Phone provider scam

A resident in Nelson received a phone call claiming to be from her phone provider saying she had not paid her bill and her phone would be cut off if she did not make a payment, and asked for debit card details. This is a scam designed to make you panic, not giving you time to think. Always check independently with your service provider. Sometimes scam callers may not hang up, so your independent check may be back to the scammer. If suspicious, use another phone or wait before calling. .

Beware bogus phone calls relating to library fines

A Lancashire resident was contacted out of the blue about overdue library charges. The caller claimed that the charges had been accrued by a family member, who had unfortunately died. Library services would never contact anyone in this way. If you do receive such a call, do not pass over any personal or banking information. Hang up and block the number if possible; - Contact your local library if you are concerned about overdue charges.

Fancy a Christmas Pudding?

St. John's Hospice is selling Christmas puddings.  This year, the label was designed by one of our very own pupils at Bolton-le-Sands School.  He won a district-wide competition.  So, if you fancy a Christmas Pudding this year, pop along to the Hospice Shop.  All profits are ploughed directly back into the valuable work of the hospice.

Parish Council Vacancy

There is still one vacancy on the parish council.  Anyone interested please write to the clerk with some general detail about yourself to:  No. 2 The Shore, Bolton-le-Sands, LA5 8JR to arrive no later than Friday 30th November 2018 at 5.00pm.  Full details can be found on the website:  www.boltonlesandsvillage.org.uk - Council.

General Knowledge Quiz

The Annual General Knowledge Quiz organised by the Horticultural Society will be held on Friday 25th January 2019 in the Community Centre starting at 7.30pm sharp.  It's a great night!  Bring your own booze.  Tea and Coffee will be available.  Get in now, whilst you still have time as tables are booked very quickly.  All entries to Mr. D Regan, 40 Greenwood Avenue, Bolton-le-Sands.  Telephone No. 823025.  £10.00 per team of four.  All are welcome from 15 - 95 years of age. 

Bus Services revised over Christmas and the New Year.

Bus and rail services will be revised over the Christmas & New Year period. For further information contact Traveline 0871 200 22 33 or your local Information Centre.
Opening times over the Christmas & New Year period for Traveline 0871 200 22 33:
Sunday 23rd 0700-2200
Christmas Eve 24th 0700-2000
Christmas Day 25th Closed
Boxing Day 26th 0900-1700
Thursday 27th - Sunday 30th 0700-2200
New Year's Eve 31st 0700-2000
New Year's Day 1st 0900-1700
Normal Traveline hours resume 2nd January (0700-2200, 7 days a week).
Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of this information, however further changes can occur, and it is advisable to contact your local County Information Centre, Traveline or bus operator for the latest information.  Calls cost 12p per minute plus your phone company’s access charge
Trains: Please note Northern Rail timetables change on Sunday 9th December 2018

Police Warn of Trojan Virus Email

The sender claims to have hacked the person's account and infected their computer with a Trojan virus, allowing them to access personal data. The sender then asks for a payment to be sent in bitcoin within 48 hours in order to prevent the recipient's data and files being shared with other people in their contacts.
Anybody who has received a similar email should contact Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 or via www.actionfraud.police.uk

A Big Thank You

A big thank you to all of those who helped to deliver the Remembrance Day Service yesterday.  What awful weather!  However as always, the people of Bolton-le-Sands braved the rain to remember those who lost their lives in conflict.  It was lovely to see so many people turn out to take part and lay so many wreaths this year.  And a special thanks to McGaffigans who managed to create a temporary sword that looked great. 

REMEMBRANCE DAY SERVICE

Will be held at the War Memorial on Sunday 11th November 2018.  The Parade will leave Cross Hill Court at 10.45 am and will walk to the War Memorial where at 10.55 am a Service of Remembrance will be held and everyone will be invited to lay their wreaths of remembrance.   

We will remember them

First Tuesday Hub

Holy Trinity Church will open its doors to the wider community on 6 November for the latest 'First Tuesday Hub'. The focus this time is 'remembrance' and 10 x Y6 children from the school will be present.

