Following on from its successful event with poet laureate Carol Ann Duffy, Colne Library is set to organise another night of culture next month.

An evening of music and poetry featuring string ensemble the Allegra Quartet, will be hosted at the Market Street site on September 5th between 7 and 9pm. It has been sponsored by the Colne Co-operative store.

The event will also feature original poetry from Mervyn Hadfield, as well as a classical Spanish guitar duet and performances from local thespians, including Marilyn Crowther, Yvonne Bolton, John Cummings, and Eleanor Jolley.

Tickets are priced at £5 and include refreshments. Ring 871155 or drop into the library.

Is the Capital One Cup still an inconvenient hindrance in an already hectic domestic schedule? Or is the FA Cup’s smaller sibling becoming the country’s most eminent competition?

Five years ago my views would have been blinkered in favour of the latter following the Clarets’ remarkable journey as Owen Coyle’s side knocked out Bury, Oldham Athletic, Fulham, Chelsea and Arsenal before losing out to Spurs over two legs in the semi-final.

And Bradford City’s heroics last term endeared the population as the underdog overcame Notts County, Watford, Burton Albion, Wigan Athletic, Arsenal and Aston Villa en route to their final defeat against Swansea City at Wembley.

That term also sparked resurgence in the competition’s incandescence with the goal fest between Reading and Arsenal at the Madejski Stadium, a tie that finished 7-5 to the Gunners after extra-time.

Arsene Wenger – in a desperate search for silverware – manifested the tournament’s competitiveness when naming a similar starting XI against the Bantams in the quarter-final to that which faced Bayern Munich in the Champions League. The Swans also rested key personnel in a Premier League encounter against Liverpool in readiness for the final.

However, there is an aphoristic lack of attentiveness in the early rounds and that’s something for the Football League to consider when modelling the competition.

During the 2010/11 campaign, Burnley’s second round tie with rivals Bolton Wanderers attracted a crowd of more than 17,000 at Turf Moor. Compare that to home ties with Burton Albion and Barnet the following season and Plymouth Argyle during the 2012/13 campaign when less than 5,000 spectators attended each.

Locality breeds rivalry and competition which in turn ignites interest and atmosphere. Yes, the club may be closing the upper tiers of the Jimmy McIlroy and James Hargreaves stands for this evening’s visit of Preston North End but the attendance is still expected to near five figures.

If a Champions League qualification place can’t be handed to the victors in a bid to heighten the cup’s competitive edge, then let’s enhance rivalries within the earlier stanzas.

The tournament needs to be regionalised in a group format. Burnley, Blackburn Rovers, Bolton, Preston, Blackpool, Accrington Stanley and Morecambe could all be placed in the same pot. Even the likes of Liverpool, Everton, Wigan, Manchester United and Manchester City could be included if exempt from European involvement.

There would be 21 groups, each comprising four clubs, where the winner of each along with the three best runners up would progress to the final 32 alongside eight Premier League clubs – seven of which would have been involved in Champions League and Europa League encounters throughout August.

This format would also see 12 clubs from the Premier League involved at an earlier stage, and with no relegation battles to prioritise or titles races to focus on at that stage then there’d be less risk of clubs and managers fielding weakened teams. The hierarchical set-up would also see rivals fight for superiority and local bragging rights, while giving lower league clubs a better opportunity to face local Premier League opposition in an equation which ultimately results in a financial windfall.

Fans are already enticed through affordable ticket prices in a competition that brings us a plethora of goals, drama, upsets and fairy tales.

A total of 335 goals were scored in the competition last year, significantly more than the FA Cup, and should Brentford draw 2-2 with Chelsea or were Oldham to register a stalemate against Everton – as they did in the FA Cup – then they’d earn a point instead of forcing extra-time or being thrashed in replays.

The Capital One Cup tour passed by the Burnley Express office last week and I was fortunate enough to get my hands on the silverware. Hopefully more of the country’s elite bosses will soon become more inclined to get their hands on the trophy as well.

Business leaders, politicians and prominent figures associated with Burnley have been queueing up to sing the town’s praises after it was named “The Most Enterprising Area in the UK”.

Burnley MP Gordon Birtwistle, Burnley Express editor Chris Daggett and Tony Blair’s former director of communications Alastair Campbell all agreed it was a fitting recognition.

