2 Clitheroe Advertiser &Times, Thursday, September 1st, 2005


INSIDE YOUR CLITHEROE ADVERTISER AND TIMES


Valley Matters .. Village News-----


0 Letters................ M Weekendplus — 0 Weekend TV . . . Family Notices .. 0 Readersplus ----


Jobs .................. Properlyplus . . . Motorsplus ----


0 Sport..................


............6,7 ..11,12,13 ............16


........33-36 ........38,39 ........22,23 .............20 ........42-44 ........46-49 ........52-68 . .41,69-72


AT A GLANCE...


Small gardens - final trio - page 5 Bucks Fizz draws crowds - page 17 Estate agent on target - page 22 Respected farmer dies - page 31


INFORMATION Duty chemist: Lloyds Pharmacy, 5 Church Stre et,


Clitheroe: Sunday, noon to 1 p.m. Police: 01200 443344. Fire: In emergency 999 and ask for fire service. Eleclricilv: 0800 1954141. Gas: 0800 111999.


Water: 0845 462200. Councils: Kibble Valley Borough Council, Clitheroe


425111. Clitheroe Town Council, 424722. Hospitals: Blackburn Royal Infirmary: 01254 203555.


Queen's P a rk H o spita l, Blackburn: 01254 263555. Airedale General Hospital, Steeton: 01535 652511. Clitheroe Community Hospital: 427311. Alcohol Information Centre: 01282 416655. Aidsline: 01282 831101 (7 p.m. to 9 p.m.). Domestic Violence Helpline: 01282 422024. Cruse Bere:ivement Care: Ribble Valley 01200 429346. Environmental Agency: Emergencies- 0800 807060. Drugs: Local confidential advice and information lino: 01200 444484. National: 0800 776600. Ribble Valley Talking Newspaper: 01200 428004. Samaritans: 01254 662424. Monthly Volunteer Helpline: 01200 422721. Lancashire Rural Stress Network: 01200 42(771. QUEST (specialist smoking cessation service): 01254 358095. Ribble Valley Citizens’ Advice Bureau: 01200 4289G0.


CONTACT US! News: 01200 422324


Advertising: 01200 422323 Classiried: 01282 422331 Family Notices and Photo Orders: 01282 426161, ext. 410 Fax: 01200 443167 editor e-mail: vivicn.meath@casllancsnews.co.uk news editor e-mail: duncan.smith@castlancsncws.co.uk sport e-mail: cdward.lcc@casllancsncws.co.uk


WEATHER DUNSOP ^ BRIDGE ■ - O fl> <l^


I SLAIDBURN ■ GISBURN


CHIPPING! CLITHEROE ■


LANGHO ■ aCHATBURN


■ WHALLEY ■


'T f r HBURNLEY ■ ACCRINGTON Cl-


WEEKEND WEATHER: Saturday is forecast to have sunshine, with sunny intervals on Sunday.


SUNRISE; 6-16 a.m. SUNSET: 8-03 p.m. LIGHTING UP TIME: 8-03 p.m.


www.clitheroetoday.co.uk


Clitheroe 422324 (Editorial), 422323 (Advertising), Burnley 422331 (Classified)


Workers coast-to-coast cycle


by Duncan Smith


STAFF from Clitheroe’s Johnson Matthey Catalysts plant wanted to do something “a bit special” to raise funds for their local East Lancashire Hospice. What they came up with was a 172-mile coast-to-coast cycling challenge, from


west to east over three days. The 11-strong team will start next Saturday,


September 10th, by collecting a stone from the beach in Workington, then travel across coun­ try to drop the stone in the sea at Sunderland. They expect to cover approximately 60 miles per day before stopping for well-earned rests in guest houses along the way. The route will take them through mountain­


ous terrain via Kendal, Penrith, Hartside, Consett and finally arriving after an exhaust­ ing three days in Sunderland. Comprising nine men and two women, the


team are experienced cyclists and have been in training for several weeks in preparation for


the arduous task. Team member Zara Chaplin said: “All the


men are really competitive and are taking it very seriously, but Julie and I are pretty confi­


dent we will make it.” The team have approached suppliers, busi­


nesses, family, friends and colleagues to obtain as much sponsorship as they can that will go directly to patient care at the Blackburn-based


hospice. Sponsors of the event are Corporate and


Protective Wear, also from Clitheroe, who have provided the specially embroidered T-shirts and the back-up van that will accompany the team throughout their journey. Company spokesman Sarah Huyton said:


