Wednesday, December 02, 2009

Natalie uses eBay to start a quiet ‘Revolution’ on Darwen Market

Despite the tough economic times, business is booming at Darwen Market with four new traders recently taking up pitches.

One of those, Natalie Cooper, recently opened her stall, Revolution Clothing, after finding it in the most unlikely of places.

Says Natalie: “I was looking through eBay and saw it was up for sale. I’ve always had businesses but took some time out recently to have a baby. I was looking to get back into it though and seeing what was available.”

Natalie placed a bid and was delighted when she found out she’d won the auction.

Natalie adds: “It’s a fairly unusual way of buying a business but I came to have a look round the market and saw how busy it was. It’s not too far from where I live and is in a perfect location.

“After I bought the stall we ripped everything out and totally re-stocked it. It was a menswear stall before but we got an addition to the licence so we could do ladies wear as well.”



Revolution Clothing now sells everything from designer wear and casual clothes to going out gear and underwear.

Adds Natalie: “You meet a good variety of people from all walks of life at Darwen Market and everyone’s very friendly. I’m really happy here.”

Darwen market boasts over 90 stalls under cover, offering an amazing variety of produce and specialist items. Parking is also free.

Visitors can expect to receive a warm and friendly welcome and an attentive and uniquely personal service from the stall holders, many of whom have long standing associations at the market; sometimes stretching back through generations.

Have your say on future development

How much new housing should be built in Blackburn with Darwen and where should new homes be developed?

Where should new jobs, industry and shops be located? How much development should we allow in the countryside?

These are all questions which need answering as part of the consultation on Blackburn with Darwen Council’s core strategy.

The core strategy is a planning document which sets out future planning policies for the borough and highlights where/how much development will take place.

The consultation is running until Monday, December 21 and then all comments will be forwarded to the Secretary of State.

A display is being held at Blackburn and Darwen Markets where residents can view the plans.

Copies can also be found at Blackburn Town Hall, Blackburn Library, Darwen Town Hall, Darwen Library, Mill Hill Library, Livesey Library, Roman Road Library and Barlow Institute.

Councillor Alan Cottam, executive member for regeneration and environment, said: “It is important that residents have their say on how they want the future shape of the borough and this includes everything from housing to shops to business parks to green spaces.”

Alternatively, you can also view the document on our website www.blackburn.gov.uk

Monday, November 30, 2009

Christmas opening times for Blackburn and Darwen Markets

The markets in Blackburn and Darwen are operating the following opening times over Christmas and New Year:

Darwen Market:

Sunday, December 6, Market Hall and Annexe, closed, 3-Day, closed
Sunday, December 13, Market Hall and Annexe, closed, 3-Day, closed
Sunday, December 20, Market Hall and Annexe, open 10-4pm, 3-Day, open 10-4pm
Monday, December 21, Market Hall and Annexe, open as normal, 3-Day, open as normal
Tuesday, December 22, Market Hall and Annexe, 9-5pm, 3-Day, open 9-5pm
Wednesday, December 23, Market Hall and Annexe, open as normal, 3-Day, open 9-5pm
Thursday, December 24, open as normal, 3-Day, open 9-5pm
Friday December 25, Saturday 26, Sunday 27 and Monday 28, closed
Tuesday, December 29, Market Hall and Annexe, open 9-5pm, 3-Day, closed
Wednesday, December 30, Market Hall and Annexe, open as normal, 3-Day, closed
Thursday, December 31, Market Hall and Annexe, open 9-4pm, 3-Day, open 9-4pm
Friday, January 1, closed
Saturday, January 2, open as normal
Sunday, January 3, closed

Blackburn Market:

Sunday, December 6, closed
Sunday, December 13, closed
Sunday, December 20, Market Hall and Avenue, open 10-4pm, 3-Day, closed
Monday, December 21, Market Hall and Avenue, open as normal, 3-Day, open 9-5pm
Tuesday, December 22, Market Hall and Avenue, open as normal, 3-Day, open 9-5pm
Wednesday, December 23, Market Hall and Avenue, open as normal, 3-Day, open as normal
Thursday, December 24, Market Hall and Avenue, open 9-4pm, 3-Day, open 9-4pm
Friday December 25, Saturday 26, Sunday 27 and Monday 28, closed
Tuesday December 29, Market Hall and Avenue, open as normal, 3-Day, closed
Wednesday, December 30, Market Hall and Avenue, open as normal, 3-Day, open as normal
Thursday, December 31, Market Hall and Avenue, open 9-4pm, 3-Day, open 9-4pm
Friday, January 1, closed
Saturday, January 2, Market Hall and Avenue, open as normal, 3-Day, open as normal
Sunday, January 3, closed

Monday, November 23, 2009

Blackburn plugs in and prepares to rock out

A music event designed to crank up the volume in Blackburn is set to hit the town this Friday.

‘Plugged II: One Big Night Out’ will take over eleven town centre venues on Friday, November 27, offering a wide selection of bands and DJs for people to enjoy.

Plugged has been created to get Blackburn back on the map by promoting its live music scene and thriving nightlife.

The debut Plugged event, held on Friday, July 31, saw town centre venues from 41 King Street and Sir Charles Napier to Rhubarb, Blackburn Library and Liquid and Envy packed with music fans enjoying an impressive line-up of bands from varying genres and styles.

Feedback from bands, fans and venues was positive, with venues reporting an increase in trade compared to a standard Friday night in the town.

‘Plugged II: One Big Night Out’ will see performances from the likes of Thunderbird 13, You Animals, Bang! Bang! Eche!, Valleum and Fifth House at venues including Sir Charles Napier, The Live Lounge, 41 King Street and O’Neills.



There will also be DJs at venues from FJ Nicholls to the Stage Door, a fancy dress party at Liquid and Envy as well as a performance by the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra at King George’s Hall.

The event is the brain-child of a group of pro-active venues in Blackburn town centre, supported by Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council's town centre regeneration team and the North West Development Agency.

Plugged is working in partnership with Blackburn BarU and Make Lancashire Safer Campaign.

Visit www.pluggedblackburn.com for more information about bands, venues and special offers.

For further information, contact communications officer Chris Hidden on (01254) 585751 or email christopher.hidden@blackburn.gov.uk

Venues/Bands
Sir Charles Napier, Limbrick (Free entry): Thunderbird 13 (11pm), Violet Vortex (10pm), Splyce (9pm), Atari Hill (8pm), Prophets Rose (7pm)
The Live Lounge, Northgate: (Free entry / bands on from 9.30pm): You Animals (11pm), The Scene, Bang! Bang! Eche! DJ set from Ben Kirton (Down in Paris)
41 King Street (£3 entry) Fifth House (ex The Burn) plus support (9.30pm)
O’neills, King William Street (free entry / bands on from 9pm): Valleum (aka Seagull Kinevil), Urban Valley Chickens

Other events
King George’s Hall: Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra
(Tickets £12.75, family ticket £37.00 / 7.30pm) call the Box Office: 0844 847 1664
FJ Nichols (£1 entry / from 9pm-1.30am) classic anthems + DJ Lewis B and special guest MC
Liquid and Envy (£6.20 full admission or £1 for those in fancy dress /
11pm until 3am) 118 118 Fancy Dress Party (liquid – clubland, dance and trance anthem // Envy – R’n’B)
Pitchers Bar (Free entry / from 9pm) Old Skool Dance Night
Bowlplex (Bar open 7pm until midnight) Ultra-Violet bowling, disco & DJ bar and grill (under 18’s must be accompanied by an adult.)
Barzooka (5pm-1am)
Jazzy Kexx (12-4am) live DJs
The Stage Door (8pm until 3am) Resident Drag Queen DJ

Top award for neighbourhood teams

Blackburn with Darwen celebrated success after receiving a prestigious award for groups who improve their local neighbourhoods.

The borough recently celebrated achieving The Neighbourhood Management Working Towards Excellence award at a ceremony held at Blackburn Town Hall.

The scheme has been developed to inspire and encourage neighbourhood management organisations throughout the North West to achieve the national standard of Investors in Excellence.

The results of the assessment helps to drive improvement, as well as recognising achievements.

