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May 2026 Page 3 AD SALES 01204 478812 NEWS IN BRIEF THIS year’s Blackrod Scarecrow Festival will take place on Saturday and Sunday June 27-28. Free workshops have been held in the run- up to the big event, offering scarecrow building basics. HOUSE Children’s Hospice in Chorley has revealed details of its annual ball. It will take place at the Dunkenhalgh Hotel and Spa near Blackburn on Saturday October 3. BURY Choral Society will host an evening of Spanish music at St Margaret’s Church in Prestwich on Saturday May 16. Juan Ortuño is the conductor for the concert which gets underway at 7.30pm. MORE than 98 per cent of Lancashire children starting primary school in September 2026 have been offered a place at one of their three preferred primary schools. In total, 12086 children have been offered primary places in the county. CHORLEY was buzzing with energy as runners, spectators and entertainment took over the town centre for the return of the Chorley 10K and 2K Family Run. This year’s event attracted a record number of entrants. HORWICH cyclists Jack O’Meara and Adam Hall have a heartwarming approach to their fundrais- ing challenges in aid of Bol- ton Hospice, declaring “We try to make themdifficult!” Last May, the daring duo decided “after a bet in the pub” to cycle the 127-mile route along the Leeds and Liver- pool Canal. They were given bikes, did no real training, gave them- selves just 24 hours for the mammoth task and began it straight after work. Jack admitted: “No, I don’t think we really planned much and we’re definitely not real cyclists.” They faced very poor weather conditions and actually went alongside the wrong stretch of water for a time. However, with support from their families, friends, employ- ers and work colleagues plus pals at Sam’s Bar in Horwich, they ultimately raised £1,300 for the hospice. And on May 20 this year, they are taking on another similar challenge – the 170- mile route of the Way of the Roses from Morecambe to Bridlington. This time, they are taking three days to complete it, although they are back on the same bikes, with little training and no nice bed and breakfasts or hotels involved. The likely lads are sleep- ing in fields in one-man tents they’re stowing on their bikes and eating out on the route. Sam’s Bar is again helping them and, on May 24, there is a free karaoke and disco at the venue, when they hope to boost their funds with dona- tions. Jack said: “We’re hoping to raise £2,000.” Adam added: “Last time, we could monitor the dona- tions and it was great seeing how people were giving when we were on our way so we’re hoping the same will hap- pen again.” Jack, whose grandad received end of life care in the hospice around six years ago, and Adam, whose sister-in-law was being treated for breast cancer there when financial problems meant beds had to close, are both looking to give something back to the charity. Jack said: “We’ve not really made great plans again. We’ve not even got our bikes yet but we’ll be fine. We’re doing it for a really good cause and that’s all that matters.” Intrepid duo: Jack and Adam (Photo credit: Bolton Hospice) It’s never easy! Bury Head Office 2 Manchester Road, Bury Lancashire, BL9 0DT. T: 0161 764 5266 Open 9AM-5PM Little Lever Office 58 Market Street, Little Lever Bolton, BL3 1HN. T: 01204 709959 Open 9AM-5PM www.clough-willis.co.uk @BurySolicitor info@clough-willis.co.uk We believe that experience counts when it comes to matters of family and personal law. Our team of specialist solicitors provide free, 20 minute consultations on the following: • Employment Law • Wills, Probate, Trusts & Tax Planning • Personal Injury • Family Matters • Property Law • Litigation/Dispute Resolution Call us now on 0800 083 0815 to book your free appointment! Loyal, resilient and trustworthy Advertiser’s announcement Facing the breakdown of a mar- riage or long term relationship is one of the most stressful life experiences with a whole range of emotional turmoil – from anger and distress to thoughts of loss and the worry of an uncer- tain future.It is therefore cru- cial that you obtain expert legal advice at an early stage. Each family, marriage or relation- ship is unique and it is never a case of one size fits all. Obtaining advice face to face from a qualified professional is very important. At Clough andWillis, we pride our- selves on providing support, empathy and guidance at each and every step. We understand that trust is at the core of everything we do and so it is vital for you to feel comfortable with us. We are confident that at the end of the process you should feel you have maintained your dignity and self respect and can move on with your life. The following are some examples of the questions that are put to us on a regular basis. My wife and I have agreed to separate. We have been led to believe that it is possible to apply for a divorce based upon the fact that we have simply grown apart. Is this correct? No. The sole ground for divorce is the irretrievable breakdown of your Chiara Ozuzu, solicitor in the Family Law Department at Clough & Willis answers your questions on divorce and separation WHENRELATIONSHIPS BREAKDOWN My wife and I have decided there is no future in our marriage. We have two young children whose upbringing I have been actively involved in given that I am quite fortunate to have very flexible working arrangements. I believe it would be good for the children for this to continue but I do not think my wife will agree because this may affect the amount she receives by way of a financial settlement and maintenance. Is there any point pursuing shared care? Yes, there certainly is. The para- mount consideration is the welfare of your children. The arrangements for your children must be resolved before the financial settlement. It would be much better for your family as a whole if you and your wife were able to reach an agree- ment rather than the Court having to impose a decision upon you. You could try and resolve matters at Fam- ily Mediation. We would be able to refer you to an appropriate service. If you are unable to agree then you couldmake an application to the Court for a Child Arrangements Order. Shared care arrangements are becoming more commonplace given that a lot of fathers like you have more flexible working arrangements and many women now work full time and require more help with childcare. The arrangements do not have to actu- ally be an exact division of time on a 50\50 basis. l For further information on any of the above or any other family matter contact Chiara Ozuzu or Lee Marston for a free, no obligation interview on 0161 764 5266 marriage. If you want to apply for a divorce immediately then this must be supported by one of two facts, either adultery or unreasonable behaviour. We will be able to advise you whether the “behaviour” complained of is sufficient. The majority of peo- ple are often surprised that it is not necessary to go into too much detail or to exaggerate. Alternatively, if you and your wife agree, one of you could apply for a divorce after you have lived sepa- rately for over two years provided the other is prepared to provide their written agreement. My husband and I would like to try and reach an amicable settlement regarding our financial position. However, at present I do not feel confident that I know enough about my husband’s circumstances to reach an informed decision. Are you able to suggest a way forward? Yes. It will be necessary for your husband to provide what is referred to as full and frank disclosure of his income, capital and pension provision and to provide documents in support. Once you are satisfied this has been done you will know what resources are available and negotiations can then begin which will hopefully result in an amicable agreement. This can be made legally binding by the Court by way of a Consent Order.