The Ormskirk Has Got The Edge support video - Three years on from the Mary Portas Pilot town bid.

The Ormskirk Has Got The Edge video, first produced in 2012, has been updated with subtitles for the hearing impaired and for speakers of English as a foreign language.

I originally filmed this video back in March 2012.  It was a week before the deadline to submit the bid proposal to the Portas Pilot scheme and the video was originally filmed to form part of the bid proposal.  More on that later!  The video was shot very quickly and came together thanks to the support and help of it's many contributors.

Three years on and I am in the process of adding subtitles to all the travel videos, holiday video diaries, community stories and interviews on my Life In Another Town YouTube channel.  While typing the transcription of the dialogue in the video and repeatedly having to watch the video again and again, it caused me to think back to that time and contemplate where we are now, three years later.  Now the shouting and fanfare has died down, what has been achieved?

Kite flying at Beacon Country Park near Upholland in West Lancashire

Beacon Country Park near Upholland in West Lancashire is a great venue for Kite flying: plenty of room, lots of wind.

There is a kite festival held here, in the summer, every year.  You can find out more at the Visit Lancashire website.

My wife and I bought a kite line reel winder and these videos show us experimenting with it and our kite.  We found that trying to unwind the kite line and then bring the kite line back in again with just the plastic handle was a bit of a hassle, especially when you might have dozens of metres of line.  The kite reel works along the same idea as fishing rod reel.  It was a real improvement.  Although we did find that in the strong wind, the small handle could have been a bit bigger, to provide a bit more torque to bring the kite down.  Heather also found that woollen gloves are not a match for handling nylon line.  We really advise you to use some strong protective gloves to prevent line burn.  The reel cost about £7 online and it was worth the money.  You can find the reel on Ebay or Amazon.

Heather and I thank you for watching this video. Take a look at more of our original video content: video diaries, travel videos, video interviews & reportage on our YouTube channel: Life In Another Town 

Do you have some community news from around the Ormskirk area to share or a story to tell? Yes! Please contact Life In Another Town

West Lancashire Local Election Results 2012

The West Lancashire Local Election Results 2012

The votes have been counted and the results are in and online. Click West Lancashire Elections Results 2012

Despite a car crash outside Ormskirk Town Hall, the count got underway as planned.

The Conservatives held on by their fingernails and retained control of the borough council winning 28 seats, closely followed by a resurgent Labour, with 26 seats.

Do you have some community news from around the Ormskirk area to share or a story to tell? Yes!

Please contact Life In Another Town

Military Vehicle Trust event at Heaton's Bridge Video Interview 15th April 2012

Military Vehicle Trust event at Heaton's Bridge Video Interview 15th April 2012

Military Vehicle Trust event organiser Mark Lancaster, talks to Life In Another Town about the event held over the weekend at Heaton's Bridge in West Lancashire.

Heaton's Bridge Military Vehicles Trust Meet April 2012

The Military Vehicle Trust event at Heaton's Bridge also collected money for Help For Heroes.

For more information about the Military Vehicle Trust please visit their website at;   http://www.mvt.org.uk/

Do you have some community news from around the Ormskirk area to share or a story to tell? Yes!

Please contact Life In Another Town

A ‘Gripping Experience’ with Ormskirk Scouts

girls and boys aged 6-8 took part in a day of challenge and fun at Ormskirk Scouts indoor climbing wall.

Seventy girls and boys aged 6-8 took part in a day of challenge and fun at Ormskirk Scouts indoor climbing wall.

Ormskirk Scouting News and Photo submitted by Andrew King 

Scouts from across West Lancashire spent the day at the indoor climbing wall in Ormskirk earlier this month.

The day started with a treasure hunt but quickly moved onto more challenging activities on the climbing wall. The Scouts took part in teamwork, having to work together with one Scout blindfolded.

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

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.

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

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

Do you have some community news to share or a story to tell? Please get in contact with Life In Another Town

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

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

West Lancashire Chief Scout Gold Award presentations

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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National Libraries Day Marked by Lancashire County Council With Campaign Announcement

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.

Do you have a story to tell or news to share ? Please get in contact with Life In Another Town

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

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

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.

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

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;

Holocaust Memorial Day 2012 Chorley Video Interview with Father Francis Marsden

Holocaust Memorial Day 2012 Interview with Father Francis Marsden PhD.

This interview is Part 4 in the series "How Faith and religion play a part in the community"

Holocaust Memorial Day 2012 service in Chorley

The video interview was recorded at The Cenotaph in Astley Park, Chorley on Saturday 28th January 2012 after the Holocaust Memorial Day service.

Read the West Lancashire Borough Council Local Plan document

West Lancashire Local Plan document (front cover)

Read the actual West Lancashire Local Plan Preferred Options document.

The Local Plan is available for download from the West Lancashire Borough Council Website. Alternatively, I have also made it available to read online at scribd.com

Prefaced by Councillor Martin Forshaw Portfolio Holder for Planning and Transportation West Lancashire Borough Council January 2012.

West Lancashire has a wonderful mix of vibrant towns and picturesque villages, and boasts some of the most beautiful and productive countryside in the UK. It is vital that we manage,guide and encourage development within the Borough to meet the economic and social aspirations of our towns and villages and the communities within them, while protecting our environment for future generations.

The Local Plan Preferred Options represent an important shift in the preparation of a Development Plan Document for West Lancashire, with a new-style Local Plan replacing the Core Strategy that was being prepared as part of a Local Development Framework for the Borough.

This document has been developed by considering all the information provided by the Council's evidence base and the results of previous public consultations on the issues and options and preferred options stages of the Core Strategy preparation and takes into account the latest direction given by the Government on preparing local planning policy.

