Punk duo Slaves say they may be unable to live up to the name of their forthcoming album and Take Control of the 'wild' Leeds Festival crowd this weekend.
Drummer vocalist Isaac Holman and band mate Laurie Vincent, on guitar and vocals, play Leeds Festival main stage on Sunday after Reading Festival on Saturday.
And they say northern fans are often more wild than anywhere else in the country.
"I don't know if we can take control of the Leeds crowd but I'll give it a good old go," laughed Isaac, promising fans 'blood, sweat and laughs'.
AUDIO: Listen to Slaves star Isaac Holman's exclusive chat with Graham Walker - CLICK HERE.
"We are a southern band so we did a bit better down south at first. But the northern crowds are even more wild for us now than down south sometimes. I think Leeds is going to go off.
"It's completely what I live for. I love playing live. It's the only time my mind goes quiet and I feel comfortable when I step out on stage. The more people there the merrier."
GET LEEDS AND READING FESTIVAL APP: Daily set times for Reading and Leeds Festivals are now live on the R&L App - iTunes and Android.
Slaves are on the same bill as Red Hot Chili Peppers. Imagine Dragons and Courteeners.
Other superstar bands playing this weekends include Biffy Clyro, Fall Out Boy, Foals, Disclosure, The Vaccines and Chvrches - along with rising local stars, such as South Yorkshire's own Radio 1 hitmakers The Sherlocks. Leeds Festival is set to attract around 80,000 people.
Isaac, who also revealed they still get starstruck, said it will be a highlight of their year which also includes a 15 date UK headline tour in November and the release of next album Take Control on September 30.
Isaac added: "Sometimes you get starstruck. Me and Laurie definitely do fanboy some people we meet. But the more you get into the scene you realise everyone is just a person and it becomes a little bit more normal.
"We've worked our way up through the stages. Being main stage is like another level - Leeds and Reading were the festivals we went to when we were younger and I don't think we ever imagined we would be on the bill let alone on the main stage. It's brilliant."
Slaves, from Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent, will be laying waste to venues across the country as they launch into a full UK tour in November. Yorkshire dates include Leeds O2 Academy on Tuesday, November 15 and Sheffield O2 Academy, on Friday, November 25.
See full tour, ticket details and album download links links below.
Slaves earned a reputation for themselves as one of the UK’s fiercest live acts with their constant touring and festival appearances off the back of last year's debut album, Are you Satisfied?
Their next hit album in waiting was part recorded at Jackson Browne’s studio in Santa Monica, California.
Take Control was produced by one of the legends of early hip hop and New York punk, Mike D who, says Laurie, “Became like another member of our band – we can safely call him our friend, which is just surreal!”
The album finds the young pair sharpening up their skills, both in songwriting and in execution and sounding heavier in places.
Several tracks on the album were recorded on vintage equipment used by the Beastie Boys on their classic records, Including STD’s PhD’s, Angelica and Consume Or Be Consumed.
Recorded back home in London, Steer Clear was a collaboration with another hero, Baxter Dury, who lent his distinctive vocals to a duet with Isaac.
Slaves first emerged in 2012, working their way up through the local toilet-venue circuit to become one of the success stories of 2015.
The band’s debut album Are You Satisfied? smashed in to the UK top 10 and earned the band huge critical acclaim. Thanks to their charismatic mash-up of punky urgency and silly humour, they bagged Kerrang!’s Spirit Of Punk award and NME’s Best Video award (for Cheer Up London), while also securing nominations for the Mercury Music Prize, and for Best New Band at Q and NME.
Along the way, they’ve won the hearts of The Streets’ Mike Skinner, stolen the show on last year’s NME tour, had Skepta join them on stage at Radio 1’s Big Weekend and toured with Jamie T and Wolf Alice – the latter in America in March, after which Wolf Alice’s drummer Joel Amey bunked off to California to play on new track People That You Meet.
Pre-order new the album now to get a free download of Spit It Out, first single from the album, at youareallslaves.com - you can also order at iTunes, Amazon or Google Play.
VIDEO: Check out Spit It Out, the first single off the album - a snapshot of their manic daily lives in Tunbridge Wells and New Cross - CLICK HERE.
Leeds Festival Ticket Information
Weekend tickets are £205 + £8 booking fee = £213 total Day tickets are £59.50 + £7 booking fee Early entry permits - £20 (No booking fee) Campervan permits - £75 (No booking fee) Lockers - £16 (No booking fee)
Slaves 2016 UK Tour dates (All shows 14 +)
Thu 10 Nov 2016 – Bexhill - De La Warr Pavillion - UK
Fri 11 Nov 2016 – Truro - Hall for Cornwall - UK
Sun 13 Nov 2016 – Cardiff - University Great Hall - UK
Mon 14 Nov 2016 – Cambridge - Corn Exchange - UK
Tue 15 Nov 2016 – Leeds – O2 Academy - UK
Thu 17 Nov 2016 – Newcastle – O2 Academy - UK
Fri 18 Nov 2016 - Glasgow – Barrowland - UK
Sat 19 Nov 2016 – Birmingham – O2 Academy - UK
Mon 21 Nov 2016 – Bristol – O2 Academy - UK
Tue 22 Nov 2016 – Leicester - O2 Academy - UK
Wed 23 Nov 2016 – Nottingham - Rock City - UK
Fri 25 Nov 2016 – Sheffield – O2 Academy - UK
Sat 26 Nov 2016 – Manchester - Albert Hall - UK
Tue 29 Nov 2016 – London - Shepherds Bush Empire - UK
Wed 30 Nov 2016 – London - Shepherds Bush Empire - UK
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VIDEO: Leeds Festival preview
AUDIO: Take plenty of wet wipes, says 'Mr Leeds Festival' Frank Turner
Leeds Festival 2016: What we know so far about this year’s line-up

AUDIO: 'I don't know if we can Take Control of wild Leeds Festival crowd', jokes punk stars Slaves


Punk duo Slaves say they may be unable to live up to the name of their forthcoming album and Take Control of the


THE day was sunny and very warm, made bearable by a cooling breeze blowing from the Trafalgar Square end.
Thunder flies clung to the skin until they were swept away with sweaty hands or else flicked off – Subbuteo-like – with sticky fingers.
Spectators sat in shirt-sleeves and sun hats, occasionally raising a drink to their lips or slurping at ice creams, while seagulls squawked and circled the ground, looking for remnants of discarded food.
For much of the long and lazy afternoon, the pin-striped deckchairs in front of the West Stand marquee were vacant as important people enjoyed an extended lunch, occasionally popping their heads outside to check the scoreboard on the popular bank.
All the sights and sounds of Scarborough were present for the start of the 130th Festival, just as they have always been, and the cricket itself was of compelling character.
After half-an-hour’s play, Yorkshire were 21-0 after Notts, the bottom club, took up the right of the visiting side to field first.
Half-an-hour before lunch, Yorkshire, the second-placed club, had sunk to 51-6 after insipid batting and inspired work from medium-pacer Steven Mullaney had nipped out three of the wickets and effected a run-out.
A seventh-wicket stand of 132 in 34 overs between Andrew Hodd (96no) and Azeem Rafiq (74) stopped the bleeding, and even inspired a recovery back to rude health as both made their highest scores of the season, Hodd also making his highest score for Yorkshire.
The wicketkeeper deserved a century, but was left stranded when the hosts were dismissed for 282 deep into the evening session, Notts reaching stumps on 38-2.
On a day when 4,979 spectators gathered in glorious sunshine, it was pertinent to ponder initially who was not playing as much as who was.
Yorkshire were without Joe Root, Jonny Bairstow, Liam Plunkett, Adil Rashid and David Willey due to international calls, while captain Andrew Gale failed a fitness test on a sore back, with Gary Ballance leading the club for the first time in the Championship.
Gale, who has struggled for runs, therefore missed out at a ground where he has scored 1,372 of them in 19 first-class games at 49, including a career-best 272 when these sides last met in the Championship here in 2013.
For their part, Notts were without pace bowlers Stuart Broad (ankle), Jake Ball (international duty) and Harry Gurney (hip), with the visitors handing a debut to 19-year-old batsman Tom Moores, son of former England head coach Peter Moores, the Notts’ coaching consultant.
Despite their depleted bowling resources, Notts could hardly have wished for a better morning session.
There was a strong element of luck about the first wicket, Adam Lyth run-out at the non-striker’s end when Mullaney deflected a drive from Alex Lees on to the stumps.
But there was nothing fortuitous thereafter as Lees pushed at one from Mullaney and was caught at third slip, Jake Lehmann was caught at second slip driving at Mullaney, and Ballance went lbw to Luke Fletcher playing across his pads.
When Tim Bresnan padded up to Mullaney and Jack Leaning followed a wide delivery from Brett Hutton and was caught at third slip, Yorkshire were 51-6 and in disarray.
But Hodd and Rafiq added 46 in seven overs before lunch, and then they frustrated the visitors in the afternoon, Notts failing to build on their earlier good work.
Rafiq, who has a first-class hundred to his name, gradually grew in confidence to the extent that he contemptuously thumped Hutton for four over mid-on towards the Peasholm Park end.
When he chipped the next ball for four just over a leaping Fletcher at mid-on, Rafiq had his third first-class fifty from 75 balls with eight boundaries, a fitting way to mark a day when he was officially re-presented with his county cap – along with Leaning – by the Yorkshire president, John Hampshire.
It took an apparently controversial decision from Neil Mallender to send him on his way, the umpire adjudging him lbw to Samit Patel, a wicket swiftly followed by that of Steve Patterson, who went lbw to Imran Tahir.
Hodd breezed past his previous best for Yorkshire of 68 not out against Somerset at Taunton three years ago, and he added 88 for the ninth-wicket in 21 overs with Jack Brooks, who contributed 48 from 66 balls with seven fours and a six, Brooks chopping on to Hutton.
When Ryan Sidebottom was lbw to Hutton nine balls later, Hodd was left agonisingly short of a fifth first-class hundred, having faced 185 balls and struck 10 fours.
Notts lost a wicket to the seventh ball of their reply when Brooks pinned Jake Libby lbw, and they would have been 1-2 had Leaning taken a low chance at third slip offered by Moores off Sidebottom.
But Bresnan had Moores caught at second slip by Lyth in the final over as Yorkshire completed a fine fightback.
Scoreboard: Page 22.

Yorkshire are left indebted to Andrew Hodd and Azeem Rafiq


THE day was sunny and very warm, made bearable by a cooling breeze blowing from the Trafalgar Square end.


