Local Life - Wigan - November 2019

LocalLife 

Wigan Edition November 2019 

Greenslate’s New 

Greenhouse 

Page 10 

Education Special 

Pages 35-50 

Magical Markets 

Pages 66-69 

Jack’s Tracks: Rufford & 

Croston Circular 

Pages 89-91

2

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4 Local Life 

Thick and Fast! 

And here we are with the last copy of Local Life 

for your area before Christmas – although you can 

register to read an online copy of the December 

issue on our website – www.locallife247.co.uk. 

By the time you read this the clocks will be about 

to go back, it’ll be a few days off Halloween and 

Bonfire Night is a week or so away. Before you know 

it, it’ll be the Christmas party season followed by 

the day itself. It’s a great time of year with much 

excitement all around, but it can be an exhausting 

8 weeks, particularly for those parents with young 

children. 

Sorting various party costumes for the kids, sourcing 

presents for all and sundry, school activities, putting 

up lights and trees, carving pumpkins – it’s making 

me exhausted just thinking about it. 

Should you be looking for something to kickstart 

the Christmas cheer, then we’ve a feature 

on some of the best Christmas Markets in the 

North and Midlands on pages 66-69, followed by 

a travel feature on German Markets. Of course, for 

a comprehensive listing of bonfire and Christmas 

events in the local area, visit our Events2Go guide 

on pages 84-88. 

The Local Life team will be doing our bit to help 

spread the Christmas spirit over in the Tan House 

Drive area in Winstanley on Tuesday 17th December. 

We’ll be helping Santa on Wigan Rotary’s Santa 

Floats, so if you live in that area don’t forget to come 

out and say hello! 

All the very best, 

Chris Pearce, Publisher 

chrisp@locallife247.co.uk

Local Life 5 

In this issue 

New Village 

Hub 

34 

Education 

Special 

35 

Brighten Up 

Your Evening 

58 

Magical Markets 

Regulars 

52 Puzzle page 

89 Jack’s Tracks 

Sections 

64 Food & Drink 

28 Property 

70 Travel 

74 Legal & Finance 

76 Business View 

95 Garden Diary 

80 Health 

84 Events2Go 

92 Motoring 

95 Gardening 

100 Home Services 

Next issue - December 2019 

Advertising deadline - Wednesday, 6 November 

Published - Wednesday, 20 November 


Local Life 247 Ltd, Unit 8, Hewitt Business Park, 

Winstanley Road, Orrell, WN5 7XB 

Telephone: 01695 627 999 

Publisher: Chris 

chrisp@locallife247.co.uk 

Sales: Nicola 

sales@locallife247.co.uk 

Editorial: Jesswigannews@locallife247.co.uk 

Design: Mary Anne 

design@locallife247.co.uk 

Distribution: Sally 

sallyb@locallife247.co.uk 

Accounts: Christina accounts@locallife247.co.uk 

Local Life is published every month and distributed into 

the following areas on an alternate monthly basis. 

66 

How To Buy a 

New Car 

This issue is delivered to 13,299 private homes and 

businesses in Orrell, Billinge, Winstanley, Up Holland, 

Highfield, Marus Bridge, Roby Mill and Pemberton. 

The next issue is delivered to 13,025 private homes and 

businesses in Standish, Shevington, Whitley, Appley 

Bridge, Standish Lower Ground, Aspull and Haigh. 

You can also pick up a free copy of Local Life at Sainsburys 

or Tesco Extra in Wigan. 

92 

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

6 News & Features 

Pemberton Arts 

The Pemberton Art Group meets every Tuesday to 

create sketches, paintings and more, while enjoying 

a good natter. 

A monthly fee of £7 applies to cover room hire and 

refreshments, and the group meets at Pemberton 

Masonic Hall on Chapel Street from 10am-12pm the 

first, third and fourth Tuesdays of the month. 

For more information, call Lesley on 01942 236733. 

Stroll for Samaritans 

The Samaritans of Wigan are hosting a 7K family 

Santa walk around the grounds of Haigh Woodland 

Park to raise essential funds. 

The festive event, which takes place on Sunday, 

December 8, will see families decked out in Santa 

suits to make their way around the picturesque 

country park. 

Samaritans provide 24 hour support for people 

experiencing feelings of distress or despair, including 

a listening service, face-to-face support and prisons 

outreach. 

Fancy joining the Santa Stroll and helping fundraise 

for a vital community service? Entry costs £10 and is 

free for under-3s, and the walk takes place at 10am. 

Head over to Eventbrite and search Samaritans of 

Wigan to book. 

Fab Flowers 

Wigan Flower Club invite floral enthusiasts to 

come to their monthly meetings at The Band 

Room in Pemberton’s Mount Zion Hall, on the third 

Wednesday of the month. 

See beautiful floral displays, NAFAS demonstrations 

and browse the trash & treasure stall. Meetings also 

host raffles to win the arrangements created each 

month. 

If you’d like to meet some new people and pick 

up tips on flower arranging, go along to the next 

meeting on November 20th at 7:15pm. 

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, Greenhough Street, 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

7 

Winter Feed Funds 

Greenslate Community Farm in Billinge are hosting 

a fundraiser in November to help buy feed for their 

animals during the winter. 

The lavish fundraising dinner event includes 

entertainment from singer James Norton and a 

fundraising auction, with plenty to bid on and funds 

going to an incredibly worthy cause! Resident chef 

Mark is keen to show off just how good Greenslate’s 

food is, offering a sumptuous 3-course meal at the 

black-tie fundraiser. 

The event takes place on Saturday, November 2 

from 7pm, at Greenslate Farm on Greenslate Road. 

Tickets cost £29.50 per person, bookable on 07551 

642001 or from www.greenslatefarm.org.uk 

Christmas in Standish 

The much-loved Standish Christmas Market returns 

this November, with Santa setting up his grotto in 

the library once again. 

Tickets are available from the library on Friday, 

November 1 (3:30pm-5pm), Saturday, November 

2 (10:30am-11:30am) and Monday, November 4 

(10am-11am) and cost £3.50 per child. 

The market itself will feature the usual festive 

fare, including delicious local food, crafts and gift 

stockists, along with live music, from 11am-8pm. 

The grotto itself takes place on Christmas market day 

on Saturday, November 30 from 10am-4pm. 

Pop into the library for more information. 

Staying Cosy 

Rail Line Closure 

November sees a 5-day closure of the Southport to 

Parbold line while a bridge in Burscough is replaced. 

The changes come as part of the Great North Rail 

Project, which aims to ensure more reliable journeys 

for passengers in the future. 

Bus replacement services will operate during the 

closure, which runs from Saturday, November 16 

until Wednesday, November 20. 

38 Church Road Rainford WA11 8HD 

01744 881 588 www.ellamora.co.uk 

/ellamora38 

38 Church Road Rainford WA11 

8HD Tel: 01744 881 588

8 

ALL THE INSPIRATION 

YOU’LL NEED THIS 

CHRISTMAS UNDER 

ONE ROOF 

This festive season sees Warbreck Garden Centre 

spectacularly change into one of the most inspiring and 

exciting shopping destinations in the region. 

With a tasteful and sophisticated blend of Christmas 

decorations, interior furnishings and gifts everything you 

might need for this festive season is under one roof. 

We look forward to welcoming you soon. 

Warm regards 

Richard & All the team at Warbreck 

FREE HOT DRINK 

Next time you’re in the Plantation 

Restaurant collect your Hot Drink 

Stamp Card. 

You will receive a FREE hot drink with 

every 9 purchased. 

OUR CHRISTMAS SHOP IS NOW OPEN!

9 

PLANTATION RESTAURANT 

Once you’ve meandered around our inspiring Christmas and Gift displays 

be sure to try our Winter Menu. All our meals and desserts are prepared 

by our team of very talented chefs using the freshest ingredients using many 

local suppliers. With our specials menu changing daily you can be sure of a 

deliciously different meal every time you visit. 

FESTIVE LUNCHES 

Every Tue, Wed & Thurs in December 

at the Plantation Restaurant 

2 COURSES £14.95 

3 COURSES £18.95 

Please see our delicious menu onine or in store. 

BOOK NOW! 

For all enquiries contact us on: 

01695 722960 

plantation@warbreck.co.uk 

With real and artificial trees, 

beautiful Christmas decorations, 

festive food, crackers, poinsettia 

and much more... There is 

something for everyone at 

Warbreck Garden Centre this 

Christmas. Inspirational themed 

displays and amazing offers 

await you... 

Find Us 

Lyelake Lane, Lathom, 

Ormskirk, Lancashire L40 6JW 

• LYELAKE LANE, ORMSKIRK, LANCASHIRE, L40 6JW • 01695 722960 • WARBRECKHOMEANDGARDEN.COM •

10 

New greenhouse for Greenslate 

Volunteers at Greenslate Community Farm in Orrell, 

along with the Friends of Orrell Station, have been 

busy constructing a new greenhouse to create 

opportunities for adults with learning difficulties. 

Greenslate Farm’s Senior Care Farm Co-Ordinator 

Hazel McGregor teamed up with the Friends of Orrell 

Station to begin the scheme when they realised 

they still had materials to build a greenhouse 

donated by Winstanley College. Using PVC glazing 

from former platform shelters at Orrell Station, the 

Friends began the arduous construction process 

this spring, beginning with the laying of a concrete 

foundation. 

‘It was definitely a challenge to construct,’ Bernard 

Lundy of the Friends says, ‘especially after the 

instructions mysteriously disappeared! We didn’t 

expect there’d be so many parts to put in place.’ 

Now, though, the initiative is in full swing, inviting 

local adults with learning difficulties to grow 

carnations, campanula, winter brassicas and more. 

Some of these plants will eventually be transferred 

to Orrell Station to brighten the space up, bringing 

the greenhouse’s legacy full circle. 

Greenslate Farm offers a number of opportunities 

for groups and individuals with additional needs, 

including farming, wildlife and conservation work, 

and activities in the Straw Bale café. 

The new greenhouse has already afforded the farm 

new volunteering opportunities; Craig, one of the 

volunteers, enjoys harvesting crops, while fellow 

volunteer John takes pride in watering the plants 

every day. 

For more information about the Care Farm scheme, 

visit https://greenslatefarm.org.uk/care-farm/ 

Beautifully furnished 

Stone Cottage 

Holiday Let 

– sleeps up to 4 

Situated near Sedbergh, 

in the Yorkshire Dales, 

and also within easy 

reach of the Lake District 

Children & pets welcome 

Call 01942 216 058 / 07792445257 

E-mail janemillthrop@yahoo.co.uk 

www.millthropcottage.co.uk

11

12 

Let’s Party! 

Join us for a glass of bubbles, 

lots of fun and a chance 

to choose from the best 

of Clarins - plus get a 

Christmas Treat! 

Posthouse, 261b Orrell Road, 

Orrell Post. 

Wednesday 13th November - 7pm 

Make-Up 

Date! 

Book a 30-minute skin treat with the 

Clarins Beauty Coaches. 

Expressions of Beauty, 16 Main Street, Billinge. 

Tuesday 5th - Thursday 7th November 

Book now on 01744 894214 

£10 booking fee will be redeemable against 

any Clarins products purchase.

13 

FREE 

Beauty Box 

Yours when you buy two or more 

recommended Clarins products* 

*At least one to be skin care. 

Offer only available whilst stocks last 

Large selection of christmas 

gift packs now available! 

Expressions Of Beauty 

01744 894214 / Main Street, Billinge, WN5 7PA 

www.expressionsofbeauty.co.uk

14 

Relief Appeal Success 

A Wigan appeal to send donations overseas for 

people affected by Hurricane Dorian was a huge 

success. 

Phil Popple, from Standish, arranged for a sea 

container full of essentials to be sent to Grand 

Bahama for the some 70,000 people who lost 

their homes. In early October this 40ft container 

was sent overseas, packed full of tents, sleeping 

bags, canned food, baby supplies, clothes, 

bottled water and more - a whopping 12,000kg 

of aid. 

Phil received donations from various local 

organisations including local WIs, the NHS 

Ambulance Service and Shevington & Standish 

Girl Guides and Brownies. The team effort will go 

towards providing essential relief for those affected 

by the Hurricane. 

BECAUSE WE CARE 

At Kare Plus Wigan and St Helens we deliver the highest 

possible standard of care and first class customer service. 

WHAT OUR CLIENTS SAY: 

“Kare Plus have been our care provider since April 2018. 

We have been delighted with the service they have 

provided and have no regrets that we made the change 

from the previous company.” SN 

“Excellent quality of care. Good time keeping, helpful, 

friendly, lively staff. Cost-effective care package” EW 

Our Registered Homecare Services: 

• Dementia Care 

• Adult Care: Personal Care / Respite Care / 

Companionship / Lifestyle Support / End of 

Life 

• Mental Health Support 

• Autism 

• Learning Disabilities 

• Sensory Impairment 

• Complex Care: Treatment of Disease / 

Disorders / Injury 

What Next? Call: Wigan 01942 409561 (Option 2) / St Helens 01744 747078 (Option 2) 

E: kpwiganandsthelenshc@kareplus.co.uk 

W: www.kareplus.co.uk/wiganandsthelens 

Crofters Court, 14 Market Street, Wigan, WN1 1HX 

Care with a “K”, 

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15 

Keeping it in the Family 

Upholland Optometrist Alan Bowen has announced a few changes to his opticians’ practice on Dingle Road. 

Alan, who founded the practice back in 1991, has taken on a new partner for the business – his cousin Brian 

Gleave, who is also an Optometrist. 

Brian’s involvement has allowed Alan to reduce the number of days he works but, rest assured, he plans to be 

around for a long time to come, giving the best possible service to customers at Bowen’s Opticians. The ethos 

of the practice remains - to offer excellent family eyecare and value for money. 

Over the past few months, there have been a few changes at the practice and Alan would like to wish a long 

and happy retirement to Lorraine Ayles, Anne Corless, Julie Aldridge and Deborah Winrow. 

They leave the practice in the capable hands of Alan’s new team which comprises; 

Jessica Johnstone, a Dispensing Optician and the Practice Manager, who was previously the Practice Manager at 

Suzanne Dennis in Parbold. Kirsty Gee and Jean Duncan, both Optical Advisors, Adrian Baxendale, an Dispensing 

Optician and a Contact Lens specialist, and resident locum Optometrists, Rachel Finch and Alex Whitter. 

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18 

Lancashire Day 

Wednesday, November 27 is Lancashire Day; 

dedicated to the date when the first elected county 

representatives were called to Westminster in 1295. 

This Lancashire Day will see town criers across 

the county read out the Lancashire Day 

Proclamation. 

A special event to celebrate Lancashire Day 

will take place at Parbold Library on Thursday, 

November 21. Lancashire folk musician Mark 

Dowding joins dialect expert Sid Calderbank for 

a night of music and heritage with their Tacklers’ 

Tales show. There’ll also be a Lancashire-themed 

quiz and traditional hotpot supper. Tickets cost 

£10 on 0300 123 6703 or from the library, and 

the event begins at 7:30pm. 

Visit Lancashire invite you to share your best 

Lancashire photos, beauty spots, recipes and more 

with the hashtag #LancashireDay on social media. 

Care Costs Seminar 

We are local and friendly, and specialise in the following 

• Inheritance Tax • Lasting Powers Of Attorney • Trusts • Wills • Probate • Care Fee Advice • Funeral Plans 

FREE SEMINAR Protecting Against Care Costs 

Wednesday 8th January at 10.30am - 12.30pm 

at Albert’s Standish, School Lane, Standish, WN6 0TD 

Ring us to book your place 01257 463672 

We offer office or home visit appointments. 

You can find us at: 

Northern Diver Building, Appley Lane North, Appley Bridge, WN6 9AE 

www.mchalebaker.co.uk

19 

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 wigannews@locallife247. 

co.uk or call us on 01695 627999. 

Quiet Reflections 

Everlasting 

memorials to 

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QR code placed on headstone links to 

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Scan QR Code below for details 

or visit website 

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For more details call 

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or email enquiries@quiet-reflections.com

20

21

22 

Make Merry at the 

Robin Hood! 

Celebrate Christmas with friends and family at the 

Robin Hood, and choose from our indulgent and 

imaginative festive menu which is available from 

the 4th to 23rd of December. Please call to book. 

Starters 

Roasted butternut & sweet potato soup, crème frais & cumin baked croutes (V) 

Duck liver parfait, spiced cherry sauce bistro salad, seeded toast 

Baked goat cheese, aubergine ratatouille tart, rocket & pistachio pesto (V) 

Craigelachi fine smoked salmon, baby beet & creamed horseradish, dark rye bread 

Mains 

Traditional roast Norfolk turkey, chestnut stuffing, bacon chipolata, brussels sprouts, 

honeyed parsnip & rich roast gravy 

Slow (Guinness) braised blade of beef, buttered mash, fine green beans 

Rainbow trout topped with nut brown almond butter served on boulangere potatoes & samphire 

Moroccan style vegetable tagine, jewelled couscous, warmed flat bread 

Desserts 

Boozy Christmas pudding, brandy butter sauce, cream or custard 

Sherry trifle 

Home made mince meat tart,brandy butter sauce, cream or custard 

Sticky chocolate pudding & ice-cream 

2 courses £17.95 3 courses £19.95 

Having a Works Do? 

Call 01942 511859 for details. 

We can seat up to 30 people. 

Best 

party in Orrell! 

New Year’s Eve 

FREE Hot Pot at 10pm 

Free entry 

Robin 

Hood 

117 Sandy Lane 

Orrell 

WN5 7AZ 

01942 511 859 

www.robinhoodorrell.co.uk

23

24 

Business 

as usual 

• Gel manicures, Acrylic 

Nails & Pedicures 

• Waxing & Intimate waxing 

• Microdermabrasion Facials 

• Tropic facials 

• Eye Treatments 

• Male Treatments & Waxing 

• St Tropez Spray Tans 

Wedding, Prom & Holiday packages available 

Bespoke Princess pamper parties also available 

Orrell-based signage company MB Signs, which 

has been trading from Hewitt Business Park on 

Winstanley Road for the past 20 years, changed 

hands last week. 

Holistic health, sports & 

remedial massage by 

Susan Kennedy. 

Limited dates available 

ring for more information 

or to book. 

