Kevin Brockbank

Graduated with a Bachelor of Arts with Honours in Journalism in July 2024 – at the University of Central Lancashire

My recent work

Blog Preston •

Meeting the Longridge couple who have overcome adversity to create a farming haven

However, their journey together began long before this new venture.

Ant’s pursuit of Jenny was a lengthy one, marked by persistence and a little humour.

When asked whether their love for chickens or for each other came first, the couple responded with laughter.

Ant quickly replied, “The love of each other, we weren’t so keen on chickens.”

Their story began at a local pub, where Anthony started chatting with Jenny.

Jenny recalls, “Anthony sent many a drink over for myself and my friend, it s...
Blog Preston •

Visiting the Longridge Christmas gifting tree

Located adjacent to the bustling Berry Lane, the Longridge Civic Hall on Calder Street is home to a very special Christmas tradition.

At the centre of the hall stands a magical Christmas tree, renowned for its unique way of providing gifts to those most in need within the community.

Claire Eccles, director of Longridge Social Enterprise Company and a leading figure in the management of Longridge Civic Hall, shared the inspiration behind the initiative.

Read more: ‘The Undertaker Mum’ aims to...
Blog Preston •

Longridge Civic Centre is temporary home to a banking hub

A new temporary banking hub has opened in the heart of Longridge, just a minute’s walk from the lively Berry Lane, inside the Longridge Civic Hall.

This hub, operated by the Post Office in partnership with Cash for Access, began serving the community in early December.

Amir Ismal, a representative of the Post Office, is available to assist customers from Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm.

Read more: Preston City Council’s £250,000 mutual bank investment confirmed as opening date pushed back

Accor...
Blog Preston •

Pub nestled between Longridge and Chipping to host four day Christmas Market

The Derby Arms is running a Christmas Market, taking place from Wednesday (3 December) to Saturday (6 December).

Nestled in the picturesque Forest of Bowland, between Longridge and Chipping, the event promises a festive atmosphere and a variety of local stalls.

A selection of local businesses will be present, including Stable Yard who will be offering Christmas hampers and packages. Shed on the Fell specialises in pottery, plates and canvases, while other stalls will provide a range of gifts,...
Blog Preston •

Covenant may prove curveball in battle to halt Ashton Park sports hub

Homeowners who face into a park where a new multi-million pound sports hub is due to be built are currently considering a legal challenge against the plans.

Preston City Council is moving forward at pace with the Ashton Park proposals but a lawyer is currently investigating whether a covenant dating to 1920 could put pay to the new sports pitches.

They’ve discovered a legal covenant in a conveyance dated as 31.01.1920 which indicates properties surrounding Ashton Park could have the potential
UCLan Live - By journalism students of the Univers •

Peat bogs scarce in Lancashire - UCLan Live

Wildlife campaigners are pressing for a complete ban on the extraction and sale of peat immediately, and the preservation of existing peat bogs.

Native natural peatlands formed over ten thousand years ago are in danger of extinction.

In Lancashire ninety-eight per cent of naturally formed peatlands are extinct.

Why is it important to save the boggy peatlands?

Sphagnum moss covering peat bogs holds up to twenty times its own weight in water, effectively making it a super sponge.

Alan Wright
UCLan Live - By journalism students of the Univers •

Holly Farm safe sanctuary for animals and people - UCLan Live

People with learning difficulties in Warrington are learning in a safe sanctuary with a local family and their farm.

Holly Farm is a family affair run by Raymond and Gaynor Towell, and their two daughters Kirsty and Samantha.

This a traditional working farm, a safe sanctuary, they also sell fresh fruit, vegetables, fresh chicken, and goose eggs.

“We work with local schools, we do educational visits, local schools come and support and help on the farm,” said Kirsty.

The family works with Warr
Blog Preston •

Guild Ale House given ‘pub of the season’ award by CAMRA

The Guild Ale House, one of Preston’s popular pubs for real ale, live music, and entertainment is celebrating another major award.

Campaign for Real Ale – CAMRA- has awarded the pub the season for Spring 2024 award for best pub in Central Lancashire.

The landlord Gary Quinn, and his partner Jane Briscoe, celebrated, pints raised, as merriments with the customers continued long into the night at Lancaster Road.

Read more: Preston city centre bar All Hopes No Promises announce closure

Chairman
University of Central Lancashire •

Cumbrian researcher shortlisted for European prize

A University of Central Lancashire (UCLan) researcher has been shortlisted for a prestigious European prize.

Suzanne Wilson, from Whitehaven, is a finalist in the democracy category of the Innovation in Politics Awards.

The Research Fellow, who specialises in social inclusion and community engagement, has focused her work on coastal communities within Cumbria.

She said: “I’m absolutely delighted to have been nominated for such a special award. It’s an honour to be recognised alongside so many
UCLan Live - By journalism students of the Univers •

The day my life changed in a heartbeat - UCLan Live

I am writing this story to coincide with National Heart Month in February. British Heart Foundation (BHF) are calling on ‘the nation’ to go red for Heart Month and raise money for charity.

This is an issue particularly close to my heart, excuse the pun, as I underwent a heart transplant in May 2021 at Wythenshawe Hospital.


My story begins 19 October 2012, a miserable rainy day in Dundee, Scotland.

Without warning I suffered five cardiac arrests in five hours. My day began normally but almo
University of Central Lancashire •

Worried about prostate cancer? Listen to the experts at UCLan

A free public event focused on understanding and living with prostate cancer and covering issues surrounding men’s health will take place at the University of Central Lancashire (UCLan).

Organised by the National Forum for Health and Wellbeing (NFHW), in partnership with UCLan’ School of Medicine and Dentistry, the event will bring together experts to discuss medical issues affecting men and offer advice to help people cope with one of the biggest burdens on global healthcare.

The talk, part o
UCLan Live - By journalism students of the Univers •

Photo ID needed for May local elections 2023 - UCLan Live

In local council elections on May 4, voters will need to show photo ID to vote at the polling stations.

This will apply to the local council elections, Police and Crime Commissioner elections, UK parliamentary by-elections and recall elections.

From October, this will also apply to UK General elections.

The forms of photo ID accepted are a passport issued by the UK, a driving licence, a blue badge or a bus pass.

If you do not possess photo ID, you can apply for a free voter ID a Voter Author
UCLan Live - By journalism students of the Univers •

Preston-born man delivers baby in New York on Halloween - UCLan Live

A British man had to bite through the umbilical cord of his newborn baby after he delivered her on a cold rainy night on a remote New York highway.

Anthony Brockbank’s wife Victoria’s waters broke at their home in Bohemia, Long Island, New York on 31 October 2022, but they were unable to make it to hospital in time after being told to stay at home by a midwife.

But as her contractions intensified, Anthony, from Preston, Lancashire, was forced to rush Victoria, a native New Yorker, to hospital.
UCLan Live - By journalism students of the Univers •

Bury Indoor Market closes with little warning leading to Christmas - UCLan Live

Bury council has ordered the immediate closure of the Indoor Market at Murray Road, Bury, Lancashire, affecting 49 traders.

Bury council instigated a structural survey which highlighted the existence of RAAC (reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete), used in the construction of the building in 1971.

Bury Market has 200 units overall. The Indoor Market, which was closed on October 26, houses 62 units, 16 now re-opened on the exterior of the hall.

I visited Bury Market on November 4, 2023, and i