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FIRE STRIKE GOES AHEAD
22/11/02: The eight-day fire strike has started after last-ditch talks early this morning between the Fire Brigades Union (FBU) and management broke down. Talks aimed at averting industrial action continued well into last night, but failed to reach an agreement and the walk-out began at 9 o'clock this morning. At one point, the general secretary of the Fire Brigades Union (FBU), Andy Gilchrist, said he had been prepared to suspend the industrial action.
"We took a decision at 6.30 to say we were going to suspend the strike to allow talks to continue," said Geoff Ellis of the FBU on BBC News this morning. He blamed the government for wrecking the chances of a deal, claiming the Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott had refused to read the detail of the proposed deal until after the strike was due to beguin. Prescott has denied the government had intervened.
Just two Green Goddess fire engines were on call to cover Lancaster and Morecambe during the recent one-day strike. Firefighters have said they will not stop red engines being removed from stations but point out that it takes four years to train a fire fighter not the three weeks army personnel have been given.
Earlier this week, BritainÕs most senior military chief Admiral Sir Michael Boyce said he was "extremely concerned" that the armed forces wonÕt be able to cope with training for a possible war on Iraq and battling blazes at home if fire fighters strike. Boyce has also reiterated that the armed forces should not cross picket lines.
Many Labour MPs have condemned the strike and the 40 percent pay claim, apparently forgetting completely that they voted for their own inflation-busting 42 per cent pay rise last year.

More about the Pay Campaign: www.fbu.org.uk
Fire Safety Web Site: www.safety.odpm.gov.uk/fire and also here: www.firekills.gov.uk

PSAPPHA!
22/11/02: Steve Mackey, one of America's most gifted and original composers and electric guitairists, is making a guest appearance with legendary jazz drummer Joey Baron and music ensemble Psappha next Thursday (28 November) at Lancaster University.
Now professor of Music at Princeton University, Steve trained as a classical and electric guitarist, and Baroque lutenist before turning to composing.
Mackey will perform his own work together with Joey Baron (the hot New York jazz drummer known for his work with guitarist Bill Frisell) and large ensemble. Psappha, formed in 1991 by its Artistic Director, Tim Williams, has built up a repertoire of over 170 works and a reputation for outstanding technical and interpretational ability.
Tickets are; £12, £9.50 (£9.50, £7 conc.), Young Person £5. Box office: 0800 028 3042

UP THE SHRIMPS!
22/11/02: We know we're not renowned for our sports coverage here at Virtual-Lancaster (offer to the usual e-mail address please!). But even we can't be churlish enough to ignore Morecambe's fantastic victory over Chesterfield last Saturday, which sees them through to the second round of the FA Cup for the second time in three years.
So congratulations to the team and good luck against Chester, who'll they'll be playing against on Saturday 7 December. Kick off is at 3.00pm at Christie Park.

BACK TO THEIR ROOTS
22/11/02: Cracking folk-blues band Lindisfarne are playing the Platform next Friday (29th). The band first appeared out of Tyneside in the early 1970s with an instantly recognisable style combining memorable songs, rootsy instrumentation and rock sensibility. They produced a clutch of hit records including Meet me on the Corner and Lady Eleanor and have won them a huge following. Their the latest album, Promenade, released in March 2002 saw them acknowledged as creators at the cutting edge of their field.
Tickets are tickets priced at £12 adults and £10 concessions, available from the Box Office on 01524 582803.
• Lindisfarne + Alan Hull Official web site: Go

ITÕS GRIM DOWN SOUTH!
22/11/02: Business leaders visiting Manchester for next week's Confederation of British Industry conference are being told they should stay in the North West after the main event because it's a better place to live and work. An ad campaign under the title of 'Capital Punishment' paints London in an unflattering light compared to the North West when it comes to quality of life staples such as time spent travelling to work, house prices, office rents and cost of childcare. The ads are to run in national newspapers and the London Evening Standard during the conference and are sure to get Southerners backs up!
Defending the latest contribution to the ongoing North-South debate the man behind the campaign, Northwest Development Agency Director of Marketing Peter Mearns, says it's 'Grim Down South' compared to living in the Northwest region: "Our ad campaign is intended to be tongue in cheek, but does carry a serious message for businesses and their employees. There's more to life than London, and the South East and there's no better time to promote that message while the CBI is in Manchester".
In CBI-related news, there will be an anti-war protest at the CBI conference this Sunday (24) at 3.30pm at the GMEX, Manchester City Centre. Rolling protests will continue till late Monday. Guests at this year's event include Gordon Brown MP, Paul O'Neill, US Treasury Secretary, Lord Browne, boss of BP, and Tony Blair MP, plus the bosses of the arms companies and private firms after our public services. E-mail for more info:

DAFT ARREST
22/11/02: A Brighton man was arrested this week -- for stealing his own car! SchNews reports that the man was pulled over in his car on a routine police check, arrested with his two passengers, and held for 11 hours for "suspicion of theft" - of his own car which was taxed and insured.
When he tried to get his car back he was told by Worthing cops that he'd have to wait. Meanwhile at the police compound, cars are only kept for a week and when he didn't show up, his car was crushed.