OPENING TIMES 

Tuesday 9.00-3.00 

Thursday 9.00-8.00 

Friday 9.00-7.00 

Saturday 9.00-5.00 

Quote LOCAL20 to get 

20% off your first visit 

The Little Nail & Beauty Place 

57a Moor Road, Orrell, WN5 8RR 

(above Hannah & Co Hairdresser) 

07808 540 053 

All major credit and debit cards accepted 

Owner Mark Breheny, whose health hasn’t been too 

good recently, is retiring and has sold MB Signs to 

Dublin-based Insignia Signs & Display Ltd, headed up 

by owner Jonathan White, whose company specialises 

in general signage and graphic wraps for cars, vans 

and commercial fleets. 

Insignia works with companies such as Vodafone, 

Costa Coffee and the AA, to name but a few, 

and Jonathan is looking forward to working with 

local companies to help them improve their visual 

presence. Insignia will officially begin trading at Hewitt 

Business Park from the 21st October. 

“I’m going to miss all my customers, says Mark, but 

I’m really happy that I’ve handed the company over 

to industry professionals, who will be able to protect 

and improve on the legacy I’ve worked hard to build”. 

Insignia Signs & Display (UK) Limited 

(Formerly MB Signs) 

Unit 16 | Hewitt Business Park | Winstanley Road 

Orrell | WN5 7XB 

01695 627628 www.mbsigns.co.uk

25 

Specialists in: 

• Family Law • Personal Injury 

• Wills & Probate 

Call us today to arrange a 

free 30 minute consultation 

Rachel Jane Taylor 

Solicitor & Director 

RJT Solicitors 

44 High Street, 

Standish, 

Wigan, 

WN6 0HF 

Donna Gamble 

Solicitor 

01257 228027 / 01942 409154 

www.rjtsolicitors.co.uk 

Independent Funeral Director 

covering Wigan and the surrounding areas 

We offer a full range of funerals from 

Traditional, Modern, Natural (Green) 

and Bespoke 

We will help you to arrange the perfect, 

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Pre-Paid Funeral Plans Available 

www.cherryblossomfunerals.co.uk 

paula@cherryblossomfunerals.co.uk 

01942 409403 

1 Church Street, 

Orrell, Wigan, 

WN5 8TG 

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26 

Win tickets to Ed Byrne! 

Fresh from a sell-out Fringe Festival run, comedian 

Ed Byrne is heading on tour with his If I’m Honest 

tour - and we have a pair of tickets up for grabs. 

The observational stand-up takes a long hard look 

at himself and tries to decide if he has any traits 

worth passing onto his children in his hilarious new 

show. 

Further tickets can be obtained on 01925 442345. 

Make sure to like our page to stay updated about 

more exclusive giveaways! 

Warrington’s show takes place at Parr Hall on 

Tuesday, December 10. 

To be in with a chance of winning, simply head over 

to our Facebook page @locallifemagazine247 and 

find details on how to enter on our pinned post, 

from Monday, November 11 when the competition 

launches. 

Image by Idil Sukan 

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27

28 Property 

Avoiding 

Disputes 

Recently I heard of a dispute between a Wigan 

landlord and tenants. 

Due to the cleanliness of the property at the end of 

the tenancy, the deterioration to the décor, damage 

caused to various items and tenant belongings 

left behind at the end of the tenancy, the landlord 

claimed £505. 

This was supported by invoices for cleaning, the 

repair of the décor and furniture, and the removal of 

belongings that the tenant left behind. The tenants 

disputed the landlord’s claim. 

The check-in report from September 1st 2017 was 

submitted as evidence of the record of condition 

of the property at the start of the tenancy. But it 

was accepted by both parties that there had been 

various student tenant swaps since the checkin 

report was produced, and that the tenancy in 

dispute actually started, not in 2017, but in 2018. 

Furthermore, no detailed written check-out report 

was provided for the end of the tenancy. There were 

a few photographs of some of the issues found, but 

no comparable photographs or evidence to show 

the condition and cleanliness of the property at the 

start of the 2018 term. 

The outgoing tenants acknowledged that further 

cleaning was required, and additional items and 

personal belongings had been left at the property, 

so the adjudicator limited the award to those claims 

and awarded just £125 to the landlord. 

The amount awarded reflected the fact that the 

pre-tenancy condition was not known at the start 

of the tenancy and that the adjudicator considered 

the 2017 check-in report to be of little or no value. 

Tenancy swaps are commonplace, particularly in 

student accommodation, but if you’re a landlord it 

is best practice to bring the existing tenancy to an 

end and formally check-out the named tenants and 

distribute the deposit. 

Only then should you issue a new tenancy 

agreement, complete with a check-in report 

with photographs reflecting the condition of the 

property at the start of the new tenancy. 

If you are looking for an agent that is well 

established, professional and communicative, then 

contact us to find out how we can get the best out 

of your investment property. 

Email me on alan@alanbatt.co.uk 

or call on 01942 233999. 

Alan Batt is a member of The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) and has 

worked within the Wigan property market for over 30 years. 

Alan Batt 

For more of Alan’s tips, guidance and analysis on the Wigan 

property market, check out 

www.wiganpropertynews.blogspot.co.uk

29 

WN5, WN3, WN8 areas 

Over the last 12 full months there 

have been 1,016 sales in these areas 

of Wigan. This is a -7% change on 

the previous 12 month period. The 

average sales price was £131,469. 

WN5, WN3, WN8 

We bring you the latest trends in 

the UK’s housing market, with a 

detailed focus on the WN5, WN3 

and WN8 areas. 

House prices 

The average price of a home rose by 0.7% 

in July compared to a year ago, according to 

the official UK house price index. Strongest 

growth is currently in Wales with prices rising 

by 4.2%. 

Economy 

UK Inflation slowed to 1.7% in August (down 

from 2.1% in July) which is its lowest rate since 

the end of 2016. Wages now comfortably 

exceeding inflation, providing a boost to 

household finances. 

WN5, WN3, WN8 

Transactions 

Confirming a small summer bounce, sales 

levels in August were 0.9% higher than a 

year earlier according to the HMRC. This is a 

significant turnaround from a -14.8% fall in 

July although momentum is not expected to 

be sustained into September.

30 

Broken Plan 

Despite the allure of large, bright spaces, it is not necessarily convenient to live in an 

open-plan home all the time. Hence the development of ‘broken plan’ design. 

Although everyone loves open-plan living, 

sometimes we need a quiet, separate space. Huge 

open spaces can be difficult to heat, too, and 

noise can sometimes be an issue. ‘Broken plan’ is 

a practical evolution of open plan, retaining the 

elements we love, particularly good light and a 

feeling of openness, but with subtle elements to 

divide large spaces into more manageable ones, 

with different zones for different activities. Spaces 

may even be opened up or closed off as desired. 

Broken plan aims to be the best of both worlds. 

One way to achieve the broken-plan effect is with 

differences in floor levels, perhaps with a step 

between the sitting room and the dining room. A 

ceiling can be lowered in one area of a large, open 

room to enhance a sense of intimacy. And in homes 

with very high ceilings, a mezzanine level, perhaps 

chaplins.co.uk 

as an office, snug or guest bedroom, combines 

open-plan feel with practicality. Other solutions 

include internal glass walls or floor-to-ceiling steelframed 

windows to subdivide a space. 

More typically, especially where two ground-floor 

reception rooms have been knocked through, a 

great way to add flexibility is to add glazed or timber 

iqglassuk.com 

double doors. Ideally the doors would slide and fold 

away, or else be hinged so that they fit against the 

walls when open. Alternatively, connect/separate 

two rooms with pocket doors, which slide into the 

slim walls on each side – great for, say, a dressing 

room off a bedroom. 

Temporary dividers are convenient and less 

expensive: a screen, for example, a large floorstanding 

bookcase, or even simply a slender 

console table. They can be relatively easily moved 

around or removed as necessary. 

An open-plan space can be divided visually, using 

simple tricks such as changes in paint colour or 

floor finish and mini ‘rooms’ are easily created by 

grounding furniture arrangements on a rug or on 

an area of contrast flooring. Finally, employ lighting 

as a powerful tool to delineate space. Form zones 

of different lighting types, including pendants 

and wall lights, and carefully position floor and 

table lamps. If possible, install different circuits 

(controlled by switches or dimmers) to break down 

the spaces and illuminate different parts to suit 

your needs, whether it be a living area or bedroom, 

a kitchen or a dining area. 

By Katherine Sorrell

31 

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to suit all budgets 

Window Blinds 

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32 

Pregnant Employees: 

A Practical Approach 

Pregnancy and Maternity Leave can be 

a difficult variable for both employer 

and employee to consider and so it is 

important that all parties know where 

they stand, legally speaking. 

One of the core issues to be aware of 

is that of discrimination. It should be 

understood that under the Equality 

Act 2010, Pregnancy/Maternity is 

one of the 9 protected characteristics 

(others include race and sexual 

orientation by way of example). Any 

discrimination on this ground is strictly prohibited. 

An Employer must not: - 

1. Discriminate by treating a pregnant woman 

unfavourably because of the pregnancy or 

a consequential illness (so this would cover 

‘morning sickness’); 

2. Discriminate by treating a woman unfavourably 

because she is on compulsory maternity leave or 

because she is exercising her right to additional 

or ordinary maternity leave. 

Following Notification of the pregnancy to an 

employer, the expectant mother is within a 

‘protected period’ for the purposes of employment 

law. As soon as the employer becomes aware of 

the pregnancy, they are bound by strict Health and 

Safety requirements. These include the carrying out 

of risk assessments as well as altering the working 

conditions and hours of work of the woman in 

question. 

The latter is a cause for countless claims to the 

Employment Tribunal, where employers have failed 

to alter the working conditions to a point where 

a risk is posed to the health of the mother or the 

baby. This can be problematic in high-pressure 

or fast-paced jobs, and so is an aspect that needs 

to be handled with care to avoid the issuance of 

proceedings. In these situations, employers must 

take care to offer suitable alternative work. 

It may come as a surprise that if this is not possible, 

the employee should be suspended on full pay. 

On return to work, the question of whether the 

employee is entitled to return to the same job, 

or simply a suitable alternative is complex and 

specialist advice should be sought. 

Many issues can arise on return to work, including 

the recent rights to flexible working (for any 

reason), which must be considered by an employer, 

and questions over whether a refusal to allow 

breastfeeding or time off to breastfeed could 

constitute indirect sex discrimination. 

Our employment team are on hand and readily 

available to assist you should you have issues 

relating to pregnancy in the workplace or 

employment matters more generally. We can advise 

on Employment Tribunal proceedings, appeals 

to the EAT as well as the navigation of Settlement 

Agreements. Please call us on 01942 246 241 to 

discuss further. 

James Ford, Solicitor & STEP Affiliate

33 

Our lawyers are familiar with the needs 

of the people & businesses in the area and 

our full range of services includes: 

• Business Law 

• Commercial Litigation 

• Family Law 

• Wills & Probate 

• Conveyancing 

• Employment Law 

• Personal Injury 

• Lasting Powers Of Attorney 

Our highly experienced team provide reassurance & guidance when it is 

needed most. You will find a professional who is ready to listen and advise 

on your specific needs – and your case will not be passed to another lawyer 

or support staff 

When you face complications in your personal life or have business problems, 

making the correct choice of legal advisor is crucial 

Make the right choice – choose Alker Ball Healds! 

To find out how we can help you 

Contact us today on: 

01942 246 241 

www.abhlaw.co.uk 

ALKER BALL HEALDS SOLICITORS 

A1 SOVEREIGN BUSINESS PARK, KINGS CROFT COURT, WIGAN, WN1 3AP

34 

New Village 

Hub 

Since its closure three years ago, Up Holland 

Library has lain dormant at the heart of the local 

community – and its loss has been keenly felt. 

Community groups like the Friends of Up Holland 

were essentially left without a home, and the village 

left bereft of a hub. 

Now the old library building has been taken over 

by Artz Centre, with the aim of transforming it 

into a vibrant, multi-purpose community space. 

The organisation was previously based out of Up 

Holland High School before opening a new centre 

in Skelmersdale, but knew they’d need their own 

local base if they wanted to expand. October saw 

the grand opening of its new Up Holland building, 

bringing together potential students of its versatile 

arts programme and members of the community 

who are able to use the space as they see fit. 

‘The most important thing so far has been sharing 

our vision with the public, and ensuring they feel 

free to pop in and ask questions,’ Director Mark 

Ashton explains. ‘The building has been closed for 

so long, people are rightfully questioning what 

we’ll be doing with it. We’ve reached out to existing 

community groups and got them involved too.’ 

‘We want comfortable chairs and couches in the 

reading cafe to inspire people to sit and read all day, 

have a chat with people around them, and maybe 

get involved in some of our music events or lessons,’ 

he continues. 

Another important aspect 

of the renovations was 

to appraise what local 

people wanted from such 

a centre, and to figure out 

how Mark could help meet 

their needs. ‘We talked to 

pupils from local schools 

to see what young people 

felt was missing locally, and 

tried to implement those 

suggestions in our plans. 

Since receiving feedback 

from some of Up Holland’s 

older residents, we decided 

to include a lot of adult fiction too.’ 

The new Artz Centre will also offer a Click n’ Collect 

system, in which local people can request specific 

books to be ordered in. Reducing social isolation is 

one of the Artz Centre’s main aims, offering a casual 

space in Up Holland for people to enjoy hot drinks 

and a good read, without pressure to necessarily 

take books away. 

Artz Centre Up Holland will gradually implement 

longer opening hours, aiming to be open for as 

long as six days a week. For more information and 

updates, visit www.artzcentre.co.uk

35 

Degrees 

of 

Learning 

16 PAGE EDUCATION SPECIAL

36 

Making STEM Fun 

STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) are the fastest growing 

industries in the world. Even if your child doesn’t fancy a career in STEM, they will 

need to use elements of it throughout their working life. 

According to The National Science Foundation, “To succeed in this new informationbased 

and highly technological society, students need to develop their capabilities in 

STEM to levels much beyond what was considered acceptable in the past.” 

So how can you help your child to develop a real 

enjoyment for STEM? 

Science 

There are lots of children’s science sets available 

to buy, but you don’t actually need any fancy 

equipment to conduct simple experiments at 

home, such as: 

• Asking your child to add a few drops of oil to a 

glass of water. Discuss what they think will happen. 

Will the oil and water mix or stay separate? 

• Finding four old, dull two pence coins. Soak each 

one in a different liquid (water, coke, vinegar and 

lemon juice) for a few minutes to see which liquid 

cleans the coin the best. 

Technology 

Computer programming now features in the 

National Curriculum and many schools offer basic 

coding clubs from Key Stage 2. Paul Lyons, IT 

Director at Ebuyer.com, explains, “Even if your child 

has no interest in becoming a software developer, 

they will benefit from skills such as problem solving 

and following instructions - which can be applied 

to other areas. Many parents may not know where 

to begin, but introducing educational aspects into 

children’s technology use at home can have a real 

impact on a child’s ability.”

37 

There are lots of resources available to help your 

child at home. Useful websites include: 

• scratch.mit.edu, which lets children aged six and 

up learn the basics of creating games online. 

• codecombat.com: while this American site is 

mainly aimed at teachers, you can sign up as a 

parent or student to access a free short course. 

• www.codeclub.org.uk, which lists coding clubs 

for 9-13 year olds across the UK. 

Engineering 

K’Nex model building sets are a fun way to 

introduce engineering concepts. The K’Nex 

Education Introduction to Simple Machines: Levers 

and Pulleys Set, for example, contains more than 

170 pieces, and instructions for building eight mini 

machines. 

You can also help your child to make simple 

structures using household items. Straws and play 

dough are ideal for building model bridges. Or try 

searching www.instructables.com for instructions 

on making structures out of lolly sticks or toothpicks. 

Maths 

Kjartan Poskitt, author of Murderous Maths and 

Ambassador for the National Young Mathematicians’ 

Awards 2017, says, “I always say that maths is like 

broccoli. You either like it or you hate it, but you 

have to have some because it’s good for you. If 

learning the tables is driving your child mad, what 

can you do to sauce them up? The secret is to play 

around with numbers and get to know them. 

Here are a couple of little facts and 

tricks to get you started: 

• If you write out the digits 1 2 3 4, you can turn 

them into 12 = 3 x 4. You can also do this with 

5 6 7 8 because 56 = 7 x 8. 

• Pick any three consecutive numbers (e.g. 4, 5 

and 6). Multiply the smallest by the biggest, and 

then add one. (So here we get 4 x 6 = 24, then 

24 + 1 = 25). The answer is always the same as 

the middle number squared (5 x 5 = 25).” 

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 

Monday, 28th October 16:00-18:00 

Monday, 18th November 16:00-18:00 

Monday, 2nd December 16:00-18:00 

Monday, 13th January 2020 16:00-18:00 

Monday, 2nd March 2020 16:00-18:00 

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.uk 

Provider code 2A4 - Course code 2XT7

38 

UNIVERSITY CENTRE ST HELENS 

OPEN DAY 

Thursday 14 th November 2019 

5.00pm - 7.00pm 

Lower tuition fees, a wide range of degrees, smaller class sizes 

and unrivalled access to experienced lecturers. 

uc.sthelens.ac.uk

39 

How to 

Save and Make Money 

at University 

One of the trickiest but most important parts of 

university life is managing your money. Budgeting for 

food, clothes, nights out, books and study materials 

can be overwhelming at first, but there are ways you 

can help yourself. 

Here are a few tips to help you spend less, save 

more, and earn money at university, so you can stop 

worrying about finances and make the most of this 

precious time in your life. 

Ways to save money at university 

Make use of technology 

All you need is your mobile phone. There are apps 

to help you save on food, that show you how to 

budget, and that keep an eye on your data usage. 

Keep your food costs down by making a list of your 

favourite ingredients, and an app will let you know 

the cheapest places to buy them locally. You can 

also track your expenses with a budgeting app. 

Just type in how much you spend each day, and 

what you’ve bought – at the end of the month, a 

report gives you a round-up of where your money is 

going, so you can adjust your spending if necessary. 

Learn how to cook 

Learning how to cook from scratch is a valuable skill 

for life, but as food is one of the highest student 

expenditures, it’s also a vital part of saving money. 

Apart from the extra cash in your pocket, you can 

still be sociable without the expense of eating out, 

impressing your friends with gastronomic delights. 

It’s a good idea to plan your meals ahead and only 

buy what you need each week, avoiding ready 

meals if possible, as although they’re convenient, 

they’re generally bad for your health. Also, stick to 

buying own-brand products that can usually be 

found on the lower shelves in supermarkets, where 

you might not normally look. 

Ways to make money at university 

Get a part-time job 

Retail, catering, and hospitality are just three areas 

where you could pick up a part-time job with fixed 

hours that fits in with your studies. Although you 

may need to forsake some evenings and weekends, 

payday could make it worthwhile to miss out on a 

few social occasions. 