“When we were approached by Johnson Matthey to act as sponsors we were delighted to oblige as it was such a worthwhile cause that


was benefiting from the proceeds.” Harry Grayson, head of fund-raising at the


hospice, said: “We are extremely grateful to Johnson Matthey and the members of the cycling team, first for choosing the hospice as beneficiaries and secondly for undertaking such a challenging task. “On behalf of the patients, staff, volunteers


and trustees, I would like to wish all the team a very pleasant trip and I feel sure it will turn out to be an enjoyable and memorable journey. Good luck and best wishes to you all.” The East Lancashire Hospice cares for ter­


minally ill patients and their families from the Ribble Valley, Blackburn, Darwen and Hynd-


Report’s comments are ‘blatantly untrue’


, , • from page 1' Ms Ward admitted there


were some problems with infrastructure identified, how­ ever she said to say it has reached “breaking point” was blatantly untrue. “The school building dates


back to 1932. The infrastruc­ ture has reached a serious level and we are overcrowded, but what the report has stat­ ed is over-dramatic. “There were some problems


with dining provision and to overcome these problems, we opened a second dining area and a sandwich bar to spread the load,” explained Ms Ward. “In the past two years, we


have applied for additional changing facilities. The build­ ing of these on our school fields has been held up due to the lack of permission from the county council to go ahead with this scheme.” A similar opinion was


expressed by chairman of gov­ ernors, Dr John Saunders. He expressed his frustration at the findings of the report, which he claimed failed to stress the achievements such as Young Enterprise, the


excellent IT facilities and excellent teaching staff. He added: “We are always


under pressure because educa­ tion officials are wanting to place Ribble Valley children in a Ribble Valley school. “When parents are refused admission for their child, this


causes upset. “I am very disappointed


with this report. My three children attended Ribblesdale High and have been delighted with the standard of educa­ tion provided.” A' county council


spokesman said: “Parents have the right to appeal against any decision to refuse a school place and admission authorities are responsible for arranging appeals. “The local authority’s case


will therefore include com­ ments about the potential consequence of additional admissions to a school, which is already full or over-sub scribed. “These usually cover areas


relating to staffing, accommo­ dation, curriculum, and often refer to infrastructure issues, health and safety and special­ ist teaching areas.”


mm ,


burn and depends very heavily on the generos­ ity and support of people from the region, with £500,000 needed to be raised from voluntary sources each and every year. Anyone who would like to sponsor the (;oast to coast cyclists can telephone Zara Chaplin on


01200421610. Our picture shows (from the left, back row)


Mr Grayson, cyclist Julie Bennett, event spon­ sors Lorna Stewart and Sarah Huyton of Cor­ porate and Protective Wear, and cyclists Bill Platt, Ben Bridge, (front row) Phil Haweroft, Jonathan Johnston-Smith, Jonathan Kay and


Zara Chaplin. (B300805/1) Back to the swinging 60s


FIVE young actresses from the Rib­ ble Valley will take their audience back to the 1960s with a moving and evocative performance of Amanda Whittington’s play, “Be My Baby”. The cast comprises recent Clitheroe


Royal Grammar School leavers Natasha Finch, Emma Charnley and Becky Barnes, and current CRGS Sixth Form students Anna Tunnard and Erica Mileham. Together they are The Barefoot


