Virtual-Lancaster.net Newsletter: 1 – 17 February 2008
Recycling bin lids wild break for freedom! issue
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NEWS

ARCTIC GALES BLAST UK
Severe gales are battering the UK and a man died when his lorry was blown over on the M6 near Tebay services in Cumbria earlier yesterday (Thursday).
The M6 has been closed both ways between A601, Lancashire (M6 J35) and A74, Cumbria (M6 J44) due to severe winds. Many other roads are affected and you can check at www.bbc.co.uk/travelnews for updates.
The Met Office has issued a severe weather warning for parts of the UK.
Spokeswoman Helen Chivers said the cold weather was coming "straight from the Arctic" and everywhere across the UK would have a chance of seeing snow over the coming days.
"The air will be a lot colder, with sleet and snow showers working their way across the whole of the UK by Friday morning."
Northern areas could see snowfall between 10cm (4in) and 20cm (8in), while southern England is likely to see 2cm (1in) to 5cm (2in) of snow."
Blizzards and snow drifts, due to the high winds, were likely in northern parts, she added.
A travel warning has been issued. People are warned to stay indoors and avoid any but essential travel. Anyone planning to travel by sea or air should check with their travel operators before leaving home, as delays are inevitable.

LANCASTER CARNIVAL OF CULTURE
March 1 2008 – Be part of it!
The Carnival of Culture is intended as a celebration of all that's good and distinctive about Lancaster and a protest against the corporate takeover of Lancaster by Centros Miller and other developers, against the wishes of the community.
The Carnival organising team tell us: "From Centros Miller, the Northern Link road and out-of-town supermarket plans, Lancaster is subject to a barrage of proposed developments designed to benefit large companies, yet threaten the fabric and liveliness of our communities.
"We are tired of the lack of any say for the residents of the city as to the direction that the planners are taking us. The Carnival is about giving Centros, the Council and any other developers a taste of the strength of our communities and of our opposition. It's also about making links and creating lots of exciting and fun events!
"What's the Carnival of Culture doing? We want to inspire everyone who is against the Centros proposals and similar corporate driven development to join together in a colourful and loud Day of Carnival on Saturday 1 March. There will be a colourful procession around the city centre, street performances, a buskers’ congregation, gigs and a party in the evening.
" All will be fun, safe, and inclusive. The date was chosen as it is shortly before a new planning application from Centros is expected.
"So far there are around 40 people involved in organising and preparing for the Carnival. They range from local musicians and artists, concerned residents, students, office workers and local shop owners. We are not associated with any political party. Several events will take place in the run-up to the 1 March, also under the Carnival of Culture banner: a photo competition, a street performance and benefit gigs. And, they tell us, more events and ideas are welcome.
So if you have ideas for future events get in touch and subscribe to the carnival email list for updates and news: email: carnivalofculture@googlemail.com
Read more about the carnival and how you can join in at http://tinyurl.com/2or7wf.
Email: carnivalofculture@googlemail.com
Phone: 01524 383012
Website: www.carnivalofculture.org.uk.
All are invited to come along to the next meetings and to bring your ideas.
Wed 6 Feb, Wed 20 Feb, 7.30pm Meetings Room, Gregson, Moor Lane.

WANTED: PARTICIPANTS IN A STRANGE CITY-CENTRE SPECTACLE
A group of Lancastrians are preparing to stage a large-scale spectacle in the city centre this month involving a huge maggot, plus a legion of extras, and they are inviting you to come and take part in the show!
The performance will take place around lunch-time on Saturday 16 February (and/or possibly the 1st March as part of the Carnival of Culture parade). It is intended to be a celebration of the fun and creativity of the people of Lancaster and a protest against bland corporate-controlled 'culture'.
One of the street-happening team, Su Garner, told Virtual-Lancaster: "We need about 50 people (we have about half this number so far) of all shapes, sizes, ages and persuasions to play themselves ‘being lured’. It is a very simple part(!), requires no acting and will take about an hour. You will wear a mask which you could make yourself if you wish (see below for Mask-Making sessions). We also require more people who would like to do a little simple acting."
As part of the carnival preparations there will be a Mask-making and General Carnival Creativity Session on Saturday 2 February, 11 am to 5pm at the Gregson - upstairs. This will be a fun day for all the family! So come and make masks or help create the maggot for the city-centre spectacle. Or make something for the parade in March.
The session is free but any donations would be greatly appreciated to cover materials and room hire.
Contact su_garner[AT]yahoo.com for details.

COUNCIL PRISES WAD FROM GUILTY BEATTY
Big business is not immune from local planning enforcement. Lancaster City Council has successfully prosecuted one of the country’s largest companies for failing to comply with a planning enforcement notice during work in Halton.
On Thursday 17 January, representatives from Balfour Beatty Utilities Ltd pleaded guilty to breaching an enforecement notice when they appeared at Lancaster Magistrates Court.
The court heard that the company had used land near the village of Halton as a construction compound without the necessary planning permission.
Acting on complaints, the council investigated the case and served an enforcement notice on the company.
Although the company eventually complied with the notice, the council still decided to take action as the notice had not been complied with by the specified date.
The council also felt that a strong message needed to be sent out to the community that it is not just small builders and private individuals who will be challenged for falling foul of planning laws.
Following the guilty plea, magistrates fined the company £10,000 and ordered payment of the council’s court costs. Read more at http://tinyurl.com/2t7mb4.

THE LAST POST
Many local Post Offices may face closure in the latest round of cuts announced today by the so-called "People's Post Office".
Lancaster and Morecambe has already suffered massive cuts to its sub post office network in recent years, but complaints were met with a "use it or lose it" response from then sitting MP Hilton Dawson.
The six-week public consultation period for this Plan begins on 22 January, 2008, and all representations should be received by 3 March, 2008.
To express their views, people should write to Richard Lynds, Network Development Manager, c/o National Consultation Team, FREEPOST CONSULTATION TEAM, email: consultation@postoffice.co.uk or call the Customer Helpline: 08457 22 33 44.
Locally, one more post office - Bargain Booze on Greaves - is additional to the post offices outined in a leaked list of post office closures published by various local newspapers earlier this month.
Local councillors have already responded angrily to the proposals. Commenting on the proposed closure of the Ridge post office Councillor John Whitelegg described the plans as a kick in the teeth for Ridge residents.
"Local post offices are an essential part of the community and do much more than sell stamps," he says. " The closure of Ridge Square post office will seriously hurt elderly people, those without a car and all those who need to use local services. This closure is a despicable attack on vulnerable people and local green party councillors will do all in their power to fight it.
“I have contacted the chief executive of the Post Office and invited him to join me with two small children and pushchairs to walk from Ridge Square Post Office to the nearest alternative Post Office (Ullswater Road) This is the only way to appreciate how ridiculous it is to close a valuable local facility.”
Meanwhile the Rev Mike Peatman, Senior Chaplain for the University of Cumbria tells us “I have started a facebook group to try and get some support for the Greaves Post Office. Any registered facebook user can join and add their voice. Group contains info on how to write. See www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=2304254709.
To read more and for a list of local Post Offices under threat go to http://tinyurl.com/39bq2o.

