Local Life - St Helens - April 2018

LocalLife
St Helens Edition April 2018
Stars shine for
George
Pages 30 - 32
First & Last - Paul Wellens
Pages 18 - 19
Ashton & Bamfurlong Walk
Pages 42 - 45
Win tickets to The Beatles Story
Local News Motoring Jack’s Tracks Event2Go Health Home Services
locallife247.co.uk

2

3

4
The lawn
ranger
They’ve done it again. Every year it happens. It’s
as inevitable as the sun rising in the morning
and yet they always beat me to it.
I’m talking about neighbours mowing their lawns.
For me, it’s a tad early but now the firing gun has
been activated at Acacia Close.
See, the over-wintered lawn can lull you into a false
sense of security. While not looking as lush as it
does in say mid July, it appears reasonably orderly
until the Joneses at number 20 whip out the Flymo
(disclaimer: other brands are available) and make
your patch of God’s earth seem like an unkempt
mess. I had considered knocking on just before
Christmas in order to suggest that we may have a
peace treaty until perhaps mid April. Alas, amid the
melee of seasonal doings, I forgot about it and am
now cursing myself. I do realise the above is what
most people would file under ‘First World Problems’
but they don’t understand my pain. I want to get
out there and give the lawn a good lashing but am
constrained by the fact that, at this time of year, by
the time I get home, it’s either teeming down or the
best of the daylight is behind me.
Yes, there’s the weekends but once the neighbours
start cutting, they can be two or three mows ahead
of me by the time I’ve retrieved the strimmer from
the depths of the shed. I’ve resigned myself to the
fact that this year they have, yet again, beaten me,
but I shall be calling round next winter with a peace
offering and a firm plan of action. Hopefully, they’ll
say yes, otherwise I’ll have to drink that bottle of
sherry myself...
David Sudworth, Editor

5
In this issue
Stars shine for
George
Regulars
12 Puzzle Corner
24 Class From The Past
26 Planning
34 Events2Go
42 Jack’s Tracks
46 Test Drive
30
Win tickets to
The Beatles
Story
36
More
Carrot
39
Jack’s Tracks visits
Ashton &
Bamfurlong
42
Test Drive
Skoda Octavia
vRS Estate
46
Sections
6 Local News
26 Health
46 Motoring
Publisher: Chris
Sales: Clare
Editorial: David, Niamh
Design: Peter
Distribution: Sally
Accounts: Sam
48 Gardening
50 Home Services
Next issue - May 2018
Advertising deadline - Tuesday, 17 April
Published - Friday, 27 April
LocalLife
Local Life 247 Ltd, Unit 8, Hewitt Business Park,
Winstanley Road, Orrell, WN5 7XB
Telephone: 01744 649 722
chrisp@locallife247.co.uk
sales@locallife247.co.uk
sthelensnews@locallife247.co.uk
design@locallife247.co.uk
sallyb@locallife247.co.uk
accounts@locallife247.co.uk
Local Life is published every month and distributed into
the following areas on an alternate monthly basis.
This issue is delivered to over 14,500 private homes
and businesses in Rainhill, Eccleston, Sutton, Eccleston
Park, Windle, Grange Park, Nutgrove, New Bold and
Waterside Village.
The next issue is delivered to over 11,000 private
homes and businesses in Rainford, Billinge, Garswood,
Moss Bank, Haresfinch, Carr Mill and selected areas of
Haydock.
Whilst every care has been taken to ensure that the data in this publication is accurate, neither
the publisher or its editorial contributors can accept, and hereby disclaim, any liability to any
party to loss or damage caused by errors or omissions resulting from negligence, accident or
other cause. No part of this publication may be copied or reproduced without the prior written
consent of Local Life 247 Ltd.
locallifemagazine247 @locallifemedia events2go

6
Pushing the boundaries
A St Helens man is walking along
the entire length of the borough
boundary to celebrate the town’s
150th anniversary.
Ste Lingard has organised the challenging 42.5 mile
walk, which starts and finishes at Haydock Park.
It follows the Borough Boundary (as near as public
rights of way and road safety permit) anti-clockwise,
around Billinge (including Billinge Lump), Rainford,
Eccleston, Rainhill, Bold, Parr, Earlestown, Newtonle-Willows
and Haydock.
But for such a gruelling task, the schedule isn’t
kind with a 4.15am meet at Haydock Park before
starting at 4.30am. Contenders will be beating the
AtoB Taxis
The company that cares
TAXI!
DOWNLOAD OUR TAXI APP
search 451 TAXI
New easy app for your mobile
BOOK YOUR TAXI - TRACK YOUR TAXI - GET YOUR TAXI
Local airports & long distance - 4, 6, 8 vehicles
Priority bookings - Text booking service
24 hour call/text back service
01744 600 600
01744 634 634
www.atobdelta.co.uk
34 Baldwin Street, WA10 2RL New Cross Street, WA10 1QN
Ste at the finishing line of last year’s walk
pavement until about 8.15pm when the walk is set
to finish at Haydock Park (via Lowton entrance).
Many, many years ago there was a custom known
as ‘Beating the Bounds’. This took place each spring
when an assortment of local officials, children and
people alike would walk the boundaries of their
parish.
The purpose of the event was to teach participants
– especially young ones – the boundaries of their
parish. The ceremony also served a social purpose,
helping bring the local community together in a
convivial experience.
Ste revived the tradition last May: “We had a
thoroughly enjoyable day and raised almost £2,000
for St Helens Mind.”
This year, he will be raising funds again for St Helens
Mind, the local mental health charity, once more.
If you’d like to donate please visit https://
uk.virginmoneygiving.com/SteLingard or find
out more about the charity at www.sthelensmind.
org.uk

7
Grape expectations
Rainhill could soon be home to a new
independent wine retail shop.
The former laundrette at 3 Dane Court is currently
vacant, and developers are hoping to breathe some
life into the property.
If planning permission is approved, the independent
wine retail shop and bar, will sell wines by the glass
and the bottle to take home or to drink in. The bar
will have capacity of approximately 40 people.
As well as a selection of beers and spirits, there will
be a small selection of tapas/cold deli plates to buy
alongside wine. Wine-tasting/information evenings
will take place regularly.
Opening hours will be: Monday-Friday 10am to
12.30am; Saturday 9am-12.30am; Sunday and
Bank Holidays 10am-12.30am. However, the early
opening hours are to cover the retail side and
drinking in the bar will not be encouraged until
after 12pm.
A decision on the planning application is due to be
made soon.

8
Taking care of business
St Helens Business Fair 2018 is right
around the corner and everyone’s
invited.
Said to be the largest business networking event in
the North West, organisers say last year’s St Helens
Business Fair attracted over 500 companies from
Merseyside, Lancashire and beyond.
The free event includes a Business Exhibition
showcasing companies from all over the business
sector.
Looking to target
new customers
in 2018?
There will be hundreds of visitors from the business
community, a programme of free business
seminars, business info and advice, and networking
opportunities.
St Helens Chambers Business Fair has said
exhibiting can help raise company profiles and
allows businesses to showcase products and
services to potential customers, generate sales
leads, recruit new distributors, suppliers or partners
and demonstrate new products and services.
The fair is on Thursday, April 26, from 10.30am-3pm,
at Haydock Park Racecourse.
If you’d like to take part in the event, it’s £99+VAT
for St Helens Chamber Members and £149+VAT for
non-members.
For more information, or to book your stand call
Rachel Wellens on 01744 742028 or email rachel.
wellens@sthelenschamber.com.
Leaflets delivered from only £24.50 per 1,000
Delivered to areas throughout
Wigan, Chorley, St Helens & Leigh
Design, print & distribution packages
also available
Call Sally on 01695 627 999 for details
or email sallyb@locallife247.co.uk
Tell Us Your Story
Local Life is always
on the look out for
news stories from the
local communities
we serve. Are you
raising money for
charity? Are you
a member of a
community group
with something
to shout about?
Maybe you’ve got
an unusual talent, or have a claim to fame? If so, let
us know and you could be appearing in the next
edition!
Simply contact us on sthelensnews@locallife247.
co.uk or call us on 01695 627999.

9

10
Slash and Byrne
He’s the star of BBC’s Mock The Week
- and now Ed Byrne is heading to St
Helens.
Ed Byrne will be at the Theatre Royal this May for his
Spoiler Alert show.
It’s 20 years since the Dublin-born comedian burst
onto the scene, and in that time he’s appeared in a
diverse range of shows such as Father Ted, and All
Star Mr & Mrs.
His love of natural history has crossed into television
with appearances on The One Show (abseiling in
Snowdonia), Countryfile (climbing Sgùrr Dearg, the
‘inaccessible pinnacle’ on Skye) and presenting items
on Volcano Live (BBC).
As he prepares to launch himself upon St Helens
with another touring show, Ed is firmly of a belief
that the current breed of parents spoil their kids
rotten whether it’s to do with the ever-increasing
size of garden trampolines, or his own kids’ demand
for elderflower cordial.
Spoiler Alert also continues a theme that he’s tackled
in previous shows, that of his gradual shift from
being a working-class Dubliner to a fully paid-up
rural-residing member of the middle classes. Where
once he would do routines slating 4x4 owners, he is
now the proud(ish) owner of such a vehicle. And in
the poster for his tour, he brandishes other signifiers
of social mobility: a bowtie and chainsaw. “It’s one of
two I own: that one is the smaller of the two,
“I use it for firewood, both for my wood burning
stove and also for the barbecue. The first time I used
one I was fine, though I think it worried my parents
that I had bought a chainsaw.”
Spoiler Alert is on at St Helens Theatre Royal on
Wednesday, May 9. For details
about this and more events in
the St Helens area, check out our
Events2go section on pages 34-38.
“My dad wasn’t a bad dad, he was just a 1970s dad.
I could never see my children ever again from this
moment on, and I’ve already done more parenting
then he did in my entire life. But, of course, I made
a conscious decision that I was going to be an
awesome dad. My wife will come back with tales
from her friends of how awful their husbands are
and she’ll see me smiling and say ‘alright, stop
congratulating yourself just because such and
such can’t be left alone with their children for two
minutes’.”
In his new touring show, Ed compares and contrasts
the old-school child-rearing days with 21st century
methods and suggests that there are different ways
to learn how to be a mum or dad. “I grew up in what
I would call an aspirational household in that my
parents bettered themselves over the course of my
childhood.”