TKfeatre Company. They will stage the play at St


Mary’s Parish Hall, Clitheroe, next Friday, September 9th, at 7-30 p.m., with all proceeds going to “Tommy’s”, a charity which helps babies in des­ perate need. The play is set in 1964 in a mother


and baby home in the north of Eng­ land and follows the story of Mary Adams. Like the other girls in the home, she has had to suffer the social exclusion


of being young, unmarried and preg­


nant in 1960s Britain. Despite the sixties being far from


swinging for these young women, their love of songs by the Ronnettes, Dixie Cups and other girl groups keeps them in high spirits and provides the soundtrack to their shared experi­ ences. In this extremely touching play, the


girls’ vivaciousness and strength is tested to the limit as events take a darker turn and they realise that they have no option but to give up their babies for adoption. The play is the fruition of many


months of planning and rehearsals by the young and talented amateur cast and promises to be an unmissable event. Tickets cost £6 for adults and £4


for concessions and are available in advance by phoning 01772 786808, or on the door.


SOLO whist winners at the Pendle Club were: Mrs M. Parker, Mrs A. Foster, Mr B. Wood. New members welcome every Mon­ day at 7 p.m. Bridge winners at the Pendle Club


were; Mrs Frances Porter, Mr Ernest Manning, Mrs Sylvia Walsh, Mrs Marjorie Collier.


Whist, bridge and domino results New members welcome every Mon­


day at 1-30 p.m. Domino winners: 1, D. Lowe; 2, J. Leach; joint 3, G. Cap- stick and F. Calverley; 5, M. Woods. New members welcome every Friday at 7 p.m. Sequence dancing is held every


Tuesday at 7-30 p.m. and line danc­ ing each Thursday at 1-30 p.m.


I m Lf'i


Head hits back at ‘crisis’ affecting school standards


by Faiza Afzaal


A CLITHEROE headteacher has hit back at claims that overcrowd­ ing at her school has reached crisis point and is affecting the standard of secondary education provided. A report by Lancashire County


Council’s education officials has revealed that Ribblesdale High School Technology College, Clitheroe, suffers from cramped classrooms. It has also stated that there is a


shortage of classroom accommodation throughout the school and health and safety is a constant concern, particu­ larly in practical subjects. However, Ms Glynne Ward, head­


teacher for the past 15 years, has criti­ cised the report and said it has failed to highlight the school’s good reputa­ tion, excellent GCSE results and glow­ ing Ofsted reports. Although she admitted pupil num­


bers had increased significantly over the years, due to the popularity of the school, three additional buildings had been erected to help cope with the


problems. The report added: “The population


of the school now exceeds the pub­ lished number of 1,260. We are at cri­ sis point and must not increase this number further.” In response, Ms Ward said: “Rib­


h’ MONDAYS •


Autumn Courses at


m JUNIOR FOOTBALL Agej7 - 9 - 4.00- 5.00pm f e f ........................... . SATURDAYS • £36


This course is designed for both boys and gids to develop ball masteiy and ski I, progressing to passing and receiving the ball in more difficult situations.Tbe course will concentrate on utilising these skills in attacking and defending situations, awareness of positioning and overall technique. TUESDAYS -


MARTIAL ARTS-5.00- 6.30pttl This course aims to provide a basic knowledge in martial arts. Children will be ah a to identify signs of danger and defend themselves accordingly. Each class will have a designated theme, outlining all aspects of martial


arts. Classes aimed at children 7 • 11 years. ACTIVE PUY NETBALL-Year 1/2- 4.00 • 4.45pm


BEGINNERS BADMINTON-6-8 Yearj4.00-S.00pm JUNIOR CLUB BADMINTON- 14 tYearj-S.OO-6.00pm .


used to improve game situations. ; A r


" , , , , . . . . r .


Emphasis is placed on developing basic ball skills and co-ordination whilst learning the basic rules of play. THURSDAYS •


JP®


This course is aimed at those wanting to leam the basic skills of badminton and to enjoy some match play.The children will learn how to hold the racket and hit the shuttle, progressing to rallying and performing basic strokes.There will also be some tuition in simple tactical moves, basic rules of play and court positioning.


