26.08.2020 Views

Local Life - St Helens - September 2020

St Helens' FREE local lifestyle magazine.

St Helens' FREE local lifestyle magazine.

SHOW MORE
SHOW LESS

You also want an ePaper? Increase the reach of your titles

YUMPU automatically turns print PDFs into web optimized ePapers that Google loves.

<strong>Local</strong><strong>Life</strong><br />

<strong>St</strong> <strong>Helens</strong> Edition<br />

Sept/Oct <strong>2020</strong><br />

WIN<br />

Rainbow<br />

Glass Art<br />

Meet the Chamber Chief<br />

Pages 30-31<br />

Free Eggs Offer<br />

Page 35<br />

Houghwood Heroes<br />

Page 32<br />

Prescot Festival Winner<br />

Pages 42-43<br />

Jack’s Tracks - Winter Hill<br />

Pages 44-46<br />

Camper Conversions<br />

Pages 54-55<br />

LOCAL NEWS | EVENTS2GO | FOOD | HEALTH | WALKS | COMPETITIONS | HOME & GARDEN SERVICES


2<br />

NEW<br />

SUPERSIZED<br />

<strong>Local</strong><strong>Life</strong><br />

for the <strong>St</strong> <strong>Helens</strong><br />

and Wigan areas<br />

Delivered<br />

regularly to over<br />

39,000 homes in<br />

<strong>St</strong>andish, Shevington, Parbold,<br />

Appley Bridge, Whitley, Newburgh<br />

Orrell, Billinge Higher End, Upholland, Winstanley,<br />

Highfield, Marus Bridge, Ashton & Bryn<br />

• New B5 size (240mm x 170mm)<br />

• GPS tracked distribution<br />

• Advertising prices start from<br />

just £30 + VAT per issue<br />

• Leaflet distribution also available<br />

Rainford, Billinge, Garswood, Moss Bank, Windle,<br />

Eccleston, Eccleston Park, Laffak & Haydock<br />

Also available at<br />

Sainsburys (Wigan) and<br />

Tesco Extra (Wigan & <strong>St</strong> <strong>Helens</strong>)<br />

Promote your company in the new SUPERSIZED <strong>Local</strong> <strong>Life</strong>!<br />

Call us on 01744 649722 or<br />

Visit www.locallife247.co.uk for a media pack<br />

<strong>Local</strong><strong>Life</strong><br />

01744 649 722<br />

locallife247.co.uk


3<br />

Introducing ‘Lucca’ – Full Italian leather<br />

Choose from 14 colours<br />

3 seater £1099, 2 seater £999, chair £599<br />

<strong>St</strong>ockists of<br />

Valor,<br />

Flavel, Dimplex<br />

Aurora & many more<br />

Fully Fitted<br />

Bathrooms<br />

from £4,999!<br />

Free quotations<br />

available<br />

Fully Fitted<br />

Kitchens from<br />

£6,999!<br />

Sofas | Chairs | Dining Sets | Kitchens | Bathrooms | Beds & Bedroom Furniture | Fires<br />

<strong>St</strong>oves | Boilers | Occasional Furniture | Mirrors & Artwork | Lamps & Ornaments<br />

64-80 Duke <strong>St</strong>reet, <strong>St</strong> <strong>Helens</strong>, WA10 2JW<br />

Tel: 01744 22331 www.bartonsofdukestreet.co.uk


4<br />

Getting through the whole COVID-19 health<br />

situation is turning into a bit of a marathon. And<br />

as marathon runners know, there often comes a<br />

time, usually at the 18-20 mile mark, when a runner hits<br />

a “wall”.<br />

The early gung-ho spirit displayed a few months ago has<br />

been replaced by the weary realisation that there is still<br />

some way to normality. For those who wonder if they<br />

have enough in the tank to reach the finish line, here are<br />

three suggestions to help you do that:<br />

Remind yourself of the positives: Six months down the<br />

line, you know a lot more about the virus and how to<br />

reduce the risk of being exposed to it.<br />

Re-commit to your end goal. For a marathon runner, it is<br />

completing 26 miles & 385 yards. For you, it is being alive<br />

and healthy when this is all over.<br />

Don’t focus on the finish line. Just concentrate on getting<br />

through the day. That’s all we can do, remain positive and<br />

take one step at a time.<br />

<strong>September</strong> is a great month for getting out and about<br />

enjoying the last of the summer and, even if events are<br />

far and few between this year, there is still some glorious<br />

countryside nearby to enjoy. For some inspiration, visit<br />

www.locallife247.co.uk, where you can download over 70<br />

free walks!<br />

<strong>St</strong>ay safe and see you at the finishing line,<br />

Chris Pearce, Publisher<br />

chrisp@locallife247.co.uk<br />

Keep in touch with the<br />

<strong>Local</strong><strong>Life</strong> Team!<br />

<strong>Local</strong><strong>Life</strong><br />

Telephone: 01744 649722<br />

info@locallife247.co.uk<br />

locallifemagazine247@locallifemedia<br />

<strong>Local</strong> <strong>Life</strong> 247 Ltd, PO Box 779, Wigan WN1 9UB<br />

Whilst every care has been taken to ensure that the data in this publication is accurate, neither the<br />

publisher or its editorial contributors can accept, and hereby disclaim, any liability to any party to loss<br />

or damage caused by errors or omissions resulting from negligence, accident or other cause. No part of<br />

this publication may be copied or reproduced without the prior written consent of <strong>Local</strong> <strong>Life</strong> 247 Ltd.


5<br />

This month’s highlights<br />

30. Meet the Chamber Chief<br />

Contents<br />

12. Beauty<br />

Boost your hair and skin!<br />

18. Food Section<br />

Peppered pork steaks & more.<br />

22. Back to School Tech<br />

... for the new normal.<br />

32. Houghwood Heroes 34. WIN Rainbow Glass<br />

26. Home Interiors<br />

A new look for your windows.<br />

48. Health<br />

Good posture & migraine awareness.<br />

52. Puzzle Pages<br />

Try these brainteasers for size.<br />

57. Home & Garden Services<br />

Find the best local traders for you.<br />

44. Jack’s Tracks - Winter Hill<br />

42. Festival Winner<br />

54. Camper Conversion<br />

Want to<br />

promote your<br />

business in<br />

<strong>Local</strong><strong>Life</strong>?<br />

Next Issue - November/December <strong>2020</strong><br />

Advertising deadline - 22nd October<br />

Published - 5th November<br />

01744 649722<br />

www.locallife247.co.uk


6<br />

Kate Braves the Shave<br />

Billinger Kate Martin is<br />

Kate told <strong>Local</strong> <strong>Life</strong>,<br />

shaving her hair off in October<br />

“Macmillan nurses supported<br />

to raise funds for Macmillan<br />

my Mum throughout her<br />

Cancer.<br />

Kate, a Countryside Ranger<br />

with the National Trust, is<br />

braving the shave in honour<br />

of her mum, Lesley Clarke<br />

who sadly lost a five year-long<br />

battle with the blood cancer<br />

Myeloma, in March this year.<br />

As <strong>Local</strong> <strong>Life</strong> went to press,<br />

Kate had already raised an<br />

amazing £2,100 of her target of £2,250.<br />

Teacher Lesley was an active member of the Billinge<br />

community and lived in the village for over 40 years. She<br />

was a member of the congregation at <strong>St</strong> Mary’s church,<br />

attending the church’s music group, and was a member<br />

treatment at Whiston and <strong>St</strong>.<br />

<strong>Helens</strong> hospitals, and they<br />

did everything from helping<br />

her to complete forms, to<br />

organising beauty treatments<br />

whilst she was in hospital and<br />

finally helping to organise<br />

the equipment needed so<br />

that she could spend her final<br />

weeks at home with us.<br />

“All of this support helped both Mum and the family<br />

immeasurably during a very difficult time so I want to<br />

raise some money to ensure that Macmillan can keep<br />

supporting people living with cancer and their families”.<br />

To help Kate beat her target of £2,250, please visit her<br />

of several local walking groups during her life. She left page here; https://bravetheshave.macmillan.org.uk/<br />

behind a husband, son, daughter and two grandchildren. shavers/kate-martin<br />

AtoB Taxis<br />

The company that cares<br />

TAXI!<br />

DOWNLOAD OUR TAXI APP<br />

search 451 TAXI<br />

New easy app for your mobile<br />

BOOK YOUR TAXI - TRACK YOUR TAXI - GET YOUR TAXI<br />

<strong>Local</strong> airports & long distance - 4, 6, 8 vehicles<br />

Priority bookings - Text booking service<br />

24 hour call/text back service<br />

01744 600 600<br />

01744 634 634<br />

www.atobdelta.co.uk<br />

34 Baldwin <strong>St</strong>reet, WA10 2RL New Cross <strong>St</strong>reet, WA10 1QN<br />

Heritage Open Days<br />

England’s largest festival of history and culture, Heritage<br />

Open Days, will return in <strong>September</strong> and is heading<br />

outdoors to discover Hidden Nature.<br />

Uncovering stories, sites, places and people that<br />

traditional history has missed or forgotten has always<br />

been at the heart of HODs. Although Heritage Open Days<br />

have been scaled back somewhat from previous years, it<br />

is hoped that the Hidden Nature events will encourage<br />

people to spend time outdoors and discover green spaces<br />

they were unaware of or had previously overlooked.<br />

Events aren’t limited to those accessible in person<br />

either. For the first time, the Heritage Open Days (HODs)<br />

programme will feature digital events, enabling nature<br />

lovers to take tours and explore the natural world from<br />

the comfort of their sofa.<br />

Heritage Open Days run from 11-20 <strong>September</strong>. To search<br />

for local venues taking part, visit the website www.<br />

heritageopendays.org.uk


7<br />

Give your Views<br />

There is still time to raise your views on how to support<br />

cycling and walking in <strong>St</strong> <strong>Helens</strong>.<br />

A surge in cycling and walking for exercise and essential<br />

travel has been seen in <strong>St</strong> <strong>Helens</strong> Borough since lockdown<br />

started and a Liverpool City Region study found six in ten<br />

people asked expected to walk and cycle more even as<br />

lockdown measures are eased.<br />

And with funding available to improve cycling and<br />

walking routes to make them safer and support social<br />

distancing now is the time to add your suggestions on<br />

how to make a difference across the borough. By taking<br />

part in the ‘<strong>St</strong> <strong>Helens</strong> Liveable <strong>St</strong>reets’ consultation,<br />

residents can raise an issue by pinning a ‘virtual’ location<br />

on a map and leaving suggestions on how active travel<br />

and social distancing can be achieved.<br />

Comments will help the council to secure emergency<br />

funding to deliver walking and cycling facilities, and<br />

support project delivery in the future.<br />

<strong>St</strong> <strong>Helens</strong> Borough Council has already been awarded<br />

funds from the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority<br />

to improve the existing cycle lanes on Jubits Lane/<br />

Chester Lane and Clockface Road in Bold with temporary<br />

measures which help separate cycles and cars making it<br />

easier to cycle and walk.<br />

You can leave your views on this website; https://<br />

sthelensliveablestreets.commonplace.is/<br />

The consultation will close at the end of <strong>September</strong>.<br />

Craft Fairs<br />

Five Craft & Gift fairs in aid of raising vital funds for Age<br />

UK Mid Mersey are scheduled to take place in <strong>September</strong>,<br />

October and November at the splendid location of<br />

Mansion House in Victoria Park, <strong>St</strong> <strong>Helens</strong>.<br />

The first of the fairs takes place on Sunday 27th <strong>September</strong>,<br />

running from 11am-4pm. Dates for the other Craft & Gift<br />

fairs at the same venue are 24th and 25th October and<br />

7th and 29th November.<br />

For more details, or to book a stall, email marissa@<br />

memorylanefairs.com<br />

LEADING LOCAL SPECIALISTS<br />

25 HARDSHAW STREET, ST HELENS, WA10 1RP<br />

2 DERBY STREET, PRESCOT, L34 3LJ<br />

THINKING ABOUT THE FUTURE?<br />

Everyone should make a Will and we can give advice and guidance as to the<br />

most appropriate form of Will for you to cover your individual requirements<br />

and to try to minimize, where possible, the impact of Inheritance Tax.<br />

WILLS<br />

TRUSTS<br />

PROBATE<br />

ADMINISTRATION OF ESTATES<br />

INHERITANCE TAX PLANNING<br />

LASTING POWERS OF ATTORNEY


8<br />

A Question of Taste<br />

Have you ever pondered why your friend’s home<br />

looks like something out of Homes and Gardens<br />

magazine, and, despite your very best efforts, your<br />

home just doesn’t? Is good taste in furnishing and décor<br />

something that you’re born with or do you have to sit<br />

through hour upon hour of TV makeover shows before<br />

you can appreciate the finer nuances of interior design?<br />

Well, don’t mention this in company, but it is possible<br />

that your friend has the services of an interior designer.<br />

Millan Interiors, who are based in the pretty village of<br />

Parbold are Lancashire’s best kept secret when it comes<br />

to interior design. Since the company was launched<br />

over ten years ago, they have transformed some of the<br />

finest homes in the area, and the business is going from<br />

strength to strength.<br />

The driving force and inspiration behind the company is<br />

Debbie Peers who opened Millan Interiors in 2008. Her<br />

mum was a seamstress and, even from her early years,<br />

Debbie knew her creative path was carved for her. After<br />

leaving school Debbie studied hard at Art and Design<br />

and was rewarded with a career at ITV, where she stayed<br />

for nearly 20 years. Initially hired to design sets for TV<br />

shows, Debbie later was promoted to Producer before<br />

she realised her dream of opening Millan Interiors.<br />

Adele Headley, Debbie’s business partner, who lives in<br />

Eccleston, worked for a lighting design company for<br />

twelve years which gave her the inspiration to study<br />

design further. She firstly completed a HNC Interior<br />

Design and Architecture where she won the student<br />

of the year award, and then continued her studies at<br />

UCLAN to complete a BA Hons. Interior Design. With a<br />

few more awards on the way, she completed her threeyear<br />

course in two years before joining forces with<br />

Debbie at Millan Interiors.<br />

Millan Interiors is a one-stop shop; they supply paint,<br />

wallpapers, bespoke curtains & blinds, tracks, poles,<br />

cushions, carpets, furniture, lighting, and much more<br />

besides. They even have their own in-house workroom<br />

with a dedicated seamstress who has over 30 years<br />

experience in high quality, hand finished soft furnishings.<br />

Their knowledgeable curtain fitter with years of<br />

experience is an integral part of their team. He offers<br />

expert advice, helping you make informed choices.<br />

Millan also provide an upholstery service carried out<br />

by expert furniture craftsmen. Their services include<br />

the re-cover<br />

of sofas, chairs<br />

etc as well as<br />

in-house design<br />

of headboards,<br />

footstools and<br />

much more.<br />

Whether you<br />

want a tin of paint<br />

or a complete<br />

house makeover<br />

you’ll be made<br />

welcome at Millan<br />

Interiors.


