Local Life - Wigan - December 2019

LocalLife

Wigan Edition December 2019

Santa Experiences

Pages 38-41

Styling Your Home This Christmas

Page 48-51

WIN a Luxury Christmas Hamper

Pages 14-15

Local News Motoring Jack’s Tracks Health Events2Go Home Services

IMPROVE YOUR MATHS AND ENGLISH

There are lots of benefits to improving

your life through English and maths.

Each year we transform the lives of hundreds of

adults by helping them gain essential skills and

qualifications.

Most of the time we don’t think about English and

maths, but we use these skills all the time:

• At home - paying for bills, reading letters, or

recipes, or even booking holidays.

• At work - communicating with colleagues,

customers or calculating wages.

• In our social life - paying for shopping or petrol,

sharing a bill in a restaurant, or reading a menu.

With a range of courses, including Entry Level,

Level 1 and Level 2 Functional Skills and GCSE,

we can offer the right pathway for you to improve

your skills.

FREE GCSE Maths and English

You may be eligible for full funding if you do not

already have GCSE Maths and English at A* - C grade,

regardless of the level of other qualifications you may

hold.

If you would like to enrol for GCSE English to improve

on your current grade, book an assessment and

enrolment appointment to find out your options.

Bring the certificates you already hold, so that our

staff can help you towards the right pathway.

ESOL

Enjoy learning the English language at our

successful and popular ESOL department. We

will help you to improve your English reading,

writing, speaking and listening skills, in classes

with students from all over the world. Become

more confident in English and use your language

skills to integrate into life in the UK. Our classes

are fun, interesting and our experienced teachers

will help and support you as you learn, meet new

people and gain skills which will help you in your

work place.

ESOL students must bring the following to enrolment:

• Home office documentation or endorsed passport

(also marriage/civil certificate/birth certificate if a

dependant).

• ARC Card or Local Authority confirmation (for

learners aged 16-18 or 19+ if in care of local

authority).

• ARC Card dated within six months and post office

receipt of support, dated within the month (19+).

To book your assessment and enrolment appointment email:

applications@wigan-leigh.ac.uk or call 01942 761 111

ADULT COLLEGE COURSES

STARTING IN JANUARY 2020

ART & DESIGN, PHOTOGRAPHY & FASHION

BEAUTY THERAPY & HAIRDRESSING

BAKERY, CATERING & HOSPITALITY

COMPUTING & IT

CONSTRUCTION & CIVIL ENGINEERING

MANAGEMENT & PROFESSIONAL

TEACHING ASSISTANTS

TEACHER EDUCATION

KEEP WARM THIS WINTER

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4 Local Life

So Here It Is…

It’s seemed a long time coming, but the big day is

just around the corner. Of course I’m referring to

the general election but once that is out of the way,

we can stick Noddy & Co. on loop and get on with

enjoying Christmas.

Why is it so difficult for a morally upstanding,

vigorous and dynamic leader, ideally with a bit of

life experience, to rise to the top job in this country?

Did you know that in Bhutan, Dr Lotay Tshering,

one of the most accomplished surgeons in this

Himalayan country only practices on a Saturday, as

he is busy during the week running the country? So

that’s a bit of an extreme example, but you get my

point surely?

We’ll put politics to bed now and get on with

sending you into December with a cracker of a

Christmas issue. Don’t miss the Santa Experience

feature on pages 38-41, the definitive guide to

enhance your children’s/grandchildren’s Christmas,

we’ve got a comprehensive festive Events2Go

guide on pages 74-77, ideas for Christmas presents,

festive recipes and much more.

And to thank you readers for allowing us into your

homes for another year, we’ve been shopping

and pulled together an amazing luxury Christmas

Hamper for one lucky reader! Check out the

hamper competition on pages 14-15 and don’t

forget to enter online by midnight on Monday 16th

December.

And my wish for Christmas?

That whatever the outcome of the election is, that

we all accept it with good grace, embrace the

belated season of goodwill, and resolve not to

mention politics again until the New Year hangover

recedes!

All the very best,

Chris Pearce, Publisher

chrisp@locallife247.co.uk

Local Life 5

In this issue

Happy Hens

12

WIN a Luxury

Christmas

Hamper

14

Santa

Experiences

38

Decorate Your

Christmas Tree

50

Small Business

Saturday

Regulars

62 Puzzle Pages

74 Events2Go

21 Jack’s Tracks

Sections

36 Food

68 Business View

70 Health

74 Leisure

14 Competition

79 Garden Diary

82 Motoring

79 Gardening

85 Home Services

Next issue - January 2020

Advertising deadline - Friday, 6th December

Published - Thursday, 2nd January

LocalLife

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.

This issue is delivered to 13,025 private homes and

businesses in Standish, Shevington, Whitley, Appley

Bridge, Standish Lower Ground, Aspull and Haigh.

The next issue is delivered to 13,299 private homes and

businesses in Orrell, Billinge, Winstanley, Up Holland,

Highfield, Marus Bridge, Roby Mill and Pemberton.

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

or Tesco Extra in Wigan.

66

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

Standish Cards

Fancy sending Christmas cards with a local twist this

December? Greetings cards designed by Standish

residents and businesses are on sale at Standish

Library for just £5 per pack, which will help fundraise

for the Friends of Standish Library.

Orders must be made before Sunday, December 1 at

the library.

Winter Warmers

Help keep homeless people warm this winter by

donating knitted or crocheted squares, helping to

sew them together, or providing hats, scarves, gloves

and socks.

The BFTH Wigan Pod are looking for anyone to assist

in making winter woollies for local homeless people,

along with any supplies that might help craft them.

They meet on the second Saturday of the month

at Orrell Book-Cycle – for more information, email

Hazel at knit_natter@yahoo.co.uk

Over 25 years of local advice

High Street, Standish

Mortgages, Re-mortgages,

First Time Buyers,

Buy To Let, Equity Release *

Wigan, Standish

& surrounding areas

Free home visits any time to 8.00pm or visit us in Standish.

*Referred to specialist

01257 424 999

www.mortgage-clinic.co.uk

In Bloom

This year’s RHS Britain In Bloom Awards have been

announced: and the Wigan borough was bloomin’

brilliant.

Shevington Memorial Park was awarded the Gold

Award in the National Distinction for Parks, while

organisation Edible Appley Bridge was awarded a

Level 4 (Thriving) award.

Meanwhile, Wigan & Leigh Hospice’s garden

achieved a Level 5 (Outstanding), and Orrell Station

was awarded the much-coveted Best Railway Station

in the North West award after putting in more

than 1,600 hours of work. Haigh Woodland Park

also achieved a Silver Gilt Award for Large Tourist

Attraction.

Earn extra

cash!

Local Life require distributors

for the following areas;

Standish

Trevore Drive estate

Standish Centre

School Lane, Arbour Lane area

Preston Road, Kenyon Road estate

Bentham Rd/Pl area

Shevington

Elnup , Elmfield & Christleton

Appley Bridge

Back Ln, Miles Ln & Finch Mill Ave

Haigh

Toddington Ln, Haigh Road area

Interested?

Please email your name, address,

landline number and date of birth to

sallyb@locallife247.co.uk

LocalLife

7

8

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.

Licensing Act 2003

Notice of Application

to Wigan Council

An application for a New Premises Licence has

been made by H & H Properties (Standish) Ltd

t/as Dish for the premises known as /situated at

232 Almond Brook Road, Standish WN6 0SS.

The application seeks to Sell alcohol between the

hours of 09.00 and 22.30 Monday – Friday and

09.00 and 19.30 on Sunday and play recorded

music between the hours of 09.00 and 23.00

Monday – Friday and 09.00 – 20.00 on Sunday.

The application may be inspected at the

Licensing Section, Wigan Life Centre, College

Avenue, Wigan, WN1 1NJ between the hours

of 09.00 and 17.00 Monday to Friday inclusive.

Brief details can also be obtained from the

Council’s website www.wigan.gov.uk.

Any person or responsible authority may make

representations about the application no later

than 4th December 2019. All representations

must be made in writing by the above date.

Representations should be sent to the

Licensing section, PO BOX 100, Wigan WN1 3DS

or can be emailed to licensing@wigan.gov.uk

It is an offence knowingly or recklessly to make a false

statement in connection with an application the maximum

fine for which a person is liable on summary conviction for

making a false statement is a Level 5 fine on the standard scale.

Galleries Update

The Galleries shopping centre is set to benefit from

renovation efforts from Wigan Council. Potential

plans for the site, though still at an early stage,

may include an upmarket cinema, bowling alley,

restaurants, bars and apartments in the space, along

with office spaces for start-ups.

Nothing is set in stone as of yet, but the future of

the struggling shopping centre looks bright, with

more people expected to move to the town centre

in coming years.

Friendship Club

There’s no need to be lonely this Christmas, as the

Ladies Don’t Be Lonely Friendship Club have plenty

going on to keep you entertained.

The group meet on Thursday afternoons (barring

the first Thursday of the month) at Penson Street

Community Centre for talks, presentations, quizzes

and games. Meetings run from 1:30pm-3:30pm.

November 28th will see the group meet to enjoy

Christmas organ music, while a one-off meeting

on December 5th introduces members to festive

flower decorations. Finally, on December 12th, the

Friendship Club will enjoy a Christmas lunch out.

For more information about the group, call Margaret

on 01942 247403 or Nancy on 01942 497108.

Standish United

First established in the 17th century, the Standish

United Charity works to give help and assistance

to those in need in the local area. What began as a

group of several charities was amalgamated into one

in 1907, and set up by affluent residents wanting to

help relieve poverty locally.

What began as an initiative to hand out cloth and

bread has evolved into offering financial grants,

providing facilities, services or goods.

Anyone who might benefit from the help of the

charity can submit an application to the Trustees at

Standish Community Centre on Moody Street, or by

email to standish.charity@mail.com

9

All I want for

gorgeous unique gifts (and great food too!)

Love It Gallery, Winstanley Road, Billinge WN5 7XG

Open: 9.30am-5pm, Tuesday-Saturday; 10am-4pm, Sunday

Telephone:

01695 622 332

christmas gifts | light lunches | jewellery | afternoon tea | bespoke glass | coffee & cake

10

Standish Live

Standish Live Festival is back on Friday, November

29 and Saturday, November 30.

For updates on performance times and artists, keep

an eye on the Standish Live Festival Facebook page.

The festival brings live music from

local artists and bands to various

pubs around the village, with free

entry to all venues.

This year, the festival will be taking

place at The Black Bull, The Globe,

Albion Ale House, The Lychgate,

The Charnley Arms, Alberts of

Standish and Potters Bar.

Each venue will boast at least 4

artists, with maximum capacity

estimated to be reached early on!

All donations received from this

year’s event go towards Macmillan

Cancer Support.

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

11

Santa Sprints

What better way to get in the Christmas spirit than

one of the Santa Dashes taking place around the

Wigan borough this festive season? We promise,

the run will leave you ruddy-cheeked and yearning

for a mince pie at the finish line.

The Wigan Christmas Dash is a 5K Santa Fun Run

and 1K family fun run taking place in Mesnes Park

on Sunday, December 8 from 11am. Don your Santa

suit and head off around the park! Entry costs £20

per adult, £15 per U16 and £8 per U10, bookable at

www.christmasdash.co.uk

Meanwhile, the Wigan Samaritans Santa Stroll offers

a more leisurely pace around Haigh Plantations

from 10am the same day. Entry costs £10 including

a Santa suit, and is bookable on Eventbrite.

Finally, Beacon Country Park’s Santa Dash takes

place from 10am-1pm - entry costs £5 per person

or £10 per family of four, including some festive

refreshments at the finish! To enter, visit www.

discoverormskirk.com/events/

Jewels May is a wonderful independent

jewellers. The shop has recently expanded

so as to offer customers more on site

specialist services, one-to-one consultation,

specialist design and re-modelling advice and

manufacturing.