RECYCLING FIRM WITH PLENTY OF BOTTLE
Lancaster's pubs and restaurants generate tons of glass waste every week - and until last month it was all going to landfill, as the council business glass collection isn't recycled.
However that is all changing now, thanks to locally-based recycling company Envirofirst, a company dedicated to diverting commercial waste material from landfill and facilitate its reuse in various commercial processes. In addition to recycling building waste Envirofirst is the company that takes on all our recycled plastic bottles from the council collection.
In December Envirofirst launched a service called ENVIRObin. This is a glass recycling scheme for licensed retail establishments (LRE's) in the Lancaster area.
Patrick Matheson, Commercial Recycling Manager for Envirofirst told us:
"We provide pubs, clubs and restaurants with 240L wheelie bins marked "glass only" and collect their mixed glass waste weekly.
"We offer a month's free trial of the service to gain a better idea of how much glass a particular venue generates and after the trial we ask for £2 a collection. I am pleased to say that after our first trial period 95% of participants have continued the service.
"We also offer a "Free Tip" service for Lancaster businesses where by they can drop off their recyclable material such as cardboard, cans and paper at our plant at Lune Industrial Estate.
"I feel our customers are using our service because of a concern for environmental issues."
And one satisfied customer, Manager Carol of Squires Snooker Club told us:
"I recycle at home and it's a good thing for the environment. We get through a lot of glass here and we believe in recycling. It’s the right thing to do."
You can find Envirofirst at The Old Power Station, Lune Business Park, Lancaster LA1 5QP or tel: 01524 844334. Mob:07806 761117 or online at www.envirofirst.co.uk.
For more about this and a list of who’s recycling go to http://tinyurl.com/2hb8bq.

YOUNG PEOPLE GET TO MAKE THEIR CASE
Young people aged between 11-25 are being recruited for local committees of young people who will contribute to consultations on local and national issues. Some of the members will also go on to represent this area at the United Kingdom Youth Parliament (www.ukyp.org.uk).
Youth and Community worker Jan Marshall told Virtual-Lancaster; "We are looking for enthusiastic young people to help plan change (or oppose it!) on issues such as what services should get public funding, ID cards - the young people decide their own agendas and run the meetings themselves."
The meetings take place regularly on Tuesday evenings and this Tuesday, 5 February, will be an open 'briefing' meeting to which all are invited just to find out more about what is involved. The venue is the Info-centre, 6-8 Kensington Road, Morecambe. But if you can't make that meeting, no worries, just contact the Youth Participation Team on 07919 227 447 or email: pam.pickard@ed.lancscc.gov.uk.
Young people are also asked to consider standing as member and deputy member of the UK Youth Parliament for the Lancaster District and also as local Youth Councillors. Elections take place between 11 - 14 February.

CLIMATE PROJECT TO COMPILE LOCAL FOOD GUIDE
Lancaster-based Climate Change project LESS is seeking food producers and businesses in North Lancashire and South Cumbria to appear in a new free guide to local food.
The guide will be the first of its kind to help North Lancashire shoppers reduce their carbon footprint and support local food businesses by buying local food.
LESS (Local & Effective Sustainable Solutions) Climate Change and Energy Advice project is a new voluntary project, set up to help people in Morecambe, Lancaster and surrounding areas live more sustainably, save energy and money, and to help reduce climate change.
LESS is compiling the directory and wants to hear from people who produce, sell, or manufacture locally grown food, as well as restaurants or pubs which source food locally for their menus.
LESS want to hear from farmers, gardeners, people producing meat, fish, fruit and vegetables, honey, preserves, locally brewed beer, as well restaurants serving this kind of food.
The guide will take in food produced within a 30-mile radius from the Lancaster district, which extends to Penrith, Skipton, Clitheroe, and includes Chorley, Burnley, Southport, Nelson and the Fylde area.
Entries in the directory are free, and to appear in it food producers should get in touch with LESS now on 0845 478 6368 or fooddirectory@lessuk.org. Or see the website www.lessuk.org. LESS will be sending out questionnaires at the beginning of February.
LESS is also organising a festival to celebrate local food, the Local FOOD ‘FEASTival’ will be at the Platform, Morecambe, on bank holiday Monday, 26 May 2008. Contact Simon on 01524 888641 or email events@eatlocal.org.uk if you are a local food producer or outlet interested in attending.
Visit www.lessuk.org.

COUNCIL STAFF: PAID NOT TO USE BIKES?
Welcoming news of new government funding for cycling, national transport expert and local councillor John Whitelegg says there are things that could easily be done to encourage more cycling in what is already a Cycling Town – but local politicians lack the will to implement them.
“We should also stop the ridiculous system of giving city council staff and councillors a free gift of about £500 per annum (parking permit allowance) if they use a car but nothing at all if they cycle,” he argues. “This is a job for the City Council.”
Read more about the huge new national cycling expansion at http://tinyurl.com/3xttpl.

CANAL CORRIDOR DEVELOPMENT UPDATE
Miller Developments have sold their share in Centros Miller to Delancey, who has now become the sole shareholder in Centros Miller after buying Miller Development's 50% stake in the firm.
’Centros Miller’ now becomes just ‘Centros’ - Delancey taking over a development programme worth more than £900 million. Delancey and Miller had been joint shareholders in the development firm since 1999.
The transaction comes just a week after The Miller Group announced that its full year profits, which are to be announced in March, are expected to be slightly down on last year.
Earlier last week Bulk Ward councillors met with planning officer Andrew Dobson for an update on Centros’ plans. This was an informal meeting, going over current thinking, and the following updates are all open to alteration:
• There are significant problems with the original traffic assessment carried out by Centros and the Council have asked other traffic consultants to review any new traffic work by Centros.
• Retail consultants White Young Green are not happy with Centros’ retail study and the planning office does not think that it demonstrates the need for so much extra retail.
• Centros appears to have floated the possibility of removing the bridge linking with St. Nicholas Arcade in response to concerns from English Heritage and others. The planning office is concerned that without the bridge very few people will cross from the canal corridor development to the existing city centre.
In light of these problems and current economic circumstances, with all sides forecasting a recession and drop in retail demand, Centros are rethinking the whole design concept and details of their plans. This will result in a substantially revised application in May 2008 followed by a further period of consultation.
On current thinking the new plan would include:
• A 40,000 sq feet new food store occupied by Booths which will be on the lower car park with a frontage on St Leonardsgate and going up to the Grand.
• Debenhams would move to the opposite end of the site almost fronting on Moor Lane.
• The road layout and layout of the square would change.
• The streets now would become "eclectic streets" with more small shops.
• The height of the whole development would be reduced to the minimum or below the minimum in the original plans
This is only a statement of latest thinking, not a firm set of proposals.
It's worth noting, however, that without the significant work and scrutiny put in by local campaign groups such as It's Our City, Lancaster could well have been saddled with an inappropriate and environmentally costly development creating traffic chaos, destroying local business and failing to deliver any economic advantages to the area.
This wouldn't have been a problem for Centros though - their secret development agreements with local councils generally ensure that it is the council, not Centros, that takes the financial strain when problems arise. And with Tim Bowdler, Chief Executive of Johnstone Press which owns the Lancaster Guardian, also sitting on the board of Centros Miller, they must have been fairly confident that no-one would even get to hear the full story.

LAWSON’S BRIDGE UPDATE
Lancaster City Council Cabinet met on 22 January to decide on whether to put Lawson’s Bridge in Scotforth out for tender with the expectation of bids for a supermarket development.
The meeting saw an interesting change to the political line-up, with Labour joining the Greens and Lib Dems to oppose the hasty land sale. In favour were the Morecambe Bay Independents and Conservatives – none of whom live anywhere near Lancaster. With the vote at 5 all, it was left to chairman Roger Mace (Conservative rep. Nether Kellett - which needs a Tesco's like it needs a hole in the head) to cast the deciding vote and condemn Scotforth to a development and traffic nightmare and the loss of their local green to boot. - S)
Several cabinet members brought along a big pile of postcards from local people opposing the sale which they had received in the couple of days before the meeting.
It is likely that this cabinet decision will be ‘called in’ again by the Overview & Scrutiny Committee. In the meantime efforts are being made to resolve the council’s budgetary complexities – well worth doing as amended proposals for the Canal Corridor which also include plans for another supermarket could have a bearing on whether planners can get permission for yet another one at Lawson’s Bridge.
The issue is raised concerning what type of food and produce retailerships might actually benefit this city. The current lack of a single city marketing point for local produce to enable economical, accessible and reliable retail distribution is commercially stifling and argues the case for a sustainable produce outlet that would prove a great attraction.