Tanya Gallagher, the Council’s neighbourhood manager, said: “The reason we wanted to put in for the award was to ensure quality improvement, identify and celebrate success and understand areas for development.


“By being scrutinised from an external group, we are then best placed to understand how we are measuring against set criteria and other peer authorities.”

David Mallaby, strategic director of neighbourhoods, housing & customer services, said he was delighted the borough had received the award and thanked residents for playing their part.

Cllr John Slater, executive member for neighbourhoods and customer services, said: "This award is testament to how partnership working is helping to improve the lives of people living in the borough.
"The award also highlights the Council's commitment to providing a local quality service that aims to make a difference to communities."

Susan Hall, senior strategic manager, neighbourhoods added: "Local residents play a central role in any working neighbourhood arrangement. The commitment and enthusiasm of residents in Blackburn with Darwen has been particularly noted.”

The award is delivered by Neighbourhoods Northwest & North of England Excellence.

Free homes survey on offer

Residents of privately owned properties in Blackburn with Darwen can benefit from a free home maintenance survey.

The survey gives owners a report on the condition of their property, any defects and what work needs carried out.

Householders can then choose whether to carry out the work themselves or hand it to a tradesmen/contractor.

The Council is offering the free advice service and can also visit community groups or residents meetings to see if any of their members would like to take up the free offer too.

One to one advice is also available.

The survey includes basic advice on how to maintain everything from central heating systems to windows and doors.

Owners will also be given help, if required, on how to find and appoint a reliable local tradesperson or building contractor.

For further information about the surveys, contact Home Maintenance Officer on (01254) 588886.

Restoration of Darwen’s Historic Buildings

Holker House
The restoration of one of the landmark buildings in Darwen’s conservation area is due to start.

A grant has been awarded for the repair and improvement of the exterior of Holker House, Railway Road, formerly the Adult Education Centre, which directly faces the Market Square.

It was built in 1870 as a private residence and surgery for Dr. Holker and provides an important contribution to the heritage of Railway Road and the town centre.

The scheme will include roof repairs, replacement of the windows and doors to the original design, external re-decoration and restoration of the external grounds.

Mr Stephen Milligan the current owner said “It has taken a great deal of work to enable the restoration of this once fine building to get underway. As much work as possible is being undertaken by local firms and local craftsmen and new jobs will be created once the project is complete.”

15 & 17 Bridge Street
Works have commenced on a re-roofing scheme to 15-17 Bridge Street, replacing the existing roof tiles with traditional slate. The building is occupied by Buxton’s Bakery, a local family business operating since 1981. Mr Buxton said “The Darwen THI scheme is bringing new life to the town’s heritage and has provided the opportunity for much needed roof repairs to the building which will also complement the historic street.“

The Darwen Town Centre Townscape Heritage Initiative comprises of a £2m Common Fund providing by Heritage Lottery Fund and Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council. Grants are provided towards property and environmental improvements within a designated area of the town centre.

Councillor Alan Cottam, Executive Member for Regeneration and Environment, said: “It is great to see Darwen’s historic buildings which have fallen into a state of disrepair, being brought back to life. They play an important part in the unique nature of Darwen.”

Tuesday, October 20, 2009

Jobless in Rossendale and Darwen up 85% IN A YEAR.

Jake Berry, Conservative Parliamentary Candidate for the Conservative Party in Rossendale and Darwen, today revealed figures showing unemployment in this area of East Lancashire has increased by 85% in the last year.

Jake commented, “We all know someone who is either being made redundant or is under threat. I have been involved in consultation processes twice in the last year. The increase in the number of unemployed is scary for all of us trying to manage our family budget. This has got to change. It’s time to ‘Get Britain Working’ again.”

Figures also showed that the jobless total had grown by 72% since 1997. Jake commented, “12 years of Gordon Brown’s Labour party has not cured our job crisis, it has made it worse. It’s time for real apprenticeships for young people and tax breaks for companies that create jobs. It’s time to “Get Britain Working” again.

Tuesday, October 13, 2009

Local schools’ recycling puts them top of the league!

Three local schools have been recognised by Blackburn with Darwen Council for their outstanding recycling achievements.

St Paul's Church of England Primary School, Hoddlesden, Blakewater College and Crosshill School, both on Shadsworth Road, Blackburn, came top of the Council’s recycling league for primary, secondary and special schools by recycling the most per pupil over the past year.

St Paul's managed to recycle 10.5 tonnes of paper; 145kg per pupil, Blakewater recycled 34 tonnes of paper; 57kg per pupil, while
Crosshill recycled 14 tonnes; 164kg per pupil.

And pupils from the three schools were honoured for their achievements at a special presentation of certificates with Blackburn with Darwen Mayor, Councillor James Hurst, on Tuesday, October 13.

The event was also an opportunity to launch 2009/10’s recycling league.

The scheme will be expanded this year to look at local schools’ environmental work in the community, how they are reducing their carbon footprint as well as their involvement in national schemes such as ‘healthy schools’ and ‘eco schools.’

Councillor Alan Cottam, executive member for regeneration and environment, said: “I’m delighted to see the schools’ fine efforts recognised this way. The league is a great way to encourage schools to recycle and think about the waste that they produce. Educating children on environmental issues gives them the opportunity to learn some important lessons.

“Over the next few months the Council will be providing local pupils with opportunities to learn about climate change in the 'trucking with climate change' roadshow and to learn about litter and recycling in the 'education for a greener future programme.”

Thursday, October 08, 2009

Lullabies of Darwen Market

Despite the tough economic times, business is booming at Darwen Market with four new traders recently taking up pitches.

One of those, Mick Taylor, recently moved his business, Lullabies of Darwen, from a shop location on Duckworth Street to a prime pitch on the market.

The nursery goods stall sells everything from pushchairs and cots to bottles, dummies and prams. They also offer free delivery.

Mick said: “We’ve been on Duckworth Street for the past two years but wanted to get into the town centre. It’s the first time we’ve been in a market environment and I’m really enjoying it so far. We’ve reduced our costs quite significantly and just generally it’s a cheaper, friendly and more viable location.”

Mick hatched the idea for Lullabies of Darwen upon his return to Darwen after 15 years of working in Worthing as an electrical wholesale manager.

He added: “I was doing well down there but not seeing much of my family, so I left my job, sold my house and moved back up here. When thinking about what to do next, we just looked at recession proof businesses and the baby market is an area that is still very much growing.”

For Mick, the move to Darwen Market is already proving a success.

He adds: “We weren’t getting a lot of passing trade before but now we do. We’ve obviously had people who used to come to the shop stick with us but mostly we’ve been noticing a lot of new faces. In our first two hours in the market we served more people than we would in a normal day.”

The shop also has a strong online presence. Mick adds: “We do a lot of business online. Some of the prams are very unique and difficult to get abroad so we end up selling a fair amount overseas as well.”

Located at the heart of the town, Darwen Market is a haven for businesses of all shapes and sizes.

The market boasts over 90 stalls under cover, offering an amazing variety of produce and specialist items. Parking is also free.

Visitors can expect to receive a warm and friendly welcome and an attentive and uniquely personal service from the stall holders, many of whom have long standing associations at the market; sometimes stretching back through generations.

Tuesday, October 06, 2009

Electrical fault closes swimming pool

Daisyfield Swimming Pools have been closed following an electrical fault.

Engineers from United Utilities are working to fix the fault, which they expect to do by teatime today.

In the meantime, swimming sessions are cancelled. Therse are the Parent and Toddler session, and the 'Lengths Only' session, both of which had been due to start at noon today.

Anyone who is planning to come to one of the swimming lesson sessions this evening should call the centre on (01254) 277300 to check whether they are happening.

Do you think ‘something should be done’ to improve your area?

Do you want to see changes in your local community? Do you think ‘something should be done’ to improve your area?

If you do, then neighbourhood boards are how you can make your voice count.

Five neighbourhood boards covering the whole borough of Blackburn with Darwen were launched in November 08 to give local residents more say in how services are delivered in their community.

The boards have money to spend on local projects and initiatives and they make sure action is happening on neighbourhood priorities.

In just under a year the boards have made a massive difference to their communities, allocating funds to areas where they are most needed.

