THINK you really know about your club?

Well now is your chance to prove you have what it takes to become the first Brain of Burnley.

In conjunction with club historian Ray Simpson, Burnley are looking to find the most knowledgeable Clarets’ fan out there in our unique competition.

‘Brain of Burnley’ is a quiz to test you on your knowledge of all things Claret and Blue.

Each contestant will go under the spotlight with two rounds of questions, one on a mix of general and wider sport and then the specialised subject of Burnley Football Club.

The club will film each candidate and run the heats as regular features on Clarets Player building up to a live, grand final to be staged at Turf Moor later this year.

Apply by sending an e-mail with contact details to {mailto:n.wells@burnleyfc.com|n.wells@burnleyfc.com}

• CLARETS keeper Brian Jensen is set to continue his testimonial with a golf day on Wednesday, April 24th at Marsden Park.

There will also be a testimonial dinner on Saturday, April 6th in the James Hargreaves Stand at Turf Moor, with tickets priced at £50 for gold, £40 for silver and £30 for bronze.

Alastair Campbell will compere the event, and there will be live music, and a comedy impressionist in the form of Britain’s Got Talent’s Les Gibson.

For more details about either event, contact Veronica on 08712211882.

British Transport Police are calling on the public for help after rail passengers were subjected to a barrage of racist abuse.

The incident happened on board a train between Preston and Blackpool North, shortly after 8pm on Saturday, February 23rd.

PC Peter Wilcock said: “A group of Asian passengers were on-board the train when they were targeted by a second group of white men.

“The men, who seemed to have been drinking, became verbally abusive and directed sustained racist abuse at the other passengers telling them ‘Go back to your own country’.”

PC Wilcock added: “This type of behaviour is totally unacceptable and left the victims and other passengers feeling extremely distressed, upset and uncomfortable.

“Anti-social, racist or violent behaviour has no place on the railway and we should all feel able to use the network without fear of becoming a victim of crime.

“Thankfully, crime is relatively low on the railway and, in the North West, has been falling for the past seven years.

“Sadly there are still some people who believe they have the right to act in a criminal or anti-social manner and cause problems for other rail passengers.

“I am now calling on members of the public, who may have information about the incident to come forward and speak to BTP.

“I am determined to trace those responsible and bring them to justice.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact British Transport Police on 0800 40 50 40 quoting background reference B8/NWA of 13/03/2013.

THE jury has been sent out in the Department of Works and Pensions fraud at Simonstone.

Two deny laundering money siphoned from pensioners’ accounts in a nationwide scam.

Shakeel Butt (27), of Lambeth Street, Blackburn, and Lucy Gakunga (22), of Ryland Road, Urdington, Birmingham, deny conspiracy to commit fraud and converting criminal property. Nine others were said to be involved in the conspiracy.

THE Travelling Band have had quite some journey.

Made in Manchester, drawn to New York City and heralded at Glastonbury as the Rainy City’s next great hope ­– the folk-rock fivesome have been around the block.

The old adage “it’s not the destination, but the journey” could not ring truer for the well-travelled group whose beautifully-crafted sound is more firmly rooted in Americana than Mancunia.

But even with their apparent wanderlust, it came as a surprise when TTB rolled up for an intimate gig at Chipping Village Hall to kick off a sprawling UK tour which takes in some of the country’s pantheonic alternative music venues.

Plucking songs from their new and unreleased album “The Big Defreeze”, the band showed exactly why they have garnered such a faithful following of fans which includes BBC 6Music’s Marc Riley and Elbow frontman Guy Garvey.

Opening track “Hands Up” was simply mesmeric and set the tone for a stunning show. The song soared with twinkling guitars and uplifting harmonies which hinted that the third album could be their finest yet.

Crashing drums, electric guitars and the catchy refrain of “Making Eyes” was a paean to the band’s progression toward the heavier end of the folk-rock continuum.

“Sticks and Stones” with its bright and cheerful chords rolled into the accoustic guitar-inflected “Fairweather Friend” from their 2011 album “Screaming is Something.”

A shift in tempo and the timeless “Took My Soul” swept in sounding more West Coast California than mad-for-it Manchester. A genuinely great track.

The intricate guitars and infectious harmonies of “Battlescars” gave way to the excellent, effortless and cool “Borrowed and Blue”.

But just when you think you’ve got the measure of The Travelling Band, they surprise you.

This is a group that defies categorisation and seemingly keeps plumbing new depths and dimensions to enrich an already enigmatic sound.

“Garbo” was foot-stamping, upbeat and anthemic while “Quicksand” would surely be a festival favourite.

“Pinholes” rings with an epic sound and “For All the Fallen”, like many other Travelling Band songs, feels complex and crafted and builds into something big and beautiful.

There are so many elements and so much to like about the band and they all come together in the stirring and ethereal “Sundial” which played live is simply incredible.

The gig was a totem of their on-going evolution, blending psychedelic pop, intricate and introspective folk and rock.

This is a group that has broken through the shackles of Manchester’s imposing musical past, to create something unique and spectacular.

Long live the band that treads the path less travelled.

A FREAK gas cylinder explosion led to the death of a young man from Nelson.

Mr Jeffrey Chadwick (27) suffered horrific burns and internal damage to his body following the explosion in the back yard of his home in Princess Street, Nelson, last September.

An inquest at Burnley Coroner’s Court heard how the Calor butane gas cylinder, which Mr Chadwick believed was empty, exploded when it was ignited by the lit gas fire inside the house.