COUNTY: NO ACTION ON SPEED LIMITS - ONE YEAR ON
Despite supporting the introduction of a district-wide 20mph speed limit on residential roads early last year, little seems to have been done to implement it by local politicians.
Last January, a joint committee of County and City councillors (Lancashire Locals - Lancaster) debated a proposal from Green councillors to adopt a 20mph speed limit on every residential road in Lancaster, Morecambe and Heysham. The proposal was amended by Labour councillors and passed unanimously - and all councillors from all political parties agreed to the 20mph limit.
It is now one year since that decision was taken and Lancashire County Council has done nothing to put it into practice and nothing to put it out to public consultation.
“The County Council has shown that it cares nothing for local democracy and even less for the safety and welfare of thousands of children and elderly people who are exposed to traffic danger on a daily basis in this district," stated City councillor John Whitelegg, also an internationally-regarded expert in transport matters. "So today I've sent a birthday card to County Councillor Hazel Harding (leader of the County Council) reminding her that this decision is one year old and that we are still waiting for action”. Read more at http://tinyurl.com/38ut6v.

NOW THAT’S WHAT I CALL CULTURE….
Dr Richard Dow, the bloke who (with considerable support and guidance from most of East Lancaster) brought us the Gregson Centre and the Britannia 101, has now peacefully acquired The Park Hotel on Bowerham Road. Many will fondly remember it for having one of the most sweaty, smoky, airless and popular function rooms they ever danced in. Anyway, apparently Dick is going to make it a wecoming place to hang out and enjoy musical diversions. Lancaster? This city is a Xanadu. Watch this space for more info from the good doctor…

AND FINALLY…
Bzzzzz! Like honey? Lancaster Beekeepers are running a one day course on bee keeping next month, so if you have ever thought of owning a colony of honey bees but have been deterred by not knowing exactly what is involved, or are simply curious, then this one day course is for you! The course, which runs on Saturday 23rd February covers the life cycle of the honey bee, essential equipment, a guide to the Beekeeping Year and everything else you need to know.
The event takes place at Halton Youth and Community Centre, Low Road, Halton-on-Lune between 9-30am and 4-00pm and costs £15 including lunch, refreshments and course notes. Booking is essential.
For further information contact call 01524 811978 or email: bees@al-consulting.co.uk • Please send bookings with remittance to: Lancaster Beekeepers, High Tarn, Aughton, Nr Lancaster, LA2 8LU

Edited by Satori
All this week's news stories in full at www.virtual-lancaster.net.
ed@virtual-lancaster.net
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REVIEWS
Satori and VL Events Editor Chris Elleray went to see Marcus Brigstocke at the Platform in Morecambe last Friday. This glittering star in the TV and radio firmament of comedy appeared on stage carrying two local newspapers, one, he explained, being for the locals – The Citizens and the other of course being for the Visitors. “I’d no idea how hysterically funny those newspapers were until I heard him reading selections” said satori. You can read her review at
www.virtual-lancaster.net/reviews/platform/m-brigstocke.html.
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THIS WEEK'S EVENTS
Edited by Chris Elleray. Our online events pages are updated throughout the week. They have links to performers and additional information about the events that there isn’t room for in this newsletter. And they’re a lot easier to read!
Visit www.virtual-lancaster.net/whatson
FOR REGULAR EVENTS go to:
www.virtual-lancaster.net/whatson/regulars.htm
To find out how to submit an event for listing go to
www.virtual-lancaster.net/contact/contribute.htm

UNTIL SATURDAY 2 FEBRUARY
+ New Perspectives Theatre Company presents… The Hired Man. 7.30pm. Grand Theatre, St Leonardgate, Lancaster. £14/£12. The Hired Man, arguably the finest new British musical of the last thirty years, acclaimed for its epic, nostalgic, funny script and rousing, romantic, award-winning score, is now on tour in the UK for the very first time in a new production by critically acclaimed New Perspectives Theatre Company. Set in rural Cumbria in the early years of the twentieth century, The Hired Man tells the timeless, moving story of a young married couple and their struggle to carve a living from the land, just as the traditional rhythms of English country life are being interrupted by the gathering storm of war in Europe – haunting, thrilling, stirring stuff. A wonderful production full of energy, imagination and theatrical flair. Tel: 01524 64695.

FRIDAY 1 FEBRUARY
+ Murder Mystery Evening- 7.30pm. Furness & Midland Hall. Following the success of “Murder at Carnforth Station”. After Dark Theatre Company return for another evening of murder mystery entertainment. Contact: Sheila Ashcroft Tel: 01524 735165.
+ La La La Lancaster! 7.30 start. The Gregson Centre, Lancaster. A selection of cracking Lancaster bands for February. The Odd Socks, The Wind-up Merchants, Kriss Foster, Ponies and Joe Spence, all hosted and generally whipped into shape by James Knight. Its FREE! Its ALL AGES!
+ Liverpool Comedians Show. 8pm. Morecambe Dome. Tickets cost £10 from the Box Office on 01524 582803. The show stars Hal Nolan, Micky Finn, P J Laine and Eddie Archer who between them have many years of experience at making people laugh.
+ LAVA at The Stonewell Tavern, Church St. Lancaster. 9.30pm FREE
+ Spend The Night With The Spooks At Morecambe Winter Gardens Theatre. To take part participants must raise a minimum of £100 in sponsorship money. Money raised by participants will go towards gene therapy research, which hopes to stop CF from claiming so many young lives. If you would like to take part or for more information please contact Regional Fundraising Manager for the North West, Bev Burnham-Jones on 0845 859 1029 or email bburnham-jonesATcftrust.org.uk.

SATURDAY 2 & SUNDAY 3 FEBRUARY
+ "Confidence, Clarity & Assertiveness" - Ki Energy and the Way of the Japanese Sword. Two Day Workshop, The Gregson Centre, Lancaster. Sat: 10.30am - 4.30pm. Sun: 10.30am - 4.00pm. Cost: £60 / £40 concs (sliding scale). Ki (or Chi) is universal energy that flows freely when Body, Mind and Emotions are equally involved in our actions. Ki Training offers the chance to experience a state of free awareness, unhindered by preconceptions and prejudice, allowing us to master new and old challenges freely, effortlessly and without fear. Training with a Japanese wooden sword (bokken) develops our natural ability to be fully present, unattached and decisive in the face of challenging or threatening situations. As a result these qualities tend to emerge more and more in everyday life where indecision and ambiguity give way to increased confidence, clarity and playfulness. No previous experience necessary. For more information and to book a place contact: Daniel Haesen tel: (01524) 33410. d.haesen@gmail.com. Wooden swords (bokken) will be available to borrow or can be purchased for £20. Please order in advance. Please bring a blanket and wear loose clothing.