Each board has between 10 and 15 members and the Council is now looking for residents from the local community who may be interested in signing up to declare an interest. Could it be you?

“The neighbourhood boards are there to make sure local government really is meeting local needs,” said Councillor John Slater, executive member for neighbourhoods and customer service.

“We started off asking people about priorities in their area and used that feedback to draw up neighbourhood action plans. We then set up area agency partnerships (AAPs) made up of Council officers and representatives from our partner organisations to work on those plans and deliver changes.

“The boards have completed the picture, by keeping a strategic eye on how the AAPs are doing and what progress is being made on the action plans. The boards guide their work, discuss and decide on further local priorities and use their budgets for local initiatives and projects.

‘Neighbourhood Voices’ meetings have also taken place twice a year, giving residents the chance to comment on the boards’ plans and help decide what needs to be done over the next six months.

The neighbourhood boards are made up of people chosen from the local community, local councillors and the chair of the area agency partnership.

For more information or to register your interest in joining one of the neighbourhood boards contact Wendy Ruggieri on (01254) 588882 or email wendy.ruggieri@blackburn.gov.uk

Thursday, August 06, 2009

Feast of courses to suit all tastes

Languages, cookery, jewellery making and even how to draw caricatures are on offer as part of this year’s adult learning programme from Blackburn with Darwen Council.

Over 70 courses are included in the free programme now available which covers everything from computers and first aid to food hygiene and recession busting sewing skills such as make do and mend.

Enrolment begins next week and the cost of courses has been frozen for the third year running to encourage people to take part. People are being advised to book early for popular courses such as computing, local history, first aid and arts and crafts courses to avoid disappointment.

Most courses start in September and run for ten weeks. Full details are available in the course programme which is available from Bank Top and Audley and Queen’s Park neighbourhood learning centres, Darwen access point where enrolment runs from Monday August 10 until Friday August 21. Programmes are also available in local libraries and details are online at www.blackburn.gov.uk

Courses include:

Computers for beginners
Buying on line
Beauty therapy
Health and wellbeing including stress management
First aid
Food hygiene
Healthy cooking on a budget
Sewing skills including make do and mend and soft furnishings
Embroidery and beading
Caricatures and drawing
Fabric painting
Jewellery making
French and Spanish for beginners

Blackburn College offer free parking in August

Free parking is available for shoppers on the College car parks throughout August.

As the car parks off St Paul’s Street and Feilden Street are not being used to their full capacity throughout August, the College and Blackburn with Darwen Council have agreed that shoppers and visitors can take advantage of the spaces available.

There will be no cost and motorists have been assured that they will not be clamped as long as they park properly within the marked bays.

The college car parks have always been free on Saturdays for shoppers and visitors to use.

Normally clamping will apply during the week from September when the College reopens.

Councillor Alan Cottam, executive member for regeneration and environment, said: “This is a temporary solution to the current car parking issues in the town centre which businesses have raised. The college gesture is also a piece of a bigger jigsaw we are working on. Work is already underway on the Feilden Street car park which is due to be completed by Christmas.”

Swimming Taster Sessions

Come down to Bank Hey Pool for some Swimming Taster Sessions.

These courses are aimed at introducing children to aquatic disciplines in a fun and informative environment.

Wednesday, August, 8, at 2-4pm, there is Aqua Fun (synchro) and a Mini Polo Taster

Thursday, August, 20 at 10am - midday, Flip n Fun, diving, and Rookie lifesaving

Wednesday, August, 26, at 2-4pm, Flip n Fun(diving) and Aqua Fun (synchro) Taster

The sessions cost £5.50 for non beez members and £5 for beez members.

Children need to be able to swim a minimum of 25metres on front and back to attend these courses.

Further information and an application form available from Swimming Development Office on 01254 662619

Official Opening of Big Cover Wood, Witton Park, Blackburn

Big Cover Wood, Witton Park's new adventure play ground was officially opened yesterday.

Councillor Michael Law-Riding, executive member for leisure and culture and play champion for the borough cut the ceremonial ribbon for the lottery funded play area.

The £77,000 project was designed by Groundwork Pennine Lancashire and coordinated by the Council.

The play area features unique Wild life sculptures, a giant wooden xylophone, a Billy Goats Gruff themed bridge and other challenging and exciting play equipment pieces.


There is also a picnic and storytelling area all in a woodland setting.

Councillor Law-Riding said: "This is a fantastic new play space in a scenic and peaceful spot.

"Not only is this another great resource for youngsters in the borough but an added reason to visit Witton Park, one of the jewels in the borough's crown."

The day also saw the young and the young at heart come together to celebrate nation Playday.

This is the third year the borough has celebrated National Playday and this year's theme is Alice in Wonderland and making time for children.

Blackburn with Darwen hosted two events. One at Witton Park and the other at the Borough Road field in Darwen opposite Bold Venture Park.

There was plenty of free activities on offer including a climbing wall, arts and crafts, sports, a DJ workshop, face painting, an obstacle course and a tug of war.

Visitors to Witton Park also had the chance to have their say in the consultation for the new half a million Adventure Play Park being developed at the park as part of the Play Pathfinder project.

The play facilities will be thanks to a share of the £2.5 million investment in play across Blackburn with Darwen, from the Government’s Play Pathfinder programme.

Tuesday, August 04, 2009

Young movie makers spread e-safety message

Budding young filmmakers are helping to raise awareness of internet safety for children.

Year 6 children from St Mary and St Joseph’s RC Primary School in Blackburn have scooped first and second prize in the Safety Competition 2009 to raise awareness of Safer Internet Day.

Primary and secondary schools pupils were asked to write a plan for a short film to help other young people use the internet safely.

The three minute films at the school in Bennington Street were designed during ICT lessons with support from teachers and the winning children then went on to make their films under the guidance of James Hardy, the Blackburn with Darwen City Learning Centre (CLC) manager.



First prize winners received a Dell mini laptop each, provided by North West Learning Grid to help raise awareness of Safer Internet Day.

Second prize winners received an Asus mini laptop donated by Blackburn with Darwen E-learning service.

The children were presented with their prizes by the head of service Ann Bennett during a special assembly where the films had their first public viewing in front of the whole school.

The completed films will soon be available to watch on the Blackburn with Darwen learning platform, at www.learningbwd.org.uk.

The learning platform is an online environment containing a collection of tools that allows users to communicate, collaborate and share ideas and resources. All school staff and pupils have access to it.

All schools in Blackburn and Darwen now have e-safety policies, and extra e-safety training will be offered in schools across the borough from September.

Two of the first ever e-safety Ofsted inspections were carried out at St Edward’s RC Primary School in Darwen and Our Lady of Perpetual Succour RC Primary in Blackburn recently, and both schools were praised by inspectors for their internet safety measures.

Monday, August 03, 2009

Godfather Opens New Italian Restaurant in Darwen

The ever popular Godfather take-away in Darwen has opened its doors as the towns newest Italian restaurant. The Godfather in Darwen has always been proud to be a favourite with local residents for their fine take-away pizzas and kebabs but the owners are keen to stress that the restaurant is completely separate.

"The pizza dough used for our restaurant pizzas is made using different ingredients and the whole menu is brand new for the restaurant with plenty of additions which are unique to the restaurant side. We hope people will enjoy our food and keep coming back to experience our friendly and relaxed atmosphere" one of the owners, Keyvan, told us.

Godfather Darwen
The Italian restaurant, which opened for the first time lat weekend, is split over two floors in the building next door to the pre-existing take-away shop in Duckworth Street, Darwen. To help encourage people to call in for the first time they are offering free corkage when you bring your own bottle of wine for a limited time.

"We will continue to allow people to bring their own wine in future, but we plan on introducing a corkage fee at some point." Keyvan explained.

Darwen's new Italian restaurant is ideal for functions too and they will happily take bookings of 50+ people for Christmas parties, works parties, christenings etc.

Godfather Italian Restaurant Darwen
Keyvan told us how the restaurant will be family orientated and children are more than welcome with a special "early bird" set menu for those who wish to dine a little earlier (4pm-7pm), offering 2 courses for £10.50 and 3 courses for £12.95.

