You also want an ePaper? Increase the reach of your titles
YUMPU automatically turns print PDFs into web optimized ePapers that Google loves.
<strong>Local</strong><strong>Life</strong><br />
<strong>St</strong> <strong>Helens</strong> Edition <strong>March</strong> <strong>2017</strong><br />
Rainford’s<br />
battle<br />
Win tickets to see<br />
Olly Murs<br />
<strong>Local</strong> News Motoring Jack’s Tracks Garden Diary Food Home Services<br />
locallife247.co.uk
2<br />
MARCH MADNESS!<br />
Choice of 6 Marble Suites<br />
FREE Lights, FREE Fire, FREE Fitting - Only £995<br />
T&C’s apply, please ask for details<br />
Telephone:<br />
01942 583 558<br />
721 Ormskirk Road, Pemberton, Wigan WN5 8AQ (FREE parking to the rear)<br />
wiganfiresandfireplaces.co.uk<br />
Follow The Fireplace Wigan on Facebook & Instagram
WINTER SALE NOW ON!<br />
CONSERVATORY<br />
TOO HOT? TOO COLD?<br />
3<br />
Transform your room with an<br />
Eco Roofing System<br />
• 10 year system guarantee<br />
• 3-4 day fast installation time<br />
• Add value to your home<br />
• Unbeatable prices with a friendly service<br />
• Save on energy bills with a very low 0.18 U vale system<br />
• No moss growth with 50 year warranty on roof tiles<br />
20%<br />
OFF<br />
Please quote promotion code<br />
LOCAL 16<br />
CONTACT US TODAY FOR A FREE QUOTATION<br />
Office: 364 Prescot Road, <strong>St</strong> <strong>Helens</strong>, WA10 3BE<br />
Office: 01744 607 977 Mobile: 07788 422 497<br />
Email: info@ecosolidroof.com<br />
Facebook: ecosolidroof<br />
www.ecosolidroof.com
4<br />
Get<br />
connected<br />
Whenever I tell people I’m from <strong>Local</strong> <strong>Life</strong><br />
magazine, the reply is usually: “That’s a<br />
great little magazine, that is...”<br />
It’s a common refrain, but what makes us so<br />
“great”? As editor, I’m bound to say it’s the quality<br />
of the writing... but even I have to admit that is only<br />
partially true.<br />
The real reason is that we are always thinking of<br />
ways to improve the magazine for our readers and<br />
our advertisers. This month, you may notice a slight<br />
change. We’ve tweaked the style and have launched<br />
a brand new Events2Go section.<br />
Over the years, we have collected news of events<br />
in a very traditional way - mostly looking at local<br />
community noticeboards and of course receiving<br />
items of interest via email and, to a lesser extent<br />
these days, by post.<br />
Our Events2Go platform takes this a step further.<br />
Now, you are able to upload of events and images<br />
directly to our website at www.locallife247.co.uk<br />
for free. You’ll also find on there a comprehensive<br />
‘What’s On’ guide for the local area and beyond.<br />
And we’ve also launched a Facebook page for<br />
Events2Go, which keeps you updated with a<br />
selection of events across the area. Simply search<br />
‘Events2Go’ in Facebook and give us a ‘like’.<br />
So now you can not only keep up with everything<br />
in this magazine, but you can now do it ‘on the go’<br />
online. And all for free!<br />
See you next time, or maybe before that online?<br />
David Sudworth, Editor
5<br />
In this issue<br />
Feel fab at<br />
fifty<br />
22<br />
Win tickets for<br />
Olly Murs<br />
Regulars<br />
18 Planning<br />
30 Class From The Past<br />
38 Events2Go<br />
48 Puzzle Corner<br />
Sections<br />
6 <strong>Local</strong> News<br />
22 Health<br />
34 Travel<br />
38 Leisure<br />
59 Jack’s Tracks<br />
63 Garden Diary<br />
66 Test Drive<br />
54 Food & Drink<br />
63 Gardening<br />
66 Motoring<br />
69 Home Services<br />
40<br />
An uphill<br />
battle?<br />
50<br />
Jack’s Tracks visits<br />
Worsley<br />
Next issue - April <strong>2017</strong><br />
Advertising deadline - Tuesday, 28 <strong>March</strong><br />
Published - Friday, 7 April<br />
<strong>Local</strong> <strong>Life</strong> 247 Ltd, Unit 8, Hewitt Business Park,<br />
Winstanley Road, Orrell, WN5 7XB<br />
Telephone: 01744 649 722<br />
Publisher: Chris<br />
<strong>Local</strong><strong>Life</strong><br />
chrisp@locallife247.co.uk<br />
Sales: Clare<br />
sales@locallife247.co.uk<br />
Editorial: David sthelensnews@locallife247.co.uk<br />
Design: Dylan, Peter design@locallife247.co.uk<br />
Distribution: Sally sallyb@locallife247.co.uk<br />
Accounts: Sam accounts@locallife247.co.uk<br />
<strong>Local</strong> <strong>Life</strong> is published every month and distributed into<br />
the following areas on an alternate monthly basis.<br />
59<br />
Test Drive<br />
Audi Q2<br />
This issue is delivered to over 12,000 private homes and<br />
businesses in Rainford, Billinge, Garswood, Moss Bank,<br />
Haresfinch, Carr Mill and selected areas of Haydock.<br />
The next issue is delivered to over 12,500 private homes<br />
and businesses in Rainhill, Eccleston, Prescot, Eccleston<br />
Park, Windle, Prescot Road and parts of Nutgrove and<br />
Sutton Heath.<br />
66<br />
Whilst every care has been taken to ensure that the data in this publication is accurate, neither<br />
the publisher or its editorial contributors can accept, and hereby disclaim, any liability to any<br />
party to loss or damage caused by errors or omissions resulting from negligence, accident or<br />
other cause. No part of this publication may be copied or reproduced without the prior written<br />
consent of <strong>Local</strong> <strong>Life</strong> 247 Ltd.<br />
locallifemagazine247 @locallifemedia events2go
6<br />
Views sought<br />
Garswood folk are being asked for<br />
their views on the future of two<br />
community hubs.<br />
Seneley Green Parish Council has issued a<br />
questionnaire about Seneley Green Parish Hall, on<br />
Montrey Crescent, and Billinge Road Community<br />
Hall, (pictured) which is next to Garswood Surgery.<br />
Parish councillors stress that although there are<br />
no plans to close either hall, they want locals to<br />
have their say on potential improvements. They<br />
also want to know whether residents think the<br />
Parish Hall, the older of the two buildings, should<br />
be retained in the long-term by the parish council<br />
despite probable maintenance costs/issues.<br />
Ken Cleary, chairman of the parish council,<br />
told <strong>Local</strong> <strong>Life</strong>: “Both halls are increasingly well<br />
used and we budget for them every year. We<br />
wanted to know what locals think about the<br />
buildings in the long-term, which is why we have<br />
put out this survey.” Download a form at www.<br />
seneleygreenparishcouncil.org or call the clerk,<br />
Carole Bolton, on 01744 892167.
7<br />
MANOR HOUSE DRIVE, CRAWFORD £654,750<br />
An outstanding family home extending to a staggering<br />
4500 SQ.FT<br />
PENNINGTON CLOSE, CRAWFORD £599,999<br />
An exceptional high-tech contemporary home with south<br />
facing rural views to rear.<br />
ALDER LANE, CRANK £575,000<br />
This period property has a stunning location with beautiful<br />
open views.<br />
PIMBO ROAD, KINGS MOSS £414,950<br />
Exceptionally well presented detached family home offering<br />
2119 SQFT of stunning living space<br />
NEW<br />
NEW<br />
NEW<br />
MOSS BANK ROAD, ST HELENS £325,000<br />
<strong>St</strong>unning stone detached family home providing an<br />
astonishing 2857 SQFT of living space.<br />
CRANK ROAD, BILLINGE £245,000<br />
Sizeable detached true bungalow totalling 1255 SQ.FT of<br />
living space and available chain free.<br />
www.reganandhallworth.com Wigan town centre showroom 01942 205555
8<br />
<strong>St</strong>ags wanted<br />
Players aged 16 and over are needed to join<br />
Garswood <strong>St</strong>ags Rugby League Club. The new<br />
Fourth Division side trains every Tuesday and<br />
games are played on Saturday afternoons. Call into<br />
the <strong>St</strong>ag pub, on <strong>St</strong>ation Road, for more information<br />
or call Johnni on 07512 272032.<br />
2019 kick off<br />
A multi-million pound sports complex next to<br />
Winstanley College should be open by September<br />
2019. The ground, currently a farmers’ field will<br />
be home to Orrell Rugby FC and Winstanley Park<br />
Cricket Club. Community groups will also be able<br />
to hire it out.<br />
Boss apologises<br />
The boss of a charitable trust has<br />
apologised for “misrepresenting”<br />
Billinge. Vidhya Alakeson, chief<br />
executive of Power To Change,<br />
which supports community<br />
businesses, said in an article about rebuilding<br />
communities that Billinge had turned into “a<br />
dormitory for commuters to Manchester or<br />
Liverpool.” She added: “The heart of the town - its<br />
shops and pubs - (has) disappeared.”<br />
Following an outcry from locals, Alakeson said: “I<br />
can only apologise for misrepresenting Billinge.<br />
What I wrote was what I heard when visited but I<br />
got it wrong so I am sorry.”<br />
Here to support you…<br />
in your hour of need.<br />
• All styles & types of funeral services<br />
• Modern, clean & spacious local offices<br />
• Private chapels of rest<br />
• Reasonably priced funeral services<br />
• Available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year<br />
• Independently owned family firm<br />
- established in 1907<br />
Ask today<br />
about our<br />
Serenity<br />
Pre-Payment<br />
Plan<br />
F.W. MARSH<br />
Family Funeral Service & Monumental Masons<br />
177 Ormskirk Road,<br />
Rainford<br />
01744 882645<br />
55 Main <strong>St</strong>reet,<br />
Billinge<br />
01744 892260<br />
100 Parr <strong>St</strong>ocks Road,<br />
<strong>St</strong> <strong>Helens</strong><br />
01744 27928/22810<br />
www.fwmarshfunerals.co.uk<br />
1 Queen <strong>St</strong>reet,<br />
Earlestown<br />
01925 291060<br />
199 Warrington Road,<br />
Whiston<br />
0151 431 0696
}<br />
&<br />
9<br />
PURCHASE 2<br />
Clarins products<br />
(One to be skincare)<br />
Choose 4 special<br />
size products from a<br />
selection of 8<br />
(Presented in a stylish bag)<br />
Mother’s Day Offer<br />
Purchase a Clarins Gift Set and Receive a<br />
FREE Express Facial<br />
Check our website for Full details<br />
Expressions Of Beauty<br />
01744 894214 / www.expressionsofbeauty.co.uk
10<br />
Activity centre for village?<br />
Part of a Rainford business area<br />
could be transformed into an indoor<br />
activity centre.<br />
Sandwash Business Park, on Sandwash Close, may<br />
be converted after a planning application was<br />
submitted to <strong>St</strong> <strong>Helens</strong> Council.<br />
Papers lodged with the council’s planning<br />
department state that Solarking is poised to leave<br />
the park. Its boss, Andrew Mikhail, also owns the<br />
premises, which has eight attached units.<br />
The papers explained: “Solarking have already<br />
downsized operations at the business park, which<br />
is now far too big a property. It is unknown as<br />
to the future of Solarking at present due to the<br />
discontinuation of government initiatives in the<br />
solar panel and renewable energy field.<br />
“It is proposed that the business park will be<br />
converted into an activity centre that will include<br />
a trampoline park, indoor climbing area, kids play<br />
area including soft landing zone, duel platform and<br />
zip lines/obstacle course following safety wire.<br />
“The centre will provide excellent employment<br />
opportunities for local residents, while delivering<br />
specialist activities for visitors.<br />
“Up to 3 units have been empty for a period of time.<br />
As Solarking are leaving the business park, the eight<br />
units have become vacant. The demand for this<br />
type of plot size and floor space is minimal.”<br />
A decision is to be made by <strong>St</strong> <strong>Helens</strong> Council soon.
