Come down to Bank Hey Pool for some Swimming Taster Sessions.
These courses are aimed at introducing children to aquatic disciplines in a fun and informative environment.
Wednesday, August, 8, at 2-4pm, there is Aqua Fun (synchro) and a Mini Polo Taster
Thursday, August, 20 at 10am - midday, Flip n Fun, diving, and Rookie lifesaving
Wednesday, August, 26, at 2-4pm, Flip n Fun(diving) and Aqua Fun (synchro) Taster
The sessions cost £5.50 for non beez members and £5 for beez members.
Children need to be able to swim a minimum of 25metres on front and back to attend these courses.
Further information and an application form available from Swimming Development Office on 01254 662619
Thursday, August 06, 2009
Official Opening of Big Cover Wood, Witton Park, Blackburn
Big Cover Wood, Witton Park's new adventure play ground was officially opened yesterday.
Councillor Michael Law-Riding, executive member for leisure and culture and play champion for the borough cut the ceremonial ribbon for the lottery funded play area.
The £77,000 project was designed by Groundwork Pennine Lancashire and coordinated by the Council.
The play area features unique Wild life sculptures, a giant wooden xylophone, a Billy Goats Gruff themed bridge and other challenging and exciting play equipment pieces.
There is also a picnic and storytelling area all in a woodland setting.
Councillor Law-Riding said: "This is a fantastic new play space in a scenic and peaceful spot.
"Not only is this another great resource for youngsters in the borough but an added reason to visit Witton Park, one of the jewels in the borough's crown."
The day also saw the young and the young at heart come together to celebrate nation Playday.
This is the third year the borough has celebrated National Playday and this year's theme is Alice in Wonderland and making time for children.
Blackburn with Darwen hosted two events. One at Witton Park and the other at the Borough Road field in Darwen opposite Bold Venture Park.
There was plenty of free activities on offer including a climbing wall, arts and crafts, sports, a DJ workshop, face painting, an obstacle course and a tug of war.
Visitors to Witton Park also had the chance to have their say in the consultation for the new half a million Adventure Play Park being developed at the park as part of the Play Pathfinder project.
The play facilities will be thanks to a share of the £2.5 million investment in play across Blackburn with Darwen, from the Government’s Play Pathfinder programme.
Councillor Michael Law-Riding, executive member for leisure and culture and play champion for the borough cut the ceremonial ribbon for the lottery funded play area.
The £77,000 project was designed by Groundwork Pennine Lancashire and coordinated by the Council.
The play area features unique Wild life sculptures, a giant wooden xylophone, a Billy Goats Gruff themed bridge and other challenging and exciting play equipment pieces.
There is also a picnic and storytelling area all in a woodland setting.
Councillor Law-Riding said: "This is a fantastic new play space in a scenic and peaceful spot.
"Not only is this another great resource for youngsters in the borough but an added reason to visit Witton Park, one of the jewels in the borough's crown."
The day also saw the young and the young at heart come together to celebrate nation Playday.
This is the third year the borough has celebrated National Playday and this year's theme is Alice in Wonderland and making time for children.
Blackburn with Darwen hosted two events. One at Witton Park and the other at the Borough Road field in Darwen opposite Bold Venture Park.
There was plenty of free activities on offer including a climbing wall, arts and crafts, sports, a DJ workshop, face painting, an obstacle course and a tug of war.
Visitors to Witton Park also had the chance to have their say in the consultation for the new half a million Adventure Play Park being developed at the park as part of the Play Pathfinder project.
The play facilities will be thanks to a share of the £2.5 million investment in play across Blackburn with Darwen, from the Government’s Play Pathfinder programme.
Tuesday, August 04, 2009
Young movie makers spread e-safety message
Budding young filmmakers are helping to raise awareness of internet safety for children.
Year 6 children from St Mary and St Joseph’s RC Primary School in Blackburn have scooped first and second prize in the Safety Competition 2009 to raise awareness of Safer Internet Day.
Primary and secondary schools pupils were asked to write a plan for a short film to help other young people use the internet safely.
The three minute films at the school in Bennington Street were designed during ICT lessons with support from teachers and the winning children then went on to make their films under the guidance of James Hardy, the Blackburn with Darwen City Learning Centre (CLC) manager.
First prize winners received a Dell mini laptop each, provided by North West Learning Grid to help raise awareness of Safer Internet Day.
Second prize winners received an Asus mini laptop donated by Blackburn with Darwen E-learning service.
The children were presented with their prizes by the head of service Ann Bennett during a special assembly where the films had their first public viewing in front of the whole school.