SATRDAY 2 FEBRUARY
+ Re-opening of the Alhambra Building in Morecambe. The Alahambra building at Marine Road West is to re-open as an indoor antiques market run by Morecambe Antiques. Free admission.
+ Frances Watt, a delightful community singing leader from Chesterfield, will be leading an all-abilities-welcome singing workshop 10am - 12 noon Friends Meeting House, Lancaster. The cost will be really low, as long as we can cover the cost of the venue and give Frances something to wipe the tears (of laughter) away with, plus pay for her petrol. Probably £4 for the 2 hours, £3 if we have a biggish group. - all levels of experience welcome and catered for
- you don't need to be able to read music - everything will be learned by ear
- you do have to be willing to have a go
- it's aimed at adults but children are welcome - as long as they are not there under duress
- it will be fun, and you will be surprised and delighted at how quickly a group can make lovely sounds
+ Pocket Movie-making At Carnforth Station. Saturday, 10.30am-4.30pm, Furness & Midland Hall, Carnforth Station. Whatever your experience or skills, whether you're interested in being in-front or behind the camera, come along and get involved with a fun and exciting workshop - no experience is necessary. Places are free, but you need to book ahead by, call 01524 388550
+ XWA WRESTLING presents 'Goldrush'. 7pm. Morecambe Dome. Topping the bill at the exciting ‘Goldrush’ event will be an over-the-top rope ‘royal rumble’ where 15 of the biggest, meanest grapple stars will fight to survive.
+ Get it Loud in Libraries Presents: Dead Kids and Poppy and The Jezebels. 7.15pm Lancaster Library. £5.50. Tickets on sale NOW from the Library or buy online at www.seetickets.com. Tel 01524 580712, or 01524 580700 for details. All ages welcome. See www.myspace.com/getitloudinlibraries
+ 2 Dancing Divas 8-12 at The Gregson Centre, Lancaster. Women only dance night. 4£/£2 conc. Fabulous new DJ Minkski will be playing a selection of Soul, House and R+B classics in addition to a funky mix of top 80's and 90's tunes. We we also be asking YOU to fill in request forms in which you list your top 10 favorite dance/disco tunes. This will enable Divas to provide you with the music you want to dance to at future events. Please do make the effort to come and support this new local talent.
+ DJ Ritchie Rucksack gets ambient at the Britannia 101, Ullswater Rd, Lancaster. Free.
+ Stuart Anthony presents a concert of acoustic music with the assistance of Daniel Ray and Little Hero. 8.30 start. Olive Bar. The Gregson Centre, Lancaster. £2, It’s a launch for Stuart’s new album ‘ The Colourful Truth’, from which he will no doubt be playing some items.

SUNDAY 3 FEBRUARY
+ Ramblers’ Association, Lancaster Group walk around Windermere. This is a 6 mile easy walk with little ascent. Meet at Riverside car park (opposite old Kingsway Baths) at 9.30am. All walkers come at their own risk. No dogs allowed. Please bring packed lunch, and drink. All walks require boots and waterproof clothing, and if you will be travelling in someone else’s car, please bring a change of footwear. For information please ring C. Pickles 01524 382980

MONDAY 4 FEBRUARY
+ Samba Drumming Beginners Workshop 6.30pm-9pm The Polish Centre, near Town Hall, Lancaster. Join Batala Lancaster, a 20+ drumming band based in Lancaster. See www.batalalancaster.com for more information. Also on Wed 6.
+ Open Mic Night, 9pm, The Gregson Centre, Lancaster. completely free.

TUESDAY 5 FEBRUARY
+ The Ladykillers. 5.30pm The Dukes, Moor Lane, Lancaster. Free lecture courtesy of the new University of Cumbria following the screening of this classic film. Topics discussed will include symbolism, social history, genre and book to film adaptation. Open to everyone, they are of particular interest to film degree students as well as A-level and GCSE Film and Literature students. See our cinema pages for cinema and film ticket info. Box Office 0845 344 0640
+ An Evening with Cedric Robinson. 7.30pm-9.30pm. Furness & Midland Hall. Organised by the friends of Carnforth Station, Cedric Robinson presents a fascinating lecture and slide show based on his newly published book 'Between the Tides'. Admission: £2.50 (includes refreshments) 01524 732807.

WEDNESDAY 6 FEBRUARY
+ Samba Drumming Beginners Workshop 6.30pm-9pm The Polish Centre, near Town Hall, Lancaster. Join Batala Lancaster, a 20+ drumming band based in Lancaster. See www.batalalancaster.com for more information.
+ Carnival of Culture Planning Meeting 7.30 pm, upstairs in the Gregson Centre, Lancaster. To discuss the format and content of the Carnival on 1 March and how to get our message across in exciting visual/musical ways. Please let us know your ideas and/or come along. See www.carnivalofculture.org.uk.
+ Khalif Wailin’ Walter and his band. 9pm. The Gregson, Moor Lane , Lancaster. £6 non-members and £5 for members advance tickets available from the Gregson. A rare opportunity to see a Chicago bluesman! Khalif Wailin’ Walter lit up the Chicago blues scene with his unique style of boogie blues. His stormy guitar work and brash New Orleans style vocals generate the bands traditional Chicago sound. Khalif delivers foot stomping, finger snapping blues that burns the house to the ground. Not to be missed! To find out more visit www.akoko-productions/khalif-wailin-walter or phone The Gregson on 01524 849959. Enjoy!

THURSDAY 7 FEBRUARY
+ Ramblers’ Association, Lancaster Group walk to Arkholme, Lune Valley. This is a 7 mile easy walk. Meet at Riverside car park (opposite old Kingsway Baths) at 9.30am. All walkers come at their own risk. No dogs allowed. Please bring packed lunch, and drink. All walks require boots and waterproof clothing, and if you will be travelling in someone else’s car, please bring a change of footwear. For information please ring C. Pickles 01524 382980
+ Lancaster Castle: Special Dark History Tours. The tours begin at the Judges Lodgings at 7pm and then continue to the castle. Be led by candlelight and in the company of costumed guides, around two of Lancaster's most interesting historical sites. Pre- booking for this event is strongly advised. Tours are unsuitable for anyone under the age of 15. Telephone (01524) 64998
+ Lancaster Spotlight Free Writing Surgeries. 7.30 - 9.00pm. The Gregson. Lancaster. Places must be booked in advance. To book a place email: spotlightclub[AT[btinternet.com. Spotlight is offering FREE writing surgeries to anyone wishing to get feedback on their writing. Work In Progress. Whether you are just starting outor have been writing for some time... Whether you write for performance or the page... Would you like to get some creative feedback on your writing? Then come to a FREE One-To-One 20 minute Surgery. Places will be allocated on a strictly first come first served basis. Prior to the surgery participants will be asked to submit by e-mail or word processed on A4 1,000 words of prose or 3 poems up to approximately 40 lines in length. This initiative is funded by Arts Council England.
+ Lancaster International Concert Series - Ensemble 360. 7.30pm The Great Hall, Lancaster University LA1 4YW. Tickets: £14.50, £12 (£12, £9.50 concessions) £5.50 Young person. Box Office: 01524 594151 or Online Booking at www.lancasterconcerts.co.uk. or email boxoffice@lancaster.ac.uk. immediately re-invited to Lancaster following the tremendous reception they enjoyed last season.
+ Midge Ure returns to the Platform. 8pm. The Platform, Morecambe. Tickets cost £14 adults and £13 concessions, from the Box Office on 01524 582803. Midge has scooped both an Ivor Novello and a Grammy award amid a glittering career of achievements as a writer, singer and record producer. The star has been involved with numerous bands – Slik, The Rich Kids, Thin Lizzy, Ultravox, Visage and, the most famous one off group in history, Band Aid. His songs, ‘Vienna’, ‘Dancing with Tears in My Eyes’, ‘If I Was’ and ‘Do They Know Its Christmas’ show him to be a songwriter with few peers. Midge’s renditions of these songs and his impressive interpretation of the Walker Brothers ‘No Regrets’ demonstrate that he is also a very fine vocalist.
+ The Fuzzy Trees play cover-tastic pop-n-rock-n-folk-y stuff. Britannia 101, Ullswater Rd, Lancaster. Free.
+ Quiz Night 8.30pm onwards (Bar snacks available). To take part just turn up at the Queens Hotel 34-36 Market St, Carnforth, Lancashire LA5 9JX
+ Pete Morton plays live folk at the Robert Gillow, Lancaster. Pete has been performing to audiences worldwide for two decades with his unique and involving style of songwriting and traditional singing. His stageshows are intense and dynamic The Guardian pronounced him “not only impressive but a revelation … totally original” and fRoots magazine said he is “… amongst the best the British roots music scene has produced in living memory.” He has recorded 7 albums of original material and one brilliant album of traditional English songs. His latest album “Flying an Unknown Flag” was released in January 2006.