11
Brushing up on their skills
St Helens College is celebrating a
series of apprenticeship successes.
Six apprentices studying towards their NVQ Level
2 in Painting and Decorating and employed by
Bagnalls, North West have successfully completed
their level 2 apprenticeship.
Adam Knowles, 18, Lewis Smith, 18 and Scotty
Gresty, 18, Liam Birchall, 26, Jordan Smith, 20
and Ryan Mayers, 24 started their apprenticeship
with Bagnalls and St Helens College in 2015 and
completed their qualifications in 2017.
Going above and beyond, Adam Knowles was
crowned the Junior Apprentice Paperhanger of the
Year by the Painting and Decorating Association
(PDA) last year.
Terry O’Keefe, Lecturer in Painting and Decorating at
St Helens College said: “It’s great to see the success of
the Bagnalls apprentices. I wish them all the success
for the future and look forward to seeing them back
at the College for their level 3 apprenticeship in the
autumn.”
MAKING A MOVE?
At Tickle Hall Cross we have five specialist conveyancing teams of experienced,
qualified staff who will all be able to deal with your every move. We guarantee
to keep you regularly updated of any developments.
PROPERTY SALES
PROPERTY PURCHASES
REMORTGAGES
EQUITY RELEASE PLANS
TENANCY AGREEMENTS
TRANSFER OF OWNERSHIP
LEADING LOCAL SPECIALISTS
25 HARDSHAW STREET, ST HELENS, WA10 1RP
2 DERBY STREET, PRESCOT, L34 3LJ
A HELPING HAND WHEN YOU NEED IT MOST
01744 733333 WWW.TICKLEHALLCROSS.CO.UK

12
Puzzle Corner
WORD SEARCH - Shakespeare
Find the hidden words in the word search grid
P E R I C L E S E C
L N M A C B E T H H
A B E I O F B A P O
Y E G W R O M E O T
N J U L I E T A E H
T T G C O R I N M E
K R W C L B G V A L
T A A O A T E E E L
Y D S M N T E R P O
F G E E U H A O T R
T E T D S O N N E T
O D S Y L U W A N S
G Y D S V E N I C E
GLOBE
ROMEO
PLAY
TRADGEDY
OTHELLO
MACBETH
CORIOLANUS
JULIET
POEM
VERONA
COMEDY
SONNET
PERICLES
ANNE
VENICE
WORD MIX UP - Shakespeare
Unscramble the letters to make a word
TEARHET
TEAMHL
SUDOKU
2 6
9 1
NUMBER
BLOCK
The numbers in each row add up to totals to the right.
The numbers in each column add up to the totals
along the bottom. The diagonal lines also add up the
totals to the right.
6 5 3 4
1 9
2 7 1 9
1 4 3 9 8
8 1
3 4
7
7 2 5 8
9
6 2
13 18 22 24
24
17
23
16
21
26
4
CLANBOY
TESTPEM
SLUJIU CARSEN
SHENAT
LAWMILI
FELTWHT HITGN
WIGGLE WORDS
CLUE: At the Start
Trace a path through
all the letters to find
the word or phrase
that fits the clue.
E B E G
H T M I
F R O N
G N I N
All the puzzle solutions are on page 54 of this magazine

13

14
A photo of a Trolleybus 387 taken in Prescot on its last day of operation in the town
Back on the (trolley) buses!
A trolleybus which last served St Helens 60 years ago
is making a pogniant return to the town. Trolleybus
No 387 (BDJ 87) will be on display at the North West
Museum of Road Transport, Hall Street, from late
May. It will be in its old depot, in the museum which
was its former garage. The trolleybus system closed
on June 30, 1958. To mark the occasion, on Sunday
July 1, there will be many former St Helens diesel

15
buses visiting the town to give free rides to the
public on former St Helens trolleybus routes. The
event starts at 11 am to 3pm. In the museum will
be displays of trolleybus photos taken from many
collections and covering every route in the town
from 1927 to 1958
Trolleybus 387 (BDJ 87) was sold to Bradford City
transport in 1958 and last ran in 1971 when it was
purchased for preservation by an enthusiast for the
sum of £140
It will be on loan to the museum for at least 2 years
and will be on view throughout this period at
weekends from 11am -3pm.
For more informatrion on the North West Museum
of Road Transport, visit www.nwmort.co.uk
Transform your garden in 2018!
We’ll design & create a modern
low-maintenance garden using;
artificial grass
paving & decking
lighting & features
Our wide range of artificial grass
are all guaranteed for 10 years
For the perfect lawn all year round!
10 YEAR
GUARANTEE
Call Andy today for more details
01744 882 244 ~ 07941 602 539
Check out our projects on www.turfcouk.co.uk
Earn extra
cash!
Local Life require distributors
for the following areas;
WA9
Spinners Dr/Rolling Mill estate
Eaves Lane/Stirling Cres area
Sherdley Park area
New Bold estate
Lea Green area
Tall Trees estate
Marylebone Ave estate
WA10
Laurel Rd/Regents Rd area
The Shires estate
Stafford Rd/Lincoln Rd area
St Georges Rd/Dunriding Ln area
Ecclesfield Rd/Carmelite Cres area
Knowsley Rd/Newlove Ave est
Marsden Ave/Percival Way areas
L35
Warrington Rd & Centre
Deepdale Dr/Mossdale Dr estate
Amanda Rd/St Winifred Rd area
Chapel Ln/Norlands Ln area
Interested?
Please email your name, address,
landline number and date of birth to
sallyb@locallife247.co.uk
LocalLife

16
A hall for all?
Loyola Hall could soon be the site
of a brand new hotel if planning
permission goes ahead.
Signature Living Group (“SLG”) own Grade II Listed
Loyola Hall on Warrington Road in Rainhill and
hope to develop the property to create a hotel with
ancillary uses.
There are 47 rooms including the Bridal Suite for
wedding events in the proposal, as well as two
function spaces, a gym and spa, restaurant and
dining facilities and reception/waiting area and bar.
Guests will be looked after by 45 full-time
employees.
Gillian Pinder, Clerk to Rainhill Parish Council said
in documents: “The Parish Council welcomes
investment in this significant building which is
a valuable asset to the village, and support the
principle of the proposed use.
“But until further details are available to allay the
concerns raised, the Parish Council cannot support
the application in their current state.”

17

18
First & Last
Paul Wellens talks about his life and career with Niamh Ollerton
Veteran St Helens full-back Paul Wellens
describes himself as a ‘one club man’ as we sit
in Starbucks at Windle Island.
I went to primary school at St Teresa’s, and to high
school at De La Salle. It was a good school and it was
big for rugby.
“I’m very proud of where I come from. I love the
town, and I love what it stands for. Working class
towns and people really band together.
“You talk to people in the street, and they never
sugar coat anything. I find it refreshing. St Helens
people tell it how it is and you know where they
stand.
“Growing up in St Helens, rugby was always on my
doorstep. My big brother Kevin played for St Helens
in the 80s and my dad was a coach. St Helens was
big in the family.
“Rugby League is quite parochial; there’s a real
identity. St Helens is a working class town and you
represent that.”
First Car
Paul is a local lad through and through. He’s still a
proud St Helens resident and lives with his wife
Rachel, and their three children Harry, Ava and
Joseph.
During his career Paul made 495 appearances
for St Helens, was a Great Britain and England
international and won every domestic honour over
a 17 year period.
He made the decision to retire in 2015 at the age of
35 following a long-standing hip injury.
But with a new career at St Helens as a coach, there’s
still a lot more to see of Paul.
“I was born here and I’ve never lived anywhere else.
My mum used to drive a brown Vauxhall Nova which
was shared between me and Claire.
First Home
It was a mile away on Windle Grove, and a couple of
years later we had our first child. It’s quite a big deal
when you buy your first property.
First Club
Lowie’s in town. It was the place to be at the time.
I was one of those lads who even at 24/25 needed
to be ID’d.
First St Helens Memory
Probably being in the Juniors. We went on a 2/3
game tour of Ireland. That was when I thought there

