlingdown and giving them grand-children.I’ve had several boyfriends but
have never been attracted tothe idea of settling down and Ican’t imagine myself with ababy.I think I’d make a terriblemother and I’m too selfish towant to share my life with aman, anyway.I’m fed up with my parentspressurising me but how do Iget them to back off?
LPIn my view no one should havechildren unless they actively wantthem - that way there would be alot less unhappy children in theworld!It may be that you haven’t foundthe right person for you yet. Ifand when you do you may changeyour mind about wanting children.If you don’t then that should beyour choice.You say you’re selfish but choos-ing to be childless isn’t a selfishdecision: it’s simply a choice.Go and see your parents, sit themdown and firmly tell them whatyou’ve told me here.Explain that however much theywould like you to give themgrandchildren, the chances arethat it probably won’t happen.Explain that when they nag you itjust makes you cross.Hopefully they will begin tounderstand.
HE KEEPSGRABBING ME
Ihave just moved into the areawith my son after escaping a
violent relationship.I want to make a fresh startbut the guy next door keepsgrabbing at me.I’ve told him I’ll tell his wifebut he doesn’t seem to care.He’s never done it when therehave been any witnesses aboutso it would be his word againstmine.I’d really like to fit in here so Idon’t want to cause trouble butI am getting desperate.
DKI don’t know why you wouldn’twant to cause a bit of trouble forthis man who has upset you andprobably harassed other women,too.Try and speak to some of yourfemale neighbours; you may wellfind you’re not the only one expe-riencing his unwelcome atten-tions.He probably enjoys terrorisingyou and making you feel vulnera-ble so you need to be strong.In future, if he speaks to you,completely ignore him – if hegrabs you again, scream as loudlyas you can and push him away ashard as you can.Personally, I think you should tellthe police but getting a few neigh-bours on your side first mighthelp your case.
PROUD mum Vivien Mathesonhas organised dozens of wed-dings for happy couples ... but itwas her proudest professionaland working moment when herdaughter, Lisa, asked her toarrange her big day.But while Vivien, events manager atBlackpool’s Barcelo Imperial Hotel,ensured everything was planned rightdown to the last detail, she did insiston taking the day off!She had another important role toplay on the day as Lisa, 24, wantedher mum to walk her down the aisleto give her away at the civil ceremo-ny in the four-star hotel’s magnificentLouis Room.“I was quite surprised when Lisa saidshe wanted to be married here,“ saidVivien. “We were talking about the
special Valentine wedding packagesand Lisa said that’s what she wouldlike.”And with two more weddings sched-uled on the same day, Vivien had alot to put in place – ensuring thateach was exactly what the happycouple wanted.“For me it was really nice to be soinvolved in Lisa’s wedding, and theknowledge I have came in handy,especially when it came to organisingseating plans and that kind of thing.“Having so much experience certain-ly helps,” said Vivien, of ElletsonStreet, Poulton.Vivien was thrilled when Lisa askedher to walk her down the aisle. Herparents are divorced and her fatherlives in South Africa.“We have always been close and I
was really touched to be asked,” saidVivien, who chose a subtle cream andred outfit which would complement,but not detract, from Lisa’s dramaticblack and white wedding gown.
And during her speech, the mother-of the-bride presented her new son-in-law. Matthew Adams, 25, with a“bravery award” for having thecourage to take on her elder daugh-ter!
Matthew and Lisa, who live inManchester Road, Blackpool, metwhen they were teenagers and havelived together for several years. Theyhave two children, Rachel, three, andMichelle, 23 months.
