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RETRAINING FOR LOCAL FARMERS GETS CASH BOOST
19/9/03: A Lancashire company is offering training in everything from computers to cooking up business success thanks to over £88,000 in Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs funding under the Vocational Training Scheme (VTS).
Northern Rural Training is designed to help people diversify and boost their incomes in rural communities in the Clitheroe and Lancaster area, with three VTS funded courses currently on offer.
Computers In Agriculture offers IT training to farmers and their families. Up to 260 places are available on basic and more advanced courses.
Environmental Farm Management looks at integrated and sustainable technology and environmental best practices which can be used by farmers in Lancashire. This project also offers advice on drafting environmental business plans as well as practical wildlife courses complete with workshops and site visits.
Retailing through farmers markets, farm shops and other retail outlets is a project designed to help farmers add value to their produce.
The course helps farm businesses learn about the importance of marketing and other issues such as butchering skills, employment law, animal welfare, Health and Safety.
Help is also offered to others considering applying for Defra funding under the England Rural Development Programme.
"We have an excellent track-record when it comes to training," said Co-ordinator Mrs Carolyn Rowe, "and we are delighted that Defra has enabled us to offer such a comprehensive range of courses and projects for farmers in our area. They are invaluable when it comes to boosting the rural economy."

NORTH WEST SEED FUND LAUNCHED
19/9/03: The Northwest Development Agency (NWDA) has announced £4.5 million for the North West Seed Fund, to help the region's entrepreneurs take ideas from the drawing board to achieving their first sales. The fund will be managed by Manchester-based Axiomlab Investment Management Limited.
Initial investments of up to £100,000 will be made in the region's innovative early stage companies to help them develop their ideas, prove the concept and exploit early sales. Further injections are possible up to a total investment of £350,000 per company. The Fund is available to companies from throughout the region.
In addition, the North West Seed Fund will work closely with seasoned entrepreneurs, professionals and business support communities throughout the region to ensure that these emerging businesses receive not just investment but also the mentoring and support critical for success. The Fund boasts the involvement of a leading North West entrepreneur Steve Sealey, who was a co-founder of AM Paper. He set up the company in 1984 from nothing, and was its CEO when it was sold 3 years ago for approximately £200 million.
"The NWDA is committed to ensuring that the Northwest's innovative ideas have an opportunity to develop and grow," explains Steven Broomhead, Chief Executive of the Northwest Development Agency. "We have now committed over £8.5 million specifically for seed investment throughout the region via this Fund and our recently announced NW Business Investment Scheme, which is limited to Objective 2 areas in the region."
"We're very excited that we've been appointed to manage this fund," said Fred Mendelsohn, Managing Director of Axiomlab. "There are many, many high potential businesses out there that are struggling to get established or to survive due to lack of funding. We are keen to support these companies and enhance the region's entrepreneurial tradition. We are also delighted to have Lucius Cary as an adviser to the Fund. Lucius is one of the UK's most prolific seed investors, with over twenty five years experience in this field."

• Companies interested in finding out more about the Scheme should contact Axiomlab Investment Management Ltd or the NWDA's TEChINVEST Equity Advisory Service, who will provide support and introductions to the Scheme and/or to other appropriate sources of finance.

North West Seed Fund/Axiomlab Investment Management Limited
Contact: Vicky Prezeau
Tel: 0161 828 5220
E-mail:
Web: www.nwseedfund.com

TEChINVEST Equity Advisory Service/Northwest Development Agency
Contact: Vivienne Upcott-Gill
Tel: 01925 400303
E-mail:
Web: www.techinvest.org

NOTES FROM NOWHERE
19/9/03: Local eco-campaigner Graeme Chesters is one of the editors of a new book, We Are Everywhere: the irresistible rise of global anticapitalism which has just been published by Verso. "It's full of stuff about the environment, social justice, indigenous rights, global trade etc etc.," says Graeme. "It's also 530 pages, full of photos, historical timelines, 'How to' information, and great writing from 50+ contributors etc...
If you do suddenly have the urge to buy it, contact Graeme via and get it cheap (£9) because in Waterstones/Ottakers it costs £10.99!
This is strictly non-profit all author/editor royalties are going to the social movements in the book.
• More info at: www.WeAreEverywhere.org

OSIRIS CAFE INTERNET RADIO LAUNCH
18/9/03: Get yourself down to the Osiris Internet Cafe at 125 Euston Road, Morecambe from 5 - 9pm on Saturday or come online and check it thru the web cam and live music stream online. "DJs Ash n Tray from Solar are playing, DJ Switch is doing some funky stuff, Woody is coming to play some cool Hip Hop. James, Dillon and Cockney Paul are giving us some Drum & Base and so we don't forget to smile our Kevin is giving us some old skool." Community web radio is coming to town. You heard it here first!
www.osiriscafe.co.uk

YOUNG GALGATE COUPLE CLEARED OF ECSTASY DEATH
17/9/03: At Manchester Crown Court today Rebecca Hodgson, 21 and her partner Wayne Wood, 22 of Galgate were cleared of charges of manslaughter and child cruelty, in relation to 10 year old Jade Slack who died in hospital in July 2002 after taking five ecstacy tablets which she found hidden in their home.
Wood had earlier pleaded guilty to dealing in the drug. Judge Mr Justice Morland had instructed the jury that as the couple did not have the main legal responsibility for Jade, they could not be convicted of child cruelty. He also reminded them that medical evidence suggested that by the time adults became aware that there was anything amiss with Jade, it was likely to have already been too late to save her, even if she had been brought immediately to hospital then. Jade's parents, Beverley and Simon Slack, aged 37 and 33 said, "Jade was, and still is, our life... It's a nightmare and we never wake up from it."
Wood's trial for supply of ecstacy has been adjourned.

