Community News Stories Photos Videos and Interviews from Life In Another Town

Video interview with Ormskirk & Maghull Lions Club at the 33rd Charter Anniversary Dinner

2012-02-28T18:24:00.001Z

Video Interview at Ormkirk & Maghull Lions Club 33rd Charter Anniversary Dinner

Carole Gray, President of Ormskirk & Maghull Lions Club and Meg Philp, First Vice Governor District 105 BN, talk to me about the charitable work that the Lions do both locally in Lancashire and worldwide.

Lions Clubs logo

Who Are Lions? Lions meet the needs of local communities and the world. The 1.35 million members of our volunteer organization in 206 countries and geographic areas are different in many ways, but share a core belief -- community is what we make it.

See photos of 33rd Charter Dinner

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The Knights of Saint Columba Council 64 Ormskirk prepares for their 90th Anniversary in 2013

2012-02-28T18:13:00.000Z

Knights of Saint Columba Council 64 Ormskirk

The Knights of Saint Columba – Article by Heather Wright

When my husband were married I have to confess, that at first, as a practising Anglican there were many aspects of Catholicism that were a complete mystery to me. I regarded myself as cosmopolitan having lived in Glasgow, Birmingham and Liverpool; some of the most multicultural cities in Britain. Yet, my knowledge of the Catholic Church was mainly based on what I had picked up from episodes of Father Ted.

Attending Mass at first was very daunting. What if I stood up or sat down at the wrong time? Would I be denounced as an imposter? Not only did I learn quickly that there were more similarities than differences in our two faiths, but also that the congregation of St Anne's Church in Ormksirk couldn't have been more welcoming.

Even so, when my husband was approached to join the Knights of St Columba, I was a little baffled. I had seen their events on the weekly bulletin sheet. But were they an historic re-enactment society, or a masonic order? I didn't know. Of course, they are neither and in fact play a vital, if perhaps not widely enough known part in Church life.

The Knights of St Columba (KSC) were founded in 1919 by a group of Catholic men in Glasgow who had served in the trenches of World War I France. These men became inspired by ethos and activities of the American Knights of Columbus. By the early 1920's, based on the fundamental virtues of charity, unity and fraternity “Councils” of Knights, had crossed the border to England with a foundation in Liverpool. Council 64 soon followed in Ormskirk in 1923. By 1925 the Order had reached London.

Knights of Saint Columba ‘service’ badge & ribbon medallion (1930’s)

The period following the Second World War was an active period and membership continued to grow, but during the late 1950's and early 1960's, with the decline of the inner city parishes and consequent dispersement of the Catholic population, recruitment slowed. However the Order still continued to develop and in 1982, the Knights of Saint Columba had a very public role, as stewards, during the visit to the country by Pope John Paul II.

The KSC has continued to evolve to meet the changing education, spiritual and financial needs of the Catholic community. It continues to be one of the strongest and most active Catholic organisations with over 4600 members nationally.

On his recent visit to the UK, Pope Benedict XVI stated that the lay faithful should be examples of faith in public and should put the case for the promotion of faith's wisdom and vision in the public forum. The Knights' aim to do this. From what I have observed locally, they fulfil their motto of 'serving God by serving others'.

Next year, 2013, will be the 90th anniversary of the KSC in Ormskirk (Council 64). The the projects they have been involved in over almost a century are numerous. These include holding Lenten house groups, sponsoring young people to go to Lourdes and fund raising for local and international charities. Another important activity is that of visiting the sick and providing support for the widows of former Knights. My husband was in hospital for a couple of weeks before Christmas and it was lovely for both of us to be offered support and prayers by his fellow Knights.

The Knights can be recognised, when attending Church in their official capacity, by their distinctive collarettes and can be seen stewarding at some of the key services and events throughout the liturgical year.

The frequent fund raising activities continue, usually in the parish centre, and are an ideal way of supporting a good cause and having fun in the process. I recommend that you come along and see for yourself.

For my husband and I the Order has already had a positive impact on our lives, both spiritually and socially and hopefully will continue to do so for many years!

The Knights of Saint Columba is open to all Catholic men of faith, the Ormskirk order meets on the first Wednesday of every month in St Anne's Parish Social Centre and welcomes enquiries from those interested in joining and carrying on the good work.

For more information on the Knights and the charitable work they carry out in your Parish, please visit www.ksc.org.uk

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Photos of Ormskirk and Maghull Lions Club 33rd Charter Dinner at Hurlston Hall Golf Club

2012-02-28T17:35:00.000Z

Photos taken at the Ormskirk and Maghull Lions Club 33rd Charter Dinner at Hurlston Hall Golf Club, Scarisbrick.

