Local Life - Wigan - April 2017
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<strong>Local</strong><strong>Life</strong><br />
<strong>Wigan</strong> Edition <strong>April</strong> <strong>2017</strong><br />
<strong>Local</strong> News Motoring Jack’s Tracks Garden Diary Event2Go Home Services<br />
locallife247.co.uk<br />
Win a copy of<br />
Just One More<br />
Win a year’s<br />
lawn care<br />
Photo by Frank Orrell
2
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4<br />
Giving back<br />
Reading through this magazine before it set<br />
off to print, it was sad to read that the lack<br />
of volunteers in Shevington has dealt a double blow<br />
to the village; the August Fete has been scaled down<br />
somewhat and the village won’t be entering the In<br />
Bloom contest this year.<br />
In today’s busy life, it’s difficult for many to spare<br />
the time to volunteer. Family commitments come<br />
first and rightly so. But putting aside the benefit to<br />
others, volunteering benefits the volunteer too.<br />
As the saying goes, a change is as good as a rest, and<br />
donating even a few hours a month to help a good<br />
cause can make a positive change to your life. I got<br />
involved in a weekly pop-up breakfast café last year<br />
and, although it is hard work; I’ve made new friends,<br />
had a few laughs and helped raise money for local<br />
community groups.<br />
Shevington has always had a marvellous community<br />
spirit and much of this is due to the readiness of<br />
Shevingtonians to roll up their sleeves to support<br />
community initiatives. Fingers crossed that the<br />
dearth of volunteers is a temporary one, and the<br />
village will bounce back to greater glories.<br />
This month’s read includes some amazing shots<br />
from notable Shevingtonian Frank Orrell; there’s a<br />
chance to win his visual chronicle of old <strong>Wigan</strong>, so<br />
dont miss that.<br />
Also worth a mention is our new Events2Go, which<br />
is a dual print/online local What’s On guide. To get<br />
the latest information about events, just ‘like’ our<br />
events2go page on Facebook or visit our website<br />
www.locallife247.co.uk.<br />
See you next time<br />
Chris Pearce - Publisher<br />
chrisp@locallife247.co.uk
5<br />
In this issue<br />
Exercising during<br />
pregnancy<br />
52<br />
Just one<br />
more!<br />
Regulars<br />
40 Events2Go<br />
48 Puzzle Corner<br />
50 Class From The Past<br />
Sections<br />
6 Property<br />
10 <strong>Local</strong> News<br />
20 Fashion<br />
52 Health<br />
56 Legal & Finance<br />
78 Garden Diary<br />
82 Test Drive<br />
98 The Lump<br />
58 Business View<br />
68 Food & Drink<br />
77 Pets<br />
78 Gardening<br />
86 Home Services<br />
63<br />
Doing<br />
France<br />
68<br />
Jack’s Tracks visits<br />
Cuerden<br />
Valley<br />
74<br />
Test Drive<br />
Toyota<br />
C-HR<br />
82<br />
Next issue - May <strong>2017</strong><br />
Advertising deadline - Thursday, 13 <strong>April</strong><br />
Published - Thursday, 27 <strong>April</strong><br />
<strong>Local</strong> <strong>Life</strong> 247 Ltd, Unit 8, Hewitt Business Park,<br />
Winstanley Road, Orrell, WN5 7XB<br />
Telephone: 01695 627 999<br />
Publisher: Chris<br />
Sales: Chris, Sally<br />
Editorial: David<br />
Design: Peter, Dylan<br />
Distribution: Sally<br />
Accounts: Sam<br />
<strong>Local</strong><strong>Life</strong><br />
chrisp@locallife247.co.uk<br />
sales@locallife247.co.uk<br />
wigannews@locallife247.co.uk<br />
design@locallife247.co.uk<br />
sallyb@locallife247.co.uk<br />
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 />
This issue is delivered to 13,039 private homes and<br />
businesses in Standish, Shevington, Whitley, Appley<br />
Bridge, Standish Lower Ground, Aspull and Haigh.<br />
The next issue is delivered to 13,034 private homes and<br />
businesses in Orrell, Billinge, Winstanley, Up Holland,<br />
Highfield, Marus Bridge, Roby Mill and Pemberton.<br />
You can also pick up a free copy of <strong>Local</strong> <strong>Life</strong> at Sainsburys<br />
or Tesco Extra in <strong>Wigan</strong>.<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
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10<br />
Draft on the way<br />
A draft blueprint to help shape future<br />
development in Standish is likely to<br />
be made public in summer.<br />
It comes after community group Standish Voice,<br />
which is driving the process, asked residents for<br />
their views on potential future uses of The Rec<br />
playing fields.<br />
One of the possibilities is that part of The Rec could<br />
be used to create car parking spaces.<br />
Standish Voice has stressed that, at this stage, it is<br />
merely asking for feedback so it can draft a policy<br />
which would be fed into the wider Neighbourhood<br />
Plan. Regardless of whether the policy became part<br />
of the final document, any change of use at The<br />
Rec would be the subject of further consultation<br />
through the planning process.<br />
A spokesman added: “The Rec is seen as an<br />
inadequate site for organised team sports and<br />
we are concerned that over the lifetime of the<br />
Neighbourhood Plan – up to 2030 – there would be<br />
increasing pressure to turn this redundant area into<br />
a housing development.<br />
“We believe a park with a small car park would<br />
create an improved recreational facility for the<br />
whole community and help to solve the parking<br />
problem.”<br />
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11<br />
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12<br />
Blooming disappointment<br />
Shevington’s run of horticultural<br />
success won’t continue this year - due<br />
to a lack of volunteers.<br />
The local In Bloom group has decided not to enter<br />
the North West In Bloom Awards <strong>2017</strong>. This is<br />
because they haven’t got the numbers to fulfil the<br />
judging criteria.<br />
In previous years, they have won gold at both<br />
regional and national level.<br />
A group spokesman said: “We are very disappointed<br />
that we are unable to enter North West in Bloom.<br />
This is due to not having enough volunteers to<br />
comply with judging criteria. The group only has<br />
5 volunteers who will continue to do their best, to<br />
maintain the beds and<br />
planters in our village,<br />
to the high standard so<br />
far achieved. Without<br />
more volunteers there<br />
is a possibility, that<br />
in the not too distant<br />
future, standards will<br />
drop and some beds or<br />
planters could be lost.<br />
“New volunteers can do as much or as little as they<br />
like; an hour a week for a few months a year would<br />
greatly help this organisation to continue.”<br />
If you are able to help, ring 01257 401997 or e-mail<br />
shevingtoninbloom@yahoo.com.<br />
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13<br />
Roadworks announced<br />
<strong>Wigan</strong> highways chiefs have announced details of<br />
forthcoming roadworks in the area:<br />
Hall Lane, Aspull: On Sunday, <strong>April</strong> 23 Hall Lane<br />
will be closed between property numbers 43<br />
and 83 while United Utilities carry out repairs.<br />
A diversion will be in place as follows: Hall Lane<br />
- Bolton Road – <strong>Wigan</strong> Road, Aspull – Whelley –<br />
Scholes – Warrington Lane – Darlington Street East<br />
– Manchester Road, Ince – <strong>Wigan</strong> Road, Hindley –<br />
Market Street – Ladies Lane – Hall Lane<br />
Woodhouse Lane: United Utilities will be working<br />
outside property number 65 on Saturday, <strong>April</strong> 15,<br />
to repair a manhole frame and cover. A lane closure<br />
will be in operation while the work takes place.<br />
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14<br />
Snap happy<br />
New members are being welcomed to join Aspull<br />
Amateur Camera Club. It is open to anyone, whether<br />
they are merely interested in taking photos with<br />
their iPhone or have a top-of-the-range DSLR<br />
camera. All aspects of digital photographer are<br />
covered, including landscapes, portraits and pets,<br />
as well as basic instructions on how to use Adobe<br />
Photoshop. The club is free to join, meeting times<br />
and location are to be confirmed. Call Chris on<br />
01942 494117 or email chriswinkfoto@hotmail.<br />
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Car thieves alert<br />
Owners of high-performance cars in are being<br />
urged to stay alert to potential thieves. Police<br />
advise that owners have adequate home security<br />
and keep all their doors and windows locked and<br />
secure, even when at home. It follows a spate of<br />
thefts in villages close to <strong>Wigan</strong>.<br />
Junior cricketers wanted<br />
Standish Cricket Club is looking for new junior<br />
members. For those aged between eight and 15<br />
years old, there is the chance to be coached by<br />
qualified players. For further information, visit www.<br />
standishcc.co.uk or email juniors@standishcc.co.uk<br />
GP appointments<br />
Out of hours appointments for GPs are now<br />
available in <strong>Wigan</strong>. Those needing to see a doctor<br />
between 6.30pm-8pm on weekdays and 10am-4pm<br />
on weekends and Bank Holidays can get access to<br />
GPs in different locations, including Shevington,<br />
Hindley, Pemberton, Ashton, Golborne, Leigh and<br />
Tyldesley.<br />
To be able to use this service, you must be registered<br />
with a GP in the <strong>Wigan</strong> borough area already. For<br />
more information, call 01942 482848 or visit www.<br />
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15
16<br />
Hole load of fun<br />
It’s golf - but not as you see on the TV!<br />
The Friends of Haigh Country Park Crazy Golf course<br />
is reopening following a refurbishment. It will be<br />
open from 11am on Saturday, <strong>April</strong> 1 - just in time<br />
for the Easter break.<br />
An official opening by the Mayor of <strong>Wigan</strong> takes<br />
place on Sunday, <strong>April</strong> 9. Music will be provided by<br />
members of the Greater Manchester Police Band<br />
and there will be a Mad Hat Competition judged by<br />
the Mayor, with prizes for best adult and child. There<br />
will be other activities and treats for the children.<br />
Weather and volunteers permitting, the crazy<br />
golf facility will be open throughout the holiday<br />
from 11am until 4pm at a cost of £1. For more<br />
information on the Friends of Haigh Hall, visit www.<br />
facebook.com/friendsofhaighcountrypark or call<br />
Wendy on 01942 254219.<br />
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18
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20<br />
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23
24<br />
Digging deep for tribute<br />
Campaigners calling for a<br />
memorial to thousands of<br />
<strong>Wigan</strong> miners are holding a<br />
launch night in <strong>April</strong>.<br />
<strong>Wigan</strong> Heritage and Mining Monument<br />
(WHAMM) members believe the town’s<br />
industrial past has largely been forgotten.<br />
They are in talks with <strong>Wigan</strong> Council about<br />
possible locations for the statue, which<br />
could cost up to £100,000 and may depict<br />
a mining family.<br />
A grand campaign launch is being held<br />
in Swinley, with MPs Lisa Nandy and Ian<br />
Lavery set to attend. Ian, who represents<br />
Wansbeck in Northumberland, was the only<br />
apprentice in the North East who refused to work<br />
during the 1984-85 miners’ strike<br />
WHAMM members Ray Hinds, from Whelley, Neil Cain, of<br />
Haigh; Tom Walsh, of Aspull, with Sheila Ramsdale (front<br />
left) and Marianne Howell, both of Swinley<br />
Group chairman Shelia Ramsdale told <strong>Local</strong> <strong>Life</strong>:<br />
“This is something I’ve been raising for a number<br />
of years now. It seems the powers that be have,<br />
perhaps in the past, wanted to move on from the<br />
mining image of the town. But other areas have<br />
monuments and we feel it’s time <strong>Wigan</strong> had one as<br />
well.”<br />
Records show that coal was being mined in the<br />
district as early as the 14th century. It has even<br />
been suggested that Romans made use of coal they<br />
found in the area. Over 750 million tons of coal were<br />
extracted from over one thousand pits in the area.<br />
Group member Tom Walsh said: “As a lad growing<br />
up in Scholes, you’d see old miners walking down<br />
the street and they’d have to stop every few yards<br />
to catch their breath. We also want to recognise the<br />
woman and children who also suffered. <strong>Wigan</strong>ers<br />
paid a heavy price for the town’s mining past.”<br />
An artist’s impression of how the statue may look<br />
The campaign launch will be held on Friday, <strong>April</strong><br />
28, 7.30pm at Swinley Club, <strong>Wigan</strong> Lane. There will<br />
be a talk from ex-miner Eric Foster, music from local<br />
band Billy Green and the Temperamentals, and hot<br />
food. Tickets are £7 from Sheila Ramsdale on 01942<br />
244309 or 07964 122114.