11<br />
Seeing is<br />
Believing...<br />
Wedding Rings<br />
Manufactured on our premises in <strong>St</strong>. <strong>Helens</strong><br />
Just for you and the one you love<br />
15% off*<br />
* Valid on production<br />
of this advert<br />
Gibneys Jewellers<br />
21 Ormskirk <strong>St</strong>reet, <strong>St</strong> <strong>Helens</strong>, WA10 1BQ<br />
01744 24135 gibneysjewellers@hotmail.co.uk<br />
Incorporating Carlchristopher Jewellers<br />
www.gibneys.co.uk
12<br />
A World of<br />
serenity and CalM<br />
We Would like to Wish All the mums A<br />
Happy MotHer’s day!<br />
serviCes & produCts<br />
• shrinking Violet • Arbonne Products<br />
• fAciAls • body & mAssAge<br />
mAke oVers • nAils • feet<br />
• semi-PermAnent lAshes<br />
WAxing • sPrAy tAns<br />
Rainford Road<br />
Birchley Road<br />
Main <strong>St</strong>reet<br />
Serenity All Round<br />
Carr Mill Road<br />
barrows FarM,<br />
Carr Mill road,<br />
wn5 7tx<br />
With anna<br />
reFlexology only £20<br />
THROUGHOUT MARCH & APRIL+ FRee<br />
InvIGORATInG sALT sCRUb & sOOTHInG sOAk<br />
oFFer ends 30.4.<strong>2017</strong><br />
Full set gel extensions only £20<br />
THROUGHOUT MARCH & APRIL<br />
oFFer ends 30.4.<strong>2017</strong><br />
CHroMe sHellaC only £20<br />
THe new LeCenTe CHROMe sHeLLAC<br />
oFFer ends 30.4.<strong>2017</strong><br />
tHerMo auriCular only £20<br />
(HOPI eAR CAndLInG)<br />
oFFer ends 30.4.<strong>2017</strong><br />
by popular deMand we Have extended<br />
our Current oFFer oF a Course oF<br />
6 sHrinking violet inCH loss body<br />
wraps only £175 rrp £229 iF booked<br />
tHrougHout MarCH.<br />
With lyndsay<br />
TeeTH wHITenInG nATURA wHITe<br />
sHOULd be £45 eACH TReATMenT OR TwO FOR £80<br />
MARCH & APRIL OFFeR £40 eACH OR TwO FOR 2 £60<br />
sHOULd be £99ps CALL 07904028087<br />
PleAse Visit our Website for more detAils<br />
www.serenityallround.Co.uk<br />
01744 302130<br />
With Rachael<br />
£5 oFF!<br />
InTIMATe wAxInG FOR MARCH OnLy<br />
10% oFF<br />
ALL TReATMenTs On A THURsdAy FROM<br />
11AM-3PM FOR MARCH And APRIL<br />
With hannah<br />
LAdIes dAy RACe OFFeR £30<br />
(full face & lashes)<br />
full set of Acrylics With shellAc £30<br />
oFFer ends 30.4.<strong>2017</strong><br />
With Michelle<br />
35% oFF arbonne produCts<br />
wHen PURCHAsed THROUGHOUT<br />
MARCH And APRIL <strong>2017</strong><br />
(ORdeRs TO be PLACed AT seRenITy ALL ROUnd)<br />
oFFer ends 29.04.<strong>2017</strong>
DIRECT FROM THE MANUFACTURER<br />
13<br />
Church to shut<br />
A church in the centre of Billinge is set<br />
to close.<br />
Wesley Methodist, on Main <strong>St</strong>reet, will shut,<br />
although no timeframe has been given.<br />
News of the closure came to light after <strong>St</strong> <strong>Helens</strong><br />
Council was forced to find an alternate venue for<br />
election day, as the church is used as a Polling<br />
<strong>St</strong>ation. In future, voters will have to use Billinge<br />
Chapel End Primary School, on Carr Mill Road.<br />
It comes as the future of two churches in<br />
neighbouring Orrell were thrown into doubt.<br />
Orrell Methodist Church is in talks with developers<br />
about using its site, on Church Drive, as a potential<br />
location for a health centre.<br />
Meanwhile, Salem Church, on Church <strong>St</strong>reet<br />
in Orrell, has confirmed it will be closing this<br />
September after 200 years.<br />
Nobody from Wesley Methodist Church was<br />
available for comment as <strong>Local</strong> <strong>Life</strong> went to press.<br />
The Big Chippy<br />
5 <strong>St</strong>ar Food Hygiene Rating<br />
Fast Food Guide Editors Choice Award <strong>2017</strong><br />
New excellent Chinese chef<br />
Member of Fish Frier’s Association<br />
Pick up a loyalty card today to receive a free<br />
Chinese meal or fish & chips after 10 visits with<br />
purchases over £9 (only one stamp per visit)<br />
0151 426 1412<br />
7-9 Warrington Road, Prescot<br />
thebigchippy.co.uk<br />
Sheds<br />
Log Cabins<br />
Workshops<br />
Wendy Houses<br />
Summer Houses<br />
Free delivery<br />
Free 100% pressure treated<br />
Free erection<br />
See our show sites at;<br />
Trebaron Garden Centre<br />
Southworth Road, Newton-le-Willows, WA12 0BS<br />
Telephone: 01695 589 207<br />
Lady Green Garden Centre<br />
Ince Blundell, Nr Formby, L38 1QB<br />
Telephone: 01695 589 210<br />
Head Office, 10 Greenhey Place, Skelmersdale WN8 9SA<br />
Telephone: 01695 51442<br />
High Legh Garden Centre, Knutsford, WA16 0QW<br />
Telephone: 01695 51442<br />
www.solidsheds.com
14<br />
Share your photos<br />
What a grand sight - a scene from yesteryear of the you can now upload your photos of the area directly<br />
old Peggy’s Chippy, which stood at the corner of to our new website? It couldn’t be easier - just visit<br />
Main <strong>St</strong>reet/Garswood Road, Billinge. Did you know www.locallife247.co.uk/share-your-photos/
15
16
17
18<br />
Rainbows make Rainford blossom<br />
Children from Rainford Rainbows planted a tree<br />
to mark 30 years of the movement. The Mount Fiji<br />
Cherry Blossom, donated by <strong>St</strong> <strong>Helens</strong> Council, has<br />
been installed at Scarisbrick Road Park. And the girls<br />
even donned their wellies to stomp in the soil to<br />
ensure the tree was firmly in place!<br />
Alice Hudson, aged five, said: “I loved planting our<br />
tree. I especially enjoyed digging a hole for it, then<br />
filling the hole back in, and getting super muddy!”<br />
Ava Hudson, aged six, added: “I really loved planting<br />
our tree. I loved tying a tag to the tree with our name<br />
on, so everyone can see it. And I loved letting go of<br />
our balloons seeing them all in the sky, and someone<br />
will find our balloon and read the nice message I<br />
wrote.”<br />
Rainbows leader Julie Moran said: “I am so very<br />
proud of our Rainbows for taking part in this special<br />
memorable event. The messages they wrote on their<br />
balloons for people to read if they found it were so<br />
lovely and thoughtful. They are an inspiration.”<br />
For more information about the Rainbows, email<br />
2ndrainfordrainbows@gmail.com<br />
Planning Matters<br />
Crank<br />
Land between 297- 307 Higher Lane : Outline<br />
application (all matters reserved except for access)<br />
for the erection of two dwellings with associated<br />
access arrangements (ref: P/<strong>2017</strong>/0034/OUP). A<br />
decision is due soon.<br />
Garswood<br />
Land between 97 and 107 Birch Grove: Erection of<br />
three dwellings (ref: P/<strong>2017</strong>/0045/FUL).<br />
Haydock<br />
Tesco, Bellerophon Way: Installation of two ANPR<br />
cameras (ref: P/<strong>2017</strong>/0097/FUL).<br />
Moss Bank<br />
Land adjacent to 22 Sandy Lane: Erection of a<br />
detached dwelling. (ref: P/<strong>2017</strong>/0152/FUL).<br />
For more information on these plans, visit<br />
www.sthelens.gov.uk
19<br />
It’s Back<br />
& it’s Better than ever!<br />
Mary won £500<br />
voucher in 2016<br />
Runner up<br />
wins £500<br />
voucher<br />
You can win a<br />
£1500<br />
holiday voucher<br />
when you market your property with<br />
Competition start date 1st February, end date<br />
1st October. Voucher valid until December 2018<br />
Run in conjunction with Marken Travel<br />
Call us on 01695 632123<br />
for expert advice and a free valuation of your home.
20<br />
The Professional Estate Agents<br />
SOLD<br />
SOLD<br />
SOLD<br />
SOLD<br />
SOLD<br />
SOLD<br />
SOLD<br />
SOLD<br />
SOLD<br />
SOLD<br />
SOLD<br />
SOLD<br />
SOLD<br />
SOLD<br />
SOLD<br />
SOLD<br />
SOLD<br />
SOLD<br />
SOLD<br />
SOLD<br />
Properties are selling fast at Regan & Hallworth<br />
FREE upgraded Glossy brochures<br />
FREE Professional photographs & Floorplans<br />
Internet advertising including Facebook &<br />
Twitter<br />
FREE Accompanied viewings<br />
FREE Premium listings on Rightmove<br />
Four local offices with 20 experienced staff<br />
Open 7 days a week<br />
Your own personal advisor to help you<br />
throughout the process<br />
www.reganandhallworth.com
21<br />
Independent Family Jewellers<br />
ON-SITE WORKSHOP<br />
Repairs, Remodelling and Valuations<br />
SCRAP GOLD WANTED<br />
Silver and Platinum in any form<br />
CASH PAID<br />
Krugerrands & Sovereigns<br />
Gibneys Jewellers<br />
21 Ormskirk <strong>St</strong>reet, <strong>St</strong> <strong>Helens</strong>, WA10 1BQ<br />
Tel: 01744 24135<br />
Email: gibneysjewellers@hotmail.co.uk<br />
www.gibneys.co.uk
22<br />
Health & Fitness<br />
Feel fab at 50<br />
and beyond<br />
By Miona Martic<br />
Nearly half a million women<br />
in the UK will turn 50 this<br />
year - including TV favourite-turnedfitness-fanatic<br />
Davina McCall, plus<br />
Kate Garraway and Ulrika Jonsson.<br />
But far from feeling past their<br />
heyday, 82% of women are<br />
winding up, not down, as they<br />
approach this landmark birthday,<br />
according to a new survey by<br />
Boots UK.<br />
The poll, which quizzed 1,002<br />
women turning 50 this year,<br />
suggests we’re really embracing<br />
middle-age and beyond, with<br />
over a quarter (27%) admitting<br />
they plan to travel and see more<br />
of the world, and one in five (19%)<br />
revealing they’re now doing more<br />
exercise than ever before. Exciting<br />
career aspirations were also a priority for<br />
a fifth of women at 50, while one in seven plan<br />
to take up volunteering.<br />
However, while in general it seems women are feeling very<br />
positive about entering their 50s, more than nine out of 10 (92%) admit to<br />
having concerns about their health.<br />
“Women turning 50 now feel younger than their previous generations,<br />
with most viewing this time in their lives as a threshold of new<br />
opportunities and experiences,” says psychologist Dr Linda<br />
Papadopoulos. “That said, turning 50 heralds a decade of
23<br />
transition, with many physical<br />
and psychological changes on<br />
the horizon, and there are some<br />
women who are feeling less certain<br />
about their next life chapter.”<br />
Here, three 50-something experts<br />
share their insights for optimum<br />
wellbeing when celebrating the<br />
big five-oh...<br />
Boots Pharmacist Liz<br />
McPherson gives her top<br />
tips on dealing with some<br />
common health concerns<br />
“Dropping oestrogen levels<br />
[associated with menopause]<br />
can cause hot flushes, sleep<br />
disturbance and low mood. Soya<br />
isoflavones is a plant extract<br />
An Independent <strong>Local</strong><br />
Hearing Company<br />
A wide range of styles to suit<br />
all budgets<br />
• Invisible Hearing Aids • Hearing Tests • Ear Wax Removal • Hearing Protection<br />
Why Choose Harmony?<br />
• 18 years’ Experience in the Hearing Aid Industry<br />
• Specialise in home visit hearing assessments<br />
• We <strong>St</strong>rive To Provide the Personal Touch<br />
• Free Aftercare For <strong>Life</strong> • <strong>Local</strong> branch visits Also Available<br />
Call Today For No Obligation Consultation<br />
0800 619 0024 / 07943 877920<br />
10%<br />
OFF<br />
All new purchases<br />
Expires 31st <strong>March</strong><br />
www.harmony-hearing.co.uk
24<br />
that exerts actions that mimic oestrogen, and<br />
some women feel this helps give them relief from<br />
symptoms. Joint pain that gets steadily worse with<br />
age can be a sign of osteoarthritis. Mild symptoms<br />
can be managed with<br />
regular exercise, weight<br />
loss, suitable footwear<br />
and joint supports, but for<br />
more severe symptoms,<br />
speak to your GP.<br />
Deteriorating eyesight at 50<br />
is very common; age-related long-sightedness, also<br />
known as presbyopia, is a natural part of the ageing<br />
process. It can be corrected easily by wearing<br />
glasses or contact lenses; visit Boots Opticians for<br />
an eye test and advice on frames that suit you.<br />
“It’s natural for your metabolic rate to slow down<br />
as you get older, so maintain a healthy balanced<br />
diet and take regular exercise to help counteract its<br />
effects,” she adds. “If you have high blood pressure<br />
or have had previous heart conditions, an at-home<br />
blood pressure and atrial fibrillation monitor can<br />
help you monitor for any irregularities. Sometimes<br />
atrial fibrillation is intermittent, so regular home<br />
screening can help give you peace of mind and help<br />
spot any potential problems. Always visit your GP if<br />
you have any concerns.”<br />
Author, life coach and yoga instructor<br />
Smita Joshi, talks about embracing<br />
the freedom of an empty nest<br />
“When your children leave home, the silence of<br />
the gap left behind by what seemed like a ‘full’ life<br />
can sometimes become deafening. You may have<br />
thought you knew yourself intimately, but now, at<br />
this new stage of life, with the sense of loss that<br />
children leaving home can make, old and buried<br />
aspirations and desires<br />
now feel like regrets<br />
or unfulfilled longings.<br />
To feel fulfilled in your<br />
own being, develop a<br />
nurturing<br />
relationship<br />
with your innermost self<br />
- peace and contentment are rooted in this central<br />
aspect of who you are. Experiment with different<br />
forms of exercise, dance, yoga, meditation and<br />
mindfulness. Learn to paint, perhaps do a degree.<br />
Travel across India or China by rail. Try out different<br />
things until you find the one, or two, that are a<br />
direct expression of ‘you’. Do things that unleash<br />
your happy hormones.<br />
“Whatever you do, make it something that puts you<br />
in direct touch with your deeper nature, expresses<br />
you, and brings you radiance and joy. Turning 50 is<br />
nothing to be afraid of, and remember, there are<br />
things you can now do that you may not have been<br />
able to before, whether because of work or home<br />
priorities. You can now embrace all the passions you<br />
left behind.”<br />
Janey Lee Grace, author of Look Great<br />
Naturally... Without Ditching The<br />
Lipstick, says looking good really is<br />
about what’s on the inside<br />
“I think as you age, it becomes so much more<br />
important to feel comfortable in your own skin. I<br />
can absolutely assure you it’s the ‘energy’ of a person<br />
that really shows beauty, not whether or not they<br />
have wrinkle-free skin or the perfect pout. Having<br />
said that, few of us can accept everything going<br />
south and our once youthful looks descending into<br />
wrinkle-dom, so how we can embrace our age and<br />
still look and feel great? I believe it’s all down to<br />
the natural approach, it IS possible to look and feel<br />
great without resorting to chemical concoctions<br />
and invasive treatments.<br />
“Eat well, as unprocessed as possible, but be realistic<br />
- of course the odd glass of wine is OK, and the odd<br />
pudding. Ditch the chemicals in your skincare and<br />
personal care products. It’s easier than it sounds;<br />
just because you have always ‘sworn’ by that night<br />
cream doesn’t mean it’s the only one for you. Your<br />
state of mind is critical. Give yourself the gift of time<br />
out to relax and de-stress and find something that<br />
makes you happy.”