The Godfather Pizza House was established in 1990 and has always been a family run business which prides itself on its relationship with their customers. To tie in with the strong family relationship, the restaurant features pictures of the owners' Grandfather, Ervardo, who was born and raised in Naples, Italy.

Alongside photographs of family you will also find some old photographs of Darwen, some of which you may not have seen before - why not call in to The Godfather Restaurant next time you're popping out for a meal in Darwen. Be sure to mention Darwen Online when you pay the bill!

Tackling Diabetes makes for a moving story

Blackburn with Darwen's Healthy Communities Partnership is aiming to help tackle diabetes in Blackburn with a series of initiatives.

Volunteers from the Healthy Communities Partnership's diabetes group have been touring the borough with an educational drama about diabetes called 'Houston We Have A Problem'.

The drama written and performed by the group follows the story of Shirley who after a life with a lack of exercise, binge eating and drinking is diagnosed with diabetes.

The heart warming story takes the audience on a reminiscent journey from the 1960s to the present day with lots of singing and laughter along the way while getting across important health messages and promoting healthier lifestyles in the prevention and management of diabetes.

The group of volunteers aged between 50 -83 previously toured the borough with their drama around elder abuse, which resulted in an increase of reporting elder abuse to adult social services by three times.

It is hoped this drama will promote healthier lifestyles in the prevention and management of diabetes.

Support from healthcare services such as retinopathy screening and an Xpert patient (diabetic nurse) are also on hand at performances to answer any clinical questions.

The Healthy Communities Partnership is also helping to stage a diabetes awareness day at Bangor Street Community Centre on Saturday, August 8.

The event, which starts at 11am and runs until 2pm is being organised by the partnership alongside the Blackburn Healthy Living Centre and the Bangor Street Health Centre.

The day will feature a number of presentations from Xpert patients, local GPs, representatives from Diabetes Uk and the Retinopathy Screening programme.

The next performance of 'Houston We Have A Problem' takes place at St Albans Social Club on Norwich Road on Tuesday, August 4, 1.30pm.

And at the Bangor Street Community Centre diabetes awareness day from 1pm.

Tickets are free and available from the venues or call Health and Fitness (01254) 694503 to reserve a place.

And anyone interested in booking the drama for a community group phone Caroline Holtom on (01254) 694503

Trading Standards warn of 'bogus' marketing ploys

Residents are being warned to be on their guard after forceful cold calling sales techniques have been used to offer loft and wall insulation.

Trading Standards have received reports from people living in Blackburn saying they have been contacted by salesmen using pressurised marketing ploys.

The caller informs residents that they must have their loft insulation increased as it is a legal requirement. Trading standards chiefs have warned this is simply not true.

In each instance the salesman claimed to be calling on behalf of "energy supply companies" and did not leave a trading address, just a name and only an 0808 number.

Trading Standards say it is possible the bogus traders are trying to make money on the back of the Council's new initiative offering loft and wall insulation from only £99 each. The Council is working with Bookmysurvey and the installation company HIS. The bogus company is selling their product for double the Council's price.

Homeowners are being urged not to deal with unknown traders.

Paul Heward, the council's principal officer for consumer protection, said: "This appears to be a scam because there is no legal requirement to have your loft insulation increased.

"The public protection service would always advise the public to be wary when traders attempt to sell products over the phone or at the door.
"We would also ask that members of the public make our older citizens aware of this potential scam.

"Enquiries are ongoing to ascertain where the calls are emanating in order to eliminate this problem at source."

Anybody concerned about this issue or wanting to book a free survey for the discounted insulation service can contact Nicole Cook, the council's senior housing officer on 01254 588863.

Make time for national Playday

On Wednesday, August 5, Blackburn with Darwen is celebrating national Playday.

Right across the country events will be taking place in this annual celebration of childrens’ right to play.

Blackburn with Darwen is hosting two events. One at Witton Park and the other at the Borough Road field in Darwen opposite Bold Venture Park, from 1.30pm until 4pm.

This is the third year the borough has celebrated national Play Day and this year's theme is Alice in Wonderland and making time for children.

Everyone from parents to carers, teachers to policy makers, are being urged to make time for play.

Councillor Michael Law-Riding, executive member for leisure and culture and play champion for the borough said: "Play is an important part of growing up and it gives children the freedom to be just that children.

"We have something for everyone on offer this Playday and its all free so I would encourage everyone to at least for one day make time for play."

In Darwen there will be plenty of free activities including a climbing wall, arts and crafts, sports and a DJ workshop.

Younger children can enjoy a puppet theatre, story time, face painting and much much more.

And families are invited come along before hand with a picnic to make it a real day out.

At Witton Park the free activities on offer include outdoor games, arts and crafts, an obstacle course, tug of war, a nature trail, beat the goalie and a bouncy castle.

The day will also see the grand opening of Witton Park’s new lottery funded play area, Big Cover Wood at 2pm.

The Big Cover Wood play area is a £77,000 lottery funded project that combines wildlife sculptures, an adventure playground, a picnic and storytelling area all in a woodland setting.

And from 1-4pm there will also be free sports coaching by athletes, Katherine Merry and Les Antoine as part of the Street Athletics project.

Visitors can also have their say in the consultation for the new half a million Adventure Play Park being developed at Witton Park as part of the Play pathfinder project.

The play facilities will be thanks to a share of the £2.5 million investment in play across Blackburn with Darwen, from the Government’s Play Pathfinder programme.

Friday, July 24, 2009

Turton Tower Events

Help support Turton Tower by joining in one of the two events being held over the next 6 months. First, Friends of Turton Tower are trying to encourage people to visit the site over the school holidays:

Pack up your teddy and come down to Turton Tower where a teddy bears’ picnic is being held on Wednesday, August 5.

Bring your bear and enjoy a fun bear themed story, a tasty picnic and a mystery bear trail around the historic house.

Booking is required for this event that is suitable for pre-school and year 1 children with an accompanying adult.

Two sessions are arranged. The first will run from midday until 2pm and the second 3-5pm.

Tickets are £5.50 per person, which includes picnic, storytelling and bear trail.

There will be an indoor ‘carpet picnic’ if it’s wet weather.

And Turton Tower is now open everyday throughout the summer holidays.

The tower will be open everyday until 31 August with the tea room opening at 10.30am until 5pm and the tower opening midday until 5pm.

Councillor Michael Law-Riding, executive member for Leisure and Culture, said: “Now the summer holidays are getting underway it is a great time to visit Turton Tower.

“The Grade I listed building set in beautiful grounds makes for a fun and educational family day out. “

For more information telephone (01204 852203) or visit www.blackburn.gov.uk/turtontower

In addition, November will see a special Jazz, Swing & Funk night featuring the Northern Jazz Orchestra.


Tickets, priced at £10 are available in advance from:

Turton Towers, Chapeltown Road,
Turton, BL7 0HG
Tel: 01204 852203

Chetham Arms, 83 High Street, Chapeltown
Turton, BL7 0EW
Tel: 01204 852279
www.thechetham.co.uk

Slaters Inkshop, 5 Bolton Road
Darwen, BB3 1DF
Tel: 01254 777829
www.slaters-inkshop.co.uk

Thursday, June 04, 2009

Richard Smalley Blog - Bizzare Coincidences

Darwen Online contributor Richard Smalley left Darwen in 2001 to travel the world. He has now agreed to share some of his experiences with people back home through regular blogs.

Richard writes:
Back in November 2004, I was wandering through the main square in Santiago, Chile. In the distance and through the tropical plants and trees, I could see many painters painting and selling their work outside the church.

Then all of a sudden I was handed a piece of paper off a small, dark Indian-Chilean man. I looked at it and the paper had poems wrote on it, I said “Thank you” And went on my way.

“Are you from England”? He replied in broken English as he stopped me in my tracks.

“Why? Yes, I am” I said

“I used to live in England” He said with a big smile on his face.

“Did you? Where about”? I asked quizzically.

“Hoddlesden” He answered.

No way. I spun round 360 degrees to look for someone who must of told him that. I couldn’t believe it. However in the world would he know of Hoddlesden? It’s just a little village over the top of Darwen where my football manger used to live when I was a teenager.