The event on Saturday 25th February 2012 held by the Lions, a service organisation which does an immense amount of charitable fundraising, was attended by the West Lancashire Mayor and Mayoress.

See the video interview done with Carole Gray and Meg Philp

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I'm full of pancakes, now what shall I give up for Lent?

2012-02-22T21:39:00.000Z

Photo of St.Anne's Church Good Friday 2011

On Tuesday this week, the supermarkets of Ormskirk were filled with people stocking up on pancake mix, lemons, large frying pans and the like, all to mark Shrove Tuesday or perhaps better known by many as Pancake Day. In other parts of the world they use the term "mardi gras".

Shrove Tuesday is the day which comes before Ash Wednesday; the first day in the Christian calendar of the period of Lent. Traditionally the use of foods, such as sugar, fat, eggs and flour were restricted during Lent, so a great way to use them up was to make pancakes. In some parts of the country, people celebrate by having pancake runs through their town. I especially think of Olney in Buckinghamshire, when I think of Pancake Runs.

However, after 'Pancake Day' comes Ash Wednesday. For Christians, this is the day that marks the beginning of a journey through Lent to Easter, the most important period of the Christian year. During Mass, at St. Anne's on Ash Wednesday, the congregation was told by Father Boniface that Lent is a time for reflection, repentance and prayer.

Although many people in Ormskirk might not consider themselves Christians and that this reflection, repentance and prayer isn't something they do, they will still out of habit, nominally observe some of the other Christian traditions associated with this time of year. One is Pancake day and another is "giving something up for Lent".

Some people might say "I don't believe in God" or "I don't do religion" and there are others, "non-practising Christians", who don't observe the other Lentern Christian rites and traditions. Nevertheless, many of them will still "give something up for Lent" Why?

Perhaps, just one bite....

Firstly, we go through the process of identifying what it is we should give up, secondly, why we should give it up and then thirdly, we hope that we have sufficient willpower to actually give it up.

Our choice could be eating chocolate, drinking coffee, alcohol or smoking. Why do we encourage our children to do likewise? We go through the same thought process with our kids and then encourage them to to stop arguing with their siblings or eating sweets, "....just until Easter"

Why do we do it? Perhaps, it's because we somehow recognise that giving up something can actually be be good for us; good for our health, good for our relationships or perhaps just good for our pockets.

As was said earlier, this is a period of reflection, repentance and prayer. Changing aspects of our lives for the better, whether you believe yourself to be a Christian or not, is in keeping with the period of Lent.

If you're interested on finding out more about the meaning of Lent, you can click here to read Pope Benedict XVI Catechesis (teaching) regarding Lent.

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Buy Tickets for the West Lancashire Mayoress Charity Tea Dance Tue Feb 28th 2012

2012-02-22T01:25:00.002Z

Mayoress Tea Party Fundraiser

Can you dance the Light Fandango, Quickstep and Foxtrot? Or like myself, would you prefer to drink tea and eat cakes?

Either way, please buy a couple of tickets, take a friend and support the West Lancashire Mayoress Charity Tea Dance to raise funds for the West Lancs Womens's Refuge and Community Heartbeat Charities.

The charity Tea Dance is at the Civic Hall, Ormskirk, 2pm - 4pm on Tuesday 28th February 2012.

Tickets are available by ringing Ann England at the Mayor's office Tel 01695 585033

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Photos of the West Lancashire Mayoress Charities Fundraiser The Hopvine in Burscough Feb 21st 2012

2012-02-22T00:54:00.000Z

West Lancashire Mayoress Charities Fundraiser at The Hopvine Pub and Restaurant in Burscough Monday 21st February 2012.

Mike and Julie McCombe the proprietors of The Hopvine generously sponsored this fundraising meal for the West Lancashire Mayoress' charities.

Diners bought tickets to support the event to help raise money for the West Lancs Women's Refuge and Community Heartbeart charities.

In addition to enjoying a wonderful meal, the guests raised additional money from the proceeds of a prize raffle. I hope Little Ted and his friends will be happy in their new homes.

West Lancashire Mayoress Charity fundraiser raffle prizes

I hear that Burscough village is very close to securing enough money to buy its own defibrillator. An Emergency response by Fire and Ambulance services can take longer in rurual areas. A defibrillator close to hand in the village centre could be used to save a life of a resident suffering a cardiac arrest. When Burscough gets its' own defibrillator, this will be due, in no small part, to the support by the Mayoress' of the Community Heartbeat charity. However, some additional fundraising is still needed.

