Latest news with #LancashireTelegraph
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Banny's: Where traditional fish and chips come with a spicy kick
A Lancashire takeaway which reinvented Britain's favourite meal with its own distinctive spicy kick is in the running to be name the region's best chippy. Banny's British Kitchen and Takeaway, located near Boundary Outlet in Colne, is one of 10 chippies shortlisted in the Lancashire Telegraph Best Fish and Chip Shop competition. Originally opened in 2008 as a dine-in restaurant with room for 280 guests inside and 32 outdoors, Banny's quickly became a local favourite. Its popularity soared in 2010 with the launch of its takeaway service, situated to the rear of the restaurant, and it hasn't looked back since. A Banny's spokesperson said: 'We're absolutely thrilled to be a finalist. 'We've always believed in doing things the right way, quality ingredients, fresh cooking, and a bit of flair. Being recognised like this is a huge honour.' Colne's famous Banny's first opened in 2008 (Image: Nq) After nearly two decades of serving fish and chips, Banny's is recognised not just for tradition, but for its innovations. Whilst the classic British fish and chips is still a firm favourite with diners, the 'Indian fish and chips' that blends spices with the fish batter attracts customers from across the region. Banny's is also famous for its homemade cheese and onion pie. The takeaway is open from midday to 9pm, with free on-site parking and offers a sit-down meal service, takeaway and home deliveries through Just Eat. Voting in the Best Fish and Chip Shop competition is open until Saturday, June 14, and you can cast your vote by picking up a copy of the Lancashire Telegraph. Each finalist will be profiled to show why it deserves your vote and to be named East Lancashire's best.
Yahoo
6 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
The simple act that will boost your happiness, health and longevity
Therapist Martin Furber's latest column explores the chemistry of connection. We all know that feeling, don't we? That warmth that spreads through you when you have a good chat with a friend, a heartfelt conversation with a loved one, or even a surprisingly lovely encounter with a stranger. It's more than just a nice moment; there's some powerful chemistry happening in our brains that makes these connections so vital for our well-being. This week, as we kick off our series for June, exploring the 5 Ways to Wellbeing, we're diving deep into the magic of "connect" and why feeling truly seen and heard makes us shine from the inside out. Think back for a moment. Remember the last time someone really listened to you? Not just waited for their turn to speak, but truly absorbed your words, made eye contact, and responded in a way that made you feel understood. How did that make you feel? Chances are, it wasn't just a fleeting moment of pleasantness. There was a deeper sense of validation, of being seen and valued. This feeling isn't just emotional; it's rooted in our neurobiology. When we connect with others in a meaningful way, our brains release a cocktail of feel-good chemicals. One of the key players is oxytocin, often dubbed the "love hormone" or the "bonding hormone." It's released during physical touch, like hugs, and also during moments of genuine connection and trust. Oxytocin promotes feelings of warmth, attachment, and security. Then there's dopamine, the neurotransmitter associated with pleasure and reward. When we have a positive social interaction, our dopamine levels can rise, reinforcing those connecting behaviours and making us want to seek them out again. And let's not forget serotonin, which plays a crucial role in regulating mood. Feeling connected and accepted by others can boost our serotonin levels, contributing to feelings of happiness and well-being. When we feel isolated or disconnected, serotonin levels can dip, potentially impacting our mood negatively. It's easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of daily life and let these vital connections slip. But making a conscious effort to nurture them isn't just about being sociable; it's about actively nourishing our brains with the very chemicals that promote happiness and well-being. READ MORE: Lancashire Telegraph Best Chippy: The Wellington, Blackburn Clitheroe town centre's £300k revamp stage two under way It's about remembering that we are social creatures. So, this week, I'd like you to think about the magic of connection. Let's reach out to someone we haven't spoken to in a while, make an effort to truly listen in our conversations, and be open to those unexpected moments where we find common ground with others. Martin Furber is a therapist qualified in various modalities, an award-winning trainer, and an Instructor Member of Mental Health First Aid England. wellbeing@ Please note: If you feel you are in a mental health crisis or emergency and may be in danger of causing harm to yourself or others, then please contact your GP, go to A&E, call NHS 111 (option 2), call the Samaritans on 116 123, or text SHOUT to 85258.