MMOOTTHHEERR’’SSPRIDE Daughter’s wedding was all
in a day’s work for Vivien!Elizabeth Gomm reports
33Tuesday, February 24, 2009www.blackpoolgazette.co.uk
WELSH exiles to the Fylde will becelebrating their national day onSunday – St David’s Day.And while they are wearing daf-fodils they’ll be munching onleeks, a traditional symbol ofWales and this dish is a tasty wayto cook them:
Ingredients1 tbsp olive oil1 tbsp butter1 Spanish onion choppedThree cloves of garlic slicedFour boned chicken thighs cubed200g leeks sliced, white partsonlyTwo tbls flour150ml dry white wineOne pint chicken stock200ml double creamTwo tsp English mustardSalt and black pepper to taste100g prunes halved150g Caerphilly cheese crumbled50g mixed chopped tarragon andflat leaf parsley500g ready rolled puff pastryOne egg yolkOne tablespoon of double cream
MethodPreheat oven to 180ºC / 350ºF Ina medium sized saucepan meltthe butter and oil then fry theonions and garlic until they startto colour, about 10 minutes.Then add the chicken and cookfor a further five minutes untilthe chicken is sealed.Add the leeks and flour stirringcontinually until they are wellcombined.Add the wine and chicken stockslowly until the sauce has thick-ened.Add the cream and mustard andthen season. Take off the heatand stir in the prunes, cheese andherbs.Place the pie filling into a medi-um sized pie dish. Mix the eggyolk and cream together andthen brush around the pie dish.Cover with pastry and cut aroundthe sides with a knife. Brush theremaining egg mix over the pie.Poke a couple of small holes inthe pastry to let out the steam.Cook in the oven for 25 minutes,remove from the oven and serve.For more recipes visit:www.british-leeks.co.uk
Blackpool’s Nancy starwants you to book achinwag with her.Elizabeth Gomm findsout whyFORMER fat lass Jodie Prenger, who was onthe verge of giving up on her showbizdreams when she made last ditch bid forstardom and hit the big time, reveals thehighs and lows of her whirlwind rise to star-dom in her autobiography out this week.Blackpool girl Jodie, 29, who in less than a year hasgone from a sometime club singer and fitnesscounsellor to a West End leading lady in the fastestselling UK musical of all time, Oliver!, had lost eightstone when she dared to audition for a TV talentsearch to find an unknown to play Nancy.But even then Jodie, of Newton Drive, Blackpool,faced criticism that she was too big for the role,plus the heartache of kiss-and-tell tabloid storiesfrom her former fiance, Steve Greengrass, who pro-posed on live TV, and another former boyfriend.Now she gets to set the record straight, in her ownwords, in It’s a Fine Life: My Story.But why now?“I know it may seem crazy, but as in the name ofthe film, I have been through the good, the bad andthe ugly.“Fulfilling my dreams of stepping out onto a WestEnd stage, the weight loss struggles and how I did itand then my luck in love!“I wanted it to be just as if you are sitting downhaving a cuppa and we are having a right good oldchinwag!”How on earth did you find time to write a book?“I started it whilst I was in Les Mis, so it’s been along process, and it’s great to see the final result.”Did you have any help?“I worked with a guy called Christian who was fabu-lous. Don’t get me wrong, all those years at Elmsliedidn’t go to waste!“I loved being part of every part of this book andChristian was such an amazing person to work with,like two peas out of the same pod.”How could you remember everything you'vedone?“Thank God for parents. Especially in my youngeryears, my family have filled in all the gaps, and yeseven some of the more embarrassing ones too!”Why it is so important for you to tell your ownstory ... it's not been an easy route to successhas it?“No, it’s not, but you know I think that’s anotherreason why I would love people to read it (I soundlike I am doing a Miss World speech) but I alwayssay if you follow your dreams you can get there, nomatter what tries to knock you back or put youdown.”You went from tubby kid to “larger than life”entertainer. What emotions were you hidingbehind that radiant smile. Were you ever happyto be a “big girl”?“I was never happy being overweight and peoplewho haven’t had a weight problem don’t everunderstand, it’s really tough.“As happy as I appeared on the outside I wasunhappy on the inside, and my way of dealing withit was being bubbly Jodie.”How did you cope with the tough times and theshowbiz knock-backs, and with whose help?“ I have always been so lucky to have such a closeand devoted family and friends. I love them dearlyand they will always be my backbone.”You have had some romantic knocks, too, andvery public. How have you coped with havingyour private life splashed over the tabloids?“It does hurt you because you never know how aperson can stoop so low and say things that aren’ttrue. It does scare you because you realise that youjust never knew that person in the first place andyou don’t know if it’s their five minutes of fame theywant or that they don’t want to let you go.”You are as Blackpool as a stick of rock. Howimportant is the town to you?I love Blackpool and always will, so much so that onmy dressing room door at the Theatre Royal I havea picture of Blackpool. It’s where I grew up. Whodoesn’t like to be beside the seaside?”Has there been a defining moment in the lastyear, when you have thought – this is the realJodie Prenger. I've done it, at last?“The press night for Oliver! was a big confirmationfor me that I have done it. It truly was one of myproudest moments.”You've had an amazing time since becoming
Nancy. Has there been one celeb moment youcan single out?“I still get really star struck, but its been amazingthe support you get from celebs. Keira Knightleyvisited me in my dressing room, Gary Barlowbrought his kids to see the show, (he’s been greatwith me). David Walliams, Dawn French, LennyHenry, John Major ... the list is really endless.”What a celebrity line-up. Have you got a show-biz funny story to share?“No. I don’t think my star-struck self has embar-rassed herself, but never say never.”Are there any of your new showbiz friends whowill be getting signed copies of your book?Of course. John Barrowman, Denise van Outen,Cameron (Mackintosh), Andrew (Lloyd Webber) andGraham Norton.Will you be coming to Blackpool to do a sign-ing?
