The Royal touch
Plus: Events to be excited about and Morecambe Winter Gardens boost
Hello and welcome to today’s edition of The Lancashire Lead. Thanks to Ed and Luke for looking after Sunday’s edition - I didn’t read it until it was published and it had a very strong effect on me as I suspect it did for many, many others.
If you are someone who fears you could one day end up in a similar situation, I beg that you talk to someone. I’m as guilty as anyone else for bottling things up and hiding my problems in the hope they go away - in the short term, it feels like a solution but long term it absolutely is not. Often, you can only learn that the hard way but it doesn’t mean there’s not still hope.
It’s something I’ve only (very) recently taken any proper step to address but asking for help does make a difference - fundamentally people do want to listen and they do want to help. If you don’t feel able to speak to those close to you, consider your GP, the Samaritans or the SHOUT text message service but please do not suffer in silence.It’s not likely to be an easy conversation but will be a worthwhile one.
The reality is that no aspect of the mental health problems comes without challenge and while I’m grateful to have never felt that desperation, I have discovered someone very close to me after their own suicide attempt - for a moment he thought that was his only option but thankfully he was able to be saved and is now in a better position in every sense. I am grateful for that fact every single day and hope that reading this you are able to understand there are better solutions for you too.
And as Ed said on Sunday, if there’s someone you haven’t heard from in a while - a message or call could make a huge amount of difference to them. There’s advice here from Mind on how to help a suicidal person and a list of contacts which is worth bookmarking.
Back in the world of Lancashire news, it’s another diversion to nearby Southport where King Charles III paid a visit to meet with victims of the recent attack as well as the emergency workers who worked so bravely to help them and others who were affected by the subsequent riots.
Sign our open letter showing support to the people of Southport
For full disclosure, I’m a long way from anything you could describe as being a Royalist and I do find some uneasiness in moments like people giving gifts to someone who was born into extraordinary wealth and power (I also had a ‘this country has lost its mind’ pitch rejected around the time Center Parcs tried to boot its guests out during the Queen’s funeral but best not to dwell on that).
However, from being around town that day, from hearing discussions from others who feel differently, and from seeing the pictures and videos, I know the visit meant an awful lot to many people and brought some comfort after what has been a traumatic and difficult to process period for so many.
The list of people greeted by the King included a building firm who helped repair riot damage, the Imam of Southport Mosque, and the much loved owners of the Windsor Mini Mart shop which was looted by those so-called protesters.
Among those to provide coverage of the visit were the likes of Stand Up For Southport and a host of various national titles. Also present was the Liverpool Echo’s Ben Haslam, who has done an extraordinary job of covering an unimaginable few weeks in his home town. I’ll finish on his words:
"After a trying and testing three weeks for the community of Southport and the families of those involved it, the royal visit proved to lift spirits and remind everyone that the world’s eyes are very much still on the town.
"King Charles took his time thanking those who have helped the community in different ways, from emergency responders to fundraisers, it was a day where the people of Southport were celebrated for their dedication to their community.
"What started as a sombre day became something to appreciate, appreciate the thankfulness not just from the King, but from the entire country, as the town looks to heal from the tragedy that hit the town little over three weeks ago."
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As alluded to above, it’s been a difficult and heavy few weeks for so many people so I figured it might be nice to take a step away and look at the some of the things we have to look forward to before this very unusual summer is over. This is only a tiny selection of what’s on offer but hopefully there’s something in there for you to take an interest in.
Accrington Soapbox Challenge
Taking place this Saturday, the Accrington Soapbox Challenge is something that has to be seen to be believed. Organisers are promising it will be bigger and better than ever, with a brand new two-level height ramp, a free pedal track for youngsters, vintage fairground rides and much more.
Some 18,000 people turned out for last year’s event and the 2024 edition is again completely free to watch. Dozens of teams have already entered, with prizes on offer for the fastest and best costumes.
There’ll also be food and drink stalls available and musical entertainment after the soapbox challenge finishes.
Read more about the event and how it will celebrate and support the Independence Day of Ukraine
Blackpool Ride the Lights
Another one to be filed under ‘Things I think sound brilliant but haven’t managed to get to’ takes place on Tuesday. The Ride the Lights event - which again is free - give cyclists the chance to see the six miles of Blackpool Illuminations before the official switch on takes place.