A dedicated member of Heckmondwike Rotary Club has celebrated his 50th year with the group.
David Armitage, 84, first joined the club while he owned Armitage Allott and Partners opticians in Market Street.
Since then he has become president of the club twice, in 1975 and 2010, and has seen a lot of changes in the town.
Mr Armitage, of Brighouse, said: “It’s been 50 very interesting years. There’s been a lot of changes in Heckmondwike in that time.
“I think the biggest single change is when Morrisons opened. It did change the town centre – it went down quite a bit but it’s built up again since.
“The general atmosphere of Heckmondwike has improved in the last 10 to 20 years.”
Mr Armitage was congratulated on his milestone at the last Heckmondwike Rotary Club meeting by president Mike Lister on August 11 at Healds Hall in Liversedge.
Mr Armitage, who is originally from Bradford, added that one of the main benefits of joining the club has been meeting new friends.
“I’ve got to know an awful lot of people I wouldn’t have met otherwise. It’s a totally diverse group of people that meet,” he added.
Member Bill Hofstetter said: “David has never sought recognition for his involvement with Rotary.
“David is a very quiet and humble man and for 50 years has found the time to put service before himself.”
During his second presidency of the group he made Help For Heroes his charity of choice, raising funds for wounded soldiers with regular events.
He said that one of the biggest challenges now facing the group is attracting new members.
But he hopes to remain part of the group for as long as he can.
He said: “Perhaps another 50 years.”

Marking fifty golden years in the Rotary


A dedicated member of Heckmondwike Rotary Club has celebrated his 50th year with the group.


Dewsbury based artists, Free Art Friday will be showcasing their work to the public, as part of this year’s Batley Festival.
Limited edition goodie bags will contain film-related treats and hidden pieces of their art in the town for people to take free of charge.
The bags will also have information about the festival, including an invitation to come to a free art workshop at Batley Tesco on Friday 2nd September.
These bags will be hidden around Batley for the public to find and enjoy from Friday 26th August.
The group will be making a brief departure from Dewsbury to create a buzz in Batley ahead of this year’s Batley Festival.
They encorage the lucky ones who find a goodie bag to share a picture of yourself and where it was found on using #BatleyFestival.
By sharing, you could be in the running for more mysterious prizes, including a special VIP treatment at The Batley Picture Show.
Ruth Bridges, one of the artists involved in Free Art Friday said “We are motivated by the difference art and design can make to people’s daily lives.”
“Dedicated to exploring and responding to social issues, we work with people, sometimes indirectly to make positive change.”
The festival will also be showcasing the town’s history. A special evening performance called ‘The Batley Picture Show’ which will chronicle 100 years of Batley’s history.
Stories will be told through film, music and pyrotechnics presented by internationally acclaimed outdoor arts experts Periplum.
Batley Festival is commisioned by Creative Scene, which is Arts Council England’ Creative People and Places Project for North Kirklees.
It is supported by a consortium including The Lawrence Batley Theatre, Kirklees Council, and the Batley Festival. Creative Scene wants more people in Kirklees to create, and be part of, inspiring high quality arts experiences.
Batley Festival hosts around 40 outdoor stalls each year, made up of both commercial traders and local community and voluntary groups.
Items such as handbags and scarves, jams and pickles and crafts will be sold by local groups with fundraising and information stalls.
The town hall will be hosting local musical talent by Kirklees Music School, Batley Community Choir, and Sarah Taylor school of dance.
Batley Festival will be held on Saturday 10th September. Events will be all around the town and entry is free.
For more information, visit www.batleyfestival.co.uk

Free goodie bags hidden as part of art showcase


Dewsbury based artists, Free Art Friday will be showcasing their work to the public, as part of this year’s Batley Festival.


Batley’s lead at the top of the All Rounder Bradford League Championship A division was whittled down to 13 points by Yeadon last Saturday.
Batley were frustrated in a rain affected draw against Liversedge, while Yeadon took full advantage to defeat Birstall by seven wickets and they also have a game in hand on the leaders.
Max Maciver again proved what a useful addition he has been this season with 3-27 as Birstall were restricted to 145-7 in 44 overs.
Alexander Debs (37) and David Fozard (33no) were Birstall’s top scorers.
Yeadon cruised to victory thanks to the efforts of Zach Wheatley (44no) and Damon Gormley (32no). With a game in hand on Batley, things are looking good for Yeadon.
Batley are without a game on Saturday, giving Yeadon chance to move top with victory over Keighley.
Overseas player Jessie Dinnie top scored with a determined 67 as Liversedge made 155-7 in the full 50 overs at Batley.
Aqsad Ali was the best of the home bowlers with 3-32. Batley had only reached 36-2 in 18.2 overs when play was brought to a premature end.
Third-placed Undercliffe managed to beat the weather as they defeated bottom team Idle by five wickets.
Gulsheraz Ahmed (44no) steered them home despite the efforts of Tom Johnson (4-42) as they chased down their opponents’ score of 138. Overseas player Michael Loubser (5-39) impressed for Undercliffe and was backed up by Zeeshan Qasim (3-24). Stefan Mather (33) top scored for Idle.
Ossett were struggling against Baildon when rain arrived at Jenny Lane.
Ossett were 56-4 in reply to Baildon’s 139-8. Jonny Reynolds made 36 for Baildon while captain Charlie Orme (3-38) was the best of the Ossett bowlers.
Keighley were in a good position against Hunslet Nellson when rain had the final say.
Benjamin Hastgie (87) and Luke Chapman (51) helped Keighley to 194-4 in 42 overs, with Nelson 98-5 in reply when play was abandoned.

Batley see advantage at top whittled down


Batley’s lead at the top of the All Rounder Bradford League Championship A division was whittled down to 13 points by Yeadon last Saturday.


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A team of guides and leaders celebrated the 100 years of Girlguiding Senior Section on a trip to Denmark.
The group of 20 ranger guides, young leaders and guiders, from Chorley, visited several attractions on their five-day trip to Copenhagen, organised by Girlguiding North West.
They went to attractions such as the Hans Christian Anderson’s Fairy Tale House, Tivoli Gardens Theme Park, watched the Changing of the Guards at Amalienborg Palace and the Little Mermaid.
They explored on foot, train, metro, bus, a boat trip on the canals, as well as hiring bicycles in the city.
The Chorley guides were part of a bigger group of 400 members from around the country.
A spokesman for the group said: “The girls and leaders all had a fabulous time and would like to thank the community for their support following several fundraising bag packs at ASDA Chorley and Tesco Leyland.”

Chorley Guides celebrate 100 year anniversary on Copenhagen trip


A team of guides and leaders celebrated the 100 years of Girlguiding Senior Section on a trip to Denmark.


Blackpool is all set for a world premier at The Grand Theatre this week – and it’s pants.
Underpants, to be exact.
Because Aliens Love Underpants. And they’re coming to The Grand to tell their zany and hilarious tale based on the best-selling children’s book of the same name.
The book is being brought to life on stage for the very first time.
Just remember: aliens love underpants of every shape and size, but there are no underpants in space so here’s a big surprise!
With stunning effects, madcap action, original music – and lots of aliens of course – this production based on the Claire Freedman and Ben Cort book should be a delight for the whole family.
The Big Wooden Horse and Nick Brooke production has a two-day run at The Grand, on Friday and Saturday.
Shows are at 1.30pm on Friday, and 11am and 2pm on Saturday.
Tickets are priced at £15 each. Call (01253) 290190 for details.

Aliens and underpants take over The Grand


Blackpool is all set for a world premier at The Grand Theatre this week – and it’s pants.


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Which of these TV game shows would you most like to see return?


The Crystal Maze is set to return to our TV screens and that got us thinking - which other game show would you like to see back on TV?


A Morris Minor will be arriving in Lancashire next month as part of a nationwide tour.
To celebrate its 40th anniversary, Morris Minor Owners Club (MMOC) has organised a tour of the 1963 4 door saloon and it will be arriving at Tesco, in Towngate, on September 8. The aim is to travel from John O’Groats to Land’s End but, instead of going directly, the car will over a period of 4 weeks, visit every MMOC branch in the UK as well as a number of additional locations that are significant to the history of the car or the development of the club since 1976. Whilst the car is on its marathon journey around the UK, the club has linked with Marie Curie to raise much needed funds to support the work of the charity. As a result, the car will also visit all nine Marie Curie residential hospices on its travels. MMOC national secretary, Ray Newell said: “We are really excited by the prospect of celebrating, with all our branches and partners, the success of the MMOC over the last 40 years. It is a great club to be a part of and we are thrilled by the way it has grown and developed since 1976. “The Charity Marathon, and our wide programme of fund-raising events, allows us to re-establish our links with Marie Curie with whom we have worked before.” Jean Bolton, community champion at Tesco, in Leyland, said: “We are looking forward to seeing the car. One of our drivers is a member of the club. We wish them all the best as they make their journey and I hope they raise the funds they need.” Mark Winton, head of community fund-raising UK at Marie Curie, said: “We are thrilled to be partnering with MMOC again. It was a pleasure collaborating with them in the past and we are very excited about plans for the marathon run. “The car run, which will make stops at all Marie Curie hospices as well as the club’s various branches, is a wonderful idea to create an even greater bond between both of our organisations. We have no doubt this year will be a great fund-raising success and want to thank all Morris Minor members for their contribution! This wonderful partnership enables our nurses to support people living with a terminal illness and their loved ones at a time when they need it most.” To donate, visit http://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/MMOC-Charity-Marathon-2016. To donate by phone, text MMHA63 and the amount they want to donate to 70070. To follow the progress of the run visit http://www.facebook.com/MMOC.Charity.Marathon.2016.


A Morris Minor will be arriving in Lancashire next month as part of a nationwide tour.