The completed films will soon be available to watch on the Blackburn with Darwen learning platform, at www.learningbwd.org.uk.
The learning platform is an online environment containing a collection of tools that allows users to communicate, collaborate and share ideas and resources. All school staff and pupils have access to it.
All schools in Blackburn and Darwen now have e-safety policies, and extra e-safety training will be offered in schools across the borough from September.
Two of the first ever e-safety Ofsted inspections were carried out at St Edward’s RC Primary School in Darwen and Our Lady of Perpetual Succour RC Primary in Blackburn recently, and both schools were praised by inspectors for their internet safety measures.
Year 6 children from St Mary and St Joseph’s RC Primary School in Blackburn have scooped first and second prize in the Safety Competition 2009 to raise awareness of Safer Internet Day.
Primary and secondary schools pupils were asked to write a plan for a short film to help other young people use the internet safely.
The three minute films at the school in Bennington Street were designed during ICT lessons with support from teachers and the winning children then went on to make their films under the guidance of James Hardy, the Blackburn with Darwen City Learning Centre (CLC) manager.
First prize winners received a Dell mini laptop each, provided by North West Learning Grid to help raise awareness of Safer Internet Day.
Second prize winners received an Asus mini laptop donated by Blackburn with Darwen E-learning service.
The children were presented with their prizes by the head of service Ann Bennett during a special assembly where the films had their first public viewing in front of the whole school.
The completed films will soon be available to watch on the Blackburn with Darwen learning platform, at www.learningbwd.org.uk.
The learning platform is an online environment containing a collection of tools that allows users to communicate, collaborate and share ideas and resources. All school staff and pupils have access to it.
All schools in Blackburn and Darwen now have e-safety policies, and extra e-safety training will be offered in schools across the borough from September.
Two of the first ever e-safety Ofsted inspections were carried out at St Edward’s RC Primary School in Darwen and Our Lady of Perpetual Succour RC Primary in Blackburn recently, and both schools were praised by inspectors for their internet safety measures.
Monday, August 03, 2009
Godfather Opens New Italian Restaurant in Darwen
The ever popular Godfather take-away in Darwen has opened its doors as the towns newest Italian restaurant. The Godfather in Darwen has always been proud to be a favourite with local residents for their fine take-away pizzas and kebabs but the owners are keen to stress that the restaurant is completely separate.
"The pizza dough used for our restaurant pizzas is made using different ingredients and the whole menu is brand new for the restaurant with plenty of additions which are unique to the restaurant side. We hope people will enjoy our food and keep coming back to experience our friendly and relaxed atmosphere" one of the owners, Keyvan, told us.
The Italian restaurant, which opened for the first time lat weekend, is split over two floors in the building next door to the pre-existing take-away shop in Duckworth Street, Darwen. To help encourage people to call in for the first time they are offering free corkage when you bring your own bottle of wine for a limited time.
"We will continue to allow people to bring their own wine in future, but we plan on introducing a corkage fee at some point." Keyvan explained.
Darwen's new Italian restaurant is ideal for functions too and they will happily take bookings of 50+ people for Christmas parties, works parties, christenings etc.
Keyvan told us how the restaurant will be family orientated and children are more than welcome with a special "early bird" set menu for those who wish to dine a little earlier (4pm-7pm), offering 2 courses for £10.50 and 3 courses for £12.95.
The Godfather Pizza House was established in 1990 and has always been a family run business which prides itself on its relationship with their customers. To tie in with the strong family relationship, the restaurant features pictures of the owners' Grandfather, Ervardo, who was born and raised in Naples, Italy.
Alongside photographs of family you will also find some old photographs of Darwen, some of which you may not have seen before - why not call in to The Godfather Restaurant next time you're popping out for a meal in Darwen. Be sure to mention Darwen Online when you pay the bill!
"The pizza dough used for our restaurant pizzas is made using different ingredients and the whole menu is brand new for the restaurant with plenty of additions which are unique to the restaurant side. We hope people will enjoy our food and keep coming back to experience our friendly and relaxed atmosphere" one of the owners, Keyvan, told us.
The Italian restaurant, which opened for the first time lat weekend, is split over two floors in the building next door to the pre-existing take-away shop in Duckworth Street, Darwen. To help encourage people to call in for the first time they are offering free corkage when you bring your own bottle of wine for a limited time.
"We will continue to allow people to bring their own wine in future, but we plan on introducing a corkage fee at some point." Keyvan explained.
Darwen's new Italian restaurant is ideal for functions too and they will happily take bookings of 50+ people for Christmas parties, works parties, christenings etc.