Mr Birtwistle said: “This is great news. Over the last few years investment in the town has blossomed beyond all belief.

“Companies are expanding which are on the leading edge of aerospace, oil and nuclear technologies.

“The Burnley Bondholders have done a fantastic job in promoting the town and I know that Business Secretary Vince Cable was very impressed by what he has seen and heard from them on numerous visits to the town.

“He came away convinced that Burnley was a place that would take great advantage of any investment.

“There has been a great deal of private investment too. You only have to look at some of the projects being worked on at the moment to see that the town has a bright future.”

Mr Birtwistle highlighted the restoration of the Todmorden Curve rail link, which will cut journey times to Manchester.

The chief executive of Burnley Council, Steve Rumbelow, agreed that “connectivity” had been an issue in the past, but added the new link would generate an extra £8m. a year in income for the Burnley economy.”

The new French managing director of Burnley’s biggest private sector employer Aircelle also added his voice of congratulations.

Stéphane Cueille said: “When I arrived in Burnley I was very impressed by the breadth of the manufacturing – there’s a vibrant aerospace and automotive sector, which is supported by many service businesses and an excellent property market.

“I’m also very impressed by the way Burnley’s private and public sectors work together for the greater good, which is demonstrated by the work of the Bondholder Network.

“Burnley Council is very business friendly – we’re working closely with them on the Supplier Village and they’ve also helped secure huge inward investment on projects like the rail link to Manchester and Weavers’ Triangle.”

Alastair Campbell has long spoken publicly of his support not only of Burnley Football Club, but the town as a whole.

He said: “I think this is fantastic news. It is a shot in the arm for the local economy.

“I know that the UCFB College of Football Business has a great national profile, but many other businesses in the town are doing well.”

Respected BBC television producer Peter Salmon said: “I am proud and happy that my home town Burnley has won such an accolade.

“It is a place rich in stories and storytellers, characters and colour. It has a wonderful history, a cracking football team and a promising future – thanks to work like this.

“The BBC is lucky to have a new, state-of-the-art digital broadcasting hub just 30 miles away at Salford Quays working for the whole region and we have already benefitted from the skills and training that the town is promoting.

“Several of my colleagues at Media City are already from Burnley and I am sure going forward there will be even more.”

Burnley Express editor Chris Daggett said the award was just recognition for years of hard work.

“Burnley businesses, agencies and the council have worked together with the common goal of creating a better town for everyone to live in.

“We are changing perceptions of Burnley and that will help attract more invesment which in turn will create skilled and better-paid jobs for our young people.

“The award is fantastic news for all of Burnley.”

There has been a drop in the proportion of GCSE exam entries awarded top grades, for the second year in a row.

About two-thirds of exam entries were graded between an A* and a C - a fall on last year. And the proportion getting an A* or an A fell from 22.4% to 21.3%. The overall pass rate also fell marginally, for the first time in the exam’s 25-year history.

The results have been released by the Joint Council for Qualifications (JCQ) showing, in English, the proportion of entries awarded A*s to Cs fell by 0.5 percentage points, to 63.6%. In maths, the fall was 0.8 percentage points. There was a big fall in pupils getting top grades in all the sciences, following the introduction of new syllabuses and exams.

This year 53.1% of science entries were awarded between an A* and a C, down from 60.7% last year. That drop - of 7.6 percentage points - was the biggest fall in top results across all the subjects.

The results also show an increase in those taking foreign languages and humanities at GCSE level.

A Pendle man has been jailed for 12 months after what the judge sentencing him described as “unprovoked” attack on his own mother.

Jonathan Procter (26), of no fixed address, attacked his mother twice in March this year and was sent to prison for assault causing actual bodily harm.

David Macro (prosecuting) said on the night of the first attack Procter was at his brother’s house in Bracewell Street, Barnoldswick, and had been drinking.

His mother came around at around 8pm and Procter began verbally abusing her, Mr Macro told Burnley Crown Court, before he punched her in the arm while she was sat in a chair and then got her arm in an arm lock behind her back. She called out for his brother and he intervened.

After his brother had left the house, Mr Macro said Procter started punching his mother “really hard” on her arms.