Ultimately, the Local Plan will directly or indirectly affect all residents and communities within the Borough. Therefore, it is important that we hear from you on what is being proposed in order to help us to make an informed decision on what the final Local Plan should include.

I very much look forward to hearing your views on the proposals and policies within this document.

Councillor Martin Forshaw Portfolio Holder for Planning and Transportation West Lancashire Borough Council.

Once you have read the document, post your comments below.  What questions do you want answered, let me know and I'll put them to your local representatives.

Part 2 of 2 Video interview with Burscough Conservative Councillor Jason Grice about the Yew Tree Farm Development ...

Part 2 of 2
Matthew Wright, in a frank and unedited interview, continues the discussion with Burscough West Conservative Councillor Jason Grice

• the need for additional utilities
• the need for improved roads infrastructure
• the problem of increased traffic congestion
• the need for additional amenities
• the choice of location
• the use of green belt land
• what are brown site alternatives
• what are the benefits to of new jobs, economic regeneration etc.

In response, what do you think of the case made so far by those interviewed?

• Are the protesters a vocal minority, trying to hold the tide back? Yes, No?
• Three years on down the consultation path, Is there an element of inevitability to the final outcome?
• Should we be negotiating hard for further guarantees, not trying to turn our backs to the metaphorical builders lorry hurtling down the road towards us.
• Where does the argument go next, what further questions should be asked and to whom?
• Or, is it all completely irrelevant as the nearby impending Fracking projects, will in future just cause the ground beneath our very feet to just part and swallow us up?

Post your comments now.

Part 1 of 2 Video interview with Burscough Conservative Councillor Jason Grice Yew Tree Farm Development

Part 1 of 2
Matthew Wright, in a frank and unedited interview, discusses with Burscough West Conservative Councillor Jason Grice

• the need for additional utilities
• the need for improved roads infrastructure
• the problem of increased traffic congestion
• the need for additional amenities
• the choice of location
• the use of green belt land
• what are brown site alternatives
• what are the benefits of new jobs, economic regeneration etc.

In response, what do you think of the case made so far by those interviewed?

• Are the Burscough Yew Tree Farm protesters a vocal minority, trying to hold the tide back? Yes, No?
• Three years on down the West Lancashire Local Plan consultation path, Is there an element of inevitability to the final outcome?
• Should we be negotiating hard for further guarantees, not trying to turn our backs to the metaphorical builders lorry hurtling down the road towards us.
• Where does the argument go next, what further questions should be asked and to whom?

• Or, is it all completely irrelevant as the nearby impending Fracking projects, will in future just cause the ground beneath our very feet to part and swallow us up?

Post your comments now.

Full steam ahead for Father Christmas and The Snowman on the West Lancashire Railway

Full steam ahead for Father Christmas & The Snowman on the Santa Special Steam Train at the West Lancashire Railway in Hesketh Bank 17th December 2011

Father Christmas and The Snowman at West Lancashire Light Railway December 2011

The West Lancashire Light Railway is a two foot gauge passenger carrying railway located in the village of Hesketh Bank midway between Preston and the resort of Southport. The line features a number of interesting locomotives and other railway equipment brought together from industrial lines in the immediate locality, from elsewhere in Great Britain and from overseas.

The Railway is a non-profit making organisation and is operated and supported by the West Lancashire Light Railway Trust. Volunteers are always needed to help maintain and develop the Railway as well as operating the trains. If you would like to join the Trust and lend a hand you will be made very welcome.

West Lancashire Railway. Station Road, Hesketh Bank, PR4 6SP Telephone 01772 815881 For more information please visit www.westlancs.org

Do you have some community news to share or a story to tell? Yes!

Please contact Life In Another Town

West Lancashire Green Fayre July 2011

West Lancashire Green Fayre July 2011, a set on Flickr.

As reported in the OSAdvertiser

CELEBRATE West Lancashire’s rural charm and heritage with a weekend packed with free events at Beacon Country Park, Up Holland.

The two-day festival, which is the biggest event in the rangers’ calendar, showcases wildlife, nature and the traditional activities which still take place in the countryside.

The event, on July 23 and 24, will see thousands of visitors watch the many displays, take part in activities and browse the stalls with locally produced crafts and gifts.

There will also be spectacular arena displays, including agility dogs and birds of prey shows. You’ll also have the chance to step back in time and experience life on a Viking encampment.

Talented craftsmen will also be showcasing a variety of skills, including chainsaw and woodcarving activities, willow weaving and stick making.

The fayre runs each day from 11am to 5pm and admission and parking to the event is free.

West Lancs Mayor Rufford Hall Fundraiser 13th August 2011

West Lancs Mayor Rufford Hall Fundraiser 13th August 2011, a set on Flickr.

Saturday 13 August ,4.30pm

Rufford Old Hall:  The Mayor & Mayoress will hosted a charity event – Concert in the Park – in aid of their chosen charities – West Lancashire Women’s Refuge and Community First Responders

Compered by DJs from Ormskirk Hospital Radio. Performers included;

Lisa Tatler – Light Opera, Cole Emsley – a 10 year old singer with a brilliant voice,
Sophie Waring – Soprano accompanied by Adam Christopher, Base-Dance – Street & Break Dancing, Blue Indigo – Hi Tec Guitar/Vocal Duo playing classic and current hits,
Francesca Fairclough – Modern Singing, Elly Grice – a 9 year old with a fantastic voice,
Jack Winders – Guitarist accompanied by Barry Briercliffe, Katie Ellen – Easy Listening
along with another two Aughton vocalists.

Skelmersdale Brass Band and Skelmersdale Choir will also be on the bill.  The event's being sponsored by Rufford Old Hall (for use of their premises), with Glenburn Sports College providing the staging, and Costco providing cakes and raffle prizes.