Keyvan told us how the restaurant will be family orientated and children are more than welcome with a special "early bird" set menu for those who wish to dine a little earlier (4pm-7pm), offering 2 courses for £10.50 and 3 courses for £12.95.
The Godfather Pizza House was established in 1990 and has always been a family run business which prides itself on its relationship with their customers. To tie in with the strong family relationship, the restaurant features pictures of the owners' Grandfather, Ervardo, who was born and raised in Naples, Italy.
Alongside photographs of family you will also find some old photographs of Darwen, some of which you may not have seen before - why not call in to The Godfather Restaurant next time you're popping out for a meal in Darwen. Be sure to mention Darwen Online when you pay the bill!
Tackling Diabetes makes for a moving story
Blackburn with Darwen's Healthy Communities Partnership is aiming to help tackle diabetes in Blackburn with a series of initiatives.
Volunteers from the Healthy Communities Partnership's diabetes group have been touring the borough with an educational drama about diabetes called 'Houston We Have A Problem'.
The drama written and performed by the group follows the story of Shirley who after a life with a lack of exercise, binge eating and drinking is diagnosed with diabetes.
The heart warming story takes the audience on a reminiscent journey from the 1960s to the present day with lots of singing and laughter along the way while getting across important health messages and promoting healthier lifestyles in the prevention and management of diabetes.
The group of volunteers aged between 50 -83 previously toured the borough with their drama around elder abuse, which resulted in an increase of reporting elder abuse to adult social services by three times.
It is hoped this drama will promote healthier lifestyles in the prevention and management of diabetes.
Support from healthcare services such as retinopathy screening and an Xpert patient (diabetic nurse) are also on hand at performances to answer any clinical questions.
The Healthy Communities Partnership is also helping to stage a diabetes awareness day at Bangor Street Community Centre on Saturday, August 8.
The event, which starts at 11am and runs until 2pm is being organised by the partnership alongside the Blackburn Healthy Living Centre and the Bangor Street Health Centre.
The day will feature a number of presentations from Xpert patients, local GPs, representatives from Diabetes Uk and the Retinopathy Screening programme.
The next performance of 'Houston We Have A Problem' takes place at St Albans Social Club on Norwich Road on Tuesday, August 4, 1.30pm.
And at the Bangor Street Community Centre diabetes awareness day from 1pm.
Tickets are free and available from the venues or call Health and Fitness (01254) 694503 to reserve a place.
And anyone interested in booking the drama for a community group phone Caroline Holtom on (01254) 694503
Volunteers from the Healthy Communities Partnership's diabetes group have been touring the borough with an educational drama about diabetes called 'Houston We Have A Problem'.
The drama written and performed by the group follows the story of Shirley who after a life with a lack of exercise, binge eating and drinking is diagnosed with diabetes.
The heart warming story takes the audience on a reminiscent journey from the 1960s to the present day with lots of singing and laughter along the way while getting across important health messages and promoting healthier lifestyles in the prevention and management of diabetes.
The group of volunteers aged between 50 -83 previously toured the borough with their drama around elder abuse, which resulted in an increase of reporting elder abuse to adult social services by three times.
It is hoped this drama will promote healthier lifestyles in the prevention and management of diabetes.
Support from healthcare services such as retinopathy screening and an Xpert patient (diabetic nurse) are also on hand at performances to answer any clinical questions.
The Healthy Communities Partnership is also helping to stage a diabetes awareness day at Bangor Street Community Centre on Saturday, August 8.
The event, which starts at 11am and runs until 2pm is being organised by the partnership alongside the Blackburn Healthy Living Centre and the Bangor Street Health Centre.
The day will feature a number of presentations from Xpert patients, local GPs, representatives from Diabetes Uk and the Retinopathy Screening programme.
The next performance of 'Houston We Have A Problem' takes place at St Albans Social Club on Norwich Road on Tuesday, August 4, 1.30pm.
And at the Bangor Street Community Centre diabetes awareness day from 1pm.
Tickets are free and available from the venues or call Health and Fitness (01254) 694503 to reserve a place.
And anyone interested in booking the drama for a community group phone Caroline Holtom on (01254) 694503
Trading Standards warn of 'bogus' marketing ploys
Residents are being warned to be on their guard after forceful cold calling sales techniques have been used to offer loft and wall insulation.
Trading Standards have received reports from people living in Blackburn saying they have been contacted by salesmen using pressurised marketing ploys.
The caller informs residents that they must have their loft insulation increased as it is a legal requirement. Trading standards chiefs have warned this is simply not true.