How to invite the Mayor to an event: If you're interested in inviting the Mayor or Deputy Mayor to attend an official event, you have any fundraising ideas or would like to make a donation to the charities, then please contact Ann England in the Mayor's Office on 01695 585033 or email ann.england@westlancs.gov.uk

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Video interview with former Edge Hill University student and Ormskirk resident Hannah Moulder on location at Dickinson's Real Deal

2012-02-18T19:47:00.000Z

A Video interview with Hannah Moulder, a TV Production Runner for the day, behind the scenes at Dickinson's Real Deal.

The popular TV programme about antiques and collectables was on filming location at Edge Hill University in Ormskirk, West Lancashire on Saturday February 11th 2012.

Former Edge Hill University student and aspiring Television Floor Manager, Hannah Moulder, explains her role as a "Runner" behind the scenes, during filming of the RDF Televsion programme Dickinson's Real Deal.

BA (Hons) Film Studies with Film Production

Hannah also gives us her perspective on life as a student in Omskirk and the problems students face with accommodation.

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Skelmersdale Sea Cadets brave a Royal Naval inspection by area officer Lieutenant Colonel John Davies Royal Marines

2012-02-18T19:42:00.001Z

Skelmersdale Sea Cadets (T.S Rodney) braved a Royal Naval inspection by area officer Lieutenant Colonel John Davies Royal Marines on Tuesday 14th February

Sea Cadet Unit T.S Rodney was supported on the night by the attendance of West Lancashire Mayor and Mayoress Rob and Sue Bailey and by all the parents who came along, all of whom were obviously very proud of the children.

It was my first visit to a Sea Cadet unit and from what I saw of the cadets, they should all be very proud of themselves

Sea Cadet Corps - Ready Aye Ready

While the Skelmersdale Sea Cadets might not be blessed with an abundance of financial resources they make the best of the wealth of potential they have stored up in the youngsters of the area.

I believe the Sea Cadets unit in Skelmersdale provides a model for personal growth which, in an area blighted by high unemployment, might not be self-evident elsewhere. Charitable organisations like the Sea Cadets act as a portal through which local youngsters enter and make positive use of the natural vivacity which is granted the young. The Skelmersdale Sea Cadets unit helps to unlock a vault of potential for self-improvement found not just in local youngsters as cadets, but also local adults as cadet leaders.

Skelmersdale Sea Cadets

The inspection report by the area officer Lieutenant Colonel John Davies (Royal Marines) was fair and provided positive feedback. T.S Rodney like any unit can always improve and do better; but if the cadets and leaders keep up with the hard work and commitment shown on the night, I'm sure they'll continue to do well.

If you can help the Sea Cadets of Skelmersdale fulfill their potential, please get in contact with

Petty Officer (SCC) S.G Stephen, Officer in charge

Sea Cadets Unit T.S Rodney, Tawd Road, Tanhouse, Skelmersdale WN8 6BS

Tel: 01695 725086 (unit answerphone)

Mobile: 07886 998931

Email: stephent1spirit@aol.com

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Video Q&A with West Lancashire Local Plan Councillor Martin Forshaw Borough Council Portfolio Holder Planning responsible for 2012-2027 Local Plan including Yew Tree Farm Development Burscough Feb 16th 2012

2012-02-17T06:00:00.000Z

Interview with Councillor Martin Forshaw, Portfolio Holder Planning and Transportation West Lancashire Borough Council responsible for the Local Plan.

A question and answer session specifically relating to housing develpment in West Lancashire as part of the 2012-2027 Local Plan, using Yew Tree Farm in Burscough as a working example.

4,650 houses need to be built in West Lancashire. 500 of which are to be built in Burscough, West Lancashire.

The proposed Yew Tree Farm Development in Burscough serves as the example in this interview with the locally elected official responsible for planning.

Councillor Martin Forshaw is asked many of the questions which have come to the fore during the last six weeks of public consultation.

Councillor Martin Forshaw provides categoric reassurances in some areas and points to the future Master Plan in others.

This is how the planning process works throughout the country, not just in West Lancashire.

If you're a West Lancashire resident keen to see your elected officials held to account and answering questions, watch this video. If you don't like or disagree with the answers and have a better plan, comment below, let your elected officials know. Better yet, stand for election yourself!

If you're resident elsewhere in England and interested in how housing is developed in your area, use this interview to become acquainted with the terminology in use in councils right across the country.

Interviewer notes gathered from video (This is not necessarily an exhausitive list of all the salient points made during the interview)

Local plan – strategic development 2012 – 2027

4,650 new homes across the borough

Consultation started in 2008 – decided on 3000 homes in Skelmersdale and 3 options for others – Ormskirk, Burscough or rural dispersement.

In 2010 the outcome of consultation was that there was no preference for any option.