Another idea for part-time work, and one that’s a 

little more flexible, is mystery shopping. You sign up 

with a mystery shopping agency, or directly with an 

independent company, and get paid for checking 

the level of service provided in their outlets. 

Promotion work and flyers 

Handing out flyers around campus and promoting 

club nights or events on the streets of your 

university town can earn you some extra money, 

but be sure to find out whether you’re working on a 

commission or a ‘per hour’ basis. 

If you’re sociable and good at marketing, you 

could even apply to become an on-campus ‘brand 

ambassador’ for a household brand name. You 

might be able to organise your own promotions 

and events for the brand, and make a name for 

yourself in marketing.

40

41 

Are you thinking about kick-starting 

an exciting new career in teaching? 

If so, why not train to become 

a primary teacher with 

NORTH WEST SCITT 

Our Information Events are the perfect 

opportunity for you to learn all you need to 

know about teacher training and how to apply. 

Open Event 

Tuesday 19th November 2019 

4.00pm – 5.30pm 

St Teresa’s RC Primary School, College Road, 

Upholland, WN8 0PY 

Drop In Sessions 

10.00am – 12.00 noon then 1.00pm – 3.00pm 

18/10/19 St John’s Catholic Primary, WN8 6PF 

28/10/19 Dalton St Michael’s Primary, WN8 7RP 

08/11/19 Bishop Martin C of E, WN8 9BN 

13/11/19 St Mark’s Primary,WN5 9DS 

14/11/19 Churchtown Primary, PR9 7NN 

18/11/19 Brookfield Park Primary, WN8 8EH 

29/11/19 Asmall Primary, L39 3PJ 

03/12/19 Lostock Hall Primary, PR5 5AS 

To book a place email 

aanderton@woodland.lancs.sch.uk 

or call 01695 557488 

We look forward to meeting you 

Who are these events for? 

Our information events are designed for 

anyone who has a degree and is interested 

in teaching – particularly those who are 

considering starting their initial teacher 

training in September 2020. They offer a great 

opportunity to get all your questions about 

teaching and teacher training answered. 

If you attend one of our events you’ll be able to: 

• Discuss the range of teacher training courses 

we have available, to help you decide which 

would best suit you 

• Meet representatives from our programme 

and find out about the entry requirements 

• Receive advice on submitting a successful 

UCAS application 

• Talk to current teachers to find out what a 

career as a teacher is really like 

• Talk to current trainees about the programme 

www.northwestscitt.com

42 

Learning through 

Play 

From science kits to marble runs, toys can be as educational as they are fun! 

Learning through play sees your child developing 

key mental, physical and emotional skills, as well 

as an appetite for knowledge. Most toys can be 

educational, whether they’re helping your child to 

learn maths, or improve their coordination. 

A simple football can help your child to develop 

their coordination and become better at working 

in a team. If your child isn’t particularly sporty, the 

new Scriball from Mitre (£10) might just tempt 

Are you looking for a school 

place for September 2020? 

Roby Mill is a small, village school where each and 

every child is valued and can develop to reach their 

full potential. We have small class sizes and a high 

adult to child ratio enabling personalized learning in a 

caring and supportive environment. 

With a wide catchment area, our children travel from 

near and far to attend our school and with places 

available for Reception 2020 and other year groups, 

come and visit to secure your place. 

We offer both breakfast club and a wide variety of 

after school clubs. 

Call Now for an appointment. 

Our school is always open. 

Roby Mill C.E. Primary School 

School Lane, Roby Mill, Up Holland, WN8 0QR 

Telephone: 01695 622536 

www.roby-mill.lancsngfl.ac.uk 

The small school with the BIG heart 

them. Each kit contains a football decorated with a 

picture to be coloured in. 

Marble runs are fantastic for encouraging a child’s 

creativity, as well as helping to develop their 

problem solving skills, spatial awareness and handto-eye 

coordination. Prices start at around £10 for 

a small kit, but if you fancy splashing out, the Hape 

Quadrilla Space Run is likely to prove a hit. The 176 

pieces allow for plenty of combinations and the 

glow in the dark stickers add extra excitement. £120 

from www.amazon.co.uk. 

Most children’s magazines include educational 

activities, from craft ideas to puzzles and colouring. 

• National Geographic Kids Magazine is aimed at 

the ‘explorers, archaeologists, scientists, artists and 

astronauts of the future’. A subscription costs from 

£36 for 12 issues from www.ngkids.co.uk. 

• Whizz Pop Bang! is a monthly science magazine 

aimed at 6-11 year olds. It’s packed with fun facts, 

craft activities and experiments. Each issue costs 

£3.75, including postal costs. Subscription offers are 

available, visit: www. whizzpopbang.com. 

• The Week Junior is a current affairs magazine 

for children aged 8+. It covers news in bite sized 

chunks. There are also features on a range of 

subjects, from geography to technology and film. 

Subscriptions cost from £22.99 for 15 issues, visit 

www.theweekjunior.co.uk. 

Lots of board games have an 

educational element. The ones 

by Orchard Toys are amongst 

the best. Their games are 

always well-designed, robust 

and great fun to play for children and parents alike. 

Priced from just £4.50, games are available from toy 

stores, supermarkets and www.orchardtoys.com.

43 

Tech for Tweens 

Kid-friendly technology that keeps you in control 

Child-friendly tablets 

With Amazon’s Kindle Fire, you can activate parental 

controls to limit how much screen time your child 

has, when they can use their tablet and what they 

can do on it. It’s also worth adding the YouTube Kids 

app, which filters out unsuitable content and allows 

you to cherry-pick the channels you’re happy for 

your child to watch. 

Have an accident-prone child or just want extra 

peace of mind? It might be worth paying extra 

for the Amazon Fire Kids Edition tablet. It’s priced 

around £100 to £200 depending on the screen size 

and memory, but comes with a robust case and a 

two year quibble-free warranty. You also get a year’s 

subscription to Fire for Kids Unlimited (normally 

£3.99 a month), which gives your child access to 

thousands of age-appropriate apps, game, videos 

and books – see www.amazon.co.uk. 

Smart watches 

Most children’s smart watches allow kids 

to take photos and play games. The 

Moochies watch also allows children 

to text and call people, but only those 

who’ve been approved by the parent. 

So, your child can call you to ask if 

they can go to a friend’s house after 

school, send a text message to 

their cousin and video call 

their granny, but they 

can’t call or text anyone 

you haven’t approved. 

The Moochies watch is 

ideal for children who 

are old enough for a bit 

more independence, but 

not quite old enough for their own phone. (It’s proven 

an absolute hit with my seven and ten year old.) 

The watch itself costs £69.99 and you’ll need to 

choose a rolling network plan, which costs from £10 

a month. You can also customise 

the watch with different 

straps, which cost £7.50 each. 

See www.moochies.com. 

Pocket money apps 

If your child is old 

enough to go shopping 

on their own, you might 

want to look at getting 

them a prepaid debit 

card. There are several pocket 

money apps and cards on the 

market, including Go Henry, 

which allows you to transfer money to the card, 

decide how much your child can spend, and keep 

an eye on what they’re spending their money on. 

You can also set them chores to earn extra money. 

So, for instance, you might set them the task of 

hoovering once a week to earn £2. Once they 

complete the task, you mark it as done on the 

parent app and the money is transferred from your 

account to theirs. You can also set up savings goals 

and kids can choose to give a percentage of their 

pocket money to charity. 

Go Henry costs £2.99 per child, per month at 

www.gohenry.com/uk. 

Similar schemes include Nimbl (£2.49 a 

month) and Osper (£2.50 a month).

44 

Are you thinking of teaching as a career? 

Become a Teacher with North West Learning Partnership School Direct. 

(Previously known as St Mary and St Thomas C E Primary Alliance) 

Who are we? 

North West Learning Partnership School Direct is an 

established School Direct Provider working in partnership 

with Liverpool John Moores University. 

As one of only 40 Maths Hubs in the country, we are 

able to provide outstanding training at the forefront of 

developments in mathematics education. 

The North West Learning Partnership continues to be 

above the National norm for School Direct provision and 

are classed as a high-flying alliance in terms of numbers of 

applications and successful recruitment. 

Why train with us? 

We are committed to ongoing development of all trainees 

for at least 3 years. 

Trainees have access, free of charge, to our highly effective 

NQT and RQT programmes. 

• High employment rates 

• Only Good to Outstanding schools within our Alliance 

are used for placements 

• Placement schools are across St Helens, Wigan, Bolton, 

Halton & Knowsley 

• Gain PGCE with Masters credits and QTS 

• Highly effective school based tutors. All of a senior level 

with a wealth of experience or are Specialist Leaders in 

their field of expertise (SLEs) 

• Personal support structures in place 

• Quality Assured by several external agencies & as a 

result the alliance provision continues to be graded as 

‘Outstanding’. 

We offer a range of courses for both 

Primary and Secondary 

Primary General 

We offer a unique primary general teacher training 

programme. Training with the North West Learning 

Partnership means you become a staff member from day 

one whilst receiving academic and University support. 

Student feedback is key to ensuring quality and is 

paramount to ensuring the quality of our programme. 

Apply for this training programme through UCAS: 

http://www.ucas.com 

Training Provider 13N | Course code DF23 Primary 

Primary General with Mathematics Specialism 

We are excited to offer this primary general programme with 

mathematics specialism in partnership with Liverpool John 

Moores University. Trainees will engage with our successful 

and unique primary general teacher training programme 

with additional training units in mathematics. 

Trainees will receive a PGCE with Masters credits and QTS. 



Training Provider 13N | Course code SDKJ 

Primary General Salaried Route 

This salaried School Direct programme is suitable for 

experienced, non-teaching staff and career changers. 

Applicants are recommended to have the support of a 

school. The trainee is employed by the school as a nonqualified 

teacher for one academic year. 

The trainee teacher receives a personal training programme, 

accessing our outstanding training at the North West 

Learning Partnership and gains a PGCE with Masters credits 

and QTS at Liverpool John Moores University. 

This qualification includes 60 credits at Masters level. 



Training Provider 13N | Course code 3BFS

45 

Secondary Mathematics 

We are excited to offer a School Direct Secondary 

Mathematics in school one-year teacher training 

programme. You will be awarded PGCE with Masters 

credits and QTS. The course is offered by the lead schools 

Rainford High and Up Holland High in association with 

the North West Learning Partnership and Liverpool John 

Moores University. This unique training programme offers 

exciting opportunities to be involved in: 

• Working alongside specialists in Maths Mastery. 

• Training with high quality relevant professionals with 

an outstanding track record for delivering the highest 

grades for young people at Key Stage 4 & Key Stage 5. 

• Opportunity for leadership training and development 

of strategic curriculum design. 

• Commitment to develop examination expertise at KS4 

and KS5 

• Teaching opportunity across KS2,3, 4 & 5. Subject 

specific and career impacting professional development 

• High quality subject specific CPD opportunities with 

nationally recognised speakers 

• High quality guest speakers to support pedagogical and 

subject specialism 

• The discussion club focused on high quality academic 

research linked to educational discussion at some of 

the leading local restaurants and venues throughout 

the year. 



Training Provider 13N | Course code JL80 

Secondary MFL 

This course is offered by the lead schools Rainford High 

and Up Holland High in association with the North West 

Learning Partnership and Liverpool John Moores University. 

Due to the outstanding teaching in our schools, results in 

MFL are significantly above national average and both 

schools offer unique and dynamic training and teaching 

opportunities for the right teacher training candidates. 

• Training with high quality relevant professionals with an 

outstanding track record for delivering the highest grades 

for young people at Key Stage 4 and Key Stage 5 as well as 

delivering exceptional transition for young people. 

• Opportunity for leadership training and development 

of strategic curriculum design. 

• Commitment to develop examination expertise at KS4 

and KS5 

• The opportunity to take part in cultural language 

exchange visits and programmes. 

• Teaching opportunity across KS2, 3, 4 and 5. 

• Subject specific and career impacting professional 

development. Such as high quality subject specific CPD 

opportunities with nationally recognised guest speakers 

to support pedagogical and subject specialism. 

• The discussion club focused on high quality academic 

research linked to educational discussion at some of 

the leading local restaurants and venues throughout 

the year. 



Training Provider 13N | Course code SD90 

Kathy Carman - North West Learning Partnership School Direct Strategic Lead 

kathy.carman@three-saints.org.uk 

https://www.facebook.com/nwlpschooldirect/ 

Sarah Knowles - North West Learning Partnership Administrator 

sarah.knowles@three-saints.org.uk 

For further details of all programmes please see our website: 

http://www.northwestlearningpartnership.co.uk/index.php/workstreams/ 

school-direct

46

47

48 

Life as a governor 

For James Pearson, joining the board of governors 

at Winstanley College was a way to give back to the 

college that launched him onto a career path in 

commercial law. James, now the Chair of Governors, 

discusses the inspiration behind his decision, and 

what it takes to strive for academic excellence at 

Winstanley. 

‘I had a really good time at college,’ James admits. 

‘Winstanley prides itself on providing a well-rounded 

education, with a focus on personal development 

that goes beyond grades. It was important for me to 

begin giving back to that community.’ 

As a player at Orrell RUFC, James isn’t short on 

community spirit. ‘Keeping it local, at the college 

I used to attend, was also really important to me 

in my decision to apply for a post as governor. I 

admit the interview process at the time was rather 

daunting, but has changed 

now, and was worth it when I 

was offered the position.’ 

pride in their work, and it’s amazing to see the 

result of their time at Winstanley pay off in their 

final pieces.’ 

‘I’ve been fortunate to meet many talented people 

who have really ingrained themselves in the world 

of education, and who have a passion for seeing 

young people achieve their goals,’ he tells me. 

‘There are three core skills I think you need to 

become a governor,’ James adds. ‘You can’t be afraid 

to ask questions; you need a willingness to learn 

and challenge yourself; and you need to care about 

creating a supportive and inspiring community for 

academic excellence.’ 

If you are interested in applying to become a 

Governor at Winstanley College please contact 

Rachael Weir on 01695 628640 or email Rachael. 

weir@winstanley.ac.uk. 

Being a governor means 

setting Winstanley’s strategic 

direction, ensuring financial 

sustainability and to uphold 

the college’s core values. 

James’ background as a lawyer 

has also helped him in his role. 

It’s a big job – but well worth 

the effort. 

‘One of the best parts of my 

position has been engaging 

with passionate staff and 

amazing students. I’m not an 

arty person myself, but the 

annual student art show is 

always excellent to pay a visit 

to. The students take such

ARE 

49 

winstanley college 

Wednesday 6th November 

Tuesday 4th February 

WINSTANLEY! 

No need to book, just turn up. We look forward to meeting you soon. 

Winstanley Road Billinge Wigan WN5 7XF • 01695 628610 • www.winstanley.ac.uk

50 

Tips for sleeping 

Late nights, early mornings and night-time 

wanderings can really have an effect on your child’s 

wellbeing (and your stress levels). If your child is 

struggling to sleep, these tips might help. 

Ban screen time before bed 

The blue light emitted by smartphones, tablets 

and other digital devices has been found to disrupt 

sleep. A Norwegian study of 10,000 teenagers 

found that the more time the teenagers spent on 

electronic devices during the day, the less sleep 

they got. So keep phones, tablets and TVs out of 

your child’s room and ban them from being used 

for at least an hour before bedtime. 

Get plenty of exercise and fresh air 

Both exercise and time spent outdoors have been 

found to promote a better night’s sleep. So take 

the kids to the park, or play out in the garden in the 

afternoon. 

Try calming music 

Quiet, soothing music can help 

your child to relax. If you play the 

same song every night, it can 

even become a sleep trigger. 

Good choices include Kesang 

Marstrand’s ‘In the Land of 

Dreams’, and ‘Hello Night’, which 

you can find on YouTube. You 

could also try recordings of white noise, which 

some children find relaxing. 

Cut down on sugar 

Fruit juice, squash, sugary drinks and caffeine can 

all stop your child from getting to sleep. Try to 

make sure they stick to water or milk for a few hours 

before bedtime. And cut out any sugary snacks, 

or anything that might cause bloating or trapped 

wind. Even naturally sweet foods, such as honey, 

can have an effect on your child’s sleep pattern. 

Plan ahead 

What excuses does your child use for getting out of 

bed in the night? What can you do to make it easier 

for them to stay in bed? Little things, like a bottle of 

water on the bedside table, or an extra blanket for 

when it gets cold, can help to cut down the excuses. 

Make peace 

We all find it hard to get to sleep if we’re 

worried or stressed. Your child is no 

different. If they’re upset because 

you’re cross, or if they’re worried 

about an argument from earlier 

in the day, they might struggle 

to drop off. Take time to discuss 

anything that might be 

bothering them, from exam 

nerves to fall-outs with friends.

51 

Autumn reads 

Looking for the perfect book to give someone this Christmas? Maybe we can help… 

The Giver of Stars 

Jojo Moyes 

Times are hard in Kentucky at 

the end of the Great Depression. 

Five women set out to bring 

some light back into people’s 

lives, through books. This isn’t 

your average mobile library; the 

librarians have to travel hundreds of miles every 

week, on horseback. Amongst them is Margery – 

whose family and unconventional lifestyle mean 

she’s all but ostracised by ‘polite society’. And Alice – 

a lonely incomer far from home. A great story, great 

characters and great writing make The Giver of Stars 

the perfect gift. 

Never Have I Ever 

Joshilyn Jackson 

A seemingly innocent game to 

liven up a book club turns into a 

tense game of cat and mouse as 

one woman threatens to reveal a 

long-buried secret. How far will 

Amy go to protect the fragile 

life she’s built for herself? A good choice for fans of 

twisting, suspense-packed thrillers. 

The Secret Series 

Pseudonymous Bosch 

Young adventure fans are sure 

to appreciate this series, starting 

with the first book – The Name of 

This Book is Secret. (My ten year 

old daughter devoured all five 

in quick succession.) Cass and 

Max-Ernest are unlikely friends who find themselves 

caught up in a quest to uncover a secret. Danger, 

mystery, friendship, villains and humour abound. 

Sweet Sorrow 

David Nicholls 

It’s 1997. Charlie Lewis has 

just left school and has one 

long summer ahead of him 

before finding a job and 

entering the world of adults. 

Joining a theatre group 

wasn’t in his plans, but if that’s what it takes to win 

the love of Fran Fisher, he’s prepared to unleash his 

(very) hidden thespian. An enjoyable, humorous 

book ideal for anyone who came of age in the 90s 

or who has bittersweet memories of their first love. 