9<br />

You can choose from a plethora of the finest names in<br />

home furnishings. Farrow and Ball and Little Greene<br />

compete to offer you a huge selection of paints and the<br />

staff at Millan Interiors are qualified paint consultants<br />

for both companies. Looking for wallpaper or fabrics?<br />

Choose from hundreds of sample books from the likes<br />

of Zoffany, Harlequin, Anthology, Osborne and Little,<br />

GP & J Baker, Sanderson, Mulberry, Romo and Designers<br />

Guild to name just a few.<br />

Not everything at Millan Interiors has a price tag though.<br />

The inspiration and advice provided by Debbie and<br />

Adele, who between them have decades of experience<br />

in home furnishings, is invaluable to anyone wishing to<br />

transform their home interiors.<br />

So if you want to create a more impressive home, where<br />

you can proudly entertain your family and friends, then<br />

do call in and see Debbie and Adele. It doesn’t matter if<br />

you haven’t got the first idea about design, or if you’re<br />

well accomplished and just looking for some final<br />

touches to your décor, this friendly, down-to-earth pair<br />

will look after you and help you create the home of your<br />

dreams.<br />

Millan Interiors<br />

5/7 Mill Lane, Parbold WN8 7NW<br />

01257 46 34 77<br />

www.millaninteriors.co.uk<br />

Opening Hours ~ Mon, Tues, Weds, Fri 10am-4pm, Thurs<br />

10am-1pm, Weekends by appointment only<br />

Interior Design Services • Bay Window Specialists • Home Consultations Available<br />

Visit our showroom<br />

to view our<br />

fine selection of...<br />

Soft Furnishings, Upholstery,<br />

Furniture & Lighting<br />

Millan Interiors, 5/7 Mill Lane,<br />

Parbold WN8 7NW<br />

T: 01257 46 34 77<br />

www.millaninteriors.co.uk<br />

Proud stockists of<br />

Opening Hours:<br />

Mon, Tues, Weds, Fri 10am-4pm,<br />

Thurs 10am-1pm,<br />

Weekends by appointment only


10<br />

Amazing Mazes<br />

After an enforced and prolonged summer break for many<br />

parents, here’s your chance for you to finally tell the kids<br />

to ‘get lost’ - at least for a while.<br />

<strong>September</strong> sees the end of the maze ‘season’, but there<br />

are still a few days left to enjoy a trip out. Here are three<br />

options for your trip out:<br />

Closest to home is Kenyon Hall Farm in Croft, just off<br />

junction 22 of the M6. Here you can try out the themed<br />

Superheroes Maize Maze, paying tribute to all the<br />

superheroes who are helping us through the current<br />

health trauma.<br />

The maze is aimed at children aged 3 - 13 and most<br />

people take around 30 minutes to find their way out.<br />

Other activities at Kenyon Hall Farm include pick-yourown<br />

fruit and there is a café and farm shop.<br />

See www.kenyonhall.co.uk for more details.<br />

A Maize Maze is just one of the many attractions at<br />

Windmill Animal Farm near Burscough, an attraction ideal<br />

for pre-school and primary school children.<br />

In addition to the maze, attractions include close ups with<br />

rabbits and guinea pigs, there’s a reptile area with a large<br />

collection of reptiles from around the world, outdoor play<br />

areas and a café.<br />

There is also an on-site train which runs round the site<br />

every hour, on the hour.<br />

See www.windmillanimalfarm.co.uk for more details.<br />

Brimstage Maze on the Wirral, just off junction 4 of the<br />

M53, is open at weekends throughout <strong>September</strong> and<br />

offers a great time for all the family.<br />

Though the indoor play is temporarily closed, the outdoor<br />

activities are all open. In addition to the huge maze,<br />

other attractions include crazy golf, pedal karts, zip lines,<br />

jumping pillows and laser battles.<br />

See www.brimstagemaze.co.uk for more details.<br />

You must pre-book at all these attractions via the relevant<br />

websites.<br />

the auction centre<br />

The leading Auctioneers and Valuers<br />

• Modern saleroom at Manor Park, Runcorn<br />

• RICS and NAVA registered auctioneers and specialist consultants<br />

• Probate and Insurance valuation reports undertaken<br />

• Full house clearance service available<br />

• Regional valuations centres around the north-west<br />

<strong>St</strong> <strong>Helens</strong> Valuation Days<br />

4th Wednesday of Every Month<br />

<strong>St</strong> Thomas Church, Peter <strong>St</strong>reet, WA10 2EB<br />

9.30 – 12 noon<br />

Check website for Details<br />

Call 01744 881 477 for more information<br />

Wigan Valuation Days<br />

2nd Tuesday Of Every Month<br />

Purposed <strong>Life</strong> Church, Greenhough <strong>St</strong>reet, WN1 3SU<br />

12 noon – 2.30pm<br />

Check website for Details<br />

Call 01942 299 057 for more information<br />

9 Berkeley Court, Manor Park, Runcorn, WA7 1TQ<br />

Telephone: 01928 579796 Email: enquiries@theauctioncentre.co.uk<br />

www.theauctioncentre.co.uk


11<br />

HOLIDAYS • SHOrt breAKS • DAY eXcUrSIONS<br />

Great Value breaks<br />

London - 20th November - Only £159<br />

4 days/3 nights B&B - The International London<br />

Christmas Shopping & Sightseeing<br />

Includes transfers from our Docklands hotel into the City<br />

Dumfries – 6th November – Only £169<br />

3 days/2 nights Dinner B&B – Cairndale Hotel<br />

Home of spectacular countryside and castles<br />

WHY MeMOrY LANe?<br />

3 Home pick-up for holidays 3 Executive coach travel<br />

3 Quality hotels 3 <strong>Local</strong> well-established operator<br />

New 2021 brochure out now!<br />

Call us now for your Free copy on 01942 728960<br />

Holidays below still available for this year - <strong>2020</strong><br />

Holiday Diary OctOber<br />

4/10/20 Bournemouth 6/HB £349<br />

9/10/20 Blackpool & Illuminations 4/HB £259<br />

11/10/20 Jersey by Air 6/HB £499<br />

18/10/20 Tenby 6/HB £369<br />

25/10/20 Killarney, Ireland 6/HB £479<br />

26/10/20 Warner Nottinghamshire 5/HB £449<br />

Holiday Diary NOVeMber<br />

6/11/20 Dumfries 3/HB £169<br />

9/11/20 Llandudno 5/HB £259<br />

9/11/20 Bournemouth Turkey & Tinsel 5/HB £355<br />

13/11/20 Llandudno Turkey & Tinsel 4/HB £199<br />

20/11/20 London 3/B&B £159<br />

23/11/20 Torquay Turkey & Tinsel 5/HB £369<br />

Check out our <strong>September</strong> - December day excursions on our website<br />

Call for more details on 01942 728960<br />

or visit www.memorylanetravel.co.uk<br />

Memory Lane Holidays & Travel is a trading name of Ashcrofts Mini Travel Ltd. Company Number 06950361


12<br />

Beauty Boosts<br />

It won’t be long until the weather<br />

starts cooling down, but in the<br />

meantime we’re still in for a few hot,<br />

sticky days. If you’re struggling with<br />

the heat, a face mist<br />

can help, but they’re<br />

often little more than<br />

water with a splash<br />

of artificial perfume.<br />

I tend to use an<br />

organic rosewater<br />

(£12, www.akamuti.<br />

co.uk) instead. If you<br />

decant it into an old<br />

spray bottle, you can<br />

use rosewater as a face mist, toner<br />

or cooling spritz. As well as helping<br />

to beat hot weather (or in my case<br />

hot flushes), rosewater is great<br />

for your skin – boosting moisture<br />

and leaving skin feeling calmer<br />

and softer. It also smells gorgeous.<br />

I’m planning to carry on using it<br />

throughout autumn and winter to<br />

counteract the drying effects of<br />

central heating.<br />

Looking for a more wallet-friendly<br />

retinol? Dermaworks’ Retinol Night<br />

Serum (www.dermaworks.co.uk) is<br />

incredibly good value at just £14.95.<br />

It’s 2.5% retinol (most high-street<br />

retinol serums are only 1%) and<br />

it’s packed with other ingredients<br />

that your skin will love, including<br />

moisture-boosting hyaluronic acid.<br />

It’s also vegan, 100% natural and<br />

cruelty-free. Over time, it’ll help to<br />

repair cells and improve skin texture.<br />

For best results, you’ll want to use<br />

it for a few months, although you<br />

should still see some benefits pretty<br />

quickly. My skin feels noticeably<br />

softer the morning after using it.<br />

And, unlike a lot of other serums I’ve<br />

tried, this one doesn’t feel greasy or<br />

sticky.<br />

Hand sanitisers are certainly handy,<br />

but they can also be very drying<br />

– leading to sore,<br />

cracked skin. Green<br />

People’s new Deep<br />

Cleaning Hand<br />

Foam (£11.50, www.<br />

greenpeople.co.uk)<br />

is a good alternative.<br />

It’s free from alcohol<br />

and sodium lauryl<br />

sulphate (SLS), so it<br />

won’t strip the skin<br />

of its natural oils.<br />

It’s even gentle enough for sensitive<br />

skin. It’s over 90% organic, and the<br />

antibacterial and antimicrobial<br />

properties mainly come from<br />

essential oils, including tea tree.<br />

And, even better, it’s a dual-purpose<br />

foam. You can use it as a hand<br />

sanitiser when you’re out and about,<br />

and a foaming hand wash back at<br />

home.<br />

The benefits<br />

of retinol are<br />

widely known. It’s<br />

one of the best<br />

ingredients for<br />

tackling fine lines<br />

and sun damage,<br />

boosting collagen<br />

production<br />

and generally<br />

making skin look<br />

healthier and fresher. If you’re new<br />

to using retinol, Murad’s Retinol<br />

Youth Renewal products are a great<br />

place to start. As with everything<br />

from this brand, you know you’re<br />

getting skincare that’s the result<br />

of months (if not years) of research<br />

and has been scientifically proven to<br />

work. The eye cream has only been<br />

out for a few months but is already<br />

getting rave reviews. It feels lovely to<br />

apply and it’s safe to say that I agree<br />

with the 93% of testers who’ve seen<br />

a reduction in lines and wrinkles. It’s<br />

£70 at www.murad.co.uk.


13<br />

Introducing a powerful, brand-new revolution<br />

in body shaping and muscle toning…<br />

Book a £10 trial session!<br />

£10 redeemable when you book further sessions<br />

Benefits<br />

Non-invasive – no pain<br />

Just 30 minutes per session<br />

Can target multiple areas<br />

Affordable treatments<br />

No exercise required*<br />

3D Powersculpt can:<br />

4 Burn fat<br />

4 Tone muscle<br />

4 Build muscle<br />

4 Shape & sculpt<br />

4 Lift & tighten<br />

*Treatments should not be used as an<br />

alternative to aerobic or cardiovascular<br />

exercise.<br />

“I’ve had 4 treatments so far on<br />

my lower abdomen. The whole<br />

area looks and feels tighter and<br />

more defined.”<br />

Shannon<br />

Just one 30-minute treatment<br />

is equivalent to 20,000 crunches,<br />

squats, curls or leg extensions<br />

Call now for your<br />

£10 trial session!<br />

Expressions Of Beauty<br />

161-171, Main <strong>St</strong>reet, Billinge, WN5 7PA<br />

01744 894 214<br />

www.expressionsofbeauty.co.uk


14<br />

Cuppa for Macmillan<br />

What’s not to like about an event dubbed the World’s<br />

Biggest Coffee Morning - drinking coffee, eating cake and<br />

raising money for Macmillan Cancer Support, a charity<br />

that offers so much help to cancer sufferers each year. The<br />

event raised over £27 million pounds in 2019 as people all<br />

over the UK hosted their own coffee mornings.<br />

With the COVID restrictions in place, it’s going to be<br />

difficult to top that target this year so Macmillan are<br />

urging as many people as possible to sign up to host their<br />

own coffee mornings. Signing up is easy and you’ll even<br />

receive a free Coffee Morning Fundraising Kit to get you<br />

started.<br />

Fresh on the menu this year are socially distanced<br />

coffee mornings and virtual coffee mornings, and there<br />

are plenty of ideas on the Macmillan website to help.<br />

Take coffee mornings to your loved ones with doorstep<br />

deliveries, host garden coffee mornings, hold online<br />

quizzes are just some of the ideas for this year’s events.<br />

The official date for the World’s Biggest Coffee Morning<br />

is Friday 25 <strong>September</strong>, though many are held after<br />

or before that date. You can sign up to host a coffee<br />

morning or search for a coffee morning near you at www.<br />

macmillan.org.uk<br />

Festival Cancelled<br />

Ashton-in-Makerfield Festival, the annual cultural and<br />

musical extravaganza which has been running in the<br />

town successfully for 26 years since 1993 has been<br />

cancelled for <strong>2020</strong>. The Festival was due to run from 12th-<br />

26th <strong>September</strong>.<br />

Gamble Future<br />

A public consultation was held on the potential future<br />

use of the Gamble Building back in March, and feedback<br />

has shown an overwhelming desire by local people to<br />

see the building used as a community arts, cultural and<br />

educational space.<br />

With this in mind, the council’s Integrated Care Services<br />

and <strong>St</strong> <strong>Helens</strong> Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) will<br />

be potentially relocating to Forster House. The Archives<br />

Service will remain in the building.<br />

Call us now on:<br />

07751 000102<br />

10 North Road<br />

<strong>St</strong> <strong>Helens</strong><br />

WA10 2TL<br />

Equity RElEasE<br />

are you aged 55 and over?<br />

are you a homeowner?<br />

You may be able to release equity from your<br />

home in the form of a lifetime mortgage.<br />

• Paying Off Any Existing Loans,<br />

• Credit Cards or Mortgages<br />

• Assisting Children with<br />

Property Purchase<br />

• Purchase a Holiday Home<br />

• Home Improvements<br />

• Dream holidays<br />

• Inheritance Tax Planning<br />

www.hansonifa.co.uk<br />

Easy Equity Release is a trading style of Hanson Financial Services. Hanson Financial Services is authorised and regulated by the Financial<br />

Conduct Authority and is entered on the Financial Services Register under reference 482628.<br />

This is a <strong>Life</strong>time mortgage which may reduce the value of your estate and may affect your entitlement to state benefits. To understand<br />

the features and risks ask for a Personalised illustration.<br />

Any information contained herein is a personal opinion of the author and should not be considered to be advice of any kind. Inheritance<br />

Tax planning is not regulated by the FCA. Think carefully before securing other debts against your home. By consolidating your debts into<br />

a mortgage you may be required to pay more over the entire term than you would with your existing debt.<br />

Only if you choose to proceed and your case completes will Hanson Financial Services charge an advice fee, currently not exceeding £1,295.<br />

Our adviser will talk through the setting up costs of a lifetime mortgage before you make any decision to proceed.