Cabinet in 2011 decided on the Yew Tree Farm site as their proposed option.

Development had to be a combination of Greenbelt and brown field sites – no other viable option.

Land quality was not a critical deciding factor. Aspect and Location are greater key factors. No choice but to release Greenbelt for this plan. Not enough brownfield sites. However, less than 0.2% of Greenbelt will be used in West Lancashire as a whole, as part of the Local Plan.

Yew Tree Farm site lends more to development due to aspect and location when compared with the proposed Edge Hill site.

In Burscough 500 homes to be built up to 2027, land protected for further development in the future. Includes 20 acres set aside for 'employment zone'. Based on estimates from the building industry WLBC think that no more than 100 houses will be developed each year. The first not until around 2020

Utilities upgrades will be sorted first and paid for by developer. United Utilities have to upgrade the waste water facilities in Burscough anyway. No utilities upgrade – no housing development! An “absolute”

Planing Inspectorate will examine the decision in public, then an official Master Plan will be written around 2014. A Master Plan will be produced. This will outline all the amenities and transport plans.

There is a Plan B if the developers can't deliver what is in the Master Plan (in relation to utilities upgrades).

CO2 emissions – West Lancashire Borough Council (WLBC) will encourage use of public transport wherever possible on all sites.

National Government required formalised plan ASAP. Developers in the meantime are able to submit plans that the council didn't have an approved policy to use to counter with to defend against rogue (rogue is my term not WLBC) applications.

Work on Master Plan exercise starts in about 18 months. Residents will be consulted and listened to, WLBC wants residents help on prioritising amenities “wish” list. (wish is my term not WLBC)

No actual development before 2020 (estimate)

Next stage Planning Inspectorate will test and validate the Local Plan in public to ensure it meets the criteria of the National Policy Framework. The plan will then go to full council for adoption. If adopted this then becomes the official local plan for 2012-2027. The Yew Tree Farm type developments which form a part of the Local Plan will then be Master Planned, which adds the detailed planning e.g. site road layout and additions, entrances, exits, housing type, housing layout etc. Local people will be consulted on this detailed planning.

Land allocation approved – Draft Local Plan adopted – detailed work contained in Master Plan

Planning Applications have to be in-line with planning policy “absolutely”

Lancashire County Council Highways Department has already indicated to WLBC that the existing road infrastructure, with some traffic improvements, can cope with planned development.

Councillor Forshaw towards the end of the interview a justification for making unpopular, but necessary decisions. Without an agreed Local Plan the council is vulnerable to developers applications and less favourable developments.

Agreement to meet again and discuss the detail in the Master Plan.

Greenbelt release biggest single concern identified by residents. Councillor Martin Forshaw covers this ground (so to speak) again towards the end of the interview. “No choice, repeat no choice but to release Greenbelt for this development plan” “However, a lot of time and effort has gone into keeping the greenbelt release to an absolute minimum.” Overall over a 15 year planning period total greenbelt release is less than 0.2%

Please leave your comments and views regarding the interview using the comments option.

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Interview with aspiring TV Film writer & Lancashire lad Daniel Driver behind the scenes at Dickinson's Real Deal on filming location at Edge Hill University Feb 11th 2012

2012-02-16T20:32:00.000Z

Interview with TV Production Runner Daniel Driver behind the scenes at Dickinson's Real Deal.

The Real Deal came to Ormskirk on filming location at Edge Hill University on Saturday February 11th 2012.

Former Edge Hill University student, Lancashire resident and aspiring film and television writer Daniel Driver, gives us the lowdown on his role as a "Runner" behind the scenes, during the filming of the RDF Televsion programme Dickinson's Real Deal.

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Video interview with Ormskirk resident on the set of Dickinson's Real Deal at Edge Hill University Feb 2012

2012-02-16T19:43:00.000Z

Video interview with Ormskirk resident on the set of Dickinson's Real Deal at Edge Hill University Feb 2012

Watch the video below of John Abraham being interviewed after his moment in the lime light on the set of Dickinson's Real Deal.

The Television programme "Dickinson's Real Deal" came to Ormskirk on Saturday Feb 11th 2012. David Dickinson and the tv production filmed on location at the Wilson Centre on campus at Edge Hill University.

Many local fans of Dickinson's Real Deal came to the campus and queued for an opportunity to get a Real Deal.

Local fan and Ormskirk resident John Abraham was one of the lucky one's as he showed off a Napolean figurine to Jan in the hope of getting a real deal.

Did John get the deal he wanted? Who knows?, we'll have to wait and watch the programme on TV later on during the year.