25
26<br />
Tell Us Your <strong>St</strong>ory!<br />
<strong>Local</strong> <strong>Life</strong> is always<br />
on the look out for<br />
news stories from the<br />
local communities<br />
we serve. Are you<br />
raising money for<br />
charity? Are you<br />
a member of a<br />
community group<br />
with something<br />
to shout about?<br />
Maybe you’ve got<br />
an unusual talent, or have a claim to fame? If so, let<br />
us know and you could be appearing in the next<br />
edition!<br />
Simply contact us on sthelensnews@locallife247.<br />
co.uk or call us on 01695 627999.<br />
Rates going up<br />
Ratepayers will be paying over £50 a year more<br />
in Council Tax. <strong>St</strong> <strong>Helens</strong> councillors have voted<br />
to increase bills by 4.99%. Residents living in the<br />
Garswood and Seneley Green parish area will pay<br />
the most - from £1,065.90 for those in a Band A<br />
property. Rainford is a close second with minimum<br />
£1,060.68 per year, followed by Billinge at £1,059.02<br />
Choral members plea<br />
<strong>St</strong> <strong>Helens</strong> Choral Society has launched an urgent<br />
plea for men to join their organisation. The group<br />
needs males who can sing tenors and/or bass. No<br />
previous experience is needed, but the ability to<br />
read music would be an advantage. Rehearsals are<br />
held on Mondays, 7.15pm-9.16pm at the United<br />
Reformed Church, King <strong>St</strong>reet, <strong>St</strong>. <strong>Helens</strong>. For more<br />
information, visit www.sthelenschoralsociety.org.<br />
Your one stop landscaping<br />
company<br />
Flexible<br />
Payment<br />
Options<br />
Available<br />
1st for referrals<br />
A Professional, affordable artificial lawn<br />
Call now for a FREE survey 01204 598885<br />
email northmanchester@lazylawn.co.uk<br />
or visit www.lazylawn.co.uk<br />
lazylawnmanchester
27
28<br />
Frank’s on a Mission<br />
A Garswood-born man has written<br />
a book on his life growing up in the<br />
village.<br />
Frank grew up in Garswood and he hopes his book<br />
will help raise money for his former Sunday School,<br />
<strong>St</strong> Andrew’s Mission Hall on Montrey Crescent.<br />
The book recounts several of Frank’s memories<br />
about his early life, including the local pits, the<br />
outbreak of World War II and activities around The<br />
Tilesheds, a pond off <strong>St</strong>range Road.<br />
“It was thought that the pond had got its name<br />
from tiles having been made on the site in years<br />
gone by and the craters left when the clay was<br />
removed filled with water, creating a pond. It was<br />
large enough to attract swans on a regular basis.<br />
It was on one of<br />
their visits when,<br />
coming in to land<br />
on the pond, one of<br />
the swans became<br />
entangled with<br />
a telephone wire<br />
and was strangled.<br />
Apparently, its<br />
carcass was given to<br />
a local family to eat.<br />
We were not a bit<br />
pleased as we felt it<br />
should have been given a permanent burial place<br />
in the grounds of the Tilesheds with a plaque to<br />
mark the event.<br />
• Supply<br />
• Fit<br />
• Repair<br />
Call us today for a FREE on site quotation<br />
TEL 01744 883 511<br />
www.garagedoorsnw.com<br />
16 <strong>St</strong>andish Drive<br />
Rainford<br />
<strong>St</strong> <strong>Helens</strong><br />
WA11 8JY
29<br />
“The Tilesheds had a cottage and its only form of<br />
heating and lighting was by a coal fire, paraffin<br />
lamp and candles. The cottage and the Tilesheds<br />
have all now gone without trace.”<br />
Speaking about his reason for writing the book,<br />
Frank, who went to school in Ashton and now lives<br />
in <strong>St</strong>andish, said: “The Mission Hall was not only our<br />
place of worship it was also the changing room for<br />
visiting football teams. The home team got dressed<br />
at home. However, the Mission hall was the hub<br />
of village activities which included Saturday night<br />
dancing for those who were old enough, which<br />
attracted people from neighbouring villages.<br />
“Sunday school lasted about 45 minutes. Taking<br />
the boys were two devoted men, John Pendlebury<br />
and Billie Ralphson. Two ladies taught the girls; Miss<br />
Heyes, a school teacher by profession, and Miss<br />
Hazeltine, an office clerk. Mr Pendlebury was Sunday<br />
school superintendant who, when attendance<br />
was low, would tour the village rounding up any<br />
absentees that he could see. His task however was<br />
somewhat forlorn as ‘Johnny’s coming’ preceded<br />
him faster than he could walk hence it became a<br />
joke to the boys to let him see you and then run.<br />
Mr Pendlebury was a very imposing person he was<br />
about 6ft 5ins tall and always carried a cane typewalking<br />
stick.”<br />
Frank’s book is priced around £6 and will be<br />
available from <strong>St</strong> Andrew’s Mission soon.
30<br />
Andy’s gruelling challenge<br />
Rainford soldier Andy Reid is set to<br />
undertake a mammoth challenge in<br />
memory of fallen comrades.<br />
Andy Reid, from News Lane, lost limbs after being<br />
blown up by a Taliban bomb while serving in<br />
Afghanistan in 2009.<br />
He will now cycle 400 miles, complete 125 miles<br />
of kayaking and climb 17,500 ft alongside another<br />
Afghanistan veteran Glen Hughes, who is recovering<br />
from Post-Traumatic <strong>St</strong>ress Disorder. The event -<br />
called Warrior Challenge - is in memory of six soldiers<br />
who lost their lives when their armoured vehicle was<br />
caught in an explosion<br />
in Kandahar Province<br />
in 2012. Five of the<br />
men were from Andy’s<br />
regiment.<br />
Monies raised from the<br />
event, which lasts from<br />
June 16-29, will go to<br />
ABF - The Soliders’ Charity and <strong>St</strong>yle For Soliders,<br />
which makes clothing for injured servicemen.<br />
For more information and to donate, visit<br />
warriorchallenge<strong>2017</strong>.com<br />
Class from the past<br />
This month’s Class from the Past is from <strong>St</strong> James<br />
School, Haydock. It’s believed this photo was taken<br />
in the 1950s. Maybe you can spot a familiar face?<br />
Remember, if you have a photo you’d be willing to<br />
share, contact us today by emailing sthelensnews@<br />
locallife247.co.uk
31
32<br />
Business opportunity<br />
Wayfarers Shopping Arcade is a<br />
Grade II listed building and one of<br />
Southport’s retail treasures.<br />
It is beautifully maintained, lovingly restored and a<br />
vibrant shopping arcade which is right at the heart<br />
of the town.<br />
And now there are attractive, affordable units<br />
available within the arcade particularly suited to<br />
small independent retailers or those thinking of<br />
starting a new retail venture.<br />
You could open a successful retail outlet in<br />
Wayfarers from as little as £75 (plus VAT) per week<br />
which is a once in a lifetime opportunity.<br />
People who run their retail business in Wayfarers<br />
tend to live locally and enjoy working within a<br />
supported community. Many of the smaller units<br />
have been the start of very successful business<br />
ventures where retailers have started small and<br />
grown to occupy much larger premises.<br />
Most retail businesses now trade on line but find
33<br />
having a retail outlet good for raising the profile<br />
of their business by having a high-street presence.<br />
Occupying a unit within Wayfarers ticks all these<br />
boxes. You can trade on line and have a prestigious<br />
shop without having to pay a high rent or rates.<br />
People travel from far and wide to visit Wayfarers<br />
because it has the most wonderful relaxing<br />
atmosphere although it is within busy Lord <strong>St</strong>reet<br />
and the crowds in the town centre. Wayfarers is full<br />
of character and bursting with interesting niche<br />
shops and one of these could be yours.<br />
Special events and historical exhibitions are<br />
regularly to be seen in Wayfarers, including<br />
displays of paintings, photographs or sculptures.<br />
Occasionally there is musical entertainment all to<br />
encourage customers to make regular return visits.<br />
Like to research more information? Then visit www.<br />
wayfarersarcade.co.uk You can also follow them on<br />
Facebook and Twitter.<br />
Wayfarers Shopping Arcade, Lord <strong>St</strong>reet,<br />
Southport PR8 1NT. Open Monday – Saturday<br />
9am – 5.30pm, Sunday 10am – 5pm.<br />
Historic setting<br />
Originally called the<br />
Leyland Arcade, after a<br />
Southport MP, Wayfarers<br />
opened in October 1898.<br />
It was the idea of John<br />
Humphrey Plummer, a<br />
Victorian entrepreneur,<br />
who at the time owned<br />
most of the shops on<br />
Lord <strong>St</strong>reet.<br />
A splendid example of Victorian architecture with<br />
its domed glass roof, intricate iron work, stained<br />
glass and mahogany shop fronts that can all still be<br />
seen today. In its past ,it has housed brass bands, a<br />
large aquarium, a bandstand and since the 1970s<br />
has been home to a bronze statue of local legend<br />
and Grand National champion Red Rum, who<br />
trained on Southport beach.
34<br />
Travel<br />
Having been off the tourist destination list for<br />
quite a while, Croatia has fully reasserted<br />
itself as a prime destination.<br />
Its seemingly endless coastline along the Adriatic<br />
Sea is full of rocky coves, idyllic islands and<br />
medieval towns.<br />
There are so many places to choose from, it<br />
can be hard to know where to start. Luckily,<br />
Billinge-based Marken Travel has teamed<br />
up with Jet2holidays to provide you with<br />
a tempting choice of destinations.<br />
But first, more about the country itself.<br />
Thanks to its location, many resorts<br />
have an Itallian-inspired cuisine.<br />
For instance, Istria is famous for<br />
its mouth-watering black and<br />
white truffles, served<br />
with fusi pasta. And<br />
the sheer choice<br />
of handcrafted<br />
Cream of<br />
Croatia
35<br />
souvenirs, in lace and silver at the market in<br />
Gundulics Square, Dubrovnik, make this a<br />
destination filled with charm and elegance.<br />
In terms of locations, many are drawn to Pula, on<br />
the Istrian Riviera. Make your way to the town<br />
centre and you’ll see remarkable sights such as a<br />
perfectly-preserved amphitheatre, as well as more<br />
Roman feats of architecture such as grand temples,<br />
forums and arches.<br />
Pula offers its visitors a diverse taste of Croatian<br />
culture. What’s more, this terracotta-topped<br />
landscape plays host to annual festivals, some top<br />
beaches and all the water sports you could wish for.<br />
Pavement cafés and chilled bars just seal the deal.<br />
Poreč is a popular holiday resort in Istria and is<br />
frequently named the top resort in Croatia by the<br />
Croatian National Tourist Office. Porec’s history<br />
extends to prehistoric times. The largest settlement<br />
during this period was called Picugi, which was<br />
home to an Illyrian tribe called the Histri (which is<br />
Open Day at Marken Travel<br />
20th <strong>March</strong> 12 ‘til 5pm<br />
Incentives available!<br />
Call in for details.<br />
where Istria gets its name) in around 800 BC.<br />
These days, Poreč mixes beautiful natural scenery<br />
with architectural heritage and plenty of seaside<br />
fun. Expect rocky beaches scattered with pine<br />
trees and magical views, and marvel at stunning<br />
Byzantine mosaics further inland. It’s a historic<br />
haven with plenty of modern twists.<br />
Holiday in Croatia<br />
Adriatic Cruise - from £829pp<br />
MS Afrodita calling at Dubrovnik, Split, Hvar & Croatian islands<br />
including Manchester flights, 7 nights, H/B<br />
Departs 30th September, <strong>2017</strong><br />
Porec - from £578pp<br />
Hotel Valamar Diamant 4*<br />
including Manchester flights, 7 nights, H/B, Room with balcony<br />
Departs 7th September, <strong>2017</strong><br />
Other dates available; call Marken Travel for details<br />
BOOK NOW<br />
FOR JUST<br />
£60pp<br />
Independent Travel Specialist<br />
200 Main <strong>St</strong>reet, Billinge, WN5 7PE Telephone: 01744 893291 www.markentravel.co.uk
36<br />
Croatian Checklist<br />
Language: Croatian<br />
Currency: Croatian kuna<br />
Time difference: +1 hour<br />
Cost (average) of a beer: £3.40<br />
Cost (average) of Cappuccino : £1.60<br />
Cost (average) of 3 Course meal: £20<br />
If however you are wanting to sample more than<br />
one destination, then a cruise is for you. Marken<br />
Travel and Jet2holidays offer a seven-day cruise<br />
or a 14-day cruise and stay. This cruise takes in<br />
destinations such as Korcula, the birthplace of<br />
explorer Marco Polo, the UNESCO-protected city of<br />
Split, the beautiful old town of Dubrovnik and the<br />
gorgeous Pucisca, on Brac Island.<br />
As you can see, you’ll be spoilt for choice in Croatia.<br />
But by choosing Marken Travel and Jet2holidays,<br />
you’ll be in good hands and ensure you’ll be seeing<br />
the best of this very beautiful country.<br />
Marken Travel<br />
200 Main <strong>St</strong>reet, Billinge, WN5 7PE.<br />
Telephone 01744 893 291<br />
Manufacture ~ InstallatIon ~ servIce ~ repaIr<br />
Call Us Today For A Free Quotation<br />
Tel Number 01744 25038 / 07976 317846 / 07976 317688<br />
Hertford House, Hertford <strong>St</strong>reet, <strong>St</strong> <strong>Helens</strong>, WA9 1BF<br />
www.1ststopsecurityproducts.co.uk
37
38<br />
Upload your event for FREE at<br />
www.locallife247.co.uk/events<br />
Follow us on Facebook<br />
events2go<br />
Quiz Night with Hotpot<br />
Friday, <strong>March</strong> 10, 7.15pm<br />
Rainford in Bloom is raising funds by hosting a Quiz<br />
Night with the inclusion of a hotpot supper.<br />
Rainford Village Hall, Church Road, Rainford, <strong>St</strong><br />
<strong>Helens</strong>, WA11 8HB. Contact: 01744 883497.<br />
Saturday Breakfast<br />
Every Saturday, 9am – 11.30am<br />
Pop-up breakfast cafe with assorted commercial<br />
and charity stalls every Saturday morning at <strong>St</strong><br />
Luke’s Church Hall in Orrell.<br />
<strong>St</strong> Lukes church hall, 10 Lodge Road, Orrell, Wigan,<br />
WN5 7AT. Contact: 01695 627999.<br />
The Damnation of Faust<br />
Saturday, <strong>March</strong> 11, 12.30pm – 4pm<br />
Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra raise the<br />
roof in Berlioz’s ground breaking choral-orchestral<br />
spectacular<br />
Royal Liverpool Philharmonic, Hope <strong>St</strong>reet,<br />
Liverpool L1 9BP. Box Office: 0151 709 3789<br />
Artisan Market<br />
Sunday, <strong>March</strong> 12, 10am – 3pm<br />
Over 40 stalls - unique art and craft, award winning,<br />
local produce, music and fun. The cafe and shops<br />
will be open from 9am.<br />
Inglenook Farm, Moss Nook Lane, Rainford, <strong>St</strong><br />
<strong>Helens</strong>, WA11 8AE. Contact:01744 886812<br />
Brass for <strong>St</strong> Rocco’s<br />
Sunday, <strong>March</strong> 12, 3pm<br />
The Leyland Brass Band are at Warrington’s Parr Hall<br />
to raise money for <strong>St</strong> Rocco’s Hospice.<br />
Pyramid Parr Hall, Palmyra Square, Warrington<br />
WA1 1BL. Visit: www.pyramidparrhall.com<br />
Pamper Evening<br />
Wednesday, <strong>March</strong> 15, 7pm – 9.30pm<br />
Have a midweek pamper and raise money for<br />
Garswood Primary School. Refreshments, beauty<br />
and craft stalls and treatments included in the £5<br />
ticket price.<br />
Downall Green Independent Methodist Church,<br />
Victoria Road, Garswood, WN4 0RG. Contact<br />
01942 712106<br />
Vegan Spring Fair<br />
Saturday, <strong>March</strong> 18, 10am – 4pm<br />
Everything vegan-friendly, from vintage to vinyl<br />
and chocolate to cheese. Eight rooms of goods,<br />
therapies, information and talks plus more.<br />
<strong>St</strong> <strong>Helens</strong> Town Hall, 8 Corporation <strong>St</strong>, <strong>St</strong> <strong>Helens</strong>,<br />
WA10 1EF. Contact: phoenixapparel@live.com<br />
Welcome Home – 1925<br />
Saturday, <strong>March</strong> 18, 7.30pm<br />
A night of murder, intrigue and deceit. £19.50 (inc.<br />
2 course meal and glass of wine) plus booking fee.<br />
The Atkinson, Cambridge Hall, Lord <strong>St</strong>reet,<br />
Southport, PR8 1DB. Tickets: 01704 533333.
