Local Life - St Helens - October 2018

LocalLife
St Helens Edition October 2018
A Giant Finale
Pages 19 - 21
Education Special
Pages 27 - 41
Woodvale Walk
Pages 55 - 57
Local News Motoring Jack’s Tracks Health Events2Go Home Services
locallife247.co.uk

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4 Local Life
Big ideas
The decision by Marks and Spencer earlier this year
to relocate to Ravenhead Retail Park undoubtedly
sent shockwaves through the town and it begged
the question, does the appetite exist amongst
today’s (and tomorrow’s) shoppers to support local
retailers in a town centre environment?
The Council remain steadfastly in support of
developing the town centre and the welcome news
is that Boots are amongst larger retailers who have
just signed long leases in the centre. Although the
demise of the high street is a national problem,
there are locally-based initiatives out there
designed to level the playing field and protect the
local economy, but they need the support of local
residents to succeed.
During the summer I visited Totnes, in Devon,
whose claim to fame is that it has had its own
currency since 2008 which residents spend in over
160 local businesses registered in the scheme. Ten
years later, the town is thriving and the vacancy
rate of retail units in the town centre is just 2%
compared to over 12% nationally.
Still being developed is the HullCoin, which is
a virtual currency which rewards volunteers for
their work and enables them to discounts off their
shopping in the 140 local stores in Hull who have
signed up.
Both schemes support local retail businesses but,
and this is a big but, they require local residents
to commit to spending with independent local
retailers. Big ideas are needed, but local support is
vital to enable Big Ideas to succeed.
See you next time
Chris Pearce, Publisher
chrisp@locallife247.co.uk

www.locallife247.co.uk 5
In this issue
A Giant Finale
Regulars
12 Puzzle page
52 Events2Go
55 Jack’s Tracks
61 Test Drive
19
Sections
6 Local News
46 Health
58 Gardening
61 Motoring
63 Home Services
Historic
Halloween
Next issue - November 2018
Advertising deadline - Tuesday, 23 October
Published - Friday, 2 November
44
Education
LocalLife
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6 News & Features
Willo’s Walkabouts
Parks across Merseyside in association with Arts
Council England are getting involved in a walkabout
fairytale adventure this autumn.
Willow the Wisp and the Fire Sprite is a magical
adventure for the whole family. Enrol at Wizard
School and quest with the Story Wizard to meet
amazing fairytale characters to save Princess Ember.
Adventures run in the daytime and at twilight – so
wrap up warm and enjoy music, dance and firelight in
this woodland walkabout! You can also get involved
in free fairy lantern making at Prescot Library on
Saturday, October 6 from 10:30am-12:30pm.
The show heads to Prescot Woodland Theatre on
Sunday, October 21, at 3pm and again at 5:30pm.
Tickets cost £12 for adults, £8 for children or £35 for
a family. To book, visit http://www.mateproductions.
co.uk/announcing-willo-the-wisp-the-fire-sprite/.
National Trust Volunteers
The Merseyside National Trust Environmental
Volunteers are welcoming applications for new
members.
If you’re keen to help improve the environment
while getting involved in practical conservation
work, learning new skills and making friends,
the group wants to hear from you. They meet
on alternate Sundays at 10am at a pre-arranged
venue, and get stuck into hedge and tree planting,
woodland maintenance, coastline conservation,
fence and footpath repairs, and more.
Volunteers also get the chance to join walks and visit
various National Trust properties. No experience
is necessary and tools are provided, but children
under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. It’s
recommended you bring a packed lunch, a water
bottle, and suitable clothing including heavy duty
gloves and boots.
For more information, email nw.volunteering@
nationaltrust.org.uk
LEADING LOCAL SPECIALISTS
25 HARDSHAW STREET, ST HELENS, WA10 1RP
2 DERBY STREET, PRESCOT, L34 3LJ
THINKING ABOUT THE FUTURE?
Everyone should make a Will and we can give advice and guidance as to the
most appropriate form of Will for you to cover your individual requirements
and to try to minimize, where possible, the impact of Inheritance Tax.
WILLS
TRUSTS
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ADMINISTRATION OF ESTATES
INHERITANCE TAX PLANNING
LASTING POWERS OF ATTORNEY

7
Don’t compromise on taste,
enjoy quality meats
from your local butcher
Aberdeen Angus Beef
Renowned throughout Merseyside for our Scotch
Beef, We only sell the best quality Certified Aberdeen
Angus beef from Inverurie.
Free Range Chicken
We serve the same Juicy and moist Label Anglais
chickens that Gordon Ramsey serves in his
restaurants.
Free Range Pork
Supplied by Anna’s Happy Trotters, our succulent
pork earned acclaim from celebrity chefs Gerard
Baker and Rosemary Shrager.
Lamb
The luscious flavour of our lamb is attributed to being
grazed on the Yorkshire Moors, and we also serve
seasonal varieties.
Venison
This highest quality venison is supplied from the
Royal Estate at Balmoral.
Goat
Supplied from Cumbria, this delicacy is low in
cholesterol, high in iron and of similar calorific value
to chicken.
Sausages
Our award winning sausages are made on the
premises and flavours include specials flavours such
as black pepper, hog roast and even chippy curry.
Order your
Christmas
meats!
Traditional fresh and free range turkeys
(including Copas Free Range), plus
duck, capons, pheasant and geese.
Free delivery!
to St Helens & Prescot areas
Minimum order £20
Opening Hours: 8am-5.30pm, Monday - Saturday
576, Warrington Road,
Rainhill,
L35 4LZ
0151 426 4604
www.hayestraditionalbutchers.co.uk

8
Urgent Appeal
Willowbrook Hospice is asking for emergency
donations in the face of floods that led to the
closure of four inpatient beds.
Storm Bronagh and Storm Ali
battered England and Wales with
bad weather, and Willowbrook
Hospice was no exception to
the damage caused by torrential
downpour and gale-force winds. 4
out of 12 beds have been affected,
with many of the fixtures and
fittings ruined by damp and dirty
water.
Nichola Saunders, Head of Fundraising at
Willowbrook, said: ‘It’s important now more than
ever that people think of the future for their loved
ones and do their best to help support Willowbrook’.
Nichola’s husband Mark was cared for at the hospice
after a terminal cancer diagnosis in 2001. ‘Mark and
I thought we had a long, happy life
ahead. Unfortunately, a few years
down the line Mark received his
diagnosis.’
Donations keep Willowbrook
running smoothly and able to
offer end-of-life care to its patients.
If you can help them recover from
the recent flooding and reopen
beds for people who need them,
donations can be given by setting up a direct debit,
making a one-off donation, or collecting your loose
change in one of their home money boxes.
For more information, call 01744 453798 or email
events@willowbrookhospice.org.uk

9
SOLD
Can we sell yours?
Lawton Road, Rainhill £450,000
A large, 4 bed, detached home, situated in a prestigious
area and enhanced with many period features, along
with a three reception rooms and mature gardens.
Forest Grove, Eccleston Park £385,000
A fabulous 5 bed detached home, with an open plan
kitchen/diner and a large garden, and finished with a high
quality of fixtures, fittings and flooring.
SOLD
Can we sell yours?
SOLD
Can we sell yours?
Japonica Gardens, New Bold £279,950
A stunning 5 bed detached house, located over three
floors, situated on a corner plot with and with beautiful
landscaped gardens front, side and rear.
Bexhill Gardens, St Helens £279,000
A large 4 bed detached family home on a small soughtafter
development. Highlights include a large luxury
kitchen / family room plus a private rear garden.
Elton Head Road, St Helens £175,000
This beautiful 4 bed, end townhouse, formerly the show
house on a sought after development , is situated over
three floors and located near Lea Green station.
New Street, St Helens £114,000
A well-presented 3 bed semi property situated near
schools, and transport links. This newly decorated property
has gardens plus a large garage/workshop.
CALL US TODAY FOR A FREE HOME VALUATION
St Helens
01744 850 040
Rainhill
0151 426 9696
www.taylor-maxwell.co.uk