In each instance the salesman claimed to be calling on behalf of "energy supply companies" and did not leave a trading address, just a name and only an 0808 number.
Trading Standards say it is possible the bogus traders are trying to make money on the back of the Council's new initiative offering loft and wall insulation from only £99 each. The Council is working with Bookmysurvey and the installation company HIS. The bogus company is selling their product for double the Council's price.
Homeowners are being urged not to deal with unknown traders.
Paul Heward, the council's principal officer for consumer protection, said: "This appears to be a scam because there is no legal requirement to have your loft insulation increased.
"The public protection service would always advise the public to be wary when traders attempt to sell products over the phone or at the door.
"We would also ask that members of the public make our older citizens aware of this potential scam.
"Enquiries are ongoing to ascertain where the calls are emanating in order to eliminate this problem at source."
Anybody concerned about this issue or wanting to book a free survey for the discounted insulation service can contact Nicole Cook, the council's senior housing officer on 01254 588863.
Trading Standards have received reports from people living in Blackburn saying they have been contacted by salesmen using pressurised marketing ploys.
The caller informs residents that they must have their loft insulation increased as it is a legal requirement. Trading standards chiefs have warned this is simply not true.
In each instance the salesman claimed to be calling on behalf of "energy supply companies" and did not leave a trading address, just a name and only an 0808 number.
Trading Standards say it is possible the bogus traders are trying to make money on the back of the Council's new initiative offering loft and wall insulation from only £99 each. The Council is working with Bookmysurvey and the installation company HIS. The bogus company is selling their product for double the Council's price.
Homeowners are being urged not to deal with unknown traders.
Paul Heward, the council's principal officer for consumer protection, said: "This appears to be a scam because there is no legal requirement to have your loft insulation increased.
"The public protection service would always advise the public to be wary when traders attempt to sell products over the phone or at the door.
"We would also ask that members of the public make our older citizens aware of this potential scam.
"Enquiries are ongoing to ascertain where the calls are emanating in order to eliminate this problem at source."
Anybody concerned about this issue or wanting to book a free survey for the discounted insulation service can contact Nicole Cook, the council's senior housing officer on 01254 588863.
Make time for national Playday
On Wednesday, August 5, Blackburn with Darwen is celebrating national Playday.
Right across the country events will be taking place in this annual celebration of childrens’ right to play.
Blackburn with Darwen is hosting two events. One at Witton Park and the other at the Borough Road field in Darwen opposite Bold Venture Park, from 1.30pm until 4pm.
This is the third year the borough has celebrated national Play Day and this year's theme is Alice in Wonderland and making time for children.
Everyone from parents to carers, teachers to policy makers, are being urged to make time for play.
Councillor Michael Law-Riding, executive member for leisure and culture and play champion for the borough said: "Play is an important part of growing up and it gives children the freedom to be just that children.
"We have something for everyone on offer this Playday and its all free so I would encourage everyone to at least for one day make time for play."
In Darwen there will be plenty of free activities including a climbing wall, arts and crafts, sports and a DJ workshop.
Younger children can enjoy a puppet theatre, story time, face painting and much much more.
And families are invited come along before hand with a picnic to make it a real day out.
At Witton Park the free activities on offer include outdoor games, arts and crafts, an obstacle course, tug of war, a nature trail, beat the goalie and a bouncy castle.
The day will also see the grand opening of Witton Park’s new lottery funded play area, Big Cover Wood at 2pm.
The Big Cover Wood play area is a £77,000 lottery funded project that combines wildlife sculptures, an adventure playground, a picnic and storytelling area all in a woodland setting.
And from 1-4pm there will also be free sports coaching by athletes, Katherine Merry and Les Antoine as part of the Street Athletics project.
Visitors can also have their say in the consultation for the new half a million Adventure Play Park being developed at Witton Park as part of the Play pathfinder project.
The play facilities will be thanks to a share of the £2.5 million investment in play across Blackburn with Darwen, from the Government’s Play Pathfinder programme.
Right across the country events will be taking place in this annual celebration of childrens’ right to play.
Blackburn with Darwen is hosting two events. One at Witton Park and the other at the Borough Road field in Darwen opposite Bold Venture Park, from 1.30pm until 4pm.
This is the third year the borough has celebrated national Play Day and this year's theme is Alice in Wonderland and making time for children.
Everyone from parents to carers, teachers to policy makers, are being urged to make time for play.
Councillor Michael Law-Riding, executive member for leisure and culture and play champion for the borough said: "Play is an important part of growing up and it gives children the freedom to be just that children.