25
26
27
28<br />
Debbie becomes leader<br />
A Standish woman claims she has<br />
made history by becoming the first<br />
female to lead a political group on<br />
<strong>Wigan</strong> Council.<br />
Debbie Fairhurst, of Littleton Grove, is the boss of<br />
the newly-formed <strong>Wigan</strong> Independents.<br />
With four councillors - made up of Cllr Fairhurst<br />
plus Cllrs Bob Brierly (Hindley Green), Steve Jones<br />
(Bryn) and George Fairhurst - they are now just one<br />
member short of being neck and neck with the<br />
Conservatives, who are the official opposition.<br />
It’s unclear whether Cllr Fairhurst is the first female<br />
group leader in <strong>Wigan</strong> Council’s history. It’s believed<br />
there may have been a female Conservative group<br />
leader in the 1990s,<br />
although nobody<br />
could confirm this<br />
before <strong>Local</strong> <strong>Life</strong> went<br />
to press.<br />
Cllr Debbie Fairhurst,<br />
who represents<br />
Standish, said: “I was<br />
humbled to be proposed as the new leader, and I<br />
got the full backing if all the other councillors in the<br />
group.”<br />
There are no <strong>Wigan</strong> Council elections this year.<br />
However, voters will take part in the first ever<br />
Greater Manchester Mayoral elections. For more<br />
information on this, visit www.greatermanchesterca.gov.uk<br />
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Tree-mendous idea<br />
BookCycles across <strong>Wigan</strong> are offering fruit trees to<br />
community groups as part of a council approved<br />
scheme. Incredible Edible seeks to encourage<br />
communities to get together and plant fruit trees<br />
that are accessible to the public. BookCycle are<br />
encouraging communities to create a map on the<br />
app Falling Fruit with #bookcycle incorporated<br />
into the tag line. Plants are already available from<br />
most sites and should be planted by the first week<br />
in <strong>April</strong>. For more information, call into your local<br />
BookCycle or search Incredible Edible on the <strong>Wigan</strong><br />
Council’s website www.wigan.gov.uk<br />
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Staying power<br />
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Bin charge goes live<br />
West Lancashire’s controversial green bin charging<br />
scheme goes live on June 5. From that date,<br />
householders will have to pay an extra £30 per<br />
year, per bin. Any additional bins cost £25 each.<br />
Payments can be made as of <strong>April</strong> 19.<br />
The council says it will deliver a leaflet to every<br />
household in the borough in <strong>April</strong>, giving<br />
information about how to sign up and pay, and<br />
further details of the service. Information is also<br />
provided on the website at www.westlancs.gov.uk/<br />
gardenwaste<br />
In <strong>Wigan</strong>, the frequency of green bin collections will<br />
be changing later this year. For more information,<br />
visit www.wigan.gov.uk<br />
Show that you care<br />
<strong>Wigan</strong> and Leigh Carers Centre is looking for<br />
volunteers. The organisation, based in Fredrick<br />
Street, Hindley, has a Befriending & Buddying<br />
scheme which offers a way to help combat isolation<br />
for carers by offering them support, encouragement<br />
and a listening ear. It now wants to swell its ranks by<br />
adding new volunteer befrienders.<br />
Catherine Ellis, scheme coordinator, said:<br />
“Befriending a carer who feels isolated or in need<br />
of a listening ear is very rewarding and makes a<br />
massive difference to local people.”<br />
To find out more contact catherine@<br />
wiganandleighcarerscentre.org.uk or phone 01942<br />
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31<br />
Sports in the spotlight<br />
Nominations are now open to<br />
find <strong>Wigan</strong>’s finest athletes.<br />
The <strong>2017</strong> Believe Sports Awards are now<br />
open to anyone who is dedicated to<br />
sports in the town.<br />
This year’s ceremony will take place at the<br />
DW Stadium on Friday October 6.<br />
Categories include:<br />
Coach of the Year, Club of the Year, Sports<br />
Achiever of the Year, Disabled Sports<br />
Achiever of the Year, Volunteer of the Year,<br />
The Wilf Brogan Unsung Hero Award, Changing<br />
<strong>Life</strong>style Recognition Award, Team of the Year, The<br />
Martin Lynn Special Contribution to School Sport<br />
Award and Sports Apprentice of the Year.<br />
Nominations can be made by filling in the<br />
online form at www.inspiringhealthylifestyles.org/<br />
believesportsawards<br />
The closing date is Friday, August 18.
32<br />
Bringing lawns to life<br />
Slowly, but surely, the winter darkness the presence of any underlying existing problems<br />
is receding and we’re gradually seeing such as excess moss, thatch and compaction etc<br />
daylight again. There’s not much as satisfying as and you’ll get a free, no obligation, report on its<br />
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bit of help getting that lawn as lush and green as it of the neighbourhood! Bring your lawn to life by<br />
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GreenThumb is Europe’s leading provider of lawn To win an entire year’s free seasonal treatments for<br />
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GreenThumb provide are not expensive. In fact, the<br />
<strong>April</strong> <strong>2017</strong>. The competition is open to postcodes<br />
four seasonal treatments start from just £15 each,<br />
WN1, WN3, WN4 (0 sector), WN5, WN6. Winners/<br />
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33
34<br />
Share your photos<br />
What a grand sight - a scene from yesteryear of<br />
Hope Street Church, <strong>Wigan</strong> town centre, which was<br />
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Smiths of <strong>Wigan</strong> can be seen on the right in the<br />
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35
36<br />
Historical spot campaign<br />
The historical spot which led to a<br />
boom in <strong>Wigan</strong>’s fortunes is set to be<br />
spruced up.<br />
A group has been formed to regenerate Parbold<br />
Dry Dock, just off the Leeds-Liverpool Canal.<br />
Originally, the canal was to bypass <strong>Wigan</strong> by going<br />
straight from Parbold to Leyland. Work had already<br />
started when the detour to <strong>Wigan</strong> was agreed. That<br />
meant the small headway towards Leyland, which<br />
had already been started, became redundant and<br />
the dry dock at Mill Leat was born.<br />
Kathryn Georgeson, a former Parbold Douglas<br />
pupil, is spearheading the campaign and has<br />
support from the parish council and the Canal &<br />
River Trust.<br />
“It’s really overgrown now, but when I was little,<br />
it was clear and I‘d play in it all day during the<br />
summer,” says Kathryn.<br />
The Canal & River Trust won’t let volunteers access<br />
the site for health and safety reasons.<br />
“There’s a risk of water from the canal flooding the<br />
dry dock,” says Bill Froggatt, heritage adviser for the<br />
Trust.<br />
“The only thing which keeps it dry is clay and timber<br />
banking, but that needs replacing. That would be<br />
part of any restoration works to the dock.”<br />
There’s also a move to improve Lathom Dry Dock,<br />
which is further up the canal towards Burscough.<br />
Mike Allen, who is from the Lathom campaign, said:<br />
“Both docks are in a sorry state these days, Parbold<br />
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being in the worst condition,<br />
and it is difficult for any visitors<br />
to understand or visualise their<br />
original purpose.<br />
“Myself and Kathryn are promoting<br />
this project in a voluntary capacity<br />
and have met a number of times.<br />
“The main aims of this project are to<br />
clean up both docks and immediate<br />
surrounding areas by removing<br />
overgrown vegetation, later non<br />
original additions, upgrading<br />
footpaths where necessary and<br />
providing historical and heritage information about<br />
the docks and the impact of the canal in the growth<br />
and development of these villages.<br />
For more information on the project, email<br />
parbolddrydock@yahoo.com<br />
“Once the project is completed this will link both<br />
villages with a walk worth making, bringing more<br />
visitors into both villages and improving the<br />
environment.”<br />
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38<br />
Planning Matters<br />
Haigh<br />
18 Woodlands Park Close: Plan to extend<br />
dwellinghouse - first floor to side, with raised<br />
balcony to side (ref: A/17/83614/HH). A decision<br />
is due soon.<br />
Appley Bridge<br />
NWW Pumping Station, Back Lane: Installation<br />
of new additional antennas to existing tower<br />
(overall height 33.86m), together with radio<br />
equipment housing and ancillary development (ref:<br />
A/17/83629/FULL). A decision is due soon.<br />
Shevington Vale Primary School, Runshaw<br />
Avenue: Proposed single storey extension to south<br />
elevation with 2 canopies to the north and east<br />
together with a 2.4m high weld mesh fence to the<br />
north (ref: A/17/83675/LA). A decision is due soon.<br />
Standish Lower Ground<br />
65 <strong>Wigan</strong> Lower Road: Change of use to mixed use<br />
offices and training centre (ref: A/17/83681/CU). A<br />
decision is due soon.<br />
Standish<br />
20 Wheatsheaf Walk: Plan to extend dwellinghouse<br />
first floor to side (ref: A/17/83741/HH. A decision is<br />
due soon.<br />
For more information on these plans, visit www.wigan.gov.uk<br />
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<strong>Wigan</strong> Arts Festival<br />
Friday, March 31 – Sunday, <strong>April</strong> 16<br />
Two weeks of live music, art, theatre, dance, poetry,<br />
comedy, family events and workshops.<br />
The Old Courts, Crawford Street, <strong>Wigan</strong>, WN1<br />
1NA. Visit: theoldcourts.co.uk<br />
Dusty’s Giant Easter Egg Hunt<br />
Saturday, <strong>April</strong> 1 – Monday, <strong>April</strong> 17, 9.30am – 5pm<br />
Calling all kids – WWT Martin Mere has lost our<br />
GIANT yellow ducks and Dusty Duck needs you and<br />
your family to help him find them. (50p to enter).<br />
WWT Martin Mere, Fish Lane, Burscough,<br />
LancashireL40 0TA. Contact: 01704 891240<br />
Former 9th Scout Reunion<br />
Saturday, <strong>April</strong> 1, 7pm<br />
An invitation to anyone involved with 9th <strong>Wigan</strong><br />
Scout Group, Beavers, Cubs, Scouts, Ventures,<br />
Parents’ Committee. The event will take place at St.<br />
Matthews Parish Hall. Please book early - £10.<br />
St Matthew’s Parish Hall, Billinge Road, Highfield.<br />
Contact: 01257 431045.<br />
From Pemberton to Bogota<br />
Sunday, <strong>April</strong> 2, 7.30pm<br />
Brian Cannon will be telling the story of Microdot<br />
from humble beginnings to the complete madness<br />
of the 90’s and beyond.<br />
The Old Courts, Crawford Street, <strong>Wigan</strong>, WN1<br />
1NA. Visit: theoldcourts.co.uk<br />
Wrightington Pensioners<br />
Tuesday, <strong>April</strong> 5, 7.30pm<br />
A friendly and sociable evening for residents within<br />
Wrightington, with games such as Bingo, Whist and<br />
Dominoes. There is also a monthly coach trip.<br />
Wrightington Pensioners Hall, Chisnall Avenue,<br />
Wrightington, WN6 9RR. Contact: 01257 452979.<br />
Hysteria<br />
Wednesday, <strong>April</strong> 5 – Thursday, <strong>April</strong> 6, 7.30pm<br />
A hilarious farce explores the fallout when two of<br />
the twentieth century’s most brilliant and original<br />
minds collide.<br />
Preston Guild Hall, Lancaster Road, Preston PR1<br />
1HT. Contact: 01772 804444.<br />
<strong>Wigan</strong> Voices in Harmony<br />
Friday, <strong>April</strong> 7, 7.30pm – 9.30pm<br />
The next concert by <strong>Wigan</strong> Voices in Harmony<br />
will be “All in the <strong>April</strong> Evening”. Admission will be<br />
payable on the door and is £6 (or £5 for concessions)<br />
St Anne’s Church, Church Street, Shevington WN6<br />
8BD. Contact: 01257400852.<br />
Animated Clay Stories<br />
Friday, <strong>April</strong> 7, 10.30 – Noon<br />
Fun animation workshop aimed at children aged 5 –<br />
11. Children aged 8 and under must be accompanied<br />
by an adult. £1 per child, booking essential.<br />
<strong>Wigan</strong> Library, <strong>Wigan</strong> <strong>Life</strong> Centre, The Wiend,<br />
<strong>Wigan</strong> WN1 1NH. Contact: dcircus@wigan.gov.uk
41<br />
The Kell Wind Trio<br />
Saturday, <strong>April</strong> 8, 7.30pm<br />
<strong>Wigan</strong> Music Society presents The Kell Wind Trio,<br />
with Stephen Reynolds on the piano. Includes music<br />
from Haydn, Beethoven, Finzi and Rossini. Admission<br />
is Members £7, non-members £8 and students £1.<br />
Trinity United Reformed Church, Milton Grove,<br />
<strong>Wigan</strong>, WN1 2PG.<br />
Re-opening of Crazy Golf<br />
Sunday, <strong>April</strong> 9, 11am<br />
The official re-opening of the Haigh Hall Crazy<br />
Golf with the Mayor of <strong>Wigan</strong> doing the opening<br />
honours, music by Greater Manchester Police Band<br />
and a “Mad Hat” Competition with prizes for best<br />
adult and child. Price per player is just £1.<br />
Haigh Hall Country Park, <strong>Wigan</strong>, WN2 1PE. Contact:<br />
committee@friendsofhaighcountrypark.co.uk<br />
Craft Session<br />
Monday, <strong>April</strong> 10 , 11am – Noon<br />
Taking place throughout the <strong>Wigan</strong> Borough<br />
during the Easter Holidays, these sessions give the<br />
opportunity for children to craft their own Easter<br />
bonnets. Booking is essential.<br />
Shevington Library, Gathurst Lane, <strong>Wigan</strong> WN6<br />
8HA. Contact: 01257 252618<br />
Mayor’s Tea Dance<br />
Tuesday, <strong>April</strong> 11, 1pm – 4pm<br />
Dance the afternoon away alongside the Mayor<br />
of Chorley, under the direction of Jason Parkinson<br />
from Dance with Passion and featuring Blackpool<br />
Tower Ballroom organist, Chris Hopkins. Tickets £6<br />
includes tea, coffee, homemade cakes and scones.<br />
Chorley Borough Council, Town Hall, Market<br />
Street, Chorley, PR7 1DP. Contact: 01257 515151
42<br />
Soccer School<br />
<strong>April</strong> 11, 12, 13, May 20, 31, June 1, 10am – 2pm<br />
Chorley Football Club presents a soccer school for<br />
boys and girls aged 5 – 12 years. This three day<br />
school is £20, with fully qualified coaches.<br />
The Chorley Group Victory Park Stadium, Duke<br />
Street, Chorley, , PR7 3DU. Contact: 07804 145055<br />
Appley Bridge WI<br />
<strong>April</strong> 12, May 10, June 14, 7.30pm<br />
A vibrant and friendly group of ladies who meet once<br />
a month for friendship, trips, education and more.<br />
Appley Bridge Village Hall, Appley Ln N, Appley<br />
Bridge, WN6 9AQ. Contact: admin@lfwi.org.uk<br />
Curious Critters<br />
Thursday, <strong>April</strong> 13, 10.30am<br />
Curious Critters Easter Special with baby chicks,<br />
ducklings, rabbits and more. For children aged 4<br />
years and over, £2.00 each, booking is required.<br />
Standish Library, Standish, <strong>Wigan</strong> WN6 0HQ.<br />
Contact: 01942 400496.<br />
Creative Crafts<br />
Thursday, <strong>April</strong> 13, 10.30am – 12.30pm<br />
Be creative with wool and other natural materials. A<br />
family activity, recommended for children aged 7 and<br />
over. Price includes materials. Must be pre-booked.<br />
National Trust, Tatton Park, Knutsford, WA16 6QN.<br />
Contact: 01625 374428<br />
Easter Shopping Fair<br />
Friday, <strong>April</strong> 14 Noon – 5pm – Monday, <strong>April</strong> 17,<br />
10.30am – 5pm<br />
Free admission to the Tenants Hall packed with<br />
gifts, specialist foods, craft, fashion and more.<br />
Tatton Park, Knutsford, Cheshire, WA16 6QN.<br />
Contact: 01625 374400.<br />
Alice in Wonderland<br />
Saturday, <strong>April</strong> 15, 2.30pm<br />
A fast-paced, highly entertaining Easter Pantomime,<br />
featuring pop songs, magic, puppets and your<br />
favourite Wonderland characters.<br />
Preston Guild Hall, Lancaster Road, Preston PR1<br />
1HT. Contact: 01772 804444.<br />
Chorley Cycling Grand Prix<br />
Saturday, <strong>April</strong> 15, 11am – 5pm<br />
Join Chorley town centre to cheer on Britain’s<br />
professional cyclists as they race-off on a 100 mile<br />
course around the Chorley Borough.<br />
Chorley Borough Council, Town Hall, Market<br />
Street, Chorley, PR7 1DP. Contact: britishcycling.<br />
org.uk/events/details/141081/Chorley-Grand-Prix<br />
Handmade Fair<br />
Sunday, <strong>April</strong> 16 and Sunday, May 21, 10am – 4pm<br />
Stalls selling handmade cushions, cakes, chocolate,<br />
crafts, paper craft, jewellery, knitted items, pens,<br />
wood craft, button craft, jams, cards and more.<br />
Mercure Hotel, Manchester Road, Blackrod,<br />
Bolton, BL6 5RU. Contact: 07787 316234<br />
Big Brocket Easter Egg Hunt<br />
Sunday, <strong>April</strong> 16, 10am<br />
Tickets will be £5 this includes breakfast, Easter egg<br />
hunt, colouring competition and more games.<br />
38 Mesnes Road, <strong>Wigan</strong> WN1 2DD. Contact: 01942<br />
403500.<br />
Salt of the Earth<br />
Wednesday, <strong>April</strong> 19 – Saturday, <strong>April</strong> 29, 7.30pm<br />
A richly humorous, affectionate and touching<br />
portrait of life in a northern mining community.<br />
<strong>Wigan</strong> Little Theatre, Crompton Street, <strong>Wigan</strong>,<br />
WN1 3SL. Contact: 01942 242561.