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Rainford Races
The Rainford 10K Challenge returns this year to
raise money for various charities.
On October 7, runners can challenge themselves
to complete the 10K, which follows a route around
the Rainford Linear paths and the village itself.
This year’s charities include the Steve Prescott
Foundation and Walking with the Wounded, which
supports people who have been injured in conflict.
Last year the 10K raised over £3,800 for its chosen
charities, with around 450 competitors getting
involved.
The race is also being held with former Rainford
High student George Faulkner in mind, who died
in 2008 aged just 17 after being hit by a car while
crossing the East Lancs by Windle Island. The
George Faulkner memorial trophy will be awarded
to the winner.
Event organiser Terry Bates said: ‘We would like to
thank the local businesses offering prizes for the
race, and to the public for the co-operation and
support we receive.
He continued: ‘The race will utilise distance markers,
accurate timing, a halfway water station and oncourse
action photographs.’
The race starts at Rainford High School at 10:30am
(fun run at 9:45am) and will be marshalled and
traffic-free for its duration. For more information,
contact Terry on 07799 033323.
the auction centre
The leading Auctioneers and Valuers
• Modern saleroom at Manor Park, Runcorn
• RICS and NAVA registered auctioneers and specialist consultants
• Probate and Insurance valuation reports undertaken
• Full house clearance service available
• Regional valuations centres around the north-west
St Helens Valuation Days
4th Wednesday of Every Month
St Thomas Church, Peter Street, WA10 2EB
9.30 – 12 noon
Check website for Details
Call 01744 881 477 for more information
Wigan Valuation Days
2nd Tuesday Of Every Month
Purposed Life Church, Turner Street, Wigan WN1 3SU
9.30 – 12 noon
Check website for Details
Call 01942 299 057 for more information
9 Berkeley Court, Manor Park, Runcorn, WA7 1TQ
Telephone: 01928 579796 Email: enquiries@theauctioncentre.co.uk
www.theauctioncentre.co.uk

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Walking Group
The Stadt Moers walking group always welcomes
new members.
Meeting at Stadt Moers Park Environment Centre
on Pottery Lane in Whiston, the walks cover various
areas across St. Helens and Knowsley and the
neighbouring boroughs.
The walking for health group offer Tuesday and
Thursday rambles – Tuesday walks are 3-4 miles and
last around 2 hours (plus travel time), and Thursday
walks follow a 5-6 mile route, taking 2-3 hours (plus
travel time).
Members meet at 12:30 to car share to the walk
location. For more information, call David on 0151
480 1378.
History Help
Are you interested in learning more about your
ancestors? Need some help getting your family
tree on track? St. Helens Townships Family History
Society is here to help.
The society has reams of newspapers, electoral rolls,
military and church records, and local tythe maps.
Census returns from 1841-1911 are also available.
The group meets every Tuesday from 3:45pm-
6:45pm at Eccleston Library, and can help you get
started on your journey.
For more information, call 07851 503 307 or email
townshipsfhs@gmail.com
Stoptober
Smokefree St. Helens are encouraging residents to
take part in its Stoptober campaign to help give up
smoking.
Along with a free 1-2-1 quitting service with trained
advisers, the council will also be providing free
carbon monoxide health checks and pop-up stands
in the town centre where you can chat to an expert
about the best way to quit for you.
For more information, call Smokefree St. Helens on
01744 586 247.
NEWTON LEGAL
SERVICES LTD.
We specialise in
Wills
Lasting Power Of Attorney
Senior Consultant – Mr Ray Mann
(Has over 20 Years’ experience with a Specialist Firm of Solicitors)
For an appointment/consultation
Call Today on Freephone number below
or email : raymannpier@gmail.com
We offer a FREE Home or Evening
Appointment by Arrangement
covering all areas.
0800 046 9986
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24 hour call/text back service
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01744 634 634
www.atobdelta.co.uk
34 Baldwin Street, WA10 2RL New Cross Street, WA10 1QN

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Puzzle Corner
SUDOKU
WORD SEARCH - Library
Find the hidden words in the word search grid
B F I C T I O N O R
J R E F E R E N C E
C P N I S H D E A S
A R C H I V E S R E
I H Y N Q I N S D A
B I C R U J N D P R
O O L L I L S D I C
R N O V E R D U E H
R S P K T K E D N X
O K E H S H E L F C
W L D E S K T I P W
I L I B R A R I A N
L G A U T H O R C O
BOOKS
SHELF
LIBRARIAN
QUIET
REFERENCE
FICTION
ARCHIVES
OVERDUE
CARD
BORROW
WORD MIX UP - Library
Unscramble the letters to make a word
EDAR
DUSTY
DESK
ENCYCLOPEDIA
RESEARCH
INDEX
AUTHOR
NUMBER
BLOCK
5 1
7 1
8 3
2
19 16 13 11
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.
11
15
15
17
12
17
LUGTEACOA
MAZEINGAS
CROPMUTE
WEEDY LACEDIM
PROGHIABY
SISTCOALNICAFI
WIGGLE WORDS
CLUE: Hard Work
Trace a path through
all the letters to find
the word or phrase
that fits the clue.
L E P H
I K U T
I L L E
N G T E
All the puzzle solutions are on page 66 of this magazine

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14
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Red Box Success
Schools, libraries and businesses across the
borough have been getting involved with the Red
Box Project, a campaign aiming to eradicate period
poverty by providing free sanitary protection for
girls who don’t have access to it in school.
Period poverty affects around one in seven girls
in the UK, with around 15% struggling to afford
sanitary wear. Nearly half of girls aged 14-21 are
embarrassed by their periods and almost three
quarters feel that embarrassment when going to
purchase sanitary products.
Any school that signs up receives a red box filled
with sanitary products donated by the local
community.
Michelle Ruddock, who runs the project in St.
Helens, said: ‘I was really surprised that this is an
issue in our schools. The Red Box Project wants to
make sure girls don’t stay off school because of
their period - there shouldn’t be anything to worry
about.’
Donation points have been set up across town, with
local businesses asked to donate red plastic boxes
to collect and store donations.
Michelle continued: ’The project is really simple to
support – it’s a case of adding a packet or two to
your weekly shop and dropping them into one of
the donation points.’
For more information, visit The Red Box Project – St
Helens on Facebook or call 07772 940786.

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19
A Giant Finale
by Jessica Phillips
Liverpool first played host to the Royal De Luxe
Giants six years ago in 2012, to commemorate
the 1912 sinking of the Titanic and its inextricable
Liverpudlian ties with their Sea Odyssey display.
Their return in 2014 for the centenary of the First
World War saw over 1 million people turn up to
greet the giant puppets as they forged through
the city streets. The Giants really have found
themselves a home away from home in Liverpool,
and their October show- the last event the current
Giants will ever perform - might be the most highly
anticipated yet.
Royal De Luxe, the company behind the Giants,
originally hails from Nantes, France, where it was
founded in 1979 by author-director Jean-Luc
Courcoult. He’s now regarded as one of street
theatre’s pioneers, boasting a long and varied list of
productions from shop window theatre to vibrant
parades; but the giant puppets have become the
undisputed face of the company.
The vivid detail and craftsmanship that goes into
each marionette, as well as the use of props like cars
and ships, ensures that the Giants blend seamlessly
into their real-world stage. There is incredible
attention to detail in the Giants’ costumes, from
the buckles and laces of an enormous boot to the
Diver’s vintage helmet.
This year will see such craftsmanship delighting
an even wider audience as Royal De Luxe takes
the Giants on a tour beyond the city centre. The
whopping 20.6 mile route will explore parts
of Wirral, encountering New Brighton and its
Perch Rock Lighthouse, a stunning backdrop to
the performance. The marionettes will also be

20
continuing the trend of visiting Liverpool’s green
space with a display in Princes Park during their
walking tour, which takes place across three of the
days (October 5-7). All the Giants will meet up on
Sunday, October 7 to parade through Sefton Street
and The Strand, bidding a final farewell to Liverpool
at Canning Dock.
Each of their theatre productions tells a different
story, using magical realism and the local landscape
to articulate sweeping, emotional plots of family,
intrigue and loss. Liverpool’s previous events - Sea
Odyssey and Memories of August 1914 – illustrated
selections of the city’s vibrant history.
Speculation is rife for the third and final event,
dubbed Liverpool’s Dream. One thing is certain:
the show once again promises to be spectacular.
With marionettes as tall as 50ft being handled by
puppeteers, Royal De Luxe have brought incredible
sights to Liverpool’s city centre – from deep sea
divers submerged in the Mersey to Xolo the puppet
dog extending his head for petting. This year the
giants return from the 4th to the 7th of October
to celebrate the 10th anniversary of Liverpool’s
European Capital of Culture title.
Liverpool as the Giants’ destination of choice
is certainly logical. As well as boasting a huge
maritime history, the city’s architecture promises
staging like no other. St. Luke’s bombed-out church,
a Grade-II listed site which was badly damaged
during the Blitz in 1941 and now stands as a ruin,
served as a backdrop for Xolo the giant dog in 2014,