^


This course promotes applying the combined use of Badminton fundamentals such as stroke play, movement and tactical awareness during match situations. Players w ill learn how stroke selection and movement can be


ROERELO ASTROS-10X0-12 noon . . ROEHELD COMEre M1.30 - 12X0prti ,


aimedatchildren6-8years.' . FOOTBALL-6's and under-9.00-10.00 am


: FOOTBALL-7'* and under-10.00-11.00 am ' SUNDAYS - ROEFIEIDROCKETS-6 X 0 -8.00 pm £36


The team, who regularly entertain at Blackburn Ice Arena, are aiming this course at children aged 12 and over. All aspects of cheerieading will be taught, from dance to stunts and chants, combing aerobic exercises for increasing fitness levels.


WWW. roe field, co. uk £36


This course is aimed at the younger cheerleaders (9-11 year olds} teaching them dancing and chants, with lots of fun and pom pom .waving!.


^36


This class Is a superb introduction to dieerleading and dance. We use a variety of techniques to improt^ co­ ordination, balance and rhythm and also to liuild confidence.The classes are energetic and full of fun! Course


£36


Emphasis will be placed on developing a child's basic understanding of the rules and organisation of the game, basic individual snlls and team participation.


£36


Emphasis will be placed on introducing players to a match situation. Players will work on positioning vsithin the formation and concentrate on tactics and technique. Ideally suited to players who have completed previous courses and have been coadied before.


blesdale High has a national reputa­ tion for being a good school and has in the past won a string of national awards. “When I started in 1990, the school


had around 750 pupils. Currently, its capacity is just under 1,300. “Yes, over the years the numbers


have increased significantly because parents wish to send their children to Ribblesdale High. “Despite the fact that pupil num­


bers continue to rise, we are providing the pupils with excellent, all-round education - broad and balanced. “We do not have parents at the door


complaining and this year’s best-ever GCSEs say it all. “My pupils always get all the atten­ tion they require to achieve the best


possible results.” She added: “Obviously there is some


distance to travel when children move from lesson to lesson. However, they do not hang around in corridors and are not unduly late for lessons. If they are, disciplinary action is immediately


taken. “The report states that there is a shortage of classroom accommodation. This is untrue.There are sufficient classrooms. Some classes have over 30 pupils, but this is to permit smaller classes tor those pupils who find learn­ ing more difficult. “We have structures in place to


ensure all children get the individual attention they require.” With regards to very little play­


ground space, Ms Ward admitted it was true, but claimed due to the gen­ eral levels of good behaviour, this has not over time proved to be a serious problem. She explained pupils are allowed


into other tutor rooms and there are a number of enclosed areas for them to go when it is wet. Regarding concerns highlighted


about health and safety and staff feel­ ing unable to give attention to individ­


ual pupils, Ms Ward stated this was “absolute nonsense”. She added: “The school has light,


bright classes and I have always ensured that when children come to school they are safe. “My staff numbers have grown con­


siderably over the years and, if any­ thing, I am over-staffed. “Every department has a subject


support assistant, the school boasts 10 teaching assistants and four learning mentors to support the teachers.”


Key findings


KEY findings of the report - which is used to justify refusing places to pupils who are due to move to secondary school - say: 9 Due to the volume of pupil


traffic on corridors, pupils are arriving late for lessons conse­ quently losing valuable learning time. • There is a shortage of class­


room accommodation through­ out the school. Many classes at Key Stage 3 and Key Stage 4 have over 30 pupils, the highest is 33.


e staff are constantly having


to cope with large classes and feel they are unable to give the indi­ vidual attention to pupils that they often need. • Because of additional build­


ings, there is very little play­ ground space remaining. • Laboratories and technolo­


gy rooms are used for registration and a large number of pupils have nowhere to go inside when it’s wet or cold at lunchtime. • The Infrastructure of the


school has reached breaking point, circulation spaces remain unchanged and corridors mas­ sively overcrowded.


vertiser an imes including Barrow, Billington, Langho, CaldDrstones and Brockhail clitheroetqday &


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