“Fingers crossed I am trying to sort something outnow so I will keep you posted. It would be fabulous –after all, it’s where it all began.”You have family and friends here – are thereany surprises (or shocks) in store for them?“We are all so very close so they know me insideout.”How do you think you are going to feel whenyou walk into Waterstones or WH Smith to seeyour book smiling back at you?“You know what I’m like. I’ll probably start crying.And, finally, how would your Elmslie Englishteacher rate your first literary effort?“I’d better go give a book to Mrs Place. Fingerscrossed it would be an A-star.”■ It’s A Fine Life: My Story, by Jodie Prenger,published by Michael O’Mara at £14.99.
STAR QUALITY: Jodie Prenger as Nancy and Rowan Atkinson as Fagin in Oliver
PAST PICTURES: Jodie as a ‘big lass’, as an overweight child (right) and her book (centre)
Tuesday, February 24, 200966 www.blackpoolgazette.co.uk
evehealth
PAIN
Wanted–helpers tohold thecollecting tin
Handy tips tocombatcold soresWINTER is a prime time for cold sore out-breaks as cold air, reduced outdoor activityand lower exercise levels can weaken yourimmune defences, which is one of the mostcommon triggers for cold sores.Top tips to avoid cold sores include:● Drink plenty of water to help ensure thatyour lips don’t dehydrate.● Avoid sharing lipsticks or lip glosses withfriends as this increases the risk of spreadingthe cold sore infection
● Avoid picking the cold sore as this canspread the virus to other parts of the body, orallow the sore to become infected● Always wash your hands after touching thecold sore. Take extra care when inserting orremoving contact lenses, as the infection canspread to your eyes and may damage vision● Avoid sharing cups, towels or other objectswith other people – and don’t kiss anyone!● If sunlight triggers your cold sore attack,use a sunblock when exposed to the sun to
reduce the risk of reactivating the cold sore● Eat a varied diet, exercise regularly, reducestress and get lots of sleep, as the body'sdefences can be strengthened by a healthylifestyleIf you do have a cold sore outbreak, considerusing an anti-viral cream , like Cymex Ultra- anew five day cold sore treatment which effec-tively treats the itchy tingling sensationbrought on by cold sores in just fivedays.£4.99 from pharmacies.