21
while the Diver made his watery ascent through the
Albert Dock two years prior.
The public are already rallying around for the Giants’
arrival, and it is that community spirit, according to
Courcoult, which makes Liverpool feel like a ‘second
home’. He says, ‘the welcome we receive from the
people of the city warms our hearts and we are
excited about not only bringing a brand new story
to Liverpool, but also exploring beautiful Wirral for
the first time.’
Liverpool’s Dream appears in association with
Liverpool City Council and a network of volunteer
stewards, production & media assistants, French
translators and physiotherapists. Some residents
are also taking centre stage as Lilliputians, who will
quite literally be walking with giants. Deputy Mayor
Wendy Simon said: ‘This is the final time our Giant
visitors will ever walk our streets so we want to give
as many people as possible the chance to be part
of this event which is set to go down in Liverpool
history.’
The theme of Liverpool’s Dream is fitting, says
Liverpool Mayor Joe Anderson, as ‘at the turn of the
millennium the city could only dream of the cultural
transformation it was about to embark upon.’
Liverpool’s City of Culture award was a great boost
to the local economy, as well as its cultural and
artistic scenes. More people now visit its museums
and galleries, with new developments cropping up
all the time, such as the Museum of Liverpool in
2011. The Royal De Luxe visit seems set to continue
that trend 10 years later with their final Saga
instalment, which promises to draw a giant crowd.
For more information on the final instalment of the
Giants’ Liverpool trilogy, visit www.giantspectacular.
com

22
Adopt a Grave
Is your surname Bibby, Crank, Glover or Middlehurst?
If so, Windleshaw Chantry might be able to assist in
tracing your family history. If not, don’t worry – with
thousands of graves up for adoption, there’s a good
chance your family name appears somewhere.
Run by local historian Ted Forsyth, the Chantry’s
Adopt a Grave scheme encourages volunteers to
tidy and maintain graves that would otherwise
be lost to time. Volunteers can get involved with
as much or as little as they like, from digging and
replacing headstones to general weeding, tidying
or planting flowers. Many graves have already been
fully restored and are ready for adoption, so there’s
no need to worry about doing the heavy lifting.
Nicola Friar is one such volunteer, who decided
to adopt a grave with her mum. ‘We were always
intrigued by Windleshaw Chantry because it is the
oldest building in St. Helens, but my mum’s curiosity
increased once she discovered we have family
members buried in the surrounding graveyard’,
Nicola says. ‘A few years ago she managed to track
down the grave of my ancestors, John and Patrick
Flanagan, Catholics of Irish descent who were laid to
rest in the 19th century.’
During restoration efforts on the
Flanagan grave, Nicola and her mum
decided to adopt two more, including
the nearby Beesley plot. ‘Although
we have no family connection to this
grave, my mum has already managed
to research the family tree for those
who are buried there. We also
adopted a grave tragically belonging
to a five-week old boy, William Davies.’
The project isn’t just about protecting
individual burial sites, says Nicola.
It’s also about protecting the town’s
heritage. ‘Losing these historic
headstones is arguably the first step
to losing a huge part of the history
of St. Helens. If these graves are not
protected, they and the life stories
of the people buried there – a huge
part of our local culture – will be gone
forever.’
A small group of volunteers meet
at the Chantry every weekend, with
organiser Ted there from 10am-4pm,
but anyone who can spare even a
few hours a year is welcome. For
more information, visit the Chantry’s
Facebook page.

23

24
Earn extra
cash!
Local Life require distributors
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St Helens
Sutton Park Dr, Sandringham Dr area
Marina Avenue, Dinorbin Avenue
& Olga Road area
Tall Trees, Marshalls Cross Road area
Severn Close, New Street area
Prescot Road, Laurel Road
& Regents Road area
Stafford Road, Norfolk Road area
St Georges Road, Haywood Gdns area
Windle
Bleak Hill Road, Crantock Grove
& Windle Grove
Sutton Heath
Lowfield Road, Whelan Gardens
& Marylebone Avenue
New Bold
The Pastures Estate
Rainhill
Rainhill Road, Brookfield Avenue
& Ellaby Road
Bartholomew Close, School Lane
& Norlands Lane
Two Butt Lane, Amanda Road
& St Winifred Road
Interested?
Please email your name, address,
landline number and date of birth to
sallyb@locallife247.co.uk
LocalLife
Take Over Fest
A partnership between Heart of Glass and St. Helens
Libraries, Take Over Festival continues into October
with a series of social realism film screenings at
Chester Lane Library.
On Thursday, October 18 at 7pm, ‘The Rank and File’
explores the Pilkington Glass strike that took place
in St. Helens in 1970. For legal reasons, Pilkington
was replaced with the fictional Wilkinsons and the
action relocated to the Potteries.
Tickets cost £4, £3 for library card holders or £2 for
concessions. They can be booked online at www.
culturalhubs.eventbrite.co.uk, or by calling into any
St. Helens library.
Spooky St Helens
There’s plenty going on this Halloween in St. Helens,
whether you want a real treat or some devilish tricks.
For families, the Spooky Welly Walk takes place in
Sherdley Park on Saturday, October 27 – work your
way around different trick or treat stations enjoying
activities and fairground rides on the 2-mile
walk. The Mansion House in Victoria Park are also
hosting a children’s Halloween disco and a tour of
the property on Sunday, October 28 – don’t worry,
adults are welcome too.
A Halloween-themed Parkrun invites you to run or
jog around Victoria Park in your best fancy dress
on Saturday, October 27, while the Mansion House
in partnership with Age UK offers a Charity Fright
Night the day before. There’ll be live entertainment,
hot and cold food, and lots of prosecco, with a few
surprises…
For more ghoulish goings-on, visit our Events2Go
guide on page 52.

25
• 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

26

Children & Education 27
Degrees of
learning
15 page
education
special

28
Meet the Teacher
A secondary school guide to parents’ evening
Parents’ evenings - love
them or loathe them,
they crop up with
alarming regularity.
They can cause a good
deal of stress whether
you’re the parent, child
or teacher! As a parent
this is your chance to
speak to the teachers that
spend all day with your
children and to whom
you are entrusting their
education.
The first thing to
remember – and this
might sound quite harsh –
is that your child’s teacher
has a lot of parents
to see that night, in a
relatively short space of
time. The bottom line is,
don’t be offended if they
end the discussion, or if
they suggest making an
appointment for another
time to come and discuss
an issue.
It is important to remember that you and the teacher
both want your child to do their best and achieve. If
there are problems then the teacher will most likely
be looking for reassurance that you will support the
school in whatever behaviour or homework policy
they have. They know that students don’t always tell
their parents what goes on at school and so parents
evening may be their chance to make it clear if they
are not meeting expectations.
If you have existing concerns, don’t launch in with
complaints. Let the teacher explain how they feel
your child is doing and respond to that.
Don’t ask in Year 7 what the teacher thinks they will
get in their GCSE, let your child enjoy school without
pressure in those early years. Instead of asking how
they are doing compared to other students, ask if
they are where the teacher wants them to be.
Above all remember that the teacher wants what is
best for your child. Put your concerns to them but
please listen to what they have to say too.
By Willow Coby

29
Do you want to
make a difference
to children’s lives?
Why not consider training to become a Primary School Teacher!
We are looking for people who have (or will have) a 2:1 degree,
have a passion for teaching and want to inspire children to fulfil
their potential.
Excellent employment rates with 100% of our trainees gaining
employment (over 50% of these being employed within our
partnership schools).
We are offering an amazing opportunity to train within schools
in St Helens. We have highly experienced, qualified mentors &
trainers who guide & teach graduates to become outstanding
classroom practitioners.
You will gain a PCGE as well as QTS & have opportunity to gain
Master’s Credits.
For further details please contact:
Ellen Riley
Grange Valley Primary School
Heyes Avenue, Haydock
St Helens, WA11 0XQ
Telephone: 01744 678300
Email: ellen.riley@sthelens.org.uk
Training provider code: 2KF
Training programme code: 39R7
WE ARE RECRUITING NOW FOR SEPTEMBER 2019 START DATE