REAL PLANNING ON THE CANAL CORRIDOR
17/9/03: On Saturday 20th September there is the opportunity to build a model of the Lancaster Canal Corridor as it could become. During this 'planning for real' event there will be the opportunity to look at the site, build clay models on a large-scale street plan of what people would like to see on the site and think about how it could all connect with the local area. A photographer will attend the day to record the 3-D map that will be built by participants.
Real Planning for Lancaster are organising this event in the Meeting Room at the Gregson Centre, 33 Moorgate, Lancaster 10am - 4pm. The event is another stage in the consultation process this included a survey of local residents during the summer, from which 406 questionnaire responses have been received. The surveys asked people what they think about the site as it is now and what they would like to see or not see on the land by the canal, currently known to some people as the 'cultural quarter'.
Paul Speight who will be facilitating the workshop said - "This is an opportunity to be more visual and think about where to put ideas from the surveys and maybe come up with other ideas too. Whether people have been involved with the project, heard about the group or completed a questionnaire or not, building the model is a good opportunity to get involved in how things could look in the future."
People are welcome to drop into this creative workshop for as long as they wish to, participants are invited to bring a packed lunch or use the Gregson Café, there will also be a tour of the site at lunchtime. A representative from Lancaster City Council's planning department has been invited to attend this day of community planning. There is no charge for the day and accompanied children are welcome.
• Further information is available from Paul Speight: 01524 65173 or
• Get some background
• See the Real Planning website

ORGANIC FOOD DELIVERY SERVICE
16/9/03: The Green Man organic vegetable stall (Saturdays, Market Square, Lancaster) is to start a home delivery service for fresh organic fruit, veg and eggs initially, with a view to expanding the range, subject to demand. More details from

PRIORY TO PAVE PARADISE - TO PUT UP A PARKING LOT
15/9/03: Over 100 people joined the protest picnic last Saturday 13 September to show opposition to the proposed car park at Lancaster Priory.
The Priory plans to build a car park on the grassed area by the 'headless lady' and over the main path from Church Street leading to the amphitheatre area. Over 1,400 signatures have been collected, with more coming in every day, from Lancastrians and visitors, young and old, expressing universal disbelief over the proposed car park. The objections are levelled at the car park intended for able-bodied visitors to the Priory and not at plans to upgrade disabled access.
The depth of appreciation for the site in its current state has overwhelmed organisers of the picnic and petition. "Destroying this heritage site at a time when we are celebrating Lancaster's heritage is a crying shame, and just for the occasional use of the able-bodied who are unwilling to walk a few yards," stated a participant at the picnic - mirroring the views of many others.
Lancaster has been criticised in the local press in recent months about some of its ill-planned architecture and developments - the Priory and Castle area mustn't become one of these.
Lancaster Priory is at risk of alienating the people of Lancaster if they go ahead with the car park, and opponents of this plan urge the Priory to engage with the people of Lancaster on this important issue.
Those concerned about the plans for a car park are being encouraged to contact the Priory directly.
The organisers also wish to extend thanks to the hundreds of people supporting opposition to this development.
Those interested in getting involved in the Village Green application to protect the land surrounding the Priory, or in providing a statement confirming use of the land for pastimes should visit
www.eco-action.org/~lancaster/grassroot/ where there is lots more info, plus a download of the petition which can also be signed at the Whale Tail café, Single Step, Fairfield Stores (Sibsey St), Faeries Wear Boots (Meeting House Lane).
+ Grassroots Lancaster is a collective of concerned Lancaster Citizens.
For further info email:
and visit www.eco-action.org/~lancaster/grassroot/

PS Asked for a comment about the Priory situation, Elevenfiftyeight guitarist Rob Holden said "They should change the name back from 'The Bobbin'. Why did they change it in the first place?"