I’ve only just got back from my summer holidays, but it seems autumn is already here. Soon we will not be able to walk along a pavement without having to battle our way through a pile of mouldy old leaves, hoping something nasty isn’t hidden beneath.
How do we know this? By watching TV. The signs the season of mists and mellow fruitfulness has arrived are there. The X Factor ‘X’ is upon us, like some civilisation-ending asteroid of hyperbole about to create a crater of mediocrity on the national psyche.
Strictly Come Dancing’s annual sequinathon is also about to start, the celebs and Ed Balls already practising their rictus grins and desperate, ‘vote for me’ hand signals.
And the main TV channels are all pushing the new series of returning favourites and hoped-for hits, all of which we are expected to embrace as televisual hot water bottles as the nights draw in.
The BBC is first out of the blocks, with August not yet over. The first of their ‘major new dramas’ – all the BBC’s new dramas are major, it seems – is One of Us (BBC1, Tuesdays, 9pm).
At first glance, this is not comforting autumn viewing. A young pair of newlyweds, expecting their first child, are murdered, the families left to deal with the emotional fallout.
Then the killer pitches up in their hometown, a remote Highland fastness, and after a conveniently wild and stormy night, ends up dead in a barn.
It’s aiming for gritty and modern, there’s snot involved when people cry – which they do, a lot, and the famously mucus-y Juliet Stevenson stars – but by the end, when we’re left with a kind of locked room mystery, no shortage of suspects, and the police on their way, it’s all got a bit Agatha Christie, and what could be more comforting than that?
Well, the Great British Bake-Off (BBC1, Wednesdays, 8pm), that’s what. If you want something warm and snuggly this autumn, climb under the John Lewis 24-tog paisley comfort blanket of the Bake-Off with Mel, Sue, Paul, Mary and the 11 remaining contestants, and don’t get out until Christmas.
Play Mel and Sue innuendo bingo, guess whose Genoese sponge will collapse and marvel at Candice’s purple lipstick.
It’s what autumn nights were made for.


I’ve only just got back from my summer holidays, but it seems autumn is already here. Soon we will not be able to walk along a pavement without having to battle our way through a pile of mouldy old leaves, hoping something nasty isn’t hidden beneath.


A band nominated for Best Group at the BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards are the special guests at St Annes Folk Club on Saturday.
Jaywalkers are a three-piece consisting from Lancashire, who play guitar, double bass and violin and who have been described as the rising stars of the folk world.
Regular performers at the Cambridge Folk Festival and Sidmouth Folk Week, they have released three successful albums and are heading to St Annes after a summer spent touring the UK.
“It’s pretty exciting to have a band of this calibre coming to play St Annes,” said Steve Canavan, who runs the folk club and is also a Gazette columnist.
“They are a really talented group who have become pretty successful in the last few years.
“I like them because not only are they great musicians and sound terrific – I defy anyone not to tap their feet along to the tunes – but they stay true to their Lancashire roots and a lot of their songs are about the north west.
“It should be a really good night.”
The folk club takes place at the Pavilion Café in Ashton Gardens, St Annes, and tickets for the concert are £7 – available by emailing lsafolkclub@hotmail.com or by buying direct from the venue.
Doors open at 7.15pm on Saturday September 3, the music starts at 8pm.

You’ll want to cross the road to watch this folk band


A band nominated for Best Group at the BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards are the special guests at St Annes Folk Club on Saturday.


If your tastes are a bit more blue (or Brown) then you’ll want to check out legendary comic Roy ‘Chubby’ at Viva Blackpool on Friday.
The Yorkshire comic is known for his x-rated style and has attracted plenty of controversy over a career spanning five decades.
Nobody splits opinion quite like the larger than life 71-year-old, with critics often describing his style as outdated but with one academic describing him as “The most important comedian of the past 25 years”.
Starting out as an entertainer in working men’s clubs, Brown got his first real break in the 1970s, coming second on show New Faces to a country and western band.
Unfortunately, he wasn’t so lucky when he applied for Opportunity Knocks, failing an audition due to swearing.
Since then, he’s become very famous on the comedy circuit for his unique stage costume, as well as his offensive shows, filled with back and forth heckling with the audience.
This year marks Roy ‘Chubby’ Brown’s third successive season in Blackpool and he’ll be performing a series of Friday night shows over the next few months.
He has been deemed “too rude for TV” so if you want to see him in action, this is your chance.
Although, probably best to make sure you don’t swear at him. Back in 2003, he was fined £200 in Blackpool for assaulting a fan who had sworn at him. At the time Brown said: “I have traditional values and I wanted the man to stop swearing in front of women and children who were on the pier.”
Tickets are available from https://www.vivablackpool.com/event/roy-chubby-brown and are priced between £17 and £22,
The show is strictly over 18 and those easily offended are advised to stay away.


If your tastes are a bit more blue (or Brown) then you’ll want to check out legendary comic Roy ‘Chubby’ at Viva Blackpool on Friday.


Rose-Marie, the Irish singer, who now lives in Blackpool, has been presented with a platinum disc for sales of her new album My Gift of Love For You.
Sapphire Records gave the prestigious award to her for selling over 500,000 discs.
I’m absolutely delighted and thrilled to bits
The 60-year-old songstress performs on the last Friday of every month at Viva Blackpool and of the disc she said: “I’m absolutely delighted and thrilled to bits.
“I spent nearly eight months making that album and it is quite different from anything else I have attempted. It’s really up to date and there’s a Sam Smith track on there as well as an Adele song.”
Rose-Marie’s next performance at Viva Blackpool will be on Friday, September 30 and she’ll be joined by producer Andy Mudd, the first time she’s linked up with him on stage.
She added: “Andy is a life long friend and knows how to get the best out of me, it’s a marriage made in heaven.”


Rose-Marie, the Irish singer, who now lives in Blackpool, has been presented with a platinum disc for sales of her new album My Gift of Love For You.


She might not be able to fly right up to the sky but the daughter of the legendary Keith Harris will be following in her father’s footsteps, performing at a variety show on Friday, September 16.
Sixteen-year-old Kitty Harris grew up in Poulton and although she hasn’t taken up her dad’s ventriloquism, she’s still a natural performer and has been singing and dancing since the age of four at Langleys Dance Centre.
She has even appeared with her dad at the Winter Gardens, Blackpool in ‘Best of British’ produced by Duggie Chapman.
It’s Steve Hewlett, the ventriloquist who finished in fourth place on the 2013 series of Britian’s Got Talent, and a close friend of Keith Harris, who personally asked Kitty to perform at the ‘Talents of Britain’ show at the Lancaster Grand next month.
Speaking about Kitty’s inclusion in the talent show, Steve said it was a no-brainer, saying: “I’m proud to be introducing Kitty at The Grand in Lancaster this September.
“This will be a very Special moment for me, Kitty, her family and Talents of Britain, as she is not only a fantastic talent in her own right but she has been guided by wonderful parents and one of the most successful performers Great Britain has ever seen in Keith Harris.
“She will do his legacy proud.”
Steve was a long-time friend of Keith, before his death in 2015, and added that he saw him as somewhat of a mentor, he said: “I was 16 Kitty’s age) when I first worked with Keith on a TV show in 1993.
“As a young ventriloquist he was so helpful to me. When I entered BGT 2013 he was one of the close friends I asked for guidance and he was chuffed I got to the final.
“He was so encouraging and kind from that day to his last.
“He would call me just to see how I was doing and my family and just gave me his generous advice and time.”
Talents of Britain is touring this Autumn on the back of a sell-out 2015. As well as Steve Hewlett and Kitty Harris, it also features the likes of dancers Stavros Flatley, comedian Kev Orkian and impressionist Paul Burling.
Tickets are priced at £17 for adults and £15 for concessions. They’re available to buy from http://www.lancastergrand.co.uk/

Kitty follows legendary father on to the stage


She might not be able to fly right up to the sky but the daughter of the legendary Keith Harris will be following in her father’s footsteps, performing at a variety show on Friday, September 16.


With GCSE Results Day finally upon us, hundreds of thousands of teenagers across the country will be weighing up their options for the future.
Although A-levels remain the traditional educational route after GCSEs, they are not the only option. More and more students are turning towards apprenticeships and further education as real alternatives.
Many of the teenagers picking up their results have already been in education for the best part of 12 years.
But, these days teenagers, up to the age of 18, are legally required to stay in education, training or get a job with accredited training, something the government calls 'raising the age of participation'.
Being in further education or training doesn’t mean teenagers have to stay in the same school. There are lots of options.
So, for those students who didn’t do so well in their GCSEs, or don’t find the prospect of another two years at school studying A-levels appealing, here are our top three options for life after GCSEs.
Do an apprenticeship
Apprenticeships have had some mixed press. The quality and rates of pay have been in the news, but there are lots fabulous apprenticeship opportunities out there and lots of organisations who can help, and offer you the right information; checkout The Student Room’s new Apprenticeship Hub it’s full of accurate and up-to-date information and it can even help to dispel some of those apprenticeship myths.
We found a fabulous apprenticeship scheme with national company, Be Wiser Insurance - they offer a starting salary of £14,000. There are other companies doing similar, so do your homework.
Do a traineeship
Not quite ready for an apprenticeship? Need to work on your skills? Don’t worry there are lots of opportunities for you to complete a traineeship – Have a look at what a company like EDF Energy can offer you.
Go to your local college
There are two types of college – 6th Form college and Further Education college. 6th Form Colleges are mostly geared up for students between 16 and 18 years old, and tend to concentrate on academic education. Further Education colleges are generally much bigger than 6th Form colleges and offer a wider range of subjects, including vocational education (Btecs and NVQs), and they’re not just for teenagers. Further Education colleges offer adult education and higher education too.
The GOV.UK website can help you find more information about courses offered by schools and colleges in your area if you’re between 14-19.
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With GCSE Results Day finally upon us, hundreds of thousands of teenagers across the country will be weighing up their options for the future.


The family of a man who was killed in a crash outside Preston have spoken out about their ‘tragic loss’.
The 35-year-old man, named as Nick Farrimond, was stood by the road in Whitestake in the early hours of Monday, when he was hit by a car.
Police said Nick, from Bamber Bridge, suffered multiple injuries and died at the scene. It is believed he had been waiting for a taxi.
His family Lynne, Terry Tom released a tribute to announce the ‘very tragic and untimely death of their most loved son and brother’.
It says: “Nick was a wonderfully caring, kind and most especially funny young man.
“His loss will be deeply felt by all his family and huge circle of friends.
“There is a void in all our lives that will never be filled.”
Messages of love and support also flooded in on social media, paying tribute to Nick.
A 32-year-old man from Preston was arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving and drink-driving, and was in custody.
Police are continuing to appeal for witnesses for the incident, which is believed to have involved a red Peugeot 106 near to Pope Lane Close and Green Lane at around 12.50am.
Sgt Tracey Ward, of the Lancashire Police Roads Policing Team, said: “These are tragic circumstances and my thoughts remain with this man’s family and friends at this incredibly difficult time.
“We are appealing for information and would ask anyone who can help to come forward and contact police.”
Contact police on 101, quoting log reference 0067 of August 29.

Family pays tribute to ‘caring, kind and funny’ man killed in crash


The family of a man who was killed in a crash outside Preston have spoken out about their ‘tragic loss’.