Possible Freezing Conditions Tonight

Lancashire's gritting crews are gearing up to treat the roads for the first time this winter, following forecasts of possible freezing conditions tonight.  Advice  from Lancashire County Council to the public is to stay alert to road conditions during the winter – the key thing to remember is that just because a road has been gritted it doesn't mean it won't be icy. It takes time and the action of tyres to mix the salt with the ice and make it work by lowering the temperature at which the water freezes.  Road conditions can vary considerably over quite a short distance and it's vital to use your judgement and drive according to the conditions.

The laying of wreaths at the War Memorial

The Chairman of the Parish Council will be laying a wreath on behalf of the parish at the War Memorial on Sunday 11th November during the Remembrance Day Service.  Everyone is welcome to lay a wreath, whether it is for your club, society, company or just an individual.  Just let either Cllr Budden or Revd Goodrich know beforehand so that the Service can incorporate everyone's wreath be it large or small.   We do hope that everyone who can, will attend this special Service to commemorate 100 years since the end of the First World War.

The Enchanted Forest

On behalf of the Horticultural Society, Robert Swain is giving a talk on The Enchanted Forest in the Old Boy's School from 7.30pm - 9.00pm on Thursday 15th November.  Entry is £2 + raffle.

Applications for co-option onto the Parish Council are warmly invited.

Would you like to take an active part in the decision-making process of the Parish Council and to represent the interests of the whole community?  Then why not apply for the current vacancy on the Parish Council by writing to: The Clerk to the Council No. 2 The Shore, Bolton-le-Sands to arrive no later than 5pm Wednesday 31st October 2018.   Anyone interested must meet one of the following criteria:

1. Be a registered local government elector for the parish 

2. Their principal or only place of work in the twelve months preceding the day on which the person is nominated as a candidate has been in the Parish; 

3. Having during the whole of the twelve months preceding the day of nomination occupied as owner or tenant land or other premises in the Parish; or 

4. Have during the whole of the twelve months preceding the day of nomination resided in the Parish or within 4.8 kilometres (3 miles) of the Parish Boundary. 

Disqualifications for being a Councillor include: a) Being subject to a bankruptcy restriction order or interim order b) In the previous five years, conviction for any offence carrying a sentence of not less than three months without the option of a fine. c) Disqualification for corrupt or illegal election practice.

A6 Slyne to Beaumont

Just a reminder, the speed limit along the A6 from Slyne to Lancaster is 30mph.  It came into force on Monday 11th December 2017.   Watch your speed!

Design a Pumpkin Competition

Lancaster City Museum is holding a Design a Pumpkin Competition.  50p per entry and every entry receives a Halloween treat.  The winning design will be hand carved by their very own expert pumpkin carver.  Competition closes 12 noon on Friday 26th October and your fabulous pumpkin will be available to collect from the Museum on 30/31 October in time for Halloween.

Bogus telephone preference service

Trading Standards is getting reports from Lancashire residents about the Telephone Preference Service scam- where consumers are cold called and asked for credit card details to sign up to TPS.
Remember it is free to sign up to the Telephone Preference Service – contact them on 0345 070 0707.

Beware cheap online electronic goods

Be careful of online advertising for sale of electronic goods such as iPhones, MacBook-Pros or laptops at overly reasonable prices. The buyer is enticed to buy these bargains but as soon as monies are transferred and payment made the seller severs all contact and no goods are received. Sellers tend to be outside the UK and are very difficult to trace.
In the run up to Christmas remember, if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

Greyhound Bridge

Greyhound Bridge is to re-open this Sunday 7th October 2018.