FRIDAY 8 & SATURDAY 9 FEBRUARY
+ A Night on the Tiles. 7.30pm. The Heron Theatre ‘the theatre in the country’ – Stanley Street, Beetham, Cumbria LA7 7AS. £8.00. A thoroughly eccentric English entertainment - mocking, mildly satirical and certainly rather "catty". Played, sung and performed by Gillian Cally & David Westbrook. Visit/call the Box Office 10am - 1pm Tuesday & Friday on 015395 64283 or use our 24/7 answerphone for a call back.

FRIDAY 8 FEBRUARY
+ Dance to the 5 Rhythms 7.30 - 9.30/10pm Friends Meeting House, Lancaster. £5/£6.50/£8. Instructor Clare Blackwell takes you through an initial warm up and then dance through the 5 Rhythms. Just turn up. Tel: 01772 889388 or 07946913911.
+ Wine tasting evening. 7.30pm. A tutored tasting with nibbles, a quiz and a super raffle by Booths Supermarket – Carnforth. Tickets are limited so don’t miss out. £6 per person. Tickets available from David at the Forest Pharmacy.For more information contact 01539 734142
+ ‘Over the Sands ‘ Choral Concert 7.30pm Central Methodist Church, Green Street, Morecambe Friday 08/02/2008, 7.30pm. Tickets £5, £1 accompanied under 11s. Tickets from ‘Bob’ on 01524 34854 (E-mail: robert.mck4@tiscali.co.uk) or John on 01524 37700 (E-mail: johnrobinson554@btinternet.com) Proceeds to Saint John’s Hospice (supplemented by interval and retiring collections) and donation to The Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) for assistance given. Some tickets also available on the door. Featuring Lancaster male Voice Choir, Morecambe Gospel Male Voice Praise, Central Lancaster High School Singers and Lancaster and District Choral Society. Each production illustrates the rich diversity of the active choral tradition in our area.
+ Skipton Camerata: The Winter Concert 7.30pm St Peter’s Cathedral, Lancaster. £10 (Concessions £8). This is the second concert at the Cathedral by this dynamic young group. This concert includes the Winter concerto from Vivaldi’s The Four Seasons, Bach’s Brandenburg Concerto No 3 (Gmajor), Pachelbel’s Canon and a fully staged performance of Purcell’s Dido and Aeneas. Tickets and further information available from: Lancaster Tourist Information (01524 32878), Cathedral House (01524 384820) or our website (www.lancastercathedral.org.uk).
+ John Otway and his band. 8pm. The Platform, tickets cost £12 adults, £11 concessions, and are available from the Box Office on 01524 582803. John became notorious back in 1977, after an appearance on the Old Grey Whistle Test with his former partner, Wild Willy Barrett. Over the years his following steadily grew and by 1988 he was able to boast that ticket touts were doing a roaring trade for his show at the Albert Hall.
+ Dracula. 8.30pm The Dukes, Moor Lane, Lancaster. Free lecture courtesy of the new University of Cumbria following the screening of this classic film. Topics discussed will include symbolism, social history, genre and book to film adaptation. Open to everyone, they are of particular interest to film degree students as well as A-level and GCSE Film and Literature students. See our cinema pages for cinema and film ticket info. Box Office 0845 344 0640

SATURDAY 9 FEBRUARY
+ Volunteers Wanted for Tree-Planting Day with Treesponsibility. 9am - 3pm the Animal Care site, Blea tarn, Lancaster. Funding has bought 500 trees for planting. Aside from creating a lovely area for people to walk the dogs, planting trees soaks up harmful carbon dioxide emissions as well as creating new woodlands for present and future generations to enjoy. Planting native trees on unused or degraded land also increases biodiversity and provides habitats for endangered wildlife. Volunteers from Treesponsibility Lancaster and the University of Cumbria will be assisting with the planting, but more help will be needed. We are therefore looking for people to come and get their hands mucky and help with the tree planting. Volunteers will need to bring a packed lunch, some good footwear (preferably wellies) and a spade if possible, although there should be enough to go around. Tea, coffee and biscuits will be provided. Everyone will be welcome! Please contact Vanessa or Faye on 01524 65495 or Gary on 01524 542762 for more details.
+ Ramblers’ Association, Lancaster Group walk to Ingleborough, Yorkshire Dales. This is an 11 mile, strenuous walk with ascent over 1500ft. Meet at Riverside car park (opposite old Kingsway Baths) at 8.30am. All walkers come at their own risk. No dogs allowed. Please bring packed lunch, and drink. All walks require boots and waterproof clothing, and if you will be travelling in someone else’s car, please bring a change of footwear. For information please ring C. Pickles 01524 382980
+ "In Dialogue with Our Selves" - mediating inner conflict using creative techniques. 10am - 5pm. The Gregson Centre, Lancaster. Introduction to subpersonality work using Ki Energy Training, Psychosynthesis, Voice Dialogue and Visualisation exercises. Cost: £50 / £30 concessions (sliding scale). For more information and to book a place contact: Daniel Haesen tel: (01524) 33410. d.haesen@gmail.com or Alice Winkelman tel: 078 1709 3139 alice@essentiacounselling.co.uk.
+ Lancaster International Concert Series - Hungarian Plus Psappha, Nicholas Kok conductor. 7.30pm The Great Hall Lancaster University LA1 4YW. Tickets: Tickets: £10 (no concessions – unreserved seating) £5.50 Young person This concert is also available as a Webcast Box Office: 01524 594151 or Online Booking at www.lancasterconcerts.co.uk or email boxoffice@lancaster.ac.uk. ‘A whole world of expression and suggestion can be packed into these exquisite, crystalline forms’ The Guardian on Kurtág’s music.
+ Jazz vocalist Sue Parish will be at the Sun Café. Lancaster, (01524 845599) in Lancaster with Robin Joiner on piano. Music is the food of love, but you also have to buy something off the menu! See www.sueparish.co.uk
+ DJ Dave McGinn plays ambient at the Britannia 101, Ullswater Rd, Lancaster. Free.

SUNDAY 10 FEBRUARY
+ Craft & Gift Fair. 10am to 4pm Claughton Village Hall, on A683 midway between Caton & Hornby. Free admission. This is the first Craft Fair of the year for this relatively new enterprise and will be followed by regular monthly events. Perfect timing for Valentine's Day & Mothers' Day (2nd March). Come & find the ideal gift for that special person in your life. Stalls include: Jewellery, candles, knitwear, babywear, bags, wooden artefacts, cards, home-made cakes. Free Parking. Refreshments available. Next event 16th March Contact: Sue 01524 382952 or Michelle 07828 588736 for more information.
+ Ludus Super Sunday: Musical Theatre and all that jazz! Fed up with the cold winter weather? Looking to inject a bit of fun and colour into your weekend? Ludus Super Sundays are longer dance classes where you have the opportunity to participate in new or familiar dance styles and develop your dance skills. The morning sessions, 10.30am – 12.30pm, will be targeted towards beginners, whilst the afternoon sessions, 1.30pm - 3.30pm, are aimed at Improvers and Intermediates. Plus, if you join the morning session and are having fun you can upgrade to the full day for just an extra £5! From £8. Book & Pay at www.ludusdance.org/sundays or tel: 01524 35936. From Bob Fosse to the hits of Andrew Lloyd Webber you will be taken on a musical theatre experience learning choreography direct from the West End. Ttogether they will create a show stopping performance to end the day.

TUESDAY 12 – SATURDAY 16 FEBRUARY
+ Popcorn. Lancaster Footlights. Hilarious comedy thriller by Ben Elton. 7.30pm. The Grand Theatre. £8 / £7conc / £6 first night. Bruce Delamitri is a film director who makes very violent but stylish movies. ‘Bruce’s movies are hip, post-modern cinematic milestones, dripping with ironic juxtaposition. His killers are style icons. They walk cool, they talk cool. Getting shot by one of them would be a fashion statement. Delamtri is flying high with an newly-won Oscar in his pocket and a beautiful model on his arm, when into his life walk Wayne and Scout..