A county folk band has suffered its own Olympic disqualification.
As well as dealing with doping scandals and worry over Paralympic funding, the International Olympics Committee (IOC) has been scrutinising the 2008 song The Beer Olympics, by The Lancashire Hotpots.
Members of the band say they have been issued a ‘cease and desist’ notice by the IOC, claiming they have infringed copyright on the Olympic name.
A statement released on the band’s website said: “It’s nice to see them finally catch up with a song that we first released in 2008, I’m guessing the Olympic breakfast at the Little Chef is next, get one while you can.
“So, not wishing to get into any massive legal trouble (we can’t pay for that and the ale) we have decided to re-title the song to see if that gets the legal bigwigs off our backs.”
The new title has been announced as The Beer International Non-Profit Non-Governmental Sporting Quad Yearly Event.
“It’s a strange thing that they’re coming after an entity as small and daft as ours,” said Dickie Ticker the percussionist who wrote the song.
“Under something called Article 40, it seems that you can’t use the word Olympics in any business capacity. People would probably use a lot of words to describe our band, but business wouldn’t be one of them.”
He added: “The re-titling has made the song funnier than it was and I hope it’s enough to put them off.
“But we still sing the word in the song, so are we going to have to change that too? We’re testing the waters to see if that pleases the Olympic Gods, but if not, we’ll have to erase it from our catalogues.”
The IOC issued a statement saying it was the exclusive owner of the rights to the Olympic Games and associated symbols and emblems.
It said: “The IOC is particularly attentive to the protection of its intellectual properties rights and assets. As such, the IOC asks that all non-authorized uses of the Olympic Properties, in particular, for commercial purposes, be ceased accordingly.”
In 2012, The British Sugarcraft Guild was told it could face court proceedings if Olympic logos were reproduced on cakes at a show.

Have Hotpots fallen foul of the Olympic bosses?


A county folk band has suffered its own Olympic disqualification.


Lancashire athlete Holly Bradshaw said she was pleased she improved on her Olympic performance, despite missing out on a medal.
The 24-year-old pole vaulter from Euxton was performing well but failed in three attempts at the 4.80m mark.
Holly finished fifth in the event with a season’s best of 4.70m.
“Fifth in the Olympic Games, I’m really happy with that,” she said.
“It’s a step up from the last Olympic Games but I’m an ultimate competitor so I’m always going to be disappointed whatever happens.”
The British women’s 4x100m relay team claimed a bronze in their event.
Meanwhile, Manchester is to stage a homecoming parade for Britain’s triumphant Olympic and Paralympic stars, with a further national event to be held in London to mark their success, Theresa May has announced.
The Prime Minister said that both events would take place in October after the Paralympians have returned from the games in Rio.
“It will be a celebration fit for heroes - and rightly so, because that is exactly what they are,” Mrs May said.
The decision to stage the main parade in Manchester follows calls for it to be held outside the capital to reflect the contribution made by athletes from across the UK.


Lancashire athlete Holly Bradshaw said she was pleased she improved on her Olympic performance, despite missing out on a medal.


It’s hard to believe it’s already four years since the triumph of the London Olympic Games but next week the 31st Olympiad will get under way in Rio de Janeiro.
Amid various controversies the Games still promise sun, sea and plenty of sporting spectacle as 10,500 athletes from 207 nations head to Brazil to compete across 28 sports. Among them will be dozens of British stars, including runner Mo Farah, heptathlete Jessica Ennis-Hill, boxer Nicola Adams and Tour de France winning cyclist Chris Froome.
Ahead of this year’s event get yourself limbered up with our fiendishly tricky quick on the Olympics past and present.
Have you got something to share on the story? Were you there? What do you think? - Send your pictures, videos or story and we'll publish the best × Continue the story Gold medal or DNF, how will you fare in our Olympic quiz? Loading ... Add up to 3 photos or 1 videos to the story There's been a problem uploading your files. Please try again. By uploading your file you agree to our Terms and Conditions × Continue the story Sign in to contribute sign in shape the news in your area...


It’s hard to believe it’s already four years since the triumph of the London Olympic Games but next week the 31st Olympiad will get under way in Rio de Janeiro.


Gold medal or DNF, how will you fare in our Olympic quiz?


Tory leaders have hit out at plans for all Lancashire’s councils to work together paving the way for an elected mayor for the county.
Leader of Blackpool’s Labour-run council Coun Simon Blackburn is spearheading moves towards creating a combined authority which he says would be able to access devolved funding of up to £1bn.
The Government has the power to come along and change it anyway, but I would much prefer it if we could come up with a deal for Lancashire.
After being appointed chairman of the Shadow Combined Authority for Lancashire earlier this month, Coun Blackburn warned the region would miss out on vital Government support if it failed to adopt more joint working.
But Coun Peter Gibson, leader of Conservative-controlled Wyre Council which is the only council in Lancashire to vote against joining the combined authority, and Coun Tony Williams, leader of the Tories on Blackpool Council, have issued a joint statement condemning the move.
They refuted the figure of £1bn and claimed Lancashire “does not need and cannot afford another tier of local government.”
The statement says: “It was claimed that Lancashire could be £1bn better off with the operative word being ‘could’ as there is no bid to Government for a £1bn, and there is no commitment from Government to provide this funding.
“Besides whatever devolved funding is provided by Government, it will not be unconditional as it will only be granted for devolved services and of course, there is no mention of how much it will cost to provide those services.”
Coun Gibson and Coun Williams said leaders in Lancashire had consistently resisted the idea of an elected Mayor.
The councillors warned: “Lancashire does not need and cannot afford another tier of local government, however working together is fine and Wyre, Blackpool and Fylde already do that.”
The statement adds: “This is not a devolution of power it is a devolution of cuts and Lancashire council tax payers should not be brought to their knees by the ambition and the lust for power of one individual.”
Coun Blackburn has not confirmed whether he would stand for election as Mayor of Lancashire.
“The Government has the power to come along and change it anyway, but I would much prefer it if we could come up with a deal for Lancashire.”
The shadow combined authority is currently shaping proposals to put before the Government and is hoping to secure approval by spring 2017.

Combined authority plan for Lancashire sparks anger


Tory leaders have hit out at plans for all Lancashire’s councils to work together paving the way for an elected mayor for the county.


Here is a list of highly rated coffee shops in the county.
Dahlia's Kitchen, Blackpool
Woodchats
Dahlia’s Kitchen, in Cropper Road, is a coffee shop, ice cream parlour, licenced restaurant and farm shop all rolled into one.
It has a big range of home made cakes, snacks and local produce. It also provides outside catering for weddings, birthdays and corporate events.
Dahlia’s is renowned for its themed entertainment evenings, where diners can enjoy a three-course meal.
There is outdoor seating and a small play area for the children.
Open seven days a week.
Woodchats Coffee Shop, Chorley
Located in Clifford Street, Woodchats Coffee Shop is a popular haunt, with a large selection of home made cakes, soups, sandwiches and snacks.
It also sells unique home made gifts and provides outside catering for parties and events.
Exchange Coffee Company, Clitheroe and Blackburn
Exchange Coffee Company is a coffee roaster and tea merchant, with branches in Clitheroe and Blackburn, in Lancashire, as well as Skipton and Todmorden in Yorkshire.
It has a wholesale roasting warehouse in Blackburn, supplying coffees, teas and all associated products across the country.
The coffee shops also have a daily specials menu, serving hot and cold food. Other drinks on offer include milkshakes and juices.
The company also sells homewares and quirky gifts.
The View, Morecambe
The View, in Marine Road Central, is a cafe with a musical twist. It has a cult following for music enthusiasts, as diners can enjoy a cup of coffee and snacks, whilst browsing through its eclectic range of vintage records, CDs and vinyls.
It also stocks a variety of memorabilia, including clothes, retro gifts and souvenirs.
Not forgetting its status as a cafe and coffee shop, it also has a changing daily specials menu, as well as hot drinks and soft beverages.
How The Other Half Live, Preston
Moved from its original location in Blackpool Road to Winckley Street, Preston, How the Other Half Live is a small coffee shop with a boutique gift store.
The shop has a small selection of coffee and cakes on offer whilst customers browse around the shop.


Here is a list of highly rated coffee shops in the county.


Trapped in a marriage to an abusive, violent police officer, battered wife Joanna West has no one to turn to… until a stranger offering help walks into her life.
For the first time in years, Joanna and her young daughter have the chance to flee, but can you ever really escape from a brutal, vengeful husband?
Moved and inspired by the testaments of abused wives, former journalist Tamara Dietrich tackles the scourge of domestic violence head on in a highly original and powerfully imagined debut novel which melds menace with paranormal magic.
The Hummingbird’s Cage, a hard-hitting, page-turning thriller with an intriguingly soft middle, almost defies genre as Dietrich weaves seamlessly between gut-wrenching cruelty and spiritual sublimity in a tale of hope, despair and redemption.
Everyone in Wheeler, New Mexico, thinks that Joanna West leads the perfect life. She is married to Jim, the dashing deputy sheriff of McGill County, and has a beautiful seven-year-old daughter, Laurel.
But the truth is that Joanna is married to a monster who regularly beats her, subjects her to verbal and mental abuse and has isolated her from the people who live around her. Once upon a time she would have challenged him but now every time Joanna cries, ‘more of me washes away.’
Ten years ago, Joanna was swept off her feet by handsome Jim, her head turned by his uniform and ‘bad-boy grin’ but now she is trapped in a violent marriage and, with a young child to care for, escape seems impossible.
But then Bernadette, Jim’s feisty biker chick ex-girlfriend, turns up with an escape route. On the run, Joanna and Laurel stumble upon Morro, a charming and magical village that seems to exist out of time and place.
Farmer Olin Farnsworth and his wife Jessie offer her sanctuary and soon, between the comfort of her new home and blossoming friendships, Joanna’s soul begins to heal, easing the wounds of a decade of abuse.
But her past – and her husband – aren’t so easy to escape. Unwilling to live in fear any longer, Joanna must summon a strength she never knew she had to fight back and forge a new life for her daughter and herself....
Dietrich delivers a clever and compelling first novel, conjuring up a mysterious but idyllic town suspended somewhere between reality and fantasy, and juxtaposing this haven of peace with the terrifying threats that lie behind and beyond.
To read The Hummingbird’s Cage is to experience high emotion and high drama and to understand the visceral realities of domestic violence, but there is also the opportunity to marvel at the power of love and hope, and to rejoice at the human capacity to reach out and find redemption.
A heartbreaking tale written with insight, beauty and honesty…
(Orion, paperback, £7.99)

Book review: The Hummingbird’s Cage by Tamara Dietrich


Trapped in a marriage to an abusive, violent police officer, battered wife Joanna West has no one to turn to… until a stranger offering help walks into her life.