Specialist evidence was given by Lancashire Fire Service intelligence officer Steve Green who investigated the tragic accident.

He said that the likely cause of the accident, which also resulted in a number of small fires, was the gas travelling along the ground until it found an ignition that he believed was the gas fire.

He said: “Mr Chadwick must have opened the cylinder, believing it was empty, which released the gas. It hugs the ground and flows like water.

“A naked flame could ignite the gas but it has to be within the right volume in the air. The butane gas was in liquid form and it wouldn’t take a vast amount to create a gas cloud.

“When the gas and air mixed it exploded in the yard. I believe Mr Chadwick would have been stood very near at the time.”

Mr Green also said two gases were involved – the butane and leaking gas from the home’s gas meter, although this may have been caused by the explosion. He believed the cylinder may have been there a number of years.

The accident happened around 7-40pm on September 7th last year. Mr Chadwick was taken to the Royal Blackburn Hospital but was later transferred to the specialist burns unit at Pinderfields Hospital, Wakefield. He sadly died there on September 18th.

Pathologist Dr Abdul Al-Dawoud, who conducted the post-mortem examination, said Mr Chadwick had suffered 46% burns including inhalation. He died from a condition called shock lung, a result of one of his lungs becoming severely inflamed.

Watch manager Dave Robinson, who attended the incident after a number of emergency calls from the public, also gave evidence at the hearing.

He said Mr Chadwick approached him when they arrived and was speaking in short sentences as he was clearly in a state of shock.

He added: “Mr Chadwick said something along the lines of ‘it was supposed to be empty’ which I took to mean the cylinder. He said he found it in the back yard.”

Recording a verdict of accidental death, East Lancashire Coroner Mr Richard Taylor said: “Sadly, we cannot go back far enough to discover what Mr Chadwick was doing with this thing.

“We have no explanation. This was a very, very tragic accident in most unusual circumstances.”

IT was a busy week in the House of Commons with debates on the Justice and Security Bill and an update on the deteriorating position in Syria.

I was pleased to welcome a group of 16 Samaritans volunteers from Pendle, who had a tour of Parliament before meeting with me.

It is always a pleasure to see Pendle residents in London and I am always happy to organise free tours from local groups, schools or families.

The inquiry into the Stafford Hospital scandal, where the number of deaths between 1996 and 2007 was up to 1,200 higher than would usually be expected, still looms large over politics.

I am a great supporter of our NHS, but when things go wrong, we need to ensure lessons really are learnt and scandals never repeated.

On a more positive front, it was announced net immigration to the UK has fallen by a third since the general election.

To run through the numbers, in 2011 net migration was at almost a quarter of a million. The situation that built up under Labour was of massive, unsustainable immigration that put huge pressure on our public services and parts of the jobs market.

An out-of-control immigration system also leads to resentment against immigrants themselves, even though most are hard working and make a real contribution.

That is why, during the last election, my party campaigned on a promise to reduce migration from the hundreds of thousands to the tens of thousands. Many people thought this was unrealistic. However, the latest figures from 2012 show net migration at 163,000. That is a fall of 84,000 or over a third in a year. Getting net migration down to less than 100,000 is possible and we are on track to get there.

This is a real achievement that is good for the UK and all who live here. It is good for immigrants, too. The backlog of cases at the UK Border Agency will be much easier to manage with fewer people coming in. I have been contacted by people in Pendle who have been waiting years for decisions about their immigration status, a legacy of mismanagement from previous governments.

It also makes it easier to protect our national security.

The vast majority of immigrants are law-abiding, peaceful people looking to get on and support their family. However, some are dangerous and need to be stopped from entering Britain or deported if they are already here. I am thinking of people like Abu Hamza who was finally deported last year, and Abu Qatada who the Government is trying hard to deport.

Both these people, who are dangerous, have been protected by the law in ways most people in Britain find disgraceful and unjust.

One of the biggest disappointments for me of being in coalition is that we have not been able to make progress on drafting a British Bill of Rights to replace the European Human Rights Act.

I remain hopeful that one day the Lib-Dems will see sense on this issue.

HE emerged bloodied and bruised like Sylvester Stallone’s eponymous character Rocky Balboa, but Shayne Singleton was proudly clutching the English light welterweight belt.

Nursing a broken nose and a damaged hand sustained during the fight, the 23-year-old showed tremendous heart, courage and belief to share 10 rounds with Curtis Woodhouse and take the title from the champion via a split decision.

Priced as the 1/6 favourite before the contest, many fans and pundits alike had backed the former Blade to ease through the challenge, predicting a knockout victory. But Singleton had other ideas, relishing his first role as the underdog, as he stood tall in battle while boxing intelligently on the back foot.

Show promoter Dave Coldwell and co-commentator Ryan Rhodes, both with strong allegiances with Woodhouse, claimed the one-time £1 million footballer had troubled the Colne fighter throughout, citing facial injuries to Singleton as a reason for the challenger’s definite demise.

But cuts, bruising and swelling were always going to be accentuated in a bout where fighters were equipped with Cleto Reyes boxing gloves, known as the fighters’ glove due to minimal padding. In fairness Woodhouse was unrelenting, athletic and fierce but the pressure fighter isn’t always the better fighter.

Singleton showed a different side to his game. Used to dictating his contests and breezing through the rounds, his stamina and guile were severely tested at Manchester’s Bowlers Exhibition Centre. He showed he had the grit to dig deep when needed, the work rate and conditioning to prevail and proved he has the chin to take a punch.