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Manitoba Hal and Friends<br />
Wednesday, <strong>April</strong> 18, 7.30pm<br />
The Canadian ukulele bluesman, returns with<br />
support artists ‘ricmacfeegle’ and a slimmed down<br />
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Tap ‘n’ Barrel, 16 Jaxons Court, Hallgate, <strong>Wigan</strong>,<br />
WN1 1LR. Contact: 01942 386966<br />
Great British Food Festival<br />
Friday, <strong>April</strong> 21 – Sunday, <strong>April</strong> 23, 10am – 5pm<br />
Explore new flavours and beautiful venues, all at the<br />
same time!<br />
Stonyhurst College, Stonyhurst, Clitheroe, BB7<br />
9PZ. Contact: info@greatbritishfoodfestival.com<br />
Race Night<br />
Friday, <strong>April</strong> 21, 7pm<br />
The 1st Standish Scout Group are raising money by<br />
hosting a Race Night. Ticket price includes supper.<br />
Families are welcome but children must be over 16.<br />
Tickets from Bumbles Gifts, Preston Road, Standish.<br />
Unity Club, 2 Cross Street, Standish, <strong>Wigan</strong>, WN6<br />
0HQ. Contact: standishcubs@gmail.com<br />
Volunteer Gardeners<br />
Friday, <strong>April</strong> 21, May 5, 19, 10am – Noon<br />
Friends of Standish Library invite volunteer gardeners<br />
to help spruce up the gardens around the library.<br />
Standish Library, Cross Street, Standish, <strong>Wigan</strong><br />
WN6 0HQ. Contact: 01257 400496<br />
Coffee Club<br />
<strong>April</strong> 21, May 19, June16, 10am – 1pm<br />
Join The Coffee Club for a coffee and a chat. They also<br />
have raffles, gift and book stalls and refreshments.<br />
All proceeds go to cancer research UK.<br />
Mossy Lea Road, Wrightington. Contact: 01257<br />
423128<br />
Shakespeare abridged<br />
Monday, <strong>April</strong> 24 – Saturday, <strong>April</strong> 29, 7pm<br />
Shakespeare’s Comedies, Histories and Tragedies<br />
in one wild ride that will leave you breathless and<br />
helpless with laughter.<br />
Chorley Little Theatre, Dole Lane, Chorley, PR7<br />
2RL. Contact: 01257 264362.<br />
St. Helens Business Fair<br />
Thursday, <strong>April</strong> 27, 10.30am – 3pm<br />
The largest b2b networking event in the area.<br />
Haydock Park Racecourse, Newton-le-Willows,<br />
Merseyside WA12 0HQ. Contact: rachel.wellens@<br />
sthelenschamber.com<br />
Bee Safari<br />
Saturday, <strong>April</strong> 29, 2pm – 4pm<br />
Take a stroll with experts from Lancashire Wildlife<br />
Trusts “Plan Bee” project and find out more about<br />
local bees, their importance and what you can do to<br />
help them. Free and booking is not required.<br />
Beacon Ranger Service, Beacon Lane, Dalton,<br />
<strong>Wigan</strong>, WN8 7RU.<br />
Retro, Vintage & Crafts Fair<br />
Sunday, <strong>April</strong> 30, 10am – 4pm<br />
All things retro, vintage and handmade. With food<br />
and drink available. £1.00 entry and under 12s free.<br />
Monaco Ballroom, Atherton Rd, Hindley, <strong>Wigan</strong><br />
WN2 3EU. Contact: facebook.com/Fairlyretro<br />
Horwich Music Festival<br />
Friday, May 5 – Sunday, May 7<br />
Performances throughout the weekend in<br />
afternoon and early evening, with a wide choice of<br />
genres to listen to. Times and ticket prices may vary.<br />
Horwich Community Centre, Beaumont Road,<br />
Horwich, Bolton, BL6 7BG Contact: 01204 668157
46<br />
Open Day<br />
Saturday, May 6, Noon – 4pm<br />
Performances from the <strong>Wigan</strong> Ukulele Band and<br />
lots of activities for the children; it’s the perfect<br />
chance for parents to have a look around!<br />
Roby Mill Pre-School, 4 Roby Mill, Up Holland,<br />
WN8 0QF. Contact: 01695 632816<br />
HMS Pinafore<br />
Tuesday, May 16 – Saturday, May 20, 7.30pm<br />
Dynamite songs, memorable foot-tapping melodies<br />
and a highly entertaining story.<br />
St Josephs Club, 132-134 Chapel Street, Leigh,<br />
WN7 2DB. Contact: 01942 676594<br />
Latics Legends v Dutch Masters<br />
Friday, May 19, 7.30pm<br />
Friendly football match in aid of charity Joseph’s<br />
Goal.<br />
Edge Green Sreet, Ashton-in-Makerfield, WN4<br />
8SL. Contact: 01942 724448<br />
Handmade Fair<br />
Sunday, May 21, 10am – 4pm<br />
Stalls selling handmade cushions, cakes, chocolate,<br />
crafts, paper craft, jewellery, knitted items, pens,<br />
wood craft, button craft, jams, cards and more.<br />
Mercure Hotel, Manchester Road, Blackrod,<br />
Bolton, BL6 5RU. Contact: 07787 316234<br />
LEARN TO PLAY PIANO<br />
Study for music exams or just for<br />
enjoyment. No age limit!<br />
Call Louise McAleer GMus PGCE<br />
01257 421056 or 07908 614664<br />
louise.mcaleer29@yahoo.co.uk<br />
DBS<br />
Checked<br />
Blithe Spirit<br />
Wednesday, May 24 – Friday, May 26, 7.30pm<br />
An improbable farce by Noel Coward, directed<br />
by Ruth Mcloughlin. Tickets £6 adults or £5<br />
concessions.<br />
St Michaels Hall, St. Michaels Hall, Shaw Street,<br />
<strong>Wigan</strong>, WN1 2BQ. Contact: 07806 787250<br />
The Gin Society<br />
Friday, May 26, 6.30pm – 11pm, Saturday, May 27,<br />
12.30pm – 5pm and 6.30pm – 11pm.<br />
Over 90 different gins, prosecco cocktails and live<br />
entertainment. Tickets cost £7.50 + booking fee.<br />
Bolton Town Hall, Victoria Square, Bolton, BL1<br />
1RJ. Contact: facebook.com/ginfestivals<br />
Storyplay – Fantastic Mr. Fox<br />
Friday, May 26, 4.30pm<br />
Your little ones will be transported on a literary<br />
journey of fun and adventure – meeting all of their<br />
favourite characters, brought to life by actors.<br />
The Octagon Theatre, Howell Croft Street, Bolton<br />
BL1 1SB. Contact: 01204 520661<br />
Boltfest<br />
Saturday, May 27 & Sunday, May 28, 11am – 10pm<br />
Two days of the best tribute bands on the planet.<br />
An extremely fun filled safe family environment.<br />
Queens Park Lodge, Queens Park, Park Road,<br />
Bolton, BL1 4RU. Contact: Boltfest.com<br />
FREE modern easy read Bible<br />
(New European Version)<br />
Discover for yourself the real God,<br />
- without the religion or hassle.<br />
Available now. You’re under no<br />
obligation and won’t get pestered!<br />
Contact wiganchristadelphians.wordpress.com/bible-study/<br />
or post to 66 Dicconson Street, <strong>Wigan</strong>, WN1 2AT
47<br />
Worm Charming Day<br />
Saturday, June 10, 11am<br />
Ever thought of yourself as the best worm charmer<br />
in town? There will also be entertainment and a<br />
variety of stalls. A fun day out.<br />
St Elizabeths Vicarage, Bolton Rd, Aspull, WN2 1PR.<br />
Fashion Show<br />
Friday, June 16, 7.30pm<br />
Tickets are £4 each, available from The Hoot (open<br />
Wednesday to Sunday), Mrs Lyon’s Tearoom (open<br />
Tuesday to Sunday), the Friends of Standish Library,.<br />
Unity Club, 2 Cross Street, Standish, WN6 0HQ.<br />
Email: standishneighbourhoodforum@gmail.com<br />
Over 50s Jammers<br />
Every Wednesday, 12.30pm – 2.30pm<br />
If you have a passion for music, can play an<br />
instrument and would like to meet like-minded<br />
people, then this is the group for you. £3.50.<br />
The Old Courts, Crawford Street, <strong>Wigan</strong>, WN1<br />
1NA. Contact: 01942 410499.<br />
Saturday Breakfast<br />
Every Saturday, 9am – 11.30am<br />
Pop-up breakfast cafe with assorted stalls. This event<br />
raises funds for local community organisations.<br />
St Lukes Vicarage, 10 Lodge Road, Orrell, <strong>Wigan</strong>,<br />
WN5 7AT. Contact: 01695 627999.<br />
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48<br />
Puzzle Corner<br />
WORD SEARCH<br />
Find the hidden words<br />
1<br />
5 7 3<br />
9<br />
3<br />
4<br />
5<br />
1<br />
2<br />
4<br />
1<br />
9<br />
7<br />
8<br />
9<br />
8<br />
3<br />
9 7<br />
3 5 2<br />
6 1<br />
SUDOKU<br />
WHEEL<br />
PEDAL<br />
CHAINSET<br />
FRAME<br />
CHAIN<br />
HELMET<br />
MOUNTAIN<br />
TYRE<br />
HANDLEBAR<br />
MUD<br />
FORKS<br />
SPOKE<br />
PUNCTURE<br />
LEVER<br />
HUB<br />
WIGGLE WORDS<br />
CLUE: A less direct route<br />
Trace a path through all the<br />
letters to find the word or<br />
phrase that fits the clue.<br />
I O U B<br />
N T Y A<br />
A W A D<br />
R O U N<br />
LOGIC PROBLEMS<br />
Can you work out each one’s full name and<br />
their favourite dishes?<br />
CLUES<br />
1. Mrs Green’s favourite<br />
dessert is cheesecake<br />
2. The woman who prefers<br />
cottage pie also has a<br />
liking for ice cream; her<br />
first name is not Tracie<br />
3. Anne, whose surname<br />
is not Sunday, does not<br />
care for lamb hotpot<br />
4. Lorna Hilton’s favourite<br />
main course is not roast<br />
chicken, she avoids<br />
apple crumble as she<br />
thinks it may have too<br />
many calories<br />
All the puzzle solutions are on page 80 of this magazine
49
50<br />
Class from the past<br />
This month’s Class from the Past is from Standish<br />
Grammar School. 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 wigannews@<br />
locallife247.co.uk<br />
20 St Georges Street,<br />
Chorley,<br />
Lancashire,<br />
PR7 2AA<br />
01257 367 899<br />
*Subject to size and colour. Pictures for illustration only.<br />
Sefton Meadows<br />
Garden Centre,<br />
Sefton Lane,<br />
Maghull, L31 8BT<br />
0151 531 0056
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51<br />
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52<br />
Health & Fitness<br />
Exercising during<br />
pregnancy<br />
By Abi Jackson<br />
Beyonce and Amal Clooney are expecting<br />
twins, Olympic cyclist Laura Trott just<br />
announced she’s pregnant, while Amanda Seyfried,<br />
Natalie Portman and a string of other celebs - not<br />
to mention millions of non-A-list women out there<br />
- are sporting blooming bumps.<br />
While not all of their announcements may have<br />
made the headlines, their news was no doubt cause<br />
for much joy for their own family and friends. And<br />
whether or not you have the budget for personal<br />
trainers and 5-star gyms, keeping well is a priority<br />
everybody deserves to honour.<br />
But exercising during pregnancy is a subject that<br />
throws up a lot of confusion, across the board.<br />
Is this safe?<br />
“There certainly is a good deal of confusion<br />
surrounding what’s safe and what’s not safe<br />
exercise-wise in pregnancy. There’s a tendency<br />
for everyone to voice their views, especially when<br />
celebrities share their workouts on social media -<br />
suddenly the whole world has an opinion. It’s almost<br />
as if when people fall pregnant, they become public<br />
property, others consider it their right to advise<br />
and even criticise,” says pregnancy and postnatal<br />
fitness expert Dr Joanna Helcke, the brains behind<br />
the award-winning FitBumpBox and FitBumpBall<br />
exercise and wellness packages for mums-to-be<br />
(www.joannahelcke.com).<br />
It’s a subject being highlighted in the reboot of Sport<br />
England’s hugely successful ThisGirlCan campaign.<br />
“We know there can be confusion about being<br />
active during pregnancy, and sadly, some examples<br />
of women being criticised for remaining active<br />
whilst pregnant. We want to show the normalness of<br />
being active during pregnancy,” explains Kate Dale,<br />
Sport England’s head of brand and digital strategy.<br />
What women want<br />
Research ahead of the campaign relaunch found<br />
80% of pregnant women would like to be more<br />
active. However, 13% had been questioned or<br />
received negative comments for doing exercise, and<br />
34% confessed they were worried that being active<br />
could harm their baby.<br />
Pip Black and Joan Murphy, co-founders of ‘fitness<br />
destination’ Frame, have just launched a new<br />
online platform for their ‘Mumhood’ classes, which<br />
feature yoga, Pilates and barre classes for different<br />
pre and post-natal stages (www.mum-hood.com).
