18 Clitheroe Advertiser &Times, Thursday, March 6th, 2008


www.cIitheroeadvertiser.co.uk


Clitheroe 422324 (Editorial), 422323 (Advertising), Burnley 422331 (Classified) Clitheroe 422324 (Editorial), 422323 (Advertising), Burnley 422331 (Classified) Letters Extra...Letters Extra...Letters Extra... Stand outside


and sell tickets! I AM a regular train user from Clitheroe to Manchester Victoria and I am writing due to the gate to the platform of Clitheroe Interchange being padlocked shut tor many months! The staff are closing the gate to


justify them being there, which in fact isn't the case, as they are mainly only there early on a Monday morn­ ing to get weekly tickets! And they lock the gate minutes before train departure, which, if you are at the last minute, the last tWng you need is to have to walk though the office as the train is setting off! Also surely this must be a fire haz­


ard, with the gate being locked. What if, heaven forbid, the train and/or the office were to be on fire? How would people get off the platform to safety? If they want to sell tickets so badly


they can stand outside and sell them like people at Blackburn, Bolton and Manchester Victoria do. I have e-mailed and written to Lan­


cashire County Council and North­ ern Rail about this and have not had a reply from either. MELANIE SIEQUIEN, Cliatburn


Financially, Fm a


2nd class citizen MPs are voting themselves large pay rises and allowances while many of our pensioners are faced with the decision of eat or heat. Now, I’ve just read that for every


£5 in revenue collected by local authorities more than £1 (on average almost £300 a year for every home- owner) goes to fund council workers’ “gold-plated” pensions. Overall spending on local government pen­ sions rose 13% last year. I read the above just days sifter I received a let­ ter telling me that my state pension increase will be £3.58 from April 7th. If I include my annual £200 fuel


allowance and the £10 Christmas bonus it still leaves me with a state pension of well under £100 a week. The only concession I receive is a free bus pass, which, when first given, meant we had a 50 % reduction in our local bus service. I’m now of the opin­ ion I’m a financial second-class citi­ zen in the land of my birth. My financial meter is running the wrong way, output is outstripping input. I’m sure there are many more pensioners in the same boat as me. Irish pensioners get a Government


annual heating allowance of £550. Prime Minister Brown’s annual pen­ sion will be £116,000. Me, well I ’ll plod on with my bus pass and with a state pension which is the lowest in theE.U. Rip-off Britain. By Gord it is.


BERT HARDWICK, Queensway, Waddington


We’re fortunate !


to have Booths I CAN not comment on Ihe particu­ lar “incident” at Booths Supermarket as I was not present (I suspect the same applies to most of the corre­ spondents on the matter). I can only say that I shop very reg­ ularly at Booths where the staff are


High Street store is not a patch on market


I AM writing in reply to Contrari­ an’s “advertisement” for Maxwells/Dawsons and M&S. Clitheroe Market is an important


part of our everyday life, without it we would have to change the town’s slogan! I t has unique products, some of them locally sourced, a hardy bunch of traders who offer personal service and many of whom have been trading for 40 years or more. But the writer (Contrarian)


always, and without exception, pleas­ ant and eager to help, and I cannot understand why it is it that we are always so ready to look for the worst and make harsh criticisms. The people of Clitheroe and its sur­


rounds are very fortunate to have a store like Booths, for which many people would glady exchange their faceless, impersonal supermarkets. JANET HALFPENNEY, Hodder Court, Knowles Brow, Stonyhurst


Buses to stop at


supermarket OVER the past year the-Ribble Val­ ley Senior Action Forum has been writing and telephoning the Lan­ cashire County Council and Lan­ cashire United concerning the failure of the various bus drivers not picking up people from the Booth’s supermar­ ket bus stop on Station Road. This has been extremely difficult


especially for the elderly and infirm, as well as parents with children, all having to struggle to the next stop by the Platform Gallery. We are now pleased to state that