39<br />
Cilla & The Shades of the 60s<br />
Saturday, <strong>March</strong> 18, 7.30pm<br />
<strong>St</strong>arring Liverpool-born singer Victoria Jones (BBC’s<br />
The One & Only) as Cilla, singing songs including<br />
‘You’re My World’ and ‘Anyone Who Had a Heart’.<br />
<strong>St</strong> <strong>Helens</strong> Theatre Royal, Corporation <strong>St</strong>reet, <strong>St</strong><br />
<strong>Helens</strong>, WA10 1LQ. Tickets: 07742383176<br />
Open House<br />
Saturday, <strong>March</strong> 18, 10am – Noon<br />
With lots of activities and games, <strong>St</strong> Aiden’s Open<br />
House is an energetic way to start the morning.<br />
There is an offer of breakfast/elevenses with<br />
magazines and newspapers on offer to read while<br />
you enjoy your cup of tea! The event welcomes all<br />
ages, with games and activities suitable for all.<br />
<strong>St</strong> Aidan’s Parish Church, Billinge, WN5 7HD.<br />
Vintage Craft Fair<br />
Sunday, <strong>March</strong> 19, 10am – 4pm<br />
Vintage and retro clothing, accessories, home wear,<br />
furniture, jewellery, collectable, china and more.<br />
Plus live entertainment from Bexi Owen.<br />
Mercure Hotel, Manchester Road, Blackrod,<br />
Bolton, BL6 5RU. Contact: 07787 316234.<br />
Artisan Food and Craft Fair<br />
Sunday, <strong>March</strong> 19, 11am – 3pm<br />
You can expect to find anything from cheese, fresh<br />
bread and chocolate to jewellery, local artwork and<br />
scarves.<br />
Rainford Parish Council, Council Offices, Church<br />
Road, Rainford, <strong>St</strong> <strong>Helens</strong>, WA11 8HB. Contact:<br />
makinandmoore@outlook.com<br />
<strong>St</strong>art Spreading<br />
The News!<br />
Our new Events2Go platform lets you tell<br />
thousands of people about your event.<br />
Whether it’s a charity do, sportsman’s dinner, wedding fair<br />
or coffee morning, we can help you publicise your event<br />
• Upload your event to our online calendar<br />
• Get it promoted on social media<br />
• Reach up to 130,000 homes in our mags<br />
For FREE publicity for your event visit<br />
www.locallife247.co.uk/events
40<br />
Competition<br />
Win tickets for<br />
Olly Murs<br />
To celebrate the launch of Events2Go, the<br />
new local events guide, we have two pairs<br />
of tickets to be won to one of the biggest concerts<br />
in the North West this year, superstar Olly Murs –<br />
performing live at Haydock Park on Saturday, August 11<br />
Since Olly shot to fame on X Factor in 2009, he has crafted four<br />
multi-platinum albums and produced four Number One<br />
singles with total record sales exceeding 10 million.<br />
His latest studio album 24 HRS was released<br />
recently and became his fourth consecutive<br />
LP to reach the top spot on the UK charts,<br />
becoming the most successful solo artist ever<br />
to come from the X Factor.<br />
Olly told <strong>Local</strong> <strong>Life</strong>: “I’m really looking<br />
forward to playing Haydock Park. It’ll be<br />
one of the first chances I’ll get to play<br />
tracks from 24 HRS in the sunshine so<br />
will be a special show to share with<br />
my fans. I love a day out at the races<br />
too so can’t wait to get in the crowd<br />
during the day to place a cheeky<br />
bet!”’<br />
Olly is the first act announced for Haydock<br />
Park’s summer season. Alongside a showstopping<br />
headlining performance by some of the<br />
world’s biggest artists, the action kicks off earlier in<br />
the day with a six race card - giving fans the chance<br />
to witness powerful equine athletes who are stars<br />
in their own right, and enjoy the thrilling drama<br />
and spectacle of them racing for glory.
41<br />
The events are renowned for combining a fun<br />
filled evening at the races with a spectacular<br />
evening concert in the informal and relaxed openair<br />
setting of the hallowed turf. Having welcomed<br />
over 200,000 fans of live music to their events in<br />
2016, this year is set to continue the incredible<br />
success.<br />
The racecourses have world-class customer<br />
facilities, featuring an array of award winning<br />
restaurants that cater for all tastes, be it Fine Dining<br />
through to delicious bistro food, so you can be sure<br />
of a fantastic evening.<br />
Tickets are priced starting from £37.50 adult/£15<br />
child (under 18) at www.thejockeyclublive.co.uk.<br />
Please note child tickets are limited and all under<br />
18s must be accompanied by an adult. All T&Cs are<br />
available at http://haydock.thejockeyclub.co.uk.<br />
There will be hospitality packages available to suit<br />
all budgets.<br />
Competition 1<br />
What is the name of Olly’s new album?<br />
To win a pair of tickets to Olly’s Haydock concert,<br />
visit: locallife247.co.uk/free-stuff/competitions/<br />
Enter your answer, your details and click on ‘Enter’.<br />
Closing date 31st <strong>March</strong> <strong>2017</strong><br />
Competition 2<br />
To win a pair of tickets to Olly’s Haydock concert,<br />
search Facebook for ’Events2Go’<br />
‘Like’ and ‘Share’ the Events2Go page<br />
Closing date 31st <strong>March</strong> <strong>2017</strong><br />
Competition rules are publicised on our website:<br />
locallife247.co.uk/contact-us/rules<br />
The new<br />
local events guide<br />
You can get event updates by reading our <strong>Local</strong> <strong>Life</strong> magazines every month,<br />
by searching our website locallife247.co.uk, or by liking the ‘Events2Go’<br />
Facebook page.<br />
Event organisers can upload event details and a poster/picture to our<br />
website FREE:<br />
locallife247.co.uk/events/community/add
42<br />
ALL JOINERY WORK<br />
<strong>St</strong>aircase-refurbishment<br />
Kitchens supplied and fitted<br />
Bathrooms supplied and fitted<br />
Carl Taylor: 01942 712 535<br />
Mark Mercer: 07958 100 544<br />
Email: info@dactjoinery.co.uk<br />
Website: www.dactjoinery.co.uk<br />
Call today for a free<br />
no-obligation quote
43<br />
Farmers Market<br />
Sunday, <strong>March</strong> 19, 10am – 4pm<br />
<strong>Local</strong> artisan food and drink with a splash of vintage<br />
homemade crafts, Plus all the fun of the farm with<br />
our animal antics. Admission is free.<br />
Greenslate Community Farm Greenslate Road<br />
Wigan, WN5 7BG. Contact: 01695 221950.<br />
Jacqui’s Rhythm Katz<br />
Sunday, <strong>March</strong> 19, 8pm<br />
A swing and jazz band playing a wide variety of<br />
favourite tunes from the swing era, Latin American,<br />
pop and modern classics.<br />
Briars Hall Barn, Briars Lane, Lathom Ormskirk,<br />
L40 5TH. Contact: 07710756894.<br />
Dance Club<br />
Wednesday, <strong>March</strong> 22, 7.30pm<br />
Go along to Little Longborough Dance Club, meet<br />
people and keep active, physically and mentally.<br />
Rainford Village Hall, Church Rd, Rainford, WA11<br />
8HB. Contact: clarepark08@yahoo.co.uk<br />
Mother’s Day Crafts<br />
Thursday, <strong>March</strong> 23, 3.30pm – 4.30pm<br />
Join Garswood Library as it celebrates Mother’s Day.<br />
Make a beautiful card and design your own gift.<br />
Space is limited. Booking is essential.<br />
Garswood Library, <strong>St</strong>ation Road WN4 0SA.<br />
Contact: 01744 677797<br />
1940s Night<br />
Friday, <strong>March</strong> 24, 8pm<br />
With special guest GI Jive. Food will be provided<br />
and all proceedings will go to the Helen Marie<br />
Charity for local sick children.<br />
<strong>St</strong> Mary’s Social Club, Trent Road, Billinge, Wigan,<br />
WN5 7QT. Contact: 01744734155<br />
Heritage Trail<br />
Saturday, <strong>March</strong> 25, 10am – 2pm<br />
Meet near Wilkinson’s for a short official opening of<br />
the newly refurbished Newton Heritage Trail, then<br />
join in to walk the 10k route of Newton-Le-Willows.<br />
Earlestown Market, Oxford <strong>St</strong>, Newton-le-Willows,<br />
WA12 9AQ. Contact: newtonheritagetrail.com<br />
Spring in the Garden<br />
Monday, <strong>March</strong> 27, 8pm<br />
Rainford’s Gardening Club is hosting a variety of<br />
talks, demonstrations, Q&A sessions and more.<br />
Rainford X North End Club, 16 Bushey Lane<br />
Rainford, WA11 7LN. Contact: 01744 883497.<br />
Chill and Chat<br />
Wednesday, <strong>March</strong> 29, 11am<br />
Sit and listen to poems being read or even read<br />
your favourite poem out to the crowd. Chill and<br />
Chat meets on the last Wednesday of each month.<br />
Haydock Library, Church Road, WA11 0LY. Contact:<br />
01744 677801.<br />
Great Up Holland Bake Off<br />
Friday, <strong>March</strong> 31, 7pm<br />
Take your best bakes and win prizes for best in show.<br />
If you’d like to take part please be there for 5pm.<br />
<strong>St</strong> Thomas the Martyr Church, Church <strong>St</strong>reet, Up<br />
Holland, WN8 0ND. Contact: 01695 721038.<br />
Cedar Farm Farmers Market<br />
First Saturday of the Month, 10am – 4pm<br />
Produce includes local beef, pork, lamb, haggis,<br />
cheeses, pies, flowers, fruit and veg, wine, cakes and<br />
more Free parking available.<br />
Cedar Farm, Back Lane, Mawdesley, L40 3SY.<br />
Contact: 01282 772896.