Their jewellery range is extensive from antique

and vintage to modern and one-off bespoke

luxury pieces, set with diamonds and precious

stones. They also boast an impressive range of

engagement and wedding rings as well as preowned

luxury watches.

Repairs & Alterations

Rhodium Plating

Cleaning & Polishing

Design & Manufacturing

Engagement & Wedding Ring Specialists

Insurance Valuations

Watch Servicing, Repairs, Refurbishing

& Batteries

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

“Now offering on-site rhodium plating within an hour,

Wednesday to Sunday.

SPECIAL READER OFFER

Rhodium plating of 2 rings for £50 (normally £60),

just quote Local Life 247”

Heskin Hall Shopping Village,

Wood Lane, Heskin, PR7 5PA

Tel: 01257 450448 Etsy: Jewelsmayuk

www.jewelsmay.com

12

Happy hens

LuckyHens Rescue on Manchester

Road in Hindley has released a

2020 calendar celebrating its rescue

efforts over the past year, and to

encourage more people to rescue

ex-battery hens in the area.

Though steps have been taken to

improve the quality of life for battery

hens, LuckyHens worker Clare says all

is not rosy in the egg industry. So-called

‘battery cages’ are banned in the UK, but

have been replaced with ‘enriched cages’

which still afford little room to move around and no

access to sunlight. Even ‘free-range’ hens are often

kept in barns their whole lives, without ever seeing

the sun. These hens are then slaughtered at 72

weeks old, when egg production slows down.

LuckyHens is dedicated to rescuing and rehoming

as many of these hens as possible. Their centre

can hold up to 450 hens at a time, which are then

given space to roam and live freely before going to

a loving home.

The newly released 2020 calendars will go towards

the centre’s efforts, with proceeds going into

rescuing as many hens as possible in the coming

year. Fans of the centre sent in photographs of their

own rescued hens to feature, making the perfect

Christmas gift for any animal lover. Calendars are

priced at £9.50 and are available from the LuckyHens

website at https://luckyhensrescuenorthwest.

weebly.com/

LuckyHens is also hosting two rescue days in

December and January –

the first of these takes place

on Saturday, December

14, and the second on

Saturday, January 25.

Rescue days give people

the opportunity to collect

up to 20 hens at a time from

the centre. A minimum

donation of £4 per hen is

requested, and a minimum

of 3 hens should be

collected on the day.

For more information about LuckyHens or its rescue days, call 01942 233375.

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Introducing ICare Meals on Wheels

01942 722 766

Haydock Open 10am – 4.30pm (closed Wednesday & Sunday)

282 Church Rd, Haydock, St Helens WA11 0LF

Birkenhead Superstore – 162 New Chester Rd, Birkenhead CH41 9BG

1st CLASS

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Personal and Business Class Travel

from Arley Chauffeurs

u 24 Hour Service

u Special Occasions

u Long Distance Specialists

Try a complimentary Hot Lunchtime meal

and sweet delivered to your home.

Call 0845 6041125

or to place an order on line visit

www.icarecuisine.co.uk

u Airport Transfers

u Sporting Events

u Corporate Events

Phone: 07729 994 117

All our staff are fully Police and DBS checkedE-

Email: david@arley.biz Web: www.arley.biz

14

Win a

Christmas Hamper!

To thank our readers for allowing us into your

homes for another year, we’ve been shopping

and we’ve pulled together four amazing luxury

Christmas Hampers for our latest competition! A

lucky reader in each of our magazine areas (Wigan,

Chorley, St Helens and West Lancs & Coast) will win

a luxury hamper. Just read the blurb below and

answer the question online.

Launched back in 2008, the Wigan edition of Local

Life is now delivered to over 26,000 Wigan homes

on a regular basis, and readers are also able to pick

up a copy each month from Sainsbury’s in Marus

Bridge and at Tesco Extra in Wigan.

In addition to our Wigan magazine, we also publish

A5-sized magazines each month for St Helens

and Chorley, and we also produce a premium B5-

sized monthly magazine for the West Lancashire,

Southport and Formby area. In addition to our

magazines, we also design, print and deliver leaflets

alongside our magazines too.

All this is pulled together by a small team of lovely

people (see below) who are based at our offices and

distribution unit at Hewitt Business Park in Orrell,

with assistance from our amazing distribution team.

In 2019 alone, 483 local businesses and

organisations, big and small, advertised their

services and products in Local Life.

We know that many of these businesses do not

advertise anywhere else than in the pages of Local

Life, and we are grateful to them for their support.

Without them, we wouldn’t be able to produce your

magazine, so if you value Local Life then do keep

a hold of your copy when you have read it, and

please do make a conscious effort to call Local Life

advertisers should you require their products or

services.

That’s enough of the blurb! To enter the competition

to win a luxury Christmas hamper, simply visit our

website, www.locallife247.co.uk, click on ‘free stuff’

and then on ‘competitions’ and then answer the

following question;

In 2019, how many businesses and

organisations advertised with Local Life?

The expiry date for the competition is midnight on

Monday 16th December 2019 and the winners will

be notified within five working days. Entrants must be

over 16 years of age. Only one entry per household –

any multiple entries will be void. Local Life 247 cannot

accept responsibility for entries that do not reach us.

Employees of Local Life 247 Ltd and their families are

not eligible to enter this competition.

Hamper

Contents

Prosecco, Mulled wine, Black Sheep real ale, gin, Booth’s Christmas pudding, brandy butter, mince pies,

shortbread, tin of Whittard’s biscuits, fudge, Lancashire Bomb cheese, Carrs crackers, selection of chutneys,

tub of smoked salmon pate, box of Beech’s chocolates, tin of Uncle Joe’s, Whittard’s luxury drinking

15

WIN

a

Christmas

Hamper

chocolate, and a luxury Christmas cake – all contained with a Hobbycraft wooden crate that you can use again and again.

Good luck, and a very merry Christmas from all at LocalLife

16

See Santa

The bells really are ringing out for Christmas, as

Wigan Rotary Club invites you to follow their festive

float for Christmas 2019! Santa will make his rounds

in the borough each evening from 5pm

during the week and 6pm at weekends,

as well as heading to Tesco, ASDA and

Orrell Water Park during the day.

Dec 4 - Standish Central: Cranleigh, Silsbury

Dec 7 - Appley Bridge: Post Office, Miles Lane & Mill

Lane

Here’s when you can expect to see Santa

in your area:

Nov 30 - Shevington South: Vicarage

Lane, off Gathurst Lane, Oak Meadow

Estate

Dec 1 - Standish East: Copeland Ave &

Rectory Lane

Dec 2 - Shevington South: Harrington

Park

Dec 3 - Shevington North: Old Lane,

Elnup Ave

17

Dec 9 - Springfield: St. Andrews Crescent, Norfolk

Street, Sacred Heart Church

Dec 10 - Swinley: Mesnes Road, Danesway, Swinley

Lane, Holme Ave

Dec 11 - Standish North: Zoe’s Beauty Parlour,

Preston Road, Bloor Homes Primrose Lane

Dec 12 - Almond Brook: Wain Homes Estate, Old

Pepper Lane

Dec 13 - Standish West: Almond Brook Road,

Woodhouse Drive

Dec 14 - Standish South: Boars Head Ave,

Hartingdon Drive

Dec 21 - Whitley: Walter Scott Ave, Hazelwood Road

Dec 22 - Whitley Crescent: Spencer Road, St. Malo

Road, Romney Way

The Rotary Choir will also be performing carols in

the Grand Arcade on Saturday, December 7 from

10:30am-2:30pm!

Rotary Club President Mervyn Reeves said: ‘This is a

special time of year leading up to the ‘big day’ and

we enjoy seeing the happy faces on children and

adults alike as Santa travels around.

‘All the money raised goes to Rotary Charities, with

over 40 different organisations benefitting last year

alone from the money the people of Wigan donated.’

For more information about this year’s float,

and to find out where it will be during the day,

call 07813 471000

or email wiganrotary1924@virginmedia.com

18

The Best Beauty

Gift Sets

Beauty gift sets are not all created equal. There are the ones you buy in a panic on Christmas Eve – guaranteed

to either end up in a charity shop or forgotten in a cupboard somewhere – and then there’s this little lot…

Chocolate lovers will rejoice with

this Nature’s Kitchen Double

Indulgence Chocolate Gift Box

(£24.99, www.lovelula.com).

It features the Dark Chocolate

Cleansing Butter Fudge.

Mask and Chocolate Mocha

Polishing Scrub, both of which

are packed with nourishing

natural ingredients, such as raw

organic cacao, organic Italian

roasted coffee beans and organic

avocado, and smell delicious.

Fragrance fans will enjoy

creating their own perfumed

body oil with this Neal’s Yard

Remedies Aromatherapy

Bespoke Blending Kit (£32, www.

nealsyardremedies.com). There

are three organic essential oils to

choose from – orange, lavender

and palmarosa, along with a

base oil, mixing bottle and the

Little Book of Essential Oils.

Know someone who could

do with a bit of a break over

Christmas? Treat them to

the Fearne Cotton Calming

Collection (£18, Boots). They’ll

get a body wash, body mist, bath

bomb, body lotion and candle –

all with a fragrance designed to

calm the mind and soothe the

senses. And, as a bonus, there’s a

rather pretty gift bag.

It can be tricky to choose skincare

or make-up for someone. If in

doubt, stick to a pretty new

cosmetics bag or a new brush

set. The No7 Ultimate Brush

Collection (£27, Boots) is a good

bet. There’s an uber-soft brush

for every makeup requirement,

and a pot to keep them all in.

Lip gloss fans will love Bobbi

Brown’s Glossy Lip Duo (£16,

www.bobbibrown.co.uk).

Choose from Rosy and Pastel

shades, or

Bellini and

Buff. Or buy

both sets to

get all four

shades, and

keep three for yourself!

Frequent travellers will welcome

Green People’s Skin Retreat –

Comfort & Clarity Collection.

There’s a 30ml Neutral Scent-Free

Cleanser & Make-up Remover,

a 30ml Neutral Scent-Free Light

Day Moisturiser and a 10ml

Neutral Scent-Free Anti-Ageing

24 Hour Cream. All for the bargain

price of £15 (www.greenpeople.

co.uk). The products are aimed

at people with sensitive skin,

but they’re great all-rounders

that will suit most skin types. The

50ml version of the moisturiser is

usually £19.50, so you’re pretty

much getting the cleanser and

24-hour cream for free.

Need some small gifts for

teachers, colleagues or friends?

The Champneys Bubble Heaven

Gift Set (from £16 at Boots)

contains three of its bestselling

bath soaks. It’s ideal for splitting

up into three smaller gifts.

Looking for a male grooming gift

set? The Mr Festive Gift Set at

White Stuff features a Christmasthemed

body wash and soap for

just £12.50…

19

Pick a Panto

There are plenty of pantomimes going on in the

area to keep the whole family booing, hissing and

cheering all winter long. Not sure which to go for?

Try these for size:

The Old Courts present the age-old tale of Dick

Whittington and His Cat from Wednesday, December

18 until Monday, December 23. Join Dick and his cat

as they unite forces against the wicked King Rat!

Tickets cost £16 per adult and £12 per child on 01942

834747.

Jack & the Beanstalk heads to Wigan Little Theatre

from Thursday, January 9 until Saturday, January 25.

Join Jack as he sells his cow in exchange for magic

beans, and evokes the wrath of a terrifying giant.

Tickets cost £10/£12 on 01942 242561.