As she pushed him away, Procter fell to the floor and she sat on him “to stop further attacking” said Mr Macro, but Procter bit her finger causing it to bleed.

His brother intervened again and the police were called. In interview, Mr Macro said Procter said his mother had been attacking him and he was acting in self defence.

He was charged and pleaded not guilty at Magistrates Court and was bailed.

The second offence occurred at his mother’s house in Lonsdale Street, Nelson. Mr Macro said Procter had been drinking heavily and punched his mother hard on her left arm and also her leg.

He also twisted her arm. Mr Macro said Procter’s mother had “really bad bruises all over her body”.

Robert Elias (defending) described it as a “tragic” and “serious state of affairs” and added Procter accepted he would be getting a custodial sentence.

Mr Elias asked the judge to factor in Procter’s age and the fact he is still in contact with his mother.

Recorder Simon Medland QC said Procter’s actions had left his mother with “multiple” bruises on her arms and legs. He added that Procter had refused to engage with the probation service and had refused to acknowledge his mother was the victim.

Burnley opera singer Sean Ruane sang from the rooftops to proclaim the town’s award of “Most Enterprising Area in the UK”.

Scores of business leaders, politicians and media gathered outside the impressive Burnley College UCLan campus in Princess Way to celebrate the accolade bestowed by the Government.

And tenor Sean, who this summer has been inspiring the nation’s cricketers with renditions of “Jerusalem” before Ashes test matches, provided the rousing backdrop – from the college rooftop – to Burnley’s own success story.

The college itself was adorned with the huge logo proclaiming Burnley as the Most Enterprising Area.

The Burnley Express revealed on Tuesday that Burnley had been selected as the winner of the Enterprising Britain Awards, a competition organised by the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills.

Judges were impressed by the partnership work of Burnley Borough Council and Burnley Bondholders scheme of local business leaders who had helped to “successfully reframe perceptions” of the town.

Among the throng gathered at the Rainbow Gate sculpture outside the college were Tony Blair’s former director of communications Alastair Campbell and national broadcaster Tony Livesey.

Burnley MP Gordon Birtwistle said: “This is brilliant news. We hear so much about Burnley’s industrial heritage and history but this is about the future.

“This is the Burnley I’ve been telling colleagues in Government about for the last three years.

“We have fantastic companies at the cutting edge in aerospace and engineering. I know the Business Secretary Vince Cable has been hugely impressed by what he has seen and heard of our businesses.”

Council leader Coun. Julie Cooper said: “It was a wonderful occasion to mark the wonderful news that Burnley is leading the way when it comes to enterprise, particularly when it comes to high-tech manufacturing and innovation.”

More on Burnley’s success in Friday’s Express ...

Organisers of Kelbrook’s annual art exhibition have hailed another successful event and are already planning ahead for next year.

There was plenty of interest across the Bank Holiday weekend as viewers flocked to Kelbrook and Sough Village Hall for the three day event which started on Saturday and finished on Monday.

Fifty-eight pictures from a grand total of 317 which went on display were sold, as money raised on the day hit the £1,000 mark again.

Of the £1,000 raised, £500 will go to the North West Air Ambulance and the other £500 to Cancer Research UK.

In 2012, £1,200 was raised of which £600 was donated to the Yorkshire Air Ambulance and the other half to Pendleside Hospice.

Jennifer Petty from Foulridge went home delighted as the winner of the raffle which won her a portrait of a farmyard scene by well-known local artist Alice Wood who had donated the prize.

Last weekend’s exhibition was the 15th of its type and in recent years has grown from strength to strength to become a firm favourite in Pendle’s art calendar in Pendle.

Josephine Robinson, from the exhibition’s organising committee, said: “We have raised slightly less money this year but it’s still jolly good.

“Last year, we sold 62 pieces so we are four fewer for this year but we are really pleased.

“We gave to the Yorkshire Air Ambulance last year so we thought we would give to the North West this time. I think everybody is affected by cancer in one way or another at some point which is why we chose Cancer Research. I’d like to say a big thank you to all on behalf of the committee.”

Organisers of Reedley Flower Show celebrated one of the best and most colourful events to date last weekend.