Knowing what was to come, Singleton was methodical from the first bell and strictly adhered to coach Karl Ince’s gameplan. Woodhouse was in his face immediately and landed a trademark left hook early in the round, but as soon as Singleton’s back grazed the ropes he responded and rocked his foe with a left before spinning away.

The International Masters victor grew in confidence as the round progressed, working off his jab and using the perimeter well. His lateral movement and swift style frustrated Woodhouse, who became uneconomical with his blows, and sensing an upset he unloaded a flurry of shots in the corner, catching the Driffield Destroyer with a couple of stiff rights to knock him off balance. And as the opening stanza closed, Woodhouse walked on to Singleton’s uppercut as he shifted inside.

The Yorkshireman, close friends with the formidable Kell Brook, continued to look bemused by Singleton’s pop and move tactics in the second, but he connected with several combinations to the body. The 32-year-old stalked Singleton mercilessly, imprisoning him, but was often caught with straight back hands on his way in.

The third round was a tighter affair as Woodhouse adapted to the opposition. His jab became more potent, his stance more aggressive, and his pace and presence intensified. Woodhouse’s close proximity almost suffocated Singleton on occasions but the undefeated boxer was smart, countering with his jab, before executing another pinpoint uppercut.

The middle rounds of the contest, from four to eight, were controlled by the belt-holder as he found his rhythm. Woodhouse began to find apertures in Singleton’s defence and caused a cut to form underneath his right eye and even after his other eye split in the fifth, Ince’s prized protégé retained his disciplined approach.

The former Premier League midfielder asserted himself further as a piercing left bust the nose of Singleton, while a stinging right hook on the follow-up, in the same location, forced a steady flow of blood. Singleton, to his credit, refused to sit back and flicked out his jab constantly while staying on his toes, though he was caught more often as his guard dropped.

However, the home fighter found reserve in his tank in the ninth and again in the final round to battle back. In the penultimate stanza, Woodhouse was fortunate to avoid a points deduction for catching Singleton on the break, but he was punished for a similar infringement with just minutes remaining, striking Singleton with an illegal blow to the body that ultimately cost him his title.

Judge Phil Edwards scored the “War of the Roses” showdown 96-94 in Singleton’s favour, Dave Parris opted for the reverse when backing Woodhouse while Steve Gray’s deciding card read 96-95 to Singleton.

Cue wild celebrations from Singleton’s vociferous Colne contingent as he stole the crown, extending his record to 14-0 (3) in the process. The overwhelming emotion saw Singleton floored as he dropped to the canvas - something Woodhouse had failed to do - while the result cost gambling conglomerates William Hill, who had suspended betting on Singleton prior to the fight.

“It feels amazing,” beamed Singleton. “I was happy winning my first international title but this is on another level. It’s all been worthwhile. It’s incredible. Nobody fancied me to win the fight but I’ve gone in and done it which is great.

“I can’t describe the feeling. It didn’t sink in until they’d actually put the belt around me. I dropped down and got a bit emotional because it’s a massive thing - not just to win the English title but to go in and beat Curtis Woodhouse after everyone had written me off. It was out of this world. I’ve always known deep down that I can take a punch. I proved that against a fighter like Curtis. I’ve proven that to myself and everybody else now. I showed that I could take shots, get roughed up, cut, broken nose, broken hand, but I stuck it out regardless of the circumstances.”

And Singleton finished by thanking his sponsors and fans: “My sponsor Intershape Gym has been great for providing me with treatments and supplements. My fans were absolutely quality. I knew they’d be there supporting me in full force. I was sat in the changing rooms listening to them all before the fight with the air horns, drums and chanting my name. It went to show that I have the best support.”

At the 2013 Colne Golf Club Ladies’ Annual General Meeting, 2012 Lady Captain Stella Kitson presented Pat Beal from Pendleside Hospice a cheque for £510, which was raised during her Captaincy Year.

She thanked all the ladies for their support during her year of office, and expressed how much she had enjoyed being Lady Captain of such an excellent club.

Over 40 ladies attended the meeting, and witnessed the 2012 Lady Captain hand over the prestigious necklace to the 2013 Captain Anne Black.

The Lady Vice Captain for 2013 will be long-serving member Bev Wellock.

Anne has been a member of the club for eight years and stated that she is looking forward to being the 2013 Captain.

POLICE are urging businesses to be vigilant after a series of mobile phone and cash thefts from business premises across East Lancashire.

Officers are currently investigating five crimes, at least three of which they believe to be linked in the Clitheroe area.

The first offence took place just before 2pm on Saturday 9th March at Garays hairdressing shop on Wellgate, Clitheroe when two female offenders, believed to be Romanian, have engaged the shop staff in conversation and attempted to confuse them by changing notes. They later found the tip box is missing.

Minutes later the same offenders are believed to have visited the Ooh la la hair and beauty salon on Wellgate when they have distracted the staff by booking a pedicure and removed an iPhone from the desk.

Around an hour later it’s believed the same two women went to the Inn at Whitewell and asked bar staff to change £20 notes in a bid to distract them. One of the women has then reached over the counter and stolen an iphone5. The women have then left the hotel in a waiting Ford Sierra Maroon, driven by a man.

The women were described as being aged between around 18 and 25 years old, both with straight black hair. One of the women was wearing a black jacket and black trousers and the other a black jacket and pink trousers.