30
Part-Time Professors
Around eight out of ten students work part-time in
order to help fund their studies. Having a part-time
job in college or university can assist with living costs
and is said to build character – but could it be taking
away vital studying time?
Part-time employment looks good on a CV. In
today’s competitive job market, school-leavers and
graduates need their CVs to stand out more than
ever. Though this can be boosted with volunteering
opportunities and work experience, working parttime
shows they know how to prioritise and manage
their time effectively.
There’s less time for studying. Revising for A-Levels
or a degree can be stressful, with many universities
saying their courses require as much dedication as a
full-time job. Working part-time leaves less time for
cramming in the library or attending lecturers’ office
hours.
Students will learn to be financially responsible.
Which means relying less on the bank of mum and
dad! Budgeting is an essential life skill, and parttime
jobs can help alleviate the stresses of a student
overdraft.
Non-flexible shifts might mean skipping classes.
Employers demanding compulsory overtime or
arranging different shifts each week might lead to
students missing out on contact hours, including
classes and lectures.
One solution is freelance work, which can be useful
for gaining work experience in any chosen field and
for making a bit of extra cash; although the frequency
and amount of work can decrease during quiet
spells. Tutoring is another way to get some pocket
money going while reinforcing good study habits –
just make sure to seek permission from the college
or university before advertising your services!
Could you be one of tomorrow’s
outstanding teachers?
Individuals who are
passionate about working
with young children.
Join us at our open evenings at;
St Patrick’s Catholic Primary School,
Hardybutts, WIGAN, WN1 3RZ
Tuesday 9th October 2018, 4-6:00pm
Tuesday 13th November 2018, 4-6:00pm
Tuesday 11th December 2018, 4-6:00pm
Tuesday 15th January 2019, 4-6:00pm
Tuesday 12th February 2019, 4-6:00pm
Individuals who have
the potential to be
outstanding teachers
Accredited
Study days will be at Liverpool Hope University leading to a PGCE and QTS in primary teaching.
For more information and updates visit www.wcpsd.org.uk
Provider code 2A4 - Course code 2XT7

31

32
Student Success
Carmel College is celebrating being
one of the top 10 sixth form colleges
in the country once again.
With a 99% overall pass rate and 80%
of grades in the A*-C bracket, the
Class of 2018 bucked the national
trend of these grades falling across
the country compared with last year.
51% of these grades were A*-B grade
- an impressive statistic indeed.
Seven Carmel students will be heading to Oxbridge
universities, with a further seven off to study
Medicine or Veterinary Science. Carmel’s BTEC
courses also achieved a 100% pass rate, and 88%
of BTEC grades awarded were Distinctions or
Distinction*s.
Principal Mike Hill said: ‘We are really pleased
with this year’s outstanding results. The number
of our students who achieved a grade C or above
has increased which is really pleasing, particularly
compared to the national picture. Not only does
this show how hard our students have worked,
it also illustrates how our staff continue to be
passionate about working with students both in
passing on their knowledge and supporting them
to achieve their best’.
Uniform Donations
Unicycle, a St. Helens-based uniform donation
and distribution service, welcomes donations of
unwanted school uniforms.
The charity collects primary and secondary school
uniforms of all sizes to provide for anyone who
cannot afford or otherwise procure a school
uniform in time for school. The uniforms are
cleaned, repaired and stored until needed.
Unicycle runs on Tuesdays from 7-9pm and
Thursdays from 1-3pm in St. Mark’s Church on North
Road. It welcomes families from all backgrounds
and can help signpost to other essential services.
For more information, email stmarksunicycle@
gmail.com
Libraries Week
St. Helens Libraries offer a full programme of events
to celebrate Libraries Week.
Eccleston Library is holding a family activity session
on Thursday, October 11 from 3:45pm-4:45pm with
Book Bingo and a treasure hunt, while Rainhill Library
are running Library Bingo, with loads of books to
take home to put you in a great mood! This runs on
Wednesday, October 10 from 3:15pm-4:15pm.
Libraries Week, running from October 8th to 13th, is
a great opportunity to get back into reading, or just
to see what your local library has to offer.
Homework Cafe
A homework café based in Nutgrove Methodist
Church aims to take the stress of homework out of
your home.
The café aims to support parents who are helping
their children with homework by offering a relaxed
environment with people on hand for additional
advice or tips - you never know, you might find an
easier way of doing long division or meet someone
with expert history knowledge!
Light meals, including snacks for children and
unlimited hot drinks for adults, are available for
the suggested donation of £1. Children must be
accompanied by an adult, and children from any
school are welcome.
The café takes place every Tuesday in term-time
from 3:15pm-5:30pm. For more information,
contact Deacon Julie on 0151 426 5369.

33

34

35

36
Pondering
Podcasts
The current GCSE system, which awards grades
from 1-9, requires a wider breadth and depth of
knowledge than the previous syllabuses, with some
students and teachers struggling to finish certain
subjects with enough time for revision before
exams.
With many subjects beyond parents’ reach, the
era of podcast-learning could be game changing.
With podcasts covering everything from Maths to
Spanish, and most available for free, they might be
more prudent than hiring a private tutor.
The BBC are revamping their BBC Bitesize platform
(bbc.com/education) to reflect the content of the
new exams. The podcasts are short and offer a
mix of text, audio and occasional video clips. Most
importantly they are free to all students with access
to a PC.
Mr Allsop History (mrallsophistory.com) is a free
History revision website created by University of
Cambridge History graduate and current
teacher Scott Allsop. It’s comprehensive,
with regular updates and useful sections
on revision skills and exam technique.
There are also paid-for platforms
like Audiopi (audiopi.co.uk) This is
an educational resource created
by teachers, examiners and
academics which aims to
inspire GCSE and A
level students with
their coursework
and revision. They
produce exam
board –specific audio
tutorials for for English
Literature, English Language, History, Biology,
Religious Studies, and Science. You can purchase
access to one subject or a whole range of subjects
for around £5 per month, with a free trial available.
One of the most comprehensive platforms is
GCSEPOD (gcsepod.com). These are engaging, well
thought-out, easy-to-understand podcasts which
even tailor their content to specific exam boards.
They get the balance between ‘understandable’
and ‘enough depth’ just right. The good news is
that some schools subscribe to this on behalf of
their students, so it’s worth checking out. If not,
parents can subscribe too. Access to the full range
of subjects will set you back around £200 for the
year, but contrast that with private tuition and it
looks very reasonable indeed.
One of the most fun (and free resources) for
science students is The Naked Scientists
(thenakedscientists.com). Their primary
aim is to strip science down to its
essentials. While not specific to any
curriculum, it’s an addictive way
to gain insight into any tricky
parts of the syllabus.
By Sarah Davey

37

38
Top Tips for Starting a
New School
Autumn is almost synonymous with Back to School.
Shops are stocked with stationery and uniforms,
and chances are there will be tears, excitement and
apprehension too. By preparing your child, and
yourself, the first steps in education needn’t be too
scary.
Be uniform savvy: Ensure you have a list of school
uniform must-haves directly from the school office.
Many schools sell standard items themselves that
can save dragging grumpy children around shops.
Be careful to label items with your child’s name to
avoid losses in the PE changing rooms.
Swot up on the rules: While you might be happy for
your child to wear jewellery or a certain hairstyle,
the school may not. Rightly or wrongly schools are
notoriously picky about the appearance of their
students. So avoid unnecessary arguments for you
and humiliation for your child by ensuring that you
know the school rules and adhere to them.
Be prepared: Even the most outgoing child is
bound to feel more than a little worried about that
big, scary place they call school. Try talking to them
and telling them about your own time at school to
ease some fears, and any older siblings should be
called on to help.
Don’t show fear: A new school is just about as
terrifying as it comes for parents but your little one
doesn’t have to know that. If you show positivity
and happiness your child will follow suit, let them
know you’re proud of them and believe they’ll love
every minute of their new life at school.