IN LOVE WITH HERITAGE!
15/9/03: Heritage Open Days 2003, England's celebration of architecture and culture, that took place last weekend in Lancaster District was a huge success. Lancaster City Council provided free guided tours of Lancaster and Morecambe Town Halls again this year, and co-ordinated access to numerous other events and buildings which specifically opened their doors in the City over the weekend.
Heritage Open Days saw plenty of special openings of the buildings that would not be open otherwise. For example the Winter Gardens in Morecambe was open to the public. People also had an opportunity to visit Lancaster's Music Room and to explore the former Shirgley and Hunt stained glass factory, now the Shabab restaurant, on Castle Hill.
The highlight of the weekend for many people was the fantastic Red Arrows Show and other air displays, that took place in Morecambe as a part of the Morecambe Heritage Gala 2003. "The Red Arrows offered a very good display and all the credit for that of course goes to the RAF," commnted David Wright, the City Council's Senior Festivals and Events Officer who organised the Heritage Open Days and air displays. "Altogether I am very pleased with the Heritage Open Days programme. All the reports I have received about the weekend say that the events were very well attended and extremely popular. I was especially pleased to see that people went to see so many fine old buildings that would not be normally open. Also our booking figures show that lots of people came to visit from outside the district."
Lancaster Civic Society helped to organise the opening of the Shirgley and Hunt Stained Glass Factory. "This was a tremendously successful event," explained Roger Frankland of the Civic Society. "It was the first time that former stained glass factory was open.
"Many people have said that they haven't seen Morecambe so busy for years as it was yesterday during the Red Arrows show," enthused Cabinet member with responsibility for Tourism Coun Ron Sands. "t's good to see that the Heritage Open Days programme is so popular. Every year it seems to be bigger and better and it's good to see so many people around the Lancaster district. This is a great boost for local businesses at the end of summer season."

FESTIVALS
12/9/03: More festivals strike -- this weekend it's the Heritage festival, with not only an air show spectacular on Sunday in Morecambe, but also many buildings of historical significance will be opening their doors and offering free tours to all comers. Period entertainment has also been laid on at several sights -- full details in our whatson guide.
Next weekend it's the jazz festival, with open air performances in Lancaster's Market Square and Sun Square, and performances in pubs and restaurants all around town. Highlights include Birmingham Jazz rapper Soweto Kinch and on the Sunday the Stan Tracy Trio.

KOMA & BONES COMPETITION
WIN COPIES OF THEIR NEW ALBUM -- SHUTTER SPEED!
12/9/03 Lancaster and Morecambe really seem to be hot spots for dance music; full of raw energy in the form of DJs, producers, promoters, not to mention a feast of other musical genres. Lancaster domiciled Breakbeat 3-way KOMA & BONES consist of front men KOMA (Andy), BONES (Chris), and the amazing secret weapon, PROTEUS (Jude). These people are seriously talented! As the many punters (including Virtual-Lancaster's Perksy Jobsworth) who bought their first album, can testify. Koma & Bones feature on the cover of this month's ‘International DJ' magazine (and are this month's cover boys for several other influential music mags). Described by IDJ as ‘Breakbeat's most skint stars', Koma & Bones' particular star is rising at a meteoric rate. Let's hope their bank balances are on the rise too.
On the eve of the release of the new K&B album ‘SHUTTER SPEED', virtual-lancaster.net has been busy -- we've an in-depth interview with Koma & Bones. We also spoke with TCR boss and Breaks luminary RENNIE PILGREM (see www.virtual-lancaster.net/reviews/komabones.htm for both, AND we have copies of SHUTTER SPEED (1 CD, 1 vinyl) to give away to the lucky readers who can answer this question:
WHAT IS THE NAME OF KOMA & BONES FIRST ALBUM?
Email us with your answer to
Entries should reach us no later than 5pm Monday.
Winners are the 1st 2 correct answers drawn.
(indicate if you'd prefer CD or vinyl -- 1st winner get to choose!)
Good luck! It's a cracker and should be played loud.

PRIORY PICNICKERS DRIVING THE POINT HOME
12/9/03: A grand community picnic is being planned by the Headless Lady statue next to Lancaster's Priory Church -- to highlight the damage that will be done if the Priory goes ahead with it's plans to tarmac the area for a carpark. Everyone is invited to come with their picnics from1pm -- 3pm Saturday 13th (tomorrow) to join the fun and make the point. Read more about this at www.eco-action.org/~lancaster/grassroot/

PILLING BEACH RATED CHEQUERED FLAG
12/9/03: Gary Cartmel of Pilling is campaigning with local

Area of special Scientific Interest?

residents to rid scramblers, car wreckers and car burners from a site of special scientific interest on the south east tip of Morecambe Bay at Pilling. He writes: "The Sands are owned by the Duchy of Lancaster and a number of small landowners who rather uniquely own foreshore. The beach runs along the Lancashire Coastal Way but has no other rights of way across it. English Nature carefully control the activities of landowners but in recent years the Sands have become a magnet for troublemakers. For reasons only known to themselves the Duchy and Lancashire Constabulary have not agreed a policy to deal with issues on the sands. Between 13-20 wrecked and burned cars are currently rotting in the wash on the beach and each week cars are stolen or bought to be driven to destruction on the land.
Locals are terrorised by upto 70 motorbikers each weekend who ride across the marsh, sea defences and picnic area. The Duchy have now recognised the problem and describe themselves as "extremely concerned " by the situation. However the Council have failed to recognise the situation even though their silence potentially means that other Wyre Beaches could be wrecked in this way. Local MP Hilton Dawson describes the situation as "menacing" and that any "sensible individual would wish it halted."
Wyre would seem to want this beach to win a chequered flag rather than a blue flag.

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