19
could be something long-term for me here.
First appearance for St Helens
I made my debut on 18th August 1998. It all
happened very quickly. I was given a chance to go
for the first team. Looking back to the games before,
they were my opportunity to see if I could compete
at that level. Those four games were my audition
and I passed it.
First piece of sporting advice
When I was quite young and I first got into the
academy team, I’d argue my cause if I felt I needed
to, and my dad said there’s a time and a place for it.
He said: ‘Hear everything, see everything and say
nothing. First you have to earn that respect.’
He was my moral compass at times. It was great to
have that bit of guidance.
First Grand Final win as Captain
Winning Super League title in 2014 was
unbelievable. I’ve been really lucky over the years,
but winning a trophy and lifting it with friends is an
incredible feeling.
I played the game because I loved it, but if you don’t
celebrate those moments then what’s the point.
Last Game
My last game was our Wigan defeat on Good Friday
2015. I was a bit 50/50 whether or not to play. I could
hardly walk during the second half. When I walked
off it was me done.
I’m a one club man, when you start playing you
hope for some success. I never imagined I’d be with
the club as long as I was.
I left the game knowing I had no more to give. It was
a difficult decision for me to get my head around
because it’s always been about rugby for me.
Last thought as Captain
Being Captain was a big thing. It was a real challenge
and I probably didn’t know the enormity of it. It was
the pinnacle point of my career.
Last team memory
When you play with those guys, you instantly have a
bond. I’d liken it to people who’ve been in the army,
when you’ve spent that much time with each other,
sometimes more than your family.
Announcing retirement
It was a lot bigger than I thought. A few months
had passed since my last game and I announced my
retirement on a Wednesday morning. I didn’t know
the enormity of it. It was quite overwhelming.
To the future
I’m enjoying the coaching side. It took me two
years to break away from Paul the player to Paul the
coach. I realise I’ve got a lot to learn and I’m keen to
carry on developing.
Last piece of advice to rugby hopefuls
Learn from your experiences and take the
opportunities as they come along.

20
Bike aid
Buzz Hub St Helens Coalition of
Disabled People has taken on a
project to help those less fortunate in
the Caribbean.
The CDP is working with Merseyside Police and the
Liverpool Commonwealth Association to service
cycles to be sent to the Caribbean.
In 2017 several small Caribbean islands were left
devastated in the wake of hurricanes Irma and
Maria. And as motorised transportation on the
islands have been reduced, there’s an urgent need
for bicycles.
Although the project is in the early stages, a
shipment is due to leave in July from Merseyside
to the Port of Road Town in Tortola, British Virgin
Islands.
Elaine Hughes, CDP Manager said: “We’re looking
for donations and volunteers who have experience
in bike maintenance. If anyone could find a way to
help with servicing these bikes, we’ll take any help
that’s available.”
To support the project, please email info@
sthelenscdp.co.uk call 01744 453343.
Four Seasons
Full Conversions
Insulate Your Conservatory
without replacing your existing roof using
our unique A frame structure
COOL IN SUMMER & WARM IN WINTER
We are the North West’s leading installer of fully
guaranteed conservatory insulation and roofing
systems and have been established for over 9 years.
• 10 Years Insurance Backed Guarantee
• 0.18 ‘U’ Value (thermally efficient)
• SuperQuilt 19 Layer Insulation
We’ll beat any like for like quotation!

Telford Construction Ltd.
A local & reputable family business, trading for over 35 years
21
We specialise in, but are not limited to:
Interior and Exterior Painting and Decorating
Kitchen / Bathroom remodelling
Bespoke Joinery manufacturing
Extensions
Conservatories /Orangeries
Driveways
Images are for illustrative purposes only.
01942 728070 ajp@telfordconstruction.co.uk

22
ADVERTISEMENT
Your lawn is
unique
Each individual plant that makes up your lawn has different stresses and
slightly different growing conditions than your neighbours’ lawns and that’s
without adding in different grass types, soil structures, drainage, moss and various
pests.
So it makes sense then that each lawn needs
a tailor-made solution to achieve that lush and
healthy state to provide you and your family
with a superb space to relax and entertain.
Billinge–based Premier Lawn Care is offering
lawn care service to those discerning customers
who want to ensure that their lawn is green and
healthy all year round. A fast-growing list of
customers include Saints RL Stars, James Roby
and Dominique Peyroux.
As any sportsperson will testify, great turf care
is a specialist job that requires experience and
expertise. The Billinge man behind Premier
Lawn Care, Rob Atherton, gained a higher level
qualification in Turf Science and Sportsground
Management from the renowned and Lancashire based Myerscough College.
Rob then went on to work on some of the top sports turf in the North West, including
the hallowed turf at the Theatre of Dreams, Old Trafford and the greens and fairways
of The Royal Birkdale Golf Course, Hillside Golf Club and Bolton Wanderers Football
Club. Now with 23 years of experience, he has an in depth understanding of what it
takes to bring out the best from your lawn.
“My lawns have never looked better since Rob took over the
maintenance and lawncare. Highly recommended.”
James Roby - St Helens RLFC

23
Rob says, At Premier Lawn Care we know every
lawn is different. We don’t have a one size fits all
programme, nor do we keep applying the same
products week in week out. Also, we don’t do
treatments or renovation work when the grass is
dormant, over the winter months, as this can be
detrimental. Neither do we scarify in the winter,
as the grass needs to recover after, (the gaps
produced by scarifying can be filled by weeds in the
none growing season), and be either seeded then
fertilised, or as a minimum, fertilised to aid recovery.
If a lawn is hollow cored, Premier Lawn Care would
remove all the cores (we don’t leave them on the
surface to rot back into your lawn) and do the job
at a correct spacing of cores, 100mm/4 inches. We
work with the grass type, conditions of your soil and
garden to provide you with the optimum lawn at all
times. As seasons and conditions change we review
and adapt the plan, meaning your lawn is receiving
the very best professional and experienced lawn
care all year round, and you’re only paying for what
is required.
“We’re delighted with our lawns since Rob started our lawncare programme.”
Dominique Peyroux - St Helens RLFC
Transform your lawn today with a FREE Premier Lawn Care assessment and
lawn care plan. Call Rob on 07929 366 769 or 01744 302 793
For more information visit www.premierlawncareuk.co.uk
SPECIAL
OFFER
FREE FERTILISER
AFTER SCARIFICATION

24
Class from the past
This month’s Class from the Past is from Sutton
National School (aka Sutton Nash). It’s believed the
photograph was taken in the 1950s. Can you spot a
familar face? Do you have an old class photo you’d
like to share? If so, we’d be delighted to receive it -
simply email it to sthelensnews@locallife247.co.uk
• Supply
• Fit
• Repair
Call us today for a FREE on site quotation
TEL 01744 883 511
www.garagedoorsnw.com
16 Standish Drive
Rainford
St Helens
WA11 8JY

25

26
Planning Matters
Rainhill
3 Dane Court: Change of use to A4-drinking
establishment and will include a small outdoor
seating area (ref: P/2018/0195/FUL).
Commercial Hotel, 12 Station Street: Single storey
rear extension with enlargement of beer garden
and boundary fencing along with a smoking shelter
(ref: P/2018/0103/FUL).
Loyola Hall, Warrington Road: Change of use of
existing buildings and all associated works to create
hotel and ancillary uses (ref: P/2018/0113/LBC).
Eccleston
Catchdale Moss House, Catchdale Moss Lane:
Erection of 10no stables (8no stables for horses/
ponies, 1no stable for hay store and 1no stable for
walkway area.) (ref: P/2018/0181/FUL).
St Helens
23-27 George Street: Change of use from Retail A1
to Restaurant A3 (ref: P/2018/0136/FUL).
71 Corporation Street: Change of use from offices
(B1) to chiropractic and acupuncture clinic (D1)
with associated services (ref: P/2018/0088/FUL).
For more information on these plans, visit www.chorley.gov.uk
Here to support you…
in your hour of need.
• All styles & types of funeral services
• Modern, clean & spacious local offices
• Private chapels of rest
• Reasonably priced funeral services
• Available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year
• Independently owned family firm
- established in 1907
Ask today
about our
Golden
Charter
Pre-Payment
Plan
F.W. MARSH
Family Funeral Service & Monumental Masons
177 Ormskirk Road,
Rainford
01744 882645
55 Main Street,
Billinge
01744 892260
100 Parr Stocks Road,
St Helens
01744 27928/22810
www.fwmarshfunerals.co.uk
1 Queen Street,
Earlestown
01925 291060
199 Warrington Road,
Whiston
0151 431 0696

27
Prescot Chiropody Clinic
Come and learn how to live more mindfully.
Simple, effective and practical techniques to
help you combat stress and improve
your well being.
*
WEEKLY DROP IN MEDITATION SESSIONS
8 WEEK COURSES FOR STRESS & ANXIETY
*
*
*
*
8 WEEK COURSES FOR CHRONIC PAIN & ILLNESS
TAUGHT IN SMALL GROUPS OR ONE-TO-ONE
BESPOKE SESSIONS ON REQUEST
Rainford Village Hall
Church Road, Rainford, WA11 8HB
FOR FURTHER DETAILS VISIT
www.mindfulness-helps.com
or email
louise@mindfulness-helps.com