15<br />

Cremation Webcasting<br />

A webcasting service at <strong>St</strong> <strong>Helens</strong> Crematorium which<br />

was introduced in lockdown is to be made a permanent<br />

arrangement. The webcasting service was brought in<br />

to allow family and friends to pay their respects whilst<br />

following government guidelines.<br />

Since webcasting was introduced, more than 1,300<br />

people have used this facility.<br />

Councillor Andy Bowden, Cabinet Member for<br />

Environmental Services, said: “We’re glad to now offer this<br />

webcasting service for cremations on a full-time basis,<br />

ensuring that family and friends who aren’t able to attend<br />

in person, can pay their respects in a dignified way.”<br />

Having a clear out?<br />

We can clear your:<br />

• House or Garden<br />

• Garage or Shed<br />

• Office, Warehouse or Shop<br />

If you are arranging a funeral at the Crematorium and<br />

want the service to be webcast, speak to your funeral<br />

director in the first instance. A consent form will need to<br />

be completed and then you’ll receive an invitation to join<br />

the streaming time slot, which you can forward via email<br />

to others with joining instructions.<br />

For more details about this and other services, visit www.<br />

sthelens.gov.uk/births-deaths-and-marriages<br />

60 Second<br />

Mortgage<br />

Review<br />

4 Affordable prices<br />

4 Smart and friendly staff<br />

4 Free quotation<br />

Call us today to arrange<br />

your clearance<br />

With rates still historically low,<br />

call us today to see if we can save £’s off<br />

your existing mortgage<br />

Call us on<br />

01257 441580<br />

or for more information visit<br />

www.armortgagesuk.com<br />

YOUR HOME IS AT RISK IF YOU DO NOT KEEP UP REPAYMENTS<br />

ON YOUR MORTGAGE OR ANY OTHER LOAN SECURED ON IT.<br />

Alexander Ross Mortgages is a trading style of WE Financial Services Limited<br />

which is an appointed representative of LJ Financial Planning Limited which<br />

is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.<br />

The Meadows, Ruskin Drive, <strong>St</strong> <strong>Helens</strong>, WA10 6RP<br />

01744 758 349 / 07557 764 940<br />

Email: info@northwestwaste.co.uk<br />

www.northwestwaste.co.uk<br />

northwestwaste


16<br />

Queens Award for Trust<br />

<strong>St</strong> <strong>Helens</strong> and Knowsley Hospitals NHS Trust Voluntary<br />

Services were amongst 230 community groups in the UK<br />

who have been honoured recently with the prestigious<br />

Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service, the highest award<br />

a voluntary group can receive in the UK and equivalent<br />

to an MBE.<br />

The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service was created in<br />

2002 to celebrate the Queen’s Golden Jubilee and aims<br />

to recognise outstanding work by volunteer groups to<br />

benefit their local communities. Two members of the<br />

group will attend a garden party at Buckingham Palace in<br />

May 2021, alongside other recipients of this year’s award.<br />

Over 450 people volunteer across Whiston, <strong>St</strong> <strong>Helens</strong> and<br />

Newton Community hospitals, helping in many different<br />

ways by visiting and spending time with patients,<br />

supporting hospital staff and assisting the spiritual care<br />

team.<br />

The Trust holds a recruitment session every two months<br />

where potential volunteers are invited to attend and<br />

receive a number of brief presentations from key<br />

members of staff about the Trust. If you would like to join<br />

the Trust and book a place on the next available induction<br />

please email volunteers@sthk.nhs.uk and provide your<br />

name and contact details.<br />

Light Up<br />

One family event that is not expected to be affected by<br />

COVID-19 this autumn is the Blackpool Illuminations.<br />

Dubbed as the greatest light show on earth, Blackpool<br />

Illuminations enthral millions of visitors every year.<br />

Blackpool’s Illuminations season has been extended<br />

by two months and will now run from <strong>September</strong> 4 to<br />

January 3, 2021, for the first time in history.<br />

However, there will not be a live switch-on event this year.<br />

Instead the switch-on will be held in a closed set in the<br />

Tower Ballroom and streamed live free on MTV at 8.30pm<br />

on Friday 4th <strong>September</strong>. Performing at the event will be<br />

Spice Girl Melanie C, Fleur East, Becky Hill, Tom Grennan,<br />

Diversity and Blackpool’s very own Rae Morris.<br />

You can find out more about Blackpool Illuminations,<br />

including <strong>2020</strong> switch-on times and illuminated tram<br />

tours at the website www.visitblackpool.com<br />

Car Parking<br />

If you’re a user of the Hardshaw Centre car park in town,<br />

please be aware that the payment method has now<br />

switched from a ‘pay on foot’ method to a ‘pay and display’<br />

method, so you will need to pay when you initially park<br />

the car. Cash payments will still be available and users<br />

also have an option to pay via a Pay by Phone app.<br />

Mawdesley Markets<br />

Beautifully furnished<br />

<strong>St</strong>one Cottage<br />

Holiday Let<br />

– sleeps up to 4<br />

Situated near Sedbergh,<br />

in the Yorkshire Dales,<br />

and also within easy<br />

reach of the Lake District<br />

Children & pets welcome<br />

Call 01942 216 058<br />

www.millthropcottage.co.uk<br />

Markets at the Cedar Farm Galleries near Mawdesley have<br />

returned. Fresh local produce and hand-made foodie<br />

treats are available at the Farmers Market which runs from<br />

10am-2pm on Saturday 5th <strong>September</strong> and thereafter on<br />

the first Saturday of the month.<br />

And if vintage is your thing then don’t miss the Handmade<br />

and Vintage Market, where you can browse amongst<br />

vintage goodies, clothing and accessories, handmade<br />

jewellery, luxury candles, mosaics, soaps, gifts and other<br />

beautiful things for the home. This market takes place<br />

on Saturday 19th <strong>September</strong> and thereafter on the third<br />

Saturday of the month.


17<br />

Huge selection of fires,<br />

stoves & fireplaces<br />

100+ displays over five floors<br />

90% of our fireplaces are made to measure<br />

- no need to re-decorate or re-carpet!<br />

Traditional, Classic & Contempory styles<br />

<strong>Local</strong> family business,<br />

established over 30 years<br />

18E Jackson <strong>St</strong>reet, <strong>St</strong> <strong>Helens</strong>, WA9 1AN<br />

01744 24190<br />

www.flamesuk.co.uk<br />

Opening Hours: Monday –Friday 9.30am-4.30pm (closed Wednesday); Saturday - 10am-4pm


18<br />

READY<br />

in 35 mins<br />

Serves 4<br />

Peppered pork steaks<br />

with sautéed vegetables<br />

Pork steaks are great value and quick to cook.<br />

Try them with this tasty vegetable and apple topping for a filling meal.<br />

Ingredients<br />

4 thick-cut pork steaks<br />

2 tsp coarsely ground black pepper<br />

1 tsp dried thyme<br />

1 tsp dried oregano<br />

1 large parsnip, peeled and diced<br />

2 small turnips, peeled and diced<br />

1 tbsp olive oil<br />

15g butter<br />

1 onion, roughly chopped<br />

1 large apple, peeled, cored and diced<br />

100ml apple juice<br />

1 tsp Dijon mustard<br />

TIP: You can use butternut squash or<br />

courgette instead of the parsnip and<br />

turnips – you won’t need to parboil them<br />

before sautéing.<br />

Method<br />

1 Place the pork steaks in a shallow dish. Mix together the pepper, thyme<br />

and oregano, and sprinkle half the mixture over the pork steaks, turning<br />

to coat. Set aside.<br />

2 Parboil the diced vegetables in a pan of lightly salted boiling water for 2<br />

minutes. Drain well. Heat the oil and butter in a heavy-based frying pan<br />

over a medium heat. Add the onion and vegetables and sauté for 6-8<br />

minutes until almost tender, stirring frequently.<br />

3 Meanwhile, heat a griddle pan over a high heat. Add the pork steaks<br />

and cook for 4-5 minutes on each side, or until seared and just cooked<br />

through. Remove from the pan, cover tightly with foil and rest for 10<br />

minutes.<br />

4 Add the diced apple to the sautéed veg and cook for a further 3-4<br />

minutes until tender and golden, then stir in the remaining pepper<br />

and herb mix along with the apple juice and mustard, and bring to the<br />

boil. Simmer for 2-3 minutes until the liquid has reduced by half. Adjust<br />

seasoning to taste. Serve the pork steaks topped with the sautéed veg<br />

and any pan juices.


Cod, Prawn &<br />

Parsley Pie<br />

19<br />

READY<br />

in 1hr 15mins<br />

Serves 6<br />

Cod and prawns in a smooth herby white sauce topped with fluffy mash,<br />

– it’s the ultimate fish pie!<br />

Ingredients<br />

1.6kg floury potatoes, peeled and cut into<br />

chunks<br />

750g cod fillet<br />

1L milk<br />

1 bay leaf<br />

Few black peppercorns<br />

75g butter<br />

50g plain flour<br />

3 tbsp freshly chopped parsley<br />

175g frozen peas, thawed<br />

225g large peeled prawns, thawed if frozen<br />

15ml olive oil<br />

Sprig of fresh parsley, to garnish<br />

TIP: You can use any white fish fillet for<br />

this pie - haddock or coley will work just as<br />

well. Alternatively, replace half the cod with<br />

salmon fillet or smoked haddock, if liked.<br />

Method<br />

1 Cook the potatoes in a large pan of boiling, lightly salted water for 15-<br />

20 minutes until tender.<br />

2 Meanwhile, place the cod in a large frying pan and pour over the milk.<br />

Add the bay leaf and peppercorns and bring to the boil. Simmer for 5<br />

minutes then remove from the heat. Using a slotted spoon, remove the<br />

cod from the pan and set aside. <strong>St</strong>rain the milk into a large heatproof<br />

jug.<br />

3 Melt 50g of the butter in a medium saucepan. <strong>St</strong>ir in the flour and<br />

cook for 1 minute. Gradually whisk in 850ml of the milk. Bring to the<br />

boil, stirring all the time, then simmer for 3-4 minutes until you have a<br />

smooth, thick sauce.<br />

4 Preheat the oven to 200C, fan 180C, Gas 6. Flake the fish, discarding<br />

any skin and bones, and stir into the sauce with the parsley, peas and<br />

prawns. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.<br />

Transfer the mixture to a deep ovenproof dish.<br />

5 Mash the potatoes with the rest of the butter and milk and season to<br />

taste. Spoon the mash over the fish mixture to cover. Drizzle over the<br />

olive oil and bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes until golden<br />

and bubbling. Serve garnished with a sprig of parsley.


20<br />

Pear Tart<br />

Bourdaloue<br />

READY<br />

in 1hr 30mins<br />

plus chilling<br />

Serves 6-8<br />

This classic French tart has a lovely rich almond frangipane filling.<br />

Choose pears that are firm, but not rock hard.<br />

Ingredients<br />

225g ready-made puff pastry<br />

75g unsalted butter, softened<br />

75g caster sugar<br />

2 medium eggs, beaten<br />

1 tsp almond extract<br />

75g plain flour<br />

100g ground almonds<br />

3 firm pears, peeled, halved and cored<br />

2 tbsp apricot glaze, warmed (see Tip)<br />

TIP: Look out for small jars of apricot glaze<br />

in the baking sections of supermarkets,<br />

or make your own by pushing 3-4tbsp of<br />

warmed apricot jam through a fine-holed<br />

sieve.<br />

Method<br />

1 Roll out the puff pastry on a lightly floured surface and use to line a<br />

23cm round fluted flan tin. Trim the edges and prick the pastry all over<br />

with a fork. Chill in the fridge for 30 minutes.<br />

2 Beat the butter and sugar together in a bowl until pale and fluffy.<br />

Gradually beat in the eggs, then the almond extract. Sift over the<br />

flour and fold in with the ground almonds to make a smooth mixture.<br />

Preheat the oven to 200C/fan 180C/Gas 6. Place a heavy baking sheet in<br />

the oven to heat up.<br />

3 Spread the mixture in an even layer in the chilled pastry case. Place one<br />

pear half, cut side down, on a board. Using a sharp knife, carefully slice<br />

widthways through the pear half about 10 times. Repeat with the other<br />

pear halves, keeping them in their shape.<br />

4 Arrange the sliced pears on top of the almond mixture, fanning them<br />

out slightly. Place the flan tin on the hot baking sheet and bake for 30<br />

minutes. Reduce the oven temperature to 180C/fan 160C/ Gas 4 and<br />

bake for a further 20-25 minutes until golden. Cover the tart loosely<br />

with foil for the last 15-20 minutes of the cooking time to prevent the<br />

top from over-browning.<br />

5 Leave the tart to cool for 10-15 minutes then glaze the top with the<br />

warmed apricot glaze. Serve warm or cold with crème fraiche, if liked.


21


22<br />

IPAD<br />

Apple’s world-beating<br />

tablet is portable,<br />

powerful and has all<br />

the apps you need, and<br />

with the latest software<br />

update it’s also a real<br />

alternative to many<br />

laptops.<br />

It’s £379 from Apple.com.<br />

Back to<br />

School Tech<br />

for the new normal<br />

Technology has always been an important tool<br />

for schoolchildren and students, but it’s even<br />

more important now: during lockdown it became<br />

clear that children and teenagers with access to<br />

appropriate technology were better placed for<br />

remote learning. Lockdown may be over, but if<br />

infection rates rise again then we could go back<br />

to ‘blended learning’ where some or all of the<br />

school week has to take place at home – and<br />

older children are expected to use technology for<br />

homework even when things are normal.<br />

And of course, technology isn’t just for studying.<br />

It’s also for having fun: video chatting with friends,<br />

playing games, bingeing on TV box sets and<br />

taking advantage of apps. And that means buying<br />

tech can be a challenge: what should you buy if<br />

you want something that’s useful for school or<br />

college work as well as leisure time?<br />

We think these products should be in your tech<br />

shopping list. Apple’s iPad has no real rivals, so<br />

if a tablet is your preferred option that’s the one<br />

to go for: even the cheapest one is incredibly<br />

powerful and flexible; however, it’s also eminently<br />

breakable, so consider a protective case and<br />

gadget insurance too.<br />

Apple may seem like the go-to choice for laptops<br />

too, but its Mac laptops are much more<br />

expensive than equally powerful Windows<br />

PCs. There are lots of really great<br />

Windows laptops for very good<br />

prices, and Microsoft’s Surface<br />

range is stylish as well as powerful.<br />

We’ve also given some thought to getting online<br />

when there isn’t good broadband available, and<br />

to something that’s as important as any PC’s<br />

processor or tablet’s tech: the backpack it’s going<br />

to be carried around in.<br />

HUAWEI MOBILE WI-FI DONGLE<br />

If your child can’t get a fast,<br />

reliable internet connection for<br />

studying this dongle connects<br />

to the 4G mobile phone network<br />

and creates a Wi-Fi network you<br />

can connect multiple devices to.<br />

It’s £65 from Logitech.com.<br />

It costs from £22 per month at<br />

three.co.uk.<br />

MICROSOFT SURFACE GO 2<br />

Many schools and colleges are based<br />

on Windows apps and require a<br />

Windows computer. Microsoft’s<br />

Surface Go runs the full version<br />

of Windows 10 and is desirable,<br />

portable and affordable –<br />

it’s £399<br />

from<br />

Microsoft.com.<br />

LOGITECH CRAYON<br />

Logitech’s tablet stylus is as<br />

much fun as an Apple Pencil but it’s<br />

an awful lot cheaper. It’s great for drawing<br />

and note-taking, and it works on the current<br />

iPad and the iPad Pro.<br />

It’s £65 from Logitech.com.<br />

FJÄLLRÄVEN KÅNKEN LAPTOP<br />

BACKPACK<br />

A sturdy, padded backpack is<br />

important for carrying tablets or<br />

laptops around, and while the<br />

Fjällräven Kånken is one of the<br />

more expensive ones it’s beautifully<br />

made and very fashionable. Be<br />

careful, though: this brand is widely<br />

counterfeited so only buy from<br />

reputable retailers.<br />

It costs from £71 at Amazon.co.uk.