ABSENT, Winter Gardens, Blackpool
Blackpool once prospered by blurring reality and fantasy.
In its 1950s heyday it managed to perform such seaside magic in tiny promenade sideshows along the Golden Mile.
Taking its lead from that period, and expanding the format to fill vast areas of the resort’s Winter Gardens complex, this intriguing and charming production/installation/artwork – or even fairground attraction – invites ‘guests’ to check into an imaginary hotel and immerse themselves in the story of one of its most colourful residents.
Maggie Morgan was a Premium Bond winner who checked in back in 1957. Fast forward to the future and she’s reluctant to check out now that the owners are intent on converting the building into the purple-clad interior of a more contemporary, and eerily-familiar establishment.
It helps if you’ve read the special edition of The Gazette, available in the foyer and detailing her fall from grace, before you begin your walking tour of the bedrooms, corridors and public spaces.
There’s a voyeuristic glimpse of Maggie through a two-way mirror, before you head on into an Alice Through A Digital Looking Glass world – and via a Narnian wardrobe door – into a realm of diminishing images, intricate model designs, and beautifully-crafted optical and perspective illusions.
You can even smell the perfume of the woman, as you relax in the hotel’s grand lounge area.
Children will love it, while older imaginations will unravel their own fragments of story. The final ‘ballroom blitz’ is a visual showstopper, even if you think you’ve seen all the Winter Gardens has to offer.
Production company dreamthinkspeak have effectively re-modelled a ‘show’ they created in London last year, but which based its story on the indisputably larger-than- life Duchess of Argyll. But in its seaside setting this Absent perhaps becomes an elegant and elegiac homage to another dowager from a golden age – Blackpool itself?
It’s performed here until August 25, then w/c September 12 and September 25.
DAVID UPTON

Play which puts YOU at centre of the action


A furious mum is campaigning to keep the streets of Leyland and Chorley clean after her toddler was left covered in dog poo.
Nicola Rainford, 25, was walking home from nursery in Leyland with her two-year-old daughter Madison in her pram when she realised she had been touching her shoes which were caked in dog dirt.
Now Nicola, who has lived in Chorley and Leyland, is taking the matter into her own hands by asking people to carry dog bags around with them - even if they do not own a dog - to put a stop to this problem.
She said: “When I realised my daughter had dog poo on her hands I was fuming.
“Not with her, but with the fact she had it on her, because someone couldn’t be bothered to pick it up.
“I was thankful she didn’t put her hands near her face but I was so worried that she would have done and she could have gotten poorly.
“It angers me that people couldn’t care less about others - children are playing amongst this and they often fall, and dog poo is dangerous. Something needs to be done.”
After the incident, Nicola started campaigning for people to carry dog bags around.
“If we want streets cleaner we need to pull together. Carry dog bags and if you see an owner leaving it, offer them one.
“I know its not the job of anyone other than the owners but let’s pick it up too.
“It all helps and this issue can potentially get better if we start doing a little bit now.
“I really believe this can be changed if only people are willing to help.
“Let’s spread the word like some dog owners are spreading the dirt.”
Chorley Council is reminding dog owners if they are caught leaving dog foul, they will receive a £75 fine.
Councillor Paul Walmsley, who tackles dog fouling, said: “Dog fouling is something we clamp down on because it’s unpleasant, looks a mess and, more importantly, it can also be dangerous to children.”
Dog foul offences can be reported at chorley.gov.uk.

Furious mum campaigning after toddler left covered in dog poo


A furious mum is campaigning to keep the streets of Leyland and Chorley clean after her toddler was left covered in dog poo.


Why is an orange called an orange when a carrot is more orange than an orange?
It’s questions like this that give an insight into the wonderful mind of Joe Pasquale. “It’s one of those things that’s a quandary, I lay at night thinking about it,” the comedian laughs.
It’s also called one man because it’s just me, there’s no support acts. It’s me at the beginning, me in the middle and me at the end
It’s fair to say that Pasquale is a veteran of the comedy circuit and he brings his latest show ‘One Man and his Bog’ to Viva Blackpool on Thursday, September 1.
Explaining the interesting name for the show, the 54-year-old comic says: “It’s called one man and his bog because it’s me on my bog. I sit on a toilet with a little electric motor on it, it does 17mph and has brakes on it.
“I don’t know how big the venue is, so I don’t know how fast I’ll be going on it.”
He adds: “It’s also called one man because it’s just me, there’s no support acts. It’s me at the beginning, me in the middle and me at the end.
“Nobody really wants to see a support act, so I thought I’d do it myself and it just means you can take your time and enjoy yourself for a couple of hours.”
Joe Pasquale is from Grays in Essex and has performed up and down the country, including an incredible five appearances at the Royal Variety, however a show in Blackpool is almost like a homecoming to him. He says: “I’ve been coming to Blackpool for the best part of 30 years so it’s a bit like coming home for me. I love Blackpool.
“I’ve not done this place before [Viva], I’ve done the Opera House, I’ve done the Grand many times. I started my career in the 80s up in Blackpool so I did all the hotels like the Viking.
“Just being in Blackpool is a great atmosphere, it’s the home of variety in Britain.”
It’s hard to believe that it’s 12 years since Pasqual was crowned ‘King of the Jungle’. He acknowledges that his appearance on ‘I’m a Celebrity’ brought him to the attention of a younger audience and it’s with this in mind that he made the show suitable for the whole family,. He said: “We get people in from five to 95, but if you look like your passport photo, you’re too ill to travel!”
Tickets are priced between £18.50 and £22.50 for adults, with children’s tickets costing £6.50.
For tickets call on 01253 297297 or book online at www.vivablackpool.com

Joe’s new show aims to be a gift from Bog


Why is an orange called an orange when a carrot is more orange than an orange?


Cruel burglars cleaned out a Leyland hair salon - just a day after a family bereavement.
Cruel burglars cleaned out a Leyland hair salon – just a day after a family bereavement.
The raiders even took three charity boxes from the Towngate premises.
However since the break-in a kind-hearted donor has come forward with £200 to replenish new boxes.
Shocked Debbie Austin, owner of Debbie Austin Unisex Hair Salon, was determined not to let the callous thieves win and immediately went out and bought new equipment to replace stolen items.
She was forced, though, to cancel her customers for a day.
But the burglary came at a difficult time for the family which was coming to terms with the death of her brother-in-law the night before the thieves struck.
Debbie said: “My daughter found it. They broke
in the back door with a crowbar.
“They took all my hair products, the television, I’d just had a new television put on the wall.
“They took £400 in takings, the tips box with £70 in it, three lots of charity boxes, all my hairdryers and straighteners.
“They took my combs and scissors, they even took hair brushes. All they didn’t take was the furniture.
“I had to cancel my customers for a day, I had to go out and get all new equipment on the same day.”
Debbie added: “A nice
lady gave £200 to the charities.
“She’s a customer of my husband Chris who’s a painter and decorator.”
She continued: “It’s affected me because I think they’re going to come back.
“I’m better this week, but last week I was terrible. I never thought they’d come
for a hairdresser’s.
“My bother-in-law died the night before, then you have to deal with this when you come in.”
The burglary was reported to police who are still investigating the incident.

Salon is raided a day after death in family


Cruel burglars cleaned out a Leyland hair salon - just a day after a family bereavement.


Heavy metal group Metallica have announced they are releasing their first album in eight years.
The veteran US rockers, who have won multiple Grammys and sold tens of millions of records around the world, revealed details of Hardwired ... To Self-Destruct, the long-awaited follow-up to 2008’s Death Magnetic.
In a statement on their website, the group said their 11th studio album - which will contain two discs and nearly 80 minutes of music - was “a long time coming” and is set for release on November 18.
The music video for the album’s first track, Hardwired, was also posted on YouTube.
It is the longest period fans have had to wait for a new Metallica album since the group formed in 1981.
The band’s current line-up includes singer-guitarist James Hetfield, drummer Lars Ulrich, lead guitarist Kirk Hammett and bassist Robert Trujillo.

Re-Enter sandman - Metallica return with new album


Heavy metal group Metallica have announced they are releasing their first album in eight years.


In the final, chaotic months of the Second World War, a young German soldier pits himself against the remnants of the brutal SS in a bid to save the woman he loves.
But it’s a race against time as the merciless Soviet army is closing in with only one single-minded aim… to wreak revenge on their despised German enemy.
Irish-born William Ryan, author of a string of crime novels set in 1930s Stalinist Russia, moves out of what has become his ‘home’ territory and into the dying days of the Second World War in a thrilling, beautifully written and breathtakingly powerful story of evil, inhumanity, love, hope and redemption.
One man’s crusade to right the wrongs of his countrymen and repay a haunting personal debt becomes a gripping battle for survival in an Upper Silesian village in central Europe where he grew up.
In 1944, Paul Brandt, a soldier in the German army, returns wounded and consumed with guilt from the bloody chaos of the Eastern front to his village home in Silesia, annexed from Poland by the Germans.
Brandt’s face is badly disfigured by a Soviet explosion during the retreat from Russia and he has lost both an arm and his enthusiasm for life. But, deeply ashamed of his enforced military service with the Wehrmacht and haunted by an event at the start of the war, he is determined to make amends.
Much has changed in his village where the residents live in the dark shadow of an SS rest hut, a luxurious retreat for the Nazis who manage the nearby concentration camps. Modelled to look like a pre-war holiday camp, the rest accommodation is run by a small group of female prisoners who, against all odds, have so far survived the war.
When, by chance, Brandt glimpses one of these prisoners, he realises that she is a face from his guilty past and he knows he must find a way to access the hut. His fate has been tied to Agneta Gruber since their arrest five years before and now he must do all he can to protect her.
As a wounded German hero, Brandt secures a job as the rest hut’s steward but, with the Russian offensive moving ever closer, the days of the Nazi ‘holiday camp’ and its SS inhabitants are numbered.
And while hope for Brandt and the female prisoners grows tantalisingly close, the danger is also now greater than ever. Because in a forest just to the east, a young female Soviet tank driver awaits her orders to advance…
Ryan moves up a gear in this brilliant, emotionally-charged story which combines a poignant romance with an edge-of-the-seat thriller. But what impresses most is the author’s powerful writing which blends taut action sequences with passages of soaring literary beauty.
Inspired to write the novel by photographs of some of the worst perpetrators of the Holocaust relaxing and enjoying themselves at the real-life Silesian rest hut at a time when Auschwitz was at its most lethal, Ryan wrote this story from the heart.
And Brandt’s one-man mission, set amidst the terror, uncertainty and turmoil of the disintegrating Nazi machine, is certainly portrayed with mesmerising atmosphere and shocking veracity.
The dark and ever present threat of the ruthless SS masters and the approaching menace of the Soviet army are thrown into stark relief by the quiet power and unquenchable flame of enduring love.
A modern classic from a master storyteller…
(Mantle, hardback, £16.99)

Book reviews: The Constant Soldier by William Ryan


In the final, chaotic months of the Second World War, a young German soldier pits himself against the remnants of the brutal SS in a bid to save the woman he loves.