We had a brief conversation and he told me that he lived there for a few years when he was just seven years old with his father. Still a bit bewildered I put my arm around him and said “Come on, we are going for a beer”.

He led me to an old bar around the back of the church on the main square and said this is the only traditional Indian-Chilean bar left in the centre of the up and coming Santiago.

We walked down a ginnel and entered the bar. On my right hand side there were a long wooden bar with pint glasses full of white liquid, that’s what the locals were drinking. I asked and it turned out to be a drink called Earthquake which contained a double shot, half a pint of white wine and a huge blob of vanilla ice-cream with two straws. I ordered one and bought the man formerly from Hoddlesden a beer and a rough looking but very tasty pork butty for us both. He taught me some Spanish over another drink as he told me it is very rare to see a white man in this particular bar.

It was a really odd coincidence and I returned two weeks later on the Monday and found him on a stall where I bought one of his paintings of Valparaiso. That very painting hangs on my Mums living room wall today.

Have you had any crazy coincidences like this happen to you on your travels? I would love to hear any stories you have related to this column, however big or small the comparison.

Harwood Street to receive road improvements

A £1m programme to improve the condition of the borough’s highways has been announced by Blackburn with Darwen Council.

Just under £600k will be spent on resurfacing several streets identified as having safety problems or with footways in poor condition.

The most significant spends will be made on Earnsdale Avenue, in Sunnyhurst ward, St Marks Road – from Higher Witton Road to Rolleston Road –in Wensley Fold ward and Toronto Road/Vancouver Crescent – from Quebec Road to the End –in Beardwood with Lammack ward.

An additional £500k will be spent on resurfacing roads that have suffered significant deterioration over a number of years, and been further hit by the recent hard winter.

These include Queen Street – from Hoddlesden Road to Johnson New Road – in East Rurall ward and, in Sunnyhurst ward, Earnsdale Road – from Blackburn Road to Harwood Street – and Harwood Street – from Avondale Road to Vale Street.

The remaining cash will be spent on surface dressing treatments to several roads and further improvements to footways.

Adam Scott, director of regeneration, said: “This is a targeted and thorough programme of maintenance designed to make the borough’s roads safer and easier to use.

“All the carriageways, kerbing and footways targeted have been identified as a priority and the programme should help to address safety concerns as well as longer standing problems with deterioration.

“Further surface dressing work should also help to significantly extend the life of a number of the roads concerned.”

Friday, May 29, 2009

Darwen Time Capsule On Leisure Centre Site

Local people are being invited to take part in a competition to suggest the 10 best things to be placed in a time capsule that will be buried at the new Darwen Leisure Centre that’s due to open in December.

Councillor Michael Law-Riding, executive member for leisure and culture for the Council said: "I am sure this competition will create a lot of interest among local people.

“It’s a perfect opportunity to use your imagination and give future generations an insight into life at the beginning of this century.”

Winners of the competition will be invited to join the Mayor of Blackburn with Darwen at an event to bury the time capsule later in the year.

Send your suggestions to Freepost RRHYZKBRBSLA, Communications and Marketing, Town Hall, Blackburn, BB1 7DY before the closing date of July 31, 2009.

The judges decision is final and no correspondence will be entered into. Full competition rules can be found on the Council website: www.blackburn.gov.uk/competitions

Are you tired of being contacted by telesales people?

If you are sick and tired of receiving telesales calls who just won't take NO for an answer then you may be interested in this website: http://www.phonespamfilter.co.uk/.

According to the site PhoneSpamFilter.co.uk is the only service explicitly designed to provide users with scoring algorithms so they can automatically block phone solicitor calls.

The site has been designed to offer a free service to assist the general public in identifying annoying telemarketers. The site's content is user generated, meaning everyone can contribute to the growing database of numbers and associated comments.

You can search for telephone numbers to read what others have to say about them, browse by area code to see who is operating in your local area and log your own complaints.

The site could be particularly useful if you have caller ID. If you're having problems with annoying & persistent telesales calls visit PhoneSpamFilter.co.uk today to make a complaint and read what others have to say.

Richard Smalley Blog - Our time in France

Darwen Online contributor Richard Smalley left Darwen in 2001 to travel the world. He has now agreed to share some of his experiences with people back home through regular blogs.

Richard writes:
We have all heard that French people are either rude or ignorant towards us on our holidays. But, I have to say after my week here in the Dordogne region in south - east France they have been fantastic towards us and blew all myths about French people out of the window for me.

The last time I drove through France we broke down on the way back from the football championships in Portugal 2004. We were stranded on a roundabout just outside of La Rochelle on a Sunday night. To our surprise a polite French family in a camper van pulled up and helped us by taking my friend to the nearest garage for some diesel. The family later returned and fixed the engine for us and then left as if it was au naturel. It was either that or somebody was looking down on us.

So, after two trips to France I really haven’t got anything but praise for the French. I have met up with 16 family members for a once in a lifetime gift from my parents to stay in a seven bedroom mansion in the French countryside. My family travelled from Australia, Bulgaria, myself from Sweden, Leeds, Cumbria and the majority drove from Darwen.

We visited the quaint town of Duras for the Monday market and had a lot of fun tasting the local cheese, bread and wine at the stalls. There are also four wine making areas in this region so if you like wine, this is certainly a place for you. The scenery, towns, villages and more importantly for me the food and wine have been wonderful. We also went for an excellent five course meal for only €19 each. I have been very impressed with France and I am sure you wouldn’t be disappointed either. Magnifique.

Thursday, May 28, 2009

Calls for Janet Anderson MP to vountarily publish all her expenses

Janet Anderson has been challenged to publish her expenses in full, ahead of the July deadline. The call, by her Conservative opponent, Jake Berry, follows repeated attempts to obtain details of the Labour MPs expense claims since July 2008.

In response to a further request from Jake Berry, Ms Anderson failed to justify why she had voted against the reform of MPs expenses and a Freedom Of Information Act request he submitted, asking for the full details of Ms Anderson's second home expense claims, was rejected.

As the Daily Mail has recently revealed Ms Anderson's sky-high travel expenses – enough to allow her to drive around the globe almost twice in a year – Mr Berry said such claims must be published in detail.

Since 2001, Janet Anderson has claimed almost £139,000 to maintain her end terraced house in Darwen which she designated as her second home.

Mr Berry said: "As far as I am concerned my main home will always be here in Rossendale and Darwen. I will never change the designation of my second home purely in an attempt to maximise the amount of expenses I could claim as it appears some MPs have done."

“The voters of Rossendale and Darwen deserve to have confidence in the person who represents them", he added. "I have always believed in openness and transparency regarding MPs expenses. Sunlight is the best disinfectant.

"I call on Ms Anderson to voluntarily publish all of her expenses. I have been seeking this information for over a year and I cannot make sense of the mileage or second home allowance claimed," Mr Berry said.

He said that a chain of events has led him to speak out about why he thinks the people of Rossendale and Darwen deserve better, and as a taxpayer first and foremost, he was "disgusted" by the treatment of residents.

For the third year running she has racked up the biggest mileage claim in Parliament with 41,984 miles to her name at a cost of almost £12,000.

"I will always seek to be transparent and honest with my travel expenses. I believe change is required to clean up politics," Mr Berry stated.

"Only an immediate General Election can clear out the old system and bring in a new transparent and open system of MPs' expenses."

Links

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1187122/The-6-2m-Scandal-MPs-taking-taxpayers-ride-extortionate-travel-expenses.html

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/politics/labour/5078358/Labour-MPs-twice-round-the-globe-mileage-claim.html


http://www.journallive.co.uk/north-east-news/todays-news/2009/05/26/labour-mp-janet-anderson-feels-expenses-heat-61634-23711350/

Tuesday, May 26, 2009

Error on For Darwen party leaflets

Promotional leaflets have been arriving on our doormats in the run up to the town council elections in June. However, leaflets distributed by the For Darwen party have caused some confusion by listing the election day as Thursday 6th June.

As many of you will already know, the elections are being held on Thursday 4th June, although most will no doubt have already noticed this was a printing error.

Darwen Online contacted For Darwen to enquire about the error but when we rang the number printed on the leaflets we were put through to Darwen Timber on Queen Street?