THE diagnosis of cancer is the start of afrightening journey into the unknown.But as mum-of-three Kath Brickman knows,the support of other patients can make all thedifference.And now, six years after Kath, who lives inFleetwood, discovered she had breast cancer,she is one of two local volunteer tutors forMacmillan Cancer Support running freecourses for people living with cancer, with thenext starting on March 6.Here Kath tells her own story: “My lifechanged dramatically in April 2003, afterattending for my first mammogram. I was toldI had breast cancer and would need a mastec-tomy, and as the cancer had spread to mylymph glands, I would also need six months ofchemotherapy, followed by radiotherapy.“Within four weeks of diagnosis, I was minus abreast and losing my hair. Although outwardlywith the help of a good prosthesis and anauthentic looking wig, I appeared to everyoneas looking and coping very well, I soon foundmyself feeling depressed, even though I hadwonderful care and support from my my hus-band, Martin, family and friends.“ I was feeling very lonely with lots of negativethoughts and that no one understood how Iwas feeling.“However during the months of chemotherapyI found meeting people in a similar situation asmyself helped enormously, I gained strengthfrom other cancer patients, some of whom hadbeen attending for treatment for years andseemed very positive.“As we were all hooked up to our drips, wewould exchange tips on how to cope with dif-
ferent side effects, and the women would whipoff our wigs to see whose hair was growingback the fastest!“One day, four of us were all laughing so much,the nurse came in and asked could we keep thenoise down as there were sick people in thewaiting room! My treatment continued foranother two years, as I took part in the clinicaltrial for Herceptin, so I became one of the “reg-ulars” and met more and more lovely people,some with a poor prognosis, who inspired meso much.“So when I had my final Herceptin treatment inJanuary 2006, my husband and I skipped outof the oncology unit with joy. I had emergedfrom the tunnel!“I was back at work, but lacking in confidenceand struggling to get my life back to “normal”.I went along to a self-help management coursefor people with long-term conditions and metPhil McIntyre who has lymphatic cancer. Wehad lots in common.“ Phil had heard about the Macmillan Livingwith Cancer course for those who who havehad a cancer diagnosis and treatment - recent-ly or many years ago.“So we completed our training with Macmillanand have been delivering courses since.
“It’s an invaluable course that encouragespeople to make practical and positive stepsforward.“Bringing people together who have gonethrough similar experiences is a very positiveand powerful way of helping people who havebeen diagnosed with cancer regain their confi-dence.”● The next free six-week course starts on
Friday, March 6, at the Hilton Hotel, Blackpool,and the weekly sessions aim to help cancerpatients manage their symptoms better, offeradvice on diet, dealing with emotions, manag-ing tiredness and pain and provide tips on howto communicate with doctors, health workersand family and friends.To find out more, call Phil McIntyre on 343469or Kath Brickman on 077 39 26 5757.
KEEPING UP APPEARANCES: A wig, styled by Shirley Dawson of Shirley’s Second Image,helped Kath Brickman when she was going through her cancer treatment in 2004
Volunteering ... all ittakes is a few hoursand a smile! EmmaHarris reports
BLACKPOOLmum Julia Scholes (right) is on amission to recruit volunteers to a charity whichsupports people with cancer.Julia, a volunteer with Macmillan Cancer Support,said: “You get back amillion times what you put in.”Julia, 42, has been giving up her spare time to helpMacmillan for a year and enjoys every minute.She is backing a Macmillan campaign to enlist vol-unteers to help carry out vital fundraising workwhich will help to improve the lives of other localpeople living with cancer.There are currently around 20 volunteers inBlackpool and the Fylde who assist with supermar-ket collections, speaking to groups on behalf of thecharity, doing administration tasks in the office andgetting involved with the big fundraising events.But Macmillan, which provides practical, medical,emotional and financial support to those affectedby cancer, needs more.More people like Julia, of Normoss, whose husbandMark and their two daughters, Lauren, 21 andHope, nine, also help out.Julia said: “I work for the disability and carers ser-vices at the DWP in Warbreck and Macmillan camein on our annual health awareness day.“They were asking people to put themselves for-
ward as volunteers and of about 1,000 peoplewho went through, only five or six people who puttheir names down. So I also signed up to makethe book look better.“I knew nothing about Macmillan before. One inthree of us will have cancer in our lifetime. Atsome point, I will have experience of cancer eitherdirectly or as a carer to family or as a friend.“My role as a volunteer has helped me realisehow vitally important the service is, and just howmuch it can help people.“Given the statistics, I know I may need Macmillanat some point for myself, or for my friends andfamily and through fundraising, I feel I am con-tributing towards something I will probablyneed.”Julia began by collecting in local supermarkets –
sometimes joined by family and friends. Now shehopes to give talks about Macmillan in schools toraise awareness of cancer, break down barriersandmake the illness seeming less frightening.“Collecting with a bucket is actually great fun. Ifyou can get a group of you together, it can be agood giggle.“At Christmas, mymum, my aunty, my husbandandmy two daughters all helped. My husband wasquite embarrassed at first, but he really enjoyed itoverall.
