Has anyone had any carol singers this year?

It's perhaps a sign of the times but the only 'carol signers' seen out on our streets so far have been teenagers, some of who apparently don't even make an effort.

One reader of our blog recently e-mailed us to say that she had answered the door to 4 teenagers aged around 16 signing 'We wish you a Merry Christmas' and remembers a time when children used to come knocking on her door reciting a range of different carols.

However, in the past decade or so door-to-door carol singing has started to fade. "I used to recognise most of the children who came knocking on my door from the local church. Quite often they would come round with their parents and I'd give them a donation, some chocolate or a mince pie" Sarah, from the Hollins Grove area of Darwen, told us.

Along with Halloween & Guy Fawkes night, the nights leading up to Christmas are growing increasingly quiet, apart from an occasional group of teenagers who perhaps go door to door hoping to raise a bit of extra pocket money for themselves rather than 'a penny for the Guy'.

"I doubt the lads who called round would have been too happy with a mince pie so I gave them a bit of money but I didn't know who they were - none of my neighbours have teenage children." Sarah's email continued.

"A couple of them had Santa hats on but the others just had tracksuit tops with their hoods pulled up over their faces."

So why have church carol singers faded away over the years and children asking for donations for the Guy been replaced with teenagers looking for money to buy their next firework?

Perhaps it's another case of modern day lack of "community" and parents reluctance to send their younger children out onto the streets at night singing carols.

On the other hand maybe those teenagers making an "effort" should be praised rather than feared? What is your take on this - have you had any carol singers this year? Do you know of any local churches who are sending out organised carol signers?

Price of stamps set to rise

Royal Mail has announced the price of first and second class stamps is set to rise again in April.

From 6 April 2009 a first-class stamp will cost 39p while second-class will be priced at 30p

Royal Mail issued a statement defending the price increase claiming that stamped mail remains very affordable.

Meanwhile Dutch firm TNT confirmed it would be interested in a stake in Royal Mail following the governments initial backing of a report suggesting it should be part-privatised.

Many local residents were shocked to find they had to pay fees at the post office to accept Christmas cards last year which were posted by friends & relatives with insufficient postage.

This was following changes made to how mail was charged, basing prices on size in addition to the weight. If you are ever in any doubt, take your mail/parcel to the post office or pickup a size chart before applying stamps to your post.

Residents Worried About Darwen CCTV Cameras

Darwen residents are concerned about CCTV cameras in the town centre which have been out of order for much longer than they would have liked.

The concerns were raised in a recent community meeting held in the town. CCTV has now become part of our network of security helping to keep shoppers, business owners and residents safe.

With a number of cameras out of order in Darwen it is feared that residents aren't being fully protected and demand that they are fixed as a matter of urgency.

Although the number of businesses installing their own 24/7 CCTV surveillance has increased in recent years, towns and cities still rely on councils to record many areas of public space which nearby businesses may not capture on their recordings.

CCTV cameras are effective methods of preventing crime in Darwen - but they can only capture evidence if they are working! Mobile CCTV operations will be in force in the region over Christmas to help clamp down on anti-social behaviour in town centres.

FSA - Helping People Stay In Control Of Their Money

The Financial Services Authority are using a website and offline advertising to spearhead a campaign to help consumers keep a better grip on their money in the current economic climate.

The "Moneymadeclear" campaign has been backed by the government to the tune of £2m as they try to fund consumer help initiatives.

Tools available on the website, www.moneymadeclear.fsa.gov.uk, include a comparison table on various financial products, hints and tips to budget your money effectively and help with life events such as buying a house or starting a family and advice on saving for retirement.


You can also request a number of FREE printed guides through their online order form. Other useful tools include:

Debt Test - find out if you have potential problems with your borrowing.
Budget Calculator - discover if you have enough money to cover your spending
Loan Calculator - work out how much repayments would be on a range of loans
Pension Calculator - how much will you get when you retire?