Royal Mail is combating Scam Mail

Royal Mail is committed to doing all it can to protect its customers from scam mail.  In 2016 Royal Mail introduced a series of additional measures to reduce the impact on its customers.  To date it has proactively stopped over 4 million suspected pieces of scam mail at its distribution centres around the UK before they can be posted through the letterboxes of customers.  If you, or some-one you know receives scam mail, please contact Royal Mail by:  writing to Royal Mail at FREEPOST SCAM MAIL enclosing any items that are suspected of being scam mail:  calling the Royal Mail Scam Mail Helpline on 0800 0113 466  or  Emailing scam.mail@royalmail.com.

LANCASTER BUS SERVICES

Greyhound Bridge is set to reopen with a new bus network for Lancaster.  From the 24th of September, Stagecoach Cumbria & North Lancashire will revise their bus network within Lancaster, Heysham and Morecambe when the Greyhound Bridge reopens. The 555 Lancaster – Kendal – Keswick will see a revised timetable from 29 October 2018 adjusting a number of journeys for the winter period.  More details can be obtained from Carnforth Library or Morecambe Tourist Information.

Good Job We Can Laugh

This weekend saw Countryfile reporting on prime time TV a British farmer who specialises in old time crops such as Borage. He has also imported a crop from South America that the Aztecs used to eat to give them strength and energy. How this will develop is very interesting and perhaps we can look forward to developments in times ahead.

However, there is also a food source we have in abundance in Britain, the growing menace of Duck Weed, which is edible.  Unfortunately this blanket weed has side effects and stops oxygen getting into the water, which kills off the invertebrates and effects the fish and other food sources.

Due to lack of maintenance on our canals, and the policy of reducing the water levels to try and stop leaks and spills, although we still have major breaches, we have weed of all sorts and sizes, but particularly the dreaded Duck Weed.

So how long it will be before we are having it with our breakfast Weetabix or Golden crunches is anyone's guess?

Friends of Lancaster Canal.

Warning from United Utilities

United Utilities have received reports of bogus callers knocking on the doors of elderly customers in the North West, claiming to want to talk about poor water pressure. 
All United Utilities customer facing staff carry photo identification card. Best advice is to always check anyone claiming to be from United Utilities is genuine by calling 0345 6723 723.

Talk Talk Scam phone call

A Lancashire resident has been scammed into parting with £20,000 after a call from someone claiming to be fromTalk Talk. The scam began with the householder being told there was a security problem, a virus with their computer.
Microsoft, BT, or Talk Talk can be used in this longstanding scam and always begins with saying "your computer has a virus or a problem". Always be suspicious, none of these providers would contact you in this way.

ROAD CLOSURE

Church Brow will be closed to all vehicles from 08.00hrs on Monday 10th September until 17.00hrs on Wednesday 12th September or until completion of the works within this period.  The temporary prohibition is necessary to allow utility works to be carried out.

Gardener's Question Time

Do you have a question about your garden you would like answered?  Just pop your question onto a pre-written form and post it in the box provided in the Library and Bowker's Butchers and the panel of the Horticultural Society will try to answer it on Friday 14th September between 7.00pm and 9.00pm in the United Reformed Church Hall.  Admission £1 - refreshments available.

90th Annual Summer Show

The Show will be opened by Mr Mike Ashton (Blood Bikes Courier) at the Community Centre on Saturday 11th August 2018 from 2.00pm to 4.15pm.  Entry to Show £1.  Refreshments available.

This latest update from United Utilities comes with some welcome good news.

The work United Utilities have been doing to conserve water supplies and abstract water from other sources combined with the help from customers in reducing their own usage as well as the recent rainfall and slightly cooler temperatures means they are now in a position to call off the hosepipe ban planned for this weekend.  This decision has been taken in the context of the improved position in water resources and not wanting to inconvenience customers for a moment longer than is necessary. However, the long range forecast from the Met Office is one of relatively dry weather into the autumn, so future restrictions are still a possibility if more rain doesn’t arrive and if we see a significant increase in demand. 

Art Exhibition

All are welcome to the 38th Annual Art Exhibition at St Mary's Hall, Bolton-le-Sands from 26th July to July 29th 10am-6pm daily (Sunday 10am-4pm).  Guest Local Artist Harry Mills.