39

40
Helping Out
Schools are generally very keen to foster a good
relationship with parents and their wider community.
Often people are well-intentioned and would like to
help out, but don’t know how. Here are some ideas
which might appeal.
You could become a member of the Parent Teachers
Association. Traditionally these were developed to
foster better relationships between parents and
schools, but they are now generally associated with
fundraising.
Why not become a parent governor? Governors
get involved with the strategic decision making of
schools. They attend full governor body meetings
and usually sit on committees dealing with various
aspects of the school, such as staffing finance and
curriculum. Parent governors are voted for by the
parents of pupils at the school.
Maybe you would like to be a classroom helper.
Classroom helpers volunteer to assist teachers on a
regular basis, usually in primary schools. They may
be in school for half an hour a week, or perhaps up
to half a day
Senior schools often have events where parents and
local business people come into school to talk about
their careers, or to discuss anecdotes about taking
part in a notable event or visiting an unusual place.
Many school volunteers not only benefit from a
sense of pride and fulfilment at having assisted, but
also find that they improve their skills and enhance
their CVs.
By Susan Brookes-Morris

41

42
Business Awards
Four St. Helens businesses
have been crowned as
Regional Winners in the
2018 Chamber Business
Awards.
All members of St. Helens
Chamber, the successful
businesses were Sandon
Global
Engraving
Technology, Inovus Medical,
360 Resourcing Solutions
and Proactive Despatch,
winning Export Business
of the Year, Small Business
of the Year, Best Use of
Technology Award and
Customer Commitment Award respectively.
Best Use of Technology - 360 Resourcing Solutions
This comes after the businesses were crowned
victors at the inaugural St. Helens Chamber
Business Awards, which took place in May this year.
The awards are now in their 15th year, and aim to
celebrate businesses that drive the UK economy
forward.
Kath Boullen, St. Helens Chamber’s Chief Executive,
said: ‘We are thrilled to have so many local businesses
Excellence in Customer Services
- Proactive Despatch
enjoying success at the regional heats. We know
that we have a very high calibre of businesses in our
Borough, which is why we introduced the St. Helens
Business Awards this year as a way to celebrate local
businesses and give our members the opportunity
to highlight their successes on a national stage.’
Small Business of the Year - Inovus Medical Ltd
The four businesses will now progress to
representing the North West at the national
finals, culminating in a gala dinner in London in
November.

43

44
Historic
Halloween
by Jessica Phillips
Halloween dates back to the ancient Celtic festival
of Samhain, which marked the end of the harvest
and the beginning of a dark winter. Celts believed
that on October 31 the ghosts of their dead
returned to the world of the living for a night.
Reports of hauntings are relatively common; orbs
caught on camera, the feel of a ghostly presence
in a musty room. The question is, how legitimate
are these ‘ghost’ sightings? And could there be any
spirits lurking around St. Helens?
Mill Street Barracks
Originally built to act as headquarters for various
parts of the Lancashire military, the Mill Street
Barracks were completed in 1861. The 5th Battalion
South Lancashire Regiment was still based there
at the beginning of WW2, but that wasn’t the
building’s only purpose - it has also been used as a
morgue and a sanatorium for TB victims.
Regular ghost hunts take place in the building, with
people reporting sightings of a black, three-legged
dog who spends his days searching for his former
master, a man named Old Jack who haunts the
barracks’ upper level, and an angry male apparition
who has attempted to push people down the stairs.
Nuns and nurses have also been seen going about
their duties.

45
Crank Caverns
The remains of the Rainford Delph Quarry have many
spooky stories to tell. Crank Caverns were part of a
sandstone quarry from around 1730 before mining
ceased in 1865, when the caverns and surrounding
woodland were used as a game reserve by the Earl
of Derby. Many ghosts, including Saint Edmund
Arrowsmith from Ashton-in-Makerfield, are said to
haunt the caves, though an extensive paranormal
investigation has yet to be carried out.
Back in the 18th century, soldiers reported
finding the ruins of an ancient church, with stone
gargoyles, candles, and part of an altar. Many
people, including children who went to investigate
the caverns back when the quarry was still
functioning, allegedly went missing from the cave
entrance; further historical reports found piles of
human bones within the cavern structure before
they were eventually sealed, blocking access to the
mysterious church. The deeper caverns are now
gated off and only a few people have keys to unlock
them, but the central area is still open to explore.
We couldn’t neglect to mention the White Rabbit
of Crank. Allegedly belonging to a witch who was
murdered in the seventeenth century by locals,
her dead pet was said to follow her killers around
the hamlet of Crank - leading to both their deaths.
Some say the ghostly bunny still haunts the area
waiting for unsuspecting victims...
The Stork Hotel
The Stork Hotel in Billinge was originally intended
as a farmhouse back in 1718. During the Civil War
it was used as a prison for Royalist convicts, with its
cellar acting as a crypt.
The hotel’s most famous ghost is the Cavalier, who
was tortured to death inside the building during
the Civil War. People have reported seeing him in
their bedrooms wearing a plumed hat and long
boots, carrying a sword, but he has also been seen
lurking around other parts of the building.
The Mansion House
The Mansion house is no stranger to ghosts - it
appeared on the hit TV show Most Haunted in 2016.
Built in 1850 for solicitor John Andsell, ‘Cowley
House’ originally existed as a Victorian residence
and was later transformed into a museum. For
years, people have reported seeing – or feeling –
ghostly presences; perhaps the most famous is a
young maid who has been seen on the stairs after
allegedly hanging herself from the upstairs balcony
when her secret lover assaulted her.
People have also reported hearing moans and cries
around the house, along with the sounds of invisible
children playing, and seeing a phantom woman
peering around a downstairs door. The elusive
‘Lady in White’ might also be hanging around the
gardens, so keep an eye out this Halloween.
The Mansion House is hosting a children’s
Halloween disco and spooky tour on Sunday,
October 28. Tickets cost £5, one adult goes free with
additional adult tickets costing £2. You can also get
involved with the Halloween Parkrun in Victoria
Park on Saturday, October 27.
For more spooky goings on this Halloween, visit our
Events2Go guide on page 52.

46 Health & Fitness
Stop Smoking with Hypnosis
It’s easy to be put off the idea of hypnosis by its
Hollywood reputation, but it could be the perfect
solution this Stoptober. If you want to quit smoking
for good, hypnotherapy (hypnosis used to promote
healing or positive development) could be just the
thing.
Contrary to popular belief, hypnosis is not a state
of deep sleep and patients cannot be made to do
anything they would not ordinarily do. Totally safe,
patients stay in control and can terminate the
hypnotic state at any time. In fact, most people
can’t tell the difference between a hypnotised and
‘waking’ state. Although different for everybody,
a hypnotic trance may feel like daydreaming, or
simply a feeling of relaxation or lethargy.
During hypnosis, the analytical left-hand side of the
brain is turned off, whilst the non-analytical right-
hand side is made more alert. The conscious mind
becomes suppressed, and the subconscious mind
more aware.
In order for hypnosis to work, the patient must be
highly motivated to change some behaviour or
habit. The readiness and ability of patients to be
hypnotised varies considerably, and hypnotherapy
generally requires several sessions in order
to achieve meaningful results. However, selfhypnosis
can be learned and practised at home
to reinforce formal therapy sessions. In fact, it is
common for patients to be given a recording of
their hypnotherapy session to listen to at home. It
is generally accepted that all hypnosis is ultimately
self-hypnosis and that a hypnotist merely helps to
facilitate the experience. Hypnotherapy is not about
being made to do things - it is about empowerment.
By Debbie Singh-Bhatti

47
How Old is Your Heart?
A new online test can determine whether you’re at
increased risk of a heart attack or stroke.
Public Health England are calling for adults
nationwide to take the Heart Age Test, which
provides an instant assessment of their ‘heart age’.
If this number is higher than your actual age, there
is an increased risk of heart problems including
cardiovascular disease: the leading cause of death
for men and the second for women.
80% of cardiovascular-related deaths in people
under 75 are preventable with lifestyle changes –
that’s around 50 deaths per day. The most common
causes are high blood pressure (which affects one
in four adults) and high cholesterol, and with this
October being National Cholesterol Month, what
better time to evaluate your heart health and make
some changes?
to provide an estimated heart age, and gives
suggestions on lifestyle changes such as losing
weight, quitting smoking or cutting back on alcohol.
It has already been found that four out of five people
have a heart age higher than their actual age.
Professor Jamie Waterall of Public Health England
said: ‘Millions are at risk of cardiovascular disease
but don’t know it, putting themselves at real risk
of suffering ill-health or dying younger… Taking
a Heart Age Test is something you can easily do at
home, but it could be one of the most important
things you do to help you live a healthy, longer life.’
The test is a simple way to get feedback on your own
lifestyle and find out handy tips for change. To take
the test, visit https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/nhshealth-check/check-your-heart-age-tool/
or talk to
your GP.
The Heart Age Test asks a series of simple questions