28
ADVERTISEMENT
When you have an elderly parent or relative
to care for, there is no one size fits all
solution. Care needs differ enormously; for some
a single 30 minute visit each day is enough, others
need round the clock care. Care needs aren’t fixed
either, with some patients needing temporary extra
care after surgery or illness.
Taking decisions regarding the care of an elderly
parent or relative is tough; everyone looks for
the best possible care for the best possible value.
However, all reports point to the benefits in your
loved one staying in their own home for as long as
practical.
Preventing, or delaying, a move into sheltered
housing or a care home gives stability to your
relative so they can maintain regular contact with
friends and family. Although providing good quality
care is paramount, there are many real financial
benefits to your loved one staying in their home for
as long as possible, least the eye-watering costs of
care homes.
According to PayingForCare, a report by healthcare
specialists Laing & Buisson, residential care homes
cost an average of £29,270 a year (£563 per week)
and, where extra nursing is required this rises to
£39,300 per year (£756 per week).
“Affordable care at just £13.50 per hour”
This is where Care Break comes in. Care Break is an
introductory agency Home Care service, covering
the St Helens, Warrington and Wigan area. Care
What you can expect from
your Carer;
Making meals/drinks
Help getting washed/dressed
Cleaning, washing & ironing
Trips to visit friends, shopping etc
Escorting to appointments
All of your personal Care needs
provided

29
Carer, and together you will create
a bespoke care package tailored to
suit your needs. Care Break operates
a fast response service to get a
care package in place as quickly as
possible and also aims to ensure
that the same Carer visits each time,
except for holidays and sickness.
“Peace of mind at an
affordable price”
Break can bridge that gap in care by providing a
flexible care service that works around you and your
lifestyles and commitments.
The cost of care at Care Break is an affordable £13.50
per hour, and all Carers are qualified, DBS registered
and fully insured.
Upon contacting Care Break, you will be able to
meet with and interview your designated regular
And when your care needs change, Care Break are
just on the end of the phone, ready to sort out any
issues or provide any extra care requirements.
For more details about Care Break and how
they can help you achieve peace of mind at an
affordable price, call today on 01744 649091 or
email contact@carebreak.co.uk
www.carebreak.co.uk

30
Stars shine for
George
Niamh Ollerton talks to the 11-year-old Eccleston lad
who rallied an army of celebrities in honour of his younger brother
It’s safe to say not many 11-year-olds have Ben Shephard, Stevie Gerrard, John
Bishop and Michael Owen on speed dial. But George Mathias from Eccleston is
rubbing shoulders, or rather pounding the pavement a mile at a time with celebs up
and down the country raising funds for Alder Hey Children’s Hospital – an organisation
extremely close to George’s heart.
On January 1 2017, George, who
attends De La Salle High School set
out with a mammoth task at hand –
to run a mile for every month he’d
had his little brother James whose
life was saved by Alder Hey when
he was just five weeks old. That
meant 75 miles in total.
Having surpassed that target and
then some, George decided his
running boots weren’t ready to
be hung up, and to up the ante,
George decided to do a marathon
for every year he’s had James – a
whopping 208 miles.
This brotherly love has touched
the hearts of many and George’s
fundraising has taken off, with
many celebrities’ eager to get
involved and nominating their
famous pals to follow suit and
#RunwithGeorge
But with Pride of Britain Award, a
Points of Light award, Liverpool

31
“I treat it like a hobby, it’s just the best thing ever;
meeting new people, running in different places,
helping others, and achieving something.”
His dad Richard added: “George had been watching
me and my wife Sue do things for the charity and
he said he wanted to do something himself. I said
‘you’ll have to make it big’ – and we’ve never looked
back since then.”
George set up his own charity, the ‘Run with George
Foundation’ and so far has raised over £57,000
for Alder Hey, helping many sick children get
much needed care. And his efforts have not gone
unnoticed.
In November last year, George was presented the
Pride of Britain Young Fundraiser of the Year Award.
George admits: “It was pretty amazing. Meeting the
people you only see on TV, like The X Factor judges,
Peter Andre, Rod Stewart, and I met Prince William
which was really special. I felt like I’d made my
country proud.”
Pride of Merseyside award, and over £57,000 raised
for Alder Hey Children’s Hospital as just a few of the
accolades George has under his belt it’s not over
yet…
His dad Richard continued: “We knew he’d won but
we didn’t know how much of an impression he’d
made.
But how did it all start?
When James Mathias was just five weeks old, his dad
Richard and mum Sue were faced with their baby
being unresponsive for a feed. He was suffering
from Bronchiolitis, an acute infectious disease of
the lower respiratory tract which affects very young
infants.
He was rushed to Whiston Hospital where 12
doctors tried to wake him, and was then sent to
Alder Hey Emergency and put into an induced coma
for three days. You can only imagine what the family
went through but dad Richard happily admits ‘He’s
been fit and well ever since.’
George said: “Alder Hey saved James’ life and I
thought of doing a mile for every month we’ve had
James. But after we passed the 75 mile target I felt I
could do more.

32
“He said he wanted to get to 100 miles at the Pride
of Britain. After that I said ‘Look, you’ve done it.
You’ve done what you set out to do’ and he said he
didn’t want to stop.”
George continues to show his dedication to the
cause, and is now taking on his latest challenge of
running 208 miles, which makes a marathon for
every year James has been alive. And to kick off the
New Year, Dermot O’Leary was the first to boot up
with George.
Richard said: “Dermot is the nicest guy, and that run
came about because he presented George with his
Pride of Britain award.
“And Ben Shephard is the nicest bloke you will ever
meet in your life. You know when someone just gets
it? He’s a superstar.”
hoping to achieve something great.
George said: “Think of an idea and try your best.
Don’t be scared of anything and get out there and
do it. You have to put the work in and push yourself
and get out of your comfort zone.
Richard added “But you’ve got to keep on going.”
And George agreed “Yeah I’ve got to keep on
running.”
If you’d like to donate or find out more about
#RunwithGeorge please visit...
Website runwithgeorge.com
RunWithGeorgeUK
RunWithGeorgeUK
Over the past 15 months, a lot has happened for the
Mathias family as Richard admits ‘it’s been a pretty
full on year.’ But the whole experience has worked
wonders for George.
George said: “In the beginning, when I was
interviewing people I was speaking like a little robot,
and this has really helped with my shyness, and I’m
getting more confident about being on camera.”
Richard added: “Even in that first video with Jon
Wilkins, the Saints captain, who is a friend we’ve
known for years, you see George’s knees knocking,
but when I look at him now, it’s so nice for a parent
to see how far he’s come.
“This has been the making of him.”
But with more miles to rack up it isn’t over yet for
#RunwithGeorge
Richard said: “Michael Owen is running with us next
on Sunday, March 25 at his stables.
“George has been invited to the running awards at
the O2 in London on Thursday, April 19 and he’s won
the Inspirational Figure in Running award.
“We’re doing a ball on Friday, June 22 with Alder
Hey. We’re just sorting out the funding but it’s going
to be big and Ben is hosting it.”
As a sign-off, I asked the Young Fundraiser of the
Year what piece of advice he could give to people

SPRING SALE NOW ON! 25% OFF
33
Unbeatable prices all our warm roofs come
with a thermal u value of 0.18 tile options
and colours visit our website
www.mbarkroofsolutions.com
10 YEAR Guarantee Giving you piece of mind
Mbark is an established family run business based in the north-west and has
been installing conservatories and building extensions since 1987. All of our
tradespeople are qualified and with lots of experience. We started supplying
and installing conservatory beautiful warm roofs in 2007
Mbark doesn’t only just give you one option; we can install Three types of
conservatory warm roof solutions on any conservatory to suit your budget
with a variety to suit. All Three of our conservatory roof solutions including the
Supalite Roof, Timber Bespoke solid roof and a Reinforced Roof
Unit 18, Dunsdale Drive,
Ashton-in-Makerfield,
Wigan, WN4 8PT
Office 01942 275 331 | Mobile 07513 133 900
Email: info@mbarkroofsolutions.com

34
Upload your event for FREE at
www.locallife247.co.uk/events
Follow us on Facebook
events2go
GIANT Easter Duck Hunt
Saturday, March 24, to Sunday, April 8
Dusty Duck needs your help to help him find the
GIANT yellow ducks. Use your detective skills to find
25 cheeky birds to win a treat and certificate (50p
entry). Go to otter talks and feeds, white stork feeds,
have a muddy adventure and more. Search Martin
Mere online for more info.
WWT Martin Mere Wetland Centre, Martin Mere,
Fish Lane, Burscough, L40 0TA. Tel: 01704 891220
PetsAtHome Easter Activity
From Friday, March 30, 12pm-12.30pm to
Thursday, April 12, 12pm-12.30pm (12 dates)
Kids can meet the rabbits and learn about looking
after pets. Attend a free workshop for the chance
to win a wild Peter Rabbit themed adventure in
the Lake District! Register for the free half hour
workshops at http://community.petsathome.com/
workshops/
Pets at Home St. Helens, Unit 9 Ravenhead Retail
Park, St Helens, WA9 1JF. Tel: 01744 750686
Dog Mania - Liverpool
Sat, March 31, 9am-5pm, & Sun, April 1, 9am-5pm
Merseyside Dogs Home’s most ambitious event yet.
The only indoor dog show where you can bring
your own dog. Adult tickets are £10, family tickets
are £30, but dogs go free! Tickets can be found at
www.dog-mania.co.uk/buytickets/
Exhibition Centre Liverpool, Kings Dock,
Liverpool, L3 4BX. Tel: 0151 475 8888
Charles Chipperfield Circus
Wed, Apr 4, 5pm; Wed, Apr 4, 7.30pm; Thurs, Apr,
5, 5pm; Thurs, Apr 5, 7.30pm
There’ll be flying trapeze, wheel of death, free
standing ladder, roller skating, circus clowns and
much more. Tickets between £16-£40 from 07500
365231 or via www.ticketsource.co.uk
Sherdley Park, WA9 3
MHA - St Helens Brew & Chat
Thurs, Apr 5, 1pm-2.30pm; Thurs, Apr 12, 1pm-
2.30pm; Thurs, Apr 19, 1pm-2.30pm
Mental Health Awareness support group at Mill
Street Barracks. Enjoy a brew and a chat and make
new friends along the way.
St Helens Sea Cadets, Mill Street, St Helens, WA10
2BB. Tel: 01744 20193
Coffee Morning
Sat, April 7; Sat, June 9; Sat, Sept 15, 10am-12pm
Rainford Senior Citizens & Social Committee
welcome everyone to their coffee mornings.
Contact Arthur Singford on 01744 882533 for info.
Rainford Church Hall, Church Road, Rainford,
WA11 8HB. Tel: 01744 884709
Electro80s live at Windle LC
Saturday, April 7, 9pm-11.59pm
Electro80s pay tribute to the 80’s. There’ll be classics
like “Fade to Grey” and “Just Can’t Get Enough” .
Windle Labour Club, Dentons Green Lane, St
Helens, WA10 2QF. Tel: 01744 23053