At 1.40pm on Sunday 10th March, a man, woman and child have attempted to note switch at Smells pet store on Norfolk Street in Colne before stealing a wallet and mobile phone from behind the counter.

Two days later on Tuesday 12th March a similar crime was committed at Touch hair and beauty in Market Street in Colne when two men have stolen a Samsung galaxy mobile phone from the reception desk whilst staff were busy with clients.

Inspector Judith Finney said: “I’d urge businesses to be vigilant, to keep their property secure, and to report any suspicious behaviour to police. The offenders will often try and distract the victim through changing notes or making bookings or purchases. Officers have been visiting vulnerable premises and an investigation is continuing.”

Police are appealing to anybody with any information about these offences to come forward and contact Lancashire Police on 101.

People with information can also contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or on-line at Crimestoppers-uk.org. No personal details are taken, information is not traced or recorded and you will not go to court.

You can now receive free crime alerts and advice. Sign up here {http://www.lancashire.police.uk/intheknow|www.lancashire.police.uk/intheknow}

COLNE picked up two handsome wins over the week to put a halt to a disappointing run of results which had seen them drop from third to eighth, after taking eight points from as many games.

On Saturday the Reds hosted bottom club Stone Dominoes, winning 5-1, before recording a 4-1 victory at Silsden on Wednesday night.

Against Stone, Colne’s determination became apparent in the opening minutes after Ashley Carter opened up the Dominoes defence with a penetrating run, and then Bill Williams came close with a towering header from a corner.

On 10 minutes Kristian Evans was first to react to a Jason Hart free kick and he was only denied by a good save by Jake Ratcliffe.

The only threat by the Dominoes came on 20 minutes when Luke Robinson broke free down the left but blasted high over the crossbar.

Then a minute later Colne took the lead after Ed O’Neill and Evans combined well to free Jason Hart through the middle and he made no mistake as he blasted home past the helpless Ratcliffe.

On the half hour Scott Moore released Hart down the right but this time he was unfortunate to see his shot hit the inside of the post and rebound to safety.

Chris Thompson then came to Colne’s rescue with a brilliant save from a good effort by Dwayne Spence before Evans drilled the ball past Ratcliffe after a period of pressure to deservedly increase Colne’s lead.

With five minutes of the first half remaining, Mickey Saunders made it three when he was released by Mark Coyne and then steadied himself before firing into the far corner.

In the second half Colne continued from where they had left off. Evans and Hart created chances for each other after promptings by Carter and Coyne.

And just 10 minutes into the half Carl Ellerton played a one two with Carter, who burst into the area and curled his shot inside the near post with the outside of his boot to make it four.

Then five minutes later Thompson made another great save when he had to change direction in mid-air to tip over a shot which took a wicked deflection.

But by this stage the result was beyond doubt even though the Dominoes did manage a consolation goal from Spence with 10 minutes remaining.

And just to reinforce their superiority Colne made it five after good work by Coyne created a simple finish for Carter to crown an excellent personal performance.

Colne made it nine goals and six points in five days with a hard-fought win at Silsden on Wednesday night.

The Reds were made to battle for the three points by the Yorkshire side who were in the lower half of the table, especially after Hart was sent off in the second half.

The home side carved out some dangerous attacks in the opening stages but wayward finishing and some good goalkeeping by Thompson prevented them from opening the scoring. Colne eased their way into the game with O’Neill supplying some good crosses into the Silsden area looking for the head of Evans up front.

The Reds made the breakthrough after 14 minutes when Carter beat the Silsden off-side trap with a break on the left wing and made a diagonal run towards goal before finishing with a firm low shot past the keeper.

Five minutes later, Colne doubled their lead from a Hart free kick when Evans rose high in the penalty area to nod the ball home. The score should have increased further within a minute when Hart broke clear of the home defence but took the ball too far and saw his eventual shot blocked at the near post by keeper Ed Hall.

On the half hour, Mark Coyne was unlucky to see his header fly over the bar from Hart’s corner kick but, at the other end, the Reds defence was stretched when James Hedges chested the ball down for Michael Garrod, who forced a great save from Thompson with his close range shot.

Five minutes before half-time, a great diagonal ball by Carter found O’Neill on the right and his low cross was bundled into the net by Hart to put Colne three goals ahead at the interval.

Three minutes into the second half, Silsden pulled a goal back when Kevin Ryan turned in a cross from the left wing to score from close range.

Silsden enjoyed a period of possession but after 58 minutes, Hart picked up the ball in midfield and after finding Carter with his pass, raced through for the return ball and easily beat the keeper with his shot for Colne’s fourth goal.

Jimmy Crorken and Saunders prompted the attack as the Reds looked for more goals but after 70 minutes, Colne were shocked when Hart got a straight red card for his remarks to the linesman and was sent off.

Silsden pushed forward in the remainder of the game but the Reds defence stood firm with Williams, Scott Moore and Carl Ellerton making a series of good challenges. And Colne should have added a fifth goal on 85 minutes when Carter’s run and reverse pass gave Dominic Craig a golden opportunity but he lifted his shot over the bar.

Admission to tomorrow’s game at home to Stockport Sports (kick-off 3 p.m.) is free for everyone in an effort to attract new supporters. Colne then travel to Bacup next Wednesday (kick-off 7-45 p.m.).

On Saturday, Colne’s reserves went down 5-1 at Burscough Reserves.

Colne fell behind after 40 seconds in Burscough’s first attack, and were 2-0 down within 12 minutes.