Sorry, we're having problems with our video player at the moment, but are working to fix it as soon as we can
The M6 southbound was blocked in Lancashire this afternoon after a “serious” traffic accident in which a teenage male was hit by a vehicle.
The North West air ambulance was called to the scene between junction 28 at Leyland and junction 27 at Standish
Picture and video supplied by Jack
Police closed all three lanes.
The road was blocked and queuing traffic was reported at 2pm.
Motorists were warned to expect delays on the M6 and on surrounding routes.
Police said this afternoon the motorway would remain closed for “several hours”.
The northbound carriageway was briefly closed but was reopened about 2.30pm.
Lancashire police said: “The M6 has been closed southbound at J28 following an incident.
“We are advising motorists to avoid the area and use alternative routes.”
The “serious” incident happened on the M6 southbound close to Charnock Richard Services.
Police were called at approximately 1.45pm to reports a pedestrian had been involved in a collision with a vehicle. The pedestrian is critically injured.
Chief Insp Damian Kitchen, of Lancashire Police, said: “We recognise the disruption this is causing and are working hard to re-open the road as soon as possible.
“However, at this time of day, delays through rush hour and beyond are inevitable.
“Please plan either alternate routes or delay your journey. Surrounding roads and towns are also likely to become congested.”
The motorway was finally reopened at about 5.30pm.

UPDATED: M6 reopens in Lancashire after pedestrian hit by vehicle


The M6 southbound was blocked in Lancashire this afternoon after a “serious” traffic accident in which a teenage male was hit by a vehicle.


Meet a witch on a dangerous mission, a fabulous fantasy queen and a cast of colourful picture book stars in a glittering array of new titles from Macmillan Children’s Books.
Age 9 plus:
Fire Witch by Matt Ralphs
English history, thrilling adventure and a bewitching heroine…
Matt Ralphs is back with Fire Witch, the red-hot sequel to Fire Girl, and our fiery, fearless witch Hazel must gather her wits and steel her nerves to join her enemies and try to save her mother.
Packed with intrigue, danger, nail-biting tension and flashes of rib-tickling humour, these page-turning stories featuring an extraordinary girl are addictive reading for young fans of fantasy, drama and… witches!
The Civil War in England is over, Oliver Cromwell rules the land and a new battle is raging… between the people and the witches. Twelve-year-old HazelHooper is no ordinary girl. She is a Fire Witch, she can wield and manipulate flame and she is getting stronger all the time. But she is also angry because her mother Hecate had to sacrifice herself to the demon world in order to stop a demonic invasion. Hazel must fight on alone and she is determined to get her back, whatever the cost.
Her only chance to find Hecate is to seek advice from brilliant demonologist Nicolas Murrell, the Order of Witch Hunters’ most prized prisoner, and the man who summoned the demon responsible for Hecate’s fate. With only Bramley, her grumpy dormouse familiar for company, Hazel must disguise herself as a boy and infiltrate the black heart of the Order of Witch Hunters to speak to Murrell before he is executed. But can he be trusted? Will Murrell reveal to his captors that their newest apprentice is actually… a witch?
Ralphs has always been fascinated by witches, ghosts and anything that sends a shiver down his spine and this magical series is the perfect creation of his high-flying, super scary imagination.
A world of supernatural in the midst of terrifying real history…
(Macmillan, paperback, £6.99)
Age 10 plus:
The Hunting of the Princes by Peter F. Hamilton
Also dabbling in the wondrous world of fantasy is Peter F.Hamilton, the UK’s bestselling adult science fiction author, who was inspired to write for a younger audience by his own two children.
The Hunting of the Princes is the second book in his original and gripping Queen of Dreams trilogy which began with The Secret Throne and has all the hallmarks of a memorable modern classic.
Sprinkled with atmospheric black and white illustrations by Rohan Eason, this gorgeous fantasy series is a vivid, magical adventure featuring amazing kingdoms, daring quests and deadly menace.
Taggie Paganuzzi has had a busy year in the beautiful old market town of Stamford in Lincolnshire. Her mum was a Third Realm sorceress and now Taggie has inherited her family’s magical powers. From finding out she is the queen-to-be of a magical realm to learning to use her magic skills and discovering that the King of Night wants her dead, there have been a lot of ‘firsts.’
Assassins have been targeting royal heirs throughout the magical realms and now someone has tried to kill Taggie whilst she was cycling back to her home. Everyone thinks the King of Night’s army, the Karrak invaders, are responsible and that war is inevitable. But Taggie has found out two very interesting facts. Firstly, that the Karraks come from a cold, dark universe and cannot abide warmth and light. And secondly, that there was once a gate to this universe, now lost in the mists of time. If Taggie and her friends can find the gate, perhaps they can also stop the war? But to do that, they need to find a Karrak willing to take their side…
Hamilton conjures up a thrilling alternative world in which good must overcome evil, children are pitted against powerful enemies and a fantastic cast of amazing animal characters add to all the fun and fantasy. Don’t miss it!
(Macmillan, paperback, £6.99)
Age 3 plus:
Flying Lemurs by Zehra Hicks
This funny, reassuring story about overcoming fears and discovering hidden talents is the latest inspirational book from Macmillan’s new imprint for young children, Two Hoots.
A zingy, zany tale bursting with high-octane energy and an adorable cast of high-flying animals, this gorgeous circus-themed odyssey comes from talented author and illustrator Zehra Hicks whose speciality is telling stories through pictures.
Everyone in the lemur family is good at jumping, a talent which comes in handy as they are all circus performers. Mum is a brilliant trapeze artist, Dad’s trampoline routine is absolutely huge and Grandma’s speciality is being shot from a cannon.
Unfortunately little Lemur is not so good at jumping… in fact, he’s not even a fan of heights. He just can’t jump, no matter how hard he tries. But there are other things that Lemur is good at – throwing custard pies, skateboarding and playing the tambourine – so maybe with a bit of practice, he can become the best circus performer of them all!
Hicks ramps up the visual and verbal drama of this fun and warm-hearted story with her multi-textured illustrations, painted here by using bamboo and a bold palette of colours. Having fun, accepting life’s triumphs and disasters, and discovering the importance of family love all come under the spotlight in a sparkling and inspirational picture book.
(Two Hoots, paperback, £6.99)
Age 3 plus:
More People to Love Me by Mo O’Hara and Ada Grey
Modern families come in all shapes and sizes… and sometimes they are extra super-sized!
Mo O’Hara, author of the popular My Big Fat Zombie Goldfish series, delivers the perfect picture book for the step family generation in this moving story about a little girl with so many branches to her family tree that she runs out of space to draw them all.
Asked by her teacher to draw her family tree, the little girl just doesn’t know where to start. She’s got her mum and dad, her sister Cee Cee, her stepdad David and her stepmum Sharon. And then there are her mum’s new baby twins, her step brother Michael and no one must forget about Happy the tortoise. But the tree is starting to get rather crowded because there are all the grandparents to fit in as well. There’s only one thing for it, the family tree is going to have to grow!O’Hara was inspired to write by her own children’s positive experiences of being part of an extended family and felt that this was
rarely depicted in picture books. The result is a warm and moving tale about one little girl and her family that keeps on growing.
The gentle, reassuring and playful story is complemented by Ada Grey’s charming illustrations, reinforcing the message that every family is different and the bigger the family, the more people there are to love… and to love you back!
(Macmillan, paperback, £6.99)
Age 3 plus:
The Hippopandamouse by Jools Bentley
Nobody’s perfect… and sometimes being imperfectly different makes you special!
Author and illustrator Jools Bentley plays with traditional expectations in this cute and clever story about a little princess who falls for the only toy in the shop that doesn’t have a name.
Princess Flo has pocket money to spend so she heads off to Fluffley’s Fine Toys, the best toy shop in town. Everybody there has been working very hard to prepare for her visit – so hard, in fact, that one of the cuddly toys has ended up as a strange mix of a hippo, panda and mouse. The shop’s owner Miss Fluffey is eager to show Princess Flo the cuddly teddies, cute kittens and perky penguins, all perfect for a royal princess. But to everyone’s horror, Princess Flo spots the strange looking toy. The part hippo, part panda and part mouse is a total and utter mistake! But Flo loves this toy being different, seeing something unique and special in the strange animal. All he needs now is a name… Hippopandamouse!
Wise, witty and wonderfully warm-hearted, the tale of The Hippopandamouse is a beautiful, big-hearted story, gorgeously illustrated and simply perfect for little princesses everywhere.
(Macmillan, paperback, £6.99)
Age 3 plus:
Prince Ribbit by Jonathan Emmett and Poly Bernatene
Hop, skip and jump into this brilliant new picture book from top team Jonathan Emmett and Poly Bernatene.
Well-loved fairy tale, The Frog Prince, gets a dashing, daring makeover as ever popular author Emmett and talented illustrator Bernatene put a devilishly clever twist in the not-so-handsome frog’s tail.
One day, Princess Martha and her sisters, Princess Lucinda and Princess Arabella, are listening to the story of The Frog Prince. Lucinda and Arabella love romantic tales and their happily-ever-after endings, but Martha isn’t so sure. She prefers facts to fairy tales, and likes real frogs more than enchanted ones, and besides, clever Martha knows that not everything written in books is true.
Unknown to the sisters, a clever little frog is listening to the story and it sparks a bright idea. If he can convince the gullible princesses that he is actually a prince, perhaps he could start getting some royal treatment of his own. So is Prince Ribbit really a handsome prince, or just a plain, ordinary frog?
There’s only one way to find out… pucker up princesses, it’s time for true love’s kiss!
Emmett works his own brand of fairy tale magic as he transforms a classic tale into a feast of smiles and smoochy surprises while Bernatene’s stunning and superbly detailed illustrations provide a feast of colour and fun.
A picture book that all the family can enjoy…
(Macmillan, paperback, £6.99)
Age 3 plus:
Dear Zoo Drawing and Colouring Book by Rod Campbell
Rod Campbell, creator of the classic, much-loved Dear Zoo books, has been a trusted name in early learning for over 30 years and he’s back with this inspirational first drawing and colouring book.
Dear Zoo, an ingeniously simple, lift-the-flap book with touches of gentle humour, introduces pre-school children to the wonder and variety of wild animals, and now a new generation can join in all the fun and draw their very own zoo full of amazing creatures.
There are 32 pages of drawing, colouring and doodling featuring all the animals from the original story. At the top of each page, little ones are told what to draw and given a helping hand with many of the pictures already started.
Packed full of simple activities that are perfectly pitched for pre-schoolers, the book’s large, square, extra thick pages can be peeled off the pad, stuck to walls at home or even put in a frame if they are special mini-masterpieces.
Draw bananas for the naughty monkey, give the fierce lion big sharp teeth, design a bowl for a frisky puppy or give a camel a big smile. The Dear ZooDrawing and Colouring Book is the ideal first lesson for budding young artists and dedicated toddler doodlers.
(Macmillan, paperback, £5.99)

Book reviews: History, fantasy and animal magic with Macmillan


Meet a witch on a dangerous mission, a fabulous fantasy queen and a cast of colourful picture book stars in a glittering array of new titles from Macmillan Children’s Books.