An email has been sent and we await the response to confirm whether the date was wrong on every leaflet or whether the problem was isolated to one area of the town.

Did you receive the leaflets with the incorrect date on? Don't forget to vote on THURSDAY 4TH JUNE.

Saturday, May 23, 2009

Local band Kreuz talk to Darwen Online

Local band, Kreuz, who are playing on the main stage (amonst other venues) at this years' Darwen Live will be updating readers of Darwen Online with regular updates.

The band, who have seen a lot of success despite being together less than a year, say that they have gained local popularity through word of mouth, dedication and commitment. If you want to read more about the band please read our original article: Darwen Live: One to watch or visit their myspace page.

The band have agreed to write regular articles to keep Darwen Online visitors updated on their progress throgh the music world. No doubt there will be some ups and downs along the way, but I for one, really enjoy the music they produce and feel confident they will see huge success. Below is their first contribution:


"Wednesday the 20th May saw yet another success for the Darwen hot shots Kreuz, the venue was ' The Studio ' Manchester and the task in hand was to qualify through an even tougher 'Stage 2 ' of the biggest national competition for un-signed bands.

The event organisers Surface unsigned had already moved Kreuz' set date for Stage 2 from Monday the 18th to Wednesday the 20th May making ticket sales and final arrangements somewhat difficult.

Kreuz guitarist Glenn Evans recalls "We had to pay £20 per car to park in Manchester city centre, and whilst we were there our bass player Simon Pickup came face to face with one of the actors in Hollyoaks. Simon said hello only to be ignored in a true celeb fashion!"

Just to participate in this kind of event is difficult, the point scoring system during the early stages is made up of text votes, points for tickets sold by bands and musicians get to vote for each other, so in theory technically poor bands can qualify at the expense of a more talented band.

Later in the competition there will be an industry vote which is basically a judging system and makes more of bands and there individual talents. The band will now compete in the regional semi final at Manchester Academy mid July, a coach trip is being planned so if you are interested in supporting the band please call Cindy on 07930759471 tickets will include entry to the venue and return coach fare from Darwen.
For an insight into what you will be in for on the night go to -
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CtpQntn6DGM"

Be sure to show your support for the band at Darwen Live this weekend. They will be playing on the main stage, Franky's Bar and Millstone. For a full line-up, including times click here.

Thursday, May 21, 2009

UltimateHandyman.co.uk. A popular DIY forum

Popular online forum ultimatehandyman.co.uk has been providing millions of visitors with valuable free information on DIY hints and tips. Maybe you've used the website yourself, but did you know it was run by a Darwener?

The site, which was started as a hobby, has been voted website of the month by magazine WebUser and now boasts over 500 static pages and regularly receives over 50,000 page views per day.

Here is what owner, Chez Rossi, had to say to Darwen Online:

"Ultimatehandyman.co.uk was started in December 2004, I remember waking up one morning and just decided to make a DIY website. I had always had a keen interest in DIY and have previously renovated a couple of properties."

"One of the major obstacles of house renovating was unreliable tradesmen and on several occasions I had been let down by tradesmen that did not even show up or have the decency to call to say that they were not coming."

"The tradesmen that did turn up, often were unreliable or expensive and sometimes their workmanship left a lot to be desired, this was my motivation for making one of the countries largest DIY websites as I was determined to help people increase their DIY skills and knowledge."


"The website has over 14,000 pages indexed on Google and is now hosted on it's own dedicated server because the site gets too many hits for shared hosting to cope with!"

"I have lived in Darwen all of my life and was born in Queens park hospital in 1971. I attended Sudell primary school and Moorland high school. I never really liked school and would do anything to get out of going and so my school sickness record was appalling."

"After leaving school I had a couple of jobs before getting a job as a process operator, working continental shifts for ICI acrylics in 1991, the company has now changed it’s name to Lucite international and I now work for them on the maintenance side, rather than production."

If you would like to visit the website to ask DIY questions please visit http://www.ultimatehandyman.co.uk.

At the time of writing Chez is now the latest person to register on the Darwen Online forum. Please extend your warm welcome to him and congratulate him on a successful website if you get chance!

The Traveller Returns

Our new "columnist", Richard Smalley will be updating Darwen Online regularly with news about his travels. This is his first article:

Yet again, I woke up at sun rise at 3.42am this morning and tried getting back to sleep. It’s really some getting used to and it will soon be 24 hour daylight here in northern Sweden. This is where I am living at the moment with my Swedish girlfriend.

Firstly I would like to say a big hello to everyone in Darwen, a place I still visit after most of my travels, to see family and to have a pint in The Engineers with friends. I left Darwen Vale without any grades and started work at Octaveward in 1997.

I learnt the trade of fibreglass plastics over four years while living at Two Gates Drive and later at my own house on Alice Street. I slowly got bored with routine, paying the mortgage and not having any fun, so every Thursday I stared at overseas job adverts in the national newspapers just wishing.

Then in February 2001, I plucked up the courage and phoned one of the job adverts. It was a risky and very scary step and in a blink of an eye I was flown to The Netherlands and started work. I have never looked back and I have been travelling ever since.

From sleeping rough in Uruguay to watching England at the World Cup in Germany 2006. From being mugged in Rome to spending three weeks in the Atacama Desert. To be out drinking with Turkish gypsies to white water rafting in the Andes Mountains. Swimming in Thai jungles at midnight to talking to Prince Andrew in Southampton.

Eating with poor Laos families to lavish Argentinean steak and wine. To the heights of the Empire State building to the views of Darwen Tower and Bolivian train journeys to spotting moose in Sweden.

As I learn the language and culture in Sweden, it just shows nothing is really stereo-typed and you should take things as you see it. I will be travelling around Scandinavia soon enough and next week I will be seeing 18 of my family members in France for a special birthday celebration.

In future I wish to have plenty of enjoyment and discuss any kind of travel stories from where you or I have been. I think we can have a lot of fun on this column and I would love to read some of that true Darwen humour.

You can follow Richard Smalley via his blog: The Traveller Returns

New Darwen Online Column

ExDarwener, Richard Smalley, will be writing a regular 'column' for Darwen Online about his life travelling the world since leaving the UK in 2001.

The 28 year old would like to share his experiences with those in his hometown and hopefully inspire others to travel and see as much of the world as possible. After leaving Darwen Vale, Richard worked at Octaveward for 4 years before deciding to start travelling.

The regular write-up on Darwen Online will provide an insight into what life can be like travelling round different parts of the world, what experiences he has had and what he misses about his home town!

Those of you who can't wait for his first article may be interested in reading his own blog: http://www.thetravellerreturns.com/ which has been online since July 2008. If you would like to welcome our new contributor you can communicate via the forum where he has made a recent introduction.

Wednesday, May 20, 2009

Children in care to benefit from ground-breaking pilot scheme

A pioneering pilot scheme to boost the long-term outcomes of children in care is being launched in Blackburn with Darwen.

One of the borough’s children’s homes will welcome two social pedagogues – specially trained children’s specialists who work with and support the children and their all-round development – in September.

The experts from Germany are currently being recruited to start in their roles. In January the pilot home was judged to be outstanding in every area by Ofsted.

This is the first full-scale research on this issue by the government and is part of a pilot by The Department for Children, Schools and Families for eight children’s homes in the country as part of the Care Matters agenda, which aims to improve the lives of children in care.

The children’s home, which cannot be named, was selected from a huge number of interested local authorities to take part in the pilot.

It aims to see if the scheme improves outcomes for children in residential care homes.

The title social pedagogue, which roughly translates as a teacher or instructor, describes the work done by youth and residential workers. They use creative and practical skills with groups and on an individual basis to support children.

Social pedagogues are well known in Europe and are often trained to graduate level but it is relatively new in the UK.

By encouraging young people in residential care to take what might seem small steps - such as developing a routine to get out of bed and go to school - the social pedagogue can help them to make great strides in terms of developing life skills.

Gladys Rhodes, deputy director of children’s services, said: “There has never been a full government supported scheme on this scale into the work done by social pedagogues before and we are hoping that this approach will help us even further in improving outcomes for children in residential care in Blackburn with Darwen.