Colne gradually gained a foothold in the game, but captain Nathan Gibson had to make a goalline clearance to prevent a third goal.

Burscough sealed the win after the break with a third goal before adding a fourth four minutes from time.

Colne showed a measure of resolve when only a minute later a free kick into the area resulted in a Sam Halstead flick on and Gibson side footed into the corner of the net.

However Burscough scored a fifth from the restart.

Colne host Workington on Monday, kick-off 8 p.m.

A BURNLEY Thalidomide victim who has undergone brain surgery, is blind in one eye and partially deaf, can barely walk and will undergo spinal surgery later this year is scared she will be forced to work.

Martine White (50), of Palatine Square, was left in shock after the Department of Work and Pensions wrote to her saying her benefits would be stopped because she is fit enough to go to work.

She has now been served with court papers and must attend a tribunal where she will have to prove to a judge she is unfit to work – despite not being able to walk to her corner shop.

The White family has been involved in a battle with the department since July and son Carl said, although his mother was still getting benefits, they had had enough of the hassle.

“We’re fed up of it,” he fumed. “They wrote to her saying she is now fit enough to go to work and they want her to attend a training course.

“There is no way she can go to work. All they would have to do is send somebody to the house and they would be able to see she can’t go to work. It’s just something we don’t need. She is in a bad enough way as it is and she’s even going to have to have spinal surgery this year because her bones are deteriorating.”

Last year Mrs White received a letter notifying her of a changeover from incapacity benefits to Employment and Support Allowance. Just a few weeks later, in July, she received another letter saying she was no longer entitled to benefits and must go on a work training course. The family appealed and the decision was overturned.

In October, however, she was contacted by the department and told once again she should not be claiming benefits. This time the family’s appeal was rejected and they are now having to gather medical evidence for the court hearing, for which a date has not yet been set.

“When we got the letter in October I rang the JobCentre and they said it was a glitch, to forget about it and it would be sorted,” said Carl. “It got to March and we hadn’t heard anything so we thought everything was sorted. We couldn’t believe it when this came through. I’ve rang all her specialists and consultants and asked them to send her medical records because we need this sorting once and for all.

“How much is it costing them? All the letters and stress and now they are taking us to court. I understand they are trying to get people off benefits but they are targeting the wrong people. They are targeting the high-rate disabled people because that is where the money is going, but there’s a reason why they are high-rate.”

Burnley-born Martine married fellow Thalidomide victim Michael in 1981 – the first Thalidomide couple to be married in Britain. Michael died in 2004, four years after she had undergone surgery to remove a brain tumour.

Prior to her brain surgery, Martine worked for Social Services helping people with disabilities and learning difficulties. She now requires a carer seven days a week, needs a lift to help her up stairs and is on medication to help relieve constant agony.

“It’s been so much hassle,” she said. “I know there are a lot of other people like me going through this and it’s just not fair. The extra stress has certainly not been doing me any good. I don’t know what they expect me to do or where they expect me to work. I’m in constant agony now and it’s not as if my arms are going to grow back. We just want it sorting.”

A DWP spokesman said: “The old incapacity benefits system condemned too many people to a life on benefits with little hope of moving back to work. Now people who can work will be given help to find a job while those who need unconditional support will get it.

“A decision on whether someone is well enough to work is taken after consideration of all the supporting medical evidence provided by the claimant, but everybody has the right to appeal a decision if they disagree with it.”

PENDLE’S leading social landlord has defended itself against criticism for failing to meet the housing needs of a 51-year-old motor neurone disease sufferer.

Housing Pendle had been criticised by supporters of Michael Moulding, of Larch Street, Nelson, for “not caring” about his needs for housing in the local area.

But the landlord said his case had been assigned the “highest priority” and everything possible was being done to meet his needs.

Mr Moulding, who has suffered from the disease for four years, said: “I am becoming a prisoner in my own home.

“From the moment I get up in the morning, I am facing an uphill battle and it’s only a matter of time before I become confined to one room as my mobility is becoming increasingly limited each day.

“In the last six weeks. I have had umpteen accidents. the first when I was trying to leave my home via the back door when my wheelchair tipped over on the back street and I was stranded on the ground for 20 minutes before a passer-by saw me.

“Along with my occupational therapist, I have been fighting to get him a home in the Nelson area so I can be close to his family and friends just in case he needs any help, but Housing Pendle don’t seem to understand my needs. The homes I have been offered are just not suitable. I am getting more and more depressed and I feel Housing Pendle just don’t seem to care.”

Neil McGowan, who is the Conservative candidate for Nelson South in the forthcoming county council elections, said: “It’s an absolute disgrace that Mr Moulding has been put through all this messing about.

“Here is a man that’s not only having to soldier on throughout this terrible illness, he has to fight for a home that meets his needs as well.

“I am more than happy to take up this fight for Mr Moulding and put my election campaign on hold until this matter is resolved.”

Housing Pendle Managing Director Ian Clark said: “Mr Moulding is not currently a Housing Pendle tenant but is registered with B-with-us, the letting scheme for Pennine Lancashire.

“He has been assigned the highest priority for housing and we are doing all we can to find him suitable accommodation.

“Of the 10 homes that have become available in the area he is looking for with Housing Pendle and other social landlords, none have been suitable for adapting to meet his specific needs.

“We are continuing to identify properties which may be suitable for him as soon as they become empty.”

CLITHEROE is one of the top 10 places to live in the North West according to a new guide published by The Sunday Times.