First Tuesday Hub' in Holy Trinity

The next First Tuesday Hub will be held on Tuesday 7 August from 1.30 - 3.30pm in Church. The Hub provides a meeting place where people can come along to:

• Enjoy friendship and refreshments
• Receive specialist advice on a range of subjects
• Organise activities for themselves and others
• Contribute ideas for future meetings

The August Hub will be led by AgeUK Lancs with representatives from a number of other charities and local organisations.

A special attraction this time is 'Gilly' from BBC Radio Lancashire who will be broadcasting live from the Hub. He'll be looking to talk to lots of people and spread the news about the Hub.

Also, the local Police will be providing bike identification tags for free! This service is for adults and children.

Come along! Bring a neighbour or friend and enjoy a chat over tea and cake; take the chance to see what is on offer and let us know what the Hub can do for you!

Fond Farewell

Mrs Brocklebank and Mrs Midgley, long-serving staff members of our local Primary School will be retiring at the end of next week along with Mr Dixon, the Site Supervisor.  It will seem strange next term for all those who knew these members of staff as they will be really missed.  Thank you to you all for your long service to the school and to all the children whom you have seen come and go and have helped along the way.

St John's Hospice Presentation

A group of Year 6 girls from our local Primary School, and their families, raised funds for St John's Hospice during the Evening of Family Fun. The girls raised around £350 - a fabulous effort! 

A free, fun, family festival happening now

Throughout the summer, you can take your pick from a programme of walks, talks, tours, workshops, performances, exhibitions and special celebration events – designed to get you exploring every corner of this stunning area. Below are just some of the events coming up over the next few weeks - have a look at what takes your fancy here or browse the Festival leaflet.

BEACH CLEAN

The next Beach Clean will be at Hest Bank on Saturday 14th July from 10.00am until 11.30am.

ROAD CLOSURE

St Michaels Lane will be closed from 23.25 hrs on Saturday 14^th July 2018, until 10.00 am Sunday 15^th July 2018 to enable level crossing works to take place.

Guided Walk Exploring the Mysteries of Jenny Brown’s Point, Silverdale

Wed July 11, 2pm

What was the chimney for? What is that sea wall about? Just who was Jenny Brown anyway? These and other stories explored by local historian Simon Williams. This is a short walk (two and a half miles) around one of Morecambe Bay’s finest beauty spots. Please wear walking shoes and clothing suitable for the weather.

Free admission but booking required. Tickets and more information available at https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/the-mysteries-at-jenny-browns-point-festival-of-the-bay-2018-tickets-46760753673 or phone the Morecambe Bay Partnership Office on 01539 734888 or email events@morecambebay.org.uk

M6 CLOSURE

M6 Southbound Junction 35 to Junction 34 Phase 4 .  Resurfacing works will take place on the M6 southbound carriageway between junction 35 and junction 34. In order to carry out the work it is necessary to close the M6 southbound carriageway overnight for 4 nights:  Between junctions 36 and 34  From 8pm on 2 July until 6am on 6 July  The junction 36 entry slip road will be closed each night. There will be a single lane closed on the main carriageway during the day. There will be well-signed diversion routes during these overnight closures. If you require any further information please contact the Highways England customer contact centre by e-mail info@highwaysengland.co.uk or by phone on 0300 123 5000.

Road Closure

The road over St Michaels Lane Level Crossing, Bolton Le Sands will be closed on the Saturday 14^th July 2018 from 23.25hrs , until Sunday 15^th July 2018 10.00 hrs to enable level crossing works to take place.