“We are really pleased that Blackburn with Darwen has been chosen to pilot this extremely successful way of delivering residential care which is established in other parts of Europe and has proved very beneficial for children.”

Darwen Live 2009 just days away

Festival preparations are underway with Darwen Live 2009 just days away.

This year the mini festival organised by Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council celebrates ten years of showcasing local talent as well as bringing well known performers to the town.

Topping this year's bill are The Bay City Rollers, featuring original member Eric Faulkner; original Boomtown Rats, Garry Roberts and Simon Crowe along with pop-punk band The Stiffs.

The free, two-day festival will also boast many local musicians including Recall, Jah Mission Vibes and the recently reformed Jo Danuki band, making their first ever appearance at Darwen Live 2009.

Young up and coming bands will be strutting their stuff on the Youth Stage, which is also Europe's only fully solar powered stage.

And support for the event is as strong as ever with nearly 800 people joining the Council's Darwen Live Facebook group within just two weeks of it being set up.

The group currently has over 1,000 members.

To maintain the festival's family friendly atmosphere, alcoholic and soft drinks will be available from the licensed marquee on site that will be operating under the Bar U scheme as during last year’s festival, and where prices will be similar to local pubs.

Programmes for the event are available now from Blackburn and Darwen Town Halls, Darwen Library, Darwen Library Theatre and participating bars and clubs.

The full line up is as follows

Sunday May 24 – main stage

The Bay City Rollers featuring Eric Faulkner

Ray Bailey’s Soultrain

A 9-piece band featuring the Union Pacific Horns playing classic 1960’s soul.

Torrents

Top indie-pop band currently working with ‘The Enemy’ producer Matt Terry.

Jo Danuki Band

First time on the Darwen Live main stage for this recently reformed Darwen crowd-pulling covers band.

The Northern Jazz Orchestra

Featuring the drumming of band leader Paul J. Rigby, the orchestra will be performing the timeless sounds of Glenn Miller and the Big Bands.

Sunday May 24 – Darwen Library Theatre stage

Pete Brown and the Volunteers

Son of Joe Brown and brother of Sam Brown, this renowned producer is currently promoting his new album, ‘Not Before Time.’

Jah Mission Vibes

A fully-blended mixture of root reggae and ska, this band has come all the way from Darwen to perform its Afro-Caribbean music.

Darwen Music Showcase

Elite Music Services present a selection of the area’s talented singers and musicians.

Monday May 25 – main stage

Boomtown Rats

Featuring original members Garry Roberts and Simon Crowe.

The Jamie Mac Band

Legendary Darwen singer reforms the band especially for this event.

The Stiffs

‘Pop with steel toe caps’ mixed in with high-energy pop that has the forcefulness of punk.

Decadenze

This Welsh rock/metal band will be calling into Darwen as a part of their current 50-date UK tour, as they promote their debut album.

Blackburn with Darwen Music Big Band

Traditional and contemporary Big Band music, as performed by very gifted students from throughout the borough.

Monday May 25 – Darwen Library Theatre stage

Recall

Popular local mainstream music trio.

Graham Robinson

Tremendous finger-pickin’ country blues and ragtime guitarist.

Blackburn People’s Choir

Performances will run from 1-9pm on Sunday, May 24 and Monday, May 25 in Darwen town centre.

Author, Jane Eagland, to visit Blackburn library

Local author Jane Eagland is coming to Blackburn Library on Thursday, June 11 at 7pm to talk about her new novel, ‘Wildthorn’.

Set in Victorian times, ‘Wildthorn’, brings a gothic twist to a coming of age story.

Louisa wants to be a Doctor, for this she is sent to an insane asylum as an inmate under a different name.

Described as 'a bold and thrilling read' the novel was marketed for teens.

But it also has a broad appeal for adults particularly those who enjoy the great classics of the nineteenth century.

It promises to be an enlightening and entertaining evening.

Free tickets are available from Blackburn Central Library.

You can buy the book from Amazon (RRP £6.99) here: http://www.amazon.co.uk

Tuesday, May 19, 2009

MSN release heat map of MP expense claims

MSN News have created a heat map of the UK showing MP's expense claims during April '07 and March '08.

The map shows how sporadic the maximum and minimum expense claims are up and down the country with the darkest colour showing those who claimed in excess of £170,000 and the lightest showing those claiming under £100,000.


Darwen & Rossendale appears within the top category, higher than other adjacent areas. You can view a breakdown of the expense claims by clicking within any region which brings up an 'expense report'.

You can view the full interactive map here: MSN

Council secures funding for highways management plan

We might finally be about to see improvements in local road maintenance as nearly half a million pounds has been secured by the council to help with highway management. Problems with potholes in and around Darwen have been regularly reported with some roads being described as "awful" and "dangerous".

Until recently, local residents have been using websites like Darwen Online and Fix My Street to voice their opinions, but the money will also be used to develop their own online system to monitor issues - hopefully making it easier to report problems to the right people.

The Council was one of only 14 local authorities to receive full funding after making two successful bids for cash.


The money will be used to develop an online system where the public can log and monitor issues such as potholes, damage to railings and other property, report a street light which is out, or register concerns over the speed of traffic.

Further schemes will also be introduced including training for young people within the borough and an IT system upgrade.

The Council will also act as regional champions and have the opportunity to share best practice and technique with other authorities.

Adam Scott, strategic director of regeneration & environment, said: “This scheme, developed by the Council’s partners, Capita Symonds, is designed to allow local people to have more involvement in how their highways are managed and maintained.

“The DfT received 69 applications, covering 111 authorities, so to be one of only 14 successful bidders is fantastic.

“The opportunity to act as regional champion also means we are able to promote our expertise and really put the borough on the map.”

Drainage improvement work - Hoddlesden

Drainage works designed to reduce a build up of rain water on Bayne Street, Hoddlesden, are currently underway.

The area, near to St Paul’s Primary School in Hoddlesden, will benefit from improvement works which will redirect excessive rain water, travelling along the rear of Bayne Street, to an existing gully.

Completion of the work is expected at the end of May.

In August, highway resurfacing works will be carried out by Capita Symonds on the footways outside the school and the main carriageway.

Adam Scott, strategic director of regeneration and environment, said: “We carried out an investigation into the root cause of the problem and came up with a solution which will bring lasting improvement for residents and the school.”

Gandhi’s visit to Darwen

Gandhi’s visit to Darwen in September 1931 was a major event in the town’s history.

Even today older members of the community still remember the excitement Gandhi’s visit generated.

Darwen Library is currently staging a display in the Library Foyer recalling this historic occasion.


The exhibition that runs until September was created by James O’Neill and Ben Radcliffe, two students from the University of Central Lancashire (UCLAN) as part of their course work.

It features a DVD showing archive footage of Gandhi’s visit to the North West provides an illuminating commentary.

So far the exhibition has already provoked interest and positive feedback from library visitors.

Monday, May 18, 2009

New Forum Members Music

One of our latest forum members, alanfrodarwen, is already being followed by online fans via popular social networking site YouTube.

Alan, who has uploaded a number of songs has even had his work displayed on the official Fred Dibnah website. His song, Missing You, can be seen on Fred's website here: Fred Dibnah.

Other popular songs include Broken Gravestones which was featured on Dawen Online back in April.

We would like to extend a warm welcome to Darwen Online Forum, if you would like to welcome him personally please visit his forum page here, where you can also find out more information about Alan's work.

Darwen resident celebrates 100th birthday!

Congratulations to Harry Duggen of Oldfield Nursing Home, Hawkshaw Avenue in Darwen, who celebrates his 100th birthday today!

Thursday, May 14, 2009

Darwen Live: One to watch

Not sure who to see this year at Darwen Live? We'd like to bring your attention to local band Kreuz who will be performing on the main stage, Franky's Bar and the Millstone over the two day event later this month.

The band, who formed in 2008, has qualified for Stage Two of the Surface Unsigned Festival 2009 - the only national live music event which brings unsigned bands to the attention of the music industry!

You can watch a video of their song, No Change on YouTube:



Jordan Small (lead singer), Simon Pickup (bass), Glenn Evans (guitar) and Tom Davies (drums) are the four Darwen lads who make up the new band heavily tipped for good things!