23<br />

OPEN EVENTS<br />

WED 14 OCT <strong>2020</strong> 5:30-8:00PM<br />

TUES 3 NOV <strong>2020</strong> 5:30-8.00PM<br />

SAT 14 NOV <strong>2020</strong> 11:00AM-1:30PM<br />

TUES 2 FEB 2021 5:30-8:00PM<br />

If we are unable to hold these events in college,<br />

we will offer Virtual Events instead.<br />

COME & STUDY<br />

AT ONE OF THE<br />

TOP 10<br />

COLLEGES IN<br />

THE COUNTRY*<br />

“The quality of teaching and learning is outstanding.”<br />

OFSTED 2019<br />

Ofsted June 2019<br />

Yasmin Baker<br />

The Belvedere Academy<br />

Biology - A*, Chemistry - A* Psychology - A*,<br />

EPQ - A*<br />

Now studying Medicine<br />

at Imperial College London<br />

“My time at Carmel has been absolutely<br />

fantastic! My teachers supported, encouraged<br />

and challenged my ability to help me reach my<br />

potential. My experience has led me to excel<br />

and secure a place at a top medical school.”<br />

Jacob Burke<br />

<strong>St</strong> Gregory’s Catholic High School<br />

Chemistry - A, Physics - A* Maths - A*,<br />

Further Maths - A*<br />

Now studying Engineering (MEng)<br />

at The University of Liverpool<br />

“My time at Carmel has provided lots of<br />

challenges and enjoyment. I feel it has left<br />

me well equipped for university and my<br />

future career.”<br />

Bartosz Jablonski<br />

<strong>St</strong> Gregory’s Catholic High School<br />

Chemistry - A, Mathematics - A<br />

Physics - A, French (AS - B<br />

Now studying Physics at<br />

The University of Manchester<br />

“My time at Carmel has been amazing.<br />

Alongside having such a friendly and welcoming<br />

environment, the teaching here is fantastic and<br />

has definitely given me the opportunity to<br />

achieve what I’ve aimed for.”<br />

Dona Josh<br />

<strong>St</strong> Gregory’s Catholic High School<br />

Biology - A, Chemistry - A<br />

Maths - A, EPQ - A*<br />

Now studying Biochemistry<br />

at The University of Oxford<br />

“The opportunities provided by the college have<br />

allowed me to develop my passions and gain<br />

valuable skills for the future. I have developed<br />

both academically and as an individual.”<br />

Prescot Road, <strong>St</strong> <strong>Helens</strong>, Merseyside WA10 3AG<br />

Tel: 01744 452200 (Reception) 01744 452214 (Admissions)<br />

Email: info@carmel.ac.uk<br />

www.carmel.ac.uk<br />

A Catholic College for the Community<br />

*The Times % A* / A*-B Grades (16/08/19)


24<br />

Cycle Training<br />

Free training is being offered to new cyclists to help build<br />

confidence and improve bike riding skills.<br />

Cycling has become the ‘new normal’ for lots of people,<br />

and Merseyside Road Safety Partnership are working with<br />

BikeRight! and Liverpool City Region Combined Authority<br />

to offer these courses as part of a package of measures<br />

aimed at improving safety in the region.<br />

Cycle training is also available for children aged ten and<br />

above who missed the training delivered in schools due<br />

to coronavirus. Courses will be accessible from across<br />

Merseyside, with courses for residents of <strong>St</strong> <strong>Helens</strong> being<br />

delivered at Newton-le-Willows Health and Fitness.<br />

The courses are all run by qualified trainers, and are an<br />

ideal way to boost confidence in adults and children alike.<br />

Courses for adults run on Saturdays for 2 hours, those for<br />

children aged ten and over are from 9am-3pm.<br />

Demand is high, but more dates are being added. Book<br />

online at https://www.bikeright.co.uk<br />

Oktoberfest Arrives<br />

It’s time to dust down your lederhosen and dirndls because<br />

Oktoberfest is coming to Liverpool! This traditional<br />

Bavarian festival will be held in the <strong>St</strong>ate Ballroom on<br />

Dale <strong>St</strong>reet, and will bring great beer and steins, Oompah<br />

bands and performers, along with German pretzels and<br />

bratwursts, all served on trestle tables, the Bavarian way.<br />

Tickets for the event are available at www.eventbrite.<br />

co.uk.<br />

Shop Artisan<br />

An Artisan street market is to be held in Ormskirk town<br />

centre on the first Sundays of <strong>September</strong> and October,<br />

offering visitors an exciting range of foods, clothing,<br />

jewellery, homeware, crafts and gifts. The market moved<br />

from nearby Burscough Wharf recently to the wider<br />

spaces of Moor <strong>St</strong>reet in Ormskirk town centre.<br />

The Artisan market will be an additional market offer for<br />

Ormskirk and the surrounding area and attract increased<br />

footfall on the Sundays when it is held, which are 6th<br />

<strong>September</strong> and 4th October, 11am to 4pm.


25<br />

Goodyear<br />

Furniture Centre<br />

One of the most<br />

Inspirational Showrooms<br />

in the North West!<br />

We have over 20’000 sq.ft of<br />

showrooms, displaying some<br />

of the finest furniture.<br />

Choice, quality, service<br />

and value for money<br />

Wide selection of quality lounge suites<br />

in fabric or leather, Dining and Cane<br />

conservatory furniture.<br />

Large selection of occasional furniture,<br />

mirrors, pictures, lamps and other<br />

accessories.<br />

Goodyear Furniture Centre:<br />

18 New <strong>St</strong>reet, Mawdesley, Lancashire. L40 2QP<br />

Mon - Fri 9am - 5pm / Sat 10am - 4pm / Sun 11am - 4pm<br />

www.goodyearfurniture.co.uk<br />

01704 821577<br />

Ample free<br />

onsite parking<br />

A highly recommended family name established in 1982


26<br />

A new look<br />

for your<br />

windows<br />

Make a conservatory feel like a fully decorated<br />

room with the addition of patterned Roman blinds.<br />

Blinds in Frond Fennel fabric from the Observatory<br />

Collection, from £67 per metre, ILIV.<br />

CURTAINS, BLINDS, SHUTTERS and more<br />

Not just for privacy, blocking light or keeping in the warmth, window treatments can complement a room’s<br />

architecture, disguise a poor view, link the inside to the outside and add texture, colour and pattern.<br />

• Usually considered the luxurious choice, curtains can<br />

be made in a range of styles, from minimal to ornate. Its<br />

heading determines how a curtain hangs, usually in the<br />

form of a tape sewn onto the back of the curtain and<br />

pulled to form pleats, gathers, ‘goblets’ or other shapes.<br />

• For a less formal look, tap-tops, tie-tops, deep hems and<br />

eyelets simply slide onto a curtain pole. They are often<br />

found on ready-made curtains.<br />

• The clean-lined look of made-to-measure blinds is no<br />

longer the poor relation to curtains. And while they are<br />

usually cheaper (since they use less fabric) they can still<br />

be luxurious. Roller blinds are the most utilitarian, and<br />

very practical in bathrooms, kitchens, conservatories<br />

and perhaps even children’s rooms, while Roman blinds,<br />

featuring softly draped folds, suit many types of room.<br />

Interesting borders, hems and trims all add to the effect.<br />

Venetian (or slatted) blinds are another option, available<br />

in natural wood or an array of eye-catching colours.<br />

• Good-looking but unfussy, shutters are great for privacy,<br />

blocking out sound and light, and also add an extra layer<br />

of security. Shaker-style shutters have a timber frame and<br />

solid centre panel, can be natural or painted, and are ideal<br />

for a Georgian or Victorian home. American shutters, with<br />

tilting louvres for letting in the light, look upmarket and<br />

work virtually anywhere.<br />

• Used on its own or as an addition to conventional<br />

window treatments, window film can be an inexpensive<br />

option. Where a room is overlooked, for example, the<br />

window can be covered (wholly or partially) in opaque or<br />

patterned film which still allows in a lot of light.


Why not have a roller blind printed<br />

in a unique design and made to<br />

your specifications?<br />

World map blind, £105, Artylicious<br />

Home & Gifts.<br />

Venetian blinds offer the<br />

option of tilting the slats<br />

to filter light as well as<br />

raising or lowering.<br />

Made-to-measure 50mm<br />

textured wooden blinds,<br />

from £22.50, English Blinds.<br />

<strong>St</strong>ained glass designs<br />

are printed onto<br />

frosted (for privacy)<br />

or clear film that is<br />

easily attached to any<br />

type of window for an<br />

interesting effect.<br />

Period stained glass<br />

effect design, made<br />

to your size, £65 per<br />

square metre, Purlfrost<br />

Window Film.<br />

Curtain poles can be specially made<br />

to fit bay windows, and while fulllength<br />

curtains are not the cheapest<br />

option, they do eminently suit a<br />

period property.<br />

Made to measure William Morris<br />

Compton Midnight curtains, with<br />

light filtering lining as standard,<br />

plus optional blackout and thermal<br />

upgrades, price according to size,<br />

Blinds 2go.<br />

27<br />

Solid-wood shutters<br />

keep out the light and<br />

noise while aiding your<br />

security and looking<br />

smart.<br />

Classic wood shutters in<br />

a custom colour, from<br />

£66 per square metre,<br />

California Shutters.<br />

Add a pom-pom trim to the bottom of<br />

a pretty Roman blind and you have a<br />

lovely, decorative window treatment.<br />

Custom-made Hardwick Apple Green<br />

roman blinds, from £65.75, English Blinds.<br />

Full-length curtains with a<br />

large eyelet heading are both<br />

elegant and modern.<br />

Curtains and Roman blind in<br />

Observatory Seaspray 05, from<br />

£25 per metre, ILIV.<br />

A series of roller blinds is a<br />

sleek option when a minimal<br />

look works best with the décor.<br />

Made to measure roller blinds,<br />

from £35.94, English Blinds.<br />

This neat blackout blind is<br />

motorised so can be controlled by<br />

remote, app or smart home – no<br />

dangling cords to fiddle with.<br />

Custom-made roller blind in Regal<br />

Natural, £136.13, 247 Blinds.


28


29


30<br />

Chamber’s new<br />

leading lady…<br />

<strong>St</strong> <strong>Helens</strong> Chamber’s new Chief<br />

Executive tells <strong>Local</strong> <strong>Life</strong> how her<br />

drive to help people landed her the<br />

top Chamber role.<br />

Sitting in the café at <strong>St</strong> <strong>Helens</strong><br />

Chamber of Commerce, it is almost<br />

impossible not to notice how quiet<br />

this usually bustling business<br />

centre is. The Salisbury <strong>St</strong>reet<br />

headquarters is normally a hive of<br />

activity with networking events,<br />

business meetings and educational<br />

courses. The current pandemic has<br />

changed the way the Chamber team operates, for now,<br />

but not even Covid19 can dampen their spirits.<br />

Tracy Mawson is her usual welcoming self as she breezes<br />

over to our table: “Oh we’ve missed the café serving time,<br />

we could have had a brew!” she greets me. Tracy has<br />

been announced as the new Chamber Chief Executive,<br />

she will officially take the reins from the long-serving<br />

Kath Boullen, on 1 <strong>September</strong>, following nine years as<br />

deputy. “Yes, it will be like starting a new school year, I’ll<br />

have my pencil case ready and the blazer dusted off. Kath<br />

has trained me well and has been giving me some great<br />

advice, the whole team has been so encouraging!”<br />

says Tracy.<br />

During her nine-year tenure as deputy,<br />

Tracy has led the business services<br />

department and more recently the<br />

education and careers guidance<br />

services. Tracy had a nervous wait to<br />

hear about her new job. “I waited all<br />

day and finally at about 7pm I got<br />

the phone call; I was obviously really<br />

pleased.” Tracy remembered. “I felt the<br />

interview had gone really well but<br />

the competition and the rigour of the<br />

approach made it difficult to gauge,<br />

I definitely could have done with an<br />

earlier phone call.” she laughs.<br />

Tracy grew up in Kent with her parents and brother and<br />

sister, she also spent time in Somerset and Hertfordshire,<br />

before moving up to Merseyside in 2003. Tracy added,<br />

“This is my 17th year in the North West, I live in Liverpool<br />

with my husband and two sons and have worked in <strong>St</strong><br />

<strong>Helens</strong> since 2011.<br />

“In fact my favourite thing about <strong>St</strong> <strong>Helens</strong> is the people, I<br />

have always found it a really welcoming place, especially<br />

the business community. Everyone likes to<br />

go the extra mile and we


31<br />

see that in things like the creation of work experience<br />

places and lots of charitable engagement; there is just a<br />

really warm feeling that comes along with it.”<br />

For Tracy, her dream job was always going to involve<br />

working closely with people, “Careers advice when I was<br />

at school was a bit mad – there’s no other way to say it.<br />

When I had my careers meeting in secondary school, they<br />

came up with a librarian or an archivist”, she laughs.<br />

“I always liked books and I was academic but I’m really<br />

sociable and I just didn’t think that was the full picture for<br />

me. I thought I may become a politician or a councillor;<br />

funnily enough my first job was in publishing at The<br />

Oxford University Press, so they were pretty nailed on with<br />

the book thing, they just hadn’t thought of publishing.<br />

“I definitely didn’t get good careers advice and I think the<br />

same can be said for a lot of young people today. That’s<br />

why I love what we do here at the Chamber, helping<br />

young people to see that there is a full range of options<br />

available to them.”<br />

Even after nine years, Tracy can still remember her first<br />

impressions of the Chamber, “Oh I was blown away by the<br />

size of the operation. To have this facility, the quality and<br />

capacity of this building is still exciting. I think of it as a<br />

real investment and a symbol of ambition for the town.<br />

There have been many highlights in Tracy’s time at the<br />

Chamber so far, but none more so than when the team<br />

can recognise achievement. “My favourite part of the job<br />

is getting the chance to meet people; in particular the<br />

business fairs and the business awards. To see people,<br />

succeed and reach their goals, knowing that we as a team<br />

have provided a space in which they can thrive,<br />

is a great feeling.<br />

Tracy continues, “My proudest moment<br />

as deputy has happened really recently,<br />

helping our business community<br />

navigate the impact of the pandemic has been an eye<br />

opener. The business team mobilised within 12 hours<br />

of lockdown and all services went online. They have<br />

sustained that and have helped more than 1000 firms in<br />

the borough.<br />

“By having individual conversations, and tailoring advice<br />

we have helped firms to apply for grants, handle their<br />

staff and think about how they will reopen and recover.<br />

We didn’t furlough anyone; we supported our businesses<br />

and I am really proud of that.”<br />

Tracy is fully immersed in <strong>St</strong> <strong>Helens</strong> life and its clear to see,<br />

even when she casually mentions that she has completed<br />

the <strong>St</strong> <strong>Helens</strong> 10k four years in a row. “I love to run, and I<br />

try my best to keep fit and healthy in-between taking my<br />

sons to their many commitments.” she says with a smile.<br />

Talking about her vision for the future of <strong>St</strong> <strong>Helens</strong> and<br />

the Chamber Tracy says, “Unfortunately we have to be<br />

prepared for economically tough times, I really want to<br />

fulfil our mission to help our community succeed, protect<br />

people and identify green shoots of recovery around <strong>St</strong><br />

<strong>Helens</strong>.<br />

“I think this is a chance for people to take stock and think<br />

about what they would like to do, whether that’s starting<br />

their own business, developing new skills, or simply<br />

seizing opportunities. We will be working closely with<br />

the council to build on this and enable the people of <strong>St</strong><br />

<strong>Helens</strong> to be prosperous and have the opportunities they<br />

deserve.”<br />

Chamber Fact File:<br />

• The Chamber currently has 1020 members<br />

• 20% of businesses in <strong>St</strong> <strong>Helens</strong> are members<br />