If you're not sure where to start on the website simply visit the FINANCIAL HEALTH CHECK section to get started.

During this uncertain economic climate it's important to look after your money and ensure you don't fall into too much debt. If you prefer to use the phone to get help you can ring the FSA consumer helpline on 0845 606 1234.

Proposed Changes To Consumer Law

The Department for Business is looking at a proposed new consumer rights directives.

The new laws will replace existing rules in several areas to help offer more protection to shoppers within the EU, especially in relation to Internet shopping and door-to-door selling.

If the proposals become are passed consumers within the EU will benefit from:

• A 14 day cooling off period for anything purchased online or from doorstep sellers
• Consistent protection when goods are not delivered
• Clearer rules outlining the reposnibilities of traders and consumers in returning goods
• Stronger protection for consumers buying at home from doorstep sellers.
  

The directive also proposes a change to the rules surrounding faulty goods. At the moment UK consumers can reject faulty goods and ask for a refund, but the proposed change would allow retailers the opportunity to provide a repair or replacement first.

Other recent changes for online shoppers include a change in duty payments on goods purchased from outside the EU.

Previously consumers had to pay duty on any purchase valued over £18, however, since 1 December this has been raised to £105.

VAT is not affected by the change and is still payable on goods over £18 but you could see a saving next time you buy something like a DVD Box Set from America for example.

Search for region's greenest company

A search to find the Northwest's greenest business has been launched by the Northwest Regional Development Agency and Mersey Basin Campaign.

They want businesses from across the region to nominate themselves for the 2009 Northwest Business Environment Awards. Entries must be received before February 2, 2009

Nominations can be for one or more award categories including: Best Environmental Practice, Built Environment, Sustainable Procurement, Environmental Innovation and Environmental Champions.

The awards ceremony will be held in June 2009 and the chief executive of the hosts said "This year we are looking forward to congratulating the people who make the Northwest a national leader in sustainable business".

If you are interested in entering your business please visit www.merseybasin.org.uk.

Football Result: Eccleshall 2 Darwen 0 (20/12/08)

Eccleshall beat Darwen for the second time in the Vodkat League First Division this season with two goals in a little over 5 minutes.

The second half goals were scored with a 25 yard deflected shot by Dean Ennion and a header by Eccleshall captain Adam Soane.

Darwen went into the game full of confidence after beating Stone Dominoes in a midweek away fixture but Eccleshall chose Saturdays game to score their first home league goals since August to leave Darwen on 16 points.

Darwen face Padiham away on Boxing Day who will be looking to pick up all three points to go top of the league. AFC Liverpool currently lead the way with one extra point but have played a game more than Padiham.

AFC Liverpool kicked off their impressive start to the season with a 5-0 win over Darwen in their first ever competitive game. You can see video clips of this August match below:

They Used To Play On Sat'days

"They Used To Play On Sat'days" is the title of the latest book written by Darwen author Andrew Rigby.

As a lifelong fan of Blackburn Rovers he took the decision to write about ten of their greatest players between the two Wembley appearances of 1960 and 1987.

Mr Rigby told us "I wanted to write a book about the team I've supported all my life to explain what it was like supporting them in those days."

"Although Rovers have seen success in numerous competitions throughout their long history, they recorded their lowest ever league position between the two Wembley appearances"

After losing to Wolverhampton Wanderers in the 1960 FA Cup final, supporters witnessed a poor run of form which eventually saw the team in the lower half of the old Third Division.

"Even though times were very difficult for the team in those days we still had some great players, people who I enjoyed watching and individuals who could almost win a a game on their own."

"The players didn't receive huge pay packets or as much media attention as they do these days but they played with real passion for the team." Andrew went on to explain.

The book isn't the first one by the Darwen born Rovers author. In 2005 he wrote a book about local people during World War II and later co-wrote Birch Hall Memories about Darwen Cricket Club. His latest book is available from WH Smiths or Darwen Market for just £10.