53<br />
“Mumhood was born out of the fact that when Joan,<br />
and then I, became pregnant for the first time, even<br />
working in the industry, we found it really hard and<br />
at times very confusing to find information about<br />
exercising during pregnancy that didn’t contradict<br />
itself, or err on the side of caution. As people who<br />
were used to being active and needed to be to keep<br />
us sane, we started to do a lot of research ourselves<br />
into the risks and what type of exercises were<br />
safe, and which also would benefit you in terms<br />
of preventing pregnancy-related aches and pains,<br />
helping with the birth and with post-natal recovery.”<br />
It’s personal<br />
Pregnancy - as with most things - does not affect<br />
every woman in the same way. Sometimes there<br />
are also long-term health concerns that might flareup<br />
or affect somebody’s needs or limits in terms of<br />
physical activity during pregnancy.<br />
The Royal College of Midwives’ official advice is<br />
clear: it is important to keep physically active during<br />
pregnancy - and this is the over-arching message.<br />
But that doesn’t mean heaping a ton of pressure on<br />
pregnant women to make sure they meet some predetermined<br />
fitness target, and neither should those<br />
who are able to be pretty active get criticised.<br />
The guidelines also note that everybody consults<br />
with a healthcare professional for individualised<br />
advice, and also that their activity and fitness levels<br />
before pregnancy be taken into account.<br />
“Every woman brings to pregnancy her own<br />
individual fitness levels, so what might be right for<br />
one person could well be entirely inappropriate<br />
for another,” says Dr Helcke. “The key is to ensure<br />
you’re not throwing new stuff at your body, and that<br />
you’re working at a level that is moderate by ‘your’<br />
standards.”<br />
The Royal College of Midwives’ advice for women<br />
who weren’t regularly active before pregnancy is<br />
to chat with their GP or midwife, and then ideally<br />
aim to begin exercising for 15-minute bouts or less,<br />
three times a week, increasing gradually to daily<br />
30-minute sessions.<br />
“Whilst ‘listening to your body’ may sound a little
54<br />
unscientific, it is absolutely essential when it comes<br />
to keeping exercise safe during pregnancy,” says<br />
Dr Helcke. “Women should be on the lookout for<br />
telltale signs such as feeling more fatigued than<br />
usual and taking longer to recover from a workout.<br />
Never attempt to work through these signs - they’re<br />
our body’s way of telling us to ease off. If this means<br />
working out less intensively, for a shorter period, or<br />
even moving to a more gentle form of fitness, then<br />
so be it.”<br />
9 TOP TIPS<br />
Hugh Hanley, father-of-two and national personal<br />
training manager at Virgin Active (www.virginactive.<br />
co.uk) offers these tips for starters...<br />
• Before you begin, talk to your doctor. They should<br />
be able to give advice specific to you.<br />
• Drink plenty of fluids, before, during and after any<br />
exercise, and avoid overheating. Be sure to always<br />
warm-up and cool down.<br />
• Wear loose fitting clothing, and comfortable nonslip<br />
supportive shoes.<br />
• Keep your heart rate under 140 beats per minute.<br />
• Past the first trimester, avoid exercising flat on<br />
your back - the weight of your uterus reduces the<br />
blood and oxygen flow to your baby.<br />
• During aerobic exercise, you will find you have<br />
less oxygen available, so lower the intensity of<br />
your normal routine.<br />
• Your metabolism speeds up during pregnancy, so<br />
remember to eat a well-balanced diet.<br />
• Your body produces a hormone called relaxin<br />
during pregnancy. This hormone softens joints<br />
and ligaments to make the birth process easier, so<br />
be careful not to overextend joints that may result<br />
in injury.<br />
• Do pelvic floor exercises every day and you’ll help<br />
keep your back and spine strong, and alleviate<br />
problems with bladder and bowel control that are<br />
common after childbirth.
55<br />
01257 696 050<br />
E: mark.booker@independentlivinglancashire.co.uk<br />
The leading provider of bespoke private care<br />
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answers your questions.<br />
Mum wants to get out of her home more in <strong>2017</strong>? How<br />
does this work?<br />
ANSWER. Now that we have left February behind I am<br />
noticing it is much lighter earlier in the morning, and it<br />
is staying light beyond 6pm. Having said that it is still<br />
cold and damp! Given that the weather is getting better<br />
we are finding more of our customers want to go out.<br />
Many of our customers have given up driving now that<br />
they are in their 70s or 80s but still want to go out in the<br />
better weather.<br />
Favourite places to visit include: Botany Bay, Heskin Hall,<br />
Cedar Farm, Rivington, Derby House, Birkacre, Golden<br />
Days or supermarket shopping. Our customers have<br />
practical appointments, hospital outpatients can be<br />
difficult on your own because it hard to get around the<br />
site and uncertain how long it will take – our staff can<br />
help. Other appointments include: hairdresser, doctors,<br />
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All our staff have insured vehicles, and if necessary we<br />
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56<br />
Financial Planning<br />
Avoiding<br />
Investment<br />
Mistakes<br />
Do you manage your own investments<br />
and have you been happy with their<br />
performance? Whilst investors have endured<br />
a rather lively 12 months fundamentals have<br />
remained unchanged. There are a number of<br />
common errors that investors make and therefore<br />
I thought it useful to familiarise readers with just a<br />
few of them.<br />
Time Horizons<br />
How long do you think you will live?<br />
With medical treatment becoming far more<br />
effective, most people are now living far longer<br />
than they imagine they will. Clearly the danger<br />
is that funds will be prematurely depleted so it is<br />
important to have a sound financial strategy that<br />
will provide income needs until the end of your life.<br />
Investment Objectives and Portfolio Strategy<br />
Aligning your objectives with your portfolio strategy<br />
is critical to determining your long term investment<br />
success. Generally, the longer the investment time<br />
horizon, the more risk one is able to take on. Those<br />
who are in it for the short term should not overly<br />
expose themselves to risk because a short term<br />
period of volatility can put their entire financial<br />
future in jeopardy.<br />
by David K Barton<br />
APFS Cert CII(MP),<br />
Chartered Financial Planner<br />
and Managing Director<br />
Overlooking Unintended Risk Factors<br />
Managing a diversified portfolio of assets can be<br />
fraught with hidden risks. Factors such as sector,<br />
country and currency all play a role in a sensibly<br />
diversified portfolio. Quite often two different<br />
securities that “on the face of it” appear different,<br />
can have similar correlation and consequently<br />
market factors such as interest rate movements or<br />
commodity price changes can affect both holdings<br />
in the same way. Too high a concentration of any<br />
of these can expose your assets to risks you never<br />
intended<br />
Ignoring Global Markets<br />
As a result of globalisation there are a significant<br />
number of investment opportunities out there. If<br />
you suffer from a home country bias, the returns<br />
are still in part linked to the overall economic<br />
performance and political climate of the home<br />
country. Geographical diversification is a key part to<br />
building a well constructed portfolio that will grow<br />
your assets.<br />
Over Confidence<br />
It is only natural to experience emotional<br />
fluctuations as you watch the ups and downs of<br />
the market each day. This can cloud judgement<br />
and hamper the ability to make rational decisions.<br />
That is why it is vital to create an environment that<br />
is detached from emotion, one that relies on data<br />
and impartial analysis to make the right decisions.<br />
Have you made any of these mistakes?<br />
It is very difficult to avoid all of the investment<br />
pitfalls. Many investors simply do not have the<br />
time or resource to process the vast amount of<br />
data available and then to apply it to their personal<br />
investment requirement.<br />
If you need help please do not hesitate to give us<br />
a call.<br />
The value of investment and the income from them<br />
can fluctuate which may result in clients receiving<br />
less than initially invested. Past performance should<br />
not be seen as an indication to future returns
57<br />
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58<br />
Less dough prompts bakery move<br />
Hovis is set to move out of their<br />
Cale Lane depot - with the plant<br />
being cleared for a new housing<br />
development.<br />
Crumpet production is due to cease at the site this<br />
month. Bosses say that, by summer, all 100 jobs will<br />
be switched to the company’s Golborne depot.<br />
A planning application has now been submitted for<br />
outline permission for up 149 homes.<br />
Hovis cited discount stores as being part of the<br />
reason for the move. In a statement to <strong>Wigan</strong><br />
Council planners, the company said: “Overall, bread<br />
demand has continued to decline year on year over<br />
the past five years, but production capacity has<br />
not adjusted with the fall in demand leading to<br />
increasing excess supply.<br />
“Retailers are fighting for share as the discounters<br />
grow in the market, and are using the price of<br />
household staples like bread to signal value<br />
to shoppers. Excess capacity coupled with<br />
retail deflation has led to a highly competitive<br />
environment where retailers look to buy for less and<br />
manufacturers compete to fill bakeries.<br />
“For Hovis, the impact of changes in the bread<br />
market over the past five years has resulted in<br />
a loss of business where Hovis has been unable<br />
to compete on cost price. It has also resulted in a<br />
margin reduction on remaining business where<br />
Hovis has had to invest<br />
to protect the business<br />
it has retained.<br />
“Notably, the current<br />
position is not unique<br />
to Hovis’ Cale Lane site.<br />
The business has had to vacate and/or dispose of<br />
14 separate bakery or milling sites in the UK over<br />
the course of the last nine years.”<br />
“The cost to refurbish/reconfigure the units would<br />
be highly prohibitive. A report demonstrates the<br />
cost for a short term refurbishment to bring the<br />
premises to a good standard, would be in excess of<br />
£4m, while the cost for a full refurbishment would<br />
be in the region of £9m.”
