Previous stories: 1 - 15 March 2007
Next stories: 1 - 15 April 2007

CANAL CORRIDOR DEVELOPMENT DEBATE
30/03/07: The Centros Millor Development: Good or Bad? is the title of a public debate to be held between the leaders of the political groups on the City Council. The debate will be chaired by Alan Whittaker and speakers confirmed to date are: Cllrs Barker (Lab), Coates (Green), Mace (Con) and Langhorn (Lib Dem) who will have an opportunity, in the run-up to the May local elections, to explain their positions on the proposed Canal Corridor Development. The debate will be held at the Gregson Centre in Lancaster on Tuesday 17 April at 7.30pm.

CAMPAIGNERS SEEK FUNDS FOR BYPASS BATTLE
27/3/06 by John Freeman: A local transport campaign group is has begun seeking financial backing from local people in the run up to the Public Inquiry on the proposed Northern Route of the Heysham- M6 Link Road, scheduled for July 2007.
Delighted that Transport Solutions for Lancaster and Morecambe and others have successfully brought about a Public Inquiry into the controversial scheme - which has the support of the Labour Party and many local councillors - TSLM says it will be vigorously presenting its case to the Planning Inspector with the help of expert witnesses and legal representation.
"We cannot do this without their input because of the technical and legal nature of the process," a TSLM Chair David Gate explains. "It will be expensive; but measured against the prospect of a destructive and polluting HGV dual carriageway across our district, we believe it will be money well spent."
TSLM now need supporters to help them raise funds to do battle against a County Council who, David argues, have "virtually unlimited financial resources courtesy of the taxpayer". You can find out how they plan to raise funds, which include a pize draw, via their web site at www.heyshamm6link.info
Alternatively you can simply send a donation to the Campaign Fund. Send cheques payable to TSLM with your name and address to TSLM D, PO BOX 146, Morecambe, LA4 6WR.
"The money raised will be spent wisely on your behalf," says TSLM Chair David Gate, "and TSLM will be doing everything possible at the Public Inquiry to ensure that this damaging and controversial road is not built."

WHAT'S IN THE BOX?

21/3/07: Visitors to Lancaster's Market Square will surprised by what they find there over the next couple of weeks.
The fountain, the centrepiece of the square, will be encased in 2.4 metre high white shutters, with only peep holes for people to look through. Strange sounds and lights will emanate from within and those curious enough to take a look through the holes will find a whole host of temporary sculptures appearing.
Sounds attention grabbing? It's meant to be. Lancaster City Council is now consulting local people about the future of Lancaster's Market Square. It is keen to hear local people's views - be they shoppers, shopkeepers, market traders, schoolchildren, museum visitors or people simply passing through - about how the area might be better used in the future and, in particular, their views about the future of the fountain.
The hoarding and special effects have been developed by Storey Gallery artist, John Gilbert, who will be present at the fountain, each day, talking to and recording the views and comments of the public. He will be joined in the market square area by city council officers who will also be talking to the public and consulting on their views about the future of the square area.
This exercise is the start of a longer process of trying to find out what role people think the Market Place should play in the future. The Council will be contacting all people with a stake in the Square and carrying out interviews on site.
• More details will be posted on the Council's website soon and comments can be sent by email to mkt2@lancaster.gov.uk or send a text to 07766928183.
The Council will take all views into account before making a decision later in the year on how to proceed.

DUKES HOSTS SECOND BIKE FESTIVAL
21/3/07: Recognising Lancaster's status as a Cycling Demonstration Town, the Dukes Cinema, Lancaster is to host its Second Bike Film Festival next month - and there's a chance to win free tickets.
Aimed at encouraging, respecting and celebrating cycling, the Bike Film Festival, 2007 is scheduled to take place between 16 - 26 April, and is a mixture of feature films in the cinema and short films and other events shown for free in the gallery, including the winning films from the Bike Film and Animation Awards.

The festival kicks off on 16 April with "Jour de fete", a hilarious exposé of the modern obsession with speed and efficiency, set in the rural surroundings of a tiny French village and finishing on 26 April with "The Carbon Cycle" which explores american attitudes to climate change as Dr Kate Rowles cycles 4553 miles from Mexico to Alaska.

