10 Clitheroe Advertiser & Times, Thursday, September 20th, 2007


www.clitheroeadvertiser.co.uk


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


Valley MP delighted to open prestige new office enterprise


by Faiza Afzaal


A PRESTIGIOUS develop­ ment providing modern office suites and work units for would-be entrepreneurs has opened its doors to the public. Ribble Valley MP Nigel


Evans officially kick-started the opening celebrations to Fern Court - a newly regener­ ated and converted derelict building off Moor Lane, Clitheroe - now housing 10 brand-new office/work space units. The high standard of work to


breathe new life into the build­ ing, without losing the historic charm, has already won a regional building “Oscar-style” award with a good chance of success in the national awards that will be presented by Chan­ nel 4’s Sarah Beeny in London in November. Independent financial advi­


sor Mr John Turner and his wife, Sam, with the help and


advice of Julie Whalley, of Lancashire Rural Futures, secured £103,000 Rural Lan­ cashire Development Grant funding to transform the derelict former joinery work­ shop into the high-quality offices, serviced by kitchens, a meeting room, managed recep­ tion and disabled access. An amazing array of entre­


preneurs, from dental techni­ cians and security experts to web designer and estate agents, have already snapped up space a t this distinctive develop­ ment, demonstrating the acute need for small business work space. The regeneration and con­


version of the old workshop and associated buildings has been carried out by building contractor Craig Meadows. Commenting on the scheme,


Mr Turner said: “I t has been a lot of hard work and a labour of love, but we now have a tremendous sense of achieve­ ment that our vision of provid­ ing centrally-located contem-


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porary workspaces has come to fruition. “By renovating an existing


but derelict business premises, we have been able to give the area a new lease of life and pro­ vide opportunities for like- minded entrepreneurs to flour­ ish. Anyone else wishing to join


us will have to be quick - the offices are going very fast! ” After visiting the Fem Court


complex to see the transforma­ tion at first hand, Ribble Val­ ley Mayor Coun. Doreen Tay­ lor said: “I ran a hairdressing business for 50 years and I think creating office spaces for small businesses is an excellent idea. “The building is absolutely


beautiful and I am sure it will be a huge success.” Mr Evans said he was


delighted to officially open the building, which will enable budding entrepreneurs to get a foothold in the Ribble Valley’s business property ladder. He commented: “The Ribble


Valley is a superb place to live, but property prices are through the roof. As property prices are so enormous in a rural place like the Valley, it just puts a lot


of people off who cannot afford the massive rents. “Smaller businesses need


that helping hand which they are receiving at Fern Court.' “This facility is also superb


from a networking point of view as the entrepreneurs can


mingle with each other.” Anyone interested in renting


one of the workspaces should contact John or Sam Turner on 01200 429717 or e-mail their inquiries to the following: info@femcourt.co.uk. Our picture shows the official


opening of Fern Court with, from the left, owners John and Sam Turner, the Mayor’s Con- I sort Mr Gordon Taylor, Mr Evans, Deputy Mayor of Clitheroe Coun. Allan Knox and Ribble Valley Mayor | Coun. Taylor. (B140907/4)


WITHGILL sheep farmer Peter Fox secured a remarkable hat- trick when he sent out the cham­ pion 10-strong pen of Mule shearlings to win the Edgar Boothman Memorial Trophy at Skipton Auction Mart for the third year running. More than 10,000 mule gim-


Farmer Peter goes for hat-trick l i f e


1 * 2 ■ • j g n -


mer lambs and gimmer shearlings passed through a packed Skipton mart on day two of normal trad­ ing after the first liftimg of foot and mouth restrictions. I t saw the annual North of


England Mule Sheep Association (NEMSA) gimmer lambs show­ case, preceded by the rescheduled annual show and sale of Mule, Masham and Continental-cross shearling gimmers, purposely for­ matted to enable prospective mule purchasers to sell their shearlings in advance. In the first show, the Withgill-


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based Fox farming family sent out the champion pen of Mule shearlings to earn their hat-trick. Peter Fox, who farms with his father, Vince, and brothers, Edward and Robert, a t New Lane Cottage, Withgill, Clitheroe, again accepted the Edgar Boothman Memorial Tro­ phy. The victors sold for £105 to Duncan'Branch, of Askham Bryan, who co-judged the show with David Pinder, of Newton- in-Bowland. • Bill Pinder, also of Newton-in-


Bowland, topped the Masham prices a t £68 per head, while


m y*


Bernard and Anne Myers and Daughters, of Winksley, took first prize in the Texels section. These sold for £90 each, with the second prize pen from Richard and Mark Ireland, of Whalley, selling for £100, while the third prize winners from Thomas Charnley, of Laneshawbridge, made £99. However, the top priced Texels, at £104 apiece, were exhibited by Clifford Law- son, of Embsay. Mule shearlings sold to £105