• Membership starts from £135 + VAT a year<br />

• The team won the Queen’s Award for Enterprise<br />

in 2017<br />

To find out about joining <strong>St</strong> <strong>Helens</strong> Chamber<br />

Visit www.sthelenschamber.com<br />

or call 01744 742125


32<br />

Houghwood Heroes<br />

A group of local golfing fanatics swung for glory at<br />

Houghwood in June to raise an astonishing £15,205 for<br />

NHS Charities Together. The golfers met at the Billinge<br />

course just before sunrise at 3.45am on 23rd June, going<br />

on to play an exhausting 72 holes of<br />

golf until the final group completed the<br />

challenge by 8.30pm that evening.<br />

The challenge of walking over 26 miles<br />

of hilly terrain and taking an average<br />

of 350 shots each wasn’t a new one, for<br />

many of the group who had completed<br />

a similar challenge in 2017 and raising<br />

approximately £6,500 for the MS Society and Willowbrook<br />

Hospice.<br />

Organised by Spencer Anglesea, with the help of Neil<br />

<strong>St</strong>een and Mark Berry, the event nearly didn’t happen<br />

due to lockdown restrictions. Spencer said: “We started<br />

planning this event before the country and golf was<br />

forced to shut down and it was only in late May that we<br />

were allowed to play golf in groups of four which meant<br />

all of a sudden we were ready”.<br />

Spencer added: “We’d like to thank the directors at<br />

Houghwood Golf, who very kindly loaned us the course<br />

for the day and donated a free 12 month membership as<br />

a raffle prize, and we couldn’t have done the challenge<br />

without Neale and Sue Spence from Muffin Man, who<br />

provided food for us throughout the day because the<br />

clubhouse was still closed due to lockdown regulations”.<br />

Well done to all those golfers who participated in raising such<br />

an incredible amount of funding for NHS Charities Together:<br />

Spencer Anglesea, Neil <strong>St</strong>een, Mark Berry, Ben Anglesea,<br />

Oliver Anglesea, Jonathon Whalley, Matthew Whalley, Paul<br />

Mottram, Andrew Mottram, Alan Scott, Andy Ashton, Paul<br />

Jones, Paul Miller, <strong>St</strong>eve Molloy, <strong>St</strong>eve Simmons, Tony Mather,<br />

Simon Cutler, Payton Berry, Joe Webster, Lewis Derbyshire,<br />

Tony Derbyshire, Jack O’Brien, Martin Johnson, Neil Bradshaw,<br />

Andy Hampson, Harry Elliot, Gareth Leyland and <strong>St</strong>eve Peet.


33


34<br />

WIN<br />

Rainbow<br />

glass art!<br />

If there’s a prize for the image of the year, the rainbow<br />

would win hands down for <strong>2020</strong>.<br />

What started off as an idea to providing children with<br />

some observational points during those daily walks<br />

when schools were first locked down spread like<br />

wildfire as the image evolved into a symbol of hope,<br />

associated particularly with our beloved NHS.<br />

<strong>Local</strong> glass artist <strong>St</strong>ephanie O’Brien, the co-owner of<br />

Morpheus Glass who are based at the Love It Gallery<br />

on Winstanley Road in Billinge, has created a range of<br />

exquisite rainbow art to help people commemorate<br />

<strong>2020</strong> and we have got three pieces of this art to<br />

give away to three lucky readers.<br />

The first prize is a rainbow arch with a value<br />

of £55, the second prize is a large rainbow<br />

heart with a value of £20 and the third prize<br />

is a rainbow bee, with a value of £17.95.<br />

Other pieces in the Morpheus Glass Rainbow<br />

collection include bowls, candle stands,<br />

decorations and discs of various sizes. Prices<br />

for the collection start at just £6.50.<br />

There is little doubt that <strong>2020</strong> will be referred to in<br />

years to come as a ‘before’ and ‘after’ time in history<br />

and it’s well worth visiting Love It Gallery and browsing<br />

through the rainbow collection which commemorates this<br />

important time.<br />

To win one of our fabulous prizes simply visit our website, www.<br />

locallife247.co.uk, click on ‘free stuff’ and then on ‘competitions’ and<br />

then answer the following question;<br />

What is the name of the Gallery where you can see the<br />

Morpheus Glass Rainbow collection?<br />

The expiry date for the competition is midnight on Wednesday 30th <strong>September</strong> <strong>2020</strong> and the winners will<br />

be notified within five working days. Entrants must be over 16 years of age. Only one entry per household.<br />

<strong>Local</strong> <strong>Life</strong> 247 cannot accept responsibility for entries that do not reach us. Employees of <strong>Local</strong> <strong>Life</strong> 247 Ltd<br />

and their families are not eligible to enter this competition.


35<br />

1st<br />

prize<br />

worth £55<br />

Time to<br />

#Shop<strong>Local</strong><br />

Open 7 days<br />

a week<br />

2nd<br />

prize<br />

worth £20<br />

• Freshest fruit, veg & meat around<br />

• Finest local produce<br />

• Scrumptious cakes and bread<br />

• Great range of local craft beers<br />

New Opening Hours<br />

Mon to Fri 10-4.30pm<br />

Sat & Sun 10-3pm<br />

3rd<br />

prize<br />

worth £17.95<br />

FREE<br />

Eggs!<br />

½ dozen large local<br />

eggs with purchases<br />

over £5<br />

One original voucher per customer<br />

Expiry date 30th <strong>September</strong> <strong>2020</strong><br />

Ashton Rd | Wigan | WN5 7XX<br />

01744 892208<br />

www.windy-arbour.co.uk


36<br />

NEW<br />

SUPERSIZED<br />

• New B5 size<br />

(240mm x 170mm)<br />

• GPS tracked distribution<br />

• Advertising prices start<br />

from just £30 + VAT<br />

per issue<br />

• Leaflet distribution also<br />

available<br />

Promote your company<br />

in the new SUPERSIZED <strong>Local</strong> <strong>Life</strong>!<br />

Call us on 01744 649722 or<br />

Visit www.locallife247.co.uk for a media pack<br />

<strong>Local</strong><strong>Life</strong><br />

for the <strong>St</strong> <strong>Helens</strong><br />

and Wigan areas<br />

Delivered regularly to<br />

over 39,000 homes in<br />

<strong>St</strong>andish, Shevington, Parbold,<br />

Appley Bridge, Whitley, Newburgh<br />

Orrell, Billinge Higher End, Upholland,<br />

Winstanley, Highfield, Marus Bridge,<br />

Ashton & Bryn<br />

Rainford, Billinge, Garswood, Moss Bank,<br />

Windle, Eccleston, Eccleston Park,<br />

Laffak & Haydock<br />

Also available at<br />

Sainsburys (Wigan) and<br />

Tesco Extra (Wigan & <strong>St</strong> <strong>Helens</strong>)