"The Dukes is delighted to be supporting the Second Bike Film Festival," says Lesley-Anne Rose, Film Programme Manager at the Dukes. "Last year’s event was a huge success, attracting people from as far away as Scotland and this year’s event is even bigger and better. Whether you’re an extreme cyclist or have never yet experienced the joy of life on two wheels we have some truly inspirational films and events that celebrate cycling in all its glory.”
Tickets for the auditorium events cost £4.50 (concessions £3.50). Places in the gallery for the free films and events are strictly limited so booking is strongly recommended.
For more information, or to book tickets contact the Dukes tel. 0845 344 0642 (open 10am – 8pm, Monday – Saturday), by e-mail to tickets@dukes-lancaster.org, in person at the Dukes, Moor Lane, Lancaster or by visiting www.dukes-lancaster.org.
• Keep an eye out for information on all cycling events taking place in the coming months by visiting www.celebratingcycling.org.

THIS IS HARDCHORAL
20/3/07: Here's one for Lancaster's many musicians and school kids: inspired by the efforts of a Lancashire-based choral group, BBC6 Music's Weekend Breakfast Show are scouring the UK, looking for the best choral version, by a kids choir, of a 6 music song. 
The choral version "can be from the current crop of bands we're playing on the show," say Natasha Desborough, presenter of the Weekend Breakfast show. "The Kaisers, Razorlight, Snow Patrol, The Arcade Fire, or it could be a classic, Hendrix track, or something from the Stones, Led Zep, Radiohead or Oasis.
"We want parents to encourage their kids, we want music teachers to jump on board," she continues. "It's a great way of making music accessible to kids  who are probably more interested in singing Maximo Park than Mozart." 
The competition is open to children across the UK, so if you're at school and you want to have a crack at this, get a load of mates together and get rehearsing.
The idea for the competition was sparked by a spine tingling choral version of  The Kaiser Chief's 'I predict a riot', which has been given a new treatment by Warrington-based choir The Cheshire Chord Company.  The song was taken to the choir meet by the mother of one of the Kaiser Chief's roadies.
Entries so far include a spookily good rendition of '(Don't fear) The Reaper' (The Blue Oyster Cult) sung by a Cambridge junior school.
Entries via  CD or MP3 will be accepted up until the closing date of Friday 13th April. For details on how to enter visit Natasha's page on the 6 music website. www.bbc.co.uk/6music
All of the entries will go on the 6 music website, then over the weekend of the 15th April the 6 music listeners will vote for their favourite, the three with the most votes will come in the following weekend (21st) and sing live in front of a panel of judges with the winners getting what thousands of bands in the UK would love to have: two weeks of airplay on BBC 6 music.

HARRY POTTER POTTY!
20/3/07: Lancaster's Dukes Cinema has gone Harry Potter potty this Easter and will be welcoming all witches and wizards to join the magical day of Potter films and fancy dress. Muggles' Marathon offers you the chance to catch up on all four movies which will be running throughout the day on Saturday 7 April.
"This Hogwarts holiday comes in preparation for the release of the next book and film by J K Rowling," explains Dukes' film manager, Lesley Anne Rose. "We'll be running a fancy dress competition on the day with lots of Easter goodies waiting to be won for the best dressed Potter fan."
The programme includes screenings of Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, Chamber of Secrets, The Prisoner of Azkaban and the Goblet of Fire. Moaning Myrtles should make sure they don't miss out!
Tickets: 1 film £4.50/£3.50, 2 films £8/£6.50, 3 films £10.50.£9, 4 films £12/£10. To book, please call Box Office on 0845 3440654 or email tickets@dukes-lancaster.org

LIVE MUSIC BACK AT THE LION
20/3/07 (with thanks to Tony Cooke): Good news for live music lover. The Golden Lion in Moor Lane, Lancaster is now putting on live music again. Hooray, hooray! About time too. It's every Saturday evening, from 9.00pm onwards, and will feature a range of local acts. However....
But the good news doesn't end there: on Saturday 7 April - Easter Saturday - the pub is to host a concert by the completely fab and whizzo Roger Wilson, a unique and extraordinary guitar and fiddle player, gained enviable international acclaim for his musicianship with such artists as Kate Rusby, John Tams, the USA-based House Band and Martin Carthy and Chris Wood. Wilson has a wonderful voice and immense capacity for original and inspired songwriting.
This gig will, of course, be completely free and will be held in the back room of the pub so there is only minimal distraction from other pub-goers.