TUESDAY 12 & WEDNESDAY 13 FEBRUARY
+ Terry Pratchet’s ‘Mort’. The Gregson Centre, Lancaster. Death stalks the Discworld. A hilarious theatrical adaptation presented by Carabas Theatre. Time & space, sorry, price to follow

TUESDAY 12 FEBRUARY
+ "Palestine is Still the Issue" John Pilger Documentary. 7.30pm. Gregson Centre, Moor Lane, Lancaster. Donations welcome. Organised by Lancaster Palestine Solidarity Campaign and Friends of Palestine (Lancaster Uni). To read a review of this film go to: www.bullfrogfilms.com/catalog/pisi.html.
+ Maresa von Stockert / Tilted Productions: Glacier. 8pm. The Nuffield Theatre, Lancaster University, Lancaster LA1 4YW. Tickets £10 / £7 . A virtuoso new work of physical dance theatre by award-winning choreographer Maresa von Stockert. Haunting and disturbing, seven outstanding performers dance through a world of ice and snow. ‘A great treasure box of delights… thoroughly entertaining, thought-provoking work.’ The Stage. Box Office Tel: 01524 594151 SMS Text: 07810 082832 or Email boxoffice@nuffieldtheatre.com or Online booking & website www.nuffieldtheatre.co,
+ Jazz vocalist Sue Parish returns to the John O Gaunt in Lancaster in the best of company, genius pianist Vinny Parker and inspirational bassist Dave Turner. Sue will showcase a range of new material, recently premiered at her sell-out Chill gig in Morecambe. The music starts at 9pm and admission is free. Further details tel: 01524 65356. See www.sueparish.co.uk.

WEDNESDAY 13 FEBRUARY
+ Ramblers’ Association, Lancaster Group walk around Borwick canal. This is a 6 mile easy walk. Meet at Riverside car park (opposite old Kingsway Baths) at 9.30am. All walkers come at their own risk. No dogs allowed. Please bring packed lunch, and drink. All walks require boots and waterproof clothing, and if you will be travelling in someone else’s car, please bring a change of footwear. For information please ring C. Pickles 01524 382980
+ The Ian McMillan Orchestra ‘Sharp Stories’ Tour 7.30pm The Platform, Morecambe. £12 adults, £10 concs, Box Office tel: 01524 582803. Poet, broadcaster and comedian Ian McMillan will be bringing his orchestra for an evening of words and music. The show, which has been featured on ‘The South Bank Show’, ‘Loose Ends’ and ‘Late Junction’, promises to be an evening of superb entertainment. Ian McMillan hosts a weekly hit radio show ‘The Verb’. He’s Yorkshire Planetarium’s Poet in Space, Poet in Residence for the Academy of Urbanism and Barnsley FC, Humberside Police’s Beat Poet, Yorkshire TV’s Investigative Poet and a regular on ‘Newsnight Review’, ‘The Mark Radcliffe Show’, ‘The Today Programme’, ‘You & Yours’ and ‘Have I Got News For You’. His rip-roaring poetry shows are legendary and he has also performed at Lancaster’s Litfest. For more information visit the web sites www.ian-mcmillan.co.uk and www.lukecarvergoss.co.uk

THURSDAY 14 FEBRUARY
St Valentine's Day.
Love's not wrong, folks....
+ Folly film night- 7.30pm. Shown in the Furness & Midland Hall at Carnforth Train Station- the location of David Lean’s classic romantic film Brief Encounter –folly’s Valentine movies will be a collection of romantic short films by independent artists from all over the world. Free admission – All welcome – No lover necessary. Tel.No.01254 735165
+ Lancaster International Concert Series - Northern Chamber Orchestra,Nicholas Ward director / violin Philip Langridge tenor. 7.30pm The Great Hall Lancaster University LA1 4YW. Tickets: £18, £15, £12 (£14.50, £12.50, £10 concessions) £5.50 Young person. Box Office: 01524 594151 or Online Booking at or email boxoffice@lancaster.ac.uk. ‘Philip Langridge has for many years been the natural, though completely distinctive, successor to Peter Pears in Britten’s tenor roles. His musicianship and insight are as outstanding as ever.’ The Guardian
+ Film at The Heron – 'Sliding Doors'[15] 7.30pm [Doors open 6.45p.m. for coffee and drinks] The Heron Theatre ‘the theatre in the country’ – Stanley Street, Beetham, Cumbria LA7 7AS. £4.00 Director: Peter Howitt. Starring: Gwyneth Paltrow, John Hannah, John Lynch and Virgina McKenna.Helen, a seemingly successful PR executive, lives with Gerry, her struggling novelist boyfriend. Whilst at work she is suddenly sacked from her position in the middle of the day and her life takes a strange turn - or in fact, two strange turns. By chance she meets a handsome stranger, James, on her way home when she just manages to catch her tube – but what if Helen had missed her train and hadn’t met James and had arrived home slightly later? UK1997 - 99mins. Visit/call the Box Office 10am - 1pm Tuesday & Friday on 015395 64283 or use our 24/7 answerphone for a call back
+ Jazz vocalist Sue Parish sings romantic classics for Valentine’s Day diners at the Crofter's Hotel in Garstang with Vinny Parker on piano. Table reservations for a three course meal with champagne can be made by telephoning 01995 604128. Or see www.croftershotel.co.uk. Further details from Sue's website on www.sueparish.co.uk
+ Baksheesh Trio play live st the Britannia 101, Ullswater Rd, Lancaster. Free. The band are Stuart Lewthwaite, Nick Rae and Andy Whitfield. Middle European and Balkan music on accordion, fiddle, tuba and dulcimer.
+ WMD play live folk at the Robert Gillow, Lancaster. And just for good measure – another evening of splendid blues playing. Rex (guitar, vocals) and Robin (blues harp, washboard, percussion) play a mixture of pre-war (Robert Johnson, Big Bill Broonzy) blues, foot-stompin’ Memphis jugband music and post-war blues songs by the likes of Terry/McGee and Jimmy Reed.
+ The Duo -from Folk to Floyd. 9pm-ish. The Wagon and Horses, Lancaster.

FRIDAY 15 FEBRUARY
+ Carnforth Meditation Classes - Do Something Different: Stop & Meditate. 7.30 - 9pm Carnforth Civic Hall, North Road, Carnforth. First of a series of 4 meditation classes on Friday evenings from 15 February – 7 March. First week (tonight) FREE introductory talk; then £5 per class. In this 4 week course you can learn practical techniques for having a calm and relaxed mind and improving your daily life. There is no need to enrol – just drop into any class. First week is free of charge! More info: www.manjushri.org. These classes are suitable for all ranges of experience from complete beginners through to advanced practitioners of meditation. Everyone is welcome. Info tel: 01229 584029 Email: info@manjushri.org.
+ Spotlight Superheroes Of Slam. Doors Open 8.30pm The Yorkshire House, Lancaster. Admission and entry fee £5/£3 Compere: Julian Daniel. In association with Commonword North West Poetry Championship 2008
the quest to find the ultimate slam poet with spoken word superpowers. This will be a slam like no other, full of glitz, glamour and comic book kitsch. With themed décor, onstage score charts, applause/ boo/ laughter cards,
red velvet curtains and a musician/DJ on hand to provide the appropriate superhero stings and themes. The championship will comprise 6 Heats across the North West in Jan/Feb 2008 and a Final at The Frog & Bucket , Manchester at the end of March 2008. The Superhero of Slam Winner will receive a £200 and the Dike Omeje Slam Poetry Award: a 12 month writer’s residency at Commonword. Spotlight heat: 15 spots - 1st Prize £50 - 2nd Prize £30. Call 01524 381642 or email: spotlightclub@btinternet.com to book a spot. See www.spotlightlancaster.co.uk.
+ Orchestre D.C. Dansette. 9pm. Stonewell Tavern. Free. Original songs in African styles for you to dance to.