35
Autism Awareness Day Walk
Sunday, April 8, 12pm-5pm (walk starts at 1.50pm)
A Walk for World Autism Awareness & to celebrate
St Helens’ 150th anniversary, hosted by Autism
& Asperger Society. You can walk with Saints
players, and there’ll be a children’s fairground,
info, awareness and fundraising. Email contact@
theautismark.org or call 01744 362260 for more info.
Taylor Park, Regents Rd, Saint Helens, WA10 3HX
Cheese & Wine Evening
Friday, April 13, 7.30pm
Rainford Heritage Society are hosting a Cheese &
Wine evening. Tickets are £10 and included are 5
free vouchers to be used for a choice of wines or
beers from George Wrights Brewery. Everyone is
welcome. Buy tickets in advance from Ray Waring
on 01744 885547, or pay on arrival.
Junction Pub, 102 News Lane, Rainford, WA11
7JU. Tel: 01744 882868
Haydock Lace Fair
Sunday, April 15, 10am-3.30pm
A one day Fair for Lacemakers and craft workers
with craft material suppliers. Exhibitors include:
Reg Beasant; Church Meadow Crafts; Claire’s Lace;
Lace Guild; Mainly Lace; Patchwork Gallery; Tatting
& Design et al. *Celebrations* Exhibition by Preston
Lacemakers. Tickets £4 on the day.
Centenary Stand, Haydock Park Racecourse,
Newton-le-Willows, WA12 0HQ.
Grease 40th Anniversary
Thursday, April 19, 8pm-10pm
To celebrate the 40th anniversary of Grease
Cineworld St Helens is showing the classic musical
film. You can now book online atwww.cineworld.
co.uk or instore!
Cineworld St Helens, Chalon Way West, WA10 1BF.
Tel: 0333 333 4444
Tale & Trail
Fri, April 22, 10.30am; Sun, June 24, 10.30am
Listen to woodland tales, walk in the wood, craft
with woodland resources, and eat marshmallows
around the fire. Aimed at children aged 3-6. Earth
Day in April and Muddy Elves Day in June. Tickets
are £6.88 from www.eventbrite.co.uk
Fir Tree Farm, Pimbo Lane, King’s Moss, North St
Helens, WA11 8RG
St Helens Business Fair
Thursday, April 26, 10.30am-1pm
Free to attend and includes a Business Exhibition
showcasing companies from a variety of sectors.
A programme of free business seminars. Business
information and advice. Opportunities to meet
with potential buyers and suppliers. Visit www.
sthelenschamber.com
Haydock Park, Haydock Park Racecourse, Newtonle-Willows,
WA12 0HQ. Tel: 01942 725963
Oasis Tribute
Friday, April 27, 7.30pm-10pm
Definitely Oasis is bringing their sell out show to
St Helens as part of their UK tour. The band will
perform hits including songs ‘Wonderwall’, ‘Live
Forever’, ‘Don’t Look Back in Anger’ and more. Tickets
£12.50 (incl. booking fee) www.citadel.org.uk
The Citadel Arts Centre, Waterloo Street, St
Helens, WA10 1PX. Tel: 01744 735436
Peter Pan the Musical
Fri, Apr 27, 7pm; Sat, Apr 28, 7pm; Sun, Apr 29, 5pm
Top of the Hill Productions proudly presents Peter
Pan the Musical – based on the play by Sir J.M.
Barrie. Tickets are £10 each, and can be bought from
Elizabeth Hill School, or from any cast member.
Dalton Theatre, Carmel College, Prescot Road,
Saint Helens, WA10 3AG. Tel: 01744 452200

36
Competition
The award-winning ‘The Beatles Story’ is the world’s largest permanent
exhibition purely devoted to telling the story of The Beatles’ rise to fame and
Local Life has three pairs of tickets for The Beatles Story to give away in our latest
competition.
Located in the Fab Four’s hometown of Liverpool on the stunning UNESCO World
heritage waterfront at the Albert Dock, The Beatles Story takes visitors on an
immersive journey through the lives, times, culture and music of the world’s greatest
band.
Join The Beatles on their journey; first conquering Liverpool, and then the world,
through recreations of key locations from the band’s career including The Casbah
Club, The Cavern Club, and Abbey Road Studios.
Multi-media audio guides are available in ten different languages
including Mandarin, Brazilian Portuguese, French and German, and
are beautifully narrated by John Lennon’s sister, Julia. The FREE
guide is packed with information, imagery, and features video

37
interviews with Paul
McCartney and Ringo
Starr, giving visitors a
unique insight into the
story of the Fab Four.
A must for any music
fan, The Beatles Story
features an impressive
collection of fascinating
memorabilia including
the band’s original
instruments, John
Lennon’s New York
piano, Ringo Starr’s drum kit, rare album sleeves,
photography and original lyrics.
New items recently introduced include the original
Strawberry Field Gates, the ‘Holy Grail’ record that
launched The Beatles, Brian Epstein’s Jacket and
to mark 50 years since the release of Sgt Pepper,
a range of new memorabilia including a full set of
authentic replica suits.
Finish your perfect historical experience in one of
two Beatles-themed Fab4 Cafes or browse through
a fantastic range of products available from one of
the Fab4 Stores.
Story, simply visit our website www.locallife247.
co.uk, click on ‘free stuff’ and then on ‘competitions’.
To enter the competition just input your answer to
the following question;
On which famous Liverpool dock is The Beatles
Story located?
The expiry date for the competition is Monday 30th March
2018l. Entrants must be over 16 years of age. Only one entry
per household. Local Life 247 cannot accept responsibility for
entries that do not reach us. Employees of Local Life 247 Ltd
and their families are not eligible to enter this competition.
For more information and to buy tickets please
visit beatlesstory.com
In 2018, The Beatles Story celebrates 50 years since
The Beatles travelled to India with the launch of a
special exhibition. ‘Beatles In India’ looks at this key
period in time with new memorabilia, imagery and
personal accounts from people who were there
with them.
To win one of three pairs of tickets for The Beatles

38
Charity Ghost Hunt
Friday, April 27, 8pm to Saturday, April 28, 2am
Fourth Element Paranormal Research presents a
Charity Ghost Hunt in aid of Mid Mersey Age UK. It’s
£27pp and there’ll be hot/cold drinks and sandwich
platter included. Prepare to be scared! Visit www.
fourthelementparanormal.com for info and tickets.
The Mansion House, Victoria Park, St Helens,
WA10 2UE. Tel: 01744 752644
The Bon Jovi Experience
Saturday, April 28, 7.30pm-10pm
The Bon Jovi Experience is world’s finest Bon Jovi
tribute and the only tribute to have been requested
by and performed live on stage with Jon Bon Jovi.
Tickets are £21 for adults and £19 for concessions
www.sthelenstheatreroyal.com
St Helens Theatre Royal, Corporation Street, St
Helens, WA10 1LQ. Tel: 01744 756000
Twinkle Twinkle
Sunday, April 29, 2.30pm-3.30pm
There are melodies inside all of us, and no one
knows that more than Marty the puppy, whose
songs and playtime with his Dad are the best part
of his day. Twinkle Twinkle teaches us we can learn
to carry the light of those we love inside ourselves,
even when apart. Tickets are between £5-£7 from
www.citadel.org.uk
The Citadel Arts Centre, Waterloo Street, St
Helens, WA10 1PX. Tel: 01744 735436
Classic Car Show
Sunday, April 29, 10.30am-3pm
If you’re mad on classic care, this event is said
to be one of the Mansion House’s more popular
events. The Bistro will also be open for snacks and
refreshments.
The Mansion House St Helens, Victoria Park, St
Helens, WA10 2UE. Tel: 01744 752644
Memorial Service
Saturday, May 5, 2pm
A Celebration of the Cowleians who fought and
died in World War 1. In this centenary year, join
together to remember the brave men who lived the
Cowley motto “Not for himself but for all.”
Cowley International College, Hard Lane, St
Helens, WA10 6LB. Tel: 01744 678030
Beer & Gin Festival
Saturday, May 5, 12pm-11.30pm
Everyone’s welcome at this brilliant annual beer
& gin event. It’s £3 entry, and there’ll be live
entertainment and food and snacks.
The Mansion House St Helens, Victoria Park, St
Helens, WA10 2UE. Tel: 01744 752644
Spoiler Alert
Wednesday, May 9, 8pm-10pm
Is life that bad or have we good reason to complain?
In short, are we spoiled? Watch as Ed Byrne takes
this question, turns it upside down and shakes it
until the funny falls out. Go on, spoil yourself. Tickets
are £26.90 available from www1.ticketmaster.co.uk
St Helens Theatre Royal, Corporation Street, St
Helens, WA10 1LQ. Tel: 01744 756000
Beating the Bounds 2018
Sun, May 13, 4.30am-8.15pm (4.15am meeting)
This year’s Beating the Bounds will be part of St
Helens’ 150th anniversary celebrations. Take part in
the challenging 42.5 mile walk around the whole of
the Borough boundary. No entrance fee or formal
registration. It starts and finishes at Haydock Park,
and goes anti-clockwise, around Billinge, Rainford,
Eccleston, Rainhill, Bold, Parr, Earlestown, Newtonle-Willows
and Haydock.
Haydock Park, Newton-le-Willows, WA12 0HQ