FED UP WITH FIREWORKS?
22/11/02: Even though we celebrated the persecution of Catholics nearly a month ago fireworks are still going off in our streets.
The RSPCA is now calling for a reform of the regulations controlling fireworks: they believe loud fireworks should be restricted to organised public displays with strict guidelines on minimising animal distress.
In a recent MORI poll, 71 per cent agreed that loud fireworks should only be allowed at public displays.

GREAT BRITONS
22/11/02: ThereÕs still time to vote for John Lennon and knock Brunel and Princess Diana off their perch at the top of the BBCÕs Great Britons poll.
30,000 people nominated their Greatest Britons last year, resulting in the Top Ten featured in the series, which ends on Sunday with a live show on BBC2.

Simon Morgan (left) and colleague from CR Chelverton

CONSULTATION IN THEIR OWN TIME
21/11/02: Local representatives have finally met with Chleverton Properties to find out more about their plans for Lancaster's canal corridor and the Bulk Road area.
The company has proposed a new supermarket and a link road that has already been rejected by the local community in the past.
Councillor Jonathan Sear (Green Party) was among the local representatives who met Chelverton's Simon Morgan, along with Lancaster MP Hilton Dawson, ward councillors and local business people.
"Chelverton were slightly more open about the land and properties they already own," Jonathan Sear told Virtual-Lancaster, "and those they have an option on, for example they own the Old Crown pub. However they don't want to meet with the public or go into consultation until they have a firmer plan. This is obviously completely the wrong way round to do things.
"They are set on a big food store on the Kingsway site."
Outside the meeting around 20 people from the Stop Chelverton and Real Planning for Lancaster campaign groups congregated outside Lancaster Town Hall to greet CR Chelverton executive Simon Morgan, and present him with a petition and a certificate of Refusal of the Freedom of the City and notice to quit. He shot past in a blur and a teflon smile. Demonstrators dressed as cripples (Don't cripple our town) and fish (Save our canal) then gathered under the meeting room window to leaflet, drum, chant, dance and let off an extremely loud klaxon.
According to Cllr Sear they could hear them in the meeting. They could probably hear them at County Hall in Preston.In relalted news, Wednesday's Real Planning for Lancaster benefit gig at the Gregson Centre raised another £250 for the campaign.

• Read more about CR Chelverton's plans for central Lancaster

MARKET TALKS SCORE SUCCESS FOR BOTH SIDES
21/11/02: Traders from Morecambe's Festival Market met with market managers and Councillor James Airey from the City Council's Cabinet to discuss some of the major issues facing the market in the coming months.
The meeting was hailed as a great success by both sides and gives the opportunity for the Traders to work with the Council for the future benefit of the market as a whole.
Traders had specifically asked the Council to consider the timing of any festivals that would be held in the market hall. The Punk Festival has now been agreed for the 20 - 22 June 2003, a period which avoids the peak trading season for market traders. The Council has also invited a representative from the Morecambe Festival Market Traders' Association (MFMTA) to sit on the working group that will be making arrangements for the Punk Festival. This should ensure that the Traders' concerns over the logistics of vacating and then re-occupying stalls will be taken fully into account. This would allow for sufficient time to be taken into account for thorough cleaning of the market hall and re-positioning of stalls.
"The Council is fully aware of the upheaval that Festivals cause to the traders and of the effect on their trade," commented Coun James Airey. "However, Festival type events, which were too large to be accommodated in other Morecambe venues, would have to continue to use the market hall for the foreseeable future. The Council could not contemplate the claw-back of grant funding, which had been received to assist in the development of the venue. However, a date, outside the peak summer trading period had been deliberately chosen as a response to the traders Committee who had asked to be protected."
Del Chuck, Chairman of the MFMTA said, "Market Traders would prefer to maintain continuous trading in the market which is now one of the largest retail outlets in Morecambe. Whilst we acknowledge that Festivals will be with us for the foreseeable future, traders would prefer Festivals to be outside the main summer season which would minimise the effect on trade but increase trade for other groups such as the hoteliers. We are very pleased that the Punk Festival will be outside the peak summer season and look forward to working with the Council to ensure the success of the Festival alongside the success of the market."
The meeting also considered another major issue, which has been the subject of recent local publicity. The City Council is considering implementing additional charging for stalls that have been expanded by traders to display their goods. The Committee accepted the principle that additional space used should not compromise Health and Safety but where it is practicable it is only fair that a reasonable charge should be paid. No trader is to be forced to pay more if their stall is kept to the standard dimensions. However, the Council agreed, that as many traders increase their stock in the light of the approaching Christmas period, the proposed changes would be deferred to the New Year.
All those attending the meeting agreed that, at a time when other markets across the north west are experiencing serious decline, the Festival Market is more than holding its own and represents a major success in Morecambe's regeneration to date.
Councillor Airey added: "The market has become a major attraction in its own right, bringing in large numbers of visitors to Morecambe on market days throughout the year and we look forward to working with the traders to continue that success."