Scores of people descended on St Cuthbert’s Church hall for the annual show where classes included flowers, vegetables and confectionary.

Mr Darren Reynolds, who helped organise the event, said: “It went really well. It was one of the best turn-outs ever and entries were up on last year.

“The auction managed to raise £75 as well which was donated to Pendleside Hospice.”

Following the success of the 24th Great British Rhythm and Blues Festival, it is hoped more music lovers will come out in force to enjoy this year’s GreenRock Concert in Colne.

Taking place tomorrow, the free event will run between noon and 7pm on Colne’s Millenium Green, off Shaw Street.

As well as boasting a bumper schedule of acts, the concert, which has been organised by Colne Town Council, will also include refreshments, such as a hog roast and sandwiches, for those without picnics.

Acts Draks Drum, Third Thumb, LEN, Dirty Donnas, Bigbelly HiFi, Drum Machine, Walter Mitty’s Head and Rasta4Eyes will all be taking to the stage throughout the day.

And a face painting service is being organised for the children.

Committee Chairman Coun. Dorothy Lord said: “GreenRock is a great showcase for local bands, as well as those a little further afield.

“However, I believe it is the wonderful Colne atmosphere, generated by people of all ages that makes GreenRock such a vibrant, fun event.”

Anybody planning on going to GreenRock is reminded to turn up early, due to strict limitations on numbers.

The following Colne crimes have been reported to Lancashire Police:

• Joseph Farrelly Phillips (43), of West Street, Colne, has been charged with interfering with a vehicle by police.

He is currently on bail after a hearing at Blackburn Magistrates Court ahead of an appearance at Pennine Magistrates Court in Burnley on Friday, October 18th.

• Scott Parker (36), of Clayton Street, Colne, has been ordered to pay £100 in compensation for criminal damage caused to the Red Lion Pub in Colne after a hearing at Blackburn Magistrates Court.

Parker has been bailed and will appear at Pennine Magistrates Court in Burnley on Thursday, October 17th, charged with a dwelling burglary in Blucher Street, Colne, and a section 39 assault.

Pendle MP Andrew Stephenson has thrown his weight behind a grieving mum’s petition to make swimming and water safety lessons compulsory for school children.

Beckie Ramsay (33), from Chorley, had her life torn apart in 2011 when her son Dylan (13) drowned at Hill Top Quarry, in Whittle-le-Woods.

Since her son’s death, Beckie has been working tirelessly to raise awareness of the dangers of swimming in open water. She has launched the “Doing it for Dylan” campaign and visited schools with a Powerpoint presentation.

Now she aims to collect 100,000 signatures to make it compulsory for all primary school children to have had swimming lessons before starting high school. And she also hopes to see high school children taught about water safety every year.

Her work has recently been backed by Mr Stephenson, who is helping Beckie achieve her goals of getting the petition debated in Parliament.

Beckie, who has also helped produce a water safety DVD, said: “I am happy that Andrew is supporting the campaign. It would be really appreciated if any of the councillors in Pendle would be able to help Andrew, as it is not a one-man job to get it pushed through to Parliament.”

As well as working on her new venture, Beckie is happy to come and visit schools in Pendle to promote the importance of swimming safely.

She added: “I wish I had been more educated before Dylan died, and I wasn’t. Now I am, and I am trying to help other people. I wouldn’t wish this pain on my worst enemy.

“Outside swimming shouldn’t be done, full stop. But if it is going to be done, then it should be in a safe environment.”

And Mr Stephenson said: “In my mind both swim-safe education and competent swimming skills are important, but it needs everyone to pitch in and reinforce the message. Friends, parents, and neighbours, as well as teachers and campaigners, need to push the point that swimming in open waters can so easily, quickly, and surprisingly lead to a tragic death of someone close to you.”

Schools wanting Beckie to visit or send a water safety DVD can email beckieramsay@hotmail.com

To sign her petition go to epetitions.direct.gov.uk/petitions/53219

An Earby girl has proved her credentials as a rising fencing star by battling to become a British champion.

Lucy-Belle Williamson (9), of Victoria Crescent, won gold at the Épée British Youth Championships on Saturday and needed all her skill, agility and concentration to win the competition at Under-10 level.