Finally, why not take the family off to enjoy Beauty

& the Beast, which heads to Leigh Cricket Club for

one day only on Saturday, January 11? The show

runs from 1:30pm-3pm and brings romance to life

as Beauty is imprisoned in the castle of a mysterious

Beast, who might not be what he seems... Tickets

cost £7.50 per adult and £5 per child at www.leighcc.

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20

21

Worsaw Hill

by Chris Pearce

Distance: 3½ miles Difficulty: Easy/Medium

One of the biggest frustrations walkers face is the

erratic quality of the weather forecasts and this trek

up to the Ribble Valley some weeks back was a case in

point. After a favourable forecast the night before the

walk, I packed my hat and sun cream before setting

off at 7am. Sadly, the early morning mist stubbornly

refused to shift, but don’t let the gloomy pictures put

you off tackling this lovely walk.

The walk starts at the Assheton Arms pub (BB7

4BJ) in olde-worlde Downham, where you take the

footpath down the left of the pub until you reach

Croft Cottage. Go through the gate at the side of the

cottage and head uphill. Once you’ve gone though

another gate further on, you’ll drop downhill to

another gate after which you’ll cross Green Lane.

Go through the green metal gate situated opposite

and follow the path to the left-hand side of the field

until you reach a very small enclosure with footpath

sign – go through the enclosure and carry on in

the same direction, through a gate and down an

overgrown track until you reach the railway bridge.

Go under the bridge and carry on in the same

direction until you reach a stone building.

Bear left in front of the stone building, following

the track right through to the next field. Go into the

22

enclosed pathway on the left-hand side of the field,

and the path eventually crosses the railway line

and you follow the path through woodland on the

opposite side of the track.

After reaching a gate go in the field beyond, up

the hill and through the log stacks. Once you

reach the road, turn right over the A59 and into

Chatburn. Once you reach the mailbox on the left

turn into Kayley Lane and follow the path all the

way downhill.

When you can see the wooden bridge, take a

90-degree right turn and then, at the end of the

path, hop over the stile set into the stone wall.

Follow this path until you reach the busy A59.

Take care crossing the A59, and when you have

safely crossed, go though the gate and head uphill

through the field.

Pass through the small gate set into a stone wall

and carry on up a steep rocky path. Visibility was

down to around 40 yards at this stage, otherwise I’d

have clambered up the Worsaw Hill for some better

pics, but things being what they were, I stuck to the

path which wound its way between the hill and its

smaller sibling Warren Hill.

After a slow descent, the path works its way round

the back of Worsaw Hill. Worsaw End House comes

into view, but stay on this side of the stone wall and

follow the clearly defined path as it winds its way

though the next four fields, passing by Longlands

Wood en-route.

Once you emerge from the final field and can see

the teashop on the right, take a 90-degree turn

and go though the car park, across Downham Beck

and onto Main Street. Turn left uphill towards your

starting point at Assheton Arms.

23

For those with the OS Maps

app on your desktop, mobile

or tablet, this walk is named:

JT-Worsaw-Hill

Track

Green Lane

Farm

A59

Sawley Road

Green Lane

Chatburn Road

Downham

Assheton Arms

Chatburn

Heys Brook

Lower Hall Farm

Downham

Beck

West Lane Farm

White Croft Wood

Cat Gallows Wood

A59

Longlands

Wood

West Lane

Worsaw

Hill

Track

Worsaw

End House

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.

24

Cathedral Classics

Manchester Cathedral will be hosting beautiful

candlelit performances of classical scores this

winter. Whether you’re looking for a romantic

evening in a beautiful setting, or just want to relax

with some classics, concertos from The London

Concertante of Bach, Haydn, Vivaldi and more

will have you moved by spectacular playing and

gasping at virtuosity. The next concerts take place

on Sunday, November 24 and Friday, January 3 from

7:30pm.

Ticket prices range from £19-£32, and can be

booked on 0333 666 3366.

Meanwhile, pianist Daniel Grimwood will bring

Beethoven’s Moonlight Sonata, along with selected

pieces from from Henselt, Chopin and Liszt to life

on Saturday, December 28 with a stunningly gentle

candlelit backdrop. Tickets cost £19-£29 and are

available at feverup.com or on 02036 086975

A Hand Up

Wigan-based homeless charity The Brick is looking

for volunteers to help run group sessions, serve

lunch and evening meals, help out with the night

shelter and provide mentoring and listening

sessions for vulnerable people.

Just sparing a few hours a week can really help the

charity, which provides support for anyone facing

homelessness, poverty or debt crisis.

If you’re interested in helping out, call 01942 417290

or email fiona@thebrick.org.uk

Care Costs Seminar

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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

25

Specialists in:

• Family Law • Personal Injury

• Wills & Probate

Call us today to arrange a

free 30 minute consultation

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Solicitor & Director

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44 High Street,

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Helping you prepare for your families future

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Contact Alexander Ross Wills & Trusts

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26

‘Tis the season

Join us this December for delicious food,

lots of fizz & bubbles.

Set in the heart of Shevington village with a cosy and relaxed atmosphere,

Juniper Bar and Kitchen is the perfect place to eat, drink & socialise.

Festive Menu

Our festive menu is available from the 27th of November through to

Christmas Eve. Our festive menu has lots of delicious festive dishes,

made with fresh local produce.

Party Menu

Our party menu has been specifically designed with large groups and

parties in mind. With a range of options from sit-down, canapé and

finger food, we can help you create the perfect catered event with us.

New Year’s Eve

Bring in the New Year early with our New Year’s Eve pre party.

Arrive from 3.30pm with our celebrations finishing at 8.00pm.

Be welcomed with a complimentary drink on arrival. Enjoy a delicious

hot and cold buffet, lots of fizz and bubbles, mocktails and drinks offers.

Tickets - adults £19.95 children £5.95 under 5s free.

To book your place call 01257 253979

or email info@juniperbarandkitchen.com

For more information visit our website

www.juniperbarandkitchen.com

To make a reservation call

01942 253979

or email

info@juniperbarandkitchen.com

@juniperbarandkitchen

@juniperbarandk

@juniperbarandkitchen

7 Church Lane

Shevington

Wigan

WN6 8BD

27

28 Food & Drink

Sally’s Specials

by Marti of The Star Inn

The Star Inn

Sally’s

Cracked

Peppercorn

and Brandy

Cream

The perfect

accompaniment to

almost any meal

and one of my

personal favourites

Method

Grab a thick bottomed pan or pot and start by warming up a little pomace oil.

Once the oil is warm (not roasting) add the whole black peppercorns, lightly

softening them in the warm oil.

Now add a sprinkling of the cracked black pepper, a tablespoon will be enough.

Make sure you are stirring all the time to stop them sticking.

The pan should be warm enough now to add the brandy to flambé, a generous

splash of Brandy is ok. Be careful and watch your eyebrows!

Ingredients

Pomace Oil

10-15 whole black

peppercorns

Cracked black pepper

Brandy

1 pint of double cream

1 pint of beef stock

Once the flame has gone the alcohol has cooked out and you can now add the

pint of double cream. Bring this to the boil but pay attention as the cream will

rise and boil over if not supervised.

Once the cream reaches boiling point, turn the heat down and add a good pint

of beef stock (this is where Sally’s secret ingredient takes place, but I’m keeping

that under lock and key I’m afraid)

Reduce for 20 minutes until the sauce reaches a creamy consistency, gradually

add more cracked black pepper to taste and salt and pepper to finish it off.

This sauce is amazing and will go with almost any dish you are making. It can

also be frozen in batches for the cold winter nights.

29

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.

Hogmanay

Raspberry

Cranachan

Serves 2

Ingredients

Handful of oats

1 pint of double cream

100g castor sugar

Vanilla extract

Clear honey

1 orange

Whisky

1 punnet of raspberries

This is a very simple but effective dessert, traditionally using oats, cream and whisky

Method

Start by lightly toasting a handful of oats under a hot grill. When golden brown remove from under the grill

and leave to one side.

Whip together the double cream, adding the castor sugar to taste, a splash of vanilla extract, a capful of clear

honey, a little grated orange peel and a dash of whiskey.

Beat the ingredients together until just about whipped, add in the raspberries and the toasted oats and

continue to fold it through until stiff peaks form. A word of warning; be careful not to overwhip or the mixture

will curdle, and you’ll have to start again!

The raspberries will turn the mixture a light pink, so don’t worry here.

Put the mixture into a piping bag and pipe into suitable glasses and refrigerate for 1 hour.

Garnish with fresh raspberries, and shortbread for dipping.

Heavenly!

30

31

www.welovefrugi.com

32

Christmas Eve Boxes

Planning a Christmas Eve box this year, but can’t decide

what to put in it? Maybe we can help…

Pyjamas

Many of us give out the

Christmas PJs right at the

start of the month – to get

as much wear out of them as

possible. If you haven’t, then

you may well be able to pick

up a bargain in the days leading up to the 25th, as

retailers often reduce their Christmas stock.

Slippers

Cosy slippers will prove popular long after Boxing

Day. If you’re splashing out, Moccis are a good

choice. These hand-sewn moccasin slippers are

ethically made in Sweden and available for babies

right up to adults.

A Christmas Day outift

If you’re planning a special Christmas Day outfit

for your child, add it to their Christmas Eve box. Try

supermarkets, as they’ve really upped their game in

recent years.

A sweet treat

Whether you go for a packet of sweets, a

gingerbread figure or a sachet of hot chocolate,

a sweet treat is likely to prove the most popular

gift. And let’s face it, your child isn’t going to get to

sleep early anyway, so a bit of sugar won’t make too

much difference.

A book

George at ASDA, £2

There are numerous Christmas tales to choose from.

‘The Jolly Christmas Postman’ is usually a winner

with children under six, as it comes complete with

extra mini-gifts, including

a game and jigsaw. Then

there’s ‘The Girl Who Saved

Christmas’ and ‘A Boy

Called Christmas’ for older

children.

A small toy, game or activity

£12.99

Choose a game you can all play together as a family,

such as Dobble, or an activity to keep them quiet

for five minutes while you prepare for the big day.

A memento

Why not add a Christmas-themed memento to be

brought out again year after year? This could be

a small decoration to hang on the tree, a

mug to drink that hot chocolate from, or a

plate for Santa’s mince pie.

Other little gifts

If your Christmas Eve box is still looking

a bit empty, you could pop in some

trinkets, stationery or accessories.

We love the notebooks and

badges from The Kindness Co-op.

Left to right: F&F cardigan, Tesco. Moccis, from £25, www.moccis.co.uk.com. Santa dress up mug, £8. River Island. Badge, £2, www.thekindnessco-op.

Gingerbread man, £9.95, www.biscuiteers.com. Notebook, £4, www.thekindnessco-op.com, Father Christmas decoration, £5, www.nationaltrust.org.uk

33

Road Renovations

A number of Wigan roads are set to benefit from

renovation work from November and branching into

2020.

Upcoming improvement schemes include:

• Central Drive in Shevington

• A49 Wallgate

• A577 Darlington Street

• Scot Lane in Aspull

• Smethurst Lane in Pemberton

• Warrington Road in Ince

• Wigan Road in Billinge

For updates on expected roadworks, visit www.

wigan.gov.uk/Residents/Parking-Roads-Travel/

UP TO 40% OFF EX-DISPLAY SALE

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Avant Garden Centre

Wigan Road, Leyland PR25 5XU

Telephone: 01772 432 450

www.solidsheds.com

DIRECT FROM THE MANUFACTURER

A Nightingale Sang

The Douglas Drama Group will perform wartime

drama ‘And A Nightingale Sang’ from Thursday,

November 28 until Saturday, November 30 at

Parbold WI Hall.