59<br />
Business fair a racing cert<br />
<strong>Local</strong> businesses are under starters’<br />
orders to attend a business fair.<br />
It is being held at Haydock Park Racecourse, just<br />
outside Ashton-in-Makerfield, on Thursday, 27<br />
<strong>April</strong>. The event, organised by St Helens Chamber,<br />
runs from 10.30am-3pm, and is set to see 100<br />
companies exhibiting. Throughout the course of<br />
the day a programme of free business seminars will<br />
take place.<br />
Tracy Mawson, deputy chief executive of St Helens<br />
Chamber, said: “The fair is an excellent opportunity<br />
for businesses to meet with potential buyers and<br />
suppliers from across the borough and beyond. Last<br />
year’s event saw more than 450 people through the<br />
door on the day and with an even more accessible<br />
venue, we are hoping to top that this year.”<br />
Admission to the event and all of the activities is<br />
free. For companies wishing to exhibit, it is £99 plus<br />
VAT for St Helens Chamber Members and £149 plus<br />
VAT for non-members. For more information or to<br />
book a free place visit ww.sthelenschamber.com/<br />
businessfair<br />
For more information on exhibiting, contact Rachel<br />
Wellens on 01744 742028 or email Rachel.wellens@<br />
sthelenschamber.com<br />
Get a piece of the action<br />
The next Action for Business <strong>Wigan</strong> event takes<br />
place on Tuesday, <strong>April</strong> 25, at the DW Stadium, Loire<br />
Drive. Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce<br />
members can attend A4B events free of charge with<br />
additional places available at £10 plus VAT. Nonmembers<br />
are also welcome to attend for £15 plus<br />
VAT. For more details, email events@gmchamber.<br />
co.uk or call 0161 393 4343.<br />
Hair-raising warning<br />
<strong>Wigan</strong> hairdressers are being warned of a crackdown<br />
by TV Licensing officials. They are looking for salons<br />
which have TV or use BBC iPlayer but haven’t paid. A<br />
spokesman said: “Cutting corners, rather than hair,<br />
could land the owner in court and a £1,000 fine.<br />
Free, no obligation discussion<br />
for all your bookkeeping needs<br />
Contact Petra on<br />
Telephone<br />
Mobile
60<br />
Business View<br />
Making tax digital<br />
Welcome to the latest article from CMA.<br />
We provide dynamic, value for money<br />
accountancy services and work alongside business<br />
owners to implement cloud based solutions that<br />
enable them to work efficiently and achieve their<br />
personal and business goals.<br />
What is Making Tax Digital (MTD)?<br />
This is a government initiative that sets out a vision<br />
for ‘a transformed tax system and the end of the tax<br />
return’ by 2020.<br />
Following a period of consultations, there are plans<br />
to go ahead with an <strong>April</strong> 2018 launch for quarterly<br />
reporting for sole traders and buy-to-let landlords<br />
with a turnover above the VAT threshold.<br />
The current plans, in brief, are:<br />
• The smallest businesses will be exempt from MTD.<br />
Following the review the government has agreed<br />
to set the threshold at £10,000.<br />
• Taxpayers will send in summaries of their income<br />
and expenditure at least four times per year.<br />
Three line accounts will be supported for those<br />
sole traders who want to report the minimum<br />
information. You will have an opportunity to adjust<br />
these records up to 10 months after your year end.<br />
• Businesses will be able to use spreadsheets for<br />
record keeping but may need to combine these<br />
with some other software to submit the data. We<br />
recommended using online accounting software.<br />
• The government have indicated that there will be<br />
a soft landing period of 12 months for penalties for<br />
those businesses that don’t comply.<br />
A pilot of roll-out starts in <strong>April</strong> <strong>2017</strong> and these<br />
changes quickly follow;<br />
by Chris Alcock - CMA Accountancy<br />
• <strong>April</strong> 2018 – Self employed sole traders, and<br />
landlords with a turnover above the VAT threshold<br />
start updating quarterly information. This means<br />
from July 2018 they will have a obligation to<br />
file new reports to HMRC.<br />
• <strong>April</strong> 2019 – VAT registered businesses start<br />
updating HMRC quarterly for through their<br />
accounting software. Also MTD starts for VAT<br />
figures and returns.<br />
• <strong>April</strong> 2020 – Companies report their income and<br />
expenditure through digital tax accounts.<br />
The government have indicated that free software<br />
will be available to businesses with the most<br />
straightforward affairs. The details for this have not yet<br />
been released and we will provide more information<br />
in our next articles.<br />
Clearly there are major changes ahead for all sole<br />
traders and companies. It is important to start<br />
planning for these changes now as they will soon<br />
be upon us.<br />
CMA are developing our cloud based accountancy<br />
packages to enable our clients to be fully prepared<br />
for these changes. We are offering a free consultation<br />
for any sole trader business, landlord or company<br />
that would like to speak to us about these changes.<br />
Alternatively drop by the office on Skull House Lane in<br />
Appley Bridge and we can discuss these further over a<br />
coffee. There will be no charge for the initial meeting.<br />
Talk to us about your business today:<br />
01257 255521<br />
info@cma-accountancy.com<br />
www.cma-accountancy.com<br />
39 Skull House Lane, Appley Bridge, WN6 9DR
61<br />
Free Consultation<br />
Did you know that, in just<br />
12 months, the annual tax<br />
return will disappear and<br />
most businesses will have to<br />
file their return online every<br />
quarter?<br />
CMA Accountancy<br />
has helped many local<br />
companies digitise their<br />
accounts systems.<br />
Can we help<br />
your company?<br />
Plan now for the 2018<br />
changeover and call us<br />
for a FREE consultation.<br />
Call CMA Accountancy today<br />
www.cma-accountancy.com<br />
info@cma-accountancy.com<br />
Skull House Lane, Appley Bridge. 01257 255521
62<br />
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63<br />
Frank’s photographic<br />
memories<br />
David Sudworth talks to the Shevington photographer<br />
who witnessed some of <strong>Wigan</strong>’s most historic events<br />
H<br />
e was pitchside when <strong>Wigan</strong> made<br />
Wembley their second home in the 1980s.<br />
He captured the day Princess Diana came to town.<br />
But for Frank Orrell, one of his toughest assignments<br />
came when we had to illustrate a green phone box<br />
armed with just a black and white camera.<br />
“It was 1973 and in the days before colour<br />
newspapers. The phone box was green and, at the<br />
time, they were normally red. So the editor wanted<br />
a photo because it was unusual. I was on the way<br />
to the job in Billinge with a reporter thinking: ‘How<br />
the hell am I going to do this?’ Eventually I got two<br />
locals to pose with a watering can and spade next<br />
to it, as if it was a living, green plant!”<br />
Frank, who worked as a local press photographer<br />
for almost 40 years before retiring in 2009, has now<br />
published a book with some of his most famous<br />
snaps from the 1970s.<br />
Unbeknown to the ex- St Marie’s Primary pupil at<br />
the time, he was chronicling the changing face of
64<br />
School children walking up Scot Lane, Aspull, on June 21, 1972<br />
<strong>Wigan</strong>. The book is awash with scenes which have<br />
long-since disappeared. And there’s plenty of<br />
faces in the pictures to make it a must-read for any<br />
<strong>Wigan</strong>er.<br />
Frank, 68, was born at 84 Shevington Lane to his<br />
Irish-born mother Foila, who died of TB when he<br />
was just four, and father Jim, a joiner.<br />
“My grandmother, Annie, moved in and brought us<br />
up. I’ve got a sister Kathleen, who lives in Standish,<br />
and a half sister, Ann, who lives in Billinge.”<br />
Grandfather-of-two Frank’s journey into<br />
photography was a little unconventional: “I went to<br />
Blessed St John Rigby School but I didn’t enjoy it.<br />
Shops on the right hand side of Wallgate just before being demolished in October 1979
65<br />
“I left in 1965 with little ambition so went to<br />
the Labour Exchange in Orrell. They sent me to<br />
Bradley’s Menswear Shop in Market Street where<br />
the manager was actually called Mr <strong>Wigan</strong>.<br />
“I was never much good at selling socks, underpants<br />
and cardigans but my dad was a keen amateur<br />
photographer. He suggested I write to the papers<br />
to see if they had any vacancies. They didn’t but said<br />
they’d keep my details on file.<br />
“A couple of years later, a vacancy came up in the<br />
dark room - where the pictures were processed - so<br />
I left. I was based at Brock Mill at Leyland Mill Lane<br />
and got £8 and three shillings a week.”<br />
From the dark room, Frank progressed and, in the<br />
early 1970s, became a full-fledged lensman.<br />
The Castellii family from Gunnells Fold Farm,<br />
Arbour Lane, Standish, in 1974<br />
“I left the film on the<br />
pitch at Wembley”<br />
Of all his assignments, he preferred sports: “I liked<br />
the spontaneity of it. However, you’d get drenched<br />
at Springfield Park. On one occasion, I was so wet<br />
that my camera started taking pictures by itself as it<br />
was short-circuiting!<br />
“I remember the 1985 Challenge Cup final well<br />
because at that time we were starting to experiment<br />
with using colour photos. So at half time, I changed<br />
the rolls of film and put them on the turf beside<br />
me. It was only when I got back to <strong>Wigan</strong> I realised<br />
that those rolls, which included the two tries from<br />
Aussie winger John Ferguson, were still on the pitch<br />
at Wembley.”<br />
Before this latest book - Just One More: Early Days<br />
and 1970s - he’d already published a book of <strong>Wigan</strong><br />
Rugby and Latics photographs.<br />
And he’s planning to release some more general<br />
picture books covering the 1980s, the 1990s and<br />
the 2000s soon.<br />
“I’ve really enjoyed looking at the old photos, they<br />
bring back some great memories. These photos<br />
were stored away for years in the archives at Leigh<br />
Library, so it’s been a long process of sorting them<br />
out.<br />
Molly Dandy in her sweet shop on Broad O’Th<br />
Lane, Shevington, in <strong>April</strong> 1972<br />
Steve Austin, from Standish, who shared his name<br />
with TV character The Six Million Dollar Man
66<br />
“<strong>Wigan</strong> has changed a lot over the past 40-50 years.<br />
At the time, I didn’t realise I was taking photos<br />
which would have any historical relevance - I was<br />
just doing a job.<br />
“These days, I really only take photos of my<br />
grandchildren, Joseph, 10, and Lucy, who is seven.<br />
“But the 42 years I spent doing photos were<br />
enjoyable, and I was lucky to have seen things of<br />
local and national importance.<br />
“But more than anything, it was the interaction with<br />
local people that was the most enjoyable part. Even<br />
when they shouted at me ‘Keep yer bloody ‘ead<br />
down - we’ve paid fot come in’ at a rugby or football<br />
match, it was all good fun.”<br />
Just One More time is priced £15.99 and available<br />
from Ryding’s News Stall on <strong>Wigan</strong> Market, the<br />
Museum of <strong>Wigan</strong> <strong>Life</strong>, Pemberton Flowers on<br />
Ormskirk Road and the Pyshio and Foot Surgery,<br />
Broad O’Th’ Lane, Shevington. Alternatively order<br />
online at www.michaelorrellphotography.uk/<br />
photos/just-one-more/<br />
Competition Time<br />
We have three copies of Just One More to give away. To be in with a chance of<br />
grabbing a copy, just answer the following question:<br />
What primary school did Frank attend?<br />
Log on to www.locallife247.co.uk/free-stuff/competitions/<br />
Enter your answer, your details and click on ‘Enter’.<br />
Closing date <strong>April</strong> 30, <strong>2017</strong><br />
James Marsden pictured sitting on a mounting stone at the junction of Robin Hood Lane and High Moor Lane,<br />
Wrightington, in January 1976. <strong>Local</strong>s were furious when a similar, 200 year old stone was thrown away by<br />
workmen during the widening of Moss Road. The stones, which were found at one mile intervals, were laid by<br />
the Gerard family when they lived at Wrightington Hall.
67
68<br />
Food & Drink<br />
Doing France<br />
By Kate Whitin<br />
Saturday mornings couldn’t be more different<br />
for James Martin, now he’s longer getting up<br />
at 5am to host Saturday Kitchen.<br />
“For 10 years, I was waking up thinking about<br />
scripts and who’s on the show; now I get up in the<br />
morning and I just want to go for a pee,” the bubbly<br />
Yorkshireman confides with a chuckle.<br />
“I’m getting older! I get excited about going to the<br />
osteopath because my back’s killing me - I walk my<br />
dog now on a Saturday morning. I miss the buzz,<br />
but then 10 years is a long time.”<br />
When it was announced last year that Martin, 44,<br />
was stepping down as the face of the popular BBC<br />
cookery show, there was a national outpouring of<br />
emotion, which took him by surprise.<br />
“When it was compared to One Direction splitting<br />
up, that was a bit excessive, but you don’t realise,”<br />
he says. “People around me said, ‘You’re going to<br />
be missed’, and I went, ‘Oh, I doubt it’. All I saw was<br />
seven cameramen, I never saw three million people.<br />
It’s very humbling, but what can you say? It’s just a<br />
food show.”<br />
Those who’ve been missing Martin’s cheekychappie<br />
persona have no doubt been watching him<br />
cook his way around France, in new ITV series James<br />
Martin’s French Adventure.<br />
Over the course of 20-episodes, he’s visiting foodie<br />
regions from Provence to Brittany and paying<br />
tribute to his late friend - and “still the best” TV cook<br />
- Keith Floyd, who made his home in L’Isle sur la<br />
Sorgue, and in whose old Citroen 2CV Martin drives<br />
around the country.<br />
“He was one of the first ones, where he took that<br />
bench away. Before that, it was almost like a school<br />
lecture,” Martin recalls of Floyd’s pioneering role in<br />
TV cooking. “He never pretended to be a famous<br />
chef, he was an amazing foodie, with a vast<br />
knowledge and he was brilliant with people.<br />
“[Watching Floyd], you never knew what would<br />
happen, it was edge-of-the-seat stuff, where the<br />
irate woman in Marseilles is kicking off about the<br />
omelette, or he gets p***ed off and downs tools. He<br />
made food fun and accessible.”<br />
The same could be said for Martin, who grew up<br />
on a farm on the Castle Howard estate in North<br />
Yorkshire, and first fell in love with France on family<br />
holidays. At just 12 years old, he started training<br />
in the kitchen at the Hostellerie de Plaisance in St
69<br />
Emilion - and makes an emotional return in the<br />
series.<br />
He also called up old friend and mentor Michel<br />
Roux Sr, and spent “one of the most memorable<br />
days of my life” cooking in his garden near St Tropez.<br />
“The weather was beautiful, we cooked [quail<br />
with sausages and confit tomatoes] outside on a<br />
barbecue on his terrace, I went swimming in his<br />
pool and beat him at petanque! Now he doesn’t<br />
want to speak to me any more,” he says, chuckling<br />
again.<br />
lunch, easy.<br />
Let the chef inspire you, with two classic French<br />
recipes from his new book...<br />
Tel: 01942 386 140<br />
4, Orrell Road<br />
Pemberton,<br />
<strong>Wigan</strong><br />
WN5 8HD<br />
The book that accompanies the series is bursting<br />
with French classics - you’ll find French onion soup,<br />
moules mariniere, steak au poivre and, of course,<br />
creme brulee and pain au chocolat, which Martin<br />
admits he once had an unhealthy addiction to.<br />
“When I was pastry chef at Chewton Glen [the fivestar<br />
hotel in Hampshire, where he’s set to open<br />
a new cookery school and eatery in the spring], I<br />
could eat about two dozen pain au chocolat before<br />
James Martin’s French Adventure<br />
by James Martin, photography<br />
by Peter Cassidy, is published by<br />
Quadrille, priced £20.<br />
Traditional Italian homemade cuisine.<br />
Enjoy the friendly warm atmosphere, where<br />
you can relax or celebrate any occasion with<br />
our outstanding wine and food.<br />
See our website for more information.<br />
divino-italian.co.uk<br />
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E: info@thestockstavern.co.uk<br />
OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK - FOOD SERVED DAILY / MON - THurs 12 - 2PM THEN 5PM - 9PM, Fri & saT 12 - 9PM, suN 12 - 8PM
70<br />
Baked eggs with bayonne<br />
ham & parsley cream<br />
Serves 4<br />
Ingredients<br />
40g butter, softened<br />
4-8 slices Bayonne ham<br />
8 eggs<br />
2tbsp chopped flat-leaf parsley<br />
100ml double cream<br />
Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper<br />
Crusty French bread, to serve<br />
Method<br />
Preheat the oven to 150C/300F/gas mark 2.<br />
Generously butter four individual ovenproof dishes<br />
or ramekins and place on a baking tray. Divide the<br />
ham slices between the dishes, laying them over<br />
the base and up the sides. Crack two eggs into each<br />
dish and then top with some of the parsley and the<br />
cream. Season with salt and pepper and bake for<br />
12-15 minutes until the eggs are just set.<br />
Scatter over a little more parsley and serve warm,<br />
with crusty French bread.