48
Advertisement
Life’s Biggest Moment
The moment of motherhood, when your child
looks up at you for the first time, is one of life’s huge
moments, but for many women, the time leading
up to that moment can be a nerve-wracking and
terrifying period.
The whole idea of childbirth makes many women
anxious, but as many as one in five expectant
mothers suffer from tokophobia, which has been
identified as a severe fear or a dread of childbirth.
Registered midwife, health visitor and university
lecturer, Rachel Akehurst, founded Lionheart
Hypnobirthing to help
expectant mothers in St
Helens and surrounding
areas to enjoy and
feel empowered by
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Hypnobirthing is a method of labour and birth
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Client Comments
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labour and birth smoother, more comfortable
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Rachel explains, “Birth can be hard work and it can be
intense, but it doesn’t have to be scary or distressing.
Labour and birth can be totally AMAZING, it can fill
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The benefits of hypnobirthing have been
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• Reduce anxiety and, in some cases, it has been
shown to make labour shorter.
• Reduce fear and labour and birth sensations,

49
reduce the need for drugs, medical interventions
and tearing during labour, and reducing the need
for drugs and medical intervention.
• Lower the chance of postnatal depression.
Rachel runs a number of courses to cater for
expectant parents. These depend on the level of
support needed and the time available, but include
the popular full hypnobirthing course, an intense
hypnobirthing course for those nearing their time,
an essentials birth preparation course and a group
hypnobirthing course. Prices range from £150-£310,
depending on the course.
With every course, the expectant mum will get a
Hypnobirthing book, a CD, a gorgeous goody bag
and a parent’s folder for your bespoke handouts and
notes.
In addition though, you will also get the absolute
peace of mind of having an experienced midwife,
hypnobirthing teacher and hypnobirthing mum on
hand for emotional support via text/phone, and an
invitation to a monthly group support meeting at
Momo’s Coffee Shop in St Helens town centre.
Rachel summarises “Hypnobirthing will make a
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birth, and it gives your baby the best possible start
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in the best possible frame of mind”.
For more information, visit @lionhearthypnobirthing
on Facebook and Instagram, or visit www.
lionhearthypnobirthing.com or give Rachel a call on
07954 214 485.
One-to-One sessions
Group Sessions
Intensive sessions
your journey to a calm and confident birth
call Rachel today on
07954 214 485
www.lionhearthypnobirthing.com
rachy_lith@hotmail.com
@lionhearthypnobirthing

50
One in three women don’t check for
breast cancer
This October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month,
and with figures from a recent YouGov survey
revealing that a third of women do not check their
breasts regularly for symptoms of breast cancer,
could be the perfect time to get tickled pink and
start getting to know your breasts.
With 1 in 8 women affected by breast cancer in their
lifetime, it’s incredibly important to perform regular
boob checks. It can be a daunting process - but it
could save your life.
Prescot Chiropody Clinic
The survey of 2,126 UK adults also revealed that a
fifth of women (20%) say their main reason for not
doing so is because they don’t know how to check.
Furthermore, more than a tenth (11%) of women
aged 55 and over who don’t check their breasts
believe they don’t need to between NHS screening
appointments, which should happen every three
years from the age of 50.
Breast Cancer Care is urging women of all ages to
get to know their breasts – ideally checking every
4-6 weeks - so they can spot any unusual changes
quickly, whether they are attending screening or
not, as early detection of breast cancer can save
lives.
Breast cancer charity CoppaFeel has put together a
handy guide for the signs you should look out for.
It’s first important to know what’s normal for you.
Look and feel around your breasts, including the
collarbone and armpits, which also carry breast
tissue – this applies to both men and women.
You should also know which symptoms to look
out for. Inverted nipples or nipple discharge can
be indicators of breast cancer, as well as constant
unusual pain in the breast or armpit. You should
also look out for a change of breast shape, strange
puckering to the skin, or any rashes/crusting around
the nipple area.
If the symptom doesn’t disappear within a week, it’s
recommended you get checked out.
Visit https://coppafeel.org/ or call Breast Cancer
Care’s Nurses free on 0808 800 6000 for information
and support from day one.

51
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52 Leisure
Upload your event for FREE at
www.locallife247.co.uk/events
Follow us on Facebook
events2go
Art Exhibition
Thursday, October 4 to Sunday, October 7
There’ll be a number of adult categories including
oil/acrylic painting; watercolour; drawing; sculpture
etc. Lots to see and do for budding art enthusiasts!
Rainford Village Hall, Church Road, Rainford,
WA11 8HB. Tel: 01744 884709
Sunflower Memories
Saturday, October 6, 10am
Willowbrook Hospice hosts a Sunflower Memories
appeal in celebration of the lives of loved ones. For a
donation to the charity, you’ll receive a special card,
a sunflower badge and the chance to personalise
your own wooden sunflower, which is then yours
to keep.
The Living Well, Borough Road, St. Helens, WA10
3RN
Rainford 10K
Sunday, October 7 – Fun Run at 9:45am, 10k at
10:30am
Get your running shoes on for the Rainford 10K
and 1K fun run! There will be lots of stalls and
attractions along the safe, marshalled course, and
varied terrain to get stuck into. Participants will also
receive a goody bag, t-shirt and medal. For more
info, visit http://www.therainford10k.co.uk.
Rainford High School, WA11 8NY
Mayor’s Charity Quiz
Thursday, October 11, 7:30pm
Come along for a great night of quizzing, with bingo
games and raffles! A hotpot supper will also be
served. Tickets £8 per person. For more information,
email pat.ireland@blueyonder.co.uk, or visit www.
sthelensmayorquiz.eventbrite.co.uk to book.
East Sutton Labour Club, Ellen Street, Sutton, WA9
3QA
Frank Cottrell-Boyce
Thursday, October 11 & Saturday, October 13,
various times
Celebrated author of Millions delivers readings from
popular children’s books including Sputnik’s Guide
to Life – soon to be a Dreamworks feature film. Free
to attend, booking required.
Chester Lane Library, Tel: 01744 677081
Rainhill Library, Tel: 01744 677822
Eccleston Library, Tel: 01744 677575
Bananaz Bingo
Friday, October 12, doors at 7pm
Eyes down, it’s time the highly anticipated Bananaz
Bingo in support of Willowbrook Hospice! You’re in
for a crazy night of bingo and partying, all for a good
cause. Tickets are £15 and include a glass of prosecco,
6 bingo games and game accessories. Book online
at https://willowbrookhospice.charitycheckout.
co.uk/bananaz-bingo#!/, call 01744 453798 or email
events@willowbrookhospice.org.uk
Rainhill Ex-Services Club, 561a Warrington Road,
Rainhill, Prescot, L35 4LS