“He was approached by more men who wantedto talk to him about their experiences, who per-haps would not have wanted to talk to me.“They all really enjoyed it.“It’s wonderful when people come up to talk toyou, to tell you about their own experience ofMacmillan. Then you realise how important it is.“Hearing the stories of people who have beenthrough cancer or are going through it now isvery humbling.“People are so generous as well, especiallythose who have used Macmillan’s services.“But equally, you can’t believe the excusespeople make for not giving or for avoiding you,or for not volunteering.”Julia said volunteering is open to anyone, of anyage. “All you need really is a smile and a fewhours to spare. Somemonths I don’t do any andother months, it might be four or five hours.“You can give as much or as little time as youcan. And Macmillan are so grateful for anytime you can give. They make you feel reallyappreciated. And they really support all thevolunteers.“Volunteering is for people of all ages. Mydaughters both enjoyed collecting. The eldest isat university, but whenever she comes back shewill volunteer if Macmillan has an event on.“Nothing about it is hard work. You get to meetnew people, talk to people and know that youare making a difference and are helping tochange lives.”Heather Walkington, local fundraising managerfor Macmillan Cancer Support, said: “We arelooking to expand our volunteer base in the areaso that we can reach out to evenmore peoplethat need our help.“There are so many ways to get involved. Thereis something for everyone.”Macmillan Cancer Support is planning volunteerrecruitment evenings in 2009, aimed at provid-ing more information about local volunteeringopportunities.For details contact Heather Walkington on01925 846748 or email [email protected].
Aguide through
77Tuesday, February 24, 2009www.blackpoolgazette.co.uk
SOUL GOOD: Lytham Ladies Circle held an evening with soul singer Stephen Bayliss at The GrandHotel St Annes. Pictured from left are: Sarah Walton, Leanne Spooner and Nicola Scott. More picturesin Life! free with The Gazette on Saturday.
evesocialFolk DanceNorth Shore Folk Dance Club meetstomorrow at all Hallows Church, AllHallows Road, Bispham, 7.30pm. Nopartner needed and all are welcome.Contact: 890486.
Support groupBlackpool and Fylde Widows andWidowers’ Association meetstomorrow at the Trades Club,Chadwick Street, Blackpool, 7.30pm.Contact: Lavinia on 623119.
Claremont lunchClaremont First Step CommunityCentre's Senior Citizen LuncheonClub at Methodist Buildings, DicksonRoad,meets every Friday, 1pm. £2.Contact: 299306.
BarbershopHarmonyBlackpool & Fylde BarbershopHarmony Club meet every Tuesdayat Brun Grove Workingmen’s Club.Contact: Pete Lavelle 867218.
Jumble saleA jumble sale and auction takesplace at St Paul's Worship Centre inEgerton Road on Monday, February16 at 6-30pm.
Bispham coffeeBispham United Reformed Church,Cavendish Road, has a coffee morn-ing tomorrow 10.30am-11.30am.
Tea danceTea dances will be held everyTuesday (from March 3) atSpringfield Methodist Church,Bispham Road, (next door to TheSquirrel) at 2.15pm Dancing to livemusic by Alan & Barbara Hebden.admission £3.50.
IVCThe Intervarsity Social Club meetstonight at the Shovels, Marton, 8pm,and welcomes new members.Contact: 722864
Photo societyLytham St. Annes PhotographicSociety meets at 7.30 pm, everyThursday evening at Heyhouses C ofE Junior School, Clarendon RoadNorth, St Annes. www.lsaps.org.
Fylde RAThe Ramblers’ Association will bewalking in Great Mitton and KirkbyLonsdale tomorrow and Belmont andLoughrigg on Sunday. Contact:865976.
Bridge ClubThe Gazette Bridge Club welcomesplayers at 7pm at the WainwrightClub, Hornby Road, Blackpool onMonday, Tuesday, Wednesday andFriday. Contact: 354513.
Kirkham ArtsKirkham Arts Society meets tomor-row at the Community Centre,7.15pm. Contact: 01772 632202.
Coast ramblersFylde Coast Ramblers will be walkingin Arkholme on Saturday. Ring694427.