39
Food & Drink
More carrot
By Keeley Bolger
Nick Knowles, best known for his 18 years
fronting BBC One home-improvement
stalwart DIY SOS, is not what many would picture
when the word ‘vegan’ comes to mind.
“You tend to think that most vegans are petite,
small, slim people, and I’m not,” “I’m a 46-inch chest,
6ft 2in, 17-stone rugby player!”
His lifestyle has been turned upside down since
filming BBC Two’s The Retreat, which saw him and
a diverse group of participants head to a health
centre in Thailand, ditching cigarettes, caffeine,
alcohol and meat and replacing them with yoga,
lots of vegetables and hikes through the mountains.
He lost nine kilos in three weeks, his cholesterol
levels fell by a third, and his blood pressure dropped
to a healthy level.
Since then, Knowles has maintained a ‘flexitarian’
diet, meaning he largely eats vegetarian or vegan
meals but will occasionally have meat or fish. It’s a
big change for a man who used to eat a sausage,
bacon and egg roll on his way to work, snack on
scotch eggs, and regularly go out for steak lunches.
His first cookbook, Proper Healthy Food: Hearty
Vegan And Vegetarian Recipes For Meat Lovers,
focuses on this huge shift.
“If you could do one day a week as being veggie,
congratulations, you should get a pat on the back,”
he reasons. “You’ve reduced your meat intake, that’s
fantastic. If you can do it two or three days a week,
even better.
“If you could get to a point where you’re meat-free
during the week and only treat yourself to meat
during the weekends... when I say something like
that, the Vegan Society goes, ‘What? Treat yourself
to dead animals?’
“You’re never going to encourage people if every
time they fail, you batter them over the head. I’ve
been saying more carrot less stick. Or you could say,
more carrot less steak!”
And the father-of-four feels the message is too
important to be deterred.
“I know the health benefits that come from eating
a more plant-based diet are so important that we
have to get past all of that rubbish, and encourage
people to start eating meat-free once a week.
Inspired? Here are two recipes from Knowles’ new
book to try at home (cheese-free versions optional!).
Proper Healthy Food: Hearty Vegan And Vegetarian
Recipes For Meat Lovers by Nick Knowles is
published by BBC Books, priced £14.99.

40
Winter Veggie Stew with
Wholesome Lumpy
Dumplings
Serves 6
Ingredients
For the dumplings:
50g butter, softened
125g self-raising flour
40g Cheddar, crumbled
1 tbsp thyme leaves
For the stew:
3tbsp olive oil
1 large onion, roughly diced
2 celery sticks, roughly diced
3tbsp plain flour
1tbsp Marmite
1/2tbsp tomato puree
2L hot vegetable stock
3 carrots, peeled and chopped into chunky pieces
4 parsnips, peeled and chopped into chunky pieces
1/2 head swede, peeled and chopped into chunky
pieces
3 small sweet potatoes, peeled and chopped into
chunky pieces
2-3 rosemary sprigs, plus extra, chopped, to sprinkle
1 bouquet garni (available from good supermarkets)
150g orzo pasta (available from good supermarkets)
80g pack of cooked chestnuts, roughly chopped
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
Method
Start by making the dumplings. Rub the butter into
the flour and mix with the Cheddar and thyme.
Add just enough cold water to bring the mixture
together to a soft dough and divide into five to six
small dumplings.
Preheat the oven to 190C/fan 170C/gas 6. Heat the
oil in a large casserole dish and fry the onion and
celery over a low heat for 10 minutes until soft and
translucent. Add the flour into the pan, whisking
constantly to make a roux. Add in the Marmite and
tomato puree followed by the stock, a glug at a
time, whisking all the while to make a smooth base
to the stew.
Throw the carrots, parsnips, swede, sweet potatoes,
rosemary and bouquet garni to the dish and bring
to a boil. Cook the stew, with the lid off, for five to
seven minutes. The vegetables should be cooking
nicely but still have a bite to them.
Rinse the orzo pasta well, in a sieve, and then
pour into the casserole along with the chestnuts.
Season well and place the dumplings on top of the
casserole. Sprinkle over a little chopped rosemary
and bake in the oven, with the lid off, for 20-30
minutes until the dumplings are puffed up and
nicely cooked, and the vegetables are tender.

41
Macaroni, Leek
& Parsley Cheese
Method
Preheat the oven to 200C/fan 180C/gas 6.
Serves 4 - 6
Ingredients
300g macaroni
500g leeks, trimmed and cut into 1-2cm crescents
50g unsalted butter
50g plain flour
600ml semi-skimmed milk
100g British mature Cheddar, grated
3tbsp roughly chopped flat leaf parsley
2tbsp golden breadcrumbs
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
Cook the pasta in a pan of boiling water for three to
four minutes before adding the leeks to the pot and
continuing to cook for a further five minutes. Drain
the pasta and leeks and set aside.
Meanwhile, make the white sauce. Melt the butter
in a medium pan and stir in the flour. Cook for one
minute until thick, then, off the heat, gradually
whisk in the milk, keeping the mixture smooth.
Return the pan to the heat and stir constantly until
thickened. Simmer for two minutes, remove from
the heat, and add 75g of the Cheddar, the pasta
and leeks. Stir through the parsley and season well
before spooning into a 2L ovenproof dish.
Sprinkle the breadcrumbs and remaining cheese
over the pasta and cook in the oven for 15-20
minutes, until the top is crisp and golden, and the
sauce is gently bubbling.

42
Ashton &
Bamfurlong
With words being the tools of my trade, I
despise clichés. Indeed, I avoid them like
the plague. So that’s why this month’s walk, despite
being reasonably hidden and displaying gem-like
qualities, shall not be described as ‘a hidden gem’.
I’m not sure what descriptive tag it deserves though.
Maybe I’ll think of one later on. Anyway, to the task in
hand...
by David Sudworth
I know the Ashton and Bamfurlong area well, having
grown up a few miles away, so wasn’t expecting
anything out of the ordinary. By the end though,
I had a whole new perspective. Our starting point
for this 6.6 miler was the Three Sisters Recreational
Area, off Lockett Road. We took advantage of the
free parking just by the pond and play area, and
started our hike by going in north easterly direction
towards Bryn Hall Farm.
Once out of the main Three Sisters parkland, it’s
a short walk before turning right. At this point
really have to keep your eyes open, as the public
right of way is not only unsigned, but it also has a
gate which at first glance appears to be a sturdy,
boundary fence from the adjacent house (see
photo to the right).
Thankfully, a friendly farm worker was nearby and
advised us to push on it, which we did, and it sprang
open. Once you’re through the gate and past the
property you follow the track down and round to
the right. Now the walk starts to feel a lot more rural
with fields of crops and live stock. Here we got a
real sense of nature when, out of the undergrowth,
a young deer crossed our path. It scarpered very

43
quickly - much too rapid for our normally superagile
lens man Peter - but what a treat. Of all the
beautiful and rural places I’ve visited doing Jack’s
Tracks, the last place I expected to see wild deer was
on the fringes of Ashton!
We continued until our path did a bit of a dog leg.
The vast expanses of wheat crops, evident in the
earlier part of our walk, continued to carpet the
fields as far as the eye could see. It could have been
a scene from North America rather than little ol’
Wigan. If only George Orwell could have seen it.
We eventually emerged opposite Abram Bryn
Gates School where there was a handy pedestrian
crossing to take us over into Furlong Close, a small
cul-de-sac with neat dormer bungalows. We turned
right into Epsom Drive (I sensed a horse racing
theme going on here) and carried on into the field

44
in front. After two minutes, we arrived at a copse,
went over the footbridge and turned a sharp left.
Although the vegetation in the area was extremely
well developed and dense, the route was amazingly
clear. By this point, the sound of Virgin trains
whizzing up and down the West Coast Main Line
could be heard up the steep embankment yonder.
Once you get to the bridge, which goes underneath
the tracks, just be aware that there are a few paths
and it’s therefore easy to take the wrong one. For our
suggested route, stick to the path which is closest
to this side of the embankment. From here, it’s a
very straight route south on a formal path before
it veers south west towards Riding Lane. While on
this section, our eyes were drawn to the presence
of a commemorative stone laid to the left of the
path, and surrounded by loose bricks. It reads: “P.
W. DAVIES. BORN EDGE GREEN 9 JULY 1889. DIED
Bryn
Hall
Farm
Bryn Gates Lane
Bamfurlong
A58 - Lily Lane
Three Sisters Road
Three Sisters
Recreation Area
Start/Finish
WN4 8DD
Bryn Gates
Lily Lane
Farm
South Lancashire
Industrial Estate
B5205 - Bryn Road
Lockett Road
Stubshaw
Cross
A58 - Bolton Road
Riding Lane
Ashton-in-Makerfield
Please ensure you wear appropriate clothing and footwear whilst walking. Whilst every care has been taken to ensure that the
walk is accurate, neither the publisher or its editorial contributors can accept, and hereby disclaim, any liability to any party to
loss or damage caused by errors or omissions resulting from negligence, accident or other cause.