Of the ten Rovers players featured, the book includes:

Ronnie Clayton
Bryan Douglas
Mike England
Tony Field
Howard Kendall
Simon Garner

Crown Paints cuts almost 10% of workforce

Crown Paints has announced plans to cut 140 jobs during major restructuring of the business after investment firm Endless LLC took a major stake in the business from former parent company Akzo Nobel.

Crown Paints, who sponsor the Blackburn Rovers kit this season, has it's UK head office in Darwen and it is expected that many of the 140 jobs will be lost from the HQ with further job cuts expected in Hull, Warrington, Dublin and Belfast.

The company issued a statement reading "Following a thorough review of our operations and as part of our drive to improve efficiency, we propose to implement a restructuring programme across the business.

"This process will include the introduction of a number of improvements to bring our cost base in line with anticipated future performance and, regrettably, it is also likely to result in a number of redundancies across our Darwen, Hull, Warrington, Dublin and Belfast operations."

What does this mean to you and your family? How have you been affected by the CREDIT CRUNCH? How has your lifestyle changed compared to last year?

Darwen Silver Surfers Enjoy Christmas Party

Members of a Darwen computer club enjoyed a day out to Smith Hills Hall, Bolton where they were entertained by a popular piano player. The event was organised by the group of "silver surfers" who attend regular computer clubs at Darwen Resource Centre and Knott Street Community centre.

Alan, a pensioner who attended the event (pictured below) told us "We all had a good meal and the entertainer was a piano player who really got us all singing and dancing. We all had a great time!"


The group kindly submitted photographs if their outing to be uploaded to Darwen Online, your local community website for news, events, photographs and discussions. If you are having an event of any kind over Christmas or in the New Year, be sure to e-mail us some information and we'll list the event in our "What's On Guide" for free.


So, get involved with your local community website and submit your own photographs or video clips from events you attend over the Christmas period and throughout 2009. Darwen Online is a free website for the town, bringing you local news & views plus information on local events.

If you are interested in joining the computer club please contact the Knott Street Community Centre for more information.

Join our Facebook Group

Our facebook group now has over 100 members supporting Darwen Online, the towns first and best community website & business directory. Since launching in July 2008 the site has boasted hits from all over the world as people keep in touch with what's happening in their "home town".

Darwen Online is showing a steady increase of visitors month on month as people in the town start to gain awareness of the site. Our facebook group is just one of many groups on the popular networking site which is dedicated to Darwen. Others include "Say NO to the bus lane" and "I lived in Darwen . . . . and Survived".

In the summer we saw a facebook group battle between rivals over the proposed bus lane. "Say NO to the bus lane" was started by local MP Janet Anderson whilst a local worker started a group supporting the bus lane.

Despite the council performing it's own poll showing local residents were in favour of the bus lane, it would appear that the story of these two rival facebook groups tell a very different story. Whilst very few people ever signed up to the group in favour of the bus lane, the MP's group against the bus lane continues to grow and now boasts over 500 members!

Talk to Santa LIVE with 107 The Bee

Local radio station, 107 The Bee, is providing local children with the chance to talk to Santa LIVE on Christmas Eve with their "Santa Phone In".

Santa will be taking time out from his busy schedule to take last minute requests and questions from local youngsters from 10am on Wednesday 24th December.

Visit this link to pre-register your child for a free call from Santa and be sure to stay by your radio and phone on Christmas Eve! Registration is open to primary school aged children.

Jake Berry calls for Mayors chain to be returned to Darwen

Jake Berry, the Conservative Parliamentary Candidate for Rossendale & Darwen has today revealed that he is in discussions with Colin Rigby the leader of Blackburn with Darwen Council to try and secure the return of the Mayoral Chain to the newly formed Darwen Town Council.