The Sunday Times Best Places to Live, published in The Sunday Times on Sunday will reveal the little Nirvanas dotted across the UK.

The comprehensive two-part guide will take a wide range of elements into account including transport links, quality of schools, natural beauty, low crime rate, property prices, cultural life and unemployment figures. Each area is also assessed on its own assets, whether it has a local festival, fascinating architecture or proximity to an airport.

The guide names the 10 most desirable locations in the North West as: Kendal in Cumbria, Crosby in Merseyside, Lytham St Annes in Lancashire, Heswall in the Wirral, Chester in Cheshire, Clitheroe, Northwich and Hale in Cheshire, Didsbury, in Manchester and Ramsbottom in Lancashire.

The publication is edited by Sunday Times associate editor and regular broadcaster Eleanor Mills. As author of the Beyond the Brochure property column she has visited every corner of the country to assess the pros and cons of relocating.

Eleanor said: “Scampering around Britain for my column I find there are particular bits of our crowded island which always retain a particular attraction for people. We have built on this basic information to create a definitive guide. The Sunday Times Best Places to Live will prove invaluable for anyone starting a family, retiring, or simply considering a move.”

The Sunday Times Best Places to Live will run across two weekends, this Sunday and then Sunday March 24th in The Sunday Times Home. As well as an overall national winner (announced in the first issue) the guide will announce the top 10 places in nine regions around the country.

Additionally, The Times will be reviewing locations based on a range of categories starting on Monday until Saturday March 23rd. Categories will include best towns, villages, coolest places, the top locations to have a second home and more.

PENDLE Leisure Centre’s sauna is expected to close its doors for good at the end of the month.

But outraged users have said they are going to fight to keep it open.

The facility, in Crown Way, Colne, was threatened with closure three to four years ago, but was saved after residents and Coun. Ann Kerrigan managed to source an affordable quote for repair works.

However, at the last Pendle Council budget meeting, every political party voted to give the sauna the axe once and for all — leaving campaigners feeling “short-changed”.

Martin Baldwin (57), who previously fronted the sauna protest, said: “They should be investing in more facilities, and that would encourage people to use them.

“It is another nail in the coffin for Pendle Leisure Centre.”

Manzar Iqbal (46) added: “I am very active as a community and youth manager, and I feel I have a duty to do something about this.

“There has been absolutely no signs or any literature regarding the closure of the sauna.

“Not only is the facility used for health reasons, but it also serves the holistic needs of the community.”

And Activo member Gerald Hollos (66), of Venables Avenue, said: “It is all right these people saying it should close, but Colne always seems to be the poor relative.

“It might only be the sauna this week, but could it be the leisure centre next week?”

News of the sauna’s closure has sparked mixed reactions from local councillors.

While council leader Coun. Joe Cooney feels the facility is no longer “fit for purpose”, Coun. Kerrigan believes the closure is “one of the casualties” that has come from having to compromise in a joint budget.

She said: “Unfortunately it has been a yearly item on the list of potential cuts for Pendle Leisure Trust and this time I failed in being able to do anything to save it.

“I regret this absolutely but anyone who was at that meeting of the council will also see that I voted for the budget, which was a compromise and the best we could agree.

“Along with other councillors I have done my best to keep it going as long as possible.

“I can only apologise to those people who have fought so hard to keep the sauna at Colne going.”

But Coun. Cooney argued: “We still have a sauna at Pendle Wavelengths.

“I would urge anybody to go and have a look at the Pendle Leisure Centre sauna and the compare it with the new facilities at Pendle Wavelengths.”

By closing the sauna suite, Pendle Council will make a saving of £7,500 per year.

Councillors also agreed to close Pendle Leisure Centre and West Craven Sports Centre for two weeks in December and January, saving nearly £20,000.

TRAWDEN’S tram tracks have finally been restored.

The tracks, which run from Church Street to Lane House, along the back of White Lea Avenue, are what remain of the Colne and Trawden Light Railway, which operated between 1903 and 1934.

They had fallen into a state of disrepair, but are now able to be mended after a £1,250 bid for funding was approved by Pendle Council’s Colne and District Committee.

The project, which will be overseen by Trawden Forest Parish Council, will see a 130 yard ditch dug at the side of the tracks. This will form a concrete gully, which should stop water and debris from running across them.

Talking about the restoration, Coun. Paul White said: “The Parish Council said they wanted to protect the tram tracks which are part of the history of the village and the wider area.

“Our area’s heritage is something which is incredibly important, so I was only too happy to help them secure the funding.”

TOWN lost out in a thriller at home to Runcorn on Saturday.

This was always a tough game on paper, and it started at breakneck speed and finished the same way as Barlick fell to their second defeat in six days.

Changes were made to the side beaten at Maine Road.

Kevin Richardson was struggling with a knee injury and was replaced by James Nettleton at the back. Shaun Airey moved back into midfield, as did Danny Morton, with Billy Priestley making a welcome return after the injury he received at home to Silsden.

Aaron Hollindrake started again with Mark Threlfall up top for the second successive match.

The game sprang into life as early as the third minute as Keddie capitalised from a corner. Town regrouped though and were looking particulary dangerous down the flanks through Blades and Bradley.

Although Town were starting to look more threatening, Runcorn had the next chance on 15 minutes when Keddie was on the end of a quick break but he shot wide.

Towns first real effort on goal came through the ever-reliable Threlfall who took a Billy Carrington clearance out of the sky with a delicate touch, turned his man took aim and smashed his shot against the bar.