SATURDAY 16 FEBRUARY
+ Ramblers’ Association, Lancaster Group walk to High Dam, Lake District. This is an 8 mile, easy walk with some ascent. Meet at Riverside car park (opposite old Kingsway Baths) at 9.00am. All walkers come at their own risk. No dogs allowed. Please bring packed lunch, and drink. All walks require boots and waterproof clothing, and if you will be travelling in someone else’s car, please bring a change of footwear. For information please ring C. Pickles 01524 382980
+ Voting Event: Residents given opportunity to hold the purse strings. 1 - 5pm The Platform, Morecambe. An exciting new way of getting local people involved in allocating public money is to be piloted in the Poulton area of Morecambe. Lancaster City Council has received funding to run a ‘participatory budgeting’ scheme called ‘In Your Hands’ in the area. In Your Hands will give local people the power to spend some public money to benefit their community. This means that they can share some of the responsibility for what happens where they live, and make some real changes. It is different because it recognises that local residents understand what is needed in their neighbourhoods and gives them the chance to make their own decisions about how money is spent. Residents and organisations are now being asked to come up with bright ideas for projects to build a stronger community in Poulton. Each project can bid for up to £2,000 and there is a total of £20,000 on offer. The projects will present their ideas to local residents at the grand voting event, which will be held at the Platform on February 16 2008. Residents will score each project and those with the highest scores will receive funding. Projects which aren’t successful on the day will receive advice and guidance on other sources of funding that might be available. If you have a project which you think could receive funding through the In Your Hands scheme, pop into the Poulton Neighbourhood Management office on Euston Road in Morecambe for an application pack.
+ Arthur Smith. 7.15 pm. Lancaster Library. Laugh Out Loud In Libraries. £11. Tickets on sale now-waiting list for new tickets! Tickets from http://www.seetickets.com/
+ Haffner Orchestra Concert. 7:30pm (6:30 pm Pre-concert talk). Ashton Hall, Dalton Square, Lancaster. £11:50, £10:00 concessions (over 60 retired, fulltime students, disabled, unemployed), 18 and under free. Wyn Davies conducts Brahms: Tragic Overture, Prokofiev: Violin Concerto No.2, Dvorák: Symphony No.8. Soloist - Marianne Thorsen (violin) Tel: 01524 32878 / 65531
+ Green Party Ceilidh. The Gregson Centre, Lancaster. No details yet, but always a good night out.
+ This is Soul 8pm The Dome, Morecambe. £15 Over 14. Starring Eddie Floyd, Geno Washington & Pauline Black. Fresh from the success of the acclaimed BBC `Soul Britannia` series, this show showcases the luminous talents of soul legends Eddie Floyd, Geno Washington and the Ram Jam Band. Charismatic singer, award winning actress and `voice` of the `Soul Britannia` series, Pauline Black will be opening and comparing this celebration of 50 years of soul music. Eddie Floyd is best known for his 1966 hit song `Knock on Wood` which he co-wrote with Steve Cropper. He worked with and wrote for Wilson Pickett and Otis Redding during the Memphis Soul Music Era at Stax Records. Geno Washington`s show stopping style and breath taking energy produced two of the biggest selling albums in the sixties. He was the first real Soul artiste to hit this country andhas been voted top entertainer inhis field. Pauline Black found fame as the lead singer with 2-tone band The Selecter and has since branched out into acting.
See: www.genowashington.com/, www.paulineblack.co.uk/, www.eddiefloyd.com/.
+ LAWM presents the fantastic Devon/ Brighton-based Drift Collective - as part of their UK tour. Doors 8pm, Entry £5. The Yorkshire House, Lancaster. Tel 01524 64679. More info and advance tickets from www.lawm.co.uk. Mary Hampton (headliner), Thirty Pounds of Bone and The R.G. Morrison. The Drift Collective specialise in evocative, rustic, twisted folk. With special guests 7 Hertz (Leeds) and Balkanic Eruption (Lancaster). Mary Hampton picks away on her four string tenor guitar and works out startling songs, and reinterprets old folk songs. Her shrill folk English voice is certainly one of the best and most captivating in the UK today. Sometimes singers can pull you in and give you the impression of depth, but in Hampton's case the songs are genuinely perceptive and literary. And Balkan Eruption are just fantastic.
+ Haigh & Morris + Guests at The Golden Lion, Moor Lane, Lancaster 9.30pm free

SUNDAY 17 FEBRUARY
+ Lancaster & District Conservation Volunteers, Orchard Regeneration, Whittingham. 9.15am pick up from Shrimp roundabout, Morecambe. 9.30am pick up from Royal Lancaster Infirmary bus stop. Free trial (annual membership £7 waged, £3.50 unwaged). Learn the skills of apple tree pruning and orchard management. We will be planting some old varieties of apples, spring-feeding and carrying on pruning, for the ongoing renovation of the old orchard. To book a place tel. David or Liz Alexander on 01524 412938 (evenings 7 till 9pm).
+ Ki (Energy) and Personal Transformation Training: One Day Workshop. 10am - 4pm. Gregson Centre, Lancaster. "Through playful exercises we quickly learn that most personal limitations we believe to have, no longer exist when we approach situations from a fresh perspective...". Cost: £40 / £25 concessions (sliding scale). For more information and to book a place contact: Daniel Haesen tel: (01524) 33410. d.haesen@gmail.com.
+ Table Top Sale. From 1pm. St Paul's Parish Hall which is situated opposite the Chuch on the A6 South Lancaster. Tables are £5 and can be booked by telephonong 01524 61606. Proceeds are in aid of church funds.

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BUY REALLY HEAVY GREATCOAT T-SHIRTS
www.cafeshops.com/downthetubes
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CINEMA
Edited by Rob Lewsey
For info and reviews on all films listed below go to:
www.virtual-lancaster.net/whatson/cinema.htm
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From Friday 1 February 2008 for seven days

Vue Cinema Lancaster
Church Street, Lancaster LA1 1LP
08712 240 240
www.myvue.co.uk
Prices: Adult: £5.50 b4 5pm Mon-Fri
£6 after 5pm Mon-Fri + all weekend.
Child / Students / Seniors: £4
Tues: all tickets £3.50 all day.
Family ticket (2 adults, 2 children) £16. (£14 Tues)

Aliens vs Predator: Requiem (15)
Friday 1st February 21:00 23:15
Saturday 2nd February 21:00
Sunday 3rd February 21:00
Monday 4th February 21:00
Tuesday 5th February 21:00
Wednesday 6th February 21:00 23:15
Thursday 7th February 21:00

Alvin and the Chipmunks (U)
Saturday 2nd February 11:20
Sunday 3rd February 11:20

Charlie Wilson's War (15)
Friday 1st February 15:50 18:20
Monday 4th February 15:50 18:20
Tuesday 5th February 15:50
Wednesday 6th February 15:50 18:20
Thursday 7th February 15:50 18:20

Charlie Wilson's War (ST)
Tuesday 5th February 18:20

Cloverfield (15)
Friday 1st February 16:15 18:30 20:45 23:00
Saturday 2nd February 11:40 14:00 16:15 18:30 20:45
Sunday 3rd February 11:40 14:00 16:15 18:30 20:45
Monday 4th February 16:15 18:30 20:45
Tuesday 5th February 16:15 18:30 20:45
Wednesday 6th February 16:15 18:30 20:45 23:00
Thursday 7th February 16:15 18:30 20:45