71<br />
The Boathouse Pub & Kitchen is a modern, relaxed pub restaurant based in Appley<br />
Bridge, overlooking the Leeds/Liverpool Canal.<br />
Our seasonal menus are all freshly prepared with ingredients sourced from local<br />
suppliers, matched with a great selection of fine wines, speciality craft beers and cask ales,<br />
it offers the perfect location for any occasion!<br />
Midweek Market Menu Soup, Sandwich &<br />
2 courses from<br />
Hand Cut chips<br />
£15.95 lunch Only £9.95<br />
Sunday Lunch<br />
Treat the family to our fabulous<br />
Sunday lunch from £12.95<br />
TuesdAy - FridAy<br />
unTiL 7.30pm<br />
TuesdAy-FridAy<br />
LunChTimes OnLy<br />
every sundAy<br />
Chippy Tea<br />
Fish & Chips £8.95<br />
Bottle of Fizz £15<br />
Steak Night<br />
£35 Chateaubriand &<br />
£13 Bottle house wine<br />
FridAys unTiL 7pm<br />
every TuesdAy<br />
mill Lane | Appley Bridge | Lancashire | Wn6 9dA<br />
Tel: 01257 252456<br />
www.appleybridgeboathouse.com
72<br />
Boeuf Bourguignon<br />
Serves 6<br />
Ingredients<br />
1kg shin of beef, cut into 5cm cubes<br />
2tbsp plain flour<br />
2tbsp olive oil<br />
150g pancetta, cut into small chunks<br />
1 shallot, finely chopped<br />
2 onions, sliced<br />
1 garlic clove, crushed<br />
75ml brandy<br />
750ml Burgundy red wine<br />
500ml beef stock<br />
1 bouquet garni - 2 bay leaves, 2 sprigs of<br />
thyme, 2 sprigs of flat-leaf parsley, tied with<br />
string<br />
25g butter<br />
110g baby onions, peeled but left whole<br />
200g chestnut mushrooms<br />
Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper<br />
Method<br />
Toss the beef with the flour and some salt and pepper.<br />
Place a large saute pan or flameproof casserole over<br />
medium heat, add half the olive oil and the pancetta and<br />
fry for one to two minutes until golden brown. Add the<br />
beef and fry until browned on all sides.<br />
Add the shallot, onions and garlic and fry until just<br />
softened.<br />
Add the brandy and gently shake the pan - this will ignite<br />
the brandy and burn the alcohol. When the flame dies<br />
down, pour in the red wine and beef stock and bring to<br />
a simmer. Add the bouquet garni, then cover and cook<br />
over very low heat for two hours or until the beef is<br />
tender and the sauce has thickened.<br />
Heat a frying pan until hot, add the butter and the<br />
remaining oil and fry the baby onions until just<br />
golden. Add to the casserole, along with the chestnut<br />
mushrooms, and cook for a further 20 minutes.<br />
Check the seasoning before serving.
73<br />
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tribute entertainment and resident DJ.<br />
Arrival 7pm till 12.30<br />
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the ultimate Soul & Motown performance<br />
Package stay over deal for two<br />
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74<br />
Cuerden is one of those words which, the<br />
longer you look at it, the stranger it seems.<br />
Theories are mixed as to its etymology. Some say it’s<br />
from the Welsh for ‘rowan’ (cerdinen). Others think it<br />
could be an Anglicisation of coeur de lion (French<br />
for lionheart).<br />
Also, is it ‘kew-er-den’ or ‘curden’? What a palaver<br />
- I’m sure the locals take great pleasure in hearing<br />
visitors mangle its pronunciation!<br />
Anyhow, regardless of these minor matters,<br />
Cuerden is a lovely spot to spend the afternoon.<br />
Its country park - all 650 acres - is owned by a Trust<br />
and was bought to create a park for the New Town<br />
developments in Chorley, Preston and Longridge.<br />
Cuerden<br />
by David Sudworth<br />
Although bisected by no fewer than three<br />
motorways - M6, M65 and M61 - the noise from<br />
these tend to melt into the background fairly<br />
quickly.<br />
We head off from the car park at The Barn, Berkeley<br />
Drive, Bamber Bridge, (PR5 6BY) and follow the path<br />
down into the park.<br />
As we approach the first gate we turn left, taking<br />
the path towards Cuerden Hall. This fine building,<br />
which dates back to 1717, is now a Sue Ryder home.<br />
In World War I, it was used as a hospital and during<br />
the 1939-1945 conflict, it was used by the Territorial<br />
Army.<br />
sponsored by<br />
Passing the front of the hall we head out along the
75<br />
driveway until we reach a small path on our right.<br />
This takes you onto the Cinder Path - a walled<br />
walkway which is actually a bit surreal. The walls<br />
are fairly high on both sides and, at one point, I<br />
was convinced we’d stepped into a drained moat.<br />
Follow the Cinder Path until it emerges on to<br />
National Cycle Route 55. Here we go right, heading<br />
back into the park and down to the river. If you have<br />
wellies on, it’s a great chance to test them out for<br />
watertightness as there’s a ford crossing the river.<br />
Be aware though - the current is strong and anyone<br />
who is of a nervous disposition would do well to<br />
give it a miss!<br />
this point cross the road and head right until you<br />
reach the first road on your left.<br />
This is Glenmore, which you turn into and follow for<br />
a while until you reach the gated path on your left.<br />
Go through the gate and follow this path, keeping<br />
to the left where the path splits. From here you<br />
After confirming that my wellies (a tenner from a<br />
well-known supermarket) were free of any water<br />
ingress, we crossed the footbridge and headed up<br />
the path through the trees. We passed the pond on<br />
our left and climbed up through the field.<br />
I am known in the office for my loathing of anything<br />
steeper than a mole hill, so this proved a bit testing,<br />
although I persevered. I can hear the praise from my<br />
GP now.<br />
Going through the gate we keep to our right and<br />
follow the path. Before you know it you are walking<br />
along a lane which emerges on Sheep Hill Lane. At
M6<br />
76<br />
NCR 55<br />
Clayton Brook<br />
A6<br />
Clayton<br />
Brook<br />
Cinder path<br />
FB<br />
Cuerden Hall<br />
Berkeley Drive<br />
Postcode<br />
PR5 6BY<br />
P<br />
FB<br />
FB<br />
Nell Lane<br />
Shady Lane<br />
Stepping<br />
Stones<br />
Cam Lane<br />
ASDA<br />
Superstore<br />
Clayton Green Road<br />
Clayton<br />
Green<br />
Town Brow<br />
P<br />
NCR 55<br />
River Lostock<br />
Sheep Hill Lane<br />
Back Lane<br />
FB<br />
Ley Arms Inn<br />
NCR 55<br />
Lancaster Lane<br />
Please ensure you wear appropriate<br />
clothing and footwear while<br />
walking. While every care has been<br />
taken to ensure that the walk is<br />
accurate, neither the publisher or<br />
its editorial contributors can accept,<br />
and hereby disclaim, any liability to<br />
any party to loss or damage caused<br />
by errors or omissions resulting from<br />
negligence, accident or other cause.<br />
FB<br />
FB<br />
Site of Lower Kem Mill
77<br />
continue down the hill, round to your left, over a<br />
footbridge and up the hill.<br />
Here you go right, taking the path out onto Back<br />
Lane. Cross the road and go left until you reach<br />
the public foot path by the side of the farm track.<br />
Follow this path, keeping to the left where it splits<br />
and crossing Wood End Road. The path continues to<br />
wind its way along to another split, where this time<br />
you go right, through the woods and out around<br />
the fields, down towards the river.<br />
Crossing the foot bridge you emerge at the site<br />
of Lower Kem Mill. From here you go right along<br />
National Cycle Route 55, following it back up the<br />
valley. Where the path meets the main road you<br />
cross over, go right, over the bridge, and left into<br />
the park again. Continue along NCR 55 until you<br />
reach a path on your left. Take this path over the<br />
bridge, up the hill and back to the car park.<br />
In total, this five mile walk is a pleasant way to pass<br />
the afternoon. There’s a good mixture of history and<br />
rural/semi rural scenery. My only gripe, as alluded to<br />
at the beginning, is that Cuerden should be easier to<br />
pronounce for us non-locals. But when set against<br />
such lovely scenery, I admit it’s a small price to pay...<br />
Cinder Path<br />
A straight line with walls at either side, the Cinder<br />
Path immediately sets enquiring minds racing.<br />
Apparently, the story of the path can be traced<br />
back to December 1816 when 21-year-old Robert<br />
Townley-Parke took possession of Cuerden Hall.<br />
<strong>Local</strong> historians say the Cinder Path was a local<br />
right of way, and could even been part of a Roman<br />
road. Townley-Parke is said to have tried in vain to<br />
close the path so he built a high stone wall along<br />
its length so that people using the path could not<br />
see into his property. Where the path crossed his<br />
driveway, he built a tunnel which is now a bat roost.<br />
The Townley-Parkers were very private and<br />
apparently employed several gamekeepers.<br />
Trespassers and poachers were vigorously<br />
prosecuted. One local legend has it that a man,<br />
who visiting someone in Bamber Bridge one<br />
evening, was using the path as a short cut when he<br />
came across a couple of poachers who, thinking the<br />
man was a gamekeeper, savagely beat him to death<br />
in the tunnel.<br />
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78<br />
Take a seat, or two<br />
by Angie Barker<br />
Award Winner<br />
One of my top garden design principles is<br />
always to include more than one seating<br />
area in a garden. We have a tendency in this<br />
country to sit near the back door of the house<br />
which is fine but it severely limits the possibilities<br />
of engaging with our gardens and using them to<br />
their full potential. Having more than one seating<br />
area gives you a different view of the garden and<br />
also means you can make the most of sitting in the<br />
sun as it moves around your plot.<br />
Whenever possible I include some planting around<br />
a seating area whether this be a border or a raised<br />
bed. If you have a raised bed you can incorporate<br />
impromptu seating or a bespoke built in bench to<br />
give extra seating when entertaining family and<br />
friends.<br />
When you have decided on where you want your<br />
seating area, try and find furniture that can stay<br />
outside all year round. There is nothing quite as<br />
depressing as seeing a patio in winter, bare of<br />
furniture because it has been stacked away in an<br />
already burgeoning shed.<br />
If you have a small garden, you can still have more<br />
than one seating area, even if it is just a bench or<br />
Arbour seat in the corner of the garden. It will<br />
encourage you to venture out into the garden and<br />
beyond the patio near the back door. You will be<br />
amazed at how different your garden looks from a<br />
different angle and it can become a retreat, a little<br />
hideaway – see the arbour seat in the photo taken<br />
from my garden.<br />
So now that spring has most definitely sprung,<br />
revisit your seating areas and add an extra one.<br />
I recently bought a new garden chair from John<br />
Lewis and Hubby was not at all impressed when<br />
I told him it cost £125. (Well it is very swanky). On<br />
unpacking the delivery to my surprise, the chair<br />
came as a pair so I’d actually bought two chairs for<br />
£125. Fantastic value I thought and Hubby - well he<br />
is now a very happy man. He just loves a BOGOF!<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
79<br />
• •<br />
Tel: 01695 721877 Mobile: 07951 764202<br />
The Barn, 286 Ormskirk Road, Upholland<br />
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All fencing work undertaken<br />
Patios & Driveways<br />
Call David for a<br />
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07747 725999 01942 832747<br />
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01257 425 958<br />
Garden need a little<br />
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Wood chipping & stump grinder services<br />
Call Lloyd today for a free estimate<br />
01942 367170 / 07900 738637<br />
Cricket St, <strong>Wigan</strong>, WN6 7TP<br />
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Qualified Tree Surgeon NCA RFS NPTC<br />
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Felling, Reducing, Pruning, Shaping<br />
NO JOB TOO LARGE OR TOO SMALL<br />
Call us today for a free, no obligation, quote;<br />
AL: 07796 494 463<br />
JOHN: 07879 024 070<br />
OFFICE: 01942 396 831<br />
SMN<br />
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Day: 07970 521 692 Eve: 01942 214 121<br />
www.smntrees.co.uk steve@smntrees.co.uk
80<br />
Garden maintenance ~ General tidy ups<br />
Hedge cutting ~ Pressure washing ~ Fencing<br />
Call - 01942 225711 or 07773 296880<br />
Semmens<br />
Landscapes<br />
Garden Design • Landscaping • Maintenance<br />
Professional & reliable service<br />
For a free quote, call Andy on<br />
M: 07814 133 690 T: 01942 588 628<br />
Need help with your garden?<br />
We offer a regular garden maintenance service<br />
Landscaping, flagging, fencing, tree work, pruning,<br />
turfing and decking work also completed.<br />
Friendly and reliable service<br />
Call Mick now for details<br />
01942 700377 or 07982 928816<br />
Oak Tree Maintenance<br />
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Landscaping Services<br />
No job too small - Friendly & reliable service<br />
Call Paul on 07736 396374<br />
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FIRST NAME<br />
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MAIN<br />
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WIGGLE WORDS: IN A ROUND ABOUT WAY<br />
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81<br />
Wilson Brothers<br />
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Colin 07958 302 166<br />
Brian 07760 160 988<br />
Garden Landscaping<br />
(lawn laying, planting, fencing)<br />
Call today for a<br />
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Garden Maintenance<br />
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Give your garden a makeover!<br />
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Call Glyn for a free quote
82<br />
Test Drive<br />
Toyota C-HR<br />
Toyota aims to bring something fresh to the<br />
growing compact Crossover segment with<br />
its C-HR. Here, concept car looks are matched<br />
to proven mechanicals that include a hybrid<br />
powerplant. If you’re thinking of buying something<br />
Qashqai-sized in this class or one of the trendier<br />
compact models, then this fashionable contender<br />
could be exactly what you’re looking for.<br />
What if you want a fashionable little Crossover like<br />
a Nissan Juke? If that’s the case, you may have been<br />
a little put off by the cramped interior and rather<br />
average build quality. So what if another contender<br />
came along that was even trendier, better made,<br />
more efficient and not that much more expensive?<br />
You’d be interested wouldn’t you? Well that’s exactly<br />
what’s being offered here in the form of Toyota’s<br />
C-HR. ‘C-HR’ is supposed to stand for ‘Coupe High-<br />
Rider’ and sure enough, this car has a very coupestyle<br />
look.<br />
The C-HR is being offered with two familiar engines<br />
from Toyota’s Auris hatch. The most affordable<br />
variant gets a 114bhp 1.2-litre turbo petrol engine<br />
and is available with a six-speed manual gearbox or<br />
a CVT automatic - and front or all-wheel drive.<br />
Alternatively, buyers can choose a full hybrid<br />
powertrain with 120bhp, but that’s 2WD-only.<br />
For the C-HR, Toyota has made its hybrid system<br />
lighter and more efficient, and engineered it to<br />
give sharper performance. Detailed design changes<br />
to the 1.8-litre hybrid engine have resulted in 40%<br />
thermal efficiency - a world-beating level for a<br />
petrol unit.<br />
As for handling, well the major issue with taller<br />
Crossovers of this sort related to bodyroll and its<br />
detrimental effect on ride comfort. Huge efforts<br />
have therefore gone into structuring this model’s<br />
TNGA platform and giving it a low centre of gravity
83<br />
so that the car doesn’t pitch about<br />
through the corners. Steering feel has<br />
been emphasised too, something else<br />
that tends to be lacking on this class of<br />
car.<br />
Toyota’s first proper entrant in the<br />
Crossover segment should cause quite<br />
a stir, styled with a combination of a<br />
coupe-like upper body and the powerful<br />
underpinnings of an SUV. This styling<br />
contrasts with the pronounced flaring<br />
of the wheel arches which gives C-HR a<br />
wide and powerful stance. Inside, layered<br />
architecture for the instrument panel<br />
aims to create a warm and welcoming feel<br />
and there’s an 8-inch ‘Toyota Touch 2’ multimedia<br />
system that’s angled slightly towards the driver.<br />
Overall, there’s a high quality feel to the cabin and<br />
decorative parts around the dash are finished in<br />
high-quality piano black and satin silver trim.<br />
A hybrid-powered C-HR can return up to 78.5mpg<br />
on the combined cycle and up to 82g/km of CO2.<br />
The alternative engine is a 1.2-litre petrol turbo unit.<br />
In front-driven form, this manages up to 51.9mpg<br />
on the combined cycle and up to 125g/km of CO2.<br />
Specify the CVT auto gearbox and those figures<br />
fall only slightly to 48.7mpg and 134g/km. Go for<br />
the CVT gearbox and AWD and you’re looking at<br />
45.6mpg and 143g/km.<br />
We can see a ready market for this C-HR. We<br />
think the styling will attract many, but there are<br />
other product strong points too. Proven hybrid<br />
technology brings the potential for impressive<br />
efficiency and we rate the more conventional<br />
1.2-litre petrol engine too. Plus C-HR buyers will<br />
like the sharp handling and the strong standards<br />
of safety and media connectivity. Style and sense<br />
combined then? Quite a few buyers in this segment<br />
may well think that.