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Video 2/2 Chief Scout Bear Grylls Gold Award presentations to West Lancashire Scouts

2012-02-16T17:48:00.003Z

Video 2 of 2 Chief Scout Gold Award presentation to West Lancashire Scouts

West Lancashire College in Skelmersdale on Thursday February 9th 2012. The video contains a congratulatory speech made by the County President Mrs Gail Stanley, MBE, DL, JP.

Click here to view the first video of the Chief Scout Gold Award presentations

Scouting information

Megan, 14, Preston said, “I’m in Scouting because I love camping, climbing and adventure. It’s through Scouts that I have had the opportunity to take part in these activities and learn new skills.”

Mathew, 15, Chorley said, “I love taking advantage of the international opportunities Scouting offers. Scouting also allows me to volunteer with younger sections this is great because I enjoy teaching new skills’
Andrew, 14, Fylde said, “I enjoy camping and making new friends, that’s with I’m a Scout”
Kevin Lee, Parent said “Scouting is perfect for my child in a society of computer and health issues.

West Lancashire Scouts

Scouting gives my child the freedom to explore the outdoors and develop into a young adult. This is only possible because the adult volunteers.”
Scouting is the largest co-educational youth movement in the UK with a total of 480,896 members
Worldwide, there are well over 28 million members in over 216 Countries. Two thirds of the membership lives in developing Countries.
The Aim of the Scouts Association is “To promote the development of young people in achieving their full physical, intellectual, social and spiritual potential as individuals, as responsible citizens and as members of their local, national and international communities.
Scouting in West Lancashire has a membership of over 10,000 members in the following 8 Districts: Chorley, Blackpool, Preston, Ormskirk, South Ribble, Fylde, Wyre and Lonsdale.

In May of 2009, TV adventurer Bear Grylls became the UK’s tenth Chief Scout
Think you know Scouting… Think Again http://youtu.be/h1N3mq7uAYI
The Partnership between The Scout Association and The Woodland Trust has resulted in over 500,000 new trees being planted.
Scouting offers fun, challenge and everyday adventure to 400,000 girls and boys across the UK.

80% of Scouts think Scouting has improved their confidence and teamwork.

87% of Scouts think Scouting helps them to make a greater contribution to their community.

88% of young people said that Scouting helped them at school and in employment.

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Video part 1/2 Chief Scout Bear Grylls Gold Award presentations made to West Lancashire Scouts

2012-02-16T17:30:00.003Z

Chief Scout Award presentation to West Lancashire Scouts. Video Part 1/2

West Lancashire College in Skelmersdale on Thursday February 9th 2012

The video audio sound track contains two speeches made by Lord Baden Powell relating to Scouting in Part1 and a congratulatory speech made to the recipients of the Gold Award by the County President.

Press Release from the West Lancashire Scouts

50 Scouts from Lancashire gain Chief Scout Bear Grylls Award

West Lancashire Scouts have awarded 50 girls and boys ages 10 to 14 their Chief Scout Award. This is the highest award attainable for their age. The presentation took place in the new £42 Million West Lancashire College in Skelmersdale. Mrs Gail Stanley MBE, JP, DL, presented the awards and Cllr Rob Bailey Mayor of West Lancashire BC offered congratulations.

The event focused on the fun, commitment and personal development the Scouts gained from the award. The award encompass the essence of Scouting, which gives young people the opportunity to take part in a wide range of activities from; volunteering, climbing, hiking, rafting, kayaking and even attending international camps in places such as Sweden and Austria.

West Lancashire Scout receiving Gold Award

Tom, 14, Ormskirk said “Through the award I was given the opportunity to volunteer with the younger Scouts (aged 6-8) this has given me leaderships skills and made me more confidence. Scouting has allowed me to take part in skiing and overnight hiking, experience that have changed my life”

“Scouting is not all badges it’s what’s behind these awards; the fun; the friendship and the adventure. Scouting is making a difference to the life’s 10,000 young people across Lancashire and offers fantastic opportunities to millions globally.” Former Awardee and Guest Speaker on the night Harry, 16, Preston

‘As a society, we do tend to get bogged down with ‘you can’t do this, you can’t do that’ and I think it’s a shame – kids lose out on so much of the magic of the outdoors. I want kids to learn how to start fires without matches, build camps, and climb mountains. Our ancestors had these skills for generations and now we are in danger of losing them.’ says Chief Scout Bear Grylls.

If you would like to volunteer with us Scouting or would like your child to join visit www.scouts.org.uk/join or call 01995613361

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Tesco Burscough Alzheimers Society Charity Fundraising Day Feb 11th 2012

2012-02-14T09:00:00.002Z

Tesco Burscough Alzheimers Society Charity Fundraising Day Feb 11th 2012

Community Champion Craig Smith told me he hopes to become a bit fitter and do a parachute jump to raise money for next year's charity.