Follow one family’s relationships, troubles and joys

along the course of WWII in a story about human

resilience in the face of adversity. The stoic Helen

tells as her grandfather Andie recruits mourners to

attend the burial of his dog; her father serenades the

audience with songs of the period; her younger sister

Joyce can’t decide whether to accept a marriage

proposal from a man about to be deployed.

Tickets cost £7.50 and are available from DIY Centre

in Parbold. Doors open at 7pm on the night of each

performance.

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34

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35

36

Beat the

Burglar!

The nights are drawing in, and that brings the burglars

out.

Burglaries rise in the autumn months as the

extended periods of darkness give criminals more

cover to carry out their crimes, but there is plenty

you can do to protect your home, your belongings

and your loved ones.

Security consultant Michael Fraser, host of TV’s Beat

The Burglar, is well placed to offer advice as he used

to be a burglar before turning straight.

Here Michael shares seven tips on how to keep your

home safe this winter.

Watch Your Back

Burglars love dark back gardens as they provide

them with plenty of cover. Install a motion-sensitive

outdoor light to send out a clear security signal.

Love your Loft

Burglars hate lofts. Most won’t venture up there

for fear of being trapped if someone returns

unexpectedly. So, lofts are the ideal place to store

precious items you don’t need to display.

Out of Sight, Out of Mind

Burglars will often peep through letterboxes to scope

a property. Don’t leave anything on display that can

be seen through yours, especially keys! Better still,

get a grill or cover for your internal letterbox.

Lock the Shed

If you have a shed – lock it. Burglars dislike coming

armed with tools to a property because it raises the

risks of being stopped by Police. Sheds often have a

range of things criminals can use to break into your

home, so keep it locked.

Beware of the Pets

Do you have a sign up saying ‘beware of the dog’?

Bad move. As burglars will know this means you

are unlikely to have a movement-sensitive alarm as

pets trigger these.

Make it Hard Work

Burglars want an easy life, and many are callous

opportunists, so don’t make their lives easy. By

having an alarm on show, window locks in place and

signs saying you are part of a Neighbourhood Watch

or that you have your property security marked, you

are signalling your property isn’t an easy touch.

Shut Up

In the nicest possible way of course. Always ensure

your front gate and back gate are closed. This is a

small but significant psychological thing. Burglars

are hard-wired to look for the easiest option.

The good news is by following these, and the many

other security tips available online you dramatically

reduce the risk of your home being targeted.

This blog is sponsored by Alan Batt.

For more of Alan’s tips and guidance on your home,

visit www.alanbatt.co.uk/blog/

or check out his analysis on the Wigan Property

market here;

www.wiganpropertynews.blogspot.co.uk

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

37

We bring you the latest trends

in the UK’s housing market, with a

detailed focus on WN6 area.

House prices

The average price of a home rose by 1.2% in

August compared to a year ago, according to

the official UK house price index. This is the

highest level of annual growth recorded since

April.

Economy

At 0.3% growth in the UK economy in the

three months to August was slightly higher

than expected. Analysts expect growth of

0.5% over quarter 3, and 1.3% over 2019,

down slightly from 1.4% in 2018 and 1.9% in

2017.

Transactions

Sales level in September were at their highest

monthly level since August 2017 according

to the HMRC. 101,740 sales completed, up

2.3% year on year. Quarter on quarter sales

volumes rose 1.8%.

38

Santa Experiences

Manchester’s Ice Village

Knowsley Safari Park

www.icevillage.co.uk

Until December 24

Grotto tickets £7.50 per child

Cathedral Gardens, Manchester, M4 3BG

Get in the festive mood this season with

Manchester’s Ice Village! Not only can the kids go

and meet Santa, but grown-ups can head to the

unmissable Ice Tiki Bar, while families show off their

skills at the ice skating rink. Meet a giant ice dragon

in the Ice Cavern, sit in a regal ice carriage, see if you

can escape a giant ice block

and get a real frozen

experience! There’ll

also be festive

market stalls to

browse and

delicious food

on offer.

www.knowsleysafariexperience.co.uk/whatson/events/enchanted-christmas-event/

Selected dates until December 23

Tickets £7.50 (under-3s go free). Santa’s Grotto

must be booked separately at £7.50 per child.

Prescot, L34 4AN

Get Enchanted at Knowsley Safari Park after

dark! Your path will be lit with magical lights and

illuminated animals as you traverse the foot safari

– plus, enjoy festive food, music and meet Santa at

his grotto!

You’re really in for an enchanting experience

with charming animals, and the chance to make

wonderful memories in time for Christmas.

Santa’s Enchanted Forest


Tickets £10 per child, £3

per adult (under-1s go free)

Shorrocks Hill, Formby, L37 2EB

www.santasenchantedforest.co.uk

On cold, crisp winter nights, you’ll find Santa and

his elves tucked away in the enchanted forest.

Explore the Formby woodlands, discover a

giant candy house, and a mini locomotive

travelling through Santa’s mini village.

Families can try dancing with Dancing

Davina in a purpose-built studio, write

letters to Santa at elf writing school, and

visit Father Christmas himself in his log

cabin. Finally, capture beautiful pictures in

a giant human snow globe!

39

Tatton Park

www.tattonpark.org.uk

Dates until December 22

Grotto tickets £6.50 per child, £7 per adult

(admission to Christmas Mansion £10 per adult,

£7 per child)

Mereheath Drive, Knutsford, WA16 6SG

The fairy godmother is waiting to lead you on an

enchanting journey through magical woodlands to

Tatton Park’s Christmas Mansion. Follow the sweetie

trail through the forest and to the servants’ quarters,

where you’ll enter the Witch’s gingerbread house.

Meander through grand staterooms in the mansion

itself, see Cinderella’s magnificent pumpkin coach

and beautiful Christmas trees bedecked in lights!

Children can meet Santa Claus and make reindeer

food at the farm, and there’ll be festive brass, choral

concerts and delicious seasonal food available, as

well as plenty of opportunities to stock up on stocking

fillers! Pose

for a selfie on

Santa’s sleigh, enjoy

storytellers, face painters and

a traditional live nativity – the magic really does

come alive for the festive season at Tatton.

40

Farmer Teds

Dunham Massey

www.farmerteds.com/farmerchristmas


Tickets £20 per child, £9.75 per adult, £7.50 per

under-1

Flatman’s Ln, Ormskirk, L39 7HW

Farmer Ted’s is transformed into a winter

wonderland each December – visitors can stroll

down magical high street Candy Cane Lane to

discover an animated reindeer and donkey show

or enjoy a performance from the resident elf band.

Nearby, the Reindeer Food Factory will help you

make the perfect treat to leave on your lawn for

Santa’s reindeers.

Later, meet Santa in his workshop, write a postcard

with your festive wishes on at Elf School, build a

snowman and post for a picture in the Christmas

carriage! A 4D cinema will show Boris’s Christmas

Adventure, there’ll be real reindeer for you to meet,

and so many photo opportunities along the way.

www.nationaltrust.org.uk/dunham-massey/


Tickets £17.50 per adult, £11 per child (under-3s go

free)

Altrincham, WA14 4SJ

Dunham Massey’s winter trail is one of the most

anticipated family attractions of the season. The

grand avenue will be replanted with gigantic

flowers, brought to life with light projections. Head

through vortex tunnels, see reflections made by

fire on water, and watch in awe as lights tumble

from the undergrowth in a spectacular show of

illuminations.

Your walk under the stars will be finished off with

spiced cider, mulled wine or hot chocolate as you

gather around the fire-pit to toast marshmallows.

For the little ones, a traditional funfair with a helter

skelter, Victorian carousel and more awaits; if you’re

lucky, you might even spot Santa and his helpers.

Wayfarers Arcade

www.wayfarersarcade.co.uk


Tickets £5 per child (£14 x 3, £18 x 4)

Lord Street, Southport, PR8 1NY

Make Christmas truly magical in the traditional

Victorian shopping arcade at Wayfarers, Southport.

Santa will be in residence to hand out gifts to the

children in the stunning setting of the arcade.

41

Traf ord Cenrte

www.intu.co.uk/traffordcentre/events/

peter-rabbits-christmas-grotto


Tickets £8.50 per child, £5.50 per adult

Stretford, Manchester, M17 8AA

The wonderful world of Beatrix Potter comes to

Manchester this Christmas with the immersive

Peter Rabbit Grotto.

Meet Squirrel Nutkin, decorate elf biscuits with Mrs

Tiggy-Winkle, and keep your eyes peeled for the

sneaky Mr Tod in his lair. Actors bring the world of

Beatrix Potter to life as you travel to meet Santa and

receive a special Christmas gift.

Holland Hall

Delamere Forest

www.forestryengland.uk/forest-event/eventsdelamere-forest/santas-grotto


Grotto tickets £8 per child, £2 per adult

Whitefield Car Park, Oakmere, Frodsham, WA6 8LH

Feel the crunch of winter leaves under your wellies

as you follow the Christmas trails at Delamere Forest!

Whether you’re picking up your real Christmas tree,

enjoying steaming cups of hot chocolate, or visiting

Santa in his woodland grotto, there’s something

for everyone this Christmas. Children will receive a

baby tree to take home and a small gift from Santa.

Ellamora

www.ellamora.co.uk

Dates between December 7 & 24

Tickets £12 per child

Church Road, Rainford, WA11 8HD

Ellamora is bringing back the magic of the Tyrers

Grotto this Christmas! Featuring the original Santa

Claus from St. Helens’ most famous department store,

children can visit the man himself in his traditional

annexe and receive a magical Christmas gift.

www.hollandhall.co.uk

December 15, 12:30pm-3:30pm

Tickets £12 per child, £18 per adult

Lafford Ln, Up Holland, WN8 0QZ

Don’t forget your letters to Santa, because he’s

appearing at Holland Hall for a Family Santa Carvery

this month! Children can meet the man himself to

receive a gift, play games with the elves, and enjoy a

delicious 2-course carvery and music from resident

DJ Col.

The Star Inn

www.thestarinnrobymill.co.uk

December 24

Roby Mill, WN8 0QQ

Enjoy a delicious

festive lunch with

Santa and his

elves! Families can

sample some of

Marti Cameron’s

star dishes before

paying a personalised

visit to Santa and

receive a gift in the Stables

Bar - book on 01257 253355.

42

Serves

4

Roasted Red Pepper and Tomato Soup

Ingredients Method

750g large ripe

1 Preheat the oven to 200C, 180C fan, gas mark 6. Score a cross in the top and base

tomatoes

of each tomato and place in the roasting tin with the peppers, shallots, garlic

4 red peppers

cloves, olive oil and Italian herbs. Season with salt and freshly ground black

pepper and roast for 25-30 minutes until the tomatoes are soft with charred,

4 shallots, peeled and

peeling skins and the peppers have blistered and blackened skins.

halved

2 Carefully place the hot peppers in a large freezer bag and leave until cool enough

2 garlic cloves

to handle (this will help to make peeling them easier). Leave the tomatoes and

2 tbsp virgin olive oil

shallots to cool in the roasting tin.

1 tbsp dried Italian herbs

3 Peel the peppers, discarding the seeds and pith, and remove the skins and any

Salt and freshly ground tough core from the tomatoes. Place both in a food processor or blender with

black pepper

the shallots and any juices from the roasting tin. Process until very smooth – you

1 tbsp sun-dried tomato may need to do this in two batches.

puree

4 Transfer the pepper and tomato mixture to a large pan and stir in the sun-dried

400ml vegetable stock tomato puree, vegetable stock and sugar. Slowly bring to the boil then simmer

for 5 minutes. Taste and adjust the seasoning, to taste.

1 tsp sugar

5 Ladle the soup into warmed bowls, top with a swirl of crème fraiche and some

Crème fraiche, roasted

pumpkin seeds and basil.

pumpkin seeds and

shredded fresh basil

leaves, to serve

43

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44

Winter reads

Whether you’re buying for someone else, looking for ideas for yourself, or plan to buy a book,

read it and then wrap it up (we won’t tell), there’s plenty to choose from this month.