Earlier this year, Lucy-Belle secured a bronze medal in the foil category and her parents Jane and Ian say they are “very proud” of their daughter’s achievements.

This summer, the starlet stepped up to use an épée rather than the foil weapon on her way to victory.

The épée is heavier and less flexible than the foil weapon she is used to using and is a more realistic form of fencing as scoring can include all parts of the body and not just the torso.

Lucy-Belle bettered several opponents who she knocked out of the competition in Oundle near Peterborough along the way, causing quite a stir too, due to the fact that she was unknown and untested at Épée fencing prior to the tournament.

In the final, she beat her opponent by 10 points to four to win her gold medal and the title of British Youth Champion.

Lucy-Belle said: “I have worked really hard this summer and have been away on a training camp as well as long days training with my coach in Skipton. Winning gold is amazing but I had to keep very calm until I had won the last point.”

Her mother Jane added: “The training has been essential as Lucy-Belle began the summer with very little experience Épée fencing and the time has been spent learning to transfer her skills from one type of fencing to another.”

The youngster trains with Jim Lockyer at Skipton Fencing Club twice a week and uses West Craven Sports Centre in Barnoldswick when the hall is free.

This dedicated practice, up to 20 hours per week, often against others older than her, is why she has done so well according to her coach.

Mr Lockyer said: “Lucy-Belle is one of the most talented individuals I have had the pleasure of coaching in 13 years. This talent is coupled with an extremely high work ethic and a desire to improve; which has led to the incredible high level of success she has had over the past 18 months.

“Fencing is an incredibly challenging sport and the dedication that Lucy-Belle has shown so far has made her the star she is now.

“If she keeps up this level of focus then there is no doubt in my mind that she will represent Great Britain in the future.”

An Earby woman hopes to put West Craven on the map as a destination for independent producers with the launch of a new business venture.

Gill McGarrell (34), who has McGarrell’s Farm small holding off Skipton Road will launch the West Craven Artisan Fair at the New Road Community Centre on Saturday, September 7th from 10am until 2pm.

On the day, there will be a host of producers with products ranging from food to crafts and soaps to decorative home materials.

The monthly fair’s debut will also see Pendle Council offering free micro-chipping for dogs and Earby author Annette Brown signing copies of her latest novel “Escape to Africa”.

Gill’s husband Tom (34) is a freelance farmer who works across Lancashire and North Yorkshire while looking after the small holding.

The couple have been selling high quality produce from McGarrell’s Farm at similar fairs for a while in Gisburn, Settle and Skipton but Gill has decided to have a go at hosting her own.

Gill said: “I’m really quite excited about it and anticipate that it’s going to do well. Hopefully it will bring something to Earby.

“The reason we chose the New Road Community Centre is because it is in the heart of Earby. I think it offers an attractive site set in the old school and also it gives something back to the community and ensures the building stays open for all to enjoy.

“We will have a local charity of the month. This month, it will be Pendle Dogs in Need and Happa for October 12th.”

For further information, visit www.westcravenartisan.co.uk, follow the fair on Twitter at @CravenWest or like it on Facebook at www.facebook.com/WestCravenArtisanFair

A retired senior nursing sister who had a key role in local hospitals has died suddenly at home.

Margaret Cooper (66) from Moorside Avenue, Brierfield, had done a tremendous amount for people. She was always willing to help.

Her funeral will take place on Monday at Burnley Crematorium, at 1-40pm.

Margaret had worked for the NHS from leaving school and, when Pendle Community Hospital opened, she became senior sister on Marsden Ward. She organised the introduction of the rooftop garden at the hospital and worked on many other projects there.

She was disappointed when the ward was closed and she was transferred to the Royal Blackburn Hospital but decided to retire soon afterwards in her late 50s.

She has had a great interest in antiques and, since retiring, worked part time at Bank Hall Antiques and Sales Rooms in Burnley.

She has also been a keen Manchester United fan, cat lover and supporter of Help for Heroes.

Husband Roger said: “Margaret had not been to the doctors since 2006 and her death was very sudden and shocking.

“She was a marvellous wife and everything she did was always for other people. There wasn’t anything she wouldn’t do for anybody.”

She and Roger were married in 1992, when she worked at a hospital in Clitheroe.