Dan in Real Life (PG)
Friday 1st February 22:30
Wednesday 6th February 22:30

Enchanted (PG)
Saturday 2nd February 10:45
Sunday 3rd February 10:45

I Am Legend (15)
Friday 1st February 23:10
Wednesday 6th February 23:10

Juno (12a)
Saturday 2nd February 15:50 18:20
Sunday 3rd February 15:50 18:20

Over Her Dead Body (12a)
Friday 1st February 15:45 18:10 20:30 22:45
Saturday 2nd February 13:30 15:45 18:10 20:30
Sunday 3rd February 13:30 15:45 18:10 20:30
Monday 4th February 15:45 18:10 20:30
Tuesday 5th February 15:45 18:10 20:30
Wednesday 6th February 15:45 18:10 20:30 22:45
Thursday 7th February 15:45 18:10 20:30

Penelope (U)
Friday 1st February 15:20 17:30 19:45
Saturday 2nd February 10:50 13:10 15:20 17:30 19:45
Sunday 3rd February 10:50 13:10 15:20 17:30 19:45
Monday 4th February 15:20 17:30 19:45
Tuesday 5th February 15:20 17:30 19:45
Wednesday 6th February 15:20 17:30 19:45
Thursday 7th February 15:20 17:30 19:45

PS I Love You (12a)
Friday 1st February 17:20 20:10
Saturday 2nd February 14:30 17:20 20:10
Sunday 3rd February 14:30 17:20 20:10
Monday 4th February 17:20 20:10
Tuesday 5th February 17:20 20:10
Wednesday 6th February 17:20 20:10
Thursday 7th February 17:20 20:10

St Trinian's (12a)
Saturday 2nd February 11:00 13:20
Sunday 3rd February 11:00

St Trinian's (ST)
Sunday 3rd February 13:20

Surf's Up (PG)
Saturday 2nd February 11:30
Sunday 3rd February 11:30

Sweeney Todd (18)
Friday 1st February 17:00 20:00 22:40
Saturday 2nd February 14:10 17:00 20:00
Sunday 3rd February 14:10 17:00 20:00
Monday 4th February 17:00 20:00
Tuesday 5th February 17:00 20:00
Wednesday 6th February 17:00 20:00 22:40
Thursday 7th February 17:00 20:00

Apollo 4 Morecambe
Central Drive, Morecambe -
Tel. 0871 220 6000
www.apollocinemas.co.uk/
Adult (Aged 15 and Over) £5.50
Child / Students (Mon-Fri only) / Seniors: £4.50
Tuesdays all tickets £4.

Arthur and the Invisibles (U) (90 mins)
Kids Club; Sat; 11.00am

Penelope (U) (105 mins)
Daily; 1.30 4.00 6.15 8.25 plus 11.15am Sat

Over Her Dead Body (12a) (115 mins)
Daily; 12.50 3.20 5.40 8.15

Sweeney Todd (18) (116 mins)
Daily; 2.00 5.15 8.00

Enchanted (PG) (120 mins)
Daily; 1.00 3.30 plus 10.30am sat

Aliens VS Predator Requiem (15) (94 mins)
Daily; 5.50 8.10

The Dukes
Moor Lane, Lancaster
Box office 10am-8pm Mon-Sat Tel:01524 598500
24 hour information line: 01524 598501
Hearing impaired (textphone) line: 01524 380062
Tickets: Full £4.50, Conc £3.50.
www.dukes-lancaster.org
Film club membership (£15 / £12 for the year) = £1 discount per visit.
Viewcard: Young person (under 25s) / NUS membership scheme (£5 for the year) = £3 per ticket cinema + theatre both. Email: tickets@dukes-lancaster.org

Fri 1 8.00pm The Assassination of Jesse James 15 * There will be up to 15 minutes ads
Sat 2 5.30pm Interview* 18 before these features
Sat 2 7.45pm The Assassination of Jesse James 15
Sun 3 7.00pm American Gangster* 18 Sub = Subtitles
Mon 4 5.30pm American Gangster* 18
Mon 4 9.00pm Lions for Lambs 15
Tue 5 5.30pm The Ladykillers U
Tue 5 7.45pm American Gangster* 18
Wed 6 6.30pm 12:08 East of Bucharest* 15 Sub
Wed 6 8.45pm Les Chansons D’Amour 15 Sub
Thu 7 6.00pm The Darjeeling Ltd 15
Thu 7 8.30pm 12:08 East of Bucharest* 15 Sub
Fri 8 6.00pm Talk to Me 15
Fri 8 8.30pm Dracula 12A
Sat 9 5.45pm Silent Light* 15 Sub
Sat 9 8.45pm The Darjeeling Ltd 15
Sun 10 7.30pm The Kite Runner* 12A
Mon 11 5.45pm The Kite Runner* 12A
Mon 11 8.45pm Half Moon Tbc Sub
Tue 12 5.45pm Hidden 15 Sub
Tue 12 8.15pm The Kite Runner* 12A
Wed 13 6.00pm The Kite Runner* 12A
Wed 13 9.00pm Paranoid Park 15
Tue 14 6.00pm Amelie 15 Sub
Tue 14 8.30pm Dirty Dancing* 12A
Fri 15 6.30pm Paranoid Park 15
Fri 15 8.30pm Blade Runner The Final Cut* 15
Sat 16 2.00pm The Prince’s Quest U
Sat 16 6.00pm Blade Runner The Final Cut* 15
Sat 16 8.45pm I Am Legend 15
Sun 17 7.30pm Blade Runner The Final Cut* 15

CINEMAS IN NEIGBOURING AREAS
The Brewery Arts Centre, Kendal
Box Office: 01539 725133
Box Office E-mail: boxoffice@breweryarts.co.uk
Web: www.breweryarts.co.uk/cinema.html

Warner Village, Preston
Web: www.warnervillage.co.uk/
The Capitol Centre, London Way, Walton-Le-Dale Preston Lancashire PR5 4AW
Bookings & Info: 08702 40 60 20 Cinema Enquiries: 01772 882525

Zeferellis, Ambleside
Web: www.zeffirellis.co.uk/whats_on.htm
Compston Road, Ambleside. Tel 015394 33845

The Royalty
Lake Road, Bowness-On-Windermere. Tel: 015394 43364.
Web: www.nm-cinemas.co.uk/
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EXHIBITIONS
Go to: www.virtual-lancaster.net/whatson/exhibitions.htm
For comprehensive local listings
==========================================
THEATRE
Go to: www.virtual-lancaster.net/whatson/theatre.htm
For comprehensive local listings

The Dukes
Moor Lane, Lancaster Box office: (01524) 598500
E-mail: tickets@dukes-lancaster.org
www.dukes-lancaster.org

The Grand Theatre
Box Office: 01524 64695 (Open Mon - Sat 10.00am - 3.00pm)
www.lancastergrand.co.uk/

The Nuffield Theatre
Lancaster University, Bailrigg, Lancaster -
(01524) 594151
Box Office: 0800 028 3042
B.O., Freepost NWW100031, Lancaster LA1 4ZZ
www.nuffieldtheatre.com

The Heron Theatre, Beetham
Stanley Street, Beetham LA7 7AS
Box Office: 015395 64283. Open 10.00am until 2.00pm Tuesdays and Fridays. 24
hr answering service available
www.herontheatre.fsnet.co.uk/

The Brewery Arts Centre, Highgate, Kendal
Box Office: 01539 725133. Fax: 01539 730257
Box Office E-mail: boxoffice@breweryarts.co.uk
http://breweryarts.co.uk
==========================================
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OTHER LOCAL MEDIA
+ BBC Lancashire Online: www.bbc.co.uk/lancashire/news/index.shtml
+ Lancaster Citizen: www.thisislancashire.co.uk/
Delivered free to all households in the area
+ Lancaster Guardian: www.lancasterguardian.co.uk
from all local newsagents, publication date is Friday but it’s available from Thurs pm
+ Morecambe Visitor: www.thevisitor.co.uk.
from all local newsagents, published on Wednesdays
+ SCAN: www.lusu.co.uk/scan. The Lancaster University Students Union
newspaper. Free fortnightly in term time
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