Howard Mitchell, the service delivery manager, on behalf of Lancashire United Transport - Transdev, has now resolved the problem and has given an assurance that drivers will now pick up people from this bus stop. It is just a great pity that it has


taken so long to resolve this problem and many people have had to strug­ gle. However, if anyone does encounter any further problems could


thinks M&S and others from the “cloned” High Streets of other towns would be the answer. Person­ ally, what pleasure people find in sitting outside Maxwells watching motorists negotiate the mini-round­ about whilst taking liquid refresh­ ment and sucking on the evil weed beats me. Also, what about the resi­ dents of the Old Station Court? Are they also going to be relocated, or will they have to get used to deliv­ ery vehicles seven days-a-week


they please contact us via myself on 01^4 823012. We meet on a regular basis to try and campaign on behalf of elderly residents throughout the Ribble Valley on many and varied issues that in one way or another affect us all especially as we get older. Our next meeting is at the Riming-


ton Memorial Institute today (March 6th) commencing at 10 a.m. and anyone would be welcome to attend. MELDIACKMBE, Commitlce member, Ribble Valley Senior Action Forum


Get walking for


Help the Aged I WOULD like to invite readers to take part in the Help the Aged Big Spring Walk, which takes place between April 25th and 27th. The fund-raising event is a fantas­


tic idea and will see people across the UK walking anywhere their feet can take them to raise money for the charity. I am passionate about exercising


and try to remain as fit and healthy as possible. Walking is an effective form of exercise which people of all ages and fitness levels can enjoy and fit into their everyday lives. For example, readers can always walk to work as part of The Big Spring Walk whilst donating money to the charity. For those who have more leisure


time, they can get involved by host­ ing their own walking event which is easy and fun to do and a great way to get family and friends together at the weekend! Alternatively, there’s always the


replenishing the great M&S (who, incidentally, also like to have an in­ store coffee shop)? Finally, what about the real issues that affect the people of Clitheroe? - the litter, dog fouling, vehicles parking on the pavement - 1 could go on. Pictured is the market site -


referred to by "Contrarian" in last week's As I See It RODNEY LEWELLIN, Manor Road, Clitheroe


option for readers to attend a Help the Aged organised walk which are taking place across the North-West this spring, including Downham on Saturday, May 3rd. I know how important the money


raised from The Big Spring Walk is to Help the Aged, and participants will be helping fund the work of the char­ ity, including its fight to combat poverty among disadvantaged older peopk.To find out more information and to obtain a free fund-raising pack, which is full of ideas, hints and tips for hosting a walk, please contact The Big Spring Walk hotline on 020 7239 1922 or visit: www.helptheaged.org.uk/walk Please take part in The Big Spring


Walk and make a difference - with so many ways to get involved there’s really no excuse not to! KIRSTY GALLAGHER, Big Spring Walk supporter


Whaf s happened


to big proposals? PLEASE confirm for me that I am not suffering from “false memory” or even worse dementia!


For the past couple of years I have


been waiting expectantly to see high­ lighted on the “50 Years Ago” page what were the then Ribble Cement’s (aka Castle Cement) plans for the development of their site. On the front page of the Clitheroe


Advertiser was an architect's impres­ sion of what the residents of Clitheroe would receive in compensation in 25 years time, if permission was given to close and demolish the old road to Chatburn to allow their site to be


extended. If I remember correctly the picture showed people walking around a lake which had boating on it and there was what we would now call a visitor centre. What has happened to the propos­


B8 na Eli . m


al? I know the road has gone, but so has 25 years more than was envis­ aged. GERTRUDE ROBINS, Billinglon.


