Monthly Archives: January 2017

The Department for Environment,Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) has confirmed that there is an outbreak of bird flu at a pheasant farm in Preston. Public Health England (PHE) has reassured the public that the risk to them is ‘very low’ although a 1.8 mile protection has been set up around the farm.

Defra revealed that out of the 10,000 birds at the farm, many died and the rest culled. It comes after a recent rise in outbreaks, including one at a farm in Louth, Lincolnshire last December.After that particular incident,poultry keepers were told to keep their bird inside for 30 days in a bid to protect them from a highly infectious strain of avian flu that was circulating in up to 14 European countries, including France and Germany.

A full investigation is understood to be underway to get to the bottom of this most recent outbreak in Lancashire.

Actor Gorden Kaye has died aged 75 after passing away in a care home. The actor is best known for his role as French cafe owner René Artois in British sitcom ‘Allo ‘Allo! which follows the adventures of the residents in a German occupied French town.

Kaye became a household name after taking up the role as René in 1982,which brings a comedic spin on the Second World War. Today tributes have been pouring in from his co-stars including Vicki Michelle, who played Yvette,one of René’s love interests in the show,she said ’So sad to hear news of Gorden Kaye. A brilliantly talented actor consummate professional, loved the world over.There’ll never be another Rene.’ Also paying his respects was Guy Siner who played German Lietuenant Hubert Gruber in the programme,he commented ”I’m very sorry to hear of Gorden Kaye’s death; he might not have been the easiest man in the world but to be fair we did do some pretty good work together. I’m proud of what we did. Who could ask for anything more?’

After being seriously injured in a car accident in 1990, Kaye rarely featured on screen but his work and talent was remembered today by the controller of BBC comedy commissioning who said ‘He was instrumental in making ‘Allo ‘Allo! such a long running and well-loved series’.

There can be no doubt that René’s signature lines of ‘You may wonder what I am doing’ and ‘Hang on a minute’ shall along with the character be in the comedy hall of fame forever and that is all thanks to Gorden Kaye.

Today was a momentous day for the United States of America and indeed the world as we saw Donald J Trump sworn in as President. The former New York based businessman is notorious for his style of delivery, his outspokenness and indeed his hair! However ,whats the history behind the man?NBS Live’s reporter Alex Reed has found out more about this decisive figure who is now one of the most powerful men in the world.

TV Journalist Ranvir Singh has been honoured today in her home city of Preston. Whilst one inauguration was taking place across the pond, the ITV News anchor and Good Morning Britain presenter was attending her very own.It sees her become chancellor at the University of Central Lancashire ,of which she is an alumni.

Over three hundred and fifty guests attended the ceremony at the University of Central Lancashire this afternoon, including staff and students. Special invitees included Singh’s former BBC North West Tonight colleagues such as Gordon Burns and Annabelle Tiffin. Speaking this afternoon Ranvir said, ‘It feels quite surreal. Lots of friends and family are here and it’s starting to sink in what an amazing honour this is’

David Taylor, who is pro-chancellor and chairman of the University Board said, ‘In Ranvir we have found someone who is successful, someone who can engage with staff and students and someone who has the capacity to inspire. Ranvir is from Preston and a former student of ours; she has an affinity for the university and cares for our heritage and our future’

A  shop in Ribble Valley which has been trading for over three hundred years faces permanent closure. Brabin’s Shop and Tea Room in Chipping has been at the heart of the community since 1684 when Chipping Wool merchant John Brabin purchased it for the good of the village.

Over the course of three centuries the building has been an undertakers, post office and butchers and in it’s current form, a shop and tea room. Owner Roy Pinkett put Brabin’s on the market last September after his wife fell ill but has revealed that unless a buyer comes forward by the end of next month, he will have no option but to close it. He described the business as being ‘part and parcel of village life’.

Chairman of the parish council, Paul Hunt has commented saying ‘It would be a shame to loose Brabin’s…we don’t know what the future holds’.