45
CHESTER 18 NOVEMBER 1944. AT HIS REQUEST HIS
ASHES WERE SCATTERED NEAR HIS BIRTHPLACE. A
WORTHY SON OF LANCASHIRE. A GREAT THINKER.”
There are no further details on the background of
this particular gentleman, but as far as final resting
places go, he chose a lovely spot.
We finally went past some farm buildings and a
house on the right before coming to Edge Green
Road/Riding Lane. A combination of weary feet
and the sight of a rural pub is hard to resist, and
so the gravitational pull towards The Harrow Inn
pub proved too much for our aching limbs to fight
against. As it was a warm, bright day, we sat outside
on one of the many benches, nursing a refreshingly
cold cola and plotting our way back. We found that
from here, it was a virtual straight line back; down
Riding Lane, back across the A58, past Lily Lane
Farm and into the formal Three Sisters Recreation
Area. Look out for the bird watching area on the left
hand side – some of the species indicate a twitchers’
paradise. Once back at the car park, there’s the
option of feeding the ducks or letting the little ones
burn off any energy they may still have stored away
by letting them loose in the play area.
As I said at the outset, it’s hard to believe that in
an area known for its industrial past, so much
countryside is still not only in place, but also
actively used and harvested. As a born and bred
Ashtonian, it certainly opened my eyes. Never
again will I solely think of traffic jams when asked
to describe my hometown. But let’s get one thing
straight, despite all this I’m still not labelling the
walk ‘a hidden gem.’ That would be far too trite.
More like an undiscovered diamond...
Cronton walk
We have updated our Cronton walk featured in the
February edition of Local Life. This is to avoid going
over private land. We ask anyone who is considering
doing the walk to download the updated version
from our website.
Over 40 Lancashire
walks
LocalLife
FREE to download at
locallife247.co.uk

46
Test Drive
Skoda Octavia
vRS Estate by Tim Barnes-Clay
vRS is the Skoda badge that denotes the Czech
firm’s most powerful and capable models. vRS
means performance, and the symbol commands a
lot more respect than you might realise.
In the Czech Republic, Skoda vRS models are
admired for their toughness and performance,
and in the UK, they’ve also garnered a real fanbase.
Octavia vRS owners often state there’s probably no
finer all-rounder on the market at this price point,
and they might well have a case. For under £30,000,
you get a powerful 2.0-litre 184PS diesel engine
mated to a decent automatic gearbox that helps
put the power down via all-wheel drive. It handles
nimbly for a larger car too, and is equally at home
on a B road as it is on a motorway chewing up the
miles.
It’s not often you can say an estate car is handsome,
but the Octavia vRS has a smart, modern,
unaggressive look to it, despite being one of Skoda’s
athletic models. You can notice the influence from

47
Fast Facts
• 0-62 mph: 7.7 secs
• Combined mpg: 55.4
• Engine layout: 1968cc four-cylinder turbo diesel
• Max. power (PS): 184
• CO2: 134 g/km
• Price: £29,400
Skoda’s owners - Volkswagen - in the styling of its
newer models. In the same way that the Golf GTI
and R models aren’t too aggressive, the Skoda isn’t
either. Of course, Skoda is a very modest brand, so
the confident and unassuming styling works well
for it.
Space is abundant in the Octavia estate; there aren’t
many cars you can get for under £30k that can reach
62mph in under eight seconds with a boot the size
of a small cavern. There’s also room aplenty for
human beings too, with the rear seats more than
spacious enough for an adult to sit and relax in over
a long journey. Really, if you need more car than this
you probably need to consider a van or a minibus.
So, the Skoda Octavia vRS is fast, it’s good to drive,
it’s safe, and it’s got more space than your attic.
At under £30,000, you’ll have serious difficulties
finding a better all-rounder than this Czech folk
hero.
Mobile car valeting
Tel: 07803 053 715
e: cjvalet@yahoo.co.uk
www.cjvaleting.net
Treat your car
to the professional touch

48
Gardening
JOBS FOR APRIL
• Dig in a good layer of compost (5cm or more) to
prepare for the growing season.
• Pick off the last of your faded winter pansies to
stop them setting seed which will encourage
new flowers throughout spring.
• Be mindful that there are still late frosts so cover
any vulnerable plants.
• Tie in any climbing and rambling roses to their
supports.
• Get rid of any weeds now - doing this early in the
season should stop these being a bigger problem
later on.
• Start mowing your lawn now once a week with the
blades at the highest setting and gradually lower
them over the weeks.
HAVE A GO!
Plant out some delicious sweet peas. If you haven’t
grown these from seed already then get a few
plants from your local garden centre and tie them
with string to canes to get them going.
Also try growing some peppers and aubergines this
month in a polytunnel or greenhouse!
TOP TIP
Terracotta pots absorb water, so a plant in a
terracotta pot will dry out a lot quicker than one in a
ceramic or plastic container. To stop this happening,
line the pot with some plastic or an empty compost
bag with holes punched in the bottom before
planting. Adding gravel and small rocks at the
bottom will encourage drainage and keep the soil
moist for longer.

49
Sheds
Log Cabins
Workshops
Wendy Houses
Summer Houses
Garden Offices
Free 100% pressure treated
Free erection Free delivery
Up to 48 months low cost finance available
See our show sites at;
Trebaron Garden Centre
Southworth Road, Newton-le-Willows, WA12 0BS
Telephone: 01695 589 207
Rivendell Notcutts Garden Centre
Mill Lane, Widnes WA8 3UL
Telephone: 0151 423 2638
DIRECT FROM THE MANUFACTURER
AABRON
LANDSCAPING
SERVICES
• Raised Beds • Artificial Grass
• Lawns Re-Turfed • Driveways & Patios
• Fencing, Flagging & Block Paving
• Gardens Designed & Constructed
Free fixed-price quotations provided
All genuine like-for-like
quotes beaten!
01744 606 080 / 07780 801 341
51 Sandringham Drive, WA9 3TQ
www.aabronlandscaping.co.uk
www.solidsheds.com
Want your business to grow?
Advertising packages start from £35 + VAT a month.
For more information call 01744 649 722
LocalLife
• Garden Walls • Patios • Fencing
• Driveways • Garden Maintenance
Fully Insured
Call Michael now for a free quote
01695 363859 or 07977 534387
a1brickworkandgardens.co.uk

Upvc Windows & Doors I Conservatories,
Soffits & Fascias I Composite Doors I Bi-Fold Doors
Established in 1984 as an emergency glazing service, today Dennis Goulding has grown and moved
forward to offer all you need to maintain, enhance and expand your home. We continually invest in and
embraced the latest changes in energy efficiency regulations, and still remain a local family business that
cares and takes pride in what we do. We don’t employ pushy salesmen, but pride ourselves on working
with and listening to our customers to give them exactly what they want. We will treat you with respect
every step of the way and on that you have my word! Stuart Goulding
Don’t forget, we also offer all of these services daily...
Glass Cut to size, Sealed Double Glazed Units Manufactured on site, Same Day Service, Safety
Glass, Toughened Glass, Mirrors, Greenhouse Glass, Glazing Service, Misted Units Replaced
Unit 16, Ainscough Business Park, Mossy Lea Road,
Wrightington, WN6 9RS
Dennis Goulding
(Drive onto ‘Ainscough Building Supplies’)
Telephone: 01257 427 000
Open Hours: Monday - Friday 7:30am - 5:00pm; Saturday: 9:00am - 12:00 noon
www.dglwindows.co.uk
A5209
Standish
Shevington
B5250
Open:
J27
A49
TwinLakesMotorEngin ers
Wind Turbines
Heat Pumps
LED Lighting
.and general
Energy Savings
and we’ l provide you with a
detailed report showing the
returns available from your
own solar panels
(10% typical return)
Visit our showr om at
Unit 4a,
Cricket Str et Busine s Park
off Miry Lane,
Wigan.
WN6 7TP
or
Email: info@docsolarelectrical.co.uk
Website: www.docsolarelectrical.co.uk
50
MARDEC
Painters & Decorators
Internal and external work
Domestic or commercial
jobs welcomed
Free inspirational
advice & quotes
No job too small
Established 1992
01744 894 431
07931 282 896
Mark Mitchell
Stained Glass & Leaded Lights
• Traditional Leaded Lights & Stained Glass
• Manufactured & Repaired
• New Commissions
• On-Site Repairs
• 25 Years Experience
Unit 15, Chalon Way Industrial Estate, St Helens, WA10 1AU
Tel: 0151 426 2814 Mob: 07711 841735
www.markmitchellstainedglass.co.uk
Boost your Business in 2018
Advertising packages start from £35 + VAT a month.
For more information call 01744 649 722
LocalLife
Design & Print
Flyers, postcards, brochures
and distribution service.
For more information call
01744 649 722
LocalLife
Gel
Nails
norma ly £20
now £15
Lashes
Spray Tan
Sunbeds
Acrylic & Gel Nails
Natalies @ Studio 84
84 Rainford Road, Billinge WN5 7PG
Telephone: 07814 619 400
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday 10AM - 7PM, Saturday 10AM - 6PM
Closed Thursday & Sunday
Mo sy Lea Road
T
Y
R
E
S
Solar Thermal
& Solar PV
Book
your FREE
home survey
CAR & VAN SERVICING
FREE
Car Health Check
.and motorcycles too
for a l residents of Croston and Bretherton
Keep me until you need me!
Book your FREE Car Health Check
Ca l now on
01772 603923
REPAIR & WELDING
Saving money is
the clear benefit!
Slash your electricity and
water heating bi l
Protect your household from
future energy price rises
E
X
H
A
U
S
T
S
Reduce your household’s
impact on the environment
Ca l us now
0843 224 9555
07595 420237