Local boy was a


world war hero I RECENTLY bought a First World War bronze memorial plaque from Brittons Jewellers in Clitheroe. The plaque was in memory of a


local boy soldier named Joshua Crossley, who enlisted into the army at the outbreak of World War One and, along with so many others, lost his life. The thing which makes this story more poignant is that he was only 16 years old when he was killed. I believe that the previous owner of


the plaque was an elderly lady who may possibly have been a family member and I am desperate to make contact with her or any other person who may have more information on this young soldier. The Commonwealth War Graves


Commission website lists him as being the “son of Mary Crossley, of Harrop Gate, Bolton-by-Bowland, Clitheroe” so he was a local lad. Sadly his medals were not with the plaque so I am guessing that they have long since been lost. I would dearly love to find out a lit­


tle more about him so would be grateful for any information from anybody. I must stress that I am NOT a medal dealer, my only desire is to find out more about this brave young boy who gave his life for King and Country at such a tender age. I give my word that all contact Mil


be in the strictest confidence of course. GLYN BAILEY, Leigh Road, Wcslhoughton, Bolton, BL5 2JG. Tel: 01942 632015 or 07799 737752.


What planet is


Chris Davies on? WITH reference to the letter from the North West MEP Chris Davies, printed at the beginning of the year - I wonder if he could tell us which planet he is on? His ideas are nearly as old as the


hills. He would practise what he preaches? Well, well - truth comes to mind... politicians! Save on gas and electric? Great - near enough the very next day a bumper rise in gas and electric! I pondered over his letter then I began to think, did he know about this somewhat large increase? I am of the opinion that yes he did, hence his letter in advance. Thank goodness the Lib Dems are


not in power, what with the likes of Chris trying to tell his “granny how to suck eggs”. Chris, people are not as thick as


maybe you would like them to be. Try to do something positive instead of the old draught excluder, light bulbs and bath tub plugs. M. IRELAND, Peel Park Close, Clithcroe


It’s right pher


street..!


AT Februarj^’s meeting of the Ribble Valley Family History Society, Sue Holden, Reference Librarian, spoke about Clitheroe street names. This is an ongoing


project that was started three years ago in response to the inquiries being made from people who were using the early census and could not find the streets on the up-to- date maps. Society members were


taken on a journey from one end of the town to the other, starting a t Primrose Bridge. I t was in 1766 that the proper­ ties were numbered and details available. Listen­ ers learned about the fac­ tories and mills using the “Club system” for build­ ing houses for their work­ ers; streets named after people who lived there; cellar dwellings which were very often flooded, classed as unsuitable dwellings but still lived in; and “model” lodging houses for single intiner- ant workers, such as those working at Calder- stones. Demolition and


rebuilding led to the changing of street names and the disappearance of some of the entries that had very small rooms and many inhabitants. An old moated house was men­ tioned, as was a “spa” project which did not materialise; the oldest dwelling in the town and the building of Low Moor by the Garnet fam­ ily who owned the mill. I t was an educational


evening with lots of pho­ tographs, maps and posters to sea If anyone has informa­


tion of streets that have vanished, they are asked to let Sue know and the project will develop. The next meeting will


be at the Cricket Club on Tuesday at 7-30 p.m., for the AGM followed by Tony Foster talking about birth, marriage


and death records. AUwillbewelcoma


f t ! « til.Ilk


TWO enterprising 15-year-old boj's from Clitheroe were among the winners at this year’s High Sheriff of Lancashire’s Young Citizen of the Year Awards. Phillip Hall and Charlie


Collinge were both commended in the awards, which are spon­ sored by BAE Systems. Both boys were nominated by local youth worker Mel Diack after they successfully applied for grants which benefited scores of local youngsters. Phillip obtained a funding


grant of £2,500 from the Lan­ cashire County Council Youth Bank towards a mechanics proj­ ect at “Wheels Within Wheels”, based at Nelson. This enabled 20 young people


to participate in learning a range of new skills over a period of three months. These included basic mechanics, MOT checks.


an impact theory course, beach buggy riding and numerous practical tests. All those who took part achieved an accredit­ ed AQA certificate. Meanwhile, Charlie also won


a £2,500 grant from the Lan­ cashire County Council Youth Bank. It enabled 40 of his peers to participate in an off-road bik­ ing course at “Trax” in Preston, over four months. The course involved learning about safety, basic maintenance of bikes, rid­ ing properly and then taking the bikes through a rigorous trials testing course. In addition Char­ lie had to organise transport, parental permission forms and adult volunteers. A delighted Alel Diack said:


“They managed these projects from s ta r t to finish, which meant giving up much of their spare time over these months.”