Here is a list of fun events coming up this weekend.
FREE AND PAID: Blackpool Illuminations Switch On and Slimefest, September 2 to 4
Dame Barbara Windsor will switch the lights on at the Tower Festival Headland on Friday, following a party led by Ashley Banjo, and dance group Diversity. Other stars include The Vamps, Fleur East, Fatman Scoop and Club MTV. Free entry by wristband only. Celebrations continue across the weekend, as Jordan Banjo and Perri Kiely host Nickelodeon’s first UK Slimfest at the Empress Ballroom. Tickets, at £27.50, available from http://www.visitblackpool.com/slime. Slimfest also features a free outdoor experience including character appearances and family activities on the Tower Festival Headland.
PAID: Survival Skills and Crafty Creative, Preston, September 2 to 4
As part of Brockholes Nature Reserve’s Wild Families series, it hosts Survival Skills on Friday September 2, from 2pm until 4pm. Participants will camouflage up before heading out to follow a tracking trail and have a go at shelter building, fire lighting and cooking. Tickets are from £5. Family ticket is £18. On Saturday and Sunday, there are drop-in craft sessions from 10am until 4pm. Entry is £3.Located off M6, junction 31.
FREE AND PAID: Morecambe Vintage By the Sea Festival, September 3 and 4
A celebration of 20th century design, fashion, vehicles and entertainment on the Prom, with a flypast by a Lancaster Bomber; a Spitfire; and a Hurricane as part of an RAF Battle of Britain Memorial. There will be a Routemaster Bus Bar and vintage car show, a Vintage Roadshow, live music, wandering street performance, and workshops. Visit http://www.vintagefestival.co.uk.
FREE AND PAID: Tractor Road Run, Chipping, Sunday September 4
Families are invited to gather around Chipping to watch as an entourage of tractors drive around the village.
Tractors will set off from Green Lane Showground at 10am.
It costs £15 to enter a tractor, including a two-course lunch.
Spectators can stand and watch for free.
All money raised will go towards Rosemere Cancer Foundation.
PAID: Blackburn and East Lancs Model Railway Exhibition, September 3 and 4
A Model Railway Exhibition will be held at Hyndburn Leisure Centre, Henry Street, Accrington, from 10am until 5pm.
There will be layouts in various scales, specialist traders and demonstrators from across the UK and refreshments are available. Adult entry is £7, with children free. Parking is also free. The exhibition is organised by Blackburn and East Lancs Model Railway Society.
FREE AND PAID: Wigan 10k, September 4
Wigan’s annual 10k race, organised by charity Joining Jack, starts at 10am at the town centre. There will be live entertainment, a European Market, and a fun fair. Starsailor frontman James Walsh will close the music festival. Meanwhile, the day before, there is a Fun Run for children at Robin Park, from 11am until 5pm. Free entry. For registration times visit http://www.wiganeventsguide.com/event/wigan-fun-runs/
PAID: Proms in the Park, Wigan, Saturday September 3
Families are invited to bring a picnic and something to sit on whilst enjoying an evening with music at Mesnes Park, Wigan.
Gates open at 6pm and the musical concert starts at 7.45pm.
The event ends at 10pm.
Tickets are £10 for adults, £7 for children and concessions.
A family ticket is £28.
PAID: HAPPA Grand Open Day, Saturday September 3
Families are invited to Horse and Pony Protection Association’s annual open day extravaganza at Shores Hey Farm, off Halifax Road, Briercliffe, Burnley, from noon until 4pm.
There will be stalls, games, cake, scarecrow and produce competitions, horse riding displays and live music. There will also be handling sessions from Cooper’s Critters. Admission is £1 per person.
FREE: Parbold Street Festival, September 3 to 4
A total of 14 venues throughout the village offer a showcase in arts, education, entertainment and music, from noon on Saturday. There will be music from local bands and singers on the Big Stage by the Railway pub; a market place with more than 40 stalls; barges dressed in lights for the Festival of Light; a duck race; theatre; fairground; Kids Zone; workshops; horse demonstrations; and family fun.
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Here is a list of fun events coming up this weekend.


Top 10 things to do in Lancashire at the weekend


IT has been a great year for Leyland St Mary’s Catholic High School.
Good GCSE results are the icing on the cake for the Royal Avenue School, which has proved it is back on top .
Headteacher Phil Mooney was delighted with pupil’s performance in this year’s GCSEs.
He said: “St Mary’s 2016 results show great improvements and the outcomes are a tribute to the hard work of pupils and staff who suffered from much turbulence due to the school fire of 2013.”
He added: “Progress in English and Maths is very strong far outstripping national figures. These results vindicate our OFSTED report acknowledging the superb progress made by the school in the last year.”
The proud head added: “We acknowledge the individual performances of the students. Not all children are able to achieve A* grades but there have been some outstanding individual performances with children more than surpassing target grades.
Among the most able pupils, there have been some excellent individual achievements including Tia Moriarty who got 10 A* grades; Victoria Leigh achieved six A* and four A grades; Megan Elliott had five A* and five As; Imogen Morley was awarded five A* and four A and Mara Lawrenson got three A* and seven A grades. A host of other students achieved grades well above their expected targets.
Just over 18 months ago the school was placed in special measures by Ofsted inspectors.
Several inspections took place and both the head teacher and senior leaders were praised last month for a remarkable turnaround in stnadards. Inspectors said it was “unrecognisable” from the school of two years ago
Leyland St Mary’s was described by inspectors as a “pupil centred, harmonious, equitable haven for learning.
Mr Mooney said there was still work to do and added: “ We recognise that there are still areas in which we can improve and it is our continued aim to ensure all aspects of school are excellent as we move into 2017.”

St Mary’s proves it is back at top of the class


IT has been a great year for Leyland St Mary’s Catholic High School.


This year marks the 25th anniversary of the death of legendary novellist Graham Greene and stage adaptation one of his most entertaining works ‘Travels with My Aunt’ will be coming to Blackpool Grand Theatre on Tuesday, September 20.
Described as “one very ordinary man’s extraordinary journey of self-discovery”, the story follows Henry Pulling, who leads a quiet bachelor life until his Aunt Augusta persuades him to travel with her initially to Brigton but eventually as far flung as Istanbul, meeting all sorts of weird and wonderful people along the way.
The plot mirrors Green’s own obsession with travelling and just four actors play the roles of over 20 characters.
The show has been adapted by Creative Cow, and the company’s co-founder Katherin Senior said: “We love the way Travels with my Aunt traces two voyages in parallel – one a physical cross-continental journey by plane, train and boat and the other a mind-blowing, eye-opening journey of self-discovery. Henry couldn’t be more different from Greene himself, who was adventurous, risk-loving and unconventional - but can we perhaps see some similarities by the end? It’s a great pleasure to be touring this work by one of our favourite authors in this anniversary year.”
Tickets are priced from £12.50 and are available by calling 01253 290 190.


This year marks the 25th anniversary of the death of legendary novellist Graham Greene and stage adaptation one of his most entertaining works ‘Travels with My Aunt’ will be coming to Blackpool Grand Theatre on Tuesday, September 20.


A man needed treatment for burns after a chip pan fire in Leyland.
Paramedics were called to a house in Vevey Street where they found the occupant suffering from burns to his hands and also the effects of breathing in smoke.
The alarm was raised at around 5pm yesterday.
Two fire crews from Leyland and Bamber Bridge dashed to the scene, but the blaze in the kitchen of the property was already out when they arrived.


A man needed treatment for burns after a chip pan fire in Leyland.


A BOY hit by a car on the M6 yesterday is in a critical condition at Alder Hey Hospital.
Police said the boy appeared to run onto the carriageway on the Southbound M6 at Charnock Richard services at 1.45pm, and was involved in a collision with a Jaguar XF.
He suffered serious injuries and was taken by air ambulance to Alder Hey Hospital where his condition is described as critical.
His family are being supported.
The motorway was closed for about four hours.
Sgt Lee Campbell, of the Road Policing Unit, said: “This was a serious collision which has left a boy with life threatening injuries. I would appeal for anyone who saw what happened, and who hasn’t already spoken to the police, to get in touch with us.”
Anyone with information should contact police on 101 quoting log number 0776 of Tuesday, August 30th.

UPDATE: Teenage boy fighting for life after M6 collision


A BOY hit by a car on the M6 yesterday is in a critical condition at Alder Hey Hospital.