(av £83), Mashams to £68 (£61) and Texels to £104 (£85) Next up was the big NEMSA


highlight, one of the major open­ ing ewe lamb sales of the season, which resulted in a clean sweep of trophies for Skipton branch


chairman Ashley Caton, of Otterburn Lodge Farm, Otter- burn. He sent out the champion pen of 10 lambs, sold for the day’s best price by far at £210 per head to Martin and Val Brown, of Newton-le-Willows, then just minutes later learned he had also been victorious in the 20’s class for the third year in succession, these selling for £100 each to one of the show judges, Martin Jen­ nings, of Bank Newton. The overall average selling


price for the NEMSA show was £52.43 per head. Our picture shows the Skipton


shearlings champions with exhibitor Peter Fox, centre, flanked by judges Duncan Branch and David Pinder. (s)


Gardeners’ autumn


sessions


MORE than 30 people attended Clitheroe Gar­ den Club’s first meeting after the summer break. The county organisers


for the National Garden Scheme gave an illustrat­ ed talk on the charity, set up in the 1920s by Mr Rathbone of bread-baking fame, with his own money to provide home nursing for those in need of it. The scheme evolved to


support his fund and today all the money raised is divided among nursing charities. The history was fol­


lowed by slides of fairly local gardens taking part. I t was emphasised that the size of the garden does not matter, as smaller gar­ dens can be grouped


together. Unfortunately, part way


through the talk, the pro­


jector failed. Two members of the


club were able to recall their experiences having joined the scheme and, in spite of the projector problem, the meeting was


a great success. On October 3rd, Ian


Sutherland will be dealing with dahlias. Guests will be made welcome.


W m M M F v


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


www.clitheroeadvertiser.co.uk


Clitheroe Advertiser &Times, Thursday, September 20th, 2007 11


Letters to the Editor Write to: The Editor, Clitheroc Advertiser and Times, 3 King Street, Clithcroe BB72EW Editorial e-mail: vivien.meath@castlancsnews.co.uk — Heartfelt thanks to


these great people I AM writing to express my gratitude to the Freemasons organisation. I am about to undergo an operation


for a condition called scoliosis which is curvature of the spine. It requires being in hospital in Sal­


ford for approximately a week and recovery will take about six months to a year. I have been told that for six months


after the procedure I have not to pick up my youngest daughter, who is two, which as you can imagine is almost impossible. My partner has some holiday time


available, but not nearly enough to cover the time I am in hospital and then six months afterwards. Concerned about childcare costs


with only one wage in the household, my GP and health visitor very kindly offered to make inquiries about finan­ cial assistance. The first place tried was social serv­


ices whose only suggestion was that my partner should give up his job, obviously not a practical solution when you have a mortgage to pay. Luckily my health visitor came


across the Masons, told them about my situation and they very kindly


Could you be a Special


Constable? HAVE you ever thought of joining the police? Officers in Clitheroe are


opening the station doors on Thursday night to anyone thinking of volunteering as a Special Constable. This week’s event is one of.


a series being held by the Special Constabulary Team to let people know more about the team and how to join. Special Constables are


trained volunteers who sup­ port local officers. They give at least four


hours a week to help form a link between the police and the local community. No special qualifications


are needed to join, but applicants need to be over the age of 18. Volunteers need to be


honest and reliable, willing to work in a team and learn new skills. Certain health and fitness


requirements must also be met and a fitness test passed. Those wanting to join


must be law-abiding and have high standards of integrity, behaviour and social conduct. The Clitheroe event is


taking place from 6 until 8 p.m. at the police station in King Street. Those turning up are asked to report to the Inquiry Desk on arrival.


_______by Jean Miller


IT was back to the rock ‘n’roll fiftiess, at the Spar shop in Whal­ ley when the annual event to raise money for the NSPCC was held. “We were thrilled to raise'more


than £650 and money is still com­ ing in”, manageress Joanne Gille­ spie told the Clitheroe Advertiser


and Times. “The staff all worked so hard,


baking and making sandwiches as well as manning the refreshment,


tombola and raffle stalls and serv­ ing customers.” More than one “Elvis” and a


“bunny girl” were among the staff who had dressed in gear of up to 50 years ago. There was a large cake from


Greenhalghs Bakery in Bolton, which supplies the store, and the tea urn was once again loaned by Whalley Primary School. Businesses in the village kindly


donated the prizes. “We are so grateful for all the support donations and good wish­


es. We all had such a lovely day”, added Joanne. The shop and pubs in the village


still have collecting buckets and customers are still able to sign a card wishing the business well on the 50th anniversary of Spar. " So far the card has raised more


than £100, each signature costing £ 1.