51
Over 40 Lancashire
walks
LocalLife
FREE to download at
locallife247.co.uk
Driveway Medic
Natural Stone
Driveway Cleaning
Driveway Sealing
Block Paving
Pattern Imprinted Concrete & Tarmac
High Reach Cleaning
Call us now to discuss how Driveway Medic can help you;
our quotes are always friendly and Free.
T: 01942 239 874 M: 07984 034 574
driveway-medicnorthwest.co.uk
UPVC CLEANING
• Windows, Fascias, Gutters etc.
CONSERVATORIES
• Exterior & Interior (Cleaning)
• Glass roofs / Orangeries
JETWASHING
• Driveways & Patios etc.
ROOF CLEANING
• Moss Removal
(No Jet washing/No mess)
• NEW Soft Wash Cleaning
SPECIAL OFFER - 20% OFF
ALL CLEANING PACKAGES
Call Clint for a free no obligation quote.
01744 470 051 or 07834 241 642
www.justcleanpropertycare.co.uk
PROFESSIONAL
CLEANING & SEALING
S E R V I C E S
SPECIAL OFFER
Up to 10 sq m Cleaned & Sealed
Just £49

Upvc Windows & Doors I Conservatories,
Soffits & Fascias I Composite Doors I Bi-Fold Doors
Established in 1984 as an emergency glazing service, today Dennis Goulding has grown and moved
forward to offer all you need to maintain, enhance and expand your home. We continually invest in and
embraced the latest changes in energy efficiency regulations, and still remain a local family business that
cares and takes pride in what we do. We don’t employ pushy salesmen, but pride ourselves on working
with and listening to our customers to give them exactly what they want. We will treat you with respect
every step of the way and on that you have my word! Stuart Goulding
Don’t forget, we also offer all of these services daily...
Glass Cut to size, Sealed Double Glazed Units Manufactured on site, Same Day Service, Safety
Glass, Toughened Glass, Mirrors, Greenhouse Glass, Glazing Service, Misted Units Replaced
Unit 16, Ainscough Business Park, Mossy Lea Road,
Wrightington, WN6 9RS
Dennis Goulding
(Drive onto ‘Ainscough Building Supplies’)
Telephone: 01257 427 000
Open Hours: Monday - Friday 7:30am - 5:00pm; Saturday: 9:00am - 12:00 noon
www.dglwindows.co.uk
A5209
Standish
Shevington
B5250
Open:
J27
A49
TwinLakesMotorEngin ers
Wind Turbines
Heat Pumps
LED Lighting
.and general
Energy Savings
and we’ l provide you with a
detailed report showing the
returns available from your
own solar panels
(10% typical return)
Visit our showr om at
Unit 4a,
Cricket Str et Busine s Park
off Miry Lane,
Wigan.
WN6 7TP
or
Email: info@docsolarelectrical.co.uk
Website: www.docsolarelectrical.co.uk
52
Design & Print
Flyers, postcards, brochures
and distribution service.
For more information call
01744 649 722
LocalLife
Gel
Nails
norma ly £20
now £15
Lashes
Spray Tan
Sunbeds
Acrylic & Gel Nails
Natalies @ Studio 84
84 Rainford Road, Bi linge WN5 7PG
Telephone: 07814 619 400
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday 10AM - 7PM, Saturday 10AM - 6PM
Closed Thursday & Sunday
Specialists in boiler installations, repair & maintenance
Mo sy Lea Road
T
Y
R
E
S
Solar Thermal
& Solar PV
Book
your FREE
home survey
CAR & VAN SERVICING
FREE
Car Health Check
.and motorcycles too
for a l residents of Croston and Bretherton
Book your FREE Car Health Check
Ca l now on
Keep me until you need me!
01772 603923
REPAIR & WELDING
Saving money is
the clear benefit!
Slash your electricity and
water heating bi l
Protect your household from
future energy price rises
Reduce your household’s
impact on the environment
E
X
H
A
U
S
T
S
Call us now
0843 224 9555
07595 420237
All work fully warranted
Book a boiler health check for £65
& get a carbon monoxide
alarm (RRP £29) FREE!
Email ops@hotmail.co.uk
Call the team on
01744 892437
Boost your Business in 2018
We are looking for;
Builders
Cleaners
Driveways
Garden Maintenance
Landscaping companies
PC Doctors
Plasterers
Plumbers
Roofers
UPVC Cleaners
To join our growing group of
classified advertisers in our
St Helens magazine
Why Local Life?
Save time and fuel costs by working in St Helens
Delivered regularly to cover 24,000 private homes in the
St Helens area
Free professional artwork
Advertising starts from just
£35 + VAT
LocalLife
Give your company a BOOST in 2018, call us today on
01744 649 722 for further details. locallife247.co.uk

53
GARAGE DOOR
REPAIRS
ALL GARAGE DOORS REPAIRED :
Springs, Cables, Locks, Rollers etc.
Doors of all ages repaired
01744 894939 / 07891 330214 NO FIX, NO CHARGE
www.garagedoorandlock.co.uk
Strawberry Cottage, Pimbo Road, St.Helens WN8 9QL
Matthew Rigby
Property Services
Damp Control Specialists
We provide an honest, accurate
assessment of your damp
problems using state of the art
diagnostic equipment.
Call us to assess your property
and we will provide you with a
comprehensive damp report.
Contact Matthew on
07840 096 233
CALL PAUL
LOCKSMITHS
ESTABLISHED 2000
• UPVC & WOODEN DOOR SPECIALIST
• Emergency Door Opening
• UPVC Door Lock Repairs
• UPVC Door Lock Changes
• UPVC Door Lock Upgrades
• Wood Door Lock Changes
• All Work Guaranteed
A Registered Insured NCFE Certified Company
Call Paul for a
Fast, Reliable, Professional Service
Reliable, friendly, local service
STICKEM AND GROUT
Tiling by Phil Thompson
• Wall and Floor Installations
• Kitchens, Bathrooms and conversions
• Repairs and Re Grouting
• Clean and Reliable Service
Household small works services also available
T: 07757 097119 E: THOMPSONSTILING2017@GMAIL.COM
01744 602931 or 07756 274503
7 Albany Avenue, Eccleston Park, L34 2QN
TELEPHONE
01744 526 589
MOBILE
07932 718 362
WWW.CALLPAULLOCKSMITH.CO.UK
MultiSkilled Handyman
Roofing & Roofline- repairs and replacement
Decorating, Building, Gates supplied & fitted
Plastering, Gardening
For all your home improvements - No job too small
PlC MAINTENANCE
07847 394040 ~ 01744 606938

54
M H Roofing
Established over 15 years
Friendly advice and competitive rates
No job too small
• High Performance Felt Flat Roof Systems
• Storm Damage and Insurance Work
• Slating and Tiling full roofs
• Poiniting and Guttering • Fascia Boards
Call 01744 884117
or 07702 693225
www.mhroofingltd.co.uk
Fully Insured & Insurance
Backed Guarantees
NEED
A FIX IT
GUY ?
All aspects of DIY
• Plumbing Repairs
• Flat Pack Assembly
• Landlord & estate agent services
• CCTV fitting
• Locks changing
All the jobs you hate - We’ll do!
Fully Insured
Green House Group M: 07947 425288
Want to promote your company in
LocalLife
Call Clare: 01744 649 722
locallife247.co.uk
LocalLife
Puzzle Solutions
P E R I C L E S E C
L N M A C B E T H H
A B E I O F B A P O
Y E G W R O M E O T
N J U L I E T A E H
T T G C O R I N M E
K R W C L B G V A L
T A A O A T E E E L
Y D S M N T E R P O
F G E E U H A O T R
T E T D S O N N E T
O D S Y L U W A N S
G Y D S V E N I C E
WIGGLE WORDS: FROM THE BEGINNING
8 1 0 8
0 7 7 9
2 6 6 2
3 4 9 5
13 18 22 24
24
17
23
16
21
26
WORD MIX UP: THEATRE, HAMLET, BALCONY, TEMPEST, JULIUS CAESAR, ATHENS, WILLIAM, TWELFTH NIGHT

Transform your home
with a brand new driveway
55
Resin Driveways
10%
SPRING
DISCOUNT
On all new orders placed
before the 30th April 2018
Tarmac Driveways
J.P.Surfacing
Made in Lancashire
Established over 25 years
42, Seymour Road,
Astley Bridge,
Bolton, BL1 8PT
01204 590 499
jp-surfacing.co.uk