Yahoo
27-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Drag queen, TikTok star and man with one lung taking on London Marathon
A drag queen, TikTok star, a man with one lung and a cancer survivor are among the runners taking part in the London Marathon today (April 27). More than 56,000 people are expected to run the 26.2 mile course through the capital, including some people from East Lancashire. Blackburn's Shabaz Ali, who has more than two million followers on TikTok, will be running the marathon on behalf of Save the Children UK. Shabaz, known as 'Shabaz Says' on his social media channels, creates comedic and light-hearted content that uses humour and satire to reflect and comment on the latest news and social trends, with a particular focus on poverty and discrimination. Speaking to the Lancashire Telegraph earlier this year, Shabaz said he was 'excited but nervous' to be taking part. He said: 'I thought it was a brilliant idea at the time, now it is getting closer I am thinking 'I've actually got to run 26 miles'. It is all good in theory isn't it?' he joked. 'Most of the time I am lying down in bed in my videos – my viewers are surprised I have legs! The comment section has been so lovely... I am overwhelmed. Shabaz Ali (Image: Save The Children) 'I am excited to be part of something. I always see how happy people are when they finish it. I know I can raise so much money for it. 'I used to run in lockdown. Before that, I hated the outdoors. I love the freedom of running and regularly run around Entwistle reservoir.' Richard Few, from Clitheroe, is also set to take part – and he only has one lung. It's his second London Marathon. Richard Few (Image: Richard Few) He is running on behalf of Asthma and Lung UK. In February 2008, Richard went to the hospital thinking he had a chest infection but was told that his lung had collapsed. This was the first of many collapses over the coming months, which led to his right lung being removed. Richard said running long distances with one lung makes his heart rate higher, meaning his heart has to work harder to pump oxygen around his body. He says running long distances feels like his face is 'covered with a pillow'. A Burnley cancer survivor is also set to take part in her first London Marathon. Millie Stubbs (Image: Millie Stubbs) On her 13th birthday, Millie Stubbs was told she had stage two thyroid cancer. Now 22, the Burnley-born nurse is preparing to run the London Marathon in support of the charity that helped her through it all, the Teenage Cancer Trust. READ MORE: Burnley Drag Race UK star Elektra Fence in Parliament to discuss cerebral palsy Drag queen Elektra Fence, real name Julian Riley, from Burnley is also preparing to lace up their running shoes to take part in the London Marathon for the second year running. Elektra Fence (Image: Elektra Fence) Elektra, who appeared on Drag Race UK in 2021, is running for disability equality charity, Scope. They said: 'My first marathon in 2024 was one of the most inspirational experiences of my life; such positivity, love and joy everywhere you looked. 'Thanks to everyone who kindly donated last year, we managed to smash my £2,000 target and we raised a whopping £3201.00 'Scope does so much good and I want to do my bit!'
Yahoo
24-04-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Work begins to demolish ‘iconic' swimming baths in Blackburn
Work has begun to demolish a once popular swimming pool in Blackburn. A section of Daisyfield Swimming Baths has already been demolished by workers over the past week. The car park area has been cordoned off and, although work stopped over the Easter break, workers were set to continue with the project this week off Daisy Lane. The 118-year-old building was closed in 2023 after the discovery of legionella bacteria at the site. The decision followed a consultation over swimming provision in the area. The car park area has been cordoned off (Image: Nq)In April of 2024, the Lancashire Telegraph reported that Blackburn with Darwen Council was pressing ahead with plans to demolish the complex, despite calls by swimmers and supporters to keep it open. A finance council meeting approved the demolition of Daisyfield and the redundant Shadsworth Leisure Centre, allocating a budget of £1.5million to cover costs for both. All debris and spoil from the demolished building are to be removed other than crushed masonry/concrete, which will be used for a temporary surface where the pool will be filled. The controversial closure came after an officer's report which said the council could not afford the £71,000 needed to refurbish the pool plant and £3.1million more required for wider building repairs to keep the pools operational in the short term. In October last year, councillors were told there were no plans to sell the site.
Yahoo
11-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
‘It's sad news' – East Lancs react as Winfields enters administration
Councillors and readers have reacted with sadness after East Lancashire business, Winfields, announced it was closing numerous stores and appointing administrators. Winfields, an outdoor clothing and equipment retail chain that was founded in the 1970s, has its headquarters in Haslingden. Councillors and readers have expressed sadness about the business falling into financial difficulties. Financial pressures have meant its shops in Chester, Redditch, Leeds, Hull, Keswick and Swadlingcote in Derbyshire have all had to close. The Haslingden store remains open, and the company will continue to operate online, the Lancashire Telegraph reported earlier this week. Councillor Alyson Barnes, leader of Rossendale Council, said she feels sad for staff. She said: 'It's a great pity to hear this. "They have been a long-established company in the area – it is never good to hear about companies closing down and people losing their jobs. 'It's an incredibly challenging environment at the moment, and small businesses, such as Winfields, probably feel it more keenly than some of those that have a bigger online presence.' Haslingden ward's Councillor Marilyn Procter said: 'It's sad news! It's a well-established and respected business that has been operating in the valley for many years. It's sad they are in this position. 'The impact this will have on the workers is a concern and a worry. It's a tough time for all small businesses at the moment. 'It's quite upsetting, and we feel for everyone involved in this. 'The business has been a big part of the local community and some events we run, including those around Bonfire Night.' Reacting to the news, one Lancashire Telegraph reader said: 'When I was young this was a day out for us, and was one of the best shoe shops in the North West." Another said: 'They need to look at other ways other than just selling work wear and outdoor clothing, maybe more food outlets and soft play area for the kids.' A third added: 'Years ago it was very good on price, but now it is more expensive.' 'We have seen a number of posts recently from people who have been affected by the Winfields retail chain entering into administration,' said another. 'This is very sad news and we're very sorry for those affected.' Winfields in the 1970s (Image: NQ) A note on the firm's website says it is in administration, with joint administrators acting as agents of the company. In a statement posted on Facebook, Winfields said: 'Although some of our stores have closed, our website is running smoothly, and our Haslingden store remains open, ready to help you find all your outdoor gear need. 'We're grateful for your continued support, and despite some recent rumours, the company is still running.' Based at Hazel Mill, in Acre, near Haslingden, it used to employ more than 200 people but fell into financial trouble following the pandemic. Founded by Dale Winfield, the company is now led by his wife June and their children Joe and Janine.