53
Bra-Vo Games Night
Friday, October 12, 6pm-10pm
In aid of Whiston & St. Helens Hospitals Charity,
breast cancer patients take on their spouses and
doctors in the ultimate games night! There will
also be games for everyone, with amazing raffle
pizes and exciting stalls. Tickets £20 and include
a hot buffet. For more information email Gaynor.
Whistlecroft@sthk.nhs.uk or call 0151 676 5938.
Sponsor Lounge, Totally Wicked Stadium, St.
Helens
Paint Rainford Pink
Saturday, October 13, 1pm
Come and have tea, cakes and a natter in aid of
Prevent Breast Cancer! There will also be scarecrows
placed across the village – enter one of your own
for £5 or £3 for children to be in with a chance of
winning £50!
Rainford Scout Hut, Church Road, Rainford
Coffee Morning
Thursday, October 18, 10am-12pm
The St. Helens Inner Wheel Club invites you to meet
your friends for coffee in comfort while enjoying
various stalls and a raffle. Proceeds go to local and
international charities. Tickets £1.
St. Julie’s Church Hall, Howard’s Lane, Ecccleston,
WA10 5HJ
Evening with Ray French
Thursday, October 18, 7pm
The ‘voice of rugby’ Ray French offers a talk about
the highlights of his career, with a Q&A and hotpot
supper afterwards. Tickets cost £10, with all
proceeds going to Willowbrook Hospice. To book,
contact Willowbrook Hospice at 01744 453798 or
email events@willowbrookhospice.org.uk.
The Ladykillers
Thursday, October 18 – Saturday, October 20,
7:30pm
Graham Linehan, popular TV comedy writer
and director, is behind this performance of The
Ladykillers, a classic black comedy. Unwittingly
involved in a robbery, sweet old Mrs. Wilberforce is
pitted against a gang of criminal misfits. Tickets £6-
£7, call 01744 813429.
Rainhill Village Hall, L35 4LU
St. Helens Comic Con
Saturday, October 20, 9:30am
Get ready for an amazing day as some of the best
science-fiction stalls, merchandise and guests head
to St. Helens. Celebrity guests so far include Doctor
Who’s Colin Baker, Red Dwarf’s Hattie Hayridge and
Star Wars’ Jimmy Vee. Adult tickets £8, children £4 or
free for under-4s.
St. Helens Town Hall, WA10 1HP
1950’s Film Evening
Saturday, October 20, 7:30pm
Rainford Heritage Society host a Rainford 1950’s
film evening with a hotpot supper served during
the interval. Tickets £7 per person, available from
Ray Waring on 01744 885547.
Rainford Church Hall, Rainford, WA11 8SD
Selina Thompson’s Salt
Saturday, October 20, 7pm
A visceral, vulnerable and beautiful one-woman
show retracing the routes of the Transatlantic Slave
Triangle – from the UK to Ghana to Jamaica and
back. Tickets cost £6, £5 for St. Helens Library Card
holders, or £3 for concessions.
Parr Library, Fleet Lane, St. Helens, WA9 1SY
Greenall’s Social Club, Alder Hay Road, St. Helens,
WA10 4DN

54
Cheese & Wine Evening
Thursday, October 25, 7pm
Enjoy the flavours of Italy at Willowbrook Hospice’s
cheese and wine evening. It’s the perfect way to
relax after work! Tickets cost £10 and can be booked
at 01744 453798 or through email at events@
willowbrookhospice.org.uk.
The Living Well, Borough Road, St. Helens, WA10
3RN
Charity Fright Night
Friday, October 26, 7:30pm
Come along to the Mansion House for Halloween
in support of Age UK! You’ll be in for a trick or treat
with live entertainment, a hot and cold buffet,
glass of prosecco on arrival and an unexpected
surprise… Tickets cost £25, email laurawalton@
aukmm.org.uk for details.
The Mansion House, Victoria Park, St. Helens,
WA10 2UE. Tel: 01744 752 644
Spooky Welly Walk
Saturday, October 27, 11am-5pm
A two-mile Halloween-themed family charity walk
through Sherdley Park with over 20 different trick
or treat activity stations! From the Dreadful Diner to
the Yucky Dip stand, there will be mini fairground
rides and lots of spooky surprises. Proceeds go to
Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation, and each child
receives a medal. £4 per person, under-2s go free.
Sherdley Park, St. Helens, WA9 5DE
Halloween Parkrun
Saturday, October 27, 9am-10:30am
Head to Victoria Park in your best fancy dress and
running shoes for its annual spooky spectacular
parkrun. There’s a prize for the best costumes!
Victoria Park, St. Helens, WA10 2UE
Autumn Heritage Buses
Sunday, October 28, 10am-5pm
Free rides around St. Helens on a selection of
historic buses and visiting twilight zone vehicles.
There will also be sales stands around the museum
offering transport books, photos and model buses.
North West Museum of Road Transport, The Old
Bus Depot, 51 Hall Street, St. Helens, WA10 1DU
Kids’ Mansion House Tour
Sunday, October 28, 3pm-6pm
Get involved in a spooky tour of the historical
Mansion House, with spooky crafts, fun and music.
Child entry costs £5 with one free adult, additional
adults £2. Tickets include a children’s sandwich,
snack and drink. Limited spaces available.
The Mansion House, Victoria Park, St. Helens,
WA10 2UE
Haunting of Greenacre
Wednesday, October 31, 7:30pm
A real-time production that will chill you to the
bone! Young couple Mark & Stacy head off to a
remote Welsh cottage for a weekend break, but
something in the cottage doesn’t want them
there… Enjoy this true British comedy-style
performance this Halloween. Tickets available from
the box office. Ages 14+.
Theatre Royal, St. Helens, WA10 1LQ
Circus of Horrors
Saturday, November 3, 7:30pm
After a 22-year world tour, Circus of Horror returns
for its latest incarnation – The Psycho Asylum.
This bizarre collection of circus acts is a rock n’
rollercoaster of a show with a mostly original
soundscape and amazing celebrity reviews.
Theatre Royal, St. Helens, WA10 1LQ

55
Woodvale
by Chris Pearce
Mention Formby or Ainsdale in a walking context and
people automatically think of the beaches, but there
more to these areas as this 6 mile walk clearly shows.
This walk, ideal for even the wettest Sunday afternoon,
takes a flat, circular route around Woodvale Airfield
and takes in, not one, but two nature reserves on route.
Park up near Freshfield Rail Station (L37 7DD)
and take leafy Montague Road 600 yards to its
conclusion, where you follow a shale path going in
the same direction running parallel to the railway
line. Follow the path for a further 400 yards and
then, taking great care, cross the railway line at the
level crossing and enter Formby Golf course. The
path that cuts through the fairway of the par 5 third
hole, watching out for errant shots coming from the
left as you do so and follow the path as it winds to
the right towards the pine woods.
When you enter the woods, you’ll reach an
informative noticeboard which tells you all about
the Ainsdale Sand Dunes, which is a national
nature reserve, home to over 450 plant species
including 33 which are rare and also residing here
is the natterjack toad, red squirrels, sand lizards and
great-crested newts. You need to trun right at the
notice board and follow the Woodland Path.
Follow this through the pine woods until you
reach a T junction and turn right again, through
the open common area and eventually, the path
returns to running parallel to the railway line. At
the other side of the railway line you’ll see RAF
Woodvale, which was opened during World War
2 as a defence measure when Liverpool and its
docks were bombed. Nowadays the Station’s role
is largely training and the 611 Squadron stationed
there prepares Volunteer Reservists to support RAF
operations in the UK and overseas.
Eventually you’ll arrive at a metal bar gate besides
another information board. Go through this
and take the tarmac path following in the same
direction. Almost immediately you’ll need to take
a right turn, down a path (the main Sefton Coastal
path) that heads underneath a road bridge. 50
yards under the bridge, you’ll need to take a left
turn off the path towards the road and then turn
left and use the bridge to cross the path you’ve just
walked under.
Follow the road for just over ½ a mile and after
you’ve crossed the main road turn right towards
Formby and 150 yards later take a left fork down
Formby Old Road. Listing a house sale on
Formby Old Road must be the fantasy
of many a Formby estate agent and
the bigger properties are protected
by walls, privacy fencing, barbed
wire, CCTV and even guard dogs.
I half expected a Bugatti Royale
to sweep by at any moment
carrying Mr Burns and
Smithers, but it was sadly not
to be on this occasion.

Montagu Road
56
Dunes
For those with the OS Maps
Dunes
app on your desktop, mobile or
tablet, this walk is named:
JT Woodvale
Coastal Road
Ainsdale
Sand Dunes
National Nature
Reserve
RAF
Woodvale
Formby By-Pass A565
Freshfield
Dune Heath
Nature Reserve
Brewery Ln
Wham Dyke
Southport Old Road
A565
Victoria Road
Freshfield
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.