Presenting the Lancashire


Y'oung Citizen of the Year Awards, the High Sheriff, Mrs Ruth Winterbottom, said: “This is a very important day in the - life of Lancashire. It celebrates the outstanding contribution that our young citizens make to the wellbeing of our county. “The efforts of those nominat­


ed have enriched our communi­ ties. Their families can be proud and I am proud to be able to present the awards today.” Nigel Davey, of aw'ard spon­


sors BAE Systems, said: "BAE Systems is delighted to be asso­ ciated for the first time with these awards. We live at a time when a group of two or more young people gathered together is generally perceived as a threat. Award schemes of this kind are very important in chal­ lenging that perception, and in


Gemma switches from


customer to a trainer CLITHEROE netballer Gemma Wright first went to East Lancashire health and fitness centre Body Wars as a customer. Now she has switched


roles and has joined the cen­ tre as a fitness specialist, and is helping clients through the training programme she adopted herself. Gemma (25), a Sabden


farmer’s daughter, works Mth health and fitness guru Adrian Burton and his ■wife, Nichola, who set up Body Wars seven years ago at Lomeshaye industrial estate, near Nelron. A former pupil of St


Augustine’s RC High School and Clitheroe Sixth Form, Gemma says; “I’m now on a mission to educate people to get the most out of their bodies and live a healthier life!”


Gemma, of Gisburn, who also played for Lancashire


under-16s netball, added: “I ’d belonged to different gyms but got increasingly confused by what I was learning from them. I was reconunended to go to Body Wars because of its unique training programme. I t is about motivating people to make changes in their lives. The programme impressed me because of the way it works - it is based on four principles of working with your mindset, aerobic exer­ cise, nutrition and concern for muscle. Plus it guaran­ tees your money back if you don’t lose weight and get the shape you want in weeks, rather than years!” Her boss, Adrian, a former


Burnley (jrammar School pupil, was a health trainer in T'V’s “Fat Families” and once weighed 17 stone, smoked and drank heavily. Pictured is Gemma in action at Body Wars, (s)


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showing that there are many yoimg people who we can all be proud of, who deserve to be recognised and applauded, and who we can encourage to act as important role models.” Lancashire’s Chief Constable


Steve Finnigan added: “Although there is an award winner, everyone nominated is a ■winner. They make the commu­ nities a safer and more secure place to live and work. “The youngsters here should


feel proud because they are mak­ ing a real contribution to improving the quality of life for the people of Lancashire.” Our pictures show Philip and


Charlie recemng their commen­ dations from the High Sheriff Ruth ■'A%terbottom, Mth Nigel Davey, of BAE Systems, and Chief Constable Steve Finnigan.


(s) Award www.clitheroeadvertiser.co.uk 1 Clitheroe Advertiser &Times, Thursday, March 6th, 2008 19 Ideal day


for ramble ■WITH clear blue sky and no wind, conditions were ideal as Clitheroe ram­ blers set off from Newton to Cragstones. Norman Thorpe took


the 31 ramblers from the bridge a t Newton, to Foulscales and then by Gibbs until they reached the path below New Laithe. This was followed as


far as the beginning of Ashnott Whod where the group went up over the hillside to Cragstones. A lunch break was


taken at Cragstones, giv­ ing ramblers an opportu­ nity to enjoy the view of the Bowland Fells. The group went past


Stone Fold and Lower Underhand, crossing the Fell Road to Standridge Hill from where there was a fine riew of York­ shire’s Three Peaks. I t came down via


Smelfthwaites and Meanley. When the Eas- ington Road was reached, the walk turned right, then continued on field paths to cross the Hodder, near Dunnow Hall, and back to New­ ton.


•7 )


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