37<br />

• Supply<br />

• Fit<br />

• Repair<br />

Call us today for a free on site quotation<br />

TEL 01744 883 511<br />

www.garagedoorsnw.com<br />

16 <strong>St</strong>andish Drive<br />

Rainford<br />

<strong>St</strong> <strong>Helens</strong><br />

WA11 8JY


38<br />

Paradise<br />

on Earth<br />

Clinging to the southern tip of Croatia, Dubrovnik is a<br />

lovely medieval jewel lapped by the blue waters of the<br />

Adriatic. Framed by hills fragrant with rosemary and<br />

thyme, the old town is enclosed by fortifications where<br />

red roofs, spires and domes mingle their reflections in<br />

a glistening harbour. Byron called it the ‘Pearl of the<br />

Adriatic’ and graced by a sprinkling of emerald islands<br />

just offshore, it feels almost like a dream. Dubrovnik long<br />

prospered on maritime trade, ruled in turn by Byzantines<br />

and Venetians until it became the Republic of Ragusa<br />

in 1358, reaching its golden age in the fifteenth and<br />

sixteenth centuries. Rebuilt after the 1667 earthquake,<br />

it lost its freedom under Napoleon then was taken over<br />

by the Austro-Hungarian Empire until 1918. Upheavals<br />

continued in the former Yugoslavia and in 1991-92, the<br />

city was besieged and heavily damaged during Croatia’s<br />

war of independence.But today, finely restored and listed<br />

by UNESCO, the old town fills you with delight. <strong>St</strong>eps and<br />

cobbled lanes climb up the slopes, sunflowers bloom in<br />

hidden courtyards and church bells ring all around. Main<br />

highlights are easy to find, from Gothic and Renaissance<br />

buildings to Italian fountains, monasteries and churches.<br />

The Franciscan monastery boasts one of the oldest<br />

pharmacies in Europe (1316) while the Baroque church<br />

of <strong>St</strong> Blaise displays the patron saint holding a model of<br />

the city. The cathedral claims a rich treasury of relics and<br />

paintings and a connection with Richard the Lionheart.<br />

Caught in a storm on his way back from a crusade, he<br />

promised to build a cathedral where he reached land.<br />

And so he did, though what we see today was rebuilt after<br />

the earthquake. Other cultural sites include the Sponza<br />

Palace, housing 7,000 volumes of the city’s archives,<br />

and the Rector’s Palace, former home of the Republic’s<br />

figurehead and now the History Museum.Time to relax?<br />

Watch the world go by on a café terrace, stroll along the


39<br />

<strong>St</strong>radun (the main pedestrian street<br />

between the city gates), explore<br />

the morning market or head for the<br />

harbour and city walls. The walls<br />

are two kilometres around and up<br />

to six metres thick on the land side.<br />

Never breached, they bristle with<br />

fortresses, bastions and towers,<br />

such as the sturdy Minceta dating<br />

to 1464, when every visitor to town<br />

had to bring a stone. There are<br />

steep steps and spectacular views<br />

over harbour and town, while high<br />

above an orange cable car glides up<br />

to the panoramic hilltop. Beaches stretch along the coast<br />

or you can sail or kayak to the nearby islet of Lokrum,<br />

full of chirruping crickets. Draped in lush vegetation,<br />

it’s a peaceful nature reserve and the perfect escape for<br />

romantic couples. Look out for the salt water lake known<br />

as the Dead Sea, the exotic botanical garden and the<br />

Port Royal tower looking back to Dubrovnik and its old<br />

harbour.Tempted? Just follow George Bernard Shaw for<br />

“If you want to see paradise on earth,” he said, “you must<br />

come to Dubrovnik.”<br />

£<br />

OCTOBER FLIGHT GUIDE<br />

Manchester-Dubrovnik direct from £25<br />

www.skyscanner.net<br />

OCTOBER WEATHER GUIDE<br />

Dubrovnik 21°C-14°C<br />

www.holiday-weather.com<br />

CURRENCY<br />

Croatian Kuna (HRK)<br />

Ready for late summer<br />

Sunshine?<br />

No need to put your life<br />

on pause or risk your cash.<br />

Book with an established travel agent<br />

and benefit from financial and legal<br />

protection from ABTA & ATOL.<br />

Independent Travel Specialist<br />

Call in to our travel agents<br />

Email your holiday requirements<br />

Or visit us online<br />

200 Main <strong>St</strong>reet, Billinge, WN5 7PE | Tel: 01744 893291 | www.markentravel.co.uk


40<br />

Film<br />

Reviews<br />

by Bill Robinson<br />

Black Lives Matter<br />

The current global, social and political upheaval<br />

has made ever clearer the injustice and unfairness<br />

that is shown to people of colour in all aspects<br />

of life. This injustice extends to the film industry<br />

where, depending where you do your research,<br />

black directors make up only 10-15% of all directors<br />

of the top grossing films. This is undeniably down<br />

to major production companies’ total lack of faith<br />

in films made by/about people of colour to be<br />

critically and commercially successful, and so I want<br />

to cover some of the best films that fall into the<br />

underappreciated category.<br />

Hidden<br />

Figures (2016)<br />

“Hidden Figures” tells the true<br />

story of the unknown black,<br />

female mathematicians that<br />

were instrumental in the success of the NASA space<br />

programme in the early 60s, particularly the famous<br />

launch of astronaut John Glen into orbit. I still think<br />

“Hidden Figures” is one of the most clever and descriptive<br />

names ever given to a film, and the movie itself is just as<br />

clever. It manages to highlight institutionalised racism<br />

within STEM fields as a serious issue that is holding back<br />

some of the world’s greatest minds from showing or<br />

discovering their abilities, without creating a film that is<br />

totally depressing in its tone. The dialogue can be witty<br />

and light-hearted, whilst also being serious when it needs<br />

to be. The performances also find this balance, with<br />

the three main characters able to deliver humour and<br />

sincerity in equal, effective measure. This is totally worth<br />

a watch.<br />

Available on Blue Ray<br />

Uppity: The<br />

Willy T. Ribbs<br />

<strong>St</strong>ory (<strong>2020</strong>)<br />

The most recent film of these<br />

three is perhaps my favourite,<br />

and as a big F1 fan, it’s certainly the closest to my heart.<br />

“Uppity” is the story of Willy T. Ribbs, the first prominent<br />

black racing driver in the world. Decades before Lewis<br />

Hamilton made a name for himself as the only black<br />

F1 driver, Willy T. Ribbs’ story is one of insurmountable<br />

odds and an absolutely steadfast dedication of the craft<br />

of motor racing. The documentary charts Ribbs’ rise<br />

through the ranks of the sport, from lower Formula cars<br />

to top level NASCAR and even the fastest race on the<br />

planet, the Indianapolis 500. Shamefully, motor racing<br />

sorely lacks healthy numbers of black drivers even today,<br />

making Willy’s struggle four decades ago, even more of<br />

an incredible feat and a must watch documentary.<br />

Available on Netflix<br />

Get Out (2017)<br />

I just absolutely love this film.<br />

Its brilliant in so many ways. On<br />

the surface, “Get Out” is about<br />

young African American Chris<br />

Washington being taken to visit is girlfriend’s parents for<br />

the first time. Nothing sounds particularly untoward at<br />

first, until Washington notices some strange things about<br />

the all-white, wealthy property he has been taken to. “Get<br />

Out” then descends into being one of the most effective<br />

and powerful psychological horror films of the 2010s. The<br />

film is a potent metaphor for the way echoes of the slavery<br />

era still linger in modern, western society, held up by<br />

iconic performances and writing that won director Jordan<br />

Peele the Oscar for Best Original Screenplay. Focusing on<br />

suspense rather than outright terror, “Get Out” is another<br />

film that perfectly fuses the conventions of its genre, with<br />

its important and powerful meaning. It is amazing.<br />

Available on Blue Ray


41<br />

Water Sports<br />

You and the family can make the most of the last of<br />

the light summer nights by trying out a range of water<br />

sports at Scotman’s Flash in Poolstock. Every Thursday<br />

night in <strong>September</strong>, Inspiring Healthy Living (IHL) will<br />

be hosting stand up paddle boarding sessions and<br />

kayaking.<br />

The stand-up paddle boarding (SUP) sessions run from<br />

6.30pm to 8pm, and the cost per person is £15 with<br />

equipment hire which consists of a board, paddle and<br />

a buoyancy aid. If you have your own SUP, the cost is<br />

reduced to £10. The sessions are suitable for everyone<br />

aged 12 or over. These are instructor-led sessions so<br />

are suitable for all levels from absolute beginners to<br />

improvers.<br />

If you have children under 12, then you’ll be interested<br />

to hear that there will also be a supervised kayaking<br />

session alongside the SUP session for ages 8 and over.<br />

The cost of this session will be £10 and a discounted rate<br />

of £7 is available for those who have booked onto the<br />

SUP session.<br />

You must pre-book for these sessions and you can do so<br />

by visiting the website www.inspiringhealthylifestyles.<br />

org/wigan/, click on ‘Services’ and then on Scotman’s<br />

Flash. Other activities at Scotman’s Flash include rafted<br />

canoeing, funboat sailing and topper sailing.<br />

You can also organise group activities or one-on-one<br />

sessions. For more detail outdooradventure@ihlmail.<br />

org for further details.<br />

Earn extra<br />

cash!<br />

<strong>Local</strong> <strong>Life</strong> require distributors<br />

for the following areas;<br />

West Park<br />

Shires estate<br />

402 copies £27.14 + leaflet pay<br />

Windle<br />

Rainford Rd/Bleak Hill Rd/Dartmouth/<br />

Crantock etc<br />

384 copies £33.60 + leaflet pay<br />

Rainford Junction<br />

Bushey Ln/News La/Kendal/<br />

Buttermere etc<br />

355 copies £23.96 & leaflet pay<br />

Windle Island<br />

<strong>St</strong> <strong>Helens</strong> Rd/Rainford Rd/Moss Lane etc<br />

167 copies £14.61 & leaflet pay<br />

Rainford<br />

Church Rd/Mossborough/Rookery/ etc<br />

301 copies £20.32 + leaflet pay<br />

Interested?<br />

Please email your name, address,<br />

landline number and date of birth to<br />

sallyb@locallife247.co.uk<br />

<strong>Local</strong><strong>Life</strong>


42<br />

Rita takes<br />

Festival Prize<br />

The tale of a boy’s dreams underneath a magical night sky<br />

has won the <strong>2020</strong> Prescot Festival Short <strong>St</strong>ory Competition.<br />

Rita Simpson (pictured) received £100 for the bittersweet<br />

fantasy ‘When You Wish upon a <strong>St</strong>ar.’<br />

The contest was the only aspect of the local arts festival<br />

that was able to go ahead this year, although music lovers<br />

online enjoyed an array of archived video performances<br />

from some of the acts scheduled for the festival.<br />

The Prescot Festival has been at the forefront of the<br />

renaissance of arts and music in the town since 2005 and<br />

the festival’s celebration of culture includes not only the<br />

10-day annual festival, but a year-round programme of<br />

arts and music and a commitment to promoting other<br />

arts groups and initiatives in the area.<br />

The 2021 Festival will take place from Friday 18th to<br />

Sunday 27th June 2021. For further details, visit www.<br />

prescotfestival.co.uk<br />

When You Wish upon a <strong>St</strong>ar<br />

By Rita Simpson<br />

A silver trail silently weaves its way around the tightly<br />

packed, sleepy terraced streets, sometimes criss-crossing<br />

itself as it returns to a missed courtyard or entry. Above, a<br />

full moon illuminates the glutinous, shimmering ooze as<br />

it journeys along, while inside, a young boy stands at his<br />

bedroom window, staring out.<br />

The lone figure dreams of travelling to the planets,<br />

landing on the moon, being an astronaut, but tonight is<br />

different, he is distracted. He watches in astonishment at<br />

the moving spectacle below, on his very own street and<br />

rubs his eyes, not certain of what he is seeing. Before he<br />

can check, a hand gently pulls him back from the window.<br />

“Back to bed Kelvin. School in the morning. It’s nearly<br />

midnight.”<br />

“But Dad, I need to tell you…”<br />

Before Kelvin can finish his sentence, his frustrated dad is<br />

at the bedroom door, shoulders hunched, thinking when<br />

will his son ever sleep the whole night through, instead of<br />

staring out of his bedroom window, star gazing.<br />

“Night, son,” mumbles Kelvin’s dad.<br />

Later he hears his father’s snores and creeps back to the


43<br />

window and there it is, all down the middle of the street,<br />

the silver trail. He finally drags himself away, knowing he<br />

won’t sleep a wink, tossing and turning, wondering where<br />

this trail came from and where it is going. Tomorrow his<br />

mum and dad will see it too.<br />

But morning brings only daylight. Kelvin questions his<br />

school friends, to find out if they have seen what he has<br />

seen, but nobody mentions anything unusual. His mind is<br />

racing, unable to stop the images in his head. Questioning<br />

himself, did it really happen?<br />

Midnight again, certain his parents are both asleep, Kelvin<br />

goes to the window. The street, encased in moonlight, he<br />

leans out of the open window, spotting in the distance<br />

an approaching shimmering shape, low on the ground.<br />

All ready dressed, he slips his boots on and sneaks<br />

downstairs, unlocking the front door, pocketing the<br />

key, before pulling the door closed. Moments later, he<br />

watches, awe struck, as the rivulet of light unfurls its way<br />

up the street. Kelvin runs alongside it, following the trail,<br />

as it travels onward.<br />

A constant, steady flow of luminous liquid wraps around<br />

the timid streets, leaving Kelvin behind and he knows<br />

now he won’t be able to keep up with it. Out of breath,<br />

he stops running, and looks back down the street at the<br />

silvery trail left behind and reaches into it. Transfixed, his<br />

hand lights up, glaring in its intensity and he feels his<br />

fingers tingling and the heat emanating from them. But<br />

in seconds, the trail has gone, vanished. He finds himself<br />

alone on an unfamiliar street, the magic has disappeared<br />

with it and the moon is cloaked in darkness.<br />

Fear, disappointment, and sadness overwhelm Kelvin and<br />

he sinks to the ground, not knowing what to do next. He<br />

doesn’t understand what has happened to him and he<br />

has no one who will believe him. On the verge of tears, he<br />

tells himself he must get up and go home. Running in all<br />

directions, he finally finds himself at his own front door.<br />

No one hears as he turns the key and creeps upstairs to<br />

his bedroom.<br />

He can’t rest, there are too many questions unanswered<br />

and he blames himself for what has happened. In his head<br />

he can’t stop repeating the words, I’ve spoilt everything,<br />

I’ve spoilt everything, if only I hadn’t touched it.<br />

writing stories and if there is time, to read out their own.<br />

Kelvin loves reading and he can’t believe his luck, it is the<br />

only thing that will stop him from thinking about last<br />

night’s events.<br />

They spend the first lesson in the library, picking a<br />

favourite book, to share later with the rest of the class.<br />

Kelvin scrambles to find Cosmic or his other favourite, The<br />

Boy from Mars. After break, Miss Farthing wants them to<br />

write a story. By the time she has finished talking about<br />

story structure, Kelvin knows exactly what he’s going to<br />

write. He scribbles away, spilling out his secret on to the<br />

paper, only stopping when the dinner bell rings. But he<br />

hasn’t written his ending. Don’t worry she tells the class;<br />

you can finish them later.<br />

But things don’t go to plan, Miss Farthing is called away<br />

and when she does turn up, she apologises, their stories<br />

will have to wait, instead she’s going to tell them a story,<br />

one her father told her when she was growing up and was<br />

obsessed with space.<br />

Kelvin is thinking about his story ending, when he catches<br />

the words, silver stream. He listens, astonished, as she tells<br />

the story of the boy who sees a magical stream, flowing<br />

through his town when everyone else is in their beds, fast<br />

asleep. How he tried to follow it but couldn’t keep up and<br />

on the second night when the boy dipped his hand into it<br />

and the stream disappeared.<br />

Kelvin’s whole body is tingling, as Miss Farthing recounts<br />

the third night. How the desperate boy rushed out and<br />

threw himself into the flowing mixture and was carried<br />

along, all through the night until dawn broke and both<br />

the stream and the boy had disappeared.<br />

“But what happened to him, miss? “<br />

The whole class is asking.<br />

Miss Farthing pauses, people believe the stream only<br />

reveals itself to the chosen, those who long to be in the<br />

heavens. Jumping into the stream on the third night of<br />

Full Moon will grant them their wish; to be carried away,<br />

to live forever among the stars above.<br />

Kelvin knows exactly what he is going to do.<br />

In the morning, he struggles to get out of bed and only<br />

for his father being off work, does he get a lift to school.<br />

They have a supply teacher, a Miss Farthing. She tells the<br />

children that today they will be involved in listening and


44<br />

Winter Hill<br />

& Rivington<br />

by Chris Pearce<br />

Distance: 6½ miles Difficulty: Moderate<br />

The vast majority of the Jack’s Tracks we have published over<br />

the last ten years have one thing in common; at some point<br />

during the walk, Winter Hill and its conspicuous masts are<br />

easily visible. We’ve never done a walk that includes Winter<br />

Hill though, and so we have put this right with a delightful<br />

easy-to-follow 6½ mile walk that encompasses Winter Hill<br />

and Rivington that offers wonderful 360-degree views of the<br />

County Palatine of Lancashire and beyond.<br />

Park in the public car park just the other side of Rivington<br />

& Blackrod High School (BL6 7RU), walk back past the<br />

school and take the left turn which runs by the tennis<br />

courts. After 425 yards you’ll arrive at a three-way<br />

junction; take the middle path which is heavily cobbled<br />

and has the farm gate in the distance.<br />

Follow this path up a gentle incline for ¾ mile, passing<br />

the turn off to Rivington Terraced Gardens on the way.<br />

Once you arrive at the new-ish looking fingerpost, take<br />

a 45-degree right turn in the direction of Rivington Pike<br />

and follow a shale path uphill past the site of <strong>St</strong>one House<br />

Lodge. Then make sure you take the path that branches<br />

off of the shale path on the u-bend.<br />

200 yards later you’ll arrive at a wide stony track. Instead<br />

of carrying straight on up to the (very visible) Pike, turn<br />

left and follow this track for 1/3 of a mile to the Pigeon


45<br />

For those with the OS Maps<br />

app on your desktop, mobile<br />

or tablet, this walk is named:<br />

Quarry<br />

(dis)<br />

Moor<br />

Bottom<br />

Winter Hill<br />

Flats<br />

JT-Winter-Hill-Rivington<br />

Belmont Road<br />

P<br />

Noon Hill Slack<br />

Noon Hill<br />

Winter Hill<br />

Masts<br />

P<br />

Rivington Hall<br />

Barn<br />

Tower<br />

Catter<br />

Nab<br />

Rivington Moor<br />

TV <strong>St</strong>ation<br />

Rivington<br />

Country<br />

Park<br />

Rivington<br />

Terraced<br />

Gardens<br />

Tower<br />

Rivington<br />

Pike<br />

River Douglas<br />

Rotary Way<br />

Brown Hill<br />

Crooked Edge<br />

Hill<br />

Rivington Lane<br />

Higher<br />

Knoll<br />

Wilder’s Moor<br />

Rivington<br />

Lodge<br />

P<br />

Jepson’s<br />

Bridge<br />

Rivington &<br />

Blackrod HS<br />

Wilderswood<br />

Please ensure you wear appropriate clothing and footwear whilst walking. Whilst every care has been taken to ensure that the walk is<br />

accurate, neither the publisher or its editorial contributors can accept, and hereby disclaim, any liability to any party to loss or damage<br />

caused by errors or omissions resulting from negligence, accident or other cause.


46<br />

Tower. Bear right at this point and the stony cobbled path<br />

follows the natural curvature around the hills. One mile<br />

further on, you’ll need to look out for some steps on the<br />

left leading to a wooden bridge. Cross the bridge and<br />

bear right shortly afterwards where the footpath sign is.<br />

After ten minutes of climbing steeply up the hill, you’ll<br />

arrive at a fork. Bear left at this point, hugging the lefthand<br />

lip of the hill and once you pass the first mast, the<br />

path bends rounds and changes to a tarmac path that<br />

cuts through the various ironmongery on the summit.<br />

Look out for the trig point which is situated in the lefthand<br />

side of the path and there are also plaques marking<br />

the 1958 plane crash and the demise of a 20-year-old<br />

Scotsman who was ‘barbarously murdered’ on Rivington<br />

Moor in 1838.<br />

reach Pike Cottage. Tun right at the cottage onto Belmont<br />

Road and head once again for Rivington Pike.<br />

Follow Belmont Road for 1/3 of a mile until you reach a<br />

steel bar gate, which bars vehicular access. Just before<br />

the gate, there’s a stile on the left. Go through the stile<br />

and walk on the path downhill through grazing land for<br />

another 1/3 of a mile to the wooden gate. Carry on down<br />

a tarmacked road in the same direction for a further 400<br />

yards until you reach the three-way junction referred<br />

to earlier in the walk. Turn left at this point and you will<br />

end up back at the school and your starting point shortly<br />

afterwards.<br />

The tarmacked path bends to the right, you’ll pass directly<br />

to the left-hand side of the TV mast and follow the path<br />

for ½ mile, turning off the<br />

path onto a grass track at a<br />

footpath sign on the right.<br />

Follow this grass path for a<br />

further ½ mile as it eventually<br />

falls steeply away and you


47<br />

WHY<br />

STOP?<br />

0% APR<br />

REPRESENTATIVE*<br />

£259<br />

PER MONTH^<br />

3-MONTH PAYMENT<br />

BREAK OPTION<br />

INCLUDED*<br />

WITH TOYOTA<br />

ACCESSFLEX<br />

ALL NEW TOYOTA YARIS HYBRID<br />

Available at HW Moon - your officially designated Toyota Dealer.<br />

H W Moon Toyota<br />

3 Challenge Way, Martland Park, Wigan WN5 0LD<br />

01942 219999 hwmoon.toyota.co.uk<br />

Model shown is Yaris Launch Edition Hybrid Petrol 1.5 VVT-i Auto £24,005 including optional Pearlescent Bi-tone paint at £1,180. Prices<br />

correct at time of being published. 5 year/100,000 mile manufacturer warranty. Terms and conditions apply. *0% APR Representative only<br />

available on new retail orders of New Generation Yaris Hybrid between 1st August <strong>2020</strong> and 30th <strong>September</strong> <strong>2020</strong> and registered and<br />

financed through Toyota Financial Services by 31st December <strong>2020</strong> on a 42 month Toyota AccessFlex (PCP) plan with 0%-35% deposit.<br />

^Payment shown is based on a 42 month Toyota AccessFlex (PCP) contract with £3,621 customer deposit and Guaranteed Future Value/<br />

Optional Final Payment. By taking a Toyota AccessFlex monthly payment break, you defer that monthly payment until the end of your<br />

agreement. You can defer up to 3 monthly payments (but not the final repayment), either consecutively or on 3 separate occasions during your agreement. The term<br />

of your agreement will be extended by one month in respect of each monthly payment deferred, up to a total possible extension of 3 months. Payment breaks cannot<br />

be taken to assist with financial difficulties, in respect of the first 3 monthly payments due under the agreement, within the 5 working days before the payment due<br />

date, or if any sums due under the agreement are unpaid. Toyota AccessFlex is not available for used vehicles or for any finance offers other than 0% APR. The vehicle<br />

may be used during any deferred monthly break period. No associated fees charged and monthly payment remains the same. Toyota Financial Services is a trading<br />

name of Toyota Financial Services (UK) PLC; registered office Great Burgh, Burgh Heath, Epsom, Surrey, KT18 5UZ. Authorised and regulated by the Financial<br />

Conduct Authority. Indemnities may be required. Finance subject to status to over 18s. Other finance offers are available but cannot be used in conjunction with this<br />

offer. Offer may be varied or withdrawn at any time. 8,000 miles per annum, excess miles over contracted charged at 8p per mile. Toyota Centres are independent of<br />

Toyota Financial Services. Participating Toyota Centres. Affordable finance through Toyota AccessFlex (PCP). Terms and conditions apply.