Deep Cabaret – Wanton Mischief: Songs inspired by the Bay

Friday 29 June, 8pm – 10pm Heysham St Peter’s Church Book now Morecambe Bay as you’ve never encountered her before... Music inspired by the extraordinary Bay landscape, an experience that is fulsome and romantic one moment, edgy & disturbing the next. Starting with Deep Cabaret’s music of riffs and drones; adding words sampled from the Bay's historical accounts; mashing them up with the work of local poets and novelists; all to create a set of songs that conjure the space and light of Morecambe Bay. With accompanying imagery, Wanton Mischief becomes a homage to, and a wade through, the ‘pickled juices of the peat’ of the Bay. ​Tickets just £6 - book now

BOLTON-LE-SANDS GALA

The weather looks fine so come along and enjoy the afternoon at Bolton-le-Sands Gala where there's fun for all the family.  Gates open at 1.00pm until 4.00pm.

Horticultural Society

Now is the time to Join the Horticultural Society . Membership is just £3 per year which entitles you to discounts at local Garden Centres. Please contact 730606 or 824191 for membership.

Village Gala

BOLTON LE SANDS is holding its Annual Gala on Saturday 9 June 2018 - 1:00pm - 4:00pm.

We hope that everyone will come along and enjoy the day with the local community with the many visitors to Bolton-le-Sands.

The Gala gives an opportunity for all the village to get together - villagers, families and friends, visitors, local businesses, local clubs alike - to show-case the Bolton-le-Sands village and all it has to offer.

Lets have a great day!!

FREE ADMISSION - FUN FOR ALL THE FAMILY! - HAVE LOTS OF FUN!!

Casual Vacancy

Anyone interested in being considered for the Casual Vacancy on the Parish Council should apply before 12 noon tomorrow Wednesday 30th May.  Please see website for more details.

BOLTON-LE-SANDS FLORAL & HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY COFFEE EVENING

Come along and buy your Bedding Plants, have a go at the Bring and Buy and Raffle in the Community Centre on Thursday 17th May 2018 From 7.00 pm to 8.30 pm Admission £1 - Refreshments available.  EVERYBODY WELCOME

Community Centre AGM 2018

The Annual General Meeting of the Bolton-le-Sands Village Hall / Community Centre will be held on Thursday 10 May, beginning at 7.30pm. Everyone is invited along.

Can you help BLS Guides?

BLS Guides is recruiting new leaders.

If you enjoy working with children and would like to offer your help to your local Guides, they would be delighted!

If you'd like more information, or would like to offer yours services, please contact Catherine Prince who is the Lunesdale Girlguiding District Commissioner. You can email her using districtcommissioner.morecambe@hotmail.com or by phone at 07402 171999.

MEN'S BREAKFAST

A men's breakfast will be held in Holy Trinity Church on Saturday 12 May at 9.00am. The guest speaker will be Grant Stevenson who is the Business Manager for the Turbine Support Group at Heysham Power Station. His talk is called 'Planning for a Bad Day'. Bacon butties and coffee, donation of £5.00 requested.

Parish Assembly 2018

Bolton-le-Sands Annual Assembly will be held on Thursday 26^th April in the Community Centre from 7.30pm.  This is a meeting where residents of Bolton-le-Sands can have a say in matters relating to the village and raise any issues of interest with the parish council.  Refreshments will be provided, courtesy of the W.I.

FIRST TUESDAY HUB

A new venture is coming to Bolton-le-Sands, the First Tuesday Hub will provide a meeting place where people can come along to:

• Enjoy friendship and refreshments
• Receive specialist advice on a range of subjects
• Organise activities for themselves and others
• Contribute ideas for future meetings

The first Hub will be held on Tuesday 1 May, 1.30 - 3.30pm in Holy Trinity Church. It will be led by AgeUK Lancashire with representatives from LCC Wellbeing Service, The Alzheimer's Society, NHS outreach, the Police and Fire Services with other local charities and organisations.

Why not come along? Bring a friend or a neighbour and enjoy a chat, tea and cake and the chance to see what's on offer.

Spread the word!!

Parish Council Meeting

Because of the Easter Bank Holiday, the April meeting of the Parish Council will be held this evening in the Old Boy's School from 7.00pm. 

Parish Assembly 2018

As Easter comes early this year, the Annual Assembly will be held on Thursday 26^th April in the Community Centre from 7.30pm.  This is a meeting where residents of Bolton-le-Sands can have a say in matters relating to the village and raise any issues of interest.  Refreshments will be provided, courtesy of the W.I.