Jake Berry commented “the chain used by the current Mayor of Blackburn with Darwen was at one time the Mayoral Chain for Darwen. Following on from the recent ratification of the referendum forming a Darwen Town Council, I have written to the Leader of Blackburn with Darwen Council to request that he formally investigates the possibility of returning of the Mayoral Chain to Darwen”

The Mayoral Chain had both a Darwen pendant and Darwen links and I hope that, if returned to the town, the chain will be restored to its original condition. The return of the Mayoral Chain to Darwen would also be of historical importance to both the heritage and identity of the town and I know this is something about which the people of Darwen feel strongly.”

Jake Berry commented further “All off the Darwen Conservative Councillors voted in favour of the Town Council and I know they will support the return of the Mayoral Chain to Darwen.”
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Darwen Band's Music Available Online

A local band, Silent Dog, has uploaded it's own songs to the Internet for people to download, listen to and review. The groups first EP, entitled A Long Winter, is now available to download online through PROJECT OPUS.

Project Opus is an online music community website designed to support artists, fans and local music. The site allows artists to easily self-publish their music and even earn revenue for downloads - removing the need to sign a record contract first. For the fans, it provides them with a way to easily access music they love and support the artists who make it.

To listen to A Long Winter by Silent Dog please visit the site at: Project Opus


Since uploading their first album people have left reviews complimenting the mellow tunes which make up the EP. Songs can be listened to for free and can be downloaded for less than £1.00 each. Music fans visit the site from all over the world but most listeners are from 'across the pond' in the USA. The most listened to track from A Long Winter is track #1 "Come To My Aid" which has been listened to by 282 people.

It is probably worth looking into Project Opus for local bands who are looking to publish their own songs on the Internet. Along with MySpace the Internet may help boost your way to stardom!

Have you found any songs you like on Project Opus?

New Darwen Lidl Grand Opening

The new Darwen Lidl store opened it's doors to customers for the first time on Thursday morning at 8am with massive in-store opening offers, free tea and coffee and other free gifts. Various attractions will remain available throughout the opening weekend so don't worry if you cant get down on Thursday!

The store's inflation busting prices include special gifts, kitchen essentials, musical instruments, golf accessories, home entertainment, DIY tools and of course food and drink.

Opening day shoppers can enjoy free tea, coffee and mince pies outside the main entrance after unloading their shopping and returning the shopping trolley. Spend over £30 on your shop and receive a free car wash (8.30am - 4pm Thursday & Saturday).


There is also free face painting for children on Saturday & Sunday and a free gift wrapping service on Christmas gifts purchased from the store. If you get chance to visit the new store today you will be greeted by staff and stilt walkers in fancy dress handing out various flyer's containing all the special offers for Christmas.

Early shoppers were even treated to a bunch of free flowers and a free newspaper on their way out of the store!


The MASSIVE OPEN DAY OFFERS include:

• Targa Satellite Navigation System £79.99 (RRP £139.99)
• 19" Widescreen LCD Flatscreen Monitor £69 (RRP £119)
• Portable DVD Player £49 (RRP £99)
• Circular Saw £19.99 (RRP £34.99)
• Christmas Food & Drink (Reduced)
  

Have you been to the store yet?

Snowfall in Darwen

Darwen woke up to a light dusting of snow on December 2nd 2008. It wasn't enough to start building snowmen - you'd barely gather enough snow for a snowball but never the less it was more than enough to extend the journey time along the A666.

Despite only being subject to light snow showers early Tuesday morning the cold snap ensured snow was still on the ground when most people made their way into work/school between 7.30 and 8.30am. Traffic was moving at a snails pace through parts of Darwen as school buses ploughed their way through the slush. It appeared that many children gave up waiting in the cold for their late buses and many could still be seen walking round the town centre past 9am when most schools start.

Many schools now have a policy of sending pupils home when there has been snow, especially when it makes travelling to and from school a problem, but although buses were running later than usual it is thought that the majority made it into schools on time.