Our picture shows staff at Whal­


ley Spar dressed up in weird and wonderful costumes raising money for a good cause. (B140907/2)


For Ribble Valley news online go to... www.clitheroeadvertiser.co.uk


donated a substantial sum of money towards our childcare costs. Without it I am sure we would end up with serious financial problems. I would like to say a massive thank


you to the Freemasons and also to my GP, Dr Susie Owen, and health visitor, Carolyn Pashby, for their continued support.


S. CHATBURN, Millthorne Avc, Clitheroe


What can be done


at this junction? I WROTE an article entitled “Just what does it take” in March 2005 foil- lowing the tragic death on the A59 at the Sabden/Clitheroe junction of a much respected friend. I also commented on the concern at


Sabden Parish Council regarding the serious accidents that have occured at that junction. I followed the problem up by con­


tacting the Highways Department of Lancashire County Council. They replied that they had no plans to make the junction safer. I noted with deep regret yet anoth­


er fatal accident a t this notorious junction in your newspaper.


I repeat my initial statement -


“Just what does it take?” does it mean yet another life? I view it with great sadness that


with the evidence th a t is available that nothing has been done to make the junction safer. The families who have lost loved ones would no doubt express it in much stronger terms. : ■ I am not sure how to take this prob­


lem further. Are we expected to remain idle and do nothing? Perhaps your readers may have


some suggestions about a sensible way forward.


W.J. TURNER, Sawley Road, Grindleton


We have a right to


an explanation I WAS interested to read on page 17 of last week’s Clitheroe Advertiser and Times (September 13th edition) the headline “Open air festival will go ahead”, followed by information that “permission has been given to stage an open air music festival this weekend in the vicinity of Howgill, Rimington”. The organisers have been given the


go-ahead to stage the Full Phat Open Air Festival from noon on Saturday.


This article was printed prior to the hearing before a sub-committee of Ribble Valley Borough Council’s Licensing Committee to determine whether or not a licence for the event would be granted. The hearing took place from 10


a.m. on Thursday, September 13th. Can you please explain how you already knew the outcome of a meet­ ing which hadn’t yet taken place? Could it be that Ribble Valley Bor­


ough Council advised you of their decision to grant the licence in advance of the hearing? If this is the case, then Ribble Val­


ley Borough Council have made a mockery of the official licensing pro­ cedures. I ’m sure many Ribble Valley resi­


dents will be interested in your expla­ nation.


RIMINGTON and MIDDOP RESIDENT, Name and address supplied O See, As I See It, page 6 - Editor


A good friend who


will be missed YES, Paul Wilson was a good man. Our family knew Paul, his wife and daughter, Zoe, well.


Back to the rocking ’50s


They helped us in many ways. He will be sadly missed by us and a


lot of people, not just for being a lock-'' smith but being a friend as well.


MRS K. SEAWARD, CLARE and EMMA, Tower Hill, Clithcroe


Appeal for Korean


ex-Serviceman I AM researching Servicemen killed in the Korean War while serving with the Kings Liverpool Regiment. One of the casualties of this war


was born in the Clitheroe district, and I wonder if you could please print an appeal for anyone who knew him to contact me. The sServiceman details are as fol­


lows: Private 22607873, Peter Edward Davies, 1st Battalion, Kings Liver­ pool Regiment, died 16th August 1953, age 20, and is buried at Hodogaya Cemetery Yokohama, Japan, Plot D, Row B, grave 16. Any information on Private Davies would be welcome.


DAVID IRVING, 31 Woodland Road, Halcwood Liverpool


Tenants receive transfer letters


TENANTS'of Ribble Valley Borough Council this week received a for­ mal consultation docu­ ment - or offer document - setting out the facts behind the proposed transfer of their council homes to an independent company. Tenants will be asked


to vote on transfer later this year based pn the contents of the docu­ ment, which includes key promises on rents, rights, repairs and major invest­ ment in their homes. Transfer to the pro­


posed company, Ribble Valley Homes, will unlock £59m. of invest­ ment over 30 years, which the council believes is the best way forward for its housing stock. Tenants are being


urged to study their offer document carefully as it sets out what the future holds for their homes if there is a “yes” vote or “no” vote. Coun. S tu a r t Hirs t,


chairman of Ribble Val­ ley Borough Council’s


Housing Committee, said: “The council firmly believes transfer is the best way forward, but it will be for tenan ts to decide. “The document sets


out what Ribble Valley Homes will deliver for ten ants , th e ir homes, their neighbourhoods and their housing services. “I t is important ten­


ants read the document as it will contain all the information they need when deciding how to vote.” As part of the consul­


tation process, tenants will also receive a home visit from council hous­ ing staff, who will answer questions about the pro­ posed transfer. The v is its will take


place from Monday (September 24th) to October 1st and there will also be information events at sheltered hous­ ing schemes. Further information is


available from the coun­ cil’s free housing stock transfer phone line on 0800 195 2422.


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