84<br />
Save £££’s<br />
on repairs, servicing and diagnostics<br />
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Pick Up &<br />
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<strong>Local</strong><strong>Life</strong>
85<br />
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86<br />
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87<br />
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water heating bi l<br />
Protect your household from<br />
future energy price rises<br />
Reduce your household’s<br />
impact on the environment<br />
E<br />
X<br />
H<br />
A<br />
U<br />
S<br />
T<br />
S<br />
Ca l us now<br />
0843 224 9555<br />
07595 420237<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
88<br />
HATE<br />
DECORATING?<br />
We don’t - we enjoy it so<br />
much that we make a living out of it!<br />
We are a husband and wife team,<br />
CRB cleared with references available.<br />
Awarded a Certificate of Excellence<br />
by <strong>Wigan</strong> Council Trading Standards<br />
• City & Guilds Qualified<br />
• Plastering services available<br />
• Competitive Rates<br />
• Fully Insured<br />
• Standish based<br />
Call Alice or Neil on<br />
01257 435412 or 07810 753062<br />
Need a new look<br />
for your home?<br />
Skilled interior and exterior work<br />
undertaken at reasonable prices!<br />
Chris Smith - Painter and Decorator<br />
01942 518126<br />
or 07545 065119<br />
Orrell based business<br />
Award Winner<br />
Exterior & Interior Decorating<br />
Domestic & Commercial work undertaken<br />
Competitive rate<br />
Contact Graham now - free estimate provided<br />
01257 426 234<br />
graham@topcoatdecoratingservices.co.uk<br />
www.topcoatdecoratingservices.co.uk<br />
J&P<br />
MOORCROFT<br />
LTD<br />
Professional Painting and Decorating<br />
• Domestic & Commercial Work<br />
• Interior & Exterior work welcomed<br />
• Old/listed buildings a speciality<br />
Call us today for a free quotation<br />
Home Service available<br />
Choose from 1000s of paint & paper samples<br />
in the comfort of our own home<br />
01942 212096 07831 102 511<br />
www.jpmoorcroft.com<br />
SG<br />
PAINTING & DECORATING<br />
Interior painting & decorating<br />
Specialise in standard wall coverings, extra wide vinyl, lincrusta & coving<br />
Free estimates. References available upon request<br />
07714 363 377 / 01942 749 971<br />
Sefton Road, Orrell, WN5 8UP<br />
Create your Dream<br />
Home today…<br />
Our Master Craftsman Derek and his friendly<br />
team will help you create your dream home.<br />
All aspects of decorating - from simple<br />
painting or wallpapering to complex murals.<br />
50 years wallpapering expertise.<br />
100% satisfaction guaranteed.<br />
Call Derek today for a free consultation & quote<br />
Call 07831 505 672<br />
email franklindecorators@gmail.com<br />
www.wigandecorators.co.uk
89<br />
Ian Martland<br />
Painter & Decorator<br />
Established 1990<br />
• All aspects of Decorating<br />
• Interior & Exterior<br />
• Free Estimates<br />
01695 632 477 | 07748 195 809<br />
Want to promote your<br />
company in <strong>Local</strong> <strong>Life</strong>?<br />
Call Sally: 01695 627 999<br />
locallife247.co.uk<br />
<strong>Local</strong><strong>Life</strong><br />
• Conservatory repairs<br />
• Locks, handles and hinges<br />
• Replacement glass<br />
• Windows and doors installed<br />
• Replacement conservatory roofs<br />
Call MARK now on<br />
01942 737 381 / 0776 315 1720<br />
conservatoryrepairs@gmail.com<br />
www.fixmyconservatory.com
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! Stuart Goulding<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 />
Open Hours: Monday - Friday 7:30am - 5:00pm; Saturday: 9:00am - 12:00 noon<br />
www.dglwindows.co.uk<br />
A5209<br />
Standish<br />
B5250<br />
J27<br />
Shevington<br />
A49<br />
Unit 4a,<br />
off Miry Lane,<br />
<strong>Wigan</strong>.<br />
WN6 7TP<br />
or<br />
90<br />
UPVC CLEANING<br />
• Windows, Fascias, Gutters etc.<br />
CONSERVATORIES<br />
• Exterior & Interior (Cleaning)<br />
• Glass roofs / Orangeries<br />
FREE *<br />
GUTTER<br />
CLEARING<br />
*with any cleaning<br />
or painting package<br />
purchased<br />
Design & Print<br />
Lashes<br />
Spray Tan<br />
Sunbeds<br />
Acrylic & Gel Nails<br />
Natalies @ Studio 84<br />
Upvc Windows & Doors I Conservatories,<br />
Soffits & Fascias I Composite Doors I Bi-Fold Doors<br />
Gel<br />
Nails<br />
normally £20<br />
now £15<br />
84 Rainford Road, Bi linge WN5 7PG<br />
Telephone: 07814 619 400<br />
Open:<br />
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday 10AM - 7PM, Saturday 10AM - 6PM<br />
Closed Thursday & Sunday<br />
Mossy Lea Road<br />
Solar Thermal<br />
& Solar PV<br />
Wind Turbines<br />
Heat Pumps<br />
LED Lighting<br />
...and general<br />
Energy Savings<br />
Don’t forget, we also offer all of these services daily...<br />
T<br />
Y<br />
R<br />
E<br />
S<br />
Book<br />
your FREE<br />
home survey<br />
Telephone: 01257 427 000<br />
and we’ll provide you with a<br />
detailed report showing the<br />
returns available from your<br />
own solar panels<br />
CAR & VAN SERVICING<br />
...and motorcycles too<br />
FREE<br />
Car Health Check<br />
(10% typical return)<br />
Visit our showroom at<br />
Cricket Street Business Park<br />
for all residents of Croston and Bretherton<br />
Keep me until you need me!<br />
Book your FREE Car Health Check<br />
Call now on<br />
TwinLakesMotorEngineers<br />
01772 603923<br />
REPAIR & WELDING<br />
Saving money is<br />
the clear benefit!<br />
Slash your electricity and<br />
water heating bill<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 />
Call us now<br />
0843 224 9555<br />
07595 420237<br />
S<br />
T<br />
S<br />
Email: info@docsolarelectrical.co.uk<br />
Website: www.docsolarelectrical.co.uk<br />
JETWASHING<br />
• Driveways & Patios etc.<br />
ROOF CLEANING<br />
• Moss Removal (No Jet washing/no mess)<br />
• NEW Soft Wash Cleaning<br />
SPECIAL OFFER - 20% OFF<br />
ALL CLEANING PACKAGES<br />
Flyers, postcards, brochures<br />
and distribution service.<br />
For more information call 01695 627 999<br />
<strong>Local</strong><strong>Life</strong><br />
as seen<br />
ON TV<br />
Call Clint for a free no obligation quote.<br />
01942 470 089 / 07834 241 642<br />
www.conservatorycleaningwigan.com<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 />
Want your business to grow?<br />
Advertising packages start from £39 + VAT a month.<br />
For more information call 01695 627 999<br />
<strong>Local</strong><strong>Life</strong>
91<br />
Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning<br />
• traditional service, state of the art results •<br />
Providing professional carpet &<br />
upholstery cleaning since 1993<br />
Carpets Upholstery Curtains<br />
Leather Oriental Rugs Hard Floors<br />
For more information call:<br />
01942 470 081<br />
Visit our website and check out the testimonials.<br />
www.alliancechemdry.co.uk<br />
Domestic cleaning<br />
Oven cleaning<br />
Carpet cleaning<br />
Ironing service<br />
Dry cleaning<br />
put the sparkle back into<br />
your life!<br />
Providing a full range of competitively<br />
priced cleaning options for your home<br />
and business throughout <strong>Wigan</strong>, Chorley<br />
and surrounding areas.<br />
Get in touch today to arrange a<br />
no obligation consultation.<br />
suresparkle<br />
@suresparkle<br />
NEW Service Wash<br />
Clothes & Duvets Washed, Dried & Folded<br />
07739 754 432<br />
01257 464 888<br />
dreamcleanswigan.co.uk<br />
NEW SHOP: 3A The Common, Parbold, WN8 7DA OPEN: Monday to Friday, 9:30am - 5pm<br />
telephone: 07753 392951<br />
web: www.suresparkle.com<br />
email: info@suresparkle.com<br />
<strong>Wigan</strong> Good<br />
Trader Of<br />
The Year<br />
2015<br />
5 star rating with<br />
<strong>Wigan</strong> Trading<br />
Standards Good<br />
Trader Scheme<br />
• Carpets • Rugs<br />
• Fabric & Leather Upholstery<br />
Call today for a free consultation & no obligation quote<br />
Call - 01257 251221<br />
Mobile - 07908 770808<br />
Crease<br />
www.manorhousecleaning.co.uk<br />
Chamberlayne’s<br />
Cleaning Services<br />
Unlimited Hours, Any Area,<br />
Trained, Insured, DBS Checked,<br />
ID Carried & Uniformed Staff<br />
Tel: 0330 133 0451<br />
Part of The Chamberlayne Group.<br />
Free<br />
Ironing Service<br />
Steam Ahead<br />
With More Pressing Issues<br />
• Ironing services<br />
• Free Collection & Delivery<br />
• Reliable Service<br />
• Flexible Hours to Suit<br />
• Excellent Rates<br />
• Free Visit and Consultation<br />
Telephone Gemma today<br />
for a free consultation<br />
07886 422 688<br />
£10 an hour
92<br />
• Repairs & installations<br />
• Maintenance & servicing<br />
• Power flushing<br />
• Mechanical Ventilation<br />
• Gas Safety Checks<br />
Boiler & Central<br />
Heating Experts<br />
For an effective and friendly<br />
service call Haigh Energy<br />
01257 424 166<br />
www.haighenergy.co.uk<br />
Unit S7, Standish Court , Bradley Lane Trading Estate, Standish, WN6 0XQ<br />
Plumbing & Heating Specialist<br />
Complete Bathroom<br />
& Tiling service<br />
John Bailey - 01942 495785<br />
or 07721 040620 & 07710 153238<br />
Based in Kenyon Road, <strong>Wigan</strong><br />
Great Value Bathrooms!<br />
C&<br />
D<br />
Plumbing and Heating<br />
Heating & Bathroom Specialist<br />
Chris Heaton M.I.P.H.E.R.P<br />
07973714222<br />
01695625171<br />
APPLEY BRIDGE HEATING<br />
& PLUMBING<br />
201323<br />
• BOILER replacement<br />
• SERVICE and repair<br />
• FULL system installations<br />
• BATHROOM replacements<br />
• SHOWERS<br />
• TILING and ELECTRICS<br />
Landlord Gas Safety Certificates<br />
Call Dave now for a free quote...<br />
Telephone<br />
07814 639 430<br />
Want to promote your<br />
company in <strong>Local</strong> <strong>Life</strong>?<br />
Full Bathrooms & En-Suites<br />
Showers, Trays & Cubicles<br />
Relocation of Bathroom Suites<br />
25 years bathroom experience<br />
Call Chris now for a free quotation<br />
C L Bathrooms<br />
01942 749085<br />
or 07801 295483<br />
www.clbathrooms.co.uk<br />
Call Sally: 01695 627 999<br />
locallife247.co.uk<br />
<strong>Local</strong><strong>Life</strong><br />
Elite Bathrooms<br />
Installation & Tiling<br />
• Bathrooms<br />
• Wall Tiling<br />
• Floor Tiling 07703 448890<br />
FREE Estimates 01942 208926
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! Stuart 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 />
Standish<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 Street Busine s Park<br />
o f Miry Lane,<br />
<strong>Wigan</strong>.<br />
WN6 7TP<br />
or<br />
Email: info@docsolarelectrical.co.uk<br />
Website: www.docsolarelectrical.co.uk<br />
93<br />
brand New bathrooms<br />
boiler + Central Heating<br />
Installs, servicing + Repairs<br />
Extended warranties available<br />
24 Hour Call-out<br />
Domestic + Commercial<br />
Freephone 0300 3030121<br />
Dave 07769 942218 / Matt 07969 183809<br />
21 Naburn Dr Orrell wN5 8sb<br />
Email: info@orrellheating.co.uk<br />
www.orrellheating.co.uk<br />
506515<br />
IAIN LOWE<br />
01695 623236<br />
• Central Heating<br />