Banksy You Are an Acceptable

Level of Threat

Gary Shove & Patrick Potter

This is so much more than

just a coffee-table-worthy

photography collection. For a

start, it’s snort-out-loud funny.

It’s been updated for 2019 and now spans Banky’s

career, from the early 90s to 2018. There are

anecdotes, irreverent biographical references and a

few hundred photos to pore over.

The Testaments

Margaret Atwood

The Testaments picks up a few

years after The Handmaid’s Tale

ended. It weaves together the

stories of three women – Daisy,

born in Gilead but raised in

Canada; Agnes Jemima, who’s

desperate to escape the life set out for her by her

step-parents; and the infamous Aunt Lydia. Perfect

for fans of The Handmaid’s Tale (book or TV series).

The Corset

Laura Purcell

Ruth Butterham is on trial for

murdering her mistress. She

confessed to the crime, but is

she guilty or delusional? The

more that wealthy prison visitor

Dorothea Truelove hears of the

beaten and broken Ruth’s tale, the less sure she is of

who the real villain is in the story. Is Ruth the killer,

is there another murderer at large or, as Ruth seems

to believe, is the real culprit something far more

unlikely? Gripping historical crime fiction sure to

appeal to fans of Sarah Waters.

Little Robin Red Vest

Jan Fearnley

This classic picture book is

now 20 years old. It tells the

story of how the robin got

his red vest. (Spoiler: Father

Christmas gave it to him as

a reward for the robin giving away his own woolly

vests.) A great story, beautiful illustrations and a

feel-good message. What more could a young child

want from a book on Christmas morning?

Burn After Writing (Teen Edition)

Rhiannon Shove

A journal with a difference,

Burn after Writing invites teens

to answer a series of questions

to paint a picture of who they

are, from ‘The song that makes

me want to dance’ to ‘If I had

a brainwashing machine, I would use it to’ and

‘Something I do that makes me feel proud of

myself’. Perfect for 11 to 14 year olds.

Veg

Jamie Oliver

Buying for a vegetarian? Or

just someone who enjoys

healthy food that tastes

great and doesn’t take hours

to prepare? This book is for

them. There are twists on

new classics, such as Veggie Moussaka and Vegan

Lasagne, and plenty of more inspired dishes,

like Masala Stuffed Peppers, Pulled Mushroom

Sandwich and Crispy Cauliflower Katsu. Some take

a few minutes to make from scratch, while others

are more suitable for chilled-out Sunday brunches.

45

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46 Legal & Finance

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

47

Our lawyers are familiar with the needs

of the people & businesses in the area and

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• Business Law

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Make the right choice – choose Alker Ball Healds!

To find out how we can help you

Contact us today on:

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

48

Style your home this Christmas

Our top tips will help you create a warm and welcoming look.

A wreath on the front door

A front-door wreath provides a wonderful festive

welcome. There is an enormous variety of readymade

wreaths to choose from, or make your own,

using leaves, flowers and seed heads from the garden.

An impressive tree

Britain’s most popular Christmas tree is the

Nordmann fir, while the Norway spruce is cheaper

but drops needles unless watered frequently. When

buying a cut tree, sawing half an inch off the trunk

will help it absorb water. Remove unneeded lowdown

or interior branches, and position your tree

away from sunny windows and radiators. Wind with

an even distribution of lights and garlands and add

ornaments, hanging them in the centre of branches

and at the tips to create depth and interest.

Mantelpieces, balustrades and pictures

Drape fir, ivy, holly and lush green foliage along

mantelpieces and the tops of pictures, and

wind among balustrades. Add pine

cones, baubles, strings of LED lights

and battery-operated candles for a

gorgeous display.

Candles everywhere

Nothing says Christmas like

warm, flickering candlelight,

but keep them away from

decorations and extinguish

them before going to bed

or leaving the house. Better

still, use battery-operated

LED candles in the form of

tea lights, pillars or bridge

decorations.

Piles of presents

Presents look better when

colour-coordinated and criss-

crossed with

ribbons

and bows.

Inexpensive

paper looks

lovely with a

hand crafted

label, or why

not consider

wrapping in fabric

or employing a

reusable box. Finish with

a tiny pine cone, small bauble

or home-made iced biscuit.

Setting the table

Set out a special runner and your best crockery,

perhaps with plates that layer in colour or have gold

edging. Add glassware and cutlery then finish with

greenery, pine cones, candles, baubles and other

small-scale decorations, plus hand-written place

settings.

Hang up stockings

Both children and adults can hang stockings, and if

you don’t have a handy mantelpiece try a peg rail,

branch, coat hooks or stocking hooks.

Card arrangements

Christmas cards are a lovely way to decorate

your home. Display them in neat rows on a shelf

or mantelpiece, tucked into mirrors and picture

frames, stapled to ribbons and hung alongside the

staircase (weighted with a bauble or pine cone) or

from rows of string using mini wooden pegs.

Decorative displays

Use illuminated ornaments or a few poinsettias in

pots, some bowls of clove-studded oranges and a

few baubles or fairy lights in a glass bowl or vase for

a sparkly effect.

49

50

A bit more than a

bauble, this pineapple

decoration is made

from hand-blown glass.

Pineapple bauble, £16,

The Shop Floor Project.

Decorate your

Christmas

Tree

A three-in-one

treat, this 19cm

glass bauble offers

elegant impact.

Genielle ornament,

£18.75, The Taylor.

Who doesn’t love hanging the baubles

on their festive tree? Choose an array of

the most glamorous and eye-catching

ones around and the scene will be set for

festive sparkles and joy.

This decorative

glass bauble is also

illuminated.

It costs £11.99 from

Lights4fun.co.uk.

Photograph: Oliver Perrott

Beautiful Baubles

51

Chic and sophisticated,

this etched glass

bauble gives an

iridescent rainbow of

colours.

Hanging iridescent

feather glass bauble,

£4.50, The Farthing.

This acorn made

from sequins and

pearls is both cute

and glamorous.

Acorn Bauble, £4.95,

Annabel James.

Go for gold with this

80mm clear bauble

with gold ball

garland filling,

£2, B&Q.

• Tempting though it is to throw everything at the

tree, an elegant, unified look is best achieved by

limiting your colour palette to just a few different,

but co-ordinating, shades. The rest can go back in

the box for use in future years.

• Hang your nicest baubles around the middle of the

tree where they can be seen most easily. If you need

to pad them out with cheaper or less interesting

ones, hide these at the bottom or at the sides.

• Larger baubles are best placed at the centre of

branches, where they will add depth, and lower

down on the tree. Smaller baubles can go on the

ends of branches and at the top.

• While you are hanging, stand back regularly and

assess how the tree as a whole is looking. The aim is

to spread your baubles evenly around, from top to

bottom, with a pleasing variety of shapes and sizes.

Traditional

yet glitzy.

Set of four

nutcracker

decorations

£25, Marquis

& Dawe.

Stick to a simple colour scheme and add a variety of

shapes and sizes, as demonstrated by this selection

of Lene Bjerre ornaments, from The Taylor.

You can’t get more

decadent than a

glass chandelier

bauble,

£6.99 each, Dobbies

Garden Centres.

52

53

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54

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

55

56

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57

Appley Bridge Remembers

More than 300 people turned out for Appley

Bridge’s annual Remembrance Service at the war

memorial on Sunday, November 10.

attendees observed a minute’s silence at 11am in

memory of the sacrifices made for our freedom.

Residents visited the war memorial outside

the village community centre on Appley

Lane, with families, uniformed organisations

and the Police Force paying tribute to those

who lost their lives during the Great War.

The service was led by local ministers Fr

Phillip Tuite from St. Joseph’s RC Church

in Wrightington, Rev John Hilton from

The Vale Methodist Church, and Rev John

Mountain and Reader Diane Green from All

Saints Appley Bridge. After Bible readings,

prayers, and the laying of the wreath,

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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

Wigan Rotary Club got involved with sponsoring

this year’s Junior Speaks competition: a chance for

primary school pupils to present informative and

engaging talks on various topics.

This year’s winners were students from St. Wilfrid’s

Primary School in Standish, who performed their

talk on Gender Equality in Sport to Rotarians and

guests. Five young people and their teachers

headed to the Rotary’s Thursday lunch at The Owls

in Standish to present the confident speech that

assured the Club the future is still in safe hands!

Judge Dianne Hawkins from the Bolton Speakers

Club was ‘delighted and encouraged’ by the

standards of public speaking the young students

had achieved.

Standish Speaks

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62

Puzzle Pages

Sponsored by

CROSSWORD

DOWN

1. Expel from a community or group (9)

2. Liquid resulting from the thawing of ice

or snow (9)

4. Painting stand (5)

5. Spectacles (7)

6. Wheel shaft (4)

7. Archaic form of the word ‘you’ (4)

11. Inadequate in amount or degree (9)

12. Daily publication (9)

14. Public transport vehicle (3)

15. Persistently or morbidly thoughtful (7)

18. Public announcement of a proposed marriage (5)

19. Palm fruit (4)

20. Abstain from eating (4)

ACROSS

3. Large, old, luminous stars (3,6)

8. Prophet (4)

9. Adult male horse (8)

10. Baby’s toy (6)

13. Make sore by rubbing (5)

14. Put under a military blockade (7)

15. Suppuration (3)

16. On the Origin of ___, work by

Charles Darwin (7)

17. Sign of the zodiac, the Ram (5)

21. Medicinal tincture used for bruises (6)

22. Government levy (8)

23. On a single occasion (4)

24. The spirit characteristic of an

age or generation (9)

63

WORDSEARCH

THEME: Christmas Carols

Find the hidden words in the word search grid

Amid

Angels

Another

Away

Carol

Come

First

Good

Hark

Herald

Jolly

Just

Kings

Little

Manger

Merry

Nicholas

Night

Old

Rest

Royal

Saint

See

Silent

Sing

Snow

Star

Three

Town

Watched

Winters

Wish

SUDOKU

WIGGLE WORDS

CLUE: To begin from

nothing at all

Trace a path through

all the letters to find

the word or phrase

that fits the clue.

A R T F

T S O R

C H M S

T A R C

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.

4

7 8

1 3

6 4

18 11 15 20

11

12

20

11

21

14

All the puzzle solutions can be found

on page 98 of this magazine

64

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.

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Managing Director &

Chartered Financial Planner

65

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66

Small Business

Saturday

Grassroots campaign Small Business Saturday

returns this month, uniting small businesses across

the UK and encouraging shoppers to support

independent traders in their local area.

On Saturday, December 7, the focus will be on

the successes and achievements of these local

companies. Not only do you help out the local

economy when you shop local, but you help to

create more jobs locally and are often getting

something more original than heading to the

high street. Shopping locally even helps the

environment, with products often locally sourced

and fewer miles travelled to the store for customers

too.

Last year, an estimated £812 million was spent in

small businesses across the UK on Small Business

Saturday.

In Haigh, sisters Angela Tickle and Julie Robinson

have been running their floristry business for 25

years. They opened up in the old tearooms at Haigh

Hall back in 1994, moving to the Courtyard 9 years

ago after the refurbishment took place.

The duo joined the Small Business Saturday group

three years ago, and say it has helped them gain

more hits online and boosted their social media

account.

Angela said: ‘We joined the group to gain some

support from like-minded businesses within the

area, and we haven’t been disappointed. It is a great

network of people and we are always in contact

with other businesses and the group themselves,

helping out and sharing resources.

to shout about what they have to offer. With an

independent business you are getting bespoke

services and personal customer care. The Small

Business Saturday group really tap into this and

help us to get the word out there.’