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Photos of Chief Scout's Gold Award presentations Skelmersdale 9th Feb 2012

2012-02-14T09:00:00.001Z

Photos taken at the West Lancashire Chief Scout Gold Award presentations

Presentation of Chief Scout's Gold Award Certificates By Mrs Gail Stanley MBE, JP, DL County President, West Lancashire Scouts in the Hope Theatre, West Lancashire College, Skelmersdale On Thursday 9 February 2012

Order of Proceedings

Introduction
Mike Simpson, County Chairman

Thought for the Day
Sue Goldstraw, Ormskirk District Commissioner

Welcome
Cllr Rob Bailey, Mayor of West Lancashire Council

What the Award Means to Me
Harry Blanchard, Former Awardee

Presentation of the Chief Scout's Gold Award Certificates by Mrs Gail Stanley MBE, JP, DL, President of the West Lancashire Scouts

Address
Mrs Gail Stanley

Vote of Thanks
Kevin Lee, Parent of James

Closing Remarks
County Chairman

AWARDEES

Ormskirk District
44th Ormskirk (Tarleton)
58th Ormskirk (Hesketh Bank)
17th Ormskirk (1st Skelmersdale)
37th Ormskirk (St Anne's)
56th Ormskirk (Newburgh & Dalton)
45th Ormskirk (Burscough Methodist)

Chorley District
Adlington White Bear
Trinity Methodist

Fylde District
1st Lytham St Anne's Sean Scouts
1st Clifton

Lonsdale District
16th Lancaster (St Paul's)
5th Lancaster (Cathedral and St Bernadette's)

Preston District
4th Fulwood
1st Goosnargh
2nd Ashton

South Ribble District
Brindle St. James
4th Bamber Bridge (St Aidan's)
5th Penwortham Laika
6th Penwortham
Leyland URC

Wyre District
1st Fleetwood

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Dickinson's Real Deal - photos taken behind the scenes at the filiming on location at Edge Hill University

2012-02-14T09:00:00.000Z

Dickinson's Real Deal - photos taken behind the scenes at the filiming on location at Edge Hill University, Ormskirk, West Lancashire Saturday 12th February 2012

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National Libraries Day Marked by Lancashire County Council With Campaign Announcement

2012-02-08T23:15:00.000Z

National Libraries Day 2012 Poster

Lancashire County Council celebrated National Libraries Day on Saturday 4th February 2012 with the announcement of a countywide roll-out of a high profile campaign to encourage more people to use its libraries.

The spring campaign builds on a successful pilot in West Lancashire in 2011. This campaign led to a 35% increase in library membership.

The campaign comes as the council continues to buck the national trend. It is mid-way through a £5.5 million regenerate programme to refurbish its 74-strong network of library branches. The programme is aimed at ensuring that those libraries will not only remain open but will provide modern, flexible facilities, fit for the 21st century.

County Library and Information Service

What's on in your library?

County Councillor Mike Calvert, cabinet member for adult and community services, said: "Libraries are at the heart of local communities, which is why we are investing around £5.5 million in refurbishing our network of 74 libraries. We have also just announced proposals for a further £1m capital investment in our libraries.

"However, we want to change the way people think about libraries. We want to attract even more people by letting them know about the brilliant range of services available, from borrowing the latest best-selling books, eBooks and DVDs, to accessing the internet through our network of PCs or using the free wi-fi, to attending exciting events from children's activities to live music."

The campaign will feature local library users on eye-catching outdoor advertising and it will also use radio advertising and the internet, including the council's social media channels on Twitter, Flickr and YouTube to reach its target audience.

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The AGM of the New Way Tenants Residents Association (NWTRA) in Ormskirk is on Wed 29th February

2012-02-08T22:05:00.000Z

A recent message received from Ormskirk resident, Jane Thompson "A huge favour, could you advertise the AGM of New Way Tenants Residents Association in Ormskirk.

Life In Another Town is happy to help promote local not-for-profit organisations.


NWTRA local contact telephone numbers card

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CALLING ALL RESIDENTS IN THE FOLLOWING AREAS;

Station Approach

Railway Approach

Station Road

Chestnut Court

Hardacre Street

Burscough Street

Hants Lane

Scarisbrick Street

Clucas Gardens

Jubilee Avenue

Owen Avenue

The AGM of the NWTRA (New Way Tenants Residents Association) is on Wednesday 29th February 2012 at 7pm, Hants Lane College, Ormskirk.