Cyclists can participate at any time between 19:00 and 22:00 and are recommended to join the event at either the Starr Gate or Red Bank Road gateways to the promenade.
The ride - which is explicitly not a race - is family friendly and attendees are invited to show their own creativity by decorate their bike with colourful lights, lamps and lanterns to show off their illuminations design ideas.
Ormskirk Food and Drink Festival
The West Lancashire showing for the bank holiday weekend comes courtesy of the Ormskirk Food and Drink Festival. Taking place from 11am-8pm on Sunday and offering free entry and free parking, the event is family and dog friendly.
Promising a culinary journey “from China to Italy and Jamaica to Britain”, the event’s offering includes:
Live cooking demonstrations
Local artisan stalls and farm shops
Street food and drink vendors
Live music
Liverpool Live Radio
Free kids entertainment (face painting, bungee trampolines, etc)
Sponsored bars
Read more about the event from In Your Area.
Nelson Food and Drink Festival
Looking beyond the bank holiday weekend, the Nelson Food and Drink Festival takes place on Saturday, September 14 and now has a special guest announced - TikTok star Shabaz Says.
Comedian, broadcaster and author Shabaz Ali has attracted millions of followers and will both host the event and take part in book signings during the day.
The event will feature over 30 food and drink stalls including Mama Shar’s Caribbean Cooking, Mrs Dowson’s Ice Cream, Istanbul Grill, Proctor’s Cheese and many more.
Local Caribbean chef Mama Shar will headline the kitchen demonstration area with delicious, authentic Caribbean food and she will be joined by Fazila Foods, developers and creators of modern Halal foods which promise to offer a true blend of Asian spices and irresistible flavours.
Read more about the festival from the Burnley Express
A final mention goes to Morecambe Winter Gardens - the venue was featured in this newsletter recently as it celebrated its 127th anniversary. Now, signs of its ongoing revival at the hands of dedicated volunteers can be seen as restoration plans are made official.
The preservation trust has submitted a planning application which, if approved, will allow it to refurbish one its bars, reinstate seating in the circle, refurbish the stairs on either side of the auditorium, add new electrical and fire alarm systems and install a new extension with toilets and an evacuation lift.
Crucially, the the plan will establish the necessary infrastructure to enable the theatre to eventually reach its full potential of accommodating 2,100 audience members and becoming a major venue once again.
A report submitted with the application concludes:
The carefully considered restoration and enhancement works, including structural repairs, reinstatement of historic features, and the introduction of modern facilities, will ensure the long-term preservation and operational viability of the Winter Gardens.
This will not only safeguard the building’s historic and architectural significance but also improve accessibility and safety for a broader range of users.
The addition of high-quality modern design elements, such as the new extension and public art feature, will enhance the conservation area by transforming an otherwise unattractive streetscape into one of higher visual quality and interest. Indirect benefits include promoting public engagement with the town’s cultural history and contribution to the cost-effective management of one of the conservation area’s key heritage assets.
🐴 Two men - one who punched and kicked a security guard and one who threw a can at a police horse - have been jailed over their roles in the Blackpool riots (Blackpool Lead).
🌉 Demolition work has begun on Preston’s Old Tram Bridge - sparking mixed emotion for those who campaigned for its removal and replacement (Blog Preston).
🦨 Campaigners are on alert after the suspension of activities was lifted at a Fleetwood landfill site which has plagued neighbours with terrible smells (Blackpool Gazette).
🏰 Nine organisations have signed a new agreement at Lancaster Castle pledging to work together to improve the lives of the local community (Beyond Radio).
🔥 Lancashire Fire & Rescue service has successfully trialled a “game-changer” method of using drones to tackle blazes (Blackpool Gazette).
🚓 Police are offering a £20k reward for help finding 20-year-old Thomas Dures who is wanted in connection with the murder of Matthew Daulby in Ormskirk (BBC).
🧑⚖️ Meanwhile, nine other men must wait a year before standing trial over their alleged roles in the fight which led to Matthew’s death (LancsLive).
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