If you liked their music video and can't wait until Darwen Live to see them you can see them perform at King George's Hall where they will be supporting Stiff Little Fingers on Friday 15th May 2009.

Red carpet treatment for young stars of crime film

Young people who made and starred in a film to show how victims of crime suffer will get the red carpet treatment at a premiere event at Darwen Library Theatre.

‘Because of You’ will play to a 150 -strong audience of young people, teachers, youth offending team workers, magistrates and a number of well known TV actors and director who supported the project on Wednesday, May 20.

Lancashire actor Paul Simpson, who has appeared in Coronation Street, Casualty and Heartbeat, directed the film, which aims to help young people understand how victims are affected by crime.

Film and TV Director Philip Wood, Manchester based actress Elianne Byrne, Coronation Street Graeme Hawley, who plays John Snape, and EastEnders and Casualty scriptwriter Ian Kershaw were also involved. The soundtrack was created alongside the young people by up and coming musicians on the grime and niche scene in Manchester Chimpo and George.

It was part of a project funded by Blackburn with Darwen’s community safety partnership, working with a group of young people aged 14 to 17 to help them empathise with victims of violent crime.

The young people involved helped to develop the concept for the film and were involved in storyboarding, acting, filming and editing, as well as recording the music for the film.

There are plans to interview real victims of crime and produce a documentary style programme to go with the film, which will then be used as a resource for work with young people.

Gladys Rhodes, deputy director of children’s services, said: “Young people are so often seen in a negative light, but this is an extremely positive event.

“The making of this film has been a very worthwhile experience for these young people, some of whom are now interested in pursuing media courses when they leave school.”

Council launches review into single persons' council tax discounts

As part of a national fraud initiative, Blackburn with Darwen Council is launching a review of the council tax discount currently awarded to single occupants of homes within Blackburn and Darwen.

This is to ensure local people are paying the correct amount of council tax due for the number of people living in their household.

In Blackburn over 20,000 households are currently claiming a 25 per cent single person discount on their council tax.

Residents who do not live alone but who incorrectly claim a discount could face serious consequences. Any person fraudulently claiming a single person’s discount could be subject to a £1,000 fine and made to pay back any award granted.


During May, review forms will be issued to households currently shown as receiving a discount, requesting they confirm their entitlement before the end of June.

If you wish to notify the Council of any changes in your circumstances please phone (01254) 585585 or email revenues@blackburn.gov.uk

Denise Park, strategic director of resources, said: "This anti-fraud initiative is designed to ensure all discounts awarded to households in the Borough are correct. It will help people avoid a fine if they are unaware of the rules.

"Please fill out and return the form. If there are any changes to the number of occupants within your household you must let us know so we can put together a revised repayment plan for you."

New vision for the borough’s children

A new and ambitious vision has been launched by Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council and its partners to make sure every child in the borough has a chance at a better future.

The proposals form the Children and Young People’s Plan 2009-2013, and set out the main goals to improve outcomes and boost everyday life for the area’s children over the next four years.

The Trust, formerly the children and young people’s partnership, made up of representatives from the council, other public sector organisations such as the health and police services, business, and the voluntary, community and faith sectors.

Key findings from the previous report showed that outcomes for children and young people across the borough had improved in the last decade, and sometimes exceeded national and regional trends, and that the past year has seen strong improvement in school exam performance.

But the new report states that work still needs to be done to tackle poverty and deprivation, which included issues such as dental health, rising obesity rates with age and lifestyle practices and choices.

Some of the main aims of the far-reaching plan include:

* cutting risks such as sexual activity, substance abuse, alcohol and smoking
* helping vulnerable children access better safeguards and health services
* raising attainments at all ages
* improving positive activities for young people and their families and reducing rates of anti social behaviour.
* getting more young people into training or work.

The plans have been developed with the help of children across Blackburn with Darwen schools and includes their views on health, schools, leisure time and activities and youth services in the area.

The plan, which was launched in 2006 and was refreshed in 2008, is based on the priorities set out through the Government’s Every Child Matters campaign, and has been developed by the Children and Young People’s Trust.

Peter Morgan, strategic director of children’s services, said: “A great deal of work has been done by all partners and we have achieved a lot over the past three years, but we hope to achieve even more, and help more children get the very best out of their lives, with these updated goals.

“We are underlining and reiterating our commitment to making sure that every child and young person in Blackburn with Darwen can look forward to a positive future and is well equipped to achieve these important outcomes.

“This plan is the product of the knowledge and the vision of all our partners who are working with Blackburn with Darwen, together with the positive contributions of children, young people, families and communities we serve, and we commend the goals that these challenges represent.”

To view the full plan, visit www.blackburn.gov.uk/childrensplan, or share your views, comments and ideas at cypp@blackburn.gov.uk.

Children’s Trust notes to editors:
In October 2002, the then Health Secretary, Alan Milburn, outlined government plans for a radical restructure of social services following the enquiry into the tragic death of Victoria ClimbiƩ.

Proposals were announced to establish specialist children's trusts to jointly plan, commission, pay for , and in some cases deliver, local services for children and young people up to 19 years.
Blackburn with Darwen was selected as one of 35 areas to pilot Children’s Trusts.
The aim of Children’s Trusts is to deliver greater strategic coherence, better integration of services and improved access.

Make your mark by voting on June 4th

Blackburn with Darwen Council have made a YouTube video to help encourage people to vote on Thursday 4 June.

The video, which lasts just under 2 and a half minutes displays bin wagons, cups of tea and brick walls in the shape of an X - similar to the marks used to cast your vote on ballot papers.



The YouTube video includes clips of local sites including the Leisure Centre development and Darwen Library Theatre. It’s part of a campaign to encourage people to have their say and be part of history on June 4 by voting in the European elections, the biggest ever held in history, and the first elections ever to Darwen town council.

It’s the third time the Council has used You Tube in this way. The first video in January 2009 featured an interview with chief executive Graham Burgess while the second, posted last month, features the Workroutes initiative which helps people overcome barriers to getting back into employment.

Children from Darwen children’s centre performed X jumps while pupils from the Highercroft centre for vocational education are seen building a brick wall in the shape of an X.

The video ends with a number of Council staff holding up signs giving their reasons as to why they vote. These include having a say, making a difference and having the right to vote from 18 years old.

If you wish to pass the link on to other people it is here: http://www.youtube.com/user/BwDCtube

Wednesday, May 13, 2009

Darwen Live goes green

Darwen Live organisers hope to make a big impression this year by leaving a smaller carbon footprint.

The two day festival, which will feature a whole range of talented local musicians will boast Europe’s only fully solar powered stage.

The 24 ft stage will be used to showcase the borough’s youth bands at the event that runs from Sunday, May 24 to Monday, May 25.

Blackburn born Tony Fleming originally from Mill Hill is the brains behind the eco stage, which has solar charged batteries ready to back up its power if heaven forbid the sun isn’t shining.

Tony, 48, who now lives in Cornwall with his wife Tracey and their family has been living a green lifestyle for over a decade.

Before the likes of Kevin McCloud came along with his Grand Designs the couple were running a household on and promoting renewable energy.

“We got into renewable energy at Glastonbury in 1994 after we bought our first panels second hand from the festival,” said Tony.

“We’ve never looked back.”

He now has a solar powered home, office and workshop and sells his surplus to the national grid.

“We’ve brought two kids up using renewable energy and started using it before it was main stream.”

“We got into it by necessity after we bought a piece of land in Cornwall and began living a green lifestyle.”

The dad of three who runs Southwest Solar Solutions came up with the idea for a solar powered stage after attending festivals and seeing that stages are normally powered by ‘noisy generators’.

Tony’s stage is towed by a truck, which runs on vegetable oil and hydrogen gas and is fitted with nine solar panels.

They generate enough electricity to run a pa system and lighting rig plus all the energy he needs for his living accommodation inside the truck.

Just under two kilowatts can be produced in peak sunlight.

“For the Darwen Live event they’ve got three stages so in theory we’re cutting their carbon emissions by a third,” added Tony.

“It gives a really good message out for Blackburn and Darwen that they’re doing something about carbon emissions.”

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