LUDUS LAUNCHES ITS FIRST SALE!

16/3/07: Britain's premier dance in education company, Ludus Dance, is launching its first ever online sale for dance classes in Lancaster. Regulars and new participants can log on to their web site at www.ludusdance.org from 10am, 21 March - 3 April and save a massive 20% off the weekly summer term prices.

James Wooldridge, at Ludus Dance explains the idea behind the sale, “We wanted to reward those people who show their commitment to the dance centre term by giving them a better deal. This is the first time we have ever held an online sale, and we're expecting high demand for these limited bargain prices.”

Based in the Assembly Rooms, on King Street in Lancaster, Ludus Dance offers dance classes for all abilities, from toddlers through to adults. Kate Mercer Head of Dance Development explains, “Ludus Dance is not what people might perceive as a traditional dance school. We focus on having fun, meeting new people and getting fit, rather than dance exams. The majority of our regular classes are for mixed abilities, so beginner's new to dance should not feel intimidated about joining a class.”

Ludus Dance offers classes for both adults and young people in a variety of diverse styles. Classes range from Ballroom to Ballet, Tap to Contemporary, and Street Dance to Belly Dance. The Lindy Hop class is proving particular popular – a high energy social dance associated with Swing Music. You don't need a partner, just be ready to boogie-back and swing-out in style!

Meanwhile, in July Ludus will be launching a week long 'Commotion' Summer School where adults can take part in special dance workshops including; Bollywood dancing, learning some of the famous moves from Chicago and for the finale you can look forward to the return of 'Stone the Crows' a mixed Morris team based in Leyland specialising in Border Dancing.

The Summer term starts on Saturday 21 April 2007 for childrens classes from 3 – 11years, whilst the adult classes start from Monday 23 April.

To find out more just call Ludus Dance on 01524 35936 or log onto www.ludusdance.org

WHIRLWIND:
CHILDREN'S EASTER THEATRE WORKSHOP
16/3/07: Whirlwind Theatre for Children is whirling into action with its new fun packed season starting this Easter.
The company is offering full day Holiday workshops from the 2 - 5 April and The Summer Half Term 29 - 31 t May at the Kings House, the Christian Community Centre on Phoenix Street, Lancaster.
Themes include Storymaking with puppets and African Rhymes and ancient quests. The popular three week summer school returns (30 July - 18 August) with a production of 'Around the Pond in Eighty Days' A musical for
children By Shrubshall and Free. Can Phileas Frog (aided by his Friend Pass) get around the pond in eighty days? He'd better because he's wagered his boss, Fink, that he can - The stakes being Phil's Luxury Lily Pad....
This year Whirlwind has included a live band with musicians from London's West End theatres and Chris Barber's Jazz Band.
Myette Godwin of Whirlwind Theatre tells us:
"Children get the chance to work alongside the professional theatre company of actors, director, stage management and musical director and put on four public performances.
The company is dedicated to working in an inclusive way and invites local children from all backgrounds and with all abilities - they don't have to have had any theatrical experience!
"The staff offer a safe environment in which children can learn and take risks and experience new challenges. As well as a highly skilled and professional theatre staff Whirlwind also has a team of qualified childcare workers and because it is Ofsted Registered gives an affordable alternative to holiday childcare.
"This year the fees can, in some cases, be claimed back through the childcare Tax Credit."
For more details see www.whirlwindtheatre.org.uk/ or please telephone 01524 812851

Previous stories: 1 - 15 March 2007
Next stories: 1 - 15 April 2007