44<br />
Spring Eggstravaganza<br />
Saturday, April 1, 10am – 3.30pm<br />
Orrell Egg Crafters invite you to their Spring event<br />
to see how the crafting is done. There will also be<br />
cake and gift stalls at the event.<br />
Salem United Reformed Church, Church <strong>St</strong>reet,<br />
Orrell WN5 8TG. Contact: 01942 216552.<br />
Beauty and The Beast<br />
Saturday, April 1 – Sunday, April 23, 6pm<br />
Get ready to go on an adventure and follow Belle<br />
as she falls in love with the most unexpected of<br />
princes.<br />
<strong>St</strong> <strong>Helens</strong> Theatre Royal, Corporation <strong>St</strong>reet,<br />
<strong>St</strong> <strong>Helens</strong>, WA10 1LQ. Tickets: 07742383176<br />
The Signatures Northern Soul<br />
Saturday, April 1, 7.30pm<br />
The Signatures Northern Soul Band and Soul singer<br />
Paul <strong>St</strong>uart Davies host a night of Northern Soul<br />
Live.<br />
The Citadel Arts Centre, Waterloo <strong>St</strong>reet, <strong>St</strong> <strong>Helens</strong>,<br />
Merseyside, WA10 1PX. Contact: 01744735436<br />
Charity Afternoon Tea<br />
Sunday, April 2, 11am – 4pm<br />
Raising awareness and money for Action for<br />
Pulmonary Fibrosis. Entry is free however donations<br />
would be appreciated.<br />
<strong>St</strong> James Church Hall, <strong>St</strong> James Road, Orrell,<br />
Wigan, WN5 7AA. Contact: 07720865129.<br />
The Addams Family<br />
Thursday, April 6 – Saturday, April 8, 7.30pm<br />
A musical adaptation which organisers say<br />
guarantees both tears and laughter.<br />
The Atkinson, Cambridge Hall, Lord <strong>St</strong>reet,<br />
Southport, PR8 1DB. Tickets: 01704 533333.<br />
Hope and Consolation<br />
Saturday, April 8, 7.30pm<br />
<strong>St</strong> <strong>Helens</strong> Choral Society with music from across<br />
Europe.<br />
United Reformed Church, Ormskirk <strong>St</strong>reet, <strong>St</strong><br />
<strong>Helens</strong>, , WA10 2JZ. Contact: 01695 625500<br />
Spring Craft and Gift Fair<br />
Sunday, April 9, Noon – 4pm<br />
Children’s crafts including face painting, angel card<br />
readings, and craft stalls.<br />
Birchley <strong>St</strong> Mary’s Club, Trent Road, Billinge,<br />
WN5 7QT.<br />
Creative Crafts<br />
Thursday, April 13, 10.30am – 12.30pm<br />
A family activity, recommended for children aged<br />
seven and above. What you make is yours to take<br />
home. Tickets are £13 and must be pre-booked.<br />
National Trust, Tatton Park, Knutsford, WA16 6QN.<br />
Contact: 01625 374428<br />
Easter Shopping Fair<br />
Friday, April 14 Noon – 5pm – Monday, April 17,<br />
10.30am – 5pm<br />
Free admission to the Tenants Hall packed with gifts<br />
for everyone, specialist food producers plus craft,<br />
fashion and home furnishings.<br />
Tatton Park, Knutsford, Cheshire, WA16 6QN.<br />
Contact: 01625 374400.<br />
Superhero Family Fun Day<br />
Saturday, April 15, Noon<br />
Jump across the giant assault course or have a go at<br />
the craft table, making superhero-themed goodies!<br />
Haydock Park Racecourse, Warrington Road,<br />
Newton-le-Willows, WA12 0HQ. Contact: http://<br />
haydock.thejockeyclub.co.uk/events-tickets
45
46
47<br />
Bruno Mars<br />
Sunday, April 17, 10am – 2pm<br />
The appearance marks Mars’ first full-length tour<br />
since 2013. Support from Anderson.Paak.<br />
Liverpool Echo Arena, Kings Dock, Liverpool.<br />
Tickets from £42. Book online at www.echoarena.<br />
com<br />
Salt of the Earth<br />
Wednesday, April 19 – Saturday, April 29, 7.30pm<br />
A coming of age story with characters we can all<br />
recognise. Written by John Godber. Directed by Tara<br />
Haywood.<br />
Wigan Little Theatre, Crompton <strong>St</strong>reet, Wigan,<br />
WN1 3SL. Contact: wiganlittletheatre.co.uk<br />
Sammy & The Snow Leopard<br />
Sunday, April 23, 2pm<br />
When a parcel arrives, Sammy finds himself on a<br />
crazy adventure, involving stuffed animals...<br />
The Citadel Arts Centre, Waterloo <strong>St</strong>reet, <strong>St</strong> <strong>Helens</strong>,<br />
Merseyside, WA10 1PX. Contact: 01744735436<br />
Variety Show<br />
Thursday, April 27 – Saturday, April 28, 7.15pm<br />
A variety show with songs and laughter performed<br />
by members of <strong>St</strong> <strong>Helens</strong> District Scouts and Guides.<br />
Please note that tickets are not available from the<br />
theatre.<br />
<strong>St</strong> <strong>Helens</strong> Theatre Royal, Corporation <strong>St</strong>, <strong>St</strong> <strong>Helens</strong>,<br />
WA10 1LQ. Tickets: 07742383176<br />
Afternoon Tea<br />
Wednesday, May 10 2pm-4pm<br />
Orrell & District Townswomen’s Guild will be holding<br />
an Afternoon Tea for charity at <strong>St</strong> Luke’s Church Hall.<br />
Tickets will be £6.<br />
<strong>St</strong>. Lukes Vicarage, 10 Lodge Road, Orrell, Wigan,<br />
WN5 7AT. Contact: 01695 623691.<br />
Space<br />
Friday, May 19, 7.30pm<br />
The Liverpool Indie legends return following their<br />
Give Me Your Future tour last year.<br />
The Citadel Arts Centre, Waterloo <strong>St</strong>reet, <strong>St</strong><br />
<strong>Helens</strong>, Merseyside, WA10 1PX. Tickets from £15.<br />
Contact: 01744735436.<br />
Flower Festival<br />
Wednesday, May 25 – Monday, May 29<br />
Flower Festival – ‘The past to the present 1867 –<br />
<strong>2017</strong>’. Admission by programme available on the<br />
door. Refreshments available in the church hall.<br />
Rainford United Reformed Church, Higher Lane,<br />
Rainford, WA11 8AL. Contact: peter.gregory@<br />
me.com<br />
Moonlight Walk<br />
Saturday, June 10, 9pm – 2am<br />
Entry is £15 for adults and £5 for children (all online<br />
entry fees include processing fees.) Includes live<br />
entertainment and the chance to ‘get messy’ with<br />
a colour splash.<br />
Willowbrook, The Living Well, Borough Road,<br />
<strong>St</strong> <strong>Helens</strong>, WA10 3RN. Contact: events@<br />
willowbrookhospice.org.uk<br />
Do you suffer from lower back pain?<br />
Nisha Srivastava<br />
• STOTTPILATES Fully Certified<br />
• Back & Neck Injuries • Flattening the <strong>St</strong>omach • Reduce Inflammation<br />
• Balance Exercise • Knee Problems • Sciatica • Scoliosis • Flexibility<br />
• Breast Cancer Exercise & Rehab • Improve Posture • Core <strong>St</strong>rength<br />
For an appointment please TEL:0800 251 1246<br />
Email: info@pilates4sport.com www.pilates4sport.com<br />
The Physical Therapy <strong>St</strong>udio, (Behind Wilkos), 46 Claughton <strong>St</strong>, <strong>St</strong> <strong>Helens</strong>, WA10 1SN
48<br />
Puzzle Corner<br />
WORD SEARCH<br />
Find the hidden words<br />
T A F A S T W T P Y<br />
S C H R I S T I A N<br />
E H H U D E T E R A<br />
G O O U C N R S A F<br />
G C S L E N T U D F<br />
T O C H I C K N E T<br />
B L L S A D E D T S<br />
L A M B N H A A E P<br />
Y T W C L A I Y R R<br />
R E R R O L L T B I<br />
H O P O I N G E S N<br />
E B A S K E T D D G<br />
H C O S L R O M B W<br />
EGG<br />
BASKET<br />
CHOCOLATE<br />
LAMB<br />
SUNDAY<br />
CHRISTIAN<br />
CHICK<br />
PARADE<br />
ROLL<br />
CROSS<br />
SPRING<br />
HOLIDAY<br />
FAST<br />
LENT<br />
HOP<br />
1<br />
7<br />
CLUE: Go by dawn<br />
4<br />
9<br />
7<br />
2<br />
3<br />
Trace a path through all the<br />
letters to find the word or<br />
phrase that fits the clue.<br />
8<br />
9<br />
SUDOKU<br />
WIGGLE WORDS<br />
7<br />
6 2<br />
2<br />
3<br />
4<br />
8 6<br />
8<br />
4<br />
1<br />
3<br />
5<br />
4<br />
M O O N<br />
A T I L<br />
O F L I<br />
D T H G<br />
2<br />
7<br />
LOGIC PROBLEMS<br />
Three child film stars were contracted to<br />
different Hollywood film<br />
companies. Can you<br />
identify the three, work<br />
out their ages at the time<br />
and say which company<br />
each was with?<br />
CLUES<br />
1. The Warner Bros star<br />
was older than Annie<br />
Taylor<br />
2. Hughie was younger<br />
than the starlet named<br />
Rose<br />
3. Emilys’s contract was<br />
with Paramount<br />
All the puzzle solutions are on page 71 of this magazine
49
50<br />
An uphill<br />
battle?<br />
David Sudworth meets the Rainford families who are fighting<br />
plans for 1,100 homes on village Green Belt<br />
Community campaigns are, at best, charmingly amateurish. At worse they can<br />
descend into chaos.<br />
It’s not surprising. The sheer self-discipline needed to keep the momentum going<br />
over months and sometimes years can test even the toughest political operators.<br />
Most ‘normal’ people though are nothing of the sort. They have to juggle every day<br />
life while suddenly being thrust into the spotlight.<br />
James Wright is a case in point. By day, he’s a sales manager for a medical firm, and<br />
has a wife and young child. Yet he’s now the de facto leader of Rainford Action Group.<br />
Set up a few months ago to fight Green Belt development, his evenings are now very<br />
much spoken for.<br />
“I always make sure I’m back for bath time,” laughs James. “Family is important to me.”<br />
Luckily for James, Rainford Action Group isn’t just any other group of well-intentioned<br />
but ultimately out-of-their-depth individuals.
51<br />
The slickness of their campaigning machine has<br />
taken <strong>St</strong> <strong>Helens</strong> Council by surprise. Their members<br />
are distinctly ‘on message’, with press releases<br />
and photo calls aplenty. They have also utilised<br />
social media to mobilise their core support. And<br />
they don’t fall into the usual traps of being too<br />
prescriptive about what they’d class as ‘success’.<br />
“It’s not for us to do the planners’ job for them,” says<br />
James.<br />
“We know that some homes would have to be built,<br />
but it’s the sheer scale of what is being proposed for<br />
Rainford which is unfair. Our core message is that<br />
it’s unworkable, unreasonable and unecessary.”<br />
But for all the group’s refreshing professionalism,<br />
they recognise their task is a big one.<br />
<strong>St</strong> <strong>Helens</strong> Council says it needs to build homes,<br />
and lots of them, over the next 30 years. Its reasons<br />
range from a shortage of housing, a projected<br />
“It’s not for us to do the<br />
planners’ job.”<br />
population growth (which the group hotly<br />
disputes), and a need to widen its Council Tax base<br />
to plug a widening hole in the council’s coffers.<br />
Rainford is by far the biggest target of the so-called<br />
Green Belt grab, with 1,100 homes planned over<br />
the next 30 years. By comparison, Billinge has been<br />
pencilled in for 163 homes on Green Belt at Ash<br />
Grove Farm, Beacon Lane.<br />
And there’s the rub. While campaigners from<br />
different areas seek to support each other, they are<br />
effectively in competition. 600 fewer homes in one<br />
area means that another part of <strong>St</strong> <strong>Helens</strong> would<br />
have to take a hit. Planners complain of having very<br />
little wriggle room when it comes to delivering<br />
Government housing targets.<br />
One council insider told <strong>Local</strong> <strong>Life</strong>: “We are between<br />
a rock and a hard place. Landowners around<br />
Rainford were queueing up to offer their land for<br />
development. And it’s in a place where developers<br />
want to build.<br />
Ray with a Winston Churchill lookalike<br />
Action Group chairman James Wright<br />
“The Government got rid of the funding to clean<br />
up brownfield sites and there actually aren’t that<br />
many of them left anymore. It’s a myth that there’s<br />
hundreds of acres of brownfield land just sitting<br />
there.”<br />
For James and his colleagues, they believe that<br />
the whole character of the village is at stake: “I’m<br />
from Litherland and came to live here six years ago.<br />
We’re currently on Heyes Avenue but are moving to<br />
Higher Lane. I’ve never felt like an outsider because<br />
people here are so friendly. You become one of<br />
them very quickly. So when I saw the plans - it was<br />
actually my mother-in-law who told me about them<br />
- I was shocked.”<br />
Despite anger from residents, not everyone is<br />
wholly against the plans. Some business owners<br />
have privately stated that more homes (and<br />
therefore potential customers) would be good for<br />
their livelihoods.<br />
But even then, views are mixed. Vicki Towey’s<br />
family has lived in Rainford for generations. As<br />
well as being an Action Group member, she’s also<br />
a business owner: “I do children’s parties and as a<br />
business owner I don’t think it is good for Rainford.
52<br />
I want children to be able to go out and<br />
explore green fields.<br />
“When you look at the whole map of<br />
proposed sites across <strong>St</strong> <strong>Helens</strong> borough,<br />
you can see how disproportionate it is<br />
towards Rainford. The flooding is bad<br />
enough now and the thought of more<br />
homes is really worrying people.”<br />
Marj Hart lives near one of the proposed<br />
sites on Higher Lane. She’s also had<br />
experience of being flooded.<br />
A farmer’s daughter, she moved to<br />
Rainford from Shaley Brow Farm in<br />
Crank around 40 years ago. “Most of the<br />
land around here is owned by the national Church<br />
Commissioners or Lord Derby. The farmers are<br />
tenants so it’s not them who are trying to sell the<br />
land. “<br />
Rebecca Leche, from Damson Grove, is also on the<br />
Action Group committee. She’s concerned that any<br />
new homes won’t address the village’s future needs:<br />
“They’re unlikely to build bungalows or sheltered<br />
housing. But that’s what we need as we have an<br />
ageing population.”<br />
Apart from the planning-based arguments, there<br />
has also been a war of words between Green Belt<br />
campaigners and some borough councillors.<br />
This started last year when the planning application<br />
for Florida Farm North at Pewfall was submitted,<br />
and has now spilled over into a wider row about<br />
development across <strong>St</strong> <strong>Helens</strong>.<br />
James with Vicki Towey, Marj Hart, Rebecca Leche and parish<br />
council chairman Diane Nichols<br />
Rainford Parish Council chairman Diane Nichols<br />
is particularly concerned: “It doesn’t give people<br />
confidence in the consultation process.”<br />
However, for now it is that process which has to run<br />
its course. A second draft of the <strong>Local</strong> Plan is set to<br />
be published in late summer, followed by a further<br />
round of public consultation. If all goes smoothly, a<br />
plan will be in place by October 2018.<br />
James and the wider Action Group team know<br />
that they have another one-and-a-half years of<br />
“Flooding is bad<br />
enough now”<br />
commitments ahead of them. But for James’ part,<br />
he is more than up for the challenge: “I care about<br />
Rainford, and that’s why I’m doing<br />
this along with a really dedicated<br />
team. The village’s infrastructure<br />
struggles as it is. The library is<br />
now down to minimum hours,<br />
you struggle to get a doctor’s<br />
appointment and there is no NHS<br />
dentist in Rainford.<br />
One of the proposed building sites off Higher Lane<br />
“The council needs to find<br />
innovative solutions. Concreting<br />
over the Green Belt isn’t being<br />
innovative, it’s just lazy planning.”