The Ten Thousand Doors of 

January 

Alix E. Harrow 

January Scaller finds her first 

Door when she’s seven years 

old. It leads to somewhere far 

from her cosseted life as the 

foster daughter of a rich man. 

Little girls grow up and learn not to believe in the 

impossible. But then a strange book appears, just as 

January’s real father vanishes, and January sets out 

to discover the truth about Doors. This is a must for 

fans of Neil Gaiman and Philip Pullman. 

The Hairy Bikers’ One Pot 

Wonders 

Si King and Dave Myers 

The Hairy Bikers are back with 

another cookery book packed 

with more than 100 recipes. 

Create delicious dishes with 

minimum effort and mess. 

Recipes include Sausage and Bean Tray Bake, and 

Boozy Syllabub Trifle. Just make sure the recipient 

of your gift invites you over for dinner soon.

52 

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53 

WORDSEARCH 

THEME: Parts of the body 

Find the hidden words in the word search grid 

Ankle 

Artery 

Breastbone 

Cavity 

Elbow 

Femur 

Foot 

Forearm 

Gut 

Hand 

Heart 

Heel 

Hipbone 

Kidney 

Knee 

Leg 

Liver 

Lung 

Navel 

Neck 

Pore 

Renal 

Shin 

Skin 

Skull 

Sole 

Spleen 

Toe 

Vein 

Wrist 

SUDOKU 

WIGGLE WORDS 

CLUE: From poverty to 

wealth 

Trace a path through 

all the letters to find 

the word or phrase 

that fits the clue. 

O R E H 

M F S C 

R S T I 

A G O R 

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. 

8 

1 4 

9 5 

3 7 

9 23 21 19 

19 

14 

16 

23 

19 

20 

All the puzzle solutions can be found 

on page 114 of this magazine

54 

Music Continuum 

The Music Continuum present two special events in 

November and December. 

The first, A Requiem, will commemorate the end 

of the First World War and Armistice Day with an 

evening of jazz and poetry with Josie Moon and 

the Alan Barnes Octet. It takes place on Thursday, 

November 7 at 7:30pm. 

Then, on Friday, December 20, Intrada Brass will 

present a night of Christmas music, with tickets 

costing £10. 

Both events take place at St. Michael & All Angels 

Church on Duke Street, Swinley (WN1 2BJ). 

Tickets are available from Peter on 07848 818276 or 

from www.justaddtickets.co.uk 

Dick Whittington 

The Old Courts’ 2019 panto is Dick Whittington & 

His Cat - a family spectacular for the festive season. 

When the wicked King Rat wants to take over the 

whole of England, it’s up to Dick Whittington to 

stop him! Set sail on the voyage of a lifetime from 

December 18th-23rd. 

Tickets cost £12 per child or £16 per adult, bookable 

on Eventbrite or on 01942 834747. 

History Walk 

The Canal & River Trust are hosting a history walk 

from Wigan Dry Dock on Saturday, November 2 at 

10am. Discover the history of the canal as you walk 

up to Top Lock and back - more info available at 

sara.ponting@canalrivertrust.org.uk 

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55 

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56 

Comedy Costumes 

A Pemberton man has been catching people’s 

attention running various races to raise money and 

awareness for the prevention of young suicide. 

have included Donald Trump, Vladimir Putin and Kim 

Jong-Un wearing a Wigan Warriors costume, after a 

kit was spotted in a North Korean museum. 

Darren Atherton, who was born in Pemberton and 

now lives in Billinge, dons the costumes of various 

controversial political figures in his quest to raise 

awareness for Papyrus UK, which campaigns for the 

prevention of suicide in youths - the main killer of 

people under 35 in the UK. Papyrus helps to provide 

support for people experiencing suicidal thoughts. 

‘I’m not out to make political statements,’ Darren 

explains. ‘My goal is to gain attention for the charity 

and create some comedic value during each run.’ 

‘I wanted to raise awareness for people affected by 

suicide after my cousin took her own life last year.’ 

So far Darren has participated in the Manchester Half 

Marathon and Wigan 10K, and will be completing the 

local half marathon in 2020. His previous caricatures 

Garage and entrance doors 

in matching styles 

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t: 01942 738347 w: www.cjmgaragedoors.co.uk

57

58 

A decorative lamp can come in all 

shapes, sizes, materials and colours. 

This is a selection from Woods Furniture. 

An on-trend, metallic cagelike 

base is teamed with a 

pretty cotton shade, making 

this distinctive lamp ideal for 

classic, contemporary and 

industrial-inspired interiors. 

Maui LED table lamp, £79, Atkin 

and Thyme. 

Brighten Up 

Your Evenings 

Adding some 

good-looking 

illumination is a great 

way to introduce both 

a decorative focal 

point and increase 

atmosphere in any 

room. 

Bring on some Hollywood glamour with a gold and feather 

lamp (the feathers are ethically sourced, by the way). 

Mini feather lamp by A Modern Grand Tour, £1,900, Sweetpea 

& Willow.

59 

A minimal table lamp from Lene Bjerre 

would make the perfect accent for a 

contemporary home. 

Metta table lamp, £90, Sweetpea & Willow. 

This textural, informal 

lantern would add 

fashionable interest in 

an understated, modern 

space. 

Antique brass knitted lantern, 

large, £48, Rose & Grey. 

Lined with a navy cotton 

interior, this lampshade uses 

nautical imagery from a series 

of 18th century hand-coloured 

prints, depicting ships in 

dramatic ocean conditions. 

Shipwreck lighthouse lampshade, 

£58, Cream Cornwall. 

Let there be light 

• When you are seeking an inexpensive update, simply remove any 

dull, old, less-than-stylish table lamps and plug in your new, on-trend, 

up-to-the-minute choices and voila! an instant change of look. 

• Use a table lamp to create a welcoming reading corner in a living 

room, or simply to introduce a cosy pool of light in a dark area. They 

look great on a hall console or a small table on a landing, and are, 

of course, both practical and beautiful either side of a bed. 

Sleek and sophisticated, 

this large glass and metal 

lamp would add a touch of 

modern classic style to any 

room. 

Cranmer table lamp, £369, 

Pepper Sq. 

• Lanterns are even easier than lamps, as they don’t need 

a nearby plug. If you are wary of using candles for safety 

reasons, substitute battery-operated LED candles instead. 

• Buying more than one lamp for a room? Identical pairs look 

smart and traditional, but you don’t have to buy them all 

the same. A range of styles can create interest and work 

in different areas. It is, however, worth choosing styles 

that have colour, pattern, material or shape in common, 

in order to give the room a sense of overall cohesion 

This sturdy modern lantern would be great inside or out. 

Autumn wooden lantern, £24.99, Lights4fun. 

Image: Simon Hylton

60

Film Fantastic 

November welcomes the Wigan & Leigh Film Festival 

to The Old Courts, celebrating the best in low-budget 

filmmaking from across the country. 

The apocalypse looms in animated short ‘The 

Interview from Hell’ when a board of managers are 

tasked with finding Hell’s most evil demon; a pair of 

friends end up digging a grave for a family member 

in ‘Burying the Mother-in-Law’; and a cat burglar’s 

plans are derailed in dark comedy ‘A Dunder Plunder’. 

There are plenty more films in this year’s selection, 

and you can catch them all at the film festival this 

Tickets for the Young Filmmakers event are free, 

month. Three separate events will take place - a 

while the other events cost £4 in advance or £5 on 

Young Filmmakers event on Saturday, October 26, a 

the door. Doors open at 6pm. Tickets are bookable at 

North West Filmmakers showcase on November 15 

www.wiganleighfilmfestival.org.uk 

and then the main event on Saturday, November 16. 

Festival Chair Paul Costello said: ‘We receive 

submissions from around the world and this year’s 

have been outstanding.’ 

61 

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64 Food & Drink 

Sally’s Specials 

by Marti of The Star Inn 

The Star Inn 

Sally’s Salt 

‘n’ Pepper 

Chicken 

This dish is absolutely delicious, jam-packed with 

fresh ingredients and flavour that will set your taste 

buds alight! 

Serves 2 

Method 

Start by adding the chicken pieces into a mixture of 

plain flour and the Salt ’n’ Pepper seasoning. 

Once the chicken pieces are fully coated, drop them 

into the fryer for 1 minute to form a crisp outer 

coating. 

Meanwhile in a large frying pan heat a little oil on 

a medium heat. Once the oil is hot add the chillies, 

onions and peppers, cook down until everything is 

soft and be careful not to burn them. 

Next, add the chicken pieces, garlic, chicken stock 

and sweet chilli sauce and toss gently. 

Cook together for another 2 minutes, this finishes 

off the cooking of the chicken and reduces the stock 

making it lovely and sticky. 

To finish, add the coriander. The chicken will be 

cooked thoroughly and should also be soft and 

tender. 

Ingredients 

1 white onion, sliced 

1 red and yellow pepper, sliced 

3 large cloves of crushed garlic 

1 pack of roughly chopped coriander (including 

stalks) 

2 tbsp of salt and pepper seasoning 

5 tbsp of sweet chilli sauce 

1/4 pint of chicken stock 

1 green and red chilli, de seeded and diced 

2 chicken breasts diced into strips (around 5 pieces 

per breast) 

Divide into 2 bowls and serve with aromatic rice. 

Delicious!

65 

Sally’s at The Star Inn was launched in 2007 in homage to landlord and chef Marti’s mother 

Sally, who passed away in 1996. A great cook herself, it was Sally’s lifelong dream to have a 

restaurant in her name, and Marti wanted to honour that promise when he took the reins of 

The Star Inn at Roby Mill. 

The Star’s 

Passionfruit 

Cocktail 

This tangy and refreshing cocktail is a must for 

those who love passionfruit and tropical cocktails. 

Great for a party showstopper! 

Serves 1 

Ingredients 

1 shot of passoa (passionfruit liqueur) 

1 shot of vanilla vodka 

1/2 shot of passion fruit syrup 

5ml lemon juice 

1 1/2 shots of pineapple juice 

1 shot of prosecco 

1/2 passionfruit 

Method 

Chill a martini glass in the fridge whilst you prepare 

the rest of the cocktail. 

Half fill a cocktail shaker with ice. 

Pour in the passoa, vanilla vodka, passionfruit syrup, 

lemon juice and pineapple juice. 

Shake well until frost forms on the cocktail shaker. 

Strain into the martini glass with a Hawthorne 

strainer if you have one. 

Top with 1/2 fresh passion fruit 

Serve with a shot of prosecco 

Enjoy!

66 

Magical 

Markets 

image by: Tom Holmes 

There’s nothing quite like a festive market to get you into 

the Christmas spirit. From Dickensian festivals keeping 

the spirits of A Christmas Carol alive to bustling streets 

of Austrian-inspired log cabins, there’s something for 

everyone this Christmas. 

Grassington 

Saturday, November 30 & Sunday, December 1, 

then Saturday, December 7 & Sunday, December 

8, 11am-5pm 

www.grassingtondickensian.co.uk/ 

Grassington’s legendary Dickensian Festival and 

market lend a seasonal atmosphere to the picturesque 

Yorkshire village, transporting market-goers back in 

time to when Queen Victoria held the throne. Locals 

and visitors alike will be decked out in Victorian 

finery, with traditional buskers, street entertainers 

and musical acts taking to the stage throughout 

two wintery weekends this December. You won’t be 

able to resist stalls offering all sorts of goodies from 

bespoke crafts and jewellery to delicious sweet treats 

and mulled wine beside the glow of an open brazier. 

Meanwhile, little ones can pay a visit to a traditional 

Santa Claus in his hideaway grotto, meet an array of 

Dickensian characters, and follow a torchlit nativity 

procession down the cobbled streets. 

In venues across the village, expect performances 

from Victorian character singers, Punch & Judy 

shows, organ players and choirs, along with brass 

bands, festive plays and much more. 

image by: Mark Davis

67 

Skipton 

Sunday, December 1 & Sunday, December 8, 

10am-4pm 

www.facebook.com/skiptonchristmasmarket 

Where better to enjoy a wealth of festive stalls 

than the market town and ‘gateway to Yorkshire’ of 

Skipton? This December, the town centre will once 

again be taken over by vendors boasting Christmas 

bargains, unique gift ideas and scrumptious snacks. 

Skipton’s beautiful canal basin will play host to a 

farmers’ market, while more than 100 stalls stretch 

across its streets. 

Relax with a mulled cider and roast chestnuts, enjoy 

choral and brass performances or take the kids 

off to visit Santa or ride a donkey – there really is 

something for everyone. Skipton’s market received 

the UK’s Best Large Speciality Market award in 2018, 

and is free to enter for anyone fancying a festive 

experience this year. 

Worcester 

Thursday, November 28 – Sunday, December 1 

www.worcesterchristmasfayre.co.uk 

Boasting 200 stalls, Worcester’s Victorian Christmas 

Fayre is home to an abundance of local producers, 

crafters and confectioners. Your senses will come 

alive with sights, smells and sounds of the season: 

at the traditional funfair, be whisked away on the 

Galloper to the sound of a barrel organ, enjoy 

community carol singing, and travel back in time 

to experience what Christmas in Worcester would 

have been like some 150 years ago. 

The market will open with a carol service at the 

breath-taking Worcester Cathedral, ahead of a 

procession travelling from the Cathedral to the 

Cornmarket by the Mayor. 

Birmingham 

Thursday, November 7 – Monday, December 23 

www.thebfcm.co.uk/ 

Birmingham’s Frankfurt market is renowned for its 

stunning collection of traders – from glass baubles 

and crystal lamps to hand-crafted leather and 

jewellery, you’ll be absolutely spoilt for choice this 

year. As always, there’ll be tasty German delicacies 

including bratwursts, schnitzels, pretzels and more 

– if you’re fancying a tipple, why not sample the 

gluhwein or weissbeer? There’ll also be traditional 

children’s funfair rides, plenty of entertainment and 

beautifully festive illuminations throughout. 

The city will be bedecked in all its festive glory, with 

the appearance of an outdoor ice rink and a big 

wheel in Centenary Square. Experience the magic 

of skating under twinkling lights or witness the 

skyline from the heights of the Ferris wheel; either 

way, you’ll see Birmingham like you’ve never seen 

it before. 

Windermere 

Saturday, December 14 & Sunday, December 15 

www.windermerechristmas.co.uk/ 

Putting a Lake District twist on the classic Christmas 

market, Windermere’s Christmas Celebration is so 

much more than the forty or so stalls that set up in 

the picturesque village this December. Take to the 

rink and show off your skating skills surrounded by 

the natural beauty of the Lakes, visit Santa in his 

nearby grotto and relax with performances from 

brass bands and choirs throughout the weekend.

68 

York 

Thursday, November 14 – Sunday, December 22 

www.visityork.org/whats-on/christmas 

Among the Shambles and cobbled streets of York 

lies the St. Nicholas Fair, returning once more for 

2019. In wooden chalets you’ll find all manner of 

goods: from festive ornaments and scented candles 

to mulled wine and artisan chocolates. Street food 

stalls touting curries, crepes and much more create 

a real feast for the senses, with Nordic marquees 

and various bars set up around the market area. 

There’s plenty going on at venues around the city, 

too. An outdoor ice rink around a giant Christmas 

tree sets up at York Designer Outlet, while the a 

whole host of Dickensian characters come to life in 

York Castle Museum’s Victorian street. York Minster 

introduces the Advent procession – enjoy carols 

by candlelight following the Minster Choir on 

December 1st.

69 

Ulverston 

Saturday, November 23 & Sunday, November 24 

www.dickensianfestival.co.uk/ 

Don your finest Victorian costumes and head to 

Ulverston this month for a traditional Dickensian 

festival like no other. Among specialist shops and 

businesses you’ll find a cosy Christmas market 

stocked with unusual gifts, festive food and 

handmade items, plus all the fun of the fair with 

a Helter Skelter, horse-drawn carriages, balloon 

modelling and plenty of music. 

A grand Dickensian parade will take place on both 

days of the festival, along with a period dress 

competition for the best costume. 

Chester 

Saturday, November 16 – Sunday, December 22 

www.visitcheshire.com/whats-on/chesterchristmas-market-p223731 

The Tudor streets of Chester will be transformed 

with over 70 chalets, all arranged around the iconic 

Christmas tree in the city centre. Discover unique, 

locally crafted items, pick up the perfect stocking 

filler or surprise for a special someone. Along with 

classic German foods including frankfurters and 

glühwein, expect jewellery, crafts, cards and much 

more. 

Don’t miss the spectacular animal-themed lanterns 

at Chester Zoo while you’re in the area – from 

November 22 to December 23, the zoo will become 

a wonderland full of sparkle and illuminations, 

taking you through nine themed worlds of light. 

Beverley 

Sunday, December 8, 10am-4pm 

www.beverleyfestivalofchristmas.co.uk 

Experience a snapshot into the past with Beverley’s 

traditional Victorian Christmas market. Over 120 

stalls will take over the town centre, offering a huge 

selection of crafts, stocking fillers and tasty treats. 

Entertainers will take to the streets with birds of 

prey displays, live music and dance performances, 

along with a Victorian fairground for the little ones. 

The festivities really begin with a reindeer-led 

procession through the town at 10am – meet Santa 

on his sleigh in a charged seasonal atmosphere. 

There’s something for everyone in Beverley at 

Christmas!

70 Travel 

The Real Thing 

By Chris Pearce 

When it comes to Christmas markets, no one does 

them better than the Germans, who have been 

holding Christmas markets since way back in the 

Middle Ages. With the big day being just a few weeks 

away, it made eminent sense that this month’s travel 

feature focuses on where to go in Germany for an 

authentic Christmas experience. Space forbids 

us featuring the hundreds of Christmas 

markets held throughout Germany, but 

here are six of the very best to visit this 

Christmas. 

Like many of Germany’s larger cities, Cologne 

doesn’t host just one Christmas market, but up 

to eight every year, each with a different vibe or 

theme, and each with its own Christmas market 

mug! You’ll want to visit the Cathedral Christmas 

Market, where the colourful stalls are set up right 

besides the UNESCO-recognized Cologne Cathedral 

(see image). 

However, the best market in Cologne for families 

is the Altstadt (Old Town) by the town hall, which 

is run by the Heinzelmännchen, or house gnomes. 

You’ll find all the usual Christmas market trappings 

here, from handicrafts to spicy Glühwein, along 

with toy stands, an ice rink and a puppet theatre for 

the kids.