She leaves three children – David, Diane and Mark – and her grandchildren. Her father Bill had died but her mother Vi is still alive. She also has two brothers, Bill and Andrew. Another, Donald, had died.

It is suggested donations in her memory can be made to Help for Heroes or the Cat Protection League.

Pudsey paid a visit to Colne’s DFS over the bank holiday weekend as part of the store’s nationwide drive to raise funds for Children in Need.

Customers were treated to free goodies, including branded rock, bucket and spades and frisbees.

On September 11th, Dave O’Donnell (28), who has worked at the Boundary Mill Retail Park store for three years, will be playing his part in the fund-raising efforts by racing rafts mounted with sofas at the Olympic Park. He will be joined by other colleagues from across the country.

The aim is for DFS’s 3,000-strong workforce to raise £1 million.

Three men have been charged in connection with an incident that result in a police officer being injured.

The officer suffered a whiplash injury when his patrol car was hit by a suspected stolen car during a stop-and-search in Simonstone.

The dramatic incident occurred in front of startled onlookers and motorists making their way home at 4-50pm on Friday.

A spokesman for Eastern Division Police said: “Three men travelling in a car in Whins Lane were stopped and questioned by police on suspicion of aggravated vehicle-taking. During the course of this, the car collided with a patrol car causing whiplash type injuries to the officer.”

Three men have been charged with a variety of offences. They are due to appear before Blackburn magistrates on Monday.

Craig Oldfield (42) of Como Avenue, Burnley, has been charged with going equipped, dangerous driving and criminal damage.

John Beveridge (35) of Hall Road, Colne, has been charged with going equipped, and James Martin (30) of Bedford Place, Padiham, has been charged with going equipped.

An apology has been made by United Utilities following traffic chaos in Foulridge.

At the start of the month, repair works were carried out on the main A56 road, due to a water leak that is said to have started eight to 10 weeks prior.

Drivers were made to sit in half-mile tailbacks as a result of the temporary traffic lights, and many were forced to take more rural routes.

While it is understood that the emergency works were necessary, residents feel that it could have been completed in a more efficient and costly manner.

Clive Holt (69), of Skipton Old Road, told the Colne Times that the hole was dug and the traffic lights were installed. But in over a week, “it appeared no work was carried out” until the last day.

He added: “When it is a major highway it is completely irresponsible.”

Following the repair works, it has been agreed to discuss the matter at the next parish council meeting, and County. Coun Paul White has said he will be making representations to United Utilities and the Highways Department to ensure future work is completed quicker.

He added: “This is a particularly bad stretch of road when there are traffic restrictions on it.

“Obviously when there are emergency works required, these can cause disruption.

“In this case however, it does seem that the work could have been completed more efficiently.”

Mr Holt went on to suggest a “small compensation contribution” be made to Foulridge Parish Council, to help them with a Sustainability project.

And in a letter seen by the Colne Times, United Utilities’ case manager Michael Skilky apologised for “any inconvenience caused” and agreed that work “was not carried out to the high standards we strive for across our network”.

As well as apologising for the delays caused while they were carrying out repair works, United Utilities also sent network team leader Tom Hayes to personally apologise to Mr Holt.

In his letter, Mr Skilky added: “I appreciate the impact that this work has had for local residents and commuters using this area to travel through each day.”

And talking to the Colne Times, a spokesman for United Utilities said: “We’re sorry to our customers who had their daily routine impacted due to our work.

“As a gesture of goodwill we will be making a small donation to the parish council to support any community projects they may have up and coming in the near future.”

The amount being donated by United Utilities to Foulridge Parish Council has yet to be confirmed.

A bin man said to have a bad temper in drink hit a woman with an electric flex during a fight, a court was told.

Lee Carr, of Railway Street, Nelson, was given a suspended jail sentence after he pleaded guilty to causing actual bodily harm to Hazel Bullock.

The court also issued a restraining order against him after hearing the pair had had a tempestuous relationship and that the woman’s injuries happened while they were fighting.

Carr said he wanted nothing more to do with the complainant.

The five-month prison term was suspended for a year and came with a Lancashire alcohol specified activity order.

Sentencing at Burnley Crown Court, Judge Beverly Lunt told Carr: “I have put your future in your hands.

