Get crowned Britain's Best Axe Thrower!

IS your new year's resolution to try something a little different in 2019? Well, you're in luck! Whistle Punks Urban Axe Throwing is offering the ultimate opportunity for people to take up a new hobby, with the launch of their new and improved:- 'National Axe Throwing League' - the perfect way to throw a new sport into your dry January regime.

A series of competitions throughout the year will culminate in a Champion's League Playoff in London on 3 November 2019, with 1 person awarded undoubtedly the coolest title available:- The country's finest axe thrower. Whistle Punks venues in London, Manchester, and Birmingham will each hold 4 leagues, starting on:- 4 February, 15 April, 24 June and 2 September 2019.

The leagues will consist of weekly competitions for 6 weeks, with the winner of every league receiving an ornamental axe and trophy. Each of the league champions will come together for a final competition weekend in London. Each finalist will make their own custom axe and be in with the chance to win ₤1,000. And in case you needed more of an incentive, the British champ will be invited to create their own:- 'Custom Axe' at The Greenwood Guild.

Win or lose, league entrants will benefit from a seasonal membership card, entitling them to discounts on tickets, food and beverage and merchandise. And all players receive welcome packs of goodies including:- beer bottle openers, branded tote bags and Whistle Punks lanyards and stickers.

Jools Whitehorn, owner of Whistle Punks Urban Axe Throwing says:- "Since we brought axe throwing to the UK it's been growing at an incredible rate, with more people than ever picking up axes. It's time we officially crowned the best axe thrower in the country. So whether it's your first time at Whistle Punks our you're a regular, joining our league is a perfect way to test yourself and find out if you've got what it takes to become a champion."

CLA reaction to Defra Secretary's speech at Oxford Farming Conference

IN reaction to Defra Secretary Michael Gove's speech Thursday morning, 3 January 2019, at the Oxford Farming Conference, CLA President Tim Breitmeyer said:- "The Defra Secretary did not provide new insight into future policies affecting agriculture, the environment or rural businesses. This is unsurprising as we await the outcomes of MPs' continuing debates about the Prime Minister's proposed Withdrawal Agreement. What farmers, land managers and rural businesses need urgently is a commitment from Government to long term funding for the policies in the new Agriculture Bill. Profitable farming can go hand in hand with delivering public goods such as enhancing the environment, but only through long term business planning that must be backed by the certainty of multi annual investment by Government, which should include direct investment in skills and productivity. As MPs return to Parliament next week we urge them to work together to avoid No Deal. We agree with the Defra Secretary's analysis that a scenario where the UK leaves without arrangements in place for free and frictionless trade with the EU would have major repercussions for farming, food production and the environment."

Vote for the winner of the 'Amazing Care Award' 2019

RESIDENTS across Lancashire are being given the opportunity to recognise the hard work of health professionals who have made a difference to their healthcare experience and vote for them as the winner of the 'Amazing Care Award.' The 'Amazing Care Award' is now in its 2nd year and allows members of the public and Trust members to vote for a team, individual or service who they think should be crowned this year's winner. It is often the little things that can make a big different to patients and their families and we are looking for residents in Lancashire to vote for the person who they feel has gone the extra mile to provide amazing care! Lancashire Care NHS Foundation Trust holds an annual staff awards ceremony to celebrate the success of its members of staff and the winner of this award will be announced, on 22 March 2019, at the awards ceremony at:- The Village Hotel, in Blackpool.

Heather Tierney Moore, Chief Executive at Lancashire Care NHS Foundation Trust said:- "We have received so many fantastic nominations for this year's Amazing Care Award and it is so wonderful to highlight all of the hard work and dedication to the care of the people in Lancashire. This award is unique in the fact that it provides us with the opportunity to connect with the people who are truly at the centre of our care and celebrate all of the great work that goes on. It is an honour to shortlist this award and I am really looking forward to presenting the award to this year's well deserved winner."

The Trust received many nominations covering a wide range of services which are provided across the county and this list was shortlist down to 4. The following people and teams have been shortlisted for the award and it is up to you to decide who should win:-

► Longridge District Nurses - Central.

► Sam Tyrer - Pan Lancashire.

► Nicholas Alderson - East.

► Wellbeing and Mental Health Helpline - Blackpool/Pan Lancashire.

You can place your vote via calling:- 01772 695384 sending an email, or going on to both social media websites:- Twitter and Facebook.