‘With the high street in decline I think it’s important

for small businesses to not only stick together, but

67

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68 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 December.

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

69

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

70 Health & Fitness

Six Tips for a

Healthy Winter

The shorter, darker, colder, wetter days of winter

can leave even the fittest and chirpiest of us feeling

mentally and physically run-down. To keep you feeling

better through the winter:

1: Reduce your infection risk

Colds and flu are rife at this time of year, and while

being cold cannot give you a cold (only a virus can

do that) it can stress your body and lower your

immunity. Take extra care with hygiene and take

antibacterial hand gel with you when you go out.

If you’re eligible for a free flu vaccine, or are in an atrisk

group for whom the vaccine’s recommended,

make sure you get it early, before flu season gets

underway. Ignore those who claim the vaccine

gives you flu; it can’t, as it contains no live viruses.

People who get flu after the vaccine may have a

rarer flu strain not covered by the vaccine or may

have already had a flu virus before their vaccination

became fully active (10-14 days after vaccination).

2: Keep exercising

Exercise can boost your immune system, release

endorphins that make you feel better and warm

you up, too. Bundle up and stay safe by avoiding

exercising when its icy and wearing bright,

reflective clothes if you’re out in the dark.

If the winter weather does put you off, consider

indoor alternatives: swimming, indoor climbing,

exercise classes, a local gym, a new exercise DVD or

some home gym equipment like an exercise bike.

The NHS has some great free exercise routines.

Check out www.nhs.uk/live-well/exercise and

click on ‘fitness guides’ for a range of ten-minute

workouts and exercises, or www.nhs.uk/conditions/

nhs-fitness-studio for online exercise videos. The

range covers yoga, Pilates, strength exercises,

aerobic workouts and more, so there’s something

for everyone.

3: Get enough daylight, fresh air and

vitamin D supplements!

Tempting as it might be, hibernating indoors isn’t

great for your health. Your body uses sunlight to

regulate your body clock and create vitamin D, an

essential vitamin for building strong teeth, muscle

and bone. However, while daylight helps, between

October and early March in the UK there’s not

enough of it for you to make sufficient vitamin D,

even if you regularly spend time outdoors; nor can

you make up the deficit by eating vitamin D-rich

foods like oily fish (e.g. salmon, sardines, herring and

mackerel), red meat, liver, egg yolks and fortified

foods like fat spreads and breakfast cereals. So

while getting some winter sun and eating vitamin

D-rich foods can help, the NHS recommends that

everyone should top-up with a daily 10mcg vitamin

D supplement during the autumn and winter.

4: Stay warm

Being too cold puts stress on your body. When the

temperature drops below 8°C, some people are at

increased risk of mental or physical illness, especially

if they’re over 65, disabled, pregnant, have young

children (under school age), have a mental health

condition or have a long-term health condition.

Low temperatures increase vulnerability to heart

attacks, stroke, flu, pneumonia, hypothermia,

falls and injuries, and can worsen mental health

conditions like depression and dementia.

It also increases the symptoms of Raynaud’s Disease,

a relatively common condition that interrupts blood

supply to the extremities, causing symptoms such

as pain, numbness, stiffness and pins and needles.

71

It most commonly affects the fingers, and you may

notice them go white or even blue and then turn

red as blood flow returns.

Keep your home heated to at least 18°C and use

hot water bottles, heat packs or electric blankets.

Try a hot bath, have hot drinks and eat for warmth

(hot cereals, soups and stews). Pre-warm clothes

on a radiator or in your airing cupboard, and once

you’re outdoors try to breathe through your nose,

as this warms air before it reaches your lungs. Wear

layers, warm gloves and a hat. If you have Raynaud’s

Disease, use hand dryers for warmth, wear an extra

pair of gloves and socks, and avoid heavy carrier

bags that restrict blood flow to your fingers.

5: Eat healthy comfort food

Comfort food doesn’t have to be unhealthy. Stews

and soups are great winter foods, but watch your

fat and salt intake and include plenty of vegetables.

Homemade soups are easily made with a cheap,

simple blender, and cooked fruit with low-fat custard

makes a great winter pudding. The NHS website has

some healthy, warming recipes. Just visit www.nhs.

uk/live-well/eat-well and click on recipes.

6: Finally, look after your mental health

Stay active, warm and sociable: exercise, time spent

outdoors and the company of others can all help

stave off winter blues. However, if you think you may

have full-blown SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder),

see your GP for help. Don’t suffer in silence.

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72

Festive

Food Swaps

After weeks of festive foodie temptations, it’s easy to

start the New Year a few pounds heavier and feeling

far from fit. But the alternative isn’t avoiding treats

altogether: it’s choosing the swaps you can live with.

Start as You Mean to Go On

If you must have a starter, keep it small and light.

SWAP creamy soups or cheese laden dishes for:

• A small prawn cocktail with fresh lettuce and

a little low-fat dressing (if you must add bread,

stick to half a slice of wholemeal).

• A small fresh fruit cocktail.

• A small bowl of cream-free soup.

The Main Event

SWAP

• Duck or goose for turkey or a lean cut of red meat.

• Butter-basting your turkey for removing the skin

(reducing the calories by nearly a third and fat by

more than half).

• Sausage meat for vegetarian sausage mix in

stuffing.

• Goose fat or lard etc. for a low-fat vegetablebased

oil or spray oil.

• Some of your roast potatoes for crispy jacket

potatoes (not mash: the added milk and butter is

its downfall).

• Roasted vegetables for steamed ones.

Your Just Desserts

113g (a quarter) of a standard Christmas pud usually

has 375-400 calories and 40-50g of sugar, although

they are relatively low in fat. Fancy something

healthier? Try 113g of:

• Morrison’s Very Berry Strudel (287 calories, 18g

sugar, 13g fat)

• Sainsbury’s Mixed Berry Trifle Desert (171

calories, 21g sugar, 7g fat)

SWAP

• Elmlea double cream (351 calories, 4g sugar, 36g

fat per 100ml) for

• Sainsbury’s low-fat yogurt (62 calories, 7g of

sugar, 1g fat per 100g)

Raise Your Glass – Not Your Blood Pressure

Alcohol is usually high in sugar and calories:

consider swapping 175ml glasses of some alcoholic

drinks for these delicious alternatives.

Bollinger champagne (133 calories) for

• J2O Spritz watermelon (35 calories)

Dry River Pinot Grigio (158 calories) for:

• Welch’s White Grape, Pear and Apple Juice (35

calories)

Echo Falls Merlot (125 calories) for:

• Asda Grape, Apple and Raspberry Juice (100

calories)

Choose your swaps wisely and you

could save pounds of both kinds.

Merry Christmas!

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74 Leisure

Upload your event for FREE at

www.locallife247.co.uk/events

Standish Christmas Fayre

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

Lots to buy and enjoy, including craft and gift stalls,

homemade cakes and bacon butties. Free entry.

St. Wilfrid’s Church, Rectory Lane, Standish, WN6

0XA

Haigh Lights Switch-On

Sunday, November 24, 12pm-4:45pm

See the Christmas lights switched on in the

Courtyard, with a festive firework finale! There’ll

be music from the Golborne Brass Band, family

entertainment and a visit from Santa. Free entry.

Haigh Woodland Park, Copperas Lane, Haigh,

WN2 1PE

Love Song

Weds, Nov 27 – Sat, Dec 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 Street, Wigan,

WN1 3SL

Festive Extravaganza

Thursday, November 28, 5:30pm-7:30pm

Enjoy a festive shopping extravaganza with

exclusive offers and discounts, plus more than 13

local producers exhibiting food, wines, gins and

more!

Derby House, Mossy Lead Road, Wrightington,

WN6 9RE

And A Nightingale Sang

Thurs, Nov 28 – Sat, Nov 30, 7pm

Douglas Drama Group present CP Taylor’s play

set in WWII, which follows a family through the

heartbreak, nostalgia and surprising humour of the

era. Tickets £7.50 from DIY Centre Parbold.

Parbold WI Hall, Station Road, Parbold, WN8 7NU

Christmas Bingo

Friday, November 29, 5pm

Enjoy festive bingo games for the whole family!

Tickets £2 from the venue including refreshments,

then bingo books cost £1 each on the night.

St. James the Great Church, Church Ln,

Wrightington, WN6 9SP

Xmas Ceramics Workshop

Friday, November 29, 6:30pm-8:30pm

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 Street, Standish, WN6

0HQ

75

Tunley Christmas Fair

Saturday, November 30, 11am-1pm

Browse stalls offering homemade cakes, Christmas

gifts and toys, bric-a-brac and more. There’ll also be

plenty of competitions, raffles and games, plus a

Santa’s Grotto. Light lunches available.

Tunley URC Hall, Mossy Lea Road, Wrightington,

WN6 9RW

All Saints Xmas Fair


Browse stalls offering everything from Christmas

plants to books and cards, visit Santa in his grotto,

submit a Christmas prayer request and enjoy tasty

refreshments.

All Saints Appley Bridge Church, Finch Ln, Appley

Bridge, WN6 9DT

Winter Makers Market


Local artists and makers offer bespoke goods with

a festive theme, plus make your own Santa plate or

Christmas card.


Standish Christmas Market


Festive fun across Standish, with plenty of stalls to

browse, a Santa’s Grotto, food, drink, dancing & more!

Standish Village Centre

Christmas Fayre

Saturday, November 30, 12pm-4pm

Wigan & Leigh Hospice are hosting a Christmas

fayre packed with stalls, raffles and tombolas, plus

a Santa’s Grotto for the little ones. Free admission.

The Monaco, Atherton Road, Hindley, WN2 3EU

Christmas in Standish

The ever-popular Standish Christmas

Market returns on Saturday, November 30,

and excitement is already mounting.

Featuring the usual wealth of stalls spread

across Market Place, Cross Street, St. Wilfrid’s

Church, Standish Methodist Church and

Standish Library. Expect tasty food offerings,

live music from local artists, and so many

stalls you won’t know where to head first!

Santa once again heads to his grotto in

Standish LIbrary to hand out gifts for the

little ones, with lots of festive activities

going on around him.

Hosted by Standish Voice, the market will

be great fun for all the family, and bring the festive

cheer to the village in full force.

For more information and updates about the market,

keep an eye on the Standish Christmas Market

Facebook page or visit www.standishvoice.co.uk

76

Prom Weekend

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

Hundreds of gowns to choose from for your Prom

Princess, including top brands like Morilee, To The

Nines and Gino Cerutti. Refreshments available.

Romancia, Main Street, Billinge, WN5 7PB

Mulled Wine Walk

Sunday, December 1, 12:30pm-2:30pm

Enjoy a free guided wintery walk around Haigh

Woodland Park and enjoy a glass of mulled wine!

Haigh Woodland Park, School Ln, Haigh, WN2 1PE

Pemberton Xmas Market

Sunday, December 1, 12:30pm-6:30pm

Browse stalls, meet and greet favourite characters,

see a birds of prey display, a giant snow globe,

delicious food and more! There’ll be a funfair and

visit from Santa for the children.

Pemberton Masonic Hall, Chapel St, WN5 8JP

Swing into Xmas

Sunday, December 1, 7:30pm

Join Andy Prior and the Swingtime Big Band for a

night of Christmas swing music! Tickets £20 from

Peter on 07848 818276.

Village on the Green, Woods Road, Aspull, WN2

1PJ

Light for a Life

Tuesday, December 3, 6:30pm

Join Wigan & Leigh Hospice as 5,000 Christmas

lights are switched on to celebrate special

occasions, loved ones and more. Show your love

with a light of your own on the tree, to be entered

into a Book of Dedications.