SKATING HIGH ON CABINET'S AGENDA
18/11/02: Supporting the district's skating fans will be high on the agenda at the next meeting of Lancaster City Council's Cabinet on 26 November.
Earlier this year Cabinet supported an application to the Home Office to raise money to fund a Skateboard Park for the District. The application was made as part of a partnership involving not only the council but also groups of local skaters. It was supported by a number of agencies, including the Police and Lancashire County Council. As applications for the funding were hugely in excess of the money available Lancaster City Council has now been told that its bid was unsuccessful on this occasion.
Earlier this month the Council's Mayor, Coun Eileen Blamire, launched a campaign, 'Donate 2 Sk8', to raise funds for skating facilities. The Mayoral Appeal is entirely separate from the Council's responsibility for Leisure Services, but at its 26 November meeting Cabinet will discuss how it can lend its support to this campaign, and ensure a suitable venue for any skate park.
Recommendations due to be made to Cabinet include the council's Leisure Services department co-ordinating a Lottery Sports Fund bid to help provide additional funding to that raised via the campaign and agreeing to the setting up of Donate 2 Sk8 'donation' points.
As the location of such a Park has not yet been decided Cabinet will also discuss the important issue of consultation in order to gage public opinion on where such a facility should be situated. They will also look at the on-going costs of such a facility. It's recommended that £4,000 a year is included for consideration as part of the 2003/2004 Budget process.
Commenting, Director of Regeneration, John Donnellon said: "Through our regular liaison with young people it is clear that there is a real demand out there for skating facilities and our bid to the Home Office reflected our commitment to support that demand. Now that we know that there is no money available to us from that source we are looking to find other ways to finance such a facility and in turn support the Donate 2 Sk8 Campaign."
The council's own Regeneration Board has already recommended to Cabinet that Cabinet should consider including a bid for £10,000 to be allocated to skateboard provision in the proposals Cabinet will put to Council for next year's budget.
"If enough money can be found then it is important that we consult with the skaters and the public in general to find out their views on where such a facility should be situated. The venue will be vital to the success of any leisure facility."
The campiagn for a new skate parks has attracted huge local support across the district.
The Mayoral Appeal, as First Citizen of the District, is entirely separate from the Council's responsibility for Leisure Services. Mayor Elieen Blamire has decided to focus her charity this year on an Appeal for Play Areas for the District, in particular, skateboard parks.

• Any queries/donations to the Mayor's Charity Appeal should only be to the Mayor's Office for Councillor Blamire, the Mayor herself, or Yvonne Swain, Ceremonial and Members' Officer, telephone number 582070. Donation cheques should be made payable to "Mayor's Charity Fund".

CHELVERTON - DON'T CRIPPLE OUR TOWN!
20/11/02: Delegates and representatives from the Lancaster community will arrange their own welcoming committee to meet Simon Morgan of CR Chelverton on Thursday 21 November when he comes to meet Lancaster MP, Ward Councillors, County Councillor and local businesses. The delegates will present Mr Morgan with with a photo album of the things that will be lost if Chelverton's plans get the go-ahead. Pictures include the Music Co-op, the two dance studios, The Dukes and local businesses on the site.
Another group of residents will be wearing bandages, arms in slings and using crutches to make the point that Lancaster will be socially and economically crippled if the new road, big box retail units and superstore are built.
"Simon didn't want us at this meeting, not even sitting at the back of the room listening," says local resident Ms Westphar.
"So we've decided to arrange our own welcoming committee for him. We want to show him how attached we are to our town, and that we don't take kindly to profit-driven developments destroying Lancaster."
"The photo album that we want to present to Simon Morgan shows that it's not just car parks he wants to destroy," added Mrs S. Banks, "but thriving businesses and cultural venues."
• Read more about Chelverton's plans here

GRANTS TO VOLUNTARY ORGANISATIONS
20/11/02: Lancaster City Council is reminding voluntary organisations that it still has funds available within its various Grants Budgets.
Earlier this year voluntary organisations were invited to apply for grants and with some funds still available for Welfare, Sports and Recreation, the Council is now inviting further applications. The types of grant available are:

Welfare Grants: The Council makes contributions to the funds of voluntary organisations whose activities consist of, or include, the provision of recreation or meals for aged persons. Those organisations concerned with the provision of meals for those in need will be give first priority. After these have been considered, organisations making claims for other needs, particularly for disabled persons will be considered.