North West Coastal Access

Look out for them on Countryfile on 15th April!

County Councillor

How nice it was to meet our new County Councillor, Stuart Morris, at the March meeting of the parish council.   He is very pro-active and is very keen to work for his constituents.  Let’s hope we can keep our Library open.  Remember there is a very useful meeting room available for hire by local clubs and societies at very reasonable rates.  Pop into the Library for more details.

HMRC Email Scam

 There has been an increase in complaints received regarding emails that claim you are due a tax         refund from the Inland Revenue.  This is a scam. It is likely the scammer will request your personal details and will require upfront fees or taxes for you to be able to claim a refund. Do not respond, delete the email. 

Bowling Permits

Spring is just around the corner and the Annual Bowling Permits are now available to buy from Geoff Forrest, Secretary of Bolton-le-Sands Bowling Club.  A full Permit, allowing the holder to take part in League matches is £43 but if you just fancy a game of bowls on a sunny afternoon, you can play all year for just £30.  Both permits are available from him, contact the club for more details.

Bogus flyers and adverts

Roofers have been targeting residents offering external property maintenance such as fascia and guttering works via a flyer or local advertisement posted through their door.  Such literature may give an address that is not genuine, only give a mobile number, and often can indicate 'special rates for OAP's' to attract business. Please be wary. Check validity if they are claiming to be a member of any trade association.
Best advice would be to always use local, known traders that you have a landline and legitimate address for. Ask family and friends for recommendations. Remember, if you agree to a contract in your own home you will have 14 days cancellation rights, 14 days to change your mind.

555 Service Lancaster to Keswick

From 24 March 2018 Stagecoach in Cumbria will revise the timetable, adjusting a number of journeys for the summer season.

Glazing Warranties

Many Lancashire residents have been sold warranties on their double glazed windows or doors. These typically offer annual maintenance and cleaning, and may cost thousands. Sometimes they are re-sold or "improved" on annual sales visits, at extra cost. While selling such warranties is not illegal, it is advisable to think twice before signing up to such contracts- is there anything included that your local window cleaner or locksmith could not do when required at a fraction of the price?

Trading Standards - Insulation Sellers

Insulation sellers have recently been cold calling in East Lancashire, claiming they can provide grants for free cavity wall insulation. We have received reports that false claims have been made about signing up neighbours, or traders working with local authorities. Some houses pitched to do not even have cavity walls. Residents should note that while grants are available for some energy efficiency works, only those on universal/ tax/ pension credits, and certain kinds of jobseekers/ employment/ income support or allowance are eligible.

February Meeting

The next meeting of the Parish Council will be held on Monday 5th February at 7.00pm in the Old Boy's School.  All are welcome.

The Messenger

The first of many articles has now appeared in The Messenger on the work of the parish council.

Road Works on Shore Lane

There was confusion yesterday when utility works started on Shore Lane.  The signage indicated that Pasture Lane was closed from The Shore.  This is not the case.  The road is only closed from the junction of Pasture Lane and Morecambe Lodge until utility works are completed outside Morecambe Lodge Caravan Park which should be completed by Friday 16th February.

Coke Ovens

Work has started with the Carnforth ovens.  They have expanded to take in other coke ovens located as still existing on the Lancaster Canal, and having some details of others which have gone.  The Carnforth ovens are actually very close to the Bolton-le-Sands boundary.  Just walk along Thwaite Brow Lane from canal bridge 125, excavation work being visible by looking over the wall on the left, by where the horses are kept.  Carry on along the lane and down to bridge 127 and just before there are the Carnforth ovens.  From a list of Lancaster Canal rentals, we know that both sets of ovens existed in 1817.  That particular track and path were part of the Garstang and Heron Syke turnpike road, which is shown on Yates’s map.  The road diversion to its present route was presumably done by the Lancaster Canal Company when they built the canal.