Wigan & Leigh Hospice, Kildare St, Hindley, WN2 3HZ

Carols around the Tree

Wednesday, December 4, 6:30pm

Join the Red Admiral Band, Sing4Fun and local

schools to sing Christmas carols around the

tree. Dress warmly and bring a torch! Traditional

refreshments available, more info on 01257 464431.

Parbold Village Hall, The Green, WN8 7DN

Xmas 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 Rd, Billinge, WN8 0AA

Once upon a Pantomime

Thurs, Dec 5 - Sat, Dec 7, 7:30pm (2pm matinee

on Sat)

Mawdesley Amateur Dramatics present a family

pantomime written by Emma Meen. Tickets £8 per

adult or £4 per child at www.madsociety.co.uk or

SPAR.

Mawdesley Village Hall, Hurst Green, L40 2QT

Festive Wreath Workshop

Friday, December 6, 6:30pm-8:30pm

Impress friends and family with your own

handcrafted Christmas wreath. Tickets £10

including materials, bookable on Eventbrite.


Family Christmas Party

Friday, December 6, 7pm-midnight

Festive fun for all the family, featuring a disco, raffle,

buffet and visit from Santa himself! Tickets £3 per

adult or £2 per child from Shawna on 07962 321803.

Highfield Cricket Club, Billinge Rd, WN3 6BL

77

Christmas Fayre

Saturday, December 7, from 12pm

Book-Cycle is hosting a festive fayre complete with

craft and gift stalls, a Santa’s grotto and mulled

wine.

Book-Cycle Beech Hill, Buckley St, Wigan, WN6 7PQ

Reg Meuross

Saturday, December 7, doors at 7pm

Acoustic Roots welcomes master songwriter Reg

Meuross for a night of folk music – tickets £14 from

WeGotTickets, just search Acoustic Roots Wigan.

St. Michael & All Angels Church, Higher Lane,

Dalton, WN8 7RP

Nativity Festival

Sat, Dec 7 & Sun, Dec 8, 1pm-4pm

Enjoy a display of Nativity scenes old and new

donated by local families and churches, and tie a

knot in the Advent branch. Refreshments available.

St. Peter’s Church, High St, Mawdesley, L40 3TD

Aladdin

Saturday, Dec 7 – Sunday, Jan 12, various times

A larger than life family pantomime – join the hero

Aladdin as he battles the evil Abanazer and his

dastardly plan to rule the world, helped out by a

special genie. Tickets bookable on 01744 756000.

St. Helens Theatre Royal, Corporation Street, St.

Helens, WA10 1LQ

Santa Stroll

Sunday, December 8, 10am

Raise money for Wigan Samaritans with a 7K family

walk around Haigh Plantations. Entry £10 including

a Santa suit, under-3s free, bookable on Eventbrite.


Beacon Santa Dash

Sunday, December 8, 10am-1pm

Take part in a 5K Santa Dash or a 1 mile family

fun run – entry £5 per person or £10 per family,

including a Santa hat, medal and post-race mince

pie. Prizes awarded for the best dressed Santa –

more info at www.discoverormskirk.com/events/

Beacon Country Park, Up Holland, WN8 7RU

5K Santa Dash

Sunday, December 8, 11am

Don your Santa suit and take off on a 5K route

around Mesnes Park. Entry £20 per adult, £15 per

U16 and £8 per U10 at www.christmasdash.co.uk

Mesnes Park, Wigan, WN1 1TU

Greenslate Christmas Fair


Loads of fab Christmas activities to enjoy and

plenty of festive food, plus enough stalls to fill any

stocking! Kids can meet Santa and have a go on the

bouncy castle. Free entry.

Greenslate Farm, Greenslate Road, Billinge, WN5

7BG

Family Fun Day

Sunday, December 8, 12pm-4pm

A free Christmas fun day for all the family, with live

music, a pantomime, festive circus skills workshops,

a treasure trail, golf tasters and more. Little ones can

meet Santa or decorate festive lollies.


Brass Concert

Sunday, December 8, 7pm-10pm

Join the Pemberton Old Wigan ‘B’ Band for a

Christmas concert under the direction of Alistair

Burrows. Tickets £6 on the door.

Pemberton Band Room, Enfield St, Wigan, WN5 8DZ

78

Kenyon’s Xmas Concert

Sunday, December 8, 6:30pm-9pm

Join the Pemberton Old Wigan DW Brass Band to

raise money for The Christies Charity. Tickets £10 in

advance or £12 on the door, including mulled wine

and mince pie, bookable on 01695 624426.

Holland Hall Hotel, Lafford Ln, Up Holland, WN8 0QZ

Intrada Brass

Friday, December 20, 7:30pm

The Music Continuum presents a night of festive

music with Intrada Brass. Tickets £10 from Peter on

07848 818276.

St. Michael & All Angels Church, Duke Street,

Swinley, WN1 2BJ

Christmas Concert

Friday, December 13, 7:30pm-9:30pm

An evening of festive music with the Coppull

and Standish Brass Band. Tickets £8 including

refreshments on 01257 463407/425330/426252.

Tunley URC, Mossy Lea Rd, Wrightington, WN6 9RW

Santa Hunt


Santa has lost the password to his sleigh’s supercomputer

– can you find the clues hidden around

Beacon Country Park and piece it together? Trail

maps cost £2 from the Ranger Office, and prizes are

available!

Beacon Country Park, Up Holland, WN8 7RU

Jack & the Beanstalk

Thurs, Jan 9 – Sat, Jan 25, 7:30pm (2:15pm

matinees available)

Jack sells his cow in exchange for magic beans –

what happens when he attracts the wrath of a scary

giant? Tickets £10/£12 on 01942 242561.

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

Beauty & the Beast

Saturday, January 11, 1:30pm-3pm

A fun family pantomime comes to life as Beauty

is imprisoned in the castle of a mysterious Beast –

watch the tender romance unfold between them!

Tickets £5 per child/£7.50 per adult at leighcc.org

Leigh Cricket Club, Beech Walk, Leigh, WN7 3LH

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

Gardening 79

Planning your

Christmas garden

Award Winner

by Angie Barker

photo: James H. Miller, Wikipedia

I had a strange

conversation with Hubby

the other day. I mentioned

I wanted to buy our grand

daughter the Twirlywoos

and their Big Red Boat

for Christmas. You can

probably imagine his

reaction – and if you don’t

have small children or

grand children, you too

are probably wondering

what on earth I’m talking

about! If Christmas shopping is making you feel

stressed, try escaping to the peace and quiet of your

garden for 5 minutes. Being outside in the fresh air

and close to nature is now recognised as a great

stress reliever. I often retreat to the garden at this

time of year with a cup of tea and a throw to keep me

warm – after all I’ve not even had the conversation

with Hubby yet about the Ninky Nonk!!

I know it sounds a strange thing to say when really

all you’ve got on your mind is your Christmas

shopping, gardens should still hold interest and

look good even in the depths of winter and the best

way to achieve this is to use plants for structure and

colour. Here are some good examples:

Viburnum tinus ‘Eve Price’ grown as a half standard.

They bring height and evergreen structure and have

small white flowers in the winter months – and they

look great wrapped with fairy lights.

Bergenia ‘Bressingham Beauty’ or Elephants Ears. A

low growing evergreen with rounded leaves which

colour up red during the cold weather.

Sarcococca confusa or Christmas Box. A medium

sized evergreen shrub with highly scented white

flowers in winter.

Skimmia ‘Rubella’ is a hardy evergreen shrub with

reddish/pink bud like flowers around Christmas

time. They do prefer acidic compost so I’ve got mine

planted in a pot by my front door.

Euonymus fortunei ‘Emerald ‘n’ Gold’. This small

shrub will brighten even the darkest winter border

If you are stuck for a gift idea, why not buy your

loved one a plant which is performing at its best at

this time of year and which will give them pleasure

for many years to come. After all, garden centres

aren’t just for Christmas decorations!

Have a very lovely Christmas everyone and see you

next year.

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

photo: Dominicus Johannes Bergsma, Wikipedia

80

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

Give your garden a makeover!

We offer high quality landscaping, garden

design and ground maintenance services

Quality work and reliability

at competitive prices

01942 510 986

07710 405 214

www.ashlandscapingandmaintenance.co.uk

Established 1994

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

01257 401193 / 0771 077 2732

www.newleafgardenservices.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

Semmens

Landscapes

Garden Design • Landscaping • Maintenance

Professional & reliable service

For a free quote, call Andy on

07814 133 690

• •

• 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

81

Qualified Tree Surgeon NCA RFS NPTC

All types of Tree and Hedge Work

Fully Insured

Felling, Reducing, Pruning, Shaping

BILLINGE BASED

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

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

QUALIFIED & INSURED

FREE ESTIMATES

TELEPHONE:

01695 623 909

07903 290 878

www.gardenrescue-treeservices.com

Prices start from

£39+ VAT per issue

Free artwork

Monthly payments

We also sell hardwood seasoned logs

• Tree Dismantling, Felling & Pruning

• Crown Reduction, Thinning & Lifts

• Pollarding

• Removal of dead, dying & diseased trees

• Stump Grinding

• Hedge Trimming & Removal

Call today for your FREE quotation:

01257 435501 07805 325231 www.jjhtreesolutions.co.uk

FREE HandyContacts web listing

when you advertise in LocalLife magazine

Call us today on

01695 627999

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

82 Motoring

Lexus Luxury

The Lexus UX 250 will certainly turn heads, and not

from the noise. Its striking looks and angles make for

a distinctive and arresting aesthetic. Not everyone

will like it, but it’s far more interesting than a BMW

or Audi.

The rear lamps connect in a full-width strip, giving

it a hi-tech appearance. Triggered by ambient light

levels, the auto-illuminating front LED lights give the

aggressive front end a poised stance; then there’s

that huge front grille that almost wraps around the

front, unlike anything else on the market.

Interior

The front of the UX’s cabin is where Lexus excels.

The space feels generous and welcoming, material

quality is excellent, and features nice touches like

the optional dashboard covering that resembles

textured Japanese washi paper.

As usual, Lexus touts its superior craftsmanship

– called Takumi – and named the top-end trim

package after it. Takumi spec is equipped with a

larger 10.3in infotainment screen and DVD player,

an upgraded sound system, heads-up display,

leather upholstery and sunroof.

Below that sits F-Sport, which boasts features such

as sports suspension, sports seats and a black grille,

bumpers and side sills.

The Premium Plus Pack includes leather seats,

privacy glass, bigger 18in alloy wheels, a heated

steering wheel, heated front seats, keyless entry

and a powered tailgate. The Tech and Sound pack

includes the parking sensors, electric seats and

high-end hi-fi.

The seats are comfortable for short or long

rides, while rear space is slightly below average

for additional passengers. Passenger storage is

reasonable, but not superb. There’s a smallish

glovebox and front door bins, along with a decent

cubby under the central armrest and a couple of

cup holders. Rear-seat passengers are served with a

couple of map pockets but no door bins.

The Drive

On the open road the UX combines precise steering

with good body control and resilient grip to feel

quite keen in corners. It doesn’t flop around the way

a tall SUV might, due to its lightweight aluminium

and composite panels which give it a lower centre

83

of gravity. This combined with

a seating position lower than

other SUVs, the UX feels more

car-like to manoeuvre. While

unintended for off-roading,

an all-wheel-drive version with

a separate dedicated electric

motor generator integrated into the

rear differential offers more traction on

slippery surfaces.

The brake pedal can feel awkward, owing to the

hybrid system trying to balance regenerative

braking to charge the battery with conventional

deceleration.

Speaking of the hybrid system, it features a new

four-cylinder 176bhp 2.0-litre petrol-electric hybrid

powertrain with direct-shift continuously variable

transmission (CVT). It is self-charging and benefits

from regenerative braking, so there’s no plug to

worry about.