71 

In nearby Bonn, the seasonal 

celebrations are kick-started in style 

when the beautiful old town hall is 

transformed into an enormous Advent 

calendar, with one more window 

being lit up each day. The charming 

alleys and architecture, along with 170 

stalls situated between the festively 

decorated Bottlerplatz, the Peace 

Court, Vivatsgasse, Windeckstrasse is a 

must for Christmas lovers. 

When people think of German Christmas markets, 

the one that stands for most of the lore and tradition 

is the one that goes down each year in Nuremberg. 

It’s one of the oldest and most famous markets in 

the country, dating back to the early 17th century. 

A key custom that marks its commencement is the 

parading of the holy cherub Christkind, through 

Nuremberg’s central square. 

Another delightful market to check out is in the 

town of Rüdesheim, a small town on the Rhine 

Valley. Pretty much every space in the town’s 

romantic old quarter is filled with stalls selling all 

sorts of trinkets and treats, and worth a special 

mention is the life-size Nativity scene on the market 

square, which is said to be the biggest in Europe. 

The squares and streets round the Cathedral and 

the town hall of Aachen, close to the border with 

the Netherlands and Belgium, are transformed in 

December into a paradise of lights and colours, 

festive sounds and seductive smells. The cathedral, 

Visit Germany’s 

Christmas Markets 

Cruise the beautiful Rhine 

Gorge in a 5-star ship – 

MS Charles Dickens 

Visit the famous Christmas markets in 

Rudesheim, Koblenz, Bonn & Cologne 

5 days from only £579pp 

Price correct as of 10/10/19 

Full board, return flights/transfers included. 

Selected December departures available 2019/2020. 

Call Marken Travel quickly to secure your booking. 

Independent Travel Specialist 

200 Main Street, Billinge, WN5 7PE | Tel: 01744 893291 | www.markentravel.co.uk

72 

Christmas 

Markets Cruise 

4 nights FB in 

5* MS Charles Dickens 

Departs 16th December 2020 

Direct flights from Manchester 

£579pp 

Price correct as of 10/10/19 ~ 2019 departures still available 

which combines styles from the Carolingian era to 

the present, is the perfect background to the market 

and particularly romantic when covered in snow. 

Although only open at weekends, the 

Weihnachtsmarkt Schloss Guteneck offers an 

altogether different experience. Held in the grounds 

of the pastel-yellow castle, this market comes alive 

with the sights, sounds and smells of the Middle 

Ages, with strings of lights wrapped round trees 

and roaring fires dotted around for warmth. 

Minstrels, clowns and jugglers roam through the 

stalls, and other attractions include falconry to 

fire-dancing and camel rides! The evening’s events 

revolve around the various Advent celebrations, 

along with live Nativity scenes. 

At German Christmas markets, the emphasis is on 

traditional Christmas decorations, wooden toys, 

and handmade items. Of course, food and drink 

are an integral part of the markets, with grilled 

sausages, potato cakes, waffles, and pancakes are 

common, but every market will sell its own regional 

specialties. 

If you’re looking to sample a traditional German 

Christmas, check out the advertisement from 

Marken Travel on the previous page, where you can 

enjoy a five day cruise down the Rhine on the fivestar 

MS Charles Dickens, with visits to Christmas 

markets at Cologne, Bonn, Rüdesheim and Koblenz. 

Call 01744 893291 for details.

Worldchoice Travel for hospice heroes 

73 

Wigan independent travel agent Worldchoice 

Travel have been busy turning a modest investment 

into a winning formula to raise money for Wigan & 

Leigh Hospice. 

The £50 Challenge asks local businesses to take a 

£50 starter investment and use their wits to turn it 

into as much money as possible. The initiative helps 

to raise essential funds for the hospice, which cares 

for people with life-limiting conditions. 

just happy to be raising funds for the hospice.’ 

Community Fundraiser for the hospice Christine 

Edwardson commented: ‘Help like this is crucial 

to Wigan & Leigh Hospice; working with local 

businesses makes a massive difference for us. We 

are so grateful to everyone involved.’ 

The raffle runs up until October 31st, so pop in store 

today and pick up your ticket! 

Worldchoice Travel decided to 

host a raffle throughout the month 

of October using their £50 as a 

starting point – by purchasing a 

raffle ticket, you could be in with a 

chance of winning a £100 voucher 

towards a future holiday booking, 

a Hotel Chocolat hamper or a 

Cadbury hamper! 

Worldchoice Manager Gill Blundell 

said: ‘It is so nice to be able to work 

with a local charity that is so close 

to everyone’s hearts. And we are 

Competition Winners 

Congratulations to the winners of our September 

competition to win a family pass to Martin Mere 

Wetland Centre! Winners also received a free boat 

tour and a £30 voucher to spend in the cafe. 

The competition winner was Barbara Speakman 

from Standish (pictured). We hope you had an 

amazing time at Martin Mere! 

Did you know we also run social media 

competitions exclusively for fans of our Facebook 

page, Local Life Magazines? Make sure to give it a 

like to stay up to date!

74 Legal & Finance 

Crystal Ball 

Required? 

Most people’s hopes and expectations for retirement 

nowadays are very different from those who were 

retiring in the past. Retirees now have much grander 

plans. Travelling the world, spending more time on 

hobbies, spoiling the grandchildren or just plain taking 

it easy. 

In order to enjoy all the things on their wish list, they 

need to have the income to afford them. For most 

people, the state pension isn’t enough to allow them 

to achieve their vision of a comfortable and active 

retirement. And increasingly, income from other 

pensions is not enough either. 

Building (and keeping) your retirement pot 

Recent advertising campaigns have focused 

on encouraging people to save more for their 

retirement. Whilst this is important, it’s equally 

as vital to make those savings last throughout 

retirement, both for those approaching retirement 

and for those who have already retired. 

Ever since the global financial crash in 2008, interest 

rates on saving accounts have been low and standard 

annuities have offered poor value. This has led to the 

situation where, for many people, the state pension 

and other individual pension arrangements that pay 

a guaranteed income for life simply aren’t enough to 

fund a comfortable retirement. 

In order to achieve a comfortable retirement then, 

people may have to depend to a large extent on 

sources of income which are not guaranteed for life 

in the way traditional pensions are. 

When you’re saving for retirement, the objectives are 

clear; to accumulate a large a pot as possible before 

the day you retire. Managing that pot effectively 

after you retire is far more problematic, because you 

have no set end date; you could check out early or 

you may join the increasing number of names on Her 

Majesty’s birthday card list. 

Key risks to your retirement pot 

There are a number of specific risks that need to 

considered when deciding how to generate an 

income from retirement savings; 

• Living longer than expected 

• Inflation: rising prices will eat into the value of 

savings 

• Will the mix of investments be the right ones 

• Withdrawal risk: taking too much, too soon 

• Will you need long term care funding 

Planning for retirement when considering all of the 

above risks can be a daunting task. Sadly, the lack 

of a crystal ball means that the future can be very 

difficult to predict. 

How can we help? 

Whilst we do not have a crystal ball, we do have 

many years’ experience of dealing with clients 

approaching/or in retirement who require strategies 

to enable them to achieve their retirement dreams. 

If you find yourself in this position please do not 

hesitate to give us a call on 01257 423800. The 

initial meeting will be at our expense and of course 

is without obligation. 

David Barton APFS Cert CII (MP) 

Managing Director & 

Chartered Financial Planner

75 

In these uncertain times, 

it’s vital to protect your 

family’s financial future. 

Prosper Wealth Management are Wigan’s 

premier investment and pension 

specialists. 

Established in 2003, we now protect the 

interests of more than 600 local clients 

with total investments of over £170m . 

We were awarded the ‘gold standard’ 

Chartered Financial Planner status 

in 2012, and are still the only Wigan 

company with this prestigious 

accreditation. 

For trusted and independent investment 

and pension planning advice, call us 

today for a consultation. 

Wealth Preservation 

Investment Planning 

Retirement Planning 

Long-term Care Solutions 

The initial consultation is at our expense 

and is without obligation. 

01257 423 800 

Prosper Independent Financial Advisers Ltd. Prosper House, 99a High Street, Standish, WN6 0HD 

www.prosper-ifa.co.uk

76 Business View 

Improving Cashflow- 

There’s an App (or two) for that! 

by Chris Alcock - CMA Accountancy 

Cashflow is the lifeblood of any business. Many 

seemingly profitable businesses go bust every 

year simply because they are owed money. So, 

well planned credit control practices must be put 

in place before you start giving credit terms to 

customers. 

You’ll know by reading our previous articles that we 

are a big advocate of online accounting solutions 

such as Xero and Quickbooks. These programmes 

allow you to focus on growing your business and 

they also integrate with certain Apps which help 

you keep cash flowing in. 

Using these apps in conjunction with Xero or 

Quickbooks, you’ll be able to; 

• Set up customisable templates to automatically 

send to customers 

• Schedule these templates to be sent out at 

different points before and after an invoice’s due 

date 

• Set the timing of when reminders are sent out 

• Create multiple schedules with different chasing 

approaches for different groups of customers 

• Provide insights into your customers credit 

history so that you make the best decisions 

These apps work for any size of business, whether 

you are a one-man band electrical or plumbing 

company or a larger organisation employing 10’s of 

staff, then the process can be adapted to suit your 

requirements. 

By using modern cloud-based software such as 

Xero in conjunction with these apps, you can make 

the whole accounting process for your company 

as slick and efficient as possible. You can integrate 

your online banking, send your sales invoices 

electronically, scan your invoice and receipts via 

your mobile phone and then let the software 

automatically chase your outstanding invoices. 

In addition to these features, Xero is fully compliant 

with Making Tax Digital and therefore submitting 

your VAT returns via the software ensures that you 

are staying on top of the changes being introduced 

by HMRC. 

CMA can assist you in several ways; 

• We can help you set up the software and train 

you and your staff to get the most from it 

• We can take a more active role, process your 

bookkeeping and send you a report at the end of 

each month so you can see how your business is 

performing. 

If you have any questions regarding Xero, Credit 

Control, Making Tax Digital or switching to an 

online accounting system please do get in touch. 

Special Offer 

For a limited period we are offering all 

new clients Xero software free of charge 

for 6 MONTHS if they sign up for our 

services before the end of November. 

Call us or pop into our office for a chat about your 

requirements. 

Chris Alcock ACMA - CMA Accountancy 

39 Skull House Lane, Appley Bridge, 

Wigan, WN6 9DR 

Tel: 01257 255521 

Email info@handsonaccounting.co.uk 

web www.handsonaccounting.co.uk

w 77 

Making Tax Digital 

Do you have a business that’s 

VAT-registered and has a 

turnover of £85,000+? 

Are you aware that the Making 

Tax Digital changes are now 

LIVE? 

Would you like your business 

to enjoy the benefits of online 

accounting? 

Call us today for a free 

consultation. 

Free software for 6 

months when you use 

CMA Accountancy. 

Call CMA Accountancy today 

www.cma-accountancy.com 

info@cma-accountancy.com 

Skull House Lane, Appley Bridge. 01257 255521

78 

ADVERTISEMENT 

Enjoy & Bank 

On Your Home 

Property wealth can play an increasing role in 

delivering the money needed both ahead of, and into, 

the retirement years... 

The old-established view that income in retirement 

will be largely based on pensions may not hold true 

anymore. Fortunately, other funding options do 

exist, and one route is through property wealth, 

where homeowners can: 

1. downsize to a cheaper property to raise funds. 

2. remortgage your existing home (if you meet 

the age and affordability criteria) via a later 

life mortgage product - which would require 

monthly payments. 

3. take out an Equity Release mortgage (if the 

homeowner is 55+), which provides funds, and 

allows you to stay in your home. 

- No affordability criteria to meet. 

- You can opt to not make any monthly payments 

against a fixed interest rate deal. 

- You can potentially benefit from a better deal if 

you have a qualifying medical condition. 

- The provider of the loan would reclaim the 

capital (and any accumulated interest) through 

the sale of the property, once the final plan 

holder dies or moves into long-term care. 

- There are also client protections in place if 

a plan is taken out via a lender aligned to the 

Equity Release Council. 

Equity Release marketplace 

If you want to get a feel for the total property value 

out there, UK property wealth held by homeowners 

aged 55+ stands at almost £3 trillion. To put this 

figure into perspective, all outstanding regular 

mortgage lending is less than half that amount, at 

£1.4 trillion! 

So, it probably comes as no surprise that an 

increasing number of lenders are now entering this 

sector. This has resulted in a wider range of product 

offerings, with a sizeable part of those efforts 

targeted at the equity release arena. 

Use of the funds - You decide 

Current plans allow those aged 60 to borrow up 

to around 25% of the home’s value, rising to about 

55%, if aged 90+. 

As for the funds you raise, you can then use the taxfree 

money for anything you like, such as: 

- help to clear an outstanding mortgage. 

- enable much-needed home improvements. 

- settle debts. 

- assist with regular bills. 

- secure money to adapt the home for care needs, 

or to help with ongoing care costs. 

- gift money to family and friends. 

- use it to fund several special treats, such as the 

holiday-of-a-lifetime, a new car or fully indulging 

in your interests and hobbies. 

For more details call David Griffin for a friendly no obligation chat on 01695 667 089 or 07792 849 974. 

e: david@release-my-equity.co.uk w: www.release-my-equity.co.uk

79 

“Do you want more from 

your retirement years?” 

A lifetime mortgage allows 

you to release tax free cash 

from your home for... 

Home improvements 

Repay debts/loans 

Help your family 

If you are over 55 

call David Griffin for a 

FREE initial consultation 

Paying for holidays 

Top up income 

Clear outstanding mortgages 

01942 597 182 

w: www.release-my-equity.co.uk 

e: david@release-my-equity.co.uk 

Without selling your home 

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Can repay all or part of 

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Equity released against your home will be 

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securing other debts against your home.

80 Health & Fitness 

Water works 

Why we should all drink more water 

Ask most people how much fluid they are supposed 

to drink in a day, and they will reply “Eight glasses 

of water.” This number has seeped into the public 

consciousness over the past couple of decades so 

it might surprise you to know that it has very little 

basis in science! 

However, it is important to stay properly hydrated. 

Fewer people know that if you feel thirsty you are 

already dehydrated, and this has a real impact on 

how your body and brain function. 

Dehydration leads to a decrease in our physical 

performance. Losing just 2% of your body’s 

water contact can cause fatigue, problems with 

temperature control, and make exercise feel 

more difficult, physically and mentally, and it’s 

not uncommon for people to lose 6-10% of their 

body’s total water content through sweat during a 

workout, and as muscle is 80% water this increases 

muscle stress. 

Our brains are also strongly influenced by hydration. 

Studies have shown that even mild dehydration 

impacts brain function. In separate studies of men 

and women it was found that about 1.5% fluid 

loss impaired mood and concentration, decreased 

working memory, and increased feeling of anxiety, 

fatigue and the frequency of headaches. 1.5% fluid 

loss can easily occur during normal daily activities, 

never mind during exercise or hot weather. 

Worryingly the effects of dehydration are shown to 

be worse in children and the elderly. 

There has been some scientific interest in the effect 

of increasing hydration on migraine sufferers. So 

far, some studies have shown that while keeping 

hydrated doesn’t stop migraines completely, 

sufferers in the studies reported that the frequency 

and intensity of the migraines decreased when they 

were properly hydrated. 

Constipation is a common health problem and can 

be serious in children and the elderly. Low water 

consumption does appear to be a risk factor in these 

cases. Some studies have shown that carbonated 

water seems to help the situation more than still 

water though scientists haven’t yet explained why. 

Alcohol acts as a diuretic, so it makes you lose more 

water than you take in. The dehydration effects of 

alcohol are responsible for the thirst, fatigue, and 

headache which inevitably accompany a hangover. 

It’s a good idea to alternated alcoholic drinks with 

water and to drink a large glass of water before 

going to sleep, after a night out on the town. 

Finally, water both increases satiety and boost 

metabolism so is great if you’re trying to lose 

weight. Studies show that dieters who drank half 

a litre of water before each meal lost 44% more 

weight over a period of 12 weeks. 

Try it. Make a real attempt to stay properly hydrated 

for a week and monitor the results. You may be 

surprised.

81 

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Email - info@wiganhearing.co.uk 

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82 

Flu and the Flu Vaccine: 

Myths and Facts 

Flu isn’t new and neither 

is the flu vaccine – yet 

every year, come flu 

season, there’s confusion 

about them. Let’s set 

things straight… 

The flu or a cold? 

Myth: Colds can’t make you feel really ill, give you a 

temperature or make your muscles ache. That’s flu. 

While colds generally don’t confine you to the 

couch, a heavy, streaming cold can make you feel 

very poorly – and colds can cause muscle aches and 

a raised temperature. 

To distinguish more accurately between a cold and 

the flu: 

· Consider how quickly it’s come on. A cold usually 

starts gradually, whereas flu symptoms come on 

rapidly. 

· Consider all your symptoms. A cold mainly affects 

your nose and throat, whereas flu can cause 

diarrhoea, stomach pain, nausea and vomiting 

alongside nose and throat symptoms. It also causes 

fatigue, lack of appetite and difficulty sleeping. 

Children with flu are prone to ear pain too. 

In healthy adults, flu doesn’t usually pose a serious 

health risk and they recover in a week or two, 

although some strains (such as some swine and 

avian flus) are more dangerous. However, for certain 

groups, flu can pose a more serious risk. 

Preventing flu 

Proper hygiene is very important in preventing the 

spread of flu (and many other infections), so flu 

sufferers should wash their hands thoroughly and 

regularly, and bin their used tissues straight away. 

Some people need the protection of the flu vaccine. 

The NHS recommends the flu vaccine and offers it 

free to people at higher risk of catching flu and/ 

or developing serious complications. This includes 

anyone who: 

· Is 65 or over (you’re eligible for the flu vaccine 

this year, 2019/20, if you were born on or before 

31 March 1955). 

· Is pregnant (flu can cause serious complications 

such as pneumonia, particularly in the later 

stages, and may also result in premature birth 

or low birthweight). The flu vaccine also protects 

the baby in its first few months of life. 

· Has certain medical conditions, including: chronic 

(long-term) respiratory diseases, such as asthma 

(which requires an inhaled or tablet steroid 

treatment or has led to hospital admission in 

the past); chronic obstructive pulmonary disease 

(COPD), emphysema or bronchitis; chronic 

heart disease, such as heart failure; chronic 

kidney disease; chronic liver disease, such as 

hepatitis; chronic neurological conditions, such 

as Parkinson’s disease, motor neurone disease, 

multiple sclerosis (MS), learning disability or 

cerebral palsy; diabetes; spleen issues (e.g. sickle 

cell disease or if you’ve had your spleen removed); 

a weakened immune system (due to HIV, AIDS, or 

medication such as steroids or chemotherapy); 

severe obesity (BMI of 40 or above). 