53
54<br />
Food & Drink<br />
Energy to burn<br />
By Keeley Bolger<br />
Dieting is a divisive subject, not least with the<br />
current debate surrounding clean eating,<br />
but chef Tom Kerridge is open-minded.<br />
The cheerful TV foodie has lost 11st over the course<br />
of three years on his self-devised regime, bidding<br />
bye-bye to big boozy sessions with his ‘naughty boy<br />
chef mates’, exercising daily and skipping certain<br />
types of carbohydrates like potatoes and rice, in<br />
favour of high-protein food like meat and eggs, as<br />
well as plenty of leafy greens.<br />
Now, he’s sharing his recipes with the world in his<br />
latest cookbook, Tom Kerridge’s Dopamine Diet: My<br />
Low-Carb, <strong>St</strong>ay-Happy Way To Lose Weight.<br />
“There are so many different diets and so many actually, all your best mates become your biggest<br />
things that appeal to so many different people,” he support system. “There are more of them that will<br />
says, in his distinctive Gloucestershire burr. “This diet embrace and understand it, and probably join you<br />
is high-protein led, and might not suit somebody on the journey than you think.”<br />
else. “The key to it is finding the one that suits you,” Losing weight has changed his life in all sorts of ways,<br />
adds the 43-year-old.<br />
not least because he says he has energy to burn.<br />
The fact he was able to stick to his diet - the first he’s He says his new lifestyle has made adjusting to being<br />
ever tried - for so long was partly because it embraces a father to 14-month-old son Acey easier, and he and<br />
an unlikely snack. “Pork scratchings contain no Beth have made a pact not to work on Sundays.<br />
carbohydrate - they’re all protein,” he explains with “Being a dad helps you keep focused on staying<br />
a chuckle. “I’ve lost the best part of 11-stone while healthy. You’re consciously aware of what you’re<br />
eating pork scratchings. That’s got to be the perfect eating and what you’re doing, because although I<br />
diet, surely!”<br />
don’t mind coming last in the sports day race, I want<br />
Kerridge made a pact with himself to become to be just last - I don’t want to be miles left behind!”<br />
healthier before reaching his 40th birthday.<br />
says Kerridge.<br />
“You think it’s hard to say to your “In fact, actually that’s not true - I want to win it!”<br />
peer group, ‘I’m going on a diet’, Inspired? See the two tasty meals, on pages 56 & 58,<br />
but it’s just that first step because, from Kerridge’s new book to try at home...<br />
Tom Kerridge’s Dopamine Diet: My Low-Carb, <strong>St</strong>ay-Happy Way To Lose Weight by Tom<br />
Kerridge is published in hardback by Bloomsbury, priced £20.
55
56<br />
Lamb shank hot pot<br />
Method<br />
Heat a good splash of oil in a large flameproof<br />
casserole over a medium-high heat. Season the<br />
lamb shanks with a little salt then fry them two<br />
at a time until deeply and evenly coloured. Don’t<br />
hurry the process - searing the meat properly helps<br />
to create that deep, delicious flavour. Drain off the<br />
rendered fat. Set the lamb shanks aside.<br />
Serves 4<br />
Ingredients<br />
Vegetable oil, for cooking<br />
4 lamb shanks (about 200g each), French trimmed<br />
(get your butcher to do this for you)<br />
6 small onions, halved<br />
1 garlic bulb (about 8-12 cloves), peeled and sliced<br />
1 large swede, peeled and diced<br />
150g crumbled goat’s cheese<br />
1tbsp cracked black pepper<br />
2tsp thyme leaves<br />
500ml lamb stock<br />
4 large turnips (about 200g each), peeled and thinly<br />
sliced<br />
50g butter, diced<br />
Sea salt<br />
Turn the heat down a bit and add a splash more oil<br />
to the casserole, followed by the onions, garlic and<br />
a pinch of salt. Cook gently for about 10-12 minutes<br />
until golden and softened. Remove from the heat<br />
and return the lamb shanks to the pan, placing<br />
them on top of the onions with the bones pointing<br />
upwards.<br />
Preheat the oven to 150C/Fan 130C/Gas 2. In a<br />
bowl, combine the swede, goat’s cheese, pepper<br />
and thyme, then pack it around the lamb shanks.<br />
Pour in the stock. Fan the turnip slices in a circle<br />
over the swede and around the lamb shanks then<br />
dot with the butter.<br />
Put the lid on or, if that’s not possible because the<br />
shank bones are poking up too high, cover with<br />
foil and seal tightly. Cook in the oven for one-anda-half<br />
hours, then remove the lid or foil and return<br />
to the oven for a further one-and-a-half hours until<br />
the lamb is soft, covering with foil if it browns too<br />
quickly. The turnips will be crispy on the top.
57<br />
SIMMS ROAD<br />
simmsroadinn.co.uk<br />
ANDY NOW COOKS<br />
FRESH FOOD<br />
7 DAYS A WEEK<br />
GLUTEN FREE OPTIONS AVAILABLE<br />
NEW FISH MENU<br />
FRESH FISH DELIVERED EVERYDAY<br />
BOOKING HIGHLY RECOMMENDED<br />
TO AVOID DISAPPOINTMENT<br />
Simmsroadinnpub<br />
Free Wi-Fi Spot<br />
01744 894 246<br />
532 GARSWOOD ROAD WN4 OXH
58<br />
Pepperoni pizza omelette<br />
Serves 2-4<br />
Ingredients<br />
250ml passata<br />
2tbsp tomato puree<br />
3 garlic cloves, grated<br />
6 large free-range eggs<br />
2tsp dried oregano<br />
A drizzle of olive oil<br />
150g sliced pepperoni<br />
2 balls of mozzarella (about 125g each), drained<br />
2tbsp fresh oregano leaves<br />
30g Parmesan cheese<br />
A small handful of basil leaves<br />
Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper<br />
Method<br />
To make the tomato sauce, heat the passata, tomato<br />
puree and garlic in a saucepan over a medium heat.<br />
Simmer to reduce until the sauce is nice and thick.<br />
This will take eight to 10 minutes. Remove from the<br />
heat, season with salt and pepper to taste and leave<br />
to cool.<br />
Preheat the oven to 200C/Fan 180C/Gas 6. In a bowl,<br />
whisk together the eggs and dried oregano and<br />
season with salt and pepper.<br />
Heat a little olive oil in a 24cm non-stick ovenproof<br />
frying pan over a medium-high heat. Pour in the egg<br />
and stir until it is almost fully cooked, removing the<br />
pan from the heat when the omelette is still a little<br />
runny and wobbly in the middle.<br />
Gently spread the tomato sauce all over the<br />
omelette. Cover with the pepperoni, then tear the<br />
mozzarella into pieces and scatter it over.<br />
Sprinkle with the oregano and then place the pan<br />
in the oven for eight to 10 minutes, until the cheese<br />
has melted and the ‘pizza’ is set.<br />
Remove from the oven and immediately grate the<br />
Parmesan over the top. Scatter over the basil and<br />
serve at once, directly from the pan.
59<br />
Continuing our recent, unofficial theme of<br />
‘Places You Never Realised Are Actually Very<br />
Pretty’, we headed over to Worsley for this month’s<br />
outing.<br />
Situated next to the thunderous M60 Manchester Ring<br />
Road, it’s hardly the first place which springs to mind.<br />
But once the din of the traffic ebbs away, it can be a<br />
very uplifting, snap-happy stroll.<br />
We started this walk from the Worsley Court House<br />
pay and display car park. It’s located just off Junction<br />
13 of the M60, on the B5211, Barton Road (postcode<br />
M28 2PB).<br />
Once suitably booted up, we head out of the car park<br />
and across the main road, taking the path past the<br />
Packet House overlooking the Bridgewater Canal<br />
sponsored by<br />
Worsley<br />
by David Sudworth<br />
(look for the Bridgewater Dental Surgery sign). This<br />
takes you over a small footbridge and then up some<br />
steps which emerge on Worsley Road.<br />
But before you get there, I guarantee you’ll have<br />
stopped a good few times to survey the beautiful<br />
homes nestled along the canal. The most majestic is<br />
the Packet House itself. This Grade II listed building<br />
dates back to 1760 and the half-timbering was<br />
added around 1850 by the 1st Earl of Ellesmere. The<br />
bridge nearby is known as Alphabet Bridge. It got<br />
its name from children at a local school who used<br />
the bridge daily and practised their alphabet on the<br />
26 planks that made up the span. There are still 26<br />
planks, so you have the option of keeping up the<br />
tradition as you cross.
60<br />
When on Worsley Road, we cross over and went<br />
right until we turned in to Mill Brow by the side of<br />
Hunters Estate Agents. Walk up the brow, which is<br />
a bit steep, and continue until you reach the steps<br />
that go down in front of Old Warke Dam. You pretty<br />
much go down the steps, across Worsley Brook and<br />
up to your right, following the path until it brings<br />
you on to the lane.<br />
It’s nice to see though that not all traces of its past<br />
have been erased, for just past the bridge, you are<br />
greeted by the platforms of the old Worsley <strong>St</strong>ation,<br />
a grand old building by all accounts made of white<br />
brick with red and black detailing. It also had two<br />
First Class and two Second Class waiting rooms and<br />
a glass canopy.<br />
Here you go straight across, taking the footpath<br />
round and into the woods. Continue along until you<br />
pass over the footbridge across Kempnough Brook.<br />
Here turn right and follow the path until you reach<br />
the Lodge (confession time; we actually stopped for<br />
a few minutes prior to reaching the Lodge to have a<br />
play on the rope swing we saw in the woods!)<br />
Once you’ve unnecessarily burned off any lingering<br />
energy you had left, dig deep and carry on. Passing<br />
the lodge, take the foot path on your left and follow<br />
this until you reach Route 55 of the National Cycle<br />
Network. Once down the steps and on the cycle<br />
path, turn right, walking towards the bridge at<br />
Worsley Road. You’re now following the route of<br />
the old Manchester-Wigan Railway, which closed to<br />
passengers in May 1969.<br />
The line, which had been in use since 1864, was<br />
built to serve local coal pits, with stations at Leigh<br />
and Pennington.
61<br />
About 500 yards past the old station you<br />
take the steps down to the pond and<br />
keeping to the left continue through the<br />
park known as Dukes Drive. The path starts<br />
to curve right, which you follow until it<br />
reaches the canal. At this point we opted<br />
to go right, heading back along the canal,<br />
but you can go left, head over the canal<br />
bridge, and back up the other side of the<br />
canal. <strong>St</strong>aying on our route we kept to<br />
the footpath by the canal. This nice path<br />
changes to a rough path as you leave<br />
Dukes Drive, and becomes quite narrow.<br />
FB<br />
Power Lines<br />
NCR 55<br />
A575<br />
Worsley Woods<br />
Nature Reserve<br />
FB<br />
M60<br />
Kempnough Brook<br />
Lodge House<br />
A572<br />
A572<br />
Old Warke Dam<br />
Pylon<br />
Junction 13<br />
Worsley Court House<br />
P<br />
Postcode<br />
M28 2PB<br />
FB<br />
Worsley<br />
Mill Brow<br />
Worsley Brook<br />
Packet House<br />
Monument<br />
Barton Road<br />
The Green<br />
Bridgewater Canal<br />
Worsley Road<br />
Sindsley Brook<br />
Remains of Worsley Railway <strong>St</strong>ation<br />
NCR 55<br />
Worsley<br />
Golf Club<br />
M60<br />
Dukes Drive<br />
B5211<br />
Power Lines<br />
Parrin Lane
62<br />
You can at this point step down to your right and<br />
follow the track that takes you all the way up onto<br />
Worsley Road.<br />
At this point go left, passing the lovely row of<br />
cottages, before turning left into The Green.<br />
This is yet another beautiful find, oozing in period<br />
charm and elegance. From here continue down and<br />
over to the bridge, taking in the view of the Packet<br />
House. After a few minutes taking photos we cross<br />
the main road and head back to the car park.<br />
In all, this four mile walk is a real find. Not your<br />
average Jack’s Tracks outing, but nonetheless a<br />
worthy addition to our series. On a perfect sunny<br />
day, it would be an excellent stroll. But even during<br />
the worst of winter’s offerings, you could do a lot<br />
worse than Worsley.<br />
Please ensure you wear appropriate clothing and<br />
footwear while walking. While every care has been<br />
taken to ensure that the walk is accurate, neither the<br />
publisher or its editorial contributors can accept, and<br />
hereby disclaim, any liability to any party to loss or<br />
damage caused by errors or omissions resulting from<br />
negligence, accident or other cause.<br />
Worsley Green<br />
Although a picture postcard these days, it wasn’t<br />
always the case at Worsley Green. Until the early 1900s,<br />
it was Worsley Yard, the centre of an industrial complex<br />
that became busier with the advent of the Bridgewater<br />
Canal. It included a boat building yard, motor mill,<br />
timber yard, nail makers, wheelwrights, basket-makers<br />
and a warehouse. It is still possible to see the imprints<br />
in the grass where railway sidings ran.<br />
On the Green is a monument to Francis, 3rd Duke of<br />
Bridgewater, known as “The Canal Duke”. This was<br />
constructed from the base of the Work’s Yard chimney.<br />
It was originally a fountain and the base carries a Latin<br />
inscription, which reads: “A lofty column breathing<br />
smoke and fire. Did I the builder’s glory once aspire.<br />