48<br />

The Importance<br />

of Posture<br />

Posture can be defined as the way we carry and position<br />

our body throughout our daily physical activities. Poor<br />

posture can lead to a variety of muscular-skeletal issues<br />

including chronic pain and joint degeneration. It is therefore<br />

important that you are aware of best posture and aim for it,<br />

particularly if you spend a lot of the day in one position, such<br />

as sitting at a desk for example.<br />

If you have had bad posture for a long time (and most of<br />

us do) it will feel very strange and alien at first when you<br />

try to correct it, as the body wants to keep doing what it<br />

is used to. However, if you persevere, coupling this with<br />

regular exercise to strengthen muscle tone, eventually<br />

muscle memory will kick in and you will find that your<br />

posture has improved without you having to constantly<br />

think about it.<br />

For a good seated posture your knees should be slightly<br />

lower than your hips, so you need to position your chair<br />

height accordingly. If you work at a computer,<br />

ensure that the screen is at a comfortable<br />

eye level and you are not having to<br />

hunch forward or bend your neck.<br />

Sit with your feet flat on the floor<br />

facing forwards, a hip width apart, and straighten your<br />

back so that your tailbone ‘sticks out’ rather than your<br />

back being rounded. Your spine should form a gentle<br />

‘S’ curve. Finally, make a conscious effort to lower your<br />

shoulders, slightly pushing your shoulder blades back<br />

and down at the same time.<br />

You may need to do this more than once as we all tend<br />

to naturally carry our shoulders in a raised, rounded<br />

position, which over time can lead to muscle tightness,<br />

tension headaches and back or neck pain.<br />

Are you a fan of stilettos? If so, you may want to limit their<br />

wear as high heels push the spine forward, over-arching<br />

the back. They also put pressure on your knees and the<br />

balls of your feet, which can cause joint problems later.<br />

Save the shoes for special occasions rather than wearing<br />

them every day.<br />

Mobile: 07475 004637<br />

• Depression & Anxiety<br />

• Bereavement<br />

• Work Related <strong>St</strong>ress<br />

• Relationship Issues<br />

• Infertility<br />

• Trauma<br />

• Addiction<br />

• Eating Disorders<br />

• Self-Harm<br />

• Anger Management<br />

www.empathycounsellingservices.co.uk<br />

info@empathycounsellingservices.co.uk


49<br />

Exercise and core stability are important when maintaining<br />

good posture. Over time, without regular movement and<br />

exercise, muscles weaken and muscle fibres shorten,<br />

leading to potential joint and ligament issues.<br />

<strong>St</strong>retching exercises two or three times a week will help<br />

relieve tension, increase circulation and maintain muscle<br />

condition. Yoga and Pilates are two forms of exercise that<br />

are excellent for improving tone, flexibility and posture.<br />

There are classes available for all levels, and online<br />

tutorials.<br />

Ergonomic furniture and aids can also help with best<br />

posture, for example by using a lumbar support cushion<br />

in your office chair or in the car. Always ensure that your<br />

furniture supports you adequately. A squashy chair that is<br />

too low and difficult to get out of may not be ideal.<br />

Likewise, your mattress should also support your back<br />

properly when you sleep. To check this, notice if your<br />

spine is straight when you lie on your side. If not, it may<br />

be time to change your mattress. Your pillow should also<br />

cradle your neck so that it is in alignment with the spine.<br />

Bad posture not only physically impacts on our body: it<br />

has also been proven to have a detrimental psychological<br />

effect, even leading to an increased risk of depression.<br />

Charles Darwin first scientifically proved the link between<br />

movement and emotion in his studies of humans and<br />

animals.<br />

Try this experiment. <strong>St</strong>and in front of a full-length mirror<br />

and note how you are carrying yourself. If you are<br />

feeling stressed, tired, or sad, it is likely that this will be<br />

reflected in your posture: for example, your head may be<br />

drooping, your shoulders hunched, your weight unevenly<br />

distributed and your back rounded. Now close your eyes<br />

and evenly distribute your weight, straighten your legs<br />

(keeping knees soft) and then gently lengthen your spine<br />

and neck as much as you are able, vertebra by vertebra,<br />

tucking in the pelvis. Push your shoulders back and down<br />

then slightly lower your chin. Smile and then open your<br />

eyes. Not only will you be standing taller and straighter<br />

but you will almost certainly look and feel better too.<br />

If you have concerns about your posture and suffer<br />

from chronic pain, visit your GP who can refer you to the<br />

appropriate health professional, such as an osteopath,<br />

physiotherapist or chiropractor.


50<br />

Migraine Awareness Week<br />

It’s Not ‘Just’ a Headache<br />

The World Health Organisation lists it as one of the most<br />

disabling lifetime conditions. It’s more common than<br />

epilepsy, diabetes and asthma combined. Yet migraine is<br />

often poorly understood and trivialised. Migraine Awareness<br />

Week, running from 4th–10th <strong>September</strong>, aims to educate<br />

the public about migraine and reduce its stigma.<br />

What is Migraine - and who is at risk?<br />

Migraine isn’t ‘just a bad headache’. It’s a complex set of<br />

symptoms, often including headache, that’s triggered<br />

by physiological changes – and it affects over 8 million<br />

people in the UK.<br />

People with a family history of migraine are more at risk<br />

and women are three times as likely to suffer as men are.<br />

There’s no one known ‘cause’, but several triggers that can<br />

precipitate migraine have been identified.<br />

Prescot Chiropody Clinic<br />

Migraine Triggers<br />

• <strong>St</strong>ress, anxiety or excitement.<br />

• Hunger or lack of food.<br />

• Dehydration.<br />

• Sleep.<br />

• Alcohol.<br />

• Caffeine.<br />

• Prolonged screen time.<br />

• Smells.<br />

• Hormonal changes in women.<br />

• Environmental factors – changes in temperature,<br />

humidity and altitude, loud noises, and flickering lights.<br />

• Jaw tension or coughing.<br />

• Unaccustomed exertion.<br />

• Illness<br />

Tyramine, found in some soft cheeses and wine, is no<br />

longer considered a trigger by most experts.<br />

Types and Symptoms of Migraine<br />

Most migraines fall into these categories:<br />

Migraine with aura: Previously known as focal or classic<br />

migraine, this accounts for 10-30% of migraines. Migraines<br />

with aura present as neurological symptoms that usually<br />

last less than an hour and prior to a headache (although<br />

the headache may not appear at all). The most common<br />

symptoms are visual disturbances, including tunnel<br />

vision, double vision, blind spots or temporary blindness,<br />

flashing lights and sparkling/coloured spots, stars or<br />

zigzags. However, some people may also experience:<br />

• Weakness on one side of the body or partial paralysis.<br />

• Dizziness or vertigo.<br />

• Numbness or tingling.<br />

• Disturbance to speech, hearing and memory.<br />

• Feelings of fear or confusion.<br />

• Fainting.<br />

These more severe symptoms tend to occur most often<br />

with rare subtypes of migraine, such as migraine with<br />

brainstem aura and hemiplegic migraine.


51<br />

Migraine without aura: The most common type of<br />

migraine, experienced by 70-90% of sufferers. Attacks<br />

usually last between 4 and 72 hours if they go untreated.<br />

The headache is usually a throbbing pain, often on<br />

one side, which often worsens when you move or<br />

exert yourself. It’s often accompanied by nausea and<br />

sometimes vomiting and/or diarrhoea. You may become<br />

sensitive to light or sound, too.<br />

Menstrual Migraine is usually without aura and affects<br />

fewer than 10% of women. It’s thought to be triggered<br />

by falling oestrogen levels and/or prostaglandin release<br />

during the menstrual cycle, so it’s most likely to occur<br />

within the two days before, and the first three days<br />

during, a period. It often lasts longer than other types,<br />

recurring daily for a few days.<br />

Preventing Migraine<br />

Avoiding triggers and sticking to a regular routine of<br />

exercise, sleep and healthy eating can help. If your<br />

migraines are severe and/or frequent, your GP may<br />

recommend preventative medications such as topiramate<br />

and propranolol.<br />

Treating Migraine<br />

Take medications swiftly, as the stomach often stops<br />

working effectively during a migraine. Over-the-counter<br />

painkillers may help, but you may need something<br />

stronger. Pharmacies can supply medications containing<br />

pain relief and an anti-emetic that alleviates nausea and<br />

vomiting and aids painkiller absorption. Your GP may<br />

prescribe triptan medications, which reverse the blood<br />

vessel dilation thought to cause migraine.<br />

Botox injections are now licensed for treatment of chronic<br />

migraine. It’s thought they work by interrupting the pain<br />

feedback pathway to the brain.<br />

Menstrual migraine sufferers may find relief from<br />

hormonal contraceptives, oestrogen supplements and<br />

mefenamic acid (an anti-inflammatory painkiller that can<br />

also alleviate heavy periods).<br />

Some people find that sleep or resting in a darkened<br />

room is the only way to ease their migraine.<br />

When Should You Visit Your GP?<br />

• If you’ve never had migraine before.<br />

• If you suffer from migraine more than 5 days in a month,<br />

even if your pain is under control with medication; you<br />

may require a preventative medicine.<br />

When to Seek Emergency Medical<br />

Advice<br />

Finally, if you experience any of the symptoms below, it’s<br />

important to be assessed quickly - they can also indicate<br />

a stroke or meningitis.<br />

• Paralysis or weakness in one or both arms or the face.<br />

• Slurred/ garbled speech.<br />

• A sudden agonising headache.<br />

• Headache accompanied by a high temperature, stiff<br />

neck, mental confusion, seizures, double vision and<br />

rash.<br />

FOR SUPPORT AND MORE INFORMATION:<br />

Migraine Action:<br />

http://www.migraine.org.uk<br />

info@migraine.org.uk Tel: 08456 011 033<br />

The Migraine Trust:<br />

http://www.migrainetrust.org/<br />

Tel: 020 7631 6970<br />

The National Migraine Centre:<br />

http://www.nationalmigrainecentre.org.uk/<br />

info@nationalmigrainecentre.org.uk<br />

Tel: 020 7251 3322


52<br />

Puzzle Pages<br />

Sponsored by<br />

CROSSWORD<br />

DOWN<br />

1. Children’s game involving a stone and lines<br />

marked on the ground (9)<br />

2. Animals or plants which live on a host (9)<br />

4. Ancient Mexican civilisation (5)<br />

5. Oil extracted from the flax plant (7)<br />

6. George Bernard ___, playwright (4)<br />

7. Singer who had a hit with To Sir, with Love (4)<br />

11. Sailing boat with two parallel hulls (9)<br />

12. Capital of Sweden (9)<br />

14. First note in the tonic sol-fa scale (3)<br />

15. Hawk that hunts over meadows and marshes (7)<br />

18. Name of the bear in the epic Reynard the Fox (5)<br />

19. Presidential assistant (4)<br />

20. Army’s temporary living quarters (4)<br />

ACROSS<br />

3. Powdered form of sodium<br />

chloride used at mealtimes (5,4)<br />

8. Monarchy on the coasts of the<br />

Arabian Peninsula (4)<br />

9. ‘Arm’ of an octopus (8)<br />

10. Metal paper fastener (6)<br />

13. The Hunter constellation (5)<br />

14. Musical accompaniment added<br />

above a basic melody (7)<br />

15. Brick carrier (3)<br />

16. World’s swiftest mammal (7)<br />

17. Former French unit of currency (5)<br />

21. Capital of Saudi Arabia (6)<br />

22. Italian sponge cake, coffee and<br />

brandy dessert (8)<br />

23. ___ Marx, founder of modern<br />

communism (4)<br />

24. Spicy pork and beef sausage (9)<br />

WORDWHEEL<br />

Each word to be three letters or more (but no<br />

plurals), and all must contain the central letter.<br />

There’s at least one word which uses all of the letters.<br />

TARGET<br />

EXCELLENT: 24 or more words<br />

GOOD: 19 words<br />

FAIR: 16 words


53<br />

WORDSEARCH<br />

THEME: Photography<br />

Find the hidden words in the word search grid<br />

CAMERA<br />

CLOSE UP<br />

COLOUR<br />

CONTRAST<br />

DARKROOM<br />

DEVELOPER<br />

ENLARGER<br />

FILTER<br />

FLASH<br />

FRAME<br />

NEGATIVE<br />

OVEREXPOSURE<br />

PANORAMA<br />

POSITIVE<br />

PRINT<br />

PROCESSING<br />

SHUTTER<br />

SLIDE<br />

TELEPHOTO<br />

TINT<br />

TONE<br />

TRIPOD<br />

SUDOKU<br />

WIGGLE WORDS<br />

CLUE: A person<br />

you’re very glad to<br />

see!<br />

Trace a path through all<br />

the letters to find the<br />

word or phrase that fits<br />

the clue.<br />

G I E E<br />

H S Y R<br />

T S E O<br />

F O R S<br />

NUMBER BLOCK<br />

The numbers in each row add up to totals to the<br />

right. The numbers in each column add up to the<br />

totals along the bottom.<br />

The diagonal lines also add up the<br />

totals to the right.<br />

3<br />

2 5<br />

7 6<br />

1 9<br />

17 16 19<br />

18<br />

18<br />

13<br />

18<br />

22<br />

17<br />

25<br />

All the puzzle solutions can be found<br />

on page 59 of this magazine


54<br />

The best van for a<br />

Camper Conversion<br />

A SELF-BUILD OR COMMISSIONED CAMPER VAN CAN OFFER MORE FREEDOM AND BESPOKE<br />

DETAILS THAN A FACTORY UNIT. THESE ARE THE BEST VANS TO BASE YOUR DESIGN ON.<br />

Camper vans are big business in the UK, with a lot of people finding the idea of having a mobile version of their own home<br />

an appealing prospect.<br />

And it’s easy to understand the appeal of these palaces on wheels. After all, once you’ve paid your initial investment,<br />

holidays become staggeringly cheap. Even staying on the most luxurious of campsites costs pennies compared with a<br />

night in a hotel room, while those equipped with on-board water tanks, bathroom facilities and leisure batteries can even<br />

handle a few nights of ‘wild’ camping or rallying – perfect for those who like being ‘off-the-grid’.<br />

The UK is awash with independent firms who specialise in converting vans into campers. They range from the cheap and<br />

cheerful to the seriously luxurious. Some mainstream manufacturers have got in on the act, too – just look at Volkswagen’s<br />

California. However, it’s also possible to home-build your camper if you’ve got the time. Guides online are plentiful and<br />

easy to follow, and it can prove far cheaper than going for a third-party conversion. Plus, you’re able to specify the van to<br />

your liking.<br />

But before you start a conversion, you need a van – and these are our top three.<br />

FORD TRANSIT CUSTOM<br />

The Transporter might be the cool one, but the<br />

Ford Transit has plenty going for it in this class. For<br />

starters, it’s the best-driving panel van you’ll ever<br />

find – your kitchen sink will never have enjoyed such<br />

brilliant grip and handling. A range of efficient diesel<br />

engines provide your motive power, and few vans<br />

have such a car-like driving environment – there’s<br />

even a premium stereo and smartphone connectivity.<br />

VOLKSWAGEN TRANSPORTER<br />

The VW Camper is an icon – there’s no other way to put it.<br />

Ever since the rear-engined ‘splitties’ became an image of<br />

California surfer culture, these vans have been effortlessly<br />

cool, and though the modern T6 is a totally different beast it<br />

still has that vibe nailed. Volkswagen knows this, and if you<br />

want a stylish camper it’s possible to buy your Transporter<br />

van in cool two-tone colour schemes or with retro alloy<br />

wheels. VW also offers a petrol engine – a rarity in this class.