Town attacked again and Karl Wills was forced into a double save, first from Hollindrake and then Morton on the rebound.

Airey was starting to dominate in midfield and Town were really starting to get to grips with the game. In this period of dominance Town got their equaliser through Hollindrake on 40 minutes.

Town though shot themselves in the foot right on half-time when Wellstead drove a shot in from the edge of the box.

Barlick attacked from the off after the restart but Runcorn weathered the storm and started to keep possession.

Runcorn’s leading scorer for the last two seasons, James McShane, had the next say on 48 minutes as he caught Town napping and beat Carrington with a smart finish.

This seemed to knock the stuffing out of Town and the same man made it 4-1 on 60 minutes.

Town didn’t chuck the towel in though and Ash Alderson bagged the next goal with a screamer from fully 35 yards out.

Almost immediately Town made their first substitution, bringing on Chris Ridehalgh for Nettleton. Town were really on top in this period but couldn’t find another goal.

Harry Thompson was introduced to try and unpick the lock, but to no avail as Runcorn increased their lead through former Wigan Robin Park man Phil Howard on 85 minutes.

Town brought Liam Garbutt on for the last five minutes and they were rewarded as Threlfall buried a shot in the top corner. The final score flattered Runcorn, and Town host Bootle tomorrow (3 p.m.).

FACTORY workers at Barnoldswick’s Silentnight plant have got their groove on as part of a music video movement.

Staff at the Long Ing Lane factory have released their own video of the “Harlem Shake” dance craze which has been viewed almost 9,000 times.

The 33-second clip, which begins with one worker dancing on her own with other staff oblivious, then shows the whole shop floor moving to the beat of American electronic musician Baauer.

The video even features Silentnight’s famous Hippo mascot to complete the sensational scenes.

I don`t know about you folks but these days I find myself amassing numerous gadgets.

Like a smart phone, tablet, laptop, PC, console the list is endless, the one thing they all have in common is a headset socket, now I personally can do without numerous kinds of different headsets lying around, so the obvious answer is a multi-function headset that works with all of them.

Well I have the answer The SteelSeries Flux Headset does the job perfectly.

The SteelSeries Flux Headset is a very impressive piece of kit especially its versatility, they are not officially listed as a gaming headset yet these little beauties certainly work well.

The SteelSeries Flux headset comes neatly packaged in and easy open box so no need to search for an unboxing video, they come in two base colours black or white and the side plates on the earpieces, the cables and the SND BLOCK ear cushions can be customised with different colours.

Powered by 40 mm drivers these really bang out the sound and with the added use of the SNDBLOCK (noise reducing acoustic material) ear cushions you are pretty much in your own world with these on.

The first thing I noticed about them is the two cables that come supplied both with control unit/mic attached, what you have is one for the PC and one for your other devices and because of the unique way they attach to the headset (3.5 mm jack straight into the headset), means you don`t have to detach your cable from your PC when you want to use another device.

The PC cable has two jacks at both ends one for mic the other for sound and with an extension lead (included) you can connect them easily, the other end is a standard 3.5 jack plug that can fit in either the right or left ear piece thus enabling someone with another headset the ability to plug into your other ear piece and listen in, a great idea for long flights if you only have one headset socket on your laptop and your partner wants to watch the same DVD or listen to music.

The 3.5 jack sockets on the ear pieces are a great idea and enables a fair amount of versatility just what we want.

Word of warning though don`t connect two devices at once to the headset it doesn`t like it, and can cause irreparable damage.

The SteelSeries Flux Headset fits comfortably and is really light, it did tend to slip forward when I bent over but they didn`t fall off so that’s a good thing.

The Omni-directional Mic on both cables work really well my voice could be heard well on-line and when it was connected to my Nokia Lumia 710 windows phone.

Another problem I find with headsets is transportability that’s how most of my other ones have fallen flat, well with these it’s no problem ,they fold up nice and neatly and come with a good quality travel bag.

I tested these with a PC game and the sound is impressive perhaps a little distortion with high notes yet hardly noticeable unless you’re a perfectionist, bass is good and it would have been nice to have some EQ settings, yet all that aside as an all-rounder these are great, the mic works really well and my voice came over nice and clear.

I then tried it with my windows phone and again very nice good sound and the mic worked well with phone calls (you have more functions available with the iOS and android phones)

Now because these days the fashion is to walk around with massive headphones on, the The SteelSeries Flux Headset actually looks good and you don`t feel self-conscious whilst wearing them outside , I tested them in my local park and thanks to the SND noise cancelling ear cushions I couldn`t hear a thing externally.

The SteelSeries Flux Headset does not work directly with an xbox or Playstation 3; there is an adaptor available for around £35 which you can find here (http://steelseries.com/products/audio/steelseries-cross-platform-audiomixer)

Summary

SteelSeries have always produced quality products and this is yet another well put together and thought out headset, ideal for the casual gamer who wants an all-round and stylish headset, I have tested these outside near a main road and it was impressive how well the sound proofing works.

SteelSeries Flux Headset is great value for money and the sound and build quality is excellent.

SteelSeries Flux Headset

40mm drivers

Customisable side plates/ear cushions

PC and mobile/mac cables

Carry case

Easy storage

Price: £79.99

{http://www.steelseries.com.SteelSeries.com}

Usability: 5/5

Comfort: 4.5/5

Value for money: 5/5

Overall: 5/5

{http://www.theleet.co.uk|www.theleet.co.uk|www.theleet.co.uk}

PHOENIX ran in 15 tries as they crushed Clitheroe at Hodge House on Saturday.