Poulton BandPoulton Band welcomes new playersto rehearsal nights on Tuesday andFriday 8pm-10pm at Band HQ, StationRoad, Poulton. Contact: 886823
Arts SocietyBlackpool Arts Society meets onThursday an appraisal evening withPat Payne at the Studio,WilkinsonAvenue, 7.30pm. Weekly sessions atthe studio include: General paintingTuesday and Thursday, 2pm, Friday,9.30am and 2pm; portrait sessionsTuesday, 7.30pm, and Wednesday10am; Life drawing Wednesday 2pm.Newmembers always welcome.Contact 407541. There is a coffeemorning on Saturday, 10.30am.
Windmill artsThe Windmill Arts Society meets onFriday at the Frank Townend Centre,Beach Road, Cleveleys, 1.30pm-3.30pm. Contact: 855072.
Craft clubA weekly craft group meets at HolyCross Church, Central Drive,Blackpool, every Friday, 1.30pm-3.30pm. £2.
Thornton LadiesThornton Ladies Club welcomedSusan Bradley, a leader inEmotional Health and Wellbeing, tothis month’s meeting when shedemonstrated a simple but effectivemethod of hand massage and relax-ation – a welcome antidote to abusy half-term break for manymums.With more than 30 women now reg-istered the club is looking at newideas and activities to suit all. OnMarch 18, they have a night out atBay Horse Pub for quiz, fun andfood. Meeting at the pub at 7.30pmto eat, or 8pm for those who canonly make the quiz.On Wednesday, April 15, at St John’sChurch Hall, 7.30pm, the club themewill be women’s health.The club welcomes women fromThornton of all ages. To find outmore, contact Lesley on 851007 orjust turn up.
Martitime groupTony Mac’s Titanic exhibition will beheld at Catterall Village Hall on thelast Sunday of each month, 1am-3pm,and any former sailor or anyoneinterested in maritime history is wel-come. Tony is hoping to set up a newmaritime group to meet monthly. Fordetails, call: 01955 600709.
Carers’ groupBlackpool Carers’ Centre lunch groupmeets at the Welcome Inn, VicarageLane, on Thursday. Contact: 393748.
Car bootSt George’s UR Church, PlymouthRoad, Layton, has an indoor car bootsale on Saturday, 9.30am-1pm.
Coffee callA coffee morning will be held at theVerona Hall, Fleetwood Road North,Thornton, on Saturday, 10.30am-noon.
Lenten lunchesSt Christopher’s Church, Hawes SideLane, Marton, has Lenten lunchesevery Tuesday, starting March 3, at11.45am with a short service inchurch followed by lunch. No charge,donations invited. Contact 697936.
Flower clubDon Billington will demonstrateWorld in One City at BlackpoolFlower Club, tomorrow, 7.30pm, atStaining Village Hall.
Lytham Green WILytham Green WI welcomed 73members to its February meetingwhen Jane Molyneux spoke aboutthe work of Trinity Hospice andBrian House. Sue Khan won thecompetition and Valerie Thompsonand Margaret Nixon were raffle win-ners.
Quiet daySt Christopher’s Church, Hawes SideLane, Marton, has a quiet day forLent on Saturday. At the Edge of theDesert will be led by Fr NicholasHeale, parish priest from St Michaeland All Angels, Grange Park. 10am-4pm. £7 (inc lunch and refresh-ments) To book contact 697937.
Flowers displayWrea Green Flower Club meetstonight at the school hall for ademonstration by Anne Hinde.7.30pm
Hambleton WIMen joined the WI ladies forHambleton WI’s February meetingwhen Carl Green, chief planning offi-cer for the Cleveleys Coastal DefenceScheme, gave a talk on the scheme,illustrated with pictures. On Monday,March 10, Muriel Crabtree is the WI’sspeaker, her topic “In Tune with theSeasons”, at the United ReformedChurch Hall, Hambleton at 7.30pm. OnFriday, March 27, there fashion Showat Hambleton Village Hall , hosted bythe WI, 7.30 pm with fashions byStringers of Lytham showing oufitsfrom Alexon, Eastex & Minuet. Tickets£5 to include wine and nibbles fromChris on 700859 or Pat on 701862
Coffee and crumpetsA coffee and crumpet morning takesplace for Christian Aid at CleveleysUnited Reformed Church, RossallRoad, on Saturday, 10am-noon. Bringand buy.