• Plumbing<br />
• Gas Appliances<br />
• Gas Safety Checks<br />
• Landlord’s Certificates<br />
• Maintenance/Breakdowns<br />
No<br />
call out<br />
fee<br />
• Bathroom Installation, Full Bathrooms & En-Suites<br />
• Plumbing Services • Wall & Floor Tiling • Ceiling Panelling<br />
01942 397173 / 07803 057940<br />
Douglas Drive, Orrell, <strong>Wigan</strong><br />
www.ljplumbingandbathrooms.co.uk<br />
A Genuine Family Run Business<br />
With Friendly & Courteous Staff<br />
SPECIALISTS IN CENTRAL<br />
HEATING INSTALLATION, BOILER<br />
REPLACEMENTS AND UPGRADES<br />
Accredited Installer & Service Partner<br />
• Central Heating Installations<br />
• Boiler Installations<br />
• Maintenance & Servicing<br />
• Power Flushing<br />
186237<br />
Your one stop shop for central heating<br />
434 Ormskirk Rd, <strong>Wigan</strong>, WN5 9DF<br />
01942 221221<br />
info@premiergas.com / www.premiergas.com<br />
Design & Print<br />
Flyers, postcards, brochures<br />
and distribution service.<br />
For more information call<br />
01695 627 999<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 @ Studio 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 />
Reduce your household’s<br />
E<br />
X<br />
H<br />
A<br />
U<br />
S<br />
T<br />
S<br />
impact on the environment<br />
Call us now<br />
0843 224 9555<br />
07595 420237<br />
• Annual Boiler Servicing<br />
• Landlord & Home Owner<br />
Gas Safety Checks<br />
• Gas Fire & Cooker Installations<br />
• Under Floor Heating Specialists<br />
• Home Efficiency Control Upgrades<br />
10 YEARS<br />
EXTENDED<br />
WARRANTY<br />
ON SELECTED BOILER<br />
INSTALLATIONS<br />
Registration No.<br />
88604<br />
Telephone:<br />
Finance<br />
available<br />
WE REPAIR<br />
ALL MAKES<br />
OF BOILERS!<br />
01942 504 429<br />
TEL: 01257 421 660<br />
MOB: 07931 766 684<br />
www.fgwelch.co.uk
94<br />
24-Hour<br />
Call Out<br />
Service<br />
Electrical Installation & Maintenance<br />
• From new sockets to full re-wires<br />
• No job too small<br />
• PAT testing<br />
Security Installation & Maintenance<br />
• Smart phone controlled security systems<br />
• Wired and wireless security systems<br />
• CCTV and burglar alarms<br />
Wireless Alarm System<br />
ONLY £349<br />
1x Live LED GHE Bell box<br />
1x dummy GHE bell box<br />
1x Mains panel with battery back up<br />
1x wireless door contact<br />
2x Wireless PIR Motion detectors<br />
Domestic and commercial work welcomed ~ Call us today for friendly advice and a free quote<br />
Suite 1A Kirkless Ind. Est<br />
Cale Lane <strong>Wigan</strong><br />
01942 836 937 or 07557 914 788 www.ghewigan.co.uk<br />
All electrical work<br />
undertaken<br />
• Rewire specialists<br />
• Extra sockets & lights fitted<br />
• Mains board upgrades<br />
Free quotations<br />
A.J.S.<br />
BAILEYS<br />
ELECTRICAL<br />
01942 215 769<br />
07739 709 005<br />
J.Dillon Electrical<br />
Call: 01257 424918 or 07821 139826<br />
www.jdillonelectrical.co.uk<br />
• All types of electrical work<br />
• 20+ years experience<br />
• Friendly, fast and reliable<br />
• 24 hour call out service<br />
All electrical work undertaken<br />
Competitive rates<br />
Proficient and professional service<br />
Shevington<br />
Electrical Services Ltd<br />
NAPIT part ‘P’ registered<br />
JIB Approved Technician<br />
31 Years Experience<br />
Emergency call outs 24/7<br />
Call: 01942 553 248<br />
Dan: 07850 273 783<br />
Ste: 07701 036 872<br />
<strong>Local</strong>. Honest & Reliable<br />
Domestic<br />
Industrial & Commercial<br />
Covering all North West Areas.<br />
Call: 0800 6446100 or 07904 127663<br />
www.shevington-electrical-services.co.uk<br />
01942 735 484<br />
07967 423 735<br />
www.kdmelectrical.co.uk<br />
• All electrical work welcomed<br />
• Pleasant, professional & reliable<br />
• Emergency call outs 24/7
Smart Electrical Contractors<br />
- Domestic<br />
- Commercial - Industrial<br />
• Rewire • PAT Testing<br />
• CCTV • Alarms<br />
Tel: 01257 367386 Mob: 07594 240054<br />
Domestic - Commercial - Industrial<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 />
Want to promote your<br />
company in <strong>Local</strong> <strong>Life</strong>?<br />
Call Sally: 01695 627 999<br />
locallife247.co.uk<br />
<strong>Local</strong><strong>Life</strong><br />
95<br />
Ashurst Building Services<br />
All types of RENOVATIONS INCLUDING:<br />
TELEPHONE: 01942 Extensions 832747Conservatories & roofs<br />
Mobile: 07747 Family 725999 run business with 25 years of experience<br />
Call David for a free quotation<br />
T: 01942 832747 M: 07747 725999<br />
All our work is fully insured & guaranteed<br />
References available on request<br />
Call now for a free quotation<br />
House Extensions<br />
New Kitchens<br />
& Bathrooms<br />
Garage Conversions<br />
Full Refurbishments<br />
01257 422317 or 07852 202867<br />
www.mtjoinery.co.uk<br />
01942 561 848 | 07725 909 257<br />
www.freshbuildconstruction.co.uk<br />
K Stone<br />
Building Services<br />
All types of building<br />
work undertaken<br />
25 years experience<br />
• Brickwork<br />
• Pointing<br />
• Garden Walls<br />
• Patios<br />
• Joinery<br />
• Flagging<br />
• Alterations<br />
• Plastering<br />
01942 495412 / 07974 496676
96<br />
…for a more majestic way of living<br />
Call us today for expert advice and a free quotation<br />
FREEPHONE 0800 085 3987<br />
MOBILE 07917 735 686<br />
PP<br />
Building services<br />
Joinery Specialists<br />
www.majesticbuildingservices.co.uk<br />
Home Improvements<br />
• Fitted Kitchens & Bedrooms<br />
• Garage & Loft Conversions<br />
• Floors, Doors & Windows<br />
• Garden Gates<br />
For all your home improvement needs call David on...<br />
01942 203 804<br />
07851 225 876<br />
DS Joinery<br />
LOCAL, RELIABLE, FRIENDLY<br />
PROFESSIONAL AND HONEST<br />
• Conservatories & Orangeries<br />
• Extensions<br />
• Refurbishments & Alterations<br />
• Fencing & Decking<br />
Extensions - from design to completion<br />
Orangeries & Conservatories<br />
Garage & Loft Conversions<br />
Driveways & Paving<br />
Garden Buildings<br />
Conservatory roof replacements<br />
Highly experienced ~ no job too small ~ Orrell based<br />
• Garage & Loft Conversions<br />
• Kitchens & Fitted Bedrooms<br />
• Doors & Windows<br />
• All aspects of joinery work<br />
Call Phil - 01257 425997 or 07703 007675<br />
PB<br />
PB<br />
Bryant Park<br />
CONSTRUCTION<br />
• Domestic and Commercial<br />
Building Contractor.<br />
• Planning and design drawings<br />
professionally prepared.<br />
• Extending or converting? Create the<br />
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97<br />
First Class Workmanship<br />
• All types of re-roofs<br />
• Strip & re-slate or re-tile<br />
• Built up felt/flat roofs, dormers etc.<br />
• Insurance work undertaken<br />
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MOBILE: 07774 943 706<br />
52 HALLBRIDGE GARDENS, UP HOLLAND<br />
Established Over 30 Years<br />
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Roofing Specialist<br />
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No job too<br />
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Micro/Mini diggers<br />
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98<br />
A View From<br />
The Lump<br />
<strong>Local</strong> gossip, gripes and goings-on<br />
Taxing times<br />
Asking people to vote for tax<br />
rises is guaranteed to make you<br />
as popular as Pol Pot. Or Nick<br />
Clegg. Which is why councils are<br />
avoiding the 5% referendum limit<br />
like the plague.<br />
Some crafty councillors have<br />
raised bills to 4.99%, thus neatly<br />
sidestepping the need to ask the<br />
great unwashed (aka you and me)<br />
what we think of this raid on our<br />
pockets.<br />
Others have been a bit smarter.<br />
Step forward West Lancs Borough<br />
Council who have been patting<br />
themselves on the back for their<br />
seemingly small hike of 2.68%. For<br />
a Band D property, this is an extra<br />
fiver a year. Less than a glass of tap<br />
water in London.<br />
Yet some residents will end up<br />
paying a whopping 18.74% more.<br />
That’s because the borough<br />
council has imposed a £30 charge<br />
per year to empty your green<br />
bin. Ironically, green bins were<br />
introduced around 10 years ago<br />
and billed as a way of saving the<br />
council money, as less waste<br />
would go into landfill.<br />
Of course, there’s the argument<br />
that not everyone has a garden,<br />
so a pay-per-use system is fairer.<br />
But you could say the same about<br />
most public services, and what<br />
would that lead to?<br />
Expect to see more of these sort<br />
of stealth taxes in years to come -<br />
austerity isn’t dead yet!<br />
Changing lane<br />
Rectory Lane in Standish is<br />
changing. I had cause to wander<br />
down there recently and couldn’t<br />
believe the pace of change.<br />
New homes everywhere. Nearby<br />
businesses will be pleased at the<br />
possibility of extra custom. Less<br />
pleasing is the extra traffic going<br />
through Standish at rush hour.<br />
Isn’t it about time they built that<br />
bypass?<br />
Weathering the storm<br />
Praise be - British Light Nights are<br />
here. I refuse to call it summer time<br />
as it merely tempts fate. For the<br />
past few years, we’ve had some<br />
exceedingly wet summers, and<br />
even flooding. I wouldn’t mind<br />
that so much we didn’t also have<br />
to put up with the eco-bores. Yes,<br />
those who wear knitted yoghurt<br />
jumpers, eat tofu for breakfast,<br />
partake in home schooling of their<br />
offspring and have an aversion<br />
to shampoo products. Mark my<br />
words, they’ll be hogging the<br />
airwaves again soon with their<br />
tales of how my daily splash of<br />
Hai Karate is contributing to the<br />
human race’s extinction. Funny<br />
how these shroudwavers are<br />
nowhere to be seen when I’m<br />
scraping ice off the Ford Anglia<br />
windscreen in December...<br />
Harold’s Royal flush<br />
And finally, a lovely tale about<br />
Aspull legend Harold Farrimond.<br />
Harold, who died in 2002, was a<br />
press photographer and highly<br />
regarded in local newspaper<br />
circles. He was known for his<br />
ability to return from even the<br />
most routine of assignments with<br />
a fantastic photo. Shevington’s<br />
Frank Orrell, a colleague of Harold,<br />
has now published a book of<br />
<strong>Wigan</strong> photos, called Just One<br />
More. In it, Frank recalls: “Harold<br />
once attended an event around<br />
<strong>Wigan</strong> where Princess Alexandra<br />
was opening something, and<br />
was on the lookout for a different<br />
picture. He was wandering<br />
outside the VIP marquee - the<br />
press weren’t allowed inside. But<br />
Harold decided to creep under a<br />
flap of the marquee. He pointed<br />
his camera and said: ‘Just look this<br />
way love’ and got an exclusive<br />
picture of a flabbergasted Royal!”
99<br />
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Victoria Industrial Estate, Victoria Street, Leigh, WN7 5SE<br />
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