· Is living in a long-stay residential care home or 

facility. 

· Receives a carer’s allowance or is the main carer 

for an elderly or disabled person whose welfare 

may be at risk if they fall ill. 

· Is a child: healthy children under the age of five 

are more likely to be admitted to hospital with 

flu than any other age group. Children aged two 

and three years on 31 August 2019 should be 

offered a vaccination and the nasal spray vaccine 

is offered yearly in primary school. Children over

83 

six months old with a long-term health condition 

should also be vaccinated. 

The flu vaccine is also recommended for front-line 

health and social care workers, whose employers 

should pay for the vaccination. 

About the flu vaccine 

Fact: You may still catch the flu if you’re vaccinated. 

Flu vaccines are produced in advance, so experts 

have to predict the three or four flu strains that will 

be prevalent during the next winter. This means 

there’s a slim chance you may catch an unexpected 

or rarer flu strain. However, the vaccine will protect 

you from most strains you’ll encounter, and by 

reducing the risk of catching flu, it also helps to 

prevent flu spreading. 

The best time to be vaccinated is before the start 

of the flu season, which runs from December to 

March. Adults and children aged between six 

months and two years who are eligible for the 

vaccine will usually receive the injectable version, 

while children between two and seventeen are 

normally given the nasal spray. 

Myth: The flu vaccine can give you flu. 

This is impossible, as the vaccine doesn’t contain 

active viruses, but it may cause a temperature and 

muscle aches for a while, and the injection site can 

be sore. Flu-like symptoms may be from another 

virus – or it may be that you’d caught the flu before 

your vaccination, or before it’s taken effect. It takes 

10-14 days for immunity to kick in. 

Treating the flu 

Flu is caused by a virus, not bacteria, so antibiotics 

won’t help. If you do catch flu, get plenty of rest and 

stay warm and hydrated. Paracetamol or ibuprofen 

will help to lower your temperature and ease 

aching. Remember that flu medications may also 

contain these as ingredients, so read medication 

leaflets carefully to avoid overdosing. 

See your doctor if symptoms don’t improve after a 

week, or immediately if you’re vulnerable due to a 

medical condition, pregnancy or age. 

Foot problems? We can help! 

Yescica Livesey 

HCPC registered with 10 years 

National Health Service experience 

• General foot care/advice 

• Corns & Callus 

• Thick/fungal nails 

• Cracked heels 

• Verrucae 

• Diabetes foot care 

• Children’s foot care 

• Ingrowing toe nail treatment 

• Nail surgery 

01942 244 873 | www.footpodwigan.com | 2a Wrightington Street, Wigan, WN1 2AZ 

Immediate weight loss 

Stress reduction, stop 

smoking and more... 

Philip Parr - Qualified Clinical Hypnotherapist 

with over 10 years experience. 

01942 516 710 or 07941 482 277 

Have you got blocked ears? 

If wax is causing hearing 

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Offering support: 

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Wigan, WN1 2AZ 

info@clear-ears.com 

01942 466 054 www.clear-ears.com 

07810 828 616 

sarahhull32@hotmail.co.uk

84 Leisure 

Upload your event for FREE at 

www.locallife247.co.uk/events 

White Christmas 

Tues, Oct 29 – Sat, Nov 2, 7:30pm 

Wigan Musical Theatre Group present Irving Berlin’s 

festive play, featuring plenty of Christmas songs! 

Tickets £9 or £8 concessions on 07598 508004 or 

TicketsWMTG@gmail.com 

St. Michael’s Parish Hall, Shaw St, Wigan, WN1 2BQ 

Dead & Buried Talk 

Thursday, October 31, 1:30pm-2:30pm 

Charlie Guy dispels the dark myths of the Victorian 

dead and shines a light on outdated – and downright 

creepy – funerary practices and superstitions. Entry 

£3 including hot drinks, available on 01942 828128. 

Museum of Wigan Life, Library St, Wigan, WN1 1NU 

Standish Fireworks 

Friday, November 1, 6:30pm-11:30pm 

A community firework display with a children’s 

funfair, hook-a-duck stalls and much more, plus a 

bar serving hot and cold food. Fireworks at 7:45pm. 

Entry £3 per adult and £2 per child. 

Standish Cricket Club, Green Ln, Standish, WN6 0TX 

Music Night 

Saturday, November 1, 7:30pm 

A great night of music with the U3A Music Group, 

plus a disco, hotpot supper and a raffle. Tickets £12 

on 07913 382258. 

St. Teresa’s Church Hall, College Road, Up Holland, 

WN8 0PY 

Canal History Walk 

Saturday, November 2, 10am-2:30pm 

A free 4-mile guided walk heads from Wigan Dry 

Dock to Top Lock, led by two knowledgeable lock 

keepers, before returning to the starting point. 

Dogs on a lead are welcome – more info by emailing 

sara.ponting@canalrivertrust.org.uk 

Wigan Dry Dock, Waterside Drive, Wigan, WN3 5DQ 

Newburgh Fireworks 


Douglas Valley Lions present a bonfire and fireworks 

display that’s bigger and better than ever before! 

The bonfire will be lit at 6pm ahead of the fireworks 

at 7pm. Entry £5 per adult or £3 per under-16. 

Red Lion Hotel, Ash Brow, Newburgh, WN8 7NF 

Animals Winter Fundraiser 

Saturday, November 2, 7pm-11:30pm 

Help farm animals have a happy winter at Greenslate 

with a black-tie fundraiser – entertainment from 

James Norton, a charity auction and a 3-course 

meal. Tickets £29.50 at greenslatefarm.org.uk 

Greenslate Farm, Greenslate Road, Orrell, WN5 7BG 

Murder Mystery Night 


A fully interactive murder mystery based on an endof-season 

Wigan Athletic Awards Dinner! Prizes for 

the star detective. Tickets £30 including 3-course 

meal and resident DJ, bookable on 01942 774000. 

DW Stadium, Loire Drive, Wigan, WN5 0UZ

85 

Vegan Fair 

Sunday, November 3, 11am-4:30pm 

Browse delicious vegan food stalls including 

vegan cheese, cake and hot food, plus get loads of 

information on veganism and animal rescues. Entry 

£1, children free. 

Parbold Village Hall, The Green, WN8 7DN 

Family Fireworks 

Sunday, November 3, 4pm-7:30pm 

Enjoy a night of fireworks and family fun including 

live music, fire breathing, UV shows and street food. 

Tickets £10 per adult or £8 per child from www. 

boxoffice.wlct.org 

Haigh Woodland Park, Copperas Ln, Haigh, WN2 QPE 

YMCA ORRELL CRICKET CLUB 

‘Proud to be part of Local Life’ 

Community Family 

Bonfire & Firework 

Spectacular 

Sunday 3rd November 

Gates Open: 5:00pm 

Bonfire Lit: 6:00pm 

Fireworks: 7:00pm 

Burger Van, Treacle Toffee, Children’s Fun House, 

Bar and Hot & Cold Drinks 

Entrance £5 

Children £1 when with parents 

Supported by your Local Councillors and Brighter Borough 

Located off Winstanley Road, opposite Hewitt’s Business Park

86 

St. Peter’s Fireworks 

Sunday, November 3, 4:30pm-8:30pm 

A night of pyrotechnics with a funfair, live 

entertainment, and tasty street food stalls. 

Fireworks at 6:30pm, tickets £7 per adult or £3 per 

child on Eventbrite. 

St. Peter’s Pavilion, Hurst St, Hindley, WN2 3DN 

Orrell Bonfire & Fireworks 

Sunday, November 3, 5pm 

A firework spectacular with YMCA Orrell Cricket 

Club! Plenty of seasonal treats including treacle 

toffee and burgers, plus a children’s funhouse, 

bonfire and more. Entry £5, £1 per child. 

YMCA Orrell Cricket Club, Winstanley Road, Orrell, 

WN5 7XE 

Winter Fair 

Saturday, November 9, 10:30am-1:30pm 

Enjoy craft and gift stalls, a tombola, homemade 

jams and cakes, and a raffle, plus light lunches. Free 

entry, proceeds to church funds. 

Vale Methodist Church, Skull House Lane, Appley 

Bridge, WN6 9DJ 

Christmas Fayre 

Saturday, November 9, 12pm-4pm 

Browse stalls of stocking stuffers, perfumes, 

clothing, crafts and more, plus enjoy refreshments. 

Connect Centre, Church Street, Orrell, WN5 8TG 

Clarins Party 

Wednesday, November 13, 7pm 

A night of fun, with plenty of opportunities to 

choose from the best Clarins products, hosted by 

Expressions of Beauty. Tickets £10 on 01744 894214, 

redeemable against any product on the night. 

Posthouse, Orrell Road, Orrell, WN5 8NB 

Coal Mining History Talk 

Thursday, November 14, 12:30pm-1:30pm 

A concise history of coal mining from the formation 

of coal 300 million years ago to the recent end of 

deep mining, presented by Alan Davies. Tickets £3 

on 01942 828128. 

Museum of Wigan Life, Library Street, Wigan, WN1 

1NU 

Festive Mosaic Workshop 

Thursday, November 14, 5:45pm 

Create a festive mosaic to adorn a hanging heart, 

wreath or star. Places £39.50 including all materials, 

a buffet and mulled wine, bookable on 01695 

622332. 

Bag & Bean, Winstanley Road, Billinge, WN5 7XG 

Charity Ladies Night 

Friday, November 15, 7pm-1am 

Fundraise for #TheosTribe to help fight childhood 

cancer with a fun night of entertainment from 

hunky men and a hilarious drag act. Tickets £20 on 

01695 624426. 

Holland Hall, Lafford Lane, Up Holland, WN8 0QZ 

Wigan Christmas Market 

Friday, November 15 – Sunday, November 17, 

10am-4pm 

Treat yourself to a bespoke gift from artisan stalls, 

get the children involved in craft activities and meet 

some birds of prey. 

Standishgate, Wigan, WN1 1ER 

Parbold Frost Fair 

Saturday, November 16, 11am-4pm 

Discover local makers and pick up unique items in 

time for Christmas, plus enjoy food and drink. 

Parbold Village Hall, The Green, Parbold, WN8 

7DN

87 

Last Night of the Proms 


Celebrate the last night of the Aspull Proms with 

the Greater Manchester Police Band. Tickets £8 

including refreshments and a flag, bookable on 

01942 831395 or 01942 832369. 

St. Elizabeth’s Church, Bolton Rd, Aspull, WN2 1PR 

Early Bird Amble 

Sunday, November 17, 8am-9:30am 

Wake up bright and early for a refreshing walk, and 

get some great snaps of the local area. Meet on the 

main car park. 

Three Sisters Recreation Ground, Ashton-in- 

Makerfield, WN4 8DD 

Christmas Market 

Sunday, November 17, 11am-4pm 

Plenty of stalls full of potential Christmas presents 

await you! There’ll also be a Santa’s Grotto, face 

painting and more for the little ones. 

Appley Bridge Community Centre, Appley Lane 

North, Appley Bridge, WN6 9AD 

Bispham Christmas Market 


Browse craft and gift stalls, meet Father Christmas, 

enjoy children’s activities and light refreshments. 

Free entry. 

Bispham Methodist Church, Crank Road, Billinge, 

WN5 7DT 

Ey Oop Campers 

Friday, Nov 22 & Saturday, Nov 23, 7:30pm 

Upholland & District U3A presents a lighthearted 

look at the fun, scheming and mayhem of a 

1950s holiday camp. Tickets £6 per adult or £3 per 

under-16 on 01744 322215. 

St. Teresa’s Hall, College Road, Up Holland, WN8 

0AE 

Standish Christmas Fayre 

Sunday, November 24, 11:30am-1:30pm 

Lots to enjoy and buy, with plenty of Christmassy 

stalls to get you in the spirit. Bacon butties and 

homemade cakes available. 

St. Wilfrid’s Church, Rectory Ln, Standish, WN6 0XA 

Love Song 

Wednesday, November 27 – Saturday, December 

7, 7:30pm 

A look into the lives of a couple over their long 

marriage, telling the story of growing old together. 

Tickets £10-£12, bookable on 01942 242561. 

Wigan Little Theatre, Crompton St, Wigan, WN1 3SL 

Christmas Ceramics 


Create a set of personalised ceramic tree 

decorations in time for Christmas. Tickets £10 on 

Eventbrite, including a glass of fizz and mince pie. 

Wigan STEAM, The Galleries, Wigan, WN1 1QF 

Festival Fundraiser 

Friday, November 29, 8pm 

Singer/songwriter and guitarist Ken Nicol, with 

Wigan duo Kim & Wayne perform blues and folk 

songs to raise funds for Coppull Folk Festival. 

Tickets £8 from Ken on 01942 732728 or Kevin on 

01257 400650. 

Standish Unity Club, Cross St, Standish, WN6 0HQ 

Christmas Craft Fair 


Local craftmakers come together for some festive 

fun – pick up some stocking-fillers and enjoy 

afternoon tea with light bites. Tea is pre-bookable 

on 07866 955316. 

St. Aidan’s Church, Main Street, Billinge, WN5 7LA

88 

Winter Makers Market 


Local artists and makers offer bespoke goods with 

a festive theme, plus make your own Santa plate or 

Christmas card. 

Wigan STEAM, The Galleries, Wigan, WN1 1QF 

Standish Christmas Market 


Festive fun across Standish, with plenty of stalls to 

browse, a Santa’s Grotto, food, drink, dancing and 

more! There’ll be live music, children’s activities and 

loads to keep the whole family entertained. 

Standish Village Centre 

Prom Weekend 

Sat, Nov 30, 10am-5pm & Sun, Dec 1, 10am-4pm 

Hundreds of gowns to choose from for your Prom 

Princess, including top brandds like Morilee, To The 

Nines and Gino Cerutti. Refreshments available. 

Romancia, Main Street, Billinge, WN5 7PB 

Billinge Lights Switch-On 

Wednesday, December 4, 6:30pm-8pm 

Meet Santa on his sleigh, enjoy music from the 

Trinity Girls Brass Band, participate in a raffle and 

enjoy mince pies before the lights switch on at 7pm. 

Bispham Methodist Church, Crank Road, Billinge, 

WN5 7DT 

Wreath Workshop 

Thursday, December 5, 6:30pm-9pm 

Create a traditional foliage wreath with beautiful 

flowers, with a delicious food spread and welcome 

drinks. £45 including materials, bookable at www. 

oliveowl.co.uk 

Love It Gallery, Winstanley Road, Billinge, WN8 

0AA 

Orrell Lights Switch-On 

Wednesday, December 11, 4:30pm-7pm 

Come and see Santa on his sleigh as the Christmas 

lights are switched on at approximately 5pm. 

There’ll be plenty of festive stalls to browse too. 

Book Cycle, Orrell Road, Orrell, WN5 8LY 

Stockists of designer 

prom gowns including 

Jora & Mascara 

• Bespoke styles available 

• Excellent aftersales service 

& full range of alteration 

services for any occasion 

• School exclusivity lists 

• Late night appointments 

Sample prom/occasion dresses 

from £50-£80 

To book your consultation contact Julie on: 

01257 424 624 

35 Preston Road, Standish, WN6 0JH 

www.julesbridalboutique.co.uk

89 

Rufford & 

Croston Circular 

by Chris Pearce 

Distance: 8 miles Difficulty: Easy 

Whilst parking up on Station Road in Rufford, near 

the train station (L40 1TB), a hardened walker spotted 

the Local Life Mini and came over for a chat. He was 

on his way up to the Lakes, ready for what he termed 

a ‘proper’ walk. Ouch! What this beautiful easy-tofollow 

eight-mile route lacks in topographical views, 

it more than made up for with the variety of wildlife 

and the wide open-spaced beauty of the Lancashire 

countryside. It’s a perfect walk for this time of year, 

when the weather is variable, and the nights are 

drawing in fast. 

Bridge number seven carries the Station Road traffic 

over the Rufford Branch of the Leeds & Liverpool 

Canal and it’s from there our walk starts. 

Head north up the canal from here and you’ll quickly 

spot the timber framed Rufford Old Hall on the left, 

which was built in 1530 for the Hesketh family, 

then lords of the Manor of Rufford. Local folklore 

mentions a ghost that floats above the canal at the 

back of the Old Hall, but it was thankfully on a lieu 

day when I walked by on this gorgeous Autumn 

morning. 

Ducking sharply to avoid the formation of geese 

that landed nearby, I set off in the direction of the 

hamlet of Sollom, some two miles distance. Depart 

the towpath at bridge 16 and turn right down a 

single track called Sollom Lane. Within 200 yards, 

the road bends left and goes over a ditch into Eyes 

Lane. 

You will then use Red Bridge (a green Bailey Bridge), 

to cross the River Douglas and, straight after you 

cross the bridge, you’ll turn right and hop over a 

stile. Stay on the built-up banks of the river, which 

forks almost straight away, where the Yarrow feeds 

into the Douglas. Follow the built-up banks to the 

left, following the River Yarrow for 1½ miles before 

you arrive at the bridge carrying the B5247, which 

links Croston to Bretherton. 

Hop over the stile and turn right toward Croston. 

Ignore the right turn onto the industrial estate and 

just before the bridge goes over the railway, turn 

right and follow the path running parallel to the

90 

Back Lane 

Highfield House 

Croston 

Sollom 

Sewage 

Works 

Croston 

Leeds & Liverpool Canal 

A581 Meadow 

Lane 

Finney Lane 

Farm 

A59 

River Douglas 

Rufford 

Old Hall 

Rufford 

Rufford 

For those with the OS Maps 

app on your desktop, mobile 

or tablet, this walk is named: 

JT-RuffordCroston-Circular 

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.

91 

railway. The path eventually bears right and, just as 

you see a body of water (Twin Lakes) through the 

trees, you’ll execute a 90 degree turn away from the 

water on a path that evolves into Riverside Crescent. 

Taking great care, cross the railway line, and follow 

Riverside Crescent to its junction with Westhead 

Road (A581). Turn right, cross the bridge and go 

straight over the junction into Backhouse Lane. 

Follow the lane through an S-bend and once you 

reach the T-junction, turn right. Go past Finney 

Barr’s Farm into a left-hand bend and then take the 

first right turn down what is Cottage Lane. 

Within 200 yards, you’ll cross the railway line 

once more and as the views open up, you head 

in the same direction for approximately 1/3 of a 

mile. Once you reach the corner of the field, do a 

90-degree left turn and follow this path until you 

reach a crossroads of paths (look out for the wellset 

cobbles). 