Geographical talkThe Geographical Society has a talkon the Daintree Rainforest ofNorthern Queensland from HowardPhillips at Blackpool Sixth FormCollege, Highfurlong, on Monday, 7pm.
Luncheon clubLytham St Annes Ladies LuncheonClub meets at the Clifton Arms Hotelon Tuesday next. Noon.
Supper clubCleveleys Ladies supper Club has itsAGM on Tuesday next at theBriardene, 7pm.
In-setFleetwood Mount Methodist In-setgroup has a Desert Island Discsevening with castaway Jenny Gledhillon Monday, at the Wesley Room.7.30pm.
Tuesday clubPoulton and Carleton Tuesday Clubhas a talk from Ken McKenzieLiverpool on Tuesday next at PoultonUR Church, 2pm.
Wyre ramblersWyre Ramblers will be walking inSedbergh on Sunday. Ring: 876676.
BookwormsBookworms Reading group meets onWednesday at the Victoria Hotel,Cleveleys, 7.30pm.
Travel talkThe International Holidays and TravelAssociation has a talk on Spain fromMarcel and Shirley Kruger onThursday at Poulton CommunityCentre, 7.30pm.
Historical societyBlackpool Historical Society’s subjectis Bispham Hawes, a recording of thelate Alan Stott, tomorrow at theCricket Club, West Park Drive, 7.30pm.Visitors welcome.
Wyre speakersWyre Speakers Club have a debatetomorrow at All Hallows Church Hall,Bispham, 7.30pm. Contact: 733297.
Kathray SingersKathray Singers are in concert atAnchorsholme Methodist Church onSaturday, 7pm, in aid of Barnados. £4.
Young widowsThe Young Widows Group meet onMonday at the Lindum Hotel, StAnnes at 7.30pm. Contact 346133.
Jumble saleThe Golden Ball Social Club, Pilling,has a jumble sale at the Scout Hut,Keeple Lane, Garstang, on Saturdayat 1pm.
Sale dayBlackpool’s Glenroyd Nursing Home,Whitegate Drive, will be raising fundsfor residents’ outings with a jumblesale on Saturday, 2pm.
Car boot saleAn indoor car boot sale takes placeon Sunday at the Senior Citizens’Club, Warrenhurst Road, Fleetwood,from 9am-1pm. Contact: 778785.
Lent eventsFleetwood Churches Together startsits series of weekly Lenten lunches onFriday at Trinity Methodist Church,organised jointly with St David’s CE.Soup, roll, cheese plus tea, coffee orwater in return for a donation. Bringand buy stall. 11.45am-1.15pm. All pro-ceeds to North West Air Ambulance.
Parkinson’s supportThe Parkinson’s Disease Society hasits AGM meeting at 7.30pm onMonday at Warren Manor, WarrenDrive, Cleveleys, with hotpot supperand entertainment. 7.30pm. Contact:393086.
Table saleSt Stephen on the Cliffs has a tabletop sales on Saturday in the ChurchHall on St Stephen’s Avenue, NorthShore,from 8.30 am to 1.00 pm.Refreshments. Contact: 356667
Fleetwood LLLFleetwood Lifelong Learning grouphas a talk from Dennis Moore“Laughter is the Best Medicine” onMonday at Fleetwood Central Library,2pm. Visitors welcome.
Probus ClubKirkham and Rural Fylde Probus Clubmeets at the Conservative Club, RibbyRoad, on Tuesday next when WadeHoward will talk about his charity bikeride. 10am.
Tea danceThe new Dancing For All CommunityGroup are holding a Tea Dance at theCarousel Hotel, New SouthPromenade, tomorrow 2pm. Ballroom,Latin and popular sequence dancing toCDs presented by One & Tuppence. Allages and abilities welcome. Admission£3.50 - price includes cup of tea orcoffee and biscuit. Contact 402642.
Arthritis careArthritis Care will hold a meeting atthe Marton Institute tomorrow withentertainers Malcolm and Jean Deakin.
Toy saleMarton Methodist Church, MidgelandRoad, has a toy sale on Saturday,11am, with refreshments available.
Tuesday, February 24, 200988 www.blackpoolgazette.co.uk
evelooks
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