If you remember young boyband Connected, who made the final of Britain’s Got Talent a few years ago or last year’s semi-finalist Henry Gallagher, chances are you’ll love the Big One Talent Show at the Globe Theatre.
The final of the annual competition is next Thursday, August 25 and in previous years it has acted as a finishing school of sorts for future Britain’s Got Talent stars.
Last year’s Big One Talent Show was actually won by Alex Lees who wowed the judges with his singing.
Back in 2008, Alex auditioned to Britain’s Got Talent as an eight-year-old. securing three ‘yeses’ from the judges.
However, Alex isn’t the only former winner with links to the ITV talent show.
Some of the most successful winners of the contest went on to form boyband Connected, who were finalists in the 2010 series of Britain’s Got Talent, before going on to support Little Mix on tour and release two top 40 singles with ‘One in a Million’ and ‘Time in Our Lives’
Young guitar playing singer-songwriter Henry Gallagher is another Big One Talent Show finalist. Last year, he went on to reach the semi-final of the ITV talent show back in 2015
The contest is aimed at children aged between seven and 17-years-old and is open from anyone. From solo artists to groups, opera to pop singers, moon walkers to dance troupes - it really is a variety show in the same mould as Britain’s Got Talent, albeit with a much younger age limit.
The grand prize is £500 but there are also great prizes for runners up and as previous years have shown, winners usually go on to great things.
The competition, now in its ninth year, is to be judged by Amanda Thompson OBE, Managing Director of Pleasure Beach, and members of the Stageworks Worldwide Productions team.
Amanda said: “I was amazed at the extremely high standard in last year’s competition and expect that this year it will be even better. The competition is an excellent opportunity for youngsters to get the opportunity to have fun, perform on stage and potentially get the chance to perform at a fantastic Pleasure Beach event.”
Entry to the event is completely free.

There’s a whole Globe of Talent at new show


If you remember young boyband Connected, who made the final of Britain’s Got Talent a few years ago or last year’s semi-finalist Henry Gallagher, chances are you’ll love the Big One Talent Show at the Globe Theatre.


It was only appropriate that I rocked up to Manchester’s Opera House on a classic English sunny afternoon, the city almost horizontal in the longed-for heat.
Within sight of the theatre was mayhem as theatre-goers and a smattering of celebrities packed into the press night showing of multiple Olivier award-winning Sunny Afternoon, the latest musical to land in the city and one with a buzz we haven’t seen in a while.
This is a very British musical, but is much more than a showcase for 60s legends The Kinks and a celebration of Britishness, it is a reminder of how stupendous their musical, societal and political legacy actually is - and what’s more it’s a great night out.
If you think you are not really a fan of the Kinks, you probably are really.
The band’s raw, powerful and riotous sounds and lyrics are the backdrop to more than one generation and though germinated in the 60s moved across the 70s, 80s, 90s and are just as resonant now.
This genius of this production, already a hit in London and now on tour, is that Kinks frontman Ray Davies and his team, who created the story, have sought out some extraordinarily talented musicians to recreate that authentic Kinks sounds and tell the tale of the band’s explosion on to the music scene.
The cast play and sing their own music with remarkable power, with only a few supporting musicians on stage.
Hits such as ‘You’ve really got me’, ‘Dedicated follower of fashion’, ‘Waterloo Sunset’ and the eponymous ‘Sunny Afternoon’ are belted out by the remarkable former Jethro Tull band member Ryan O’Donnell (as Ray Davies) Mark Newnham (Dave Davies), Garmon Rhys (bassist Pete Quaife) and Andrew Gall (as drummer Mick Avory), with the support of a small powerful cast with a special mention for talented Lisa Wright, as Ray’s wife Rasa.
It’s also easy to forget Davies penned tunes for other artists and elements of this discography are included in this show, namely ‘Stop your sobbing’ and ‘I go to sleep’ which were both recorded by Davies’ one time squeeze Chrissie Hynde (of Pretenders fame).
Also on the playlist is my favourite ‘Lola’ which has been recorded since by multiple artists - it is also a little known fact that Davies had to alter the song from Coca Cola to Cherry Cola in the British version of the song to appease the staid BBC re a commercial reference.
The scene where the band stab holes in their amplifiers to crate their unique sounds, explains why it is quite so loud.
Signs stuck to theatre walls to warn of this fact in advance.
But the show starts low-key as it introduces the Davies brothers and their family and the early development of The Kinks, the storylines focusing on emotional highs and lows with the constant battle between artists and management.
More importantly it chronicles the socialist-leaning Kinks v. the system, their battles with the taxman and the rude and unfair realities of the music business and 60s exploitative business in general.
It was also fantastic to see the man himself Ray Davies not just in attendance on this special night but making an appearance on stage with his guitar at the age of 72. A real honour to be there.
A fantastic and entertaining night exploring the euphoric highs and lows of a band and of Britain in the grip of rapid change. It resonates and not just amongst the Kinks’ most loyal fan base.
As I made my way out of the historic theatre, I could hear a deep choral bass emanating from the confines of the men’s bathroom, which was quickly accompanied by a sing along from the queue.
I will now be humming it ‘All day and all of the night’..
*Runs until August 27

Review: Sunny Afternoon at Manchester Opera House


It was only appropriate that I rocked up to Manchester’s Opera House on a classic English sunny afternoon, the city almost horizontal in the longed-for heat.


From poet John Keats to Prince Charles, and from life-changing scientists to prize-winning authors, some of the world’s most famous people have relied on ‘bedders’ to see them through their toughest student days at Cambridge.
In her fascinating account of just some of the hundreds of working-class women who have looked after the students of Cambridge University, Catherine Seymour, whose grandmother and great-grandmother were bedders, reveals their secret lives, heartaches and joy.
For centuries, the university’s bedders – the equivalent at Oxford is a ‘scout’ – have cleaned, tidied, made beds, dispensed advice and physical aid, and offered a reassuring maternal presence to generations of nervous, lonely students.
Bedders still look after today’s Cambridge students but the work they do, and the young people they care for, have changed over the last decades.
Until the 1980s, bedders carried buckets of coal up the stairs to light fires in the rooms of the fellows as well as dusting, tidying, taking away rubbish and, in some colleges, making the students’ breakfasts.
It was hard work but it came with privileges and offered an experience unlike other jobs available to working-class women. Some of the bedders had previously worked in shops or as waitresses, cleaners, factory hands and other low-paid manual jobs.
The college offered them family-friendly hours, starting work early but allowing them to get home in time for lunch and to make an evening meal for their children. Often bedders would pay neighbours to look after their pre-school youngsters.
In the first half of the 20th century, some of the upper class (male) students saw their bedders as simply servants but for many others, these women who instructed them on everything from dressing properly to combing their hair, were the only warm, motherly presence in an otherwise cold, paternalistic environment.
In turn, many bedders enjoyed their glimpse into a world they knew little about and during her research Seymour discovered that the women appreciated the genuine return of affection from students who often left gifts for them at Christmas, term ends and after graduation.
And for some of the bedders who got to know their students well, graduation was almost like watching their own children leave home.
In these unique, vivid and often moving stories, inspired by the accounts of bedders from the 1920s to the 1960s, we meet women who endured the Second World War and then had to contend with poverty, ill health and bereavement.
For 16-year-old Joyce, who lived in one of the poorest streets in Cambridge, the college building where she was about to start work represented privilege, wealth, a life she would never live. What she never expected was to find herself mothering, chastising and sometimes even covering up for ‘her boys.’
These hard-working women loved, lost and loved again. But their friendships gave them strength, and their work gave them happiness, and even a lasting connection with their charges, some of whom would go on to run the country.
As much a social history as the individual stories of the bedders, The Staircase Girls is a memorable and eye-opening glimpse into the remarkable lives of a very special group of women.
(Pan, paperback, £7.99)

Book review: The Staircase Girls by Catherine Seymour


From poet John Keats to Prince Charles, and from life-changing scientists to prize-winning authors, some of the world’s most famous people have relied on ‘bedders’ to see them through their toughest student days at Cambridge.


Vue Cleveleys has been chosen as one of 150 cinemas across UK and Ireland showing new film, One More Time With Feeling, for one night only to help promote a new Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds album.
Despite flirting with acting, appearing in films such as ‘Ghosts...of the Civil Dead’ and ‘Johnny Suede’, Nick Cave is predominantly known for his music, in a career spanning more than four decades.
In that time, he’s released 21 albums with three different bands and his latest offering ‘Skeleton Tree’ will become number 22 when it’s released on Friday, September 9.
The first chance to hear any music from the album will be in the film ‘One More Time With Feeling’ with the songs acting as the movie’s soundtrack.
The film is the latest offering of Andrew Dominik, director of ‘Chopper’, ‘The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford’ and ‘Killing Them Softly’.
Interwoven throughout the Bad Seeds’ filmed performance of the new album are interviews and footage shot by Dominik, accompanied by Cave’s intermittent narration and improvised rumination.
Filmed in black-and-white and colour, in both 3D and 2D, the result is described as “stark, fragile and raw”.
Director Andrew Dominik said that the story is of how the film came about actually quite tragic, saying: “I’d been seeing quite a lot of him as we rallied around him and his family at the time of his son’s death.
“Nick told me that he had some things he needed to say, but he didn’t know who to say them to.
“I took the record away and listened to it trying to work out a way into the whole thing. In the end I agreed to do it if I could shoot it in black-and-white and 3D.
“No one has ever seen a 3D black-and-white non-animated feature film in modern times - for as far as I know, no such thing exists. It is both modern and from a distant age – much like the Nick Cave & the Bad Seeds’ new record, Skeleton Tree, actually.”
The film’s only showing at Vue Cleveleys is at 9pm, on Thursday, September 8. The showing is in 3D and tickets are available from http://www.onemoretimewithfeeling.film/

Cave’s the top Seed for musical showcase


Vue Cleveleys has been chosen as one of 150 cinemas across UK and Ireland showing new film, One More Time With Feeling, for one night only to help promote a new Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds album.


BAMBER Bridge found the perfect riposte to their doubters with a fantastic 4-1 victory over Ossett Albion at Queen’s Terrace.
The two team met only a week ago at the Sir Tom Finney Stadium and it was Albion who emerged victorious in the FA Cup 5-2.
However, Brig exacted sweet revenge by comprehensively securing victory – their first win of the new NPL First Division North season.
After goalkeeper Marcus Burgess had pushed Declan Dawson’s shot onto the post, Brig took control when Sam Livesey converted from the penalty spot in the 27th minute.
Alistair Waddecar doubled the advantage four minutes later with a header, but Albion pulled a goal back nine minutes before the break courtesy of Danny South’s header.
It was Waddecar who restored Brig’s two goal advantage 20 minutes into the second half with a diving header.
Soon after it was 4-1 as the home side conceded another penalty, which was duly converted by new loan signing from Blackpool Macauley Wilson.
Other NPL FD1 results: Brighouse 2 Clitheroe 1, Farsley Celtic 1 Kendal 0, Lancaster City 3 Glossop 0,


BAMBER Bridge found the perfect riposte to their doubters with a fantastic 4-1 victory over Ossett Albion at Queen’s Terrace.