The team at Citizens Advice North Lancashire have been celebrating a very special birthday this week.
Lancaster Citizens Advice Bureau was opened on 19th September 1939 when the Secretary of the Lancaster League of Help, Miss Sarah Holmes, was asked to set up an Advice Bureau.
The Bureau began to operate from the premises of the Lancaster League of Help at 14 New Street, Lancaster. Ruby Walker, her assistant, worked as a volunteer for the Bureau until she married in 1945.
Morecambe and Heysham Citizens Advice Bureau was opened at 21 Anderton Street on 1 July 1963 and merged with the Lancaster office in 2011. They have since dropped the ‘Bureau’ and are known as Citizens Advice North Lancashire.
Chief Executive Joanna Young said: ‘’Thank you to everyone who makes it possible for us to help thousands of people every year in the local area, and especially to our incredible volunteers and donors.
‘’We've changed a bit since 1939! But what we stand for remains the same - whoever you are, whatever your problem, our charity is here to help you with free, impartial advice.’’
The celebrations included a very special afternoon where the staff at Citizens Advice North Lancashire served the volunteers tea and cake and took part in a Citizens Advice themed quiz.
Advice Services Director Gully Trevena added: ‘’Thanks to their tireless commitment and work we’re able to help so many more people in the local area.
‘’We know this Winter is going to be tough for lots of people and Citizens Advice North Lancashire is needed now more than ever.’
Trustee Richard Tulej is the Chair of the Strategy Committee at Citizens Advice North Lancashire and said: ‘’The team provides an essential service and we want to be around for the next 85 years to help many more people in the Lancaster and Morecambe District.
‘’People don’t realise we’re actually a charity and we rely on your generous donations to do this.’’


UPDATE: Two men charged with robbery and burglary offences at Morecambe and Lancaster shops
LISTEN: Community garden taking shape in memory of Heysham toddler
Second earthquake in two days hits Silverdale as tremors felt across Morecambe Bay
£2.5m funding boost for Eden Project Morecambe will help create new visitor zone
British Transport Police office returns to Lancaster Railway Station
Ryelands Community Connect scheme aims to bring together locals
Twenty vehicles caught speeding during police crackdown in Lancaster
Councillors call for halt to demolition of vandalised Morecambe 'youth hut'
Coastal pollution clean-up training to be held on Morecambe beach
Man seriously injured at Morecambe pub "making excellent progress" as investigation continues
Vandals target tractors used by King's Guide to Sands of Morecambe Bay to keep walkers safe
MP hopes for improved mobile signal at last as new mast installed in Lancaster
Maternity services at the Royal Lancaster Infirmary officially exit national special measures
Crews tackle kitchen fire in Lancaster
Opening date announced for animal rescue charity's new Morecambe home
Lancaster MP takes on Morecambe 10K in aid of new children's playground
Tributes paid to twice-Lancaster mayor who served on council for 56 years
Dancing Eric Morecambe Statue part of police campaign to warn about AI deepfakes
PHOTOS: Great Wall of China trek raises more than £300K for Lancaster hospice
Another earthquake hits Silverdale as tremors felt across Lancaster and Morecambe Bay