All residents are urged to attend to support their local residents association. We recently expanded and now represent approximately 324 households. www.newwaytenants.wordpress.com

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Compassion UK charity fundraiser Video interview with Sam Smith

2012-02-07T13:49:00.000Z

Compassion UK charity fundraiser Skelmersdale Football Club. Interview with Sam Smith Friday 3rd February 2012

This video is Part 5 in the series of interviews, illustrating how faith and religion play a part in the community. In this instance 'community' is more than just the people of West Lancashire. This interview is a reminder that we live in a global society and with just the right motivation and will, we can help our neighbours right across the world.

Sam is a physical education instructor at Edge Hill University in Ormskirk, West Lancashire, England. He and his wife are committed Christians and belong to the Ormskirk Christian Fellowship based at Edge Hill University. They have sponsored three children via the Compassion UK charity, which is part of Compassion International.

Now, Sam is trying to raise £4000 to go towards funding a Compassion leadership development programme in Ethiopia. During the interview, Sam explains the motivation behind his plan to ascend Mount Kilimanjaro and tells us why he is supporting this charitable project.

MS (Multiple Sclerosis) Society Fundraiser Ormskirk Interview with Malika Lahsen-Bradley Feb 3rd 2012

2012-02-06T19:58:00.000Z

MS Society Fundraiser Ormskirk Video Interview with Malika Lahsen-Bradley

The MS (Multiple Sclerosis) Society West Lancashire was established twenty years ago. The West Lancashire branch of the MS Society covers Banks, Burscough, Ormskirk, Rufford, Skelmersdale, Tarleton, Upholland and everywhere in between. This local branch of the MS Society has over forty members and help anyone in the local area affected by Multiple Sclerosis.

MS Society Fundraising

Malika tells us during the interview how the Multiple Sclerosis Society has supported her and her family and tells us about the range of activities that are provided locally to suport fellow sufferers.

The Craft Fayre at St.Anne's Parish Social Centre in Ormskirk, West Lancahire looked to be very popular going by the activity around the various stalls. Malika hopes that the craft fayre event will raise £500. This money will all be used to fund local MS Society activities.

If you would like to find out more about the West Lancashire branch of the MS Society and it's activities, please visit http://www2.mssociety.org.uk/branches/lancs_and_s_cumbria/west_lancs/index.html

WRVS Ormskirk Hospital Shop Video Interview with manager Deborah Brown

2012-02-06T18:11:00.001Z

WRVS Orsmkirk Hospital Shop Interview with manager Deborah Brown

The WRVS (Women's Royal Voluntary Service) is a charity which originated back during the second world war. Today the motto of the WRVS is "Positive about age, positive about life"

Through more than 40,000 volunteers WRVS helps older people all over the country to stay independent at home and active in their community. It is that practical little bit of help that makes all the difference -- whether at home, getting them to where they want to go, bringing people together through social activities or supporting them in hospital or in an emergency.

The WRVS hospital shop in the Ormskirk District General Hospital donated in 2011 £41,000 to the hospital. This donation was made to fund a new heart scanner. The money was raised from the profits made by the hospital shop.

During the video interview Deborah Brown, the shop manager, gives us an insight into the shops activities and those of the WRVS in West Lancashire.

Skelmersdale Compassion UK Christian Sponsor a Child fundraiser

2012-02-05T14:58:00.001Z

Photos taken at the Sam Smith Compassion UK Christian charity Sponsor a Child fundraiser at Skelmersdale FC Friday 3rd January 2012.

Sam Smith: "I am 31 years old and live in a town called Sklemersdale near Liverpool. I am so excited to be part of the Blood,Sweat & Compassion team heading out in March 2012. My wife and I have been supporting Compassion for the last four years and sponsor 3 amazing children from Haiti, India & Ethiopia. I am totally up for this challenge not just for me personally but also to raise money for such a worthy cause to see 4 young people brought from poverty and getting the chance to be leaders and changers in their societies.

Date of Trip: March 2012

I am a personal trainer, I love a challenge! This is like no other challenge I have taken on before. I have to admit the initial attraction was the personal challenge but after I read on about how the money raised would be used to send 4 young innovators through university and give them a chance otherwise they could only dream about, it sealed it for me!! Compassion's projects and what they do in the poorest communities around the world with the poorest of children are truly worthy causes. From the Child Survival Programme to the Child Development Programme and this Leadership Development Programme, all giving a child a chance it deserves to survive and thrive to be everything it was created to be. Past students of the Leadership Development Programme have gone on to become agriculturalists, biomedical technicians, business people, doctors, teachers, pastors and members of Parliament.