Turn right and follow what is Moss Lane for just over 

1/3 of a mile and, just before the small bridge with 

the metal grills, take a 90-degree left turn down 

a path known locally as Shepherd’s Lane. Follow 

Shepherd’s Lane for ¾ mile, as straight as a die 

running parallel to the drainage ditch, and you’ll go 

through a small s-bend and the path will suddenly 

stop at a concrete bridge crossing the drainage ditch. 

Diploma Qualified by Diane 

Tel: 01695 624 098 Mob: 07442 015 490 

Email: OrrellPoochParlour@gmail.com 

Facebook: Orrell Pooch Parlour 

Cross the bridge and head diagonally across the 

field on the path towards a set of wooden steps 

leading up to the banks of the Douglas. Once you’re 

up there turn left and follow the path along the banks 

for just over 1/3 of a mile, cross the railway safely and 

head down the steps to a single-track road. 

Turn right and pass the pumping station on the left, 

and soon afterwards you’ll emerge at Meadow Lane. 

Turn right and cross the bridge over the Douglas 

very carefully and you’ll see the level crossing for 

Rufford Station and your starting point (Bridge 7) in 

the near-distance. 

Dog Walking, Day Care & Home Visits 

Caring & Professional services 

for your furry friends. 

Fully insured Licensed 

DBS Checked 

Canine First Aid Trained 

OFQUAL Level 3 Trained 

Contact me on: 07478 699 047 

or email: emmaspawpals@yahoo.com 

www.emmaspawpals.com

92 Motoring 

How to buy a 

new car 

Buying a new car. It’s often referred to as one of the biggest purchases of your life, after a 

house. It’s why getting your hands on a new motor can be riddled with stress and anxiety, 

but it doesn’t have to be that way. 

We’ve picked out some of the crucial ways in which 

the buying process can be made easier, and what 

to look out for. 

Research the car 

It may seem trivial, but you need to research 

everything you can about the car you’re looking at. 

Knowledge is power when it comes to buying from 

a dealer, and making sure you know everything 

about a certain model can make all the difference 

when it comes to picking one up. 

Don’t be afraid to be choosy, either. Pick a colour, 

specification and engine and stick with that. 

Choosing a dealer – franchise or independent 

This is an important decision to make. Franchised 

dealers get first access to the latest cars and 

technology, and are therefore potentially better 

equipped at answering any questions you may 

have. In terms of aftersales and repairs, they have 

the manufacturer’s support too. They’ll also have 

a good selection of used vehicles that will have 

been well maintained in the main dealer servicing 

department. 

There is, of course, the option to buy from an 

independent dealer too. They might not have the 

ability to offer you different options of the model 

you’re looking at, but they will be keen to do a 

deal and will offer the backup of a well-established 

business should things go wrong. 

Check them out online 

Once you’ve picked the dealer you fancy, look 

through their online reviews thoroughly. You’ll 

be able to easily see how well they treat their 

customers and also how good they are at dealing 

with aftersales issues. 

You can’t beat good old-fashioned word of mouth 

either – asking friends, neighbours and relatives 

about a potential dealership can be useful too. 

Pick your purchase time 

Believe it or not, you can get a better deal 

depending on when you buy. Dealers are often 

pressed to reach quarterly targets, which means 

the end of March, June, September and December 

could result in a better deal. 

It’s a small tip, but one that could potentially see 

you saving thousands of pounds if the purchase is 

timed correctly. 

Test drive 

Once you’ve seen a car you like then it’s time to 

get behind the wheel. The likelihood is that the 

salesperson will accompany you in the car, but don’t 

let that stop you from pressing all of the buttons 

and getting a real feel for the vehicle in general. 

Ensure that your test route features a range of

93 

different corners, roundabouts and 

road surfaces – and most importantly, 

check the car works for you. 

Cash or finance 

There’s a variety of ways to pay at a 

dealer. They can offer hire purchase, 

which sees you paying a deposit and 

repaying the remaining balance in 

monthly instalments. At the end of 

the payment term, you’ll own the 

vehicle outright. 

Then there’s personal contract purchase, or PCP. 

Here, you’ll pay a deposit followed by monthly 

payments, but at the end you’ll be offered a 

‘balloon’ when you can pay off the remainder of the 

car’s value or return it to the dealer. And then there’s 

personal leasing. 

This is a good option if you’re planning on frequently 

changing your car, although you do have to usually 

stump up three months’ rental in advance, and 

there’s no option to buy it at the end of the deal. Or 

you could pay cash! 

Haggle 

It’s an age-old process, but haggling remains just 

as crucial today as it’s always been. Even with used 

cars there’s always going to be a certain amount of 

wiggle room. You shouldn’t ever have to pay the full 

price for a car, and dealers are prepared for this. Go 

in strong and stick to your guns – it’s only the same 

as they’ll be doing. 

Remember, if you don’t ask you don’t get, so don’t 

be afraid to ask for free additions and discounts on 

servicing plans. The worst they can do is say no! 

Don’t be scared of walking away 

Remember, there are thousands of cars available on 

the market and hundreds of dealerships too. There 

is always another car, so don’t be scared to walk 

away if things don’t feel right. Don’t be pressured 

into any deal either – the final decision is entirely 

yours, and if you don’t like the way things are 

heading, walk straight out of those doors!

94 

Services 

Repairs 

Diagnostics 

for all makes & models 

MOT Testing Centre 

for Class 4 

ExperienceReliabilityExpertise 

Dingle Garage, Dingle Road, Upholland, WN8 0EN 

Telephone: 01695 624 261 

www.jwgaskellgarageservices.co.uk 

Open: Monday-Friday, 8.30am-5pm & Saturday 8.30am-12.30pm 

Car Paintwork Repairs 

PCP or lease coming to an end? 

Call me now and save £000’s 

We’ll fix your; 

Paintwork Scratches 

Bumper Scuffs 

Alloy Wheel Damage 

Minor Dents 

No VAT 

charged! 

Quality repairs with a lifetime guarantee. 

Mobile Service – we come to you! 

For your free estimate, call Dave on 

07970 915 504 

c/o JW Gaskell Garages, 

Dingle Garage, Dingle Road, Up Holland, WN8 0EN 

SCuffS/SCratCheS mended 

minor dentS repaired 

alloy wheel repairS 

no Vat Charged 

we’ll beat any quote! 

Call Chris on 

01942 215 111 or 07969 357 751 

www.cosmeticar.co.uk

Award Winner 

Shed some 

on it! 

light 

by Angie Barker 

Gardening 95 

There is no getting away from it … Christmas is 

coming, and along with all the kerfuffle that comes 

with it (oh dear, Hubby looks depressed at the 

thought) – it also means we have some long, dark 

evenings ahead of us. But instead of closing the 

curtains and forgetting about your garden until next 

spring, consider installing some outdoor lighting in 

your garden to create a magical winter wonderland. 

The right kind of garden lighting can create some 

wonderful atmospheric effects and there are many 

different products available to help you achieve 

the effect you are looking for. Simple up lighters set 

on spikes in the soil are very easy to install as they 

sit beneath planting to light it up from beneath. 

Bamboo in particular looks amazing up lit this way. 

There are some more sophisticated products which 

can be set into paving, decking and steps. Even if you 

don’t use your garden in the winter and particularly 

if your living area overlooks your garden, it will 

make your inside space seem larger as you can see 

beyond the windows. But why not use your garden 

at this time of year – I would recommend donning 

coat and scarf and lighting a fire pit and as it’s nearly 

Christmas, taking a flask of Gluhwein out with you 

(that’s mulled wine to Hubby). 

There are some things you need to consider with 

outside lighting: 

• Less is more – you do not want your garden to 

resemble a floodlit football pitch! 

• Place up lighters carefully to make sure your lights 

don’t shine into a neighbours bedroom window. 

• If you are landscaping a garden consider lighting 

from the start so that an electrician can fit the 

lights in with the build and hide all the wiring. 

But even if your garden is established, it is easy 

to have an outside plug fitted so that you can run 

your lights from there. 

There are some companies which specialise in 

garden lighting – see www.moonlightdesign.co.uk 

to see the kind of effects you can achieve. 

And as the season to be jolly is fast approaching, 

don’t forget to include some fairy lights! 

Angie is a qualified 

award-winning garden 

designer who will 

plan your garden to 

your needs from start 

to finish, supplying 

reputable contractors 

and the ideal plants. 

Call Angie now for your free consultation! 

Angie Barker Dip GD 

(Inst GD) BA (Hons) 

Garden Design For All Seasons 

Tel: 01942 522 405 

Mob: 07857 008 383 

Award Winner 

www.angiebarker.co.uk

96 

Our aim is to deliver a creative, personal 

service adhering to our customers 

requirements and within budget. 

Large projects or small makeovers are all 

carried out with the same commitment and 

dedication. We take great pride in completing 

all projects to the highest possible standards. 

www.pdhomeandgarden.co.uk 

07946 751308 01942 206503 

Semmens 

Landscapes 

Garden Design • Landscaping • Maintenance 

Professional & reliable service 

For a free quote, call Andy on 

07814 133 690 

26, Tracks Lane 

Billinge, WN5 7BL 

Garden Make-Overs 

Before 

After 

•Landscaping 

•Driveways 

•Decking 

•Design 

Call for free estimate 

Colin 07958 302 166 

Brian 07760 160 988 

Wilson Brothers 

01695 633173 

Wilson Brothers 

www.wilson-bros.co.uk 

WE WON’T BE BEATEN ON QUALITY OR PRICE 

• Landscaping 

• Driveways & Patios 

• Block Paving 

• Indian Stone 

Tree Work 

• Shaping & Pruning 

• Felling & Topping 

• Fencing & Decking 

• Turfing & Artificial 

Grass 

UP TO 25% DISCOUNT 

Call Al today for a free quote or advice 

OFFICE 

01942 396 818 

MOBILE 

07796 494 463 

JTH Landscaping 

All aspects of Landscaping 

& Tree work undertaken 

Quality work & reliability 

at competitive prices 

• Landscape design & implementation 

• Tree felling, tree pruning 

• Japanese knotweed control 

• One off garden tidy 

• 24 hour emergency tree call out 

Call Thomas today for a free quote: 

07923 035300 or 01744 895570 

email: jthlandscaping@icloud.com 

Ashfield Farm, 43, Garswood Road, Billinge

97

98 

Qualified Tree Surgeon NCA RFS NPTC 

All types of Tree and Hedge Work 

Fully Insured 

Felling, Reducing, Pruning, Shaping 

Garden need a little 

LTC? 

• Tree Surgery 

• Flagging & Fencing 

• Landscaping & Design 

• Garden Clearances 

• Logs For Sale 

Wood chipping & stump grinder services 

Call Lloyd today for a free estimate 

01942 367170 / 07900 738637 

BILLINGE BASED 

Cricket St, Wigan, WN6 7TP 

www.ltcgroup.co.uk 

www.treetechsolutions.co.uk 

• All tree work 

• Hedge cutting 

• Grounds maintenance 

• Stump grinding 

NO JOB 

TOO SMALL 

EMERGENCY CALL OUTS WELCOME 

Call Wes for a free quote on 

07713 121135 / 01695 322153 

QUALIFIED & INSURED 

FREE ESTIMATES 

TELEPHONE: 

01695 623 909 

07903 290 878 

www.gardenrescue-treeservices.com 

A 

SMN 

Tree and Landscape Management 

Tree Felling & Pruning 

Site Clearance 

Tree Surveys and Reports 

Invasive Weed Control 

Ground Maintenance 

Agricultural & Domestic Fencing 

Firewood & Woodchip 

Woodland Maintenance 

24 Hour Emergency Tree Work 

West Lancashire Borough Council approved contractor 

Wigan Council approved contractor 

Day: 07970 521 692 Eve: 01942 214 121 

www.smntrees.co.uk steve@smntrees.co.uk 

LANDSCAPE & DRIVEWAY SPECIALISTS 

LANDSCAPING 

• Block Paving 


• Turfing & Artificial Grass 

• Driveways & Patios 

• Fencing & Decking 

• Jet Washing 

• Gravelling 

TREE SPECIALISTS 

• Pruning & Shaping 

• Felling & Topping 

• Stump Grinding 

All aspects of tree work 

undertaken 

NO JOB TOO LARGE OR TOO SMALL 

Call us today for a free, no obligation, quote; 

JOHN: 07879 024 070 

OFFICE: 01925 271108 

Email: fourseasons.treespecialists@gmail.com 

OAP 

Discounts 

20% 

OFF 

ALL 

AUTUMN 

BOOKINGS

99 

• • 

• Gates and railings 

• Repairs and restorations 

• Ironwork and welding 

• Traditional forge work 

25 years of expertise 

Tel: 01695 721877 Mobile: 07951 764202 

The Barn, 286 Ormskirk Road, Upholland 

Want a beautiful 

garden without all 

the hard work? 

We’ll do it all for you! 

• GARDEN MAINTENANCE / ONE OFF TIDY UPS 

• JETWASHING DRIVEWAYS & PATIOS 

• APPLICATION OF LAWN TREATMENTS 

• HEDGES & SHRUBS MAINTAINED 

• WEED SPRAYING OF PATHS & DRIVEWAYS 

Professional Lawn Treatment 

& Garden Maintenance 

~ Est. 2001 ~ 

01744 893 477 or 07950 651 956 

GreenhillsLC@gmail.com 

BILLINGE BASED 

Prices start from 

£39+ VAT per issue 

Free artwork 

Monthly payments 

Design with advice 

Plants & Planting 

(wide range of plants available 

with advice and planting service) 

Bareroot / Rootball hedges and trees 

Supply only or supply and plant 

Award-winning, 

local family run 

business offers: 

Garden Maintenance 

(weeding, mowing, trimming, hedges) 

Regular or one off visits 

Call now for a friendly, no obligation quote 

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FREE HandyContacts web listing 

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100 

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TV Aerials Installed 

TV Wall Mounting 

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01942 514 532 

07709 490 095 

• • 

• Gates and railings 

• Repairs and restorations 

• Ironwork and welding 

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25 years of expertise 

Tel: 01695 721877 Mobile: 07951 764202 

The Barn, 286 Ormskirk Road, Upholland 

Having 

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• Computer repairs and upgrades 

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Call - 01942 863448 

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‘Excellence in Customer Service’ – Winner 

No Fix? No Fee!

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 

B5250 

Open: 

J27 

Shevington 

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 

o f Miry Lane, 

Wigan. 

WN6 7TP 

or 

Email: info@docsolarelectrical.co.uk 

Website: www.docsolarelectrical.co.uk 

101 

GARAGE DOOR 

REPAIRS 

ALL GARAGE DOORS REPAIRED : 

Springs, Cables, Locks, Rollers etc. 

Garage and entrance Doors of all ages doors 

repaired 

01744 894939 / 07891 330214 NO FIX, NO CHARGE! 

in matching styles 

www.garagedoorandlock.co.uk 

Strawberry Cottage, Pimbo Lane, Upholland WN8 9QL 

Is your 

garage door 

broken ? 

Call us today for a free estimate 

to Repair or Replace it 

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 

CJM Garage Doors Ltd, Unit 10, Hewitt Business Park 

Winstanley Road, Orrell, Wigan WN5 7XB 

t: 01942 738347 w: www.cjmgaragedoors.co.uk 

Design & Print 

Flyers, postcards, brochures 

and distribution service. 

For more information call 

01695 627 999 


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 

STOVES by Andy 

Save £££’s on your install 

INSTALLATIONS • MAINTENANCE • SERVICING 

For a free quote and expert advice 

call Andy on 

01257 369 685 

07899 752 225 

stovesbyandy@gmail.com 

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 all 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 

Reduce your household’s 

E 

X 

H 

A 

U 

S 

T 

S 

impact on the environment 

Call us now 

0843 224 9555 

07595 420237 

TELEPHONE 

01942 901103 

MOBILE 

07932 718 362 

WWW.CALLPAULLOCKSMITH.CO.UK 

Want to promote your 

company in Local Life? 

Call Sally: 01695 627 999 

locallife247.co.uk 

LocalLife

102 

Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning 

• traditional service, state of the art results • 

Wigan Good 

Trader Of 

The Year 

2015 

5 star rating with 

Wigan Trading 

Standards Good 

Trader Scheme 

• Carpets • Rugs 

• Fabric & Leather Upholstery 

Call today for a free consultation & no obligation quote 

Call - 01257 251221 

Mobile - 07908 770808 

www.manorhousecleaning.co.uk 

Providing professional carpet & 

upholstery cleaning since 1993 

Carpets Upholstery Curtains 

Leather Oriental Rugs Hard Floors 

For more information call: 

01942 470 081 

Visit our website and check out the testimonials. 

www.alliancechemdry.co.uk 

T: 01942 409401 

M: 07881 816839 

• Professional Carpet - Rug - Upholstery Cleaning 

• Leather Cleaning & Restoration 

• FREE Pre-Inspection Visit & Quotation 

helen@carrolls-cleaning.co.uk 

let us clean your oven so you don’t have to! 

professional oven cleaning 

environmentally friendly 

we’ll restore your oven to near showroom condition! 

call Steven today on 07393 818 392 

www.ovenrescue.co.uk/wigan 

we do 

oven 

repairs 

too! 

prices start from £45 

Promote your business 

from just £6 a month 

HandyContacts only £72+ VAT per annum in advance 

Call us today on 01695 627999 

www.locallife247.co.uk/handy-contacts/ 


103 

Power 

Washing 

PB 

PROFESSIONAL EXTERNAL CLEANING 

• Driveways 

- Cleaning & Sealing 

• Patios & Decking 

• Walls & Brickwork 

• Conservatories 

- Internal & External 

• Gutters, Fascias & Soffits 

• Gutter Vacuuming 

Call Paul today to arrange a free quote 

01257 402 113 ~ 07736 396 374 

www.pbpowerwashing.co.uk 

Wigan’s premier 

domestic 

cleaning service 

Cleaning in the 

Wigan area for 

10+ years 

We only use reliable, vetted staff 

• £11.95 per hour - minimum 2 hrs 

• Same cleaner each visit 

• All domestic duties provided 

Call or email Joanne 01942 203442 

joanne@acleanbreak.co.uk / www.acleanbreak.co.uk/wigan 



UPVC CLEANING 

• Windows, Fascias, Gutters etc. 

CONSERVATORIES 

• Exterior & Interior (Cleaning) 

POWER WASHING 

• Driveways & Patios etc. 