"We have something for everyone on offer this Playday and its all free so I would encourage everyone to at least for one day make time for play."
In Darwen there will be plenty of free activities including a climbing wall, arts and crafts, sports and a DJ workshop.
Younger children can enjoy a puppet theatre, story time, face painting and much much more.
And families are invited come along before hand with a picnic to make it a real day out.
At Witton Park the free activities on offer include outdoor games, arts and crafts, an obstacle course, tug of war, a nature trail, beat the goalie and a bouncy castle.
The day will also see the grand opening of Witton Park’s new lottery funded play area, Big Cover Wood at 2pm.
The Big Cover Wood play area is a £77,000 lottery funded project that combines wildlife sculptures, an adventure playground, a picnic and storytelling area all in a woodland setting.
And from 1-4pm there will also be free sports coaching by athletes, Katherine Merry and Les Antoine as part of the Street Athletics project.
Visitors can also have their say in the consultation for the new half a million Adventure Play Park being developed at Witton Park as part of the Play pathfinder project.
The play facilities will be thanks to a share of the £2.5 million investment in play across Blackburn with Darwen, from the Government’s Play Pathfinder programme.
Friday, July 24, 2009
Turton Tower Events
Help support Turton Tower by joining in one of the two events being held over the next 6 months. First, Friends of Turton Tower are trying to encourage people to visit the site over the school holidays:
Pack up your teddy and come down to Turton Tower where a teddy bears’ picnic is being held on Wednesday, August 5.
Bring your bear and enjoy a fun bear themed story, a tasty picnic and a mystery bear trail around the historic house.
Booking is required for this event that is suitable for pre-school and year 1 children with an accompanying adult.
Two sessions are arranged. The first will run from midday until 2pm and the second 3-5pm.
Tickets are £5.50 per person, which includes picnic, storytelling and bear trail.
There will be an indoor ‘carpet picnic’ if it’s wet weather.
And Turton Tower is now open everyday throughout the summer holidays.
The tower will be open everyday until 31 August with the tea room opening at 10.30am until 5pm and the tower opening midday until 5pm.
Councillor Michael Law-Riding, executive member for Leisure and Culture, said: “Now the summer holidays are getting underway it is a great time to visit Turton Tower.
“The Grade I listed building set in beautiful grounds makes for a fun and educational family day out. “
For more information telephone (01204 852203) or visit www.blackburn.gov.uk/turtontower
In addition, November will see a special Jazz, Swing & Funk night featuring the Northern Jazz Orchestra.
Tickets, priced at £10 are available in advance from:
Turton Towers, Chapeltown Road,
Turton, BL7 0HG
Tel: 01204 852203
Chetham Arms, 83 High Street, Chapeltown
Turton, BL7 0EW
Tel: 01204 852279
www.thechetham.co.uk
Slaters Inkshop, 5 Bolton Road
Darwen, BB3 1DF
Tel: 01254 777829
www.slaters-inkshop.co.uk
Pack up your teddy and come down to Turton Tower where a teddy bears’ picnic is being held on Wednesday, August 5.
Bring your bear and enjoy a fun bear themed story, a tasty picnic and a mystery bear trail around the historic house.
Booking is required for this event that is suitable for pre-school and year 1 children with an accompanying adult.
Two sessions are arranged. The first will run from midday until 2pm and the second 3-5pm.
Tickets are £5.50 per person, which includes picnic, storytelling and bear trail.
There will be an indoor ‘carpet picnic’ if it’s wet weather.
And Turton Tower is now open everyday throughout the summer holidays.
The tower will be open everyday until 31 August with the tea room opening at 10.30am until 5pm and the tower opening midday until 5pm.
Councillor Michael Law-Riding, executive member for Leisure and Culture, said: “Now the summer holidays are getting underway it is a great time to visit Turton Tower.
“The Grade I listed building set in beautiful grounds makes for a fun and educational family day out. “
For more information telephone (01204 852203) or visit www.blackburn.gov.uk/turtontower
In addition, November will see a special Jazz, Swing & Funk night featuring the Northern Jazz Orchestra.
Tickets, priced at £10 are available in advance from:
Turton Towers, Chapeltown Road,
Turton, BL7 0HG
Tel: 01204 852203
Chetham Arms, 83 High Street, Chapeltown
Turton, BL7 0EW
Tel: 01204 852279
www.thechetham.co.uk
Slaters Inkshop, 5 Bolton Road
Darwen, BB3 1DF
Tel: 01254 777829
www.slaters-inkshop.co.uk
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