Whose founder was that Duke who far and wide. Bridged<br />
water through Bridgewater’s countryside.”<br />
No time to visit tHe groomers?<br />
We wash and groom your dog at<br />
your home in our converted van.<br />
Covering areas WN3,4,5 & WA9,10,11,12<br />
Call Phil 07840 741 713 or visit;<br />
www.dialadogwashwigansthelens.co.uk<br />
email:pmdadw@gmail.com
63<br />
Ringing the<br />
changes.<br />
by Angie Barker<br />
Award Winner<br />
You know that feeling when you get so<br />
familiar with something that it starts to<br />
get boring? That is when you need to make some<br />
changes - like when you decide to decorate your<br />
living room. A new sofa, a splash of paint, some new<br />
cushions (we ladies love our cushions) can instantly<br />
revive a room and make it feel new and exciting –<br />
you want to show it off.<br />
Well its the same with gardens. The number of<br />
people I meet in my travels who tell me that their<br />
garden has looked like that for twenty years - and<br />
no wonder they’ve stopped using it and just mow<br />
the grass to keep it in check but find it a real chore.<br />
A garden does not need a complete makeover to<br />
breathe new life into it and spring is the perfect<br />
time to make small changes. Here are some ideas:<br />
• Change the shape of your lawn – this is an instant<br />
transformation and will create new planting<br />
opportunities. <strong>St</strong>raight lines look contemporary<br />
while curves are relaxing and can help to disguise<br />
an awkward shaped plot<br />
• Create a herb garden with your favourite culinary<br />
flavours<br />
• Take out a few of your existing plants and buy<br />
new ones – with different colours and texture.<br />
You can give your old plants away to neighbours,<br />
friends and family<br />
• Enhance your seating area with new paving, or<br />
buy rattan furniture which you can leave out all<br />
year round. Add stylish pots and plant Phormiums<br />
and Bamboo for a contemporary, lush look<br />
• <strong>St</strong>art a veggie plot – this can even be done in pots<br />
and grow bags<br />
• Create a haven for wildlife. Log piles and nest<br />
boxes and bird tables are so easy to place in the<br />
garden and children love being involved<br />
• Screen the ugly shed in the corner and the<br />
wheelie bins and erect some trellis with pretty<br />
climbers to scramble over it<br />
• Create a focal point. Place a large urn or bird bath<br />
in gaps in planting or at the end of a path<br />
Find a project that interests you and suddenly your<br />
garden will have a new lease of life. As for Hubby<br />
and me, yes we’ve been together for a long time<br />
now but boring? …never!<br />
Angie is a qualified<br />
award-winning garden<br />
designer who will<br />
plan your garden to<br />
your needs from start<br />
to finish, supplying<br />
reputable contractors<br />
and the ideal plants.<br />
Call Angie now for your free consultation!<br />
Angie Barker Dip GD<br />
(Inst GD) BA (Hons)<br />
Garden Design For All Seasons<br />
Tel: 01942 522 405<br />
Mob: 07857 008 383<br />
Award Winner<br />
www.angiebarker.co.uk
Upvc Windows & Doors I Conservatories,<br />
Soffits & Fascias I Composite Doors I Bi-Fold Doors<br />
Established in 1984 as an emergency glazing service, today Dennis Goulding has grown and moved<br />
forward to offer all you need to maintain, enhance and expand your home. We continually invest in and<br />
embraced the latest changes in energy efficiency regulations, and still remain a local family business that<br />
cares and takes pride in what we do. We don’t employ pushy salesmen, but pride ourselves on working<br />
with and listening to our customers to give them exactly what they want. We will treat you with respect<br />
every step of the way and on that you have my word! <strong>St</strong>uart Goulding<br />
Don’t forget, we also offer all of these services daily...<br />
Glass Cut to size, Sealed Double Glazed Units Manufactured on site, Same Day Service, Safety<br />
Glass, Toughened Glass, Mirrors, Greenhouse Glass, Glazing Service, Misted Units Replaced<br />
A5209<br />
B5250<br />
Open:<br />
Dennis Goulding<br />
J27<br />
Shevington<br />
A49<br />
<strong>St</strong>andish<br />
Unit 16, Ainscough Business Park, Mossy Lea Road,<br />
Wrightington, WN6 9RS<br />
(Drive onto ‘Ainscough Building Supplies’)<br />
Telephone: 01257 427 000<br />
Open Hours: Monday - Friday 7:30am - 5:00pm; Saturday: 9:00am - 12:00 noon<br />
www.dglwindows.co.uk<br />
TwinLakesMotorEngineers<br />
Wind Turbines<br />
Heat Pumps<br />
LED Lighting<br />
...and general<br />
Energy Savings<br />
and we’ l provide you with a<br />
detailed report showing the<br />
returns available from your<br />
own solar panels<br />
(10% typical return)<br />
Visit our showr om at<br />
Unit 4a,<br />
Cricket <strong>St</strong>reet Busine s Park<br />
o f Miry Lane,<br />
Wigan.<br />
WN6 7TP<br />
or<br />
Email: info@docsolarelectrical.co.uk<br />
Website: www.docsolarelectrical.co.uk<br />
64<br />
SMN<br />
Tree and Landscape Management<br />
West Lancashire District Council approved contractor<br />
Day: 07970 521 692 Eve: 01942 214 121<br />
www.smntrees.co.uk steve@smntrees.co.uk<br />
Garden need a little<br />
LTC?<br />
• Tree Surgery<br />
• Flagging & Fencing<br />
• Landscaping & Design<br />
• Garden Clearances<br />
Wood chipping & stump grinder services<br />
Call Lloyd today for a free estimate<br />
01942 367170 / 07900 738637<br />
Cricket <strong>St</strong>, Wigan, WN6 7TP<br />
www.ltcgroup.co.uk<br />
AABRON<br />
LANDSCAPING<br />
SERVICES<br />
• Raised Beds • Artificial Grass<br />
• Lawns Re-Turfed • Driveways & Patios<br />
• Fencing, Flagging & Block Paving<br />
• Gardens Designed & Constructed<br />
Free fixed-price quotations provided<br />
All genuine like-for-like<br />
quotes beaten!<br />
01744 606 080 / 07780 801 341<br />
51 Sandringham Drive, WA9 3TQ<br />
www.aabronlandscaping.co.uk<br />
Design & Print<br />
Flyers, postcards, brochures<br />
and distribution service.<br />
For more information call<br />
01744 649 722<br />
<strong>Local</strong><strong>Life</strong><br />
Gel<br />
Nails<br />
norma ly £20<br />
now £15<br />
Lashes<br />
Spray Tan<br />
Sunbeds<br />
Acrylic & Gel Nails<br />
Natalies @ <strong>St</strong>udio 84<br />
84 Rainford Road, Billinge WN5 7PG<br />
Telephone: 07814 619 400<br />
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday 10AM - 7PM, Saturday 10AM - 6PM<br />
Closed Thursday & Sunday<br />
Mo sy Lea Road<br />
T<br />
Y<br />
R<br />
E<br />
S<br />
Solar Thermal<br />
& Solar PV<br />
Book<br />
your FREE<br />
home survey<br />
CAR & VAN SERVICING<br />
FREE<br />
Car Health Check<br />
.and motorcycles too<br />
for a l residents of Croston and Bretherton<br />
Keep me until you need me!<br />
Book your FREE Car Health Check<br />
Ca l now on<br />
01772 603923<br />
REPAIR & WELDING<br />
Saving money is<br />
the clear benefit!<br />
Slash your electricity and<br />
water heating bi l<br />
Protect your household from<br />
future energy price rises<br />
E<br />
X<br />
H<br />
A<br />
U<br />
Reduce your household’s<br />
impact on the environment<br />
Ca l us now<br />
0843 224 9555<br />
07595 420237<br />
S<br />
T<br />
S<br />
ALL ASPECTS OF TREE WORK UNDERTAKEN<br />
TELEPHONE:<br />
01695 623 909<br />
07903 290 878<br />
QUALIFIED & INSURED<br />
FREE ESTIMATES<br />
• Garden Walls • Patios • Fencing<br />
• Driveways • Garden Maintenance<br />
Fully Insured<br />
Call Michael now for a free quote<br />
01695 363859 or 07977 534387<br />
a1brickworkandgardens.co.uk
65<br />
Landscapes<br />
Creating the ideal outdoor<br />
living space<br />
Garden Design & Construction<br />
Driveways & Patios | BBQs & Fireplaces<br />
Want a beautiful<br />
garden without all<br />
the hard work?<br />
At GreenHills we don’t just treat your lawns, we<br />
offer a complete service all year round.<br />
• APPLICATION OF LAWN TREATMENTS<br />
• GARDEN MAINTENANCE / ONE OFF TIDY UPS<br />
• JETWASHING DRIVEWAYS & PATIOS<br />
• HEDGES & SHRUBS MAINTAINED<br />
• WEED SPRAYING OF PATHS & DRIVEWAYS<br />
• BILLINGE BASED<br />
Call <strong>St</strong>ewart Ashcroft on;<br />
01695 622460 or 07894 217191<br />
email:westdene41@btinternet.com<br />
Winstanley Road, Billinge<br />
Garden Make-Overs<br />
Professional Lawn Treatment<br />
& Garden Maintenance<br />
~ Est. 2001 ~<br />
01744 893 477 or 07950 651 956<br />
GreenhillsLC@gmail.com<br />
Before<br />
After<br />
•Landscaping<br />
•Driveways<br />
•Decking<br />
•Design<br />
Call for free estimate<br />
Colin 07958 302 166<br />
Brian 07760 160 988<br />
Wilson Brothers<br />
01695 633173<br />
Wilson Brothers<br />
www.wilson-bros.co.uk<br />
garden maintenance<br />
weed control to lawn &<br />
driveways<br />
hedge cutting<br />
garden tidy ups<br />
Garden Services & Landscaping<br />
fertilising & moss control<br />
turfing & landscaping<br />
tree surgery<br />
one off jobs or regular<br />
maintenance<br />
HND qualified. PA1 PA2 & PA6 spraying qualifications.<br />
20 years experience. Billinge based.<br />
day: 07929 366769 eve: 01744 302793<br />
Want your business to grow?<br />
Advertising packages start from £35 + VAT a month.<br />
For more information call 01744 649 722<br />
<strong>Local</strong><strong>Life</strong>
66<br />
Test Drive<br />
First impressions when approaching the<br />
new Audi Q2 are good. Like all Audis, it<br />
manages to stand out, even if it doesn’t try anything<br />
spectacular design-wise. In the more daring ‘Vegas<br />
Yellow’, it makes quite a visual impact though, and<br />
is unmistakeably Audi in appearance. The large<br />
grill and muscular body<br />
are complimented by<br />
a sloping roof line and<br />
contrast C-pillar which –<br />
in S-Line trim at least – is<br />
nicely offset in metallic<br />
silver. Sadly, on the<br />
smallest alloy wheels it<br />
looks puny, so bigger is<br />
better there.<br />
The interior is more<br />
of the same, being<br />
Audi Q2<br />
by Tim Barnes-Clay<br />
almost identical to that which you’d find in the A3<br />
hatchback. That’s no bad thing though, as Audi<br />
makes some of the most pleasant interior spaces on<br />
the market today, and feels decidedly upmarket if<br />
it’s kitted out with a range of technology options,<br />
such as the virtual cockpit.
67<br />
We tested the Audi Q2 in 150PS 1.4-litre petrol<br />
guise. It provides plenty enough power for all types<br />
of road, being capable of overtaking on motorways<br />
and A-roads, yet remaining suitably quiet when<br />
pottering through towns and villages. If your annual<br />
mileage is quite low, this is a fine engine to go for,<br />
as you’re unlikely to need anything more than this.<br />
While the engine is quiet, the S-Tronic automatic<br />
gearbox is a little jumpy at low speeds, and tends<br />
to put too much torque through the wheels when<br />
trying to move off. This results in some minor<br />
wheel-spin. The S-Tronic unit has never quite been<br />
up to the high level of BMW’s eight-speed unit, but<br />
it is far from a bad gearbox, and, when up to speed,<br />
works quickly and seamlessly.<br />
Our petrol test car was the S-Line, fitted with<br />
sports suspension and larger alloy wheels, and we<br />
found it to be slightly too firm for our liking. Being<br />
a ‘Q’, you get into it expecting a smooth ride, but<br />
you get something more like a firm hatchback<br />
than a compact SUV. We suspect Audi’s excellent<br />
seating helps offset this a little. If the trade-off was<br />
entertaining cornering and impressive dynamics,<br />
we’d be content, but it isn’t exactly fun to drive<br />
either.<br />
Fast Facts<br />
0-62 mph: 8.5 secs<br />
• Combined mpg: 52.3<br />
• Engine layout: 1395cc 4-cylinder turbo petrol<br />
• Max. power (PS): 150<br />
• CO2: 123 g/km<br />
• Price: £27,730<br />
The steering is rather numb and it doesn’t feel<br />
particularly settled going quicker around corners,<br />
though it doesn’t feel out of its comfort zone either.<br />
Audi was keen to point out that it doesn’t skimp on<br />
technology with the new Q2; it uses the same tech<br />
in the fresh compact SUV as it does in its higherend<br />
products, like the TT sports car or Q7 SUV. The<br />
stunning virtual cockpit is an option once again,<br />
and you can also get such goodies, such as adaptive<br />
cruise control, heated seats, a power operated<br />
boot, and Audi’s parking assistance system. The<br />
problem is, almost these luxuries cost extra. Audi<br />
has made a big deal about the new Q2 starting at
#<br />
68<br />
under £20,000, yet it also points out that it expects<br />
only 10 per cent of people to buy the lowest ‘SE’<br />
trim level. The petrol model we tested came in at<br />
£5 over £34,000, and, even for a test car, that’s an<br />
astonishing amount of money.<br />
Look to spend between £25,000 and £30,000 and<br />
you’re probably on the right track with the new Audi<br />
Q2. It’s a high-quality product and looks great, but it<br />
doesn’t inspire us to spend more on it than a normal<br />
Audi A3, and the Q3 SUV isn’t far off price-wise. It<br />
doesn’t matter one bit what we think, because<br />
wealthy people love something a little bit different<br />
with a respected badge on its nose. It might not be<br />
perfect, but it will sell, and sell well. The new Q2 is<br />