Miscellaneous Grants: The Council makes contributions to promote voluntary work in the community for the benefit of the residents. Unfortunately, there are no further funds available this financial year for this type of grant.

Sport and Recreation: The Council makes contributions to organisations which promote sport and recreational activities. Priority is given to assist Clubs, whose membership is wholly, or mainly, comprised of young members up to the age of 18 years. The maximum grant allowed from the fund is £500.

Application forms and further information are available from Lancaster Town Hall, by telephoning 582082 or 582058. The closing date for applications is 31st December 2002. Decisions on applications will be made by Cabinet in early February 2003.

• For grant queries call Claire Wardle - telephone 582058 or email

LOCK UP YOUR DAUGHTERS
20//11/02: The legendary Your Dad (Ian Marchant & Chas Ambler) will be performing a new half hour at The Yorkshire House tomorrow night, (Thursday 21 November, 9.00pm prompt). Jazz from other local notaries, including Melvyn Dodd, will complete the evening.

METEORS AT DAWN (NEARLY)
18/11/02: Weather permitting, Lancaster residents could be enjoying a massive meteor shower display in the early hours of tomorrow morning.
Leonid meteor storms happen when Earth ploughs through clouds of dusty debris shed by comet 55/P Tempel-Tuttle. Early Tuesday morning, 19 November the NASA web site reports we can witness the collision.
The best place to watch the show is outside under the stars; however, if you prefer the warmth of your home or clouds block your view, NASA will broadcast the event live on the web.

• For times of the shower, see this web page on the NASA site. We suggest using either Glasgow or London as reference.


ON THE BOLLYWOOD TRAIL
17/11/02: North West Vision, the film and television commission for the region, is on the lookout for members of the district's Asian communities that might have skills needed by "Bollywood" film companies.
NW Vision is compiling a database that can be presented to "Bollywood" producers to help attract them to work in the region. Obvious skills include acting experience, work as an extra, directorial or production experience, scriptwriting, editing, make-up, lighting and sound. Some less obvious skills would include still photography, joinery, electrical work, PR, hair styling, costume design/making and corporate catering.
"'Bollywood' films attract huge audiences world-wide and new locations are always needed," says Lancaster City Council's Liaison Officer with North West Vision, Peter Crowther. "This District is building a reputation as a varied and scenic location for film and TV work and I'm sure that the skills to be found within the talented Asian communities will help attract more productions to this area."
Sharp-eyed viewers will have spotted that Lancaster and Morecambe are currently used as locations in the ITV drama series Stan the Man, whilst Channel 5's edition of Hot Property featuring properties in this area was recently repeated.

• Anyone within the Asian communities with skills to offer should write to Peter Crowther at Palatine Hall, Dalton Square, Lancaster LA1 1PW or e-mail him on

STEP INTO THE MUSIC ZONE
17/11/02: More Music in Morecambe celebrates another term of music-making with a fantastic evening of entertainment at the Platform next Tuesday 26 November at 7.30pm.
It's an opportunity to enjoy the ongoing achievements of local children, their families and others who play music at the Hothouse and in schools in Morecambe, Carnforth and Lancaster.
The concert will include a massed choir, led by local songstress Angie Palmer, who has gathered groups from Torrisholme Primary school, West end Primary School Carnforth North and the Hothouse Singers.
The choir have been rehearsing a range of songs form all corners of the world as well as one or two well-known favourites.
A massed Samba band from local schools will take the floor with a fantastic rhythm from the Dominican republic which will include vocal breaks written by players from West End Primary school. Baybeat Street Band will be supporting them and boosting their sound.
The second half of the evening will focus on two smaller bands including two groups from the Carnforth Music centre who are appearing at Music Zone for the first time. The Wind band led by peter Hamborg will feature brass and woodwind players while the All Sorts Band, led by Amada Marriott has strings and keyboards.
The Base Sauce Bop Squad will play a set of jazz standards and group compositions before MMM"s Artistic Director Pete Moser conducts a big play involving all the groups who have participated throughout the evening that could possibly be over a 100 people!

• Tickets are available at the Platform priced £2,00 full price £1.00 concessions.

EVOLVING ARTISTS!
16/11/02: Incongruous nudes, symbolic forms and evolutionary clocks are just some of the thought provoking imagery on

Dawn Blackmore 'Evolutionary Clock'

show at Lancaster City Museum called simply 'Evolution'. The exhibition of paintings, sculpture, ceramics and mixed media has been created by AIM - the Artists in Morecambe group, on the theme of change, development and metamorphosis. EVOLUTION runs from 16th November until 21st December and admission is free. You can find out more about AIM through their new website at www.aim-artists.co.uk