ROOF CLEANING 

• Moss Removal & Bio-Treatment 

• Softwashing / Low Pressure 

SPECIAL OFFER - 20% OFF 

ALL CLEANING PACKAGES 

Call Clint for a free no obligation quote. 

01942 470 089 / 07834 241 642 

www.conservatorycleaningwigan.com 

Fires & Stoves Swept 

Certificates Issued 

HETAS Approved Sweep 

Professional & Reliable 

Call Sally: 01695 627 999 



104 

Having 

computer 

problems? 

• We come to you! 

• Computer repairs and upgrades 

• Internet and wireless problems fixed 

• Quality new systems built to specification 

• Virus removal from £35 

• Domestic and commercial work welcomed 

Call us now for FREE computer advice. 

Call - 01942 863448 

www.expertcomputers.co.uk 

‘Excellence in Customer Service’ – Winner 

No Fix? No Fee! 

Want your business to grow? 

Advertising packages start from £39 + VAT a month. 

For more information call 01695 627 999 






Free artwork 



01695 627999 


105 

a Installation & Maintenance 

a Inspection & Testing 

Jon Wright Electrical Ltd 

All types of Domestic & Commercial work undertaken 

• Inspection & Tests 

• Repairs 

Tel: 07738 117712 

• Solar PV 

• Alarms 

Call now on: 07983 387448 

Email: jonwrightelec@live.co.uk 

Certificate of excellence winner 2017 & 2018 

All electrical work 

undertaken 

• Friendly reliable service 

• Mains board upgrades 

• Extra sockets to full 

rewires 

Free quotations 

Orrell 

based 

a CCTV & Alarms 

a Nest Pro Installer 

A.J.S. 

BAILEYS 

ELECTRICAL 

01942 215 769 

07739 709 005 

J.Dillon 

Call: 01257 424918 or 07821 139826 

www.jdillonelectrical.co.uk 

• All types of electrical work 

• 30+ years experience 

• Friendly, fast and reliable 

• 24 hour call out service 

W.Hurst & Son Ltd 

ELECTRIC CONTRACTOR 

www.whurstandson.co.uk 

• All types of electrical work 

• 35+ years experience 

• No job too small 

• Friendly and reliable 

DF 

Electrical 

Services Ltd 

For a free quote 

& advice call Jeff 

01695 622 191 

07850 622 191 

ALARMS 

Installations, Upgrades & Repairs New systems 

10 years experience from £350 

For a friendly & reliable service call Dean on 

07506 518 646 

DF Alarms 58 Chapel St, Pemberton, Wigan 

Whatever your electrical needs, 

GHE have the answer! 

Complete re-wires 

New/moving sockets 

All lighting needs 

Burglar Alarm systems 

CCTV systems 

Security Light installations 

PAT testing & inspections 

No Job too Small 

Domestic and commercial work welcomed 



Call us today for friendly advice and a free quote. 

01942 836 937 www.ghewigan.co.uk

106 

• Conservatory repairs 

• Locks, handles and hinges 

• Replacement glass 

• Windows and doors installed 

• Replacement conservatory roofs 

Call MARK now on 

01942 737 381 / 0776 315 1720 

conservatoryrepairs@gmail.com 

www.fixmyconservatory.com 

Arley Cabinet Company Ltd 

• Kitchens & Bedrooms since 1952 • 

We Measure ~ We Make ~ We Fit 

Drop into our showroom or call us 

for a free estimate 

214a Gidlow Lane, Wigan, WN6 7BN 

01942 246 190 

www.arleycabinets.com 





Free artwork 



01695 627999 

















Telephone: 01257 427 000 



A5209 

Standish 

B5250 

Open: 

J27 

Shevington 

A49 


Wind Turbines 

Heat Pumps 

LED Lighting 

.and general 








Unit 4a, 

Cricket Street Busine s Park 



WN6 7TP 

or 



107 

Elite Bathrooms 

& Wet Room Installation 

• Bathrooms 

• Wet Rooms 

• Wall & Floor Tiling 

Please call for a FREE Estimates 

07703 448890 / 01942 208926 

Great Value Bathrooms! 

Bespoke Tiling 

WALL & FLOORING SPECIALISTS 

Top class work guaranteed 

For a free quotation, call Oliver on 

01942 741789 

07387 376 530 

AGBathrooms.net 

Quality bathrooms at reasonable prices 

Complete bathroom installations 

from design to completion. 

For free quotes, call Adrian on 07816 394 292 

Check out our work on www.AGBathrooms.net 

Full Bathrooms & En-Suites 

Showers, Trays & Cubicles 

Relocation of Bathroom Suites 

25 years bathroom experience 

Call Chris now for a free quotation 

C L Bathrooms 

01942 749085 

or 07801 295483 

www.clbathrooms.co.uk 





01695 627 999 


Gel 

Nails 

norma ly £20 

now £15 

Lashes 

Spray Tan 

Sunbeds 




Telephone: 07814 619 400 




T 

Y 

R 

E 

S 

Solar Thermal 

& Solar PV 

Book 

your FREE 

home survey 


FREE 



for a l residents of Croston and Bretherton 



Ca l now on 

01772 603923 










E 

X 

H 

A 

U 

S 

T 

S 

Ca l us now 

0843 224 9555 

07595 420237
















Telephone: 01257 427 000 



A5209 

Standish 

B5250 

Open: 

J27 

Shevington 

A49 


Wind Turbines 

Heat Pumps 

LED Lighting 

.and general 








Unit 4a, 

Cricket Str et Busine s Park 



WN6 7TP 

or 



108 

Brand New Bathrooms 

Boiler + Central Heating 

Installs, Servicing + Repairs 

Extended warranties available 

24 Hour Call-out 

Domestic + Commercial 

Freephone 0300 3030121 

Dave 07769 942218 / Matt 07969 183809 

21 Naburn Drive, Orrell, WN5 8SB 

Email: info@orrellheating.co.uk 

www.orrellheating.co.uk 

• Bathroom Installation, Full Bathrooms & En-Suites 

• Plumbing Services • Wall & Floor Tiling • Ceiling Panelling 

01942 397173 / 07803 057940 

Douglas Drive, Orrell, Wigan 

www.ljplumbingandbathrooms.co.uk 

Convert your bath to a 

Walk-In Shower 

AJC 

WALK IN SHOWERS 

FINANCE 

OPTIONS 

AVAILABLE 

506515 

Typical price 

£1800 

Fully guaranteed 

One day installation 

No mess - no fuss 

Easy to clean & maintain 

Call Anthony on 

07919 876 825 

Workshop address: 

Bulldog Tools Ind. Est. 

Darlington Street East 

Wigan 

WN1 3BT 

We also fit full bathrooms! 

• Central Heating Installations 

• Boiler Installations 

• Maintenance & Servicing 

• Power Flushing 

186237 

Your one stop shop for central heating 

434 Ormskirk Rd, Wigan, WN5 9DF 

01942 221221 

info@premiergas.com / www.premiergas.com 

C& 

D 

Plumbing and Heating 

Heating & Bathroom Specialist 

Chris Heaton M.I.P.H.E.R.P 

07973714222 

01695625171 





01695 627 999 


Gel 

Nails 

norma ly £20 

now £15 

Lashes 

Spray Tan 

Sunbeds 




Telephone: 07814 619 400 



STOVES by Andy 

Save £££’s on your install 

INSTALLATIONS • MAINTENANCE • SERVICING 

For a free quote and expert advice 

call Andy on 

01257 369 685 

07899 752 225 

stovesbyandy@gmail.com 



Call Sally: 01695 627 999 




T 

Y 

R 

E 

S 

Solar Thermal 

& Solar PV 

Book 

your FREE 

home survey 


FREE 






Ca l now on 

01772 603923 










E 

X 

H 

A 

U 

S 

T 

S 

Ca l us now 

0843 224 9555 

07595 420237

109 

Installation ~ Repairs ~ Service 

Central Heating Systems 

Boilers & Gas Appliances 

General plumbing 

Gas Safety Certificates 

Plumbing & Heating Specialist 

Complete Bathroom 

& Tiling service 

597379 

Call Andy for a free quote on 

01942 564 226 

07397 391 935 

acampbellheatingandgas 

John Bailey - 01942 495785 

or 07721 040620 & 07710 153238 

Based in Kenyon Road, Wigan 

No 

call out 

fee 

A Genuine Family Run Business 

With Friendly & Courteous Staff 

SPECIALISTS IN CENTRAL 

HEATING INSTALLATION, BOILER 

REPLACEMENTS AND UPGRADES 

Accredited Installer & Service Partner 

• Annual Boiler Servicing 

• Landlord & Home Owner 

Gas Safety Checks 

• Mechanical Power Flushing 

• Thermostatic Valves/Radiators Fitted 

• All-in-One Air Conditioning & 

Heating Units for Home & Work 

WE REPAIR ALL MAKES 

OF BOILERS! 

Registration No. 

88604 

Telephone: 

01942 504 429 

TEL: 01257 421 660 

MOB: 07515 505 501 

www.fgwelch.co.uk 

SHOWROOM NOW OPEN at 19 Preston Road, Standish WN6 0HP 

All plumbing services 

including services & repairs 

• Bathrooms/Wet Rooms designed and fitted 

• Specialists in Disability 

Installations & Conversions 

• Emergency Call outs welcome 

BOILER 

SERVICING 

FROM 

£60 

www.gphwigan.co.uk 

No Obligation Quotes – Call Mark on 

01257 473026 

07515 894281 

527090

110 

JJ Driveways 

Imprinted Concrete Specialists 

Huge range of colours & patterns 

• Resin Driveways • Block Paving 

• Indian Stone • Flagging 

We can also revive your old drive! 

Ask about our sealing service 

Call Joe for a free quotation on 

01942 621 959 / 07867 697 972 

www.jjdriveways.co.uk 

J&P 

MOORCROFT 

LTD 

Professional Painting and Decorating 

• Domestic & Commercial Work 

• Interior & Exterior work welcomed 

• Old/listed buildings a speciality 

Call us today for a free quotation 

Home Service available 

Choose from 1000s of paint & paper samples 

in the comfort of our own home 

01942 212096 07831 102 511 

www.jpmoorcroft.com 

01942 392398 or 07707 321383 

GDR Driveways 

• Flagging • Block paving 


www.gdrdriveways.com 

Call Gareth for a FREE quotation 

01942 217 113 | 07715 177 754 

Award Winner 

Exterior & Interior Decorating 

Domestic & Commercial work undertaken 

Competitive rate 

Contact Graham now - free estimate provided 

01257 426 234 

graham@topcoatdecoratingservices.co.uk 

www.topcoatdecoratingservices.co.uk 

Need a new look 

for your home? 

Skilled interior and exterior work 

undertaken at reasonable prices! 

Chris Smith - Painter and Decorator 

01942 518126 

or 07545 065119 

Orrell based business 

AJH DECORATORS 

Painting and Decorating 

Quality work assured 

Over 30 years experience 

Free quotes 

Mob: 07784 876 338 

Email: ajhdecorators@sky.com 

Quality work at a competitive price 

SG 

PAINTING & DECORATING 

Specialise in standard wall coverings, extra wide vinyl and 

lincrusta. Free estimates. References available upon request 

07714 363 377 / 01942 749 971 

Sefton Road, Orrell, WN5 8UP
















Telephone: 01257 427 000 



A5209 

Standish 

Shevington 

B5250 

Open: 

J27 

A49 


Wind Turbines 

Heat Pumps 

LED Lighting 

.and general 








Unit 4a, 

Cricket Street Busine s Park 



WN6 7TP 

or 



111 

Extensions & Refurbishments 

Kitchens & Bathrooms 

Conservatories & Orangeries 

Windows & Doors 

Roofs & Fascia Boards 

Decking & Balustrading 

28 Years Experience 

All aspects of building works - No job too small 

Call Peter for a free quotation 

Day: 07961 516 677 

Eve: 01942 745 428 

Cambridge Road, Orrell 

Home Improvements 

• Fitted Kitchens & Bedrooms 

• Garage & Loft Conversions 

• Floors, Doors & Windows 

• Garden Gates 

For all your home improvement needs call David on... 

01942 203 804 

07851 225 876 

DS Joinery 

• Home improvements 

• Loft conversions 

• Garage conversions & Extensions 

• Staircases 

• Windows & Doors 

• All aspects of home improvements 

• One stop for all the trades you require 

• Joinery, Building, Kitchens & Bathrooms 

WE DESIGN AND MANAGE 

YOUR PROJECT FROM 

START TO FINISH 

Call Jonathan for a free quotation 

TEL: 01257 401 243 / MOB: 0777 602 4045 

SpeakmanpropertyServiceS.com 





01695 627 999 


Gel 

Nails 

norma ly £20 

now £15 

Lashes 

Spray Tan 

Sunbeds 




Telephone: 07814 619 400 




T 

Y 

R 

E 

S 

Solar Thermal 

& Solar PV 

Book 

your FREE 

home survey 


FREE 






Ca l now on 

01772 603923 









E 

X 

H 

A 

U 

S 

T 

S 


Call us now 

0843 224 9555 

07595 420237 

01257 422317 or 07852 202867 

www.mtjoinery.co.uk 



Call Sally: 01695 627 999 



Des Pilling Plastering 

Plastering – Skimming – Artexing 

Coving & Cornice work also welcomed 

Orrell based – Established 1986 

Call Des on 07787 513 235 

www.lakelandplastering.co.uk 

www.despilling.org.uk

112 

Number One for House Maintenance! 

• UPVC WINDOWS, DOORS & ROOFLINE 

SUPPLIED AND FITTED MISTED UNITS 

REPLACED 

• GUTTERS AND UPVC CLEANING AND 

REPAIR SERVICE 

• FLAGGING, FENCING AND POINTING 

• GARDENS CLEARED 

No job too small! 

Call Mike Darbyshire on 

01942 513 584 / 07917 352 181 

Orrell based 

K Stone 

Building Services 

All types of building 

work undertaken 

25 years experience 

• Brickwork 

• Pointing 

• Garden Walls 

• Patios 

• Roof Repairs 

• Flagging 

• Alterations 

• Driveways 

01942 495412 / 07974 496676 

ALL JOBS 

considered 

Handy Andy 

Building / Joinery 

Plastering / Tiling 

Plumbing / Roofing 

Flatpack Assembly 

Call Handy Andy on 

01257 369 685 

07899 752 225 

tradesbyandy@gmail.com 

28 Years Experience 

T: 01942 248 537 

M: 07749 806 566 

OAP 

DISCOUNTS 

• Brickwork, 

Extensions, 

Re-pointing 

• Garden Walls, 

Decorative 

Walls 

• Platform 

Steps, Paths 

& patios 

ALPINE LTD 

Roofing & Building Services 

Your local roofing company 

from repairs to re-roofs, 

fascia’s, soffits & gutters. 

• Flat roof specialists 

• Damp proof specialists 

• Quality workmanship 

• Affordable pricing 

• Quick response to all repairs 

FULLY INSURED 

SERVING 

CHORLEY, WEST 

LANCASHIRE & 

WIGAN 

Tel: 01942 410989 

Mob: 07730 351523

113 

• WILSON BROS • 

Est. 1985 

All aspects of roofing & roofline 

NEW ROOFS REPAIRS 

FASCIAS, SOFFITS & GUTTERS 

Rubber Cover 

Roofing Specialist 

Guaranteed 50 years 

Dormers 

and 

Garages 

Call for free quote 

M: 07894 687 384 

Roofing & Roofline Specialists 

• All aspects of maintenance & repair 

• Fascia & soffit installation 

• Guttering and felting services 

Call us now for a free estimate 

01695 633173 

Colin: 07958 302 166 

Brian: 07760 160 988 

www.wilson-bros.co.uk 

Facias, soffits, cladding, 

dry verge and gutters - call us now 

for all your roofline requirements! 

We specialise in seamless aluminium gutters. 

Clean, stylish and guaranteed for 25 years! 

01942 735 515 / 07917 352 182 / 07917 352 183 

www.orrellroofline.co.uk 

B.A. Berry 

Building & Roofing Specialists 

•All building work undertaken. 

• From a broken tile to a full re roof. 

• Flat roofs renewed and repaired. 

• Extensions, Alterations, Structural repairs 

including Lintels. 

Your local fully qualified tradesman with 

30 years experience 

Call us now for a free, 

no obligation quote 

01695 622 704 / 07968 652 320 

www.baberry.co.uk 

First Class Workmanship 

• All types of re-roofs 

• Strip & re-slate or re-tile 

• Built up felt/flat roofs, dormers etc. 

• Insurance work undertaken 

• Roofline uPVC fascias, soffits & guttering 

W.Newman 

ROOFING & REPAIRS 

01695 627 212 

MOBILE: 07774 943 706 

52 HALLBRIDGE GARDENS, UP HOLLAND 

Established Over 30 Years

114 

Puzzle Solutions 

CROSSWORD 

ACROSS: 1. Wafer, 4. Bacon, 10. Chevron, 11. Reins, 12. Trio, 13. Beri-beri, 15. Horror, 16. Jetsam, 19. Resistor, 

21. Mast, 23. Trade, 24. Tropics, 25. Beard, 26. Stone. 

DOWN: 2. Atelier, 3. Earl, 5. Airliner, 6. Olive, 7. Scotch broth, 8. Kneel, 9. Astigmatism, 14. Monsieur, 17. Sea lion, 

18. North, 20. Spade, 22. Moat. 

WORDSEARCH SUDOKU WIGGLE 

WORDS 

From Rags To Riches 

NUMBER 

BLOCK 

3 8 2 1 

1 5 6 4 

2 9 5 7 

3 1 8 7 

9 23 21 19 

19 

14 

16 

23 

19 

20 

Keep in touch with the 

LocalLife Team! 

Want to 

promote your 

business in 

LocalLife? 

locallifemagazine247@locallifemedia 

Read all our magazines online at 


01695 627 999 

www.locallife247.co.uk

115 

Come and visit the largest 

showroom in the North West 

® 

Quality installations of windows, 

doors, fascias, soffits and gutters 

First for quality • First for service • First for reliability 

No contractors • No salesmen 

Just a smile and a honest price from a family run business 

NEW Generation 

Rockdoor 

now available 

SISTER COMPANY OF FOXWELLS BUILDERS 

Established since 1999 

Call us for a Free Quote 

Office Number: 01942 871 777 

Victoria Industrial Estate, Victoria Street, Leigh, WN7 5SE 

warmlightwindowsltd.co.uk • info@warmlightwindowsltd.co.uk 

Conservatory Roof 

Conversion System 

Transform your conservatory 

into a comfortable living space

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

Local Life - Wigan - November 2019

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