“If you do not do it, I will have to send you to prison.

“You would throw away a good job and everything you have.

“It is never right to hit a woman, ever.”

Judge Lunt did not make an order for costs or compensation against the defendant.

I think it is rather appropriate and timely to highlight a special event in the locality for this month’s beer ramble.

Roll up, roll up, as Burnley holds its second beer extravaganza at the Mechanics, in Manchester Road, from Thursday to Saturday. An event where much jollity and slurred words will be in evidence!

The three-day festival is organised by East Lancashire CAMRA, a fine body of dedicated and passionate souls, who will guarantee an excellently run even for the discerning – and not too discerning – beer drinkers.

I do have to admit I have the occasional pop at CAMRA. They do frustrate me from time to time, with their blinkered views on areas, ripe for modernisation – and being reluctant to move more into the electronic age.

It always amazes me when some CAMRA members, only some, think they have become an authority on beer, as soon as their membership card hits the doormat. Some of the comments you hear in the pub really do amuse and bewilder me – many other pub regulars, being most bemused at their antics at the bar – but that’s another topic of discussion.

That said, CAMRA always do a good job at running beer festivals. East Lancashire’s branch of volunteers have carved out an excellent reputation in the locality, with the Pendle Beer Festival in Colne, for example, becoming one of the most anticipated beer celebrations on the national festival calender.

Times have certainly changed at local beer festivals. Not too long ago, it was all aging males, with beards, beer bellies and rucksacks!

Women were non-existant. You would have had a better chance of seeing Lord Lucan riding into the beer hall on Shergar!

Now you will witness a far better age range – more women and younger people eager to sample the delights of cask-conditioned beers, ciders and perries.

Mind you, the beards, beer bellies and North Face rucksacks are still very much in evidence!

The Burnley Beer Festival will have approximately 90 real ales – and will boast an excellent choice of continental beers. Many of the beers will be from local brewers – and the organisers have attracted a superb range for their patrons to choose from.

Festivals give you a chance to sample ales that are not normally showcased or readily available in local pubs and clubs – and Burnley’s temporary “Beer Mecca” will give you that opportunity. The free programme will highlight all the ales on parade - along with tasting notes and strengths.

The three-day celebration is fast approaching – and lots of hard work and planning is about to come to fruition.The volunteers at the festival will give you a warm, friendly welcome – and will always be prepared to give you advice on beer selection and offer you a taster.

So, East Lancs CAMRA hope to see you at the Mechanics from noon on Thursday, through to Saturday evening. I will be the mature geezer – the one with the beard, beer belly and wearing a fedora, tank-top pully and a tweed jacket, with leather patches on the elbows!

A dedicated Colne manageress will be paying a touching tribute to her grandma and late father-in-law when she runs the Blackpool Autumn Breaker 10K in October.

By taking on the challenge, Sharon Jackson (33) aims to raise awareness and money for the Alzheimer’s Society.

The mum-of-two, who runs Colne business Harp Ceramics with her husband Paul, has personally experienced the tireless efforts of the charity – as her grandma Kathleen is currently suffering with dementia, while her father-in-law Colin Jackson died from Alzheimer’s at just 57.

She will be completing the challenge with her brother Neil.

Sharon,of North Valley Road, said: “We are trying to raise as much awareness as possible.

“People think that Alzheimer’s is just linked to older people and losing your memory.

“Paul’s dad was still fully aware of who he was, but he started losing his speech and sight, and he was bed-ridden.

“It is a brain condition, and Colin’s brain started dying before his memory did.

“The Alzheimer’s Society have been superb from start to finish.”

Although Sharon only started running in April, she is now hopeful to complete more 10K treks and half marathons for the Alzheimer’s Society and Pendleside Hospice.

Anybody wanting to make a donation can go to her JustGiving page or visit her at Harp Ceramics, in North Valley Road.

Sharon, a former manageress of Debenhams, and Boundary Mills, added: “I would be so grateful if people could spare a couple of pence.

“It doesn’t matter if it is 2p or 10p – anything is better than nothing.

“I’m really excited for the 10K, I can’t wait.

“I didn’t do any running up until April, and it’s really addictive and you get fit really quick.”

To make a donation visit www.justgiving.com/Sharon-Jackson5