When there’s enough battery energy it’s possible

to pull away on electric only (EV) power. However,

at about 1,600kgs, pulling away on electric alone

means being very gentle with the pedal. Often

the engine will take over as is required for faster

acceleration. But in a car park, or heavy traffic, you

could easily stick to electric alone. All this results in

economy estimates of 68.9-65.7mpg and emissions

of 96-103g/km CO2 (for the 17- and 18-inch wheel

front-wheel drive models).

Infotainment System

Lexus prides itself on forging its own path, but in

some instances this hasn’t been successful. Take

the sat nav, for example, which is awkward and

notoriously fiddly. It’s an older postcode-based

system, which makes searching by house or road

number first impossible, and a limited database

prevents some destinations from being entered.

There’s no Apple CarPlay or Android Auto either,

despite there being two USB ports available.

The remote is a mousemat-like controller, which

is touch-sensitive and used to select options on

screen. Its high sensitivity makes using it, especially

while driving, a tricky proposition. Luckily, the UX’s

panel of physical buttons below the dash offer

more conventional controls for climate and more.

Overall, the Lexus UX doesn’t lack the tech itself, just

intuitive ways to interact with it.

In a tax (and social) environment increasingly

concerned with emissions, the UX hybrid offers

a unique solution and silhouette in a crowded

segment, but some of the creature comforts leave

something to be desired.and more.

Key Specs

• Engine: 2.0-litre 4cyl, twin electric motor

• Transmission: CVT automatic, front-wheel

drive

• Power: 179bhp

• 0-60mph: 8.5 seconds

• Top speed: 110mph

• Economy/CO2: 53.3mpg/97g/km

For

• Very comfortable seats make for great long

or short drives

• Hybrid powertrain helps keep tax cost and

emissions down

• Peppy drive from a CVT gearbox

• Low CO2 Emissions

Against

• Cramped rear seat and storage space

• Poor towing ability

• Difficult to use on-board tech

• No Apple CarPlay or Android Auto

AIR-CON SERVICING

84 Home Services

WE NOW OFFER HYBRID SERVICING

O MOT (Cars, Light Commercials & Motorcyles)

O Hybrid Servicing

O Service & Repairs (Petrol & Diesel)

O Air-Con Servicing

O Diagnostics

O Tyres

Car Paintwork Repairs

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

PCP or lease coming

to an end?

Call me now and save £000’s

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

Home Services 85

Sponsored by

TV Aerials Installed

TV Wall Mounting

Telephone Lines

Setup Service

Ring Paul on

01942 514 532

07709 490 095

• 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














Dennis Goulding


Telephone: 01257 427 000



A5209

Standish

Shevington

B5250

Open:

J27

A49

TwinLakesMotorEngin ers

Wind Turbines

Heat Pumps

LED Lighting

.and general

Energy Savings




own solar panels


Visit our showroom at

Unit 4a,


o f Miry Lane,

Wigan.

WN6 7TP

or



86

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

Design & Print




01695 627 999

LocalLife

Gel

Nails

norma ly £20

now £15

Lashes

Spray Tan

Sunbeds

Acrylic & Gel Nails


84 Rainford Road, Bi linge WN5 7PG

Telephone: 07814 619 400



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





Ca l now on

01772 603923

REPAIR & WELDING

Saving money is

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Call us now

0843 224 9555

07595 420237

Want to promote your

company in Local Life?

Call Sally: 01695 627 999

locallife247.co.uk

LocalLife

T: 01942 409401

M: 07881 816839

• Professional Carpet - Rug - Upholstery Cleaning

• Leather Cleaning & Restoration

• FREE Pre-Inspection Visit & Quotation

helen@carrolls-cleaning.co.uk

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

87

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

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

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

Over 60 walks

FREE to download at locallife247.co.uk

88

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

Suite 1A, Kirkless Industrial Estate

Cale Lane, Wigan, WN2 1HF

Electrical & Security Specialists

All aspects of electrical work plus;

CCTV Installation

Burglar Alarm Installation

Outdoor/Security Lighting

SMART systems Installation

Automated Gates

For a no-obligation quote call

07470 655 925

Call us today for friendly advice and a free quote.

01942 836 937 www.ghewigan.co.uk

EMERGENCY

ELECTRICIAN SERVICE

24 HOURS

NO CALL-OUT CHARGE

STANDISH

BASED

Email: E4S_enquiries@outlook.com

Website: www.E4Systems.co.uk

Facebook: StandishElectrician

a Installation & Maintenance

a Inspection & Testing

Tel: 07738 117712

Orrell

based

a CCTV & Alarms

a Nest Pro Installer

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

DF

No Fix? No Fee!

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

Jon Wright Electrical Ltd

All types of Domestic & Commercial work undertaken

• Inspection & Tests

• Repairs

Shevington

Electrical Services Ltd

NAPIT part ‘P’ registered

JIB Approved Technician

36 Years Experience

All electrical work

undertaken

• Friendly reliable service

• Mains board upgrades

• Extra sockets to full

rewires

Free quotations

Local. Honest & Reliable

Domestic

Industrial & Commercial

Covering all North West Areas.

Call: 0800 6446100 or 07904 127663

www.shevington-electrical-services.co.uk

• Solar PV

• Alarms

Call now on: 07983 387448

Email: jonwrightelec@live.co.uk

Certificate of excellence winner 2017 & 2018

A.J.S.

BAILEYS

ELECTRICAL

01942 215 769

07739 709 005

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

J.Dillon

• All types of electrical work

• 30+ years experience

• Friendly, fast and reliable

• 24 hour call out service

89

For a free quote

& advice call Jeff

01695 622 191

07850 622 191

Electrical

Services Ltd

Call: 01257 424918 or 07821 139826

www.jdillonelectrical.co.uk

FREE HandyContacts web listing

when you advertise in LocalLife magazine

Prices start from

£39+ VAT per issue

Free artwork

Monthly payments

Call us today on

01695 627999


90



Garage and entrance doors

in matching styles

Is your

garage door

broken ?

Call us today for a free estimate

to Repair or Replace it

Call Sally: 01695 627 999

locallife247.co.uk

LocalLife

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

GARAGE DOOR

REPAIRS

ALL GARAGE DOORS REPAIRED :

Springs, Cables, Locks, Rollers etc.

Doors of all ages repaired

01744 894939 / 07891 330214 NO FIX, NO CHARGE!

www.garagedoorandlock.co.uk

Strawberry Cottage, Pimbo Lane, Upholland WN8 9QL

TELEPHONE

01942 901103

MOBILE

07932 718 362

WWW.CALLPAULLOCKSMITH.CO.UK

91

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

Elite Bathrooms

& Wet Room Installation

• Bathrooms

• Wet Rooms

• Wall & Floor Tiling

Please call for a FREE Estimates

07703 448890 / 01942 208926

Bespoke Tiling

WALL & FLOORING SPECIALISTS

Top class work guaranteed

For a free quotation, call Oliver on

01942 741789

07387 376 530

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

Great Value Bathrooms!

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














Dennis Goulding


Telephone: 01257 427 000



A5209

Standish

B5250

Open:

J27

Shevington

A49

TwinLakesMotorEngineers

Wind Turbines

Heat Pumps

LED Lighting

...and general

Energy Savings




own solar panels


Visit our showr om at

Unit 4a,


o f Miry Lane,

Wigan.

WN6 7TP

or



92

• 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

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

C&

D

Plumbing and Heating

Heating & Bathroom Specialist

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

07973714222

01695625171

Design & Print




01695 627 999

LocalLife

Gel

Nails

norma ly £20

now £15

Lashes

Spray Tan

Sunbeds

Acrylic & Gel Nails


84 Rainford Road, Billinge WN5 7PG

Telephone: 07814 619 400



• 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

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





Ca l now on

01772 603923

REPAIR & WELDING

Saving money is

the clear benefit!


water heating bi l




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U

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Call us now

0843 224 9555

07595 420237

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:

01257 421 660

TEL: 01942 504 429

MOB: 07515 505 501

www.fgwelch.co.uk

Convert your bath to a

Walk-In Shower

AJC

WALK IN SHOWERS

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!

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

93

BOILER

SERVICING

FROM

£60

www.gphwigan.co.uk

No Obligation Quotes – Call Mark on

01257 473026

07515 894281

527090

No

call out

fee

Installation ~ Repairs ~ Service

Central Heating Systems

Boilers & Gas Appliances

General plumbing

Gas Safety Certificates

597379

Call Andy for a free quote on

01942 564 226

07397 391 935

acampbellheatingandgas

Plumbing & Heating Specialist

Complete Bathroom

& Tiling service

John Bailey - 01942 495785

or 07721 040620 & 07710 153238

Based in Kenyon Road, Wigan



Call Sally: 01695 627 999

locallife247.co.uk

LocalLife

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

FINANCE

OPTIONS

AVAILABLE

506515

94

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

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

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

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

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

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

HANDYMAN SERVICES

HOME IMPROVEMENTS & PROPERTY REPAIRS

ALL JOBS CONSIDERED

Fascias/Soffits/Gutters

Painting Inside & Out,

Plumbing, Joinery & Plastering

Gates, Fencing & Flagging

Complete Bathrooms & Kitchens - Fitted & Tiled

Competitive Prices, Local & Reliable

Call Martin 07812 810382 or 01942 392118

95

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

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

JJ Driveways

01257 422317 or 07852 202867

www.mtjoinery.co.uk

GDR Driveways

• Flagging • Block paving

• Indian Stone

www.gdrdriveways.com

Call Gareth for a FREE quotation

01942 217 113 | 07715 177 754

Promote your business

from just £6 a month

HandyContacts only £72+ VAT per annum in advance

Call us today on 01695 627999


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

LocalLife

96

PP

Building services

Joinery Specialists

Your Reliable, Friendly, Professional & Honest

Building & Joinery Specialists

• Conservatories & Orangeries • Garage & Loft Conversions

• Extensions

• Kitchens & Fitted Bedrooms

• Refurbishments & Alterations • Doors & Windows

• Fencing & Decking

• All aspects of joinery work

“Attention to detail is second to none. Can’t recommend Phil enough” Facebook Review, July 2018

ALPINE LTD

Roofing & Building Services

OAP

DISCOUNTS

SERVING

CHORLEY, WEST

LANCASHIRE &

WIGAN

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

• 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

Tel: 01942 410989

Mob: 07730 351523

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

97

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

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

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

All aspects of roofing & roofline

NEW ROOFS REPAIRS

FASCIAS, SOFFITS & GUTTERS

Rubber Cover

Roofing Specialist

Guaranteed 50 years

• WILSON BROS •

Est. 1985

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

Dormers

and

Garages

Call for free quote

M: 07894 687 384

98

Puzzle Solutions

CROSSWORD

ACROSS: 3. Red giants, 8. Seer, 9. Stallion, 10. Rattle, 13. Chafe, 14. Besiege, 15. Pus, 16. Species, 17. Aries,

21. Arnica, 22. Taxation, 23. Once, 24. Zeitgeist

DOWN: 1. Ostracise, 2. Meltwater, 4. Easel, 5. Glasses, 6. Axle, 7. Thou, 11. Deficient, 12. Newspaper, 14. Bus,

15. Pensive, 18. Banns, 19. Date, 20. Fast

WORDSEARCH SUDOKU WIGGLE

WORDS

Start from scratch

NUMBER

BLOCK

3 4 2 3

7 4 1 8

2 1 3 5

6 2 9 4

18 11 15 20

11

12

20

11

21

14

Keep in touch with the

LocalLife Team!

Want to

promote your

business in

LocalLife?

locallifemagazine247@locallifemedia

Read all our magazines online at

locallife247.co.uk

01695 627 999

www.locallife247.co.uk

99

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

100

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 - December 2019

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