Fundraising Target: £4000

I work in a University and going to futher education is an option almost all teenagers have even with the rise in fees. To hear there are 4 young poeple who have excelled in the child development programme with Compassion and want to go as far as they can to be inspirational leaders in their communites and societies and they just need some people to give/raise money and climb a mountain, count me in! We take so much for granted, health care, food, clothing, education. These 4 guy's would have struggled to attain any of these without the support of Compassion and its sponsors. They have excelled within the programme and shown their potential and need this oportunity to be the best they can be to realise this calling of leadership. I believe you may not see the fruit of what you give towards this cause, but the benefit others will recieve will echo into eternity! Please give whatever you can to help me help others, help others!" Smith Smith.
You can donate towards this cause by visiting http://www.compassionuk.org/blood-sweat-compassion-mar12-Sam-Smith

OWLS Ormskirk & West Lancashire Model Boat Club Video Interview at Martin Mere WWT Indoor Model Boat Show Jan 2012

2012-02-03T18:49:00.001Z

Interview with the OWLS Ormskirk & West Lancashire Model Boat Club at the Martin Mere WWT Indoor Model Boat Show Saturday 28th January 2012

Model boat building; It's not airfix and it's not kits; it's building from scratch, scaling down from life size measurements. Gerry Long builds boats from cardboard and calls it "cardboard engineering". Gerry worked the Cunard Liverpool to New York route as a Pastry Chef back in the fifties and recalls the 'Liverpool Yanks' bringing back American clothes, music and accents to Liverpool. Ernie Price makes model boats for his grand kids. He was a fitter at the Montrose shipyard and developed a passion for model boat building after working on some of the famous Royal Navy ships of the last generation.

a close up of one of the OWLS model boats on display

There is real talent and enthusiasm here on show from the OWLS (Ormskirk and West Lancashire Model) Boat Club.

Do you belong to a local hobby club and have a story to tell? Please let me know. Just fill out the contact form and I'll get back in touch.

Squatters & squatting in Burscough West Lancashire Video interview with Ormskirk resident Mary Wright

2012-02-02T19:36:00.003Z

Squatters and squatting in Burscough West Lancashire Video interview with Ormskirk resident Mary Wright

In a video interview, life time resident of West Lancashire, Mary Wright (no relation to local Life In Another Town blogger Matthew J Wright), gives a first hand account of living as a squatter on the Royal Navy Air Station HMS Ringtail, Burscough, West Lancashire following World War II.

Memorial Plaque, RNAS Burscough, H.M.S. Ringtail. (photo by Graham Crisp)

Mary recalls how as a young child, her Mother and Father moved back down from Glasgow, where she had been born, to Burscough; the village where her Father had grown up.

The Nissen huts, which once served as accommodation for Naval personnel, would now serve, for the next several years, as badly needed housing for local families.

To see photos of the Burscough airfield visit the website Airfield Information Exchange

To illustrate how the squatting became a local issue, there appeared on the 26^th June 1947, in the Ormskirk Advertiser newspaper ,a short notice of a meeting by the Housing Committee of Ormskirk Urban District Council;

At the meeting of the Housing Committee of Ormskirk Urban District Council, the minutes of which were confirmed at Monday night's meeting of the Council, the clerk (Mr. Jos. Taylor) reported that a number of people had moved into huts on the portion of No.1 Camp R.N.A.S Burscough, which was not under the Council's control; and that he had written to the Ministry of Health on the Matter.

The Committee decided that no further action be taken except for sanitary reasons, nor rents collected pending the Ministry's reply.

It was pointed out that the fact that these people were not paying rent was making it increasingly difficult to collect rent from the area of the Camp adjoining which was under the Council's control.

The clerk was instructed to bring these difficulties to the attention of the Ministry and press for an early reply to the previous mentioned letter.

During the interview Mary Wright tells how her Father and his family had worked the barges on the Leeds-Liverpool Canal, she talks about long gone local factories and businesses she worked in while growing up, the advent of the new housing estates in Ormskirk, through to today and the experience, some local residents have had of the rapid expansion of Edge Hill University in recent years and the accompanying growth of student residents in the old market town.

The video interview records a snippet of oral history. It recounts a period of Post-War West Lancashire history, which in years to come will pass to future generations, not by word of mouth, but by solely being learned about via books or the Internet.

Do you have a story to tell about local history? Contact Life In Another Town and let me know.

Video of Martin Mere WWT Indoor Model Boat Show Paddle Steamer interior workings in motion Jan 2012

2012-02-02T14:51:00.001Z

Martin Mere WWT Indoor Model Boat Show Paddle Steamer interior workings in motion Jan 2012

Martin Mere WWT on Saturday 28 and Sunday 29 January the annual Indoor Model Boat show. Model boats from the clubs OWLS, Crosby and Hoylake in West Lancashire