going to be another Audi success<br />
Save £££’s<br />
Pick Up &<br />
Drop Off<br />
service<br />
available<br />
on repairs, servicing and diagnostics<br />
at Wigan’s leading independent<br />
BMW & Mini Specialist.<br />
Our staff have over 40 years experience at the<br />
Northwest’s largest BMW dealership.<br />
Other makes and models welcome too.<br />
184 Wallgate, Wigan, WN3 4AL (Next to Better Bathrooms)<br />
Free secure parking at rear<br />
01942 820 378<br />
www.bndynamix.com<br />
Mobile car valeting<br />
Tel: 07803 053 715<br />
e: cjvalet@yahoo.co.uk<br />
www.cjvaleting.net<br />
Rainford<br />
Service and MOT Centre<br />
FREE PICK UP!<br />
Treat your car<br />
to the professional touch<br />
Free pick<br />
up and drop<br />
off service<br />
available<br />
Interim service and MOT<br />
from £95 inc VAT<br />
Full service and MOT<br />
from £130 inc VAT<br />
MOT - £34.95<br />
MOT Class 7 - £38.95<br />
German Car Specialist<br />
Want to promote your company in<br />
<strong>Local</strong><strong>Life</strong><br />
Call Clare: 01925 387 025 - Warrington<br />
01744 649 722 - <strong>St</strong> <strong>Helens</strong><br />
locallife247.co.uk<br />
<strong>Local</strong><strong>Life</strong><br />
Sandwash Close, Rainford, WA11 8LY<br />
Call - 01744 895 333 or 01744 886 720<br />
Mobile - 07918 138 231<br />
£5 off<br />
when you have a service<br />
and MOT at our garages<br />
Offer valid on production of this voucher<br />
Any make or model welcome<br />
Rainford<br />
Service and MOT Centre<br />
Part of SGN Autos Ltd
69<br />
Home Services<br />
Decorators,<br />
plumbers, builders...<br />
CALL PAUL<br />
LOCKSMITHS<br />
ESTABLISHED 2000<br />
• UPVC & WOODEN DOOR SPECIALIST<br />
• Emergency Door Opening<br />
• UPVC Door Lock Repairs<br />
• UPVC Door Lock Changes<br />
• UPVC Door Lock Upgrades<br />
• Wood Door Lock Changes<br />
• All Work Guaranteed<br />
A Registered Insured NCFE Certified Company<br />
Call Paul for a<br />
Fast, Reliable, Professional Service<br />
GARAGE DOOR<br />
REPAIRS<br />
All GARAGE DOORS REPAIRED :<br />
Springs, Cables, Locks, Rollers etc.<br />
Doors of all ages repaired<br />
01744 894939 07891 330214 NO FIX, NO CHARGE!<br />
www.garagedoorandlock.co.uk<br />
<strong>St</strong>rawberry Cottage, Pimbo Road, <strong>St</strong>.<strong>Helens</strong> WN8 9QL<br />
TV Aerials installed & repaired<br />
Sky, Freesat, Talk Talk & BT<br />
Setup Service<br />
Telephone/Broadband repair<br />
Tv Wall mounting & CCTV<br />
Ring Paul on www.wiganaerials.com<br />
01942 514532 - 07709 490095<br />
TELEPHONE<br />
01744 526 589<br />
MOBILE<br />
07932 718 362<br />
WWW.CALLPAULLOCKSMITH.CO.UK<br />
www.bodtree.co.uk<br />
COMPUTER PROBLEMS?<br />
Broadband broken, computer slow<br />
printer packed up, virus/spyware or<br />
your keyboards gone kaput<br />
Bodtree Systems fix all types of PC problems<br />
in the comfort of your own home<br />
Call Catherine Now 07540 222787<br />
No Call Out Charges • <strong>Local</strong> Company • PC Experts<br />
Tel: 01744 778381 - 01942 418763 - Mobile - 07540 222787
70<br />
Our Focus Is<br />
Quality & Price<br />
LOCAL FAMILY<br />
FIRM<br />
All aspects<br />
of Building &<br />
Roofing UPVC<br />
Rooflines<br />
References Available<br />
From a Loose<br />
Slate to a<br />
Complete<br />
Construction<br />
Extensions &<br />
Alterations Specialists<br />
Call us on... 01744 600074<br />
Mobile: 07867 592460<br />
13 Hawes Ave, Carr Mill, WA11 7EA<br />
• WILSON BROS •<br />
Est. 1985<br />
Roofing & Roofline Specialists<br />
• All aspects of maintenance & repair<br />
• Fascia & soffit installation<br />
• Guttering and felting services<br />
Call us now for a free estimate<br />
01695 633173<br />
Colin: 07958 302 166<br />
Brian: 07760 160 988<br />
www.wilson-bros.co.uk<br />
MultiSkilled Handyman<br />
Roofing & Roofline- repairs and replacement<br />
Decorating, Building, Gates supplied & fitted<br />
Plastering, Gardening<br />
For all your home improvements - No job too small<br />
PlC MAINTENANCE<br />
07847 394040 ~ 01744 606938<br />
NEED<br />
A FIX IT<br />
GUY ?<br />
Green House Group<br />
All aspects of DIY<br />
• Plumbing Repairs<br />
• Flat Pack Assembly<br />
• Landlord & estate agent services<br />
• CCTV fitting<br />
• Locks changing<br />
All the jobs you hate - We’ll do!<br />
Fully Insured<br />
T: 01744 812103<br />
M: 07947 425288<br />
DRB CONSTRUCTION<br />
• Full Refurbishments<br />
• Garage Conversions<br />
• New Kitchens & Bathrooms<br />
• House Extensions<br />
All work is<br />
Fully Insured<br />
& Guaranteed<br />
For a free quotation please call<br />
01744 606642 / 07801 950009<br />
01744 606642<br />
07801 950009<br />
Extension, loft/garage conversions, UPVC windows & doors,<br />
damp proofing & DPC, wall ties – all aspects of building<br />
work Flat/pitched re-roofs, gutters, fascias & soffits,velux<br />
windows, all general roof repairs<br />
www.daleroofingandbuilding.co.uk
71<br />
M H Roofing Ltd<br />
Established over 15 years<br />
Friendly advice and competitive rates<br />
No job too small<br />
• High Performance Felt Flat Roof Systems<br />
• <strong>St</strong>orm Damage and Insurance Work<br />
• Slating and Tiling full roofs<br />
• Poiniting and Guttering • Fascia Boards<br />
Call 01744 884117<br />
or 07702 693225<br />
www.mhroofingltd.co.uk<br />
Want to promote your company in<br />
<strong>Local</strong><strong>Life</strong><br />
Call Clare: 01925 387 025 - Warrington<br />
01744 649 722 - <strong>St</strong> <strong>Helens</strong><br />
locallife247.co.uk<br />
<strong>Local</strong><strong>Life</strong><br />
Fully Insured & Insurance<br />
Backed Guarantees<br />
UP ACCESS<br />
Narrow Access<br />
Cherry Picker Hire<br />
We can go through gaps of 800mm<br />
Half and full day rates available<br />
A more cost effective way to work safely at heights<br />
Call today on<br />
07947 425 288 / 01744 812 103<br />
Puzzle Solutions<br />
1 5<br />
T A F A S T W T P Y<br />
S C H R I S T I A N<br />
E H H U D E T E R A<br />
G O O U C N R S A F<br />
G C S L E N T U D F<br />
T O C H I C K N E T<br />
B L L S A D E D T S<br />
L A M B N H A A E P<br />
Y T W C L A I Y R R<br />
R E R R O L L T B I<br />
H O P O I N G E S N<br />
E B A S K E T D D G<br />
H C O S L R O M B W<br />
WIGGLE WORDS: DO A MOONLIGHT FLIT<br />
6 4<br />
2<br />
3<br />
8 9 7<br />
3 6 8<br />
4 7 5<br />
2 1 9<br />
9 2 4<br />
7 8 6<br />
5 3 1<br />
FIRST NAME<br />
ANNIE<br />
HUGHIE<br />
EMILY<br />
9 4 8<br />
7 5 1<br />
6 2 3<br />
2 7 4<br />
3 1 9<br />
5 8 6<br />
1 3 5<br />
4 9 2<br />
8 6 7<br />
SURNAME<br />
TAYLOR<br />
STARR<br />
ROSE<br />
AGE<br />
8<br />
10<br />
12<br />
7 3 6<br />
9 8 2<br />
4 5 1<br />
1 9 5<br />
6 2 8<br />
3 7 4<br />
8 6 7<br />
5 1 3<br />
2 4 9<br />
COMPANY<br />
MGM<br />
WARNER BROS<br />
PARAMOUNT
ALL CLEANING PACKAGES<br />
Upvc Windows & Doors I Conservatories,<br />
Soffits & Fascias I Composite Doors I Bi-Fold Doors<br />
Established in 1984 as an emergency glazing service, today Dennis Goulding has grown and moved<br />
forward to offer all you need to maintain, enhance and expand your home. We continually invest in and<br />
embraced the latest changes in energy efficiency regulations, and still remain a local family business that<br />
cares and takes pride in what we do. We don’t employ pushy salesmen, but pride ourselves on working<br />
with and listening to our customers to give them exactly what they want. We will treat you with respect<br />
every step of the way and on that you have my word! <strong>St</strong>uart Goulding<br />
Don’t forget, we also offer all of these services daily...<br />
Glass Cut to size, Sealed Double Glazed Units Manufactured on site, Same Day Service, Safety<br />
Glass, Toughened Glass, Mirrors, Greenhouse Glass, Glazing Service, Misted Units Replaced<br />
Unit 16, Ainscough Business Park, Mossy Lea Road,<br />
Wrightington, WN6 9RS<br />
Dennis Goulding<br />
(Drive onto ‘Ainscough Building Supplies’)<br />
Telephone: 01257 427 000<br />
Open Hours: Monday - Friday 7:30am - 5:00pm; Saturday: 9:00am - 12:00 noon<br />
www.dglwindows.co.uk<br />
A5209<br />
<strong>St</strong>andish<br />
Shevington<br />
B5250<br />
Open:<br />
J27<br />
A49<br />
TwinLakesMotorEngin ers<br />
Wind Turbines<br />
Heat Pumps<br />
LED Lighting<br />
...and general<br />
Energy Savings<br />
and we’ l provide you with a<br />
detailed report showing the<br />
returns available from your<br />
own solar panels<br />
(10% typical return)<br />
Visit our showr om at<br />
Unit 4a,<br />
Cricket <strong>St</strong>reet Business Park<br />
o f Miry Lane,<br />
Wigan.<br />
WN6 7TP<br />
or<br />
Email: info@docsolarelectrical.co.uk<br />
Website: www.docsolarelectrical.co.uk<br />
72<br />
Chamberlayne’s<br />
Cleaning Services<br />
as seen<br />
ON TV<br />
Unlimited Hours, Any Area,<br />
Trained, Insured, DBS Checked,<br />
ID Carried & Uniformed <strong>St</strong>aff<br />
Tel: 0330 133 0451<br />
Part of The Chamberlayne Group.<br />
UPVC CLEANING<br />
• Windows, Fascias, Gutters etc.<br />
CONSERVATORIES<br />
• Exterior & Interior (Cleaning)<br />
JETWASHING<br />
• Driveways & Patios etc.<br />
EXTERIOR PAINTING<br />
• Fascias, Rendered Walls etc.<br />
£10 an hour<br />
20%<br />
OFF<br />
Ovenclean will transform your oven and<br />
put the sparkle back into your kitchen!<br />
• Ovens<br />
• Grills<br />
• Extractors<br />
• BBQ’s<br />
• Hobs<br />
• Ranges<br />
• Microwaves<br />
• AGA’s<br />
Call today to book your oven clean<br />
0800 840 7127 or<br />
07724 694337<br />
www.ovenclean.com<br />
Call Clint for a free no obligation quote.<br />
01744 470 051 or 07834 241 642<br />
www.justcleanpropertycare.co.uk<br />
Telephone:<br />
07881 816839<br />
Carroll’s Carpet & Upholstery offer a professional<br />
and reliable cleaning service. We clean all types of<br />
Carpet, Rugs and Upholstery including leather all at an<br />
affordable price.<br />
www.carrolls-carpetandupholstery.co.uk<br />
Design & Print<br />
Flyers, postcards, brochures<br />
and distribution service.<br />
For more information call<br />
01744 649 722<br />
<strong>Local</strong><strong>Life</strong><br />
Gel<br />
Nails<br />
norma ly £20<br />
now £15<br />
Lashes<br />
Spray Tan<br />
Sunbeds<br />
Acrylic & Gel Nails<br />
Natalies @ <strong>St</strong>udio 84<br />
84 Rainford Road, Bi linge WN5 7PG<br />
Telephone: 07814 619 400<br />
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday 10AM - 7PM, Saturday 10AM - 6PM<br />
Closed Thursday & Sunday<br />
Mo sy Lea Road<br />
T<br />
Y<br />
R<br />
E<br />
S<br />
Solar Thermal<br />
& Solar PV<br />
Book<br />
your FREE<br />
home survey<br />
CAR & VAN SERVICING<br />
FREE<br />
Car Health Check<br />
.and motorcycles too<br />
for a l residents of Croston and Bretherton<br />
Keep me until you need me!<br />
Book your FREE Car Health Check<br />
Ca l now on<br />
01772 603923<br />
REPAIR & WELDING<br />
Saving money is<br />
the clear benefit!<br />
Slash your electricity and<br />
water heating bi l<br />
Protect your household from<br />
future energy price rises<br />
E<br />
X<br />
H<br />
A<br />
U<br />
S<br />
T<br />
S<br />
Reduce your household’s<br />
impact on the environment<br />
Ca l us now<br />
0843 224 9555<br />
07595 420237<br />
Want to promote your company in<br />
<strong>Local</strong><strong>Life</strong><br />
Call Clare: 01925 387 025 - Warrington<br />
01744 649 722 - <strong>St</strong> <strong>Helens</strong><br />
locallife247.co.uk<br />
<strong>Local</strong><strong>Life</strong>
Transform your home<br />
with a brand new driveway<br />
73<br />
Resin Driveways<br />
20%<br />
Winter<br />
Discount<br />
Offer ends 31st <strong>March</strong> <strong>2017</strong><br />
Tarmac Driveways<br />
J.P.Surfacing<br />
Made in Lancashire<br />
Established over 25 years<br />
42, Seymour Road,<br />
Astley Bridge,<br />
Bolton, BL1 8PT<br />
01204 590 499<br />
jp-surfacing.co.uk
74<br />
MARDEC<br />
Painters & Decorators<br />
Internal and external work<br />
Domestic or commercial<br />
jobs welcomed<br />
Free inspirational<br />
advice & quotes<br />
No job too small<br />
A.J.Davies Est.1991<br />
Painter & Decorator<br />
Paper Hanging a Speciality<br />
Friendly & Very Reliable Service<br />
Both Domestic & Commercial<br />
Trading for over 26 years<br />
Call Adam on 01744 755 005<br />
e-mail ajdaviesdecorator@hotmail.co.uk<br />
S. Taylor<br />
Decorators<br />
All aspects of decorating undertaken<br />
Call Scott on<br />
01942 209 031 / 07713 912764<br />
18 <strong>St</strong>ation Road, Garswood, WN4 0SA<br />
Established 1992<br />
01744 894 431<br />
07931 282 896<br />
01744 602931 or 07756 274503<br />
7 Albany Avenue, Eccleston Park, L34 2QN<br />
Domestic + Commercial<br />
Boiler + Central Heating<br />
Installs, Servicing + Repairs<br />
Extended warranties available<br />
24 Hour Call-out<br />
Brand New Bathrooms<br />
Freephone 0300 3030121<br />
Dave 07769 942218 / Matt 07969 183809<br />
21, Naburn Drive, Orrell, WN5 8SB<br />
Email: info@orrellheating.co.uk<br />
www.orrellheating.co.uk<br />
506515<br />
Specialists in boiler installations, repair & maintenance<br />
All work fully warranted<br />
Email ops@hotmail.co.uk<br />
Book a boiler health check for £65<br />
& get a carbon monoxide<br />
alarm (RRP £29) FREE!<br />
Call the team on<br />
01744 892437
75