Losing the toss, Pendle were forced to play up field, and their game plan of putting the ball through the hands at every opportunity looked to be dead in the water thanks to the cold and miserable weather.

However, from the start Pendle ignored the conditions and,, throwing caution to the wind, decided to throw the ball about.

It wasn’t long before Phoenix were working their way up the field thanks to strong runs from Carl Wiseman, Jay Asghar and Stu Riley. Dave Morris at scrum half was supplying the backs with clean ball, and this eventually produced an overlap for Daniel Rowland to score in the corner for the first of Pendle’s 15 tries.

The conversion was missed but Pendle moved into an early 5-0 lead.

Phoenix were happy to attack from anywhere on the field, and soon Rob Lawless scored after a break from Wiseman had spilt the Clitheroe defence.

Unconverted, Pendle moved a further five points clear.

Clitheroe were continually looking to break the Pendle defence, but with constant pressure from the back row of Liam Canning, Wiseman and Sterling Ross, the visitors ended up kicking most of their possession away.

When the Clitheroe fly half kicked a loose ball straight into Rowland’s hands, he sprinted away and scored a great solo try to take the score to 15-0.

Straight from the resulting kick-off Pendle spread the ball wide, allowing Daniel Owen to hand off his opposite number and race towards the line. Impressive cover defence stopped him from scoring, but Ross was on hand to collect the loose ball and power his way to the line. Pendle looked good for their 20-0 lead.

The next score showed Pendle’s forwards to be just as strong with ball in hand.

Excellent inter-passing between Wiseman and James Finucane opened up a massive hole for Canning to sprint through and score. Nathan

Peverley finally slotted a conversion between the posts and Pendle moved even further ahead to 27-0.

Just before half-time Phoenix added a further score when Benjamin Peverley crossed the line after fast hands from Andy Dutton and Wiseman created space to score.

At half-time Pendle talked about keeping the ball moving and not slowing the pace of the game as they were in full control at 32-0. Phoenix took this to heart, and five minutes after the break were celebrating yet another try, this time from Nick Martin. Nathan Peverley added the extras and the score ticked over to 39-0.

Though he had been struggling with the boot, Nathan Peverley made up for this with an excellent try after Dutton found him in space and he side stepped two Clitheroe defenders to score untouched. Again the conversion sailed wide and Pendle remained 44-0.

Clitheroe knew the game was lost, but never gave up.

However, with Pendle now feeling invincible, they could not stop the onslaught.

Straight from another kick-off Ross caught the ball and drove hard into the heart of the Clitheroe defence.

Great support from Tarquinn Hempstead-Smith enabled him to race clear and score under the sticks. Nathan Peverley added the extras and Pendle reached the half century mark at 51-0.

Pendle had a scrum five metres out from the Clitheroe line and an excellent back move saw Rowland score his hat-trick of tries. Nathan Peverley quickly converted the try to take Pendle to 58-0.

Nathan Peverley was next to score when he sold a dummy on his opposite number.

Unfortunately this only gave an extra five points as he missed the conversion and Pendle led 63-0.

With Clitheroe now tiring and the home side in complete control, Pendle rang the changes with Wiseman, Jonny Harper, Terry Hardy and Shawn Moss all coming onto the field. Phoenix were hoping for immediate impact and they got it with a quick try from Rowland adding his fourth try of the day. Converted with ease, Pendle climbed to a 70-0 lead.

Pendle scored a further two quick tries, first from Canning to make it his second of the day. This time a change of kicker saw Dutton adding the extras to take Pendle to 77-0. The second try saw Rowland score his fifth try with another successful Dutton kick allowing Phoenix to cruise ahead to 84-0.

The final action of the game saw an excellent cross field kick from Dutton drop into Rowland’s waiting hands for him to achieve his sixth score of the game. With the conversion missed, the final whistle saw Pendle clinch victory with a stunning 89-0 bonus-point win.

The Hayworth Newsagents man of the match was awarded to Nick Martin and Stu Riley for setting the platform for an excellent result and for their hard work up front.

Pendle would also like to thank match sponsors Last Trading Post for the match day sponsorship and continued support throughout the season.

If you are interested in playing rugby, Pendle are always looking for new players.

You can contact the club by emailing {mailto:info@pendlerugby.co.uk|info@pendlerugby.co.uk} or visit their website at {http://www.pitchero.com/clubs/pendle1/|www.pitchero.com/clubs/pendle1}.

You can also ring Ben Peverley on 07977992080.

IT IS back in time to 1951 this week with a nostalgic still from the Colne film of that very year, “Lancashire Pride”.

The film was a Glen Mills production and was financed by the company’s managing director, the genial George Whittaker.

In this week’s photo and pictured in the ancient Bells Yard we can see James Starkie as “Cloggie Bill” and James Hart as “The Violinist”.

And we can see the duo act out their clog-dancing scene at the bottom of the 28 steps which led to some of the earliest hand-loom weavers’ cottages known in the North-West of England.

“Lancashire Pride” memorably captured the Colne of yesteryear.

That was a Colne before fools in high places and their lickspittles destroyed what had taken centuries to create.

Yes indeed, seen in that wonderful post-war film – the script by my late dear friend Henry Foulds – is the historic Bells Yard, the magnificent Cloth Hall, the unique courthouse and lock-up and Colne’s old-world streets of the past.

Today, tragically, all have gone forever.