Darwen has been subject to sub zero temperatures for much of the last week and things are forecast to get worse before they get better. Online weather site Metcheck have warned heavy snow could be on the way for Thursday morning and although Friday is expected to be sunny, temperatures will struggle to get above freezing for much of the day.

Our advice - wrap up warm and if in doubt about school closures ring them up before sending your children in.

If the forecast is correct and we do see snow on Thursday we'd love to receive some of your photographs - send them in and we'll feature the best ones in a special news article.

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Darwen's Unsung Hero Award

Florentin Boudjeko was presented with the Gold Unsung Hero award at the Christmas lights switch on last week in recognition of his voluntary work. Darwen Online approached Florentin for an interview in which he shared his joy and surprise at winning the award.

Mr Boudjeko holds regular dance classes where he teaches Salsa to beginners and advanced students. The classes have proved very popular and some of the people who attend his classes nominated him for the award as a way of showing their appreciation.

Florentin's salsa group is celebrating it's 1st anniversary in January and he now holds more regular events than ever before as more and more people sign up to learn salsa. He says people of all ages attend his class, from children to pensioners - and everyone seems to have a great time learning to dance, keeping fit and meeting new people.

In our interview Florentin talks about his time in Darwen and his plans for the future:

How long have you lived in Darwen?
I moved to Darwen 2 years ago after living in Manchester for a short while. Before that I lived in Cameroon where dancing is a part of life!

When did you start the salsa lessons?
I love dancing and saw an opportunity to start teaching others for free so I started up the "Darwen Salsa Group" in January 2007.

How did it make you feel to receive the 'Unsung Hero' award?
It was a lovely surprise to find out I'd been nominated in the first place, but even then I didn't expect to win. I didn't know anything about it until the Thursday before I received the award when I was told I'd been nominated. When it was announced that I'd won Gold I just felt so proud. I never expected anything from anyone I just teach Salsa because I enjoy it - it comes from the heart, I have a real passion for dancing.

You've recently introduced new classes to cope with the demand. Do you think winning the award will increase the popularity even more?
I hope so - the more people I can teach the better! It gives people something to do and it's nice seeing people smile. I have students of all ages and I try to encourage people to dance with different partners whenever possible. It helps people build confidence and also provides the opportunity to meet new people.


I'm really busy now but I love doing what I'm doing. So much so that some of my friends feel like I've let them down. I enjoy fishing and playing football in my spare time but whenever a friend calls me up these days I'm always busy. I'll always put my students first though - I've met some wonderful people and would never let them down - I'm just going to continue expanding hopefully.

I see you also run salsa parties in addition to your classes?
Yes, from time to time I host salsa parties which are a slightly more relaxed affair. It is where people can let their hair down a bit and test out their new skills. The parties are often arranged by other people - I just host the events. I attended a party on Friday at St Edwards Parish Hall where the money raised from the event was going to charity.

You must be quite busy now then?
Yes, I'm always on the go. In addition to teaching salsa I also provide a translation service for the citizen advice bureau in Manchester. They sometimes deal with people who can't speak English so I translate into French for them. This helps French speaking people who are looking for advice etc.

What are your plans for the future?
Eventually it would be nice to get a job connected with teaching Salsa in some way. I was shocked to discover many young people in this country seem to need lots of alcohol before they start dancing so I'd like to teach teenagers to dance without being drunk.

I might look towards holding some sort of after school event for 8-14 year olds. They teach children to sing and dance from a young age in Cameroon, I'd like to offer a similar service here in Darwen.

One day it would be nice to open up a salsa club in Darwen! I will just have to wait and see how things unfold for me. The award was a really nice surprise though and I am so proud to have been nominated - winning Gold was just a brilliant feeling.

Anyone who is interested in learning salsa should contact Florentin on 07784 290181. Classes are held in Darwen on Wednesday evenings, Saturday mornings and Sundays.

Caitlin Jones received Silver in the Darwen Unsung Hero award for raising money for cancer research and Chris Stephenson was awarded Bronze in recognition of his voluntary work in the town.
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