57
Altogether you’re on
Formby Old Road for just
over a mile and after the
well-defined ‘S’ bend,
you’ll arrive at a series
of huge glasshouses
on the right. Just after
the glasshouses, take
a right turn down a
tarmacked path called
Eight Acre Lane (near
Arsitocat Cattery). Cross
the Formby by-pass with
care and follow the path
in the same direction.
Eight Acre Lane becomes
Sixteen Acre Lane and
650 yards later you’ll
arrive at Paradise Lane.
Turn right and 50 yards
further on take Little
Brewery Lane which
transforms into Brewery
Lane almost immediately.
Once you’ve reached the
end of Brewery Lane, take the path to the right
hand side of the road leading to the high school.
A worthy diversion almost at the end of the walk
is Freshfield Dune Heath nature reserve and this
is easily accessible from the path. Freshfield Dune
heath is the single largest lowland heath site in
Lancashire and whilst budding botanists can search
for specialist plants, the rest of us can look out for
the red squirrels, which live in abundance alongside
lizards, stoats, weasels, and the amazing Emperor
moths, which have a wingspan of up to 8cm and fly
during the day.
And if you haven’t turned into Freshfield Dune
Heath, just follow the path to the end where you’ll
meet Montague Road once again and turn left
down this road to Freshfield Rail Station and the
end of your walk.

58 Gardening
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59
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60
A host of golden
Daffodills
Garden centres, nurseries and catalogues are full
of daffodil bulbs now and I think I get asked more
questions about daffodils than any other plant,
apart from roses. I think it’s because they are
ubiquitous in the spring and so we assume they
are easy to grow. They are...and they aren’t, so I’ll
answer the most common questions;
How do I get my daffodils to flower more than one
year?
It’s a good question. It’s tempting to think that the
only thing you have to remember about planting
daffodil bulbs is to set them pointy side up, but it’s
a bit more complicated than that if you want them
to flower every year. The trick is to set them deep
enough. If you plant them just below the surface,
as so many of people do, they dry out, which
means they lack the food and moisture to get them
through until the following year. The result is an
uninteresting clump of leaves rather than a host of
golden daffodils. You can plant daffodils any time
now, to the end of October. Sooner is better.
How far apart should I plant the bubs?
They should be planted about 3 inches / 8cm apart
in holes about 10 inches / 25cm deep. It looks deep
TOP TIP
Autumn is the ideal time to plant out your Clematis
Plants. These can give fences, walls and trellis the
‘wow’ factor or simply screen any unsightly areas of
your garden. Make sure they have a framework to
scramble over.
when you are dropping them in but it’s worth the
effort for the repeat flowering. Choose the biggest
firmest bulbs you can find for each variety.
When can I cut down the foliage after flowering?
I would suggest waiting for 6 weeks. If you have
a very small garden and can’t bear to have untidy
foliage lying around you might be better treating
the bulbs as annuals (daffodil bulbs aren’t that
expensive.). Or you can plant them in an aquatic
basket, and after flowering you can dig the basket
up, water the bulbs regularly then replant in the
autumn.
Alternatively, you can buy dwarf varieties of daffodil
which have daintier flowers and foliage, so you can
have pretty flowers without the resulting foliage
posing a problem.
Whatever you decide, remember plant deeper than
you think and…
Happy gardening!
By Rachael Leverton
JOBS FOR OCTOBER
• Prune your climbing roses and tie in the stems
before autumn winds cause damage
• Harvest apples, pears, grapes and nuts
• Mow the lawns and trim hedges in mild areas
• Lay new turf where needed
• Plant out your spring cabbages
• Move tender plants into a greenhouse or
conservatory

Motoring 61
C-HR
Toyota
by Tim Barnes-Clay
The Toyota C-HR is a car you quite easily may not
even have heard of. It’s very much in the shadows
of its rivals, like the Nissan Qashqai.
You can pick up a new C-HR for £21,595, which is
more than £2,300 than the entry-level Qashqai,
but the model we have on test here is the hybrid
version with Dynamic trim – the top of the range. It
costs £28,615 – so it had better be worth it.
Whilst the car is a similar shape and size to the
Qashqai, its roof slopes towards the rear far more so
than the Nissan (think BMW X4/X6) and that means
there’s less room inside.
But it’s got very aggressive styling and even the
entry-level models have a lot of kit with it. The
Dynamic comes with rear camera, touchscreen,
DAB radio, adaptive cruise control, dual-zone
automatic air conditioning, sat-nav, smart entry
and push-button start, park assist – and that really
is skimming the surface.
The C-HR shares a lot of its DNA with the Toyota
Prius, so it’s only to be expected that the C-HR
is available as a hybrid version which cuts fuel
consumption to 72.4 miles per gallon. Its electric
motor blends with a 1.8 litre four-cylinder petrol
engine, producing 122 PS and gets from a 0-62 mph
in 11 seconds.
It also comes with a one-speed gearbox and, if
that’s raised your eyebrows, don’t worry – it’s CVT
(Continuously Variable Transmission) and its use is
on the increase. That said, the lack of a traditional
engine rev will take some getting used to, unless
you’re used to driving electrics or hybrids.

62
In the C-HR, it does feel a little sluggish, even
though its performance is comparable with the
Qashqai and other rivals.
Whilst the C-HR is very well designed for a
comfortable ride, the hybrid models are heavier,
meaning you’ll get a more relaxed ride in the nonhybrid
models. Nevertheless, Toyota has done a
good job.
The extra weight of the hybrid also means it
doesn’t handle quite as well as the purely-petrolpowered
models, but this won’t be noticeable
most of the time, unless you’re really looking to
throw it round corners. If you are, the chances are
you’ll be looking at a performance model and you
won’t be after a hybrid.
The interior improves Toyota’s reputation of
dullness and it’s a nice place to be, though you won’t
struggle to find better interiors elsewhere. There’s
plenty of room in the front, but the sloping roof
means you won’t want to be in the back if you’re tall.
Boot space is also disappointing in comparison with
its rivals, with the folding seats not as convenient.
To sum up, the hybrid is great for fuel saving but
adds plenty of drawbacks. And, coupled with the
Dynamic trim, it makes it rather too expensive.
• 0-62 mph: 11.0 secs
• Combined mpg: 72.4
Fast Facts
• Engine: 1798cc four-cylinder petrol
(with electric motor)
• Max. power (PS): 122
• CO2: 87 g/km
• Price: £28,615
The sheer amount of equipment means one of the
lesser models should suffice for most. And, unless
your focus is fuel economy, so too should the petrol
engine – without the hybrid.
Mobile car valeting
Tel: 07803 053 715
e: cjvalet@yahoo.co.uk
www.cjvaleting.net
Treat your car
to the professional touch

Home Services 63
BIG
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Book a boiler health check for £65
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Rainford Electrical
Electrical Installations & Repairs Est.1975
All aspects of domestic work undertaken
Lights, Sockets, Fuseboards etc
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Boiler Installs, Repairs & Services
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07809 427 508

64
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65
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we’ll replace the glass panes.
We also replace; Window locks,
Door locks, Hinges & Handles.
...and we do conservatory repairs.
Call us now for a free quotation on
01744 810 000
www.northwestwindowrepairs.co.uk
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
Reliable, friendly, local service
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
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

66
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
Boost your Business in 2018
Advertising packages start from £35 + VAT a month.
For more information call 01744 649 722
LocalLife
Puzzle Solutions
B F I C T I O N O R
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O O L L I L S D I C
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I L I B R A R I A N
L G A U T H O R C O
WIGGLE WORDS:
LIKE PULLING TEETH
5 5 1 4
4 7 3 1
8 2 3 4
2 2 6 2
19 16 13 11
11
15
15
17
12
17
WORD MIX UP: READ, STUDY, CATALOGUE, MAGAZINES, COMPUTER, DEWEY DECIMAL, BIOGRAPHY, CLASSIFICATION

Transform your home
with a brand new driveway
67
Resin Driveways
20%
DISCOUNT
Depending on the size of area.
Offer ends 31st October 2018.
Tarmac
Driveways
Made in Lancashire
Established over 25 years
42, Seymour Road,
Astley Bridge,
Bolton, BL1 8PT
01204 590 499
J.P.SurfacingLtd
www.jp-surfacing.co.uk

Tomorrow’s Home Improvements Today!
Quality ~ Choice ~ Value
Windows
Bi-Fold Doors
Thermally-efficient conservatory roofs
expertly fitted by accredited installers
©
Orangeries
Don’t just lock it,
Rock it!
Conservatories
Manufacturers and installers since 2004
Contact us on 01744 891717 for a no obligation quote
Visit our showroom/factory at; Crows Nest, Ashton Road, Billinge, WN5 7XX (near Windy Arbour crossroads)
www.orrellwindows.co.uk
28544