55<br />

MERCEDES SPRINTER<br />

Want big, premium, and full of tech? You’ll need to look at<br />

the new Mercedes Sprinter. One of the safest vans on offer<br />

thanks to high-tech safety gear, this big brute comes in a<br />

wide variety of wheelbase and roof height variations so you<br />

can easily get the camper size you desire. It also has the most<br />

premium cabin on the market, with controls and displays<br />

lifted directly from Mercedes’ passenger car range. And, best<br />

of all for some people, there’s a three-pointed star on the<br />

bonnet. What could be better?<br />

Call Chris on 01942 215 111 or 07969 357 751<br />

www.cosmeticar.co.uk<br />

ScuffS/ScratcheS mended<br />

minor dentS repaired<br />

alloy wheel repairS<br />

no Vat charged<br />

we’ll beat any quote!<br />

PCP or lease<br />

coming to an<br />

end?<br />

call me<br />

now and<br />

save<br />

£000’s


56<br />

Well-being and water<br />

Most people find the sound of<br />

water relaxing. The benefits of ‘blue<br />

space’ – the sea, rivers, lakes, canals<br />

and waterfalls, have been studied,<br />

and found to be psychologically<br />

restorative; associated with<br />

increased sense of well-being, lower<br />

levels of stress and mental illness,<br />

lower blood pressure, and higher<br />

levels of vitamin D. In short, being by<br />

water is good for body and mind.<br />

Can we replicate this in our gardens?<br />

The presence of water in the garden<br />

can transform a space into a natural<br />

haven of calm, and provide a focal<br />

point. Running water in a garden produces negative ions<br />

which are known to increase serotonin production in the<br />

brain. Serotonin is the chemical that elevates our mood<br />

and relaxes us.<br />

There are many ways to introduce water into a smaller<br />

space, including natural look ponds and waterfalls, but<br />

you don’t need a deep ornamental pond; you can create<br />

a small pond in a container, or create a toddler and petfriendly<br />

pebble pond, or install a modern water feature<br />

which uses reflective surfaces that bounce light around,<br />

creating movement and life in the tiniest space.<br />

Any water source will attract a wide range of wildlife.<br />

I have a metallic sphere water feature on my patio that<br />

seems to be a magnet for dragonflies, which are a delight<br />

to watch. A shallow beached area or pebble pool will<br />

attract bathing birds, and also frogs and toads, which<br />

can shelter, breed, and stay out of sight of potential<br />

predators. You may even attract a hedgehog or two. They<br />

enjoy shallow pools with sloped edges, so they can drink<br />

and bathe without falling in. A small barrel or container<br />

pond will allow algae to grow which will attract water<br />

invertebrates including snails, pond skaters and water<br />

boatmen.<br />

Kids love water so introducing a pond is a great way<br />

to encourage them to learn about local wildlife while<br />

having fun. Safety is crucial though; if you have young<br />

children it might be better to wait until they are older<br />

before creating a large pond, as it will require constant<br />

supervision. A pebble pool with a small fountain effect<br />

provides all the sound and fun of water with none of the<br />

depth, and a large trug or half barrel can be transformed<br />

into a tiny wildlife pond. If you do create a pond, position<br />

it where it can be seen from the house, make sure the<br />

edges slope gently, and fence it off while the children are<br />

young.<br />

Planting around water features is half the fun. The<br />

water forget-me-not, Myosotis scorpioides is perfect for<br />

growing in shallow water or in the muddy area at the<br />

edge of ponds. It has pretty blue flowers in late spring<br />

and attracts newts, which lay their eggs on the leaves.<br />

Irises and grasses look lovely planted around any water<br />

features and you can even find a tiny lily - Nymphaea<br />

‘Pygmaea Alba’ white - for small ponds, which has the<br />

bonus of being heavily scented.<br />

Water features in a garden are no longer the preserve of<br />

the rich, with acres to spare. Even if you only have a tiny<br />

balcony you can now enjoy the sight and sound of water<br />

in your outside space.


SMN<br />

Tree and Landscape Management<br />

57<br />

Garden Machinery<br />

& Equipment<br />

Sales, Service & Repair<br />

Garden Tractors & Lawn Mowers<br />

Chainsaws & Hedge Trimmers<br />

Brush Cutters & <strong>St</strong>rimmers<br />

Equipment Servicing & Sharpening<br />

Pick-up & delivery service<br />

Moss View, Nipe Lane,<br />

Nr Skelmersdale, WN8 9PY<br />

01695 722999<br />

07918 618126/7<br />

Monday-Friday 8am-5pm,<br />

Saturday 9am-2pm<br />

www.mowermen.co.uk<br />

Dave’s<br />

GARDENING<br />

SERVICES<br />

3 Garden Maintenance<br />

3 Grass Cutting<br />

3 Hedge Trimming<br />

3 Fence <strong>St</strong>aining<br />

3 Power Washing<br />

Regular or<br />

one-off work welcome<br />

Call Dave for a free quote on<br />

01744 322 334<br />

07974 119 321<br />

Based in <strong>St</strong> <strong>Helens</strong><br />

Tree Felling & Pruning<br />

Site Clearance<br />

Tree Surveys and Reports<br />

Invasive Weed Control<br />

Ground Maintenance<br />

Agricultural & Domestic Fencing<br />

Firewood & Woodchip<br />

Woodland Maintenance<br />

24 Hour Emergency Tree Work<br />

West Lancashire Borough Council<br />

approved contractor<br />

Wigan Council approved contractor<br />

Day: 07970 521 692<br />

Eve: 01942 214 121<br />

www.smntrees.co.uk<br />

steve@smntrees.co.uk<br />

Want a beautiful<br />

garden without all<br />

the hard work?<br />

We’ll do it all<br />

for you!<br />

• GARDEN MAINTENANCE / ONE<br />

OFF TIDY UPS<br />

• JETWASHING DRIVEWAYS &<br />

PATIOS<br />

• APPLICATION OF LAWN<br />

TREATMENTS<br />

• HEDGES & SHRUB MAINTAINED<br />

• WEED SPRAYING OF PATHS &<br />

DRIVEWAYS<br />

01744 893 477<br />

or 07950 651 956<br />

GreenhillsLC@gmail.com<br />

BILLINGE BASED<br />

Professional Lawn Treatment<br />

& Garden Maintenance<br />

~ Est. 2001 ~<br />

feLLed<br />

tOpped<br />

pruned<br />

re-ShAped<br />

<strong>St</strong>ump GrIndInG<br />

crOwn reductIOn<br />

fencInG<br />

fLAGGInG<br />

turfInG<br />

ArtIfIcIAL GrASS<br />

Call us today for a free<br />

no obligation quote<br />

07879 024070<br />

01925 271108<br />

01942 387067<br />

crOwn thInnInG<br />

20%<br />

Off<br />

ALL<br />

Autumn<br />

BOOKInGS<br />

Email: fourseasons.treespecialists@gmail.com<br />

Reproduction<br />

Victorian Gates and<br />

Railings made to<br />

order<br />

Call - 01744 893773<br />

or 01942 718339


58<br />

Over 70 Lancashire<br />

Walks<br />

<strong>Local</strong><strong>Life</strong><br />

FREE to download at<br />

locallife247.co.uk <strong>Local</strong><strong>Life</strong> www.locallife247.co.uk<br />

AABRON<br />

LANDSCAPING<br />

SERVICES<br />

• Raised Beds • Artificial Grass<br />

• Lawns Re-Turfed<br />

• Driveways & Patios<br />

• Fencing, Flagging & Block Paving<br />

• Gardens Designed<br />

& Constructed<br />

Free fixed-price<br />

quotations provided<br />

All genuine like-for-like<br />

quotes beaten!<br />

01744 606 080<br />

07780 801 341<br />

51 Sandringham Drive, WA9 3TQ<br />

www.aabronlandscaping.co.uk<br />

Low Maintenance<br />

Garden Makeovers<br />

We’ll design & create your new<br />

low-maintenance garden<br />

Our wide range of artificial grass<br />

types are all guaranteed for 10 years<br />

10 YEAR<br />

GUARANTEE<br />

Call Andy today for more details<br />

01744 882 244<br />

07941 602 539<br />

Rainford-based<br />

Check out our projects on<br />

www.turfcouk.co.uk<br />

Promote your<br />

company here for<br />

just £30 + VAT<br />

Call 01744 649722<br />

<strong>Local</strong><strong>Life</strong><br />

www.locallife247.co.uk<br />

• Landscaping<br />

• Driveways & Patios<br />

• Block Paving<br />

• Indian <strong>St</strong>one<br />

Promote your<br />

company here for<br />

just £30 + VAT<br />

Call 01744 649722<br />

Garden<br />

Make-Overs<br />

Before<br />

After<br />

•Landscaping<br />

•Driveways<br />

•Decking<br />

•Design<br />

Call for free estimate<br />

Colin 07958 302 166<br />

Brian 07760 160 988<br />

Wilson Brothers<br />

01695 633173<br />

www.wilson-bros.co.uk<br />

WE WON’T BE BEATEN ON<br />

QUALITY OR PRICE<br />

UP TO 25% DISCOUNT<br />

Call Al today for a free quote or advice<br />

OFFICE<br />

01942 396 818<br />

MOBILE<br />

07796 494 463<br />

All tree work including<br />

• Shaping & Pruning<br />

• Felling & Topping<br />

• <strong>St</strong>ump Grinding Service<br />

• Fencing & Decking<br />

• Turfing &<br />

Artificial<br />

Grass<br />

MAN<br />

& DIggER<br />

for hire


Home Services<br />

59<br />

A.J.Davies<br />

Est.1991<br />

Painter<br />

& Decorator<br />

Paper Hanging a Speciality<br />

Friendly & Very Reliable Service<br />

Both Domestic & Commercial<br />

Trading for over 30 years<br />

Call Adam on<br />

01744 755 005<br />

e-mail ajdaviesdecorator@hotmail.co.uk<br />

Garswood<br />

Decorating<br />

Services<br />

3 Internal & External<br />

Decorating<br />

3 30 years experience<br />

3 No job too small<br />

Call Shaun for a free quote<br />

07542 405031<br />

07545 956712<br />

9 Hamilton Road<br />

Garswood<br />

shaun@garswooddecoratingservices.co.uk<br />

Haydock<br />

Decorators<br />

• High Quality Decorating<br />

• Neat & Tidy Workmanship<br />

Over 20 years<br />

experience<br />

For a free quote & friendly advice<br />

contact Paul on<br />

07596 956 030<br />

Haydock Decorators<br />

Puzzle Solutions<br />

CROSSWORD<br />

ACROSS: 3. Table salt, 8. Oman, 9. Tentacle, 10. <strong>St</strong>aple, 13. Orion, 14. Descant, 15. Hod,<br />

16. Cheetah, 17. Franc, 21. Riyadh, 22. Tiramisu, 23. Karl, 24. Pepperoni.<br />

DOWN: 1. Hopscotch, 2. Parasites, 4. Aztec, 5. Linseed, 6. Shaw, 7. Lulu, 11. Catamaran,<br />

12. <strong>St</strong>ockholm, 14. Doh, 15. Harrier, 18. Bruin, 19. Aide, 20. Camp.<br />

WORDWHEEL<br />

ANSWER:<br />

Hamper<br />

WORDSEARCH SUDOKU WIGGLE<br />

WORDS<br />

Sight For Sore Eyes<br />

NUMBER<br />

BLOCK<br />

6 3 1 3<br />

2 4 7 5<br />

8 7 6 1<br />

1 2 5 9<br />

17 16 19 18<br />

18<br />

13<br />

18<br />

22<br />

17<br />

25


for<br />

as<br />

60<br />

Promote your<br />

company here for<br />

just £30 + VAT<br />

H. TEBB<br />

& SON<br />

Call 01744 649722<br />

<strong>Local</strong><strong>Life</strong><br />

www.locallife247.co.uk<br />

• Professional Carpet, Rug<br />

& Upholstery Cleaning<br />

• Leather Cleaning & Restoration<br />

• FREE Pre-Inspection Visit & Quotation<br />

We repair:<br />

4 Phones & Tablets<br />

4 Laptops & PC’s<br />

4 Gaming Consoles<br />

4 Apple Watches<br />

We also build<br />

gaming PC’s to all<br />

specifications.<br />

If we<br />

can’t fix it,<br />

no one<br />

can!<br />

QUALITY service<br />

FREE estimates<br />

FAST turnaround<br />

Call the Tech Guys on 01744 410554<br />

or email info@techguys360.co.uk<br />

www.techguys360.co.uk<br />

1st Floor, Rainford Parish Council Offices,<br />

Church Rd, Rainford, <strong>St</strong>. <strong>Helens</strong> WA11 8HB<br />

COMPUTER<br />

PROBLEMS?<br />

• No Call Out Charges<br />

• <strong>Local</strong> Company<br />

• PC Experts<br />

www.bodtree.co.uk<br />

Broadband broken, computer slow<br />

printer packed up, virus/spyware or<br />

your keyboards gone kaput<br />

Bodtree Systems fix all types of PC problems<br />

in the comfort of your own home<br />

Call Catherine Now<br />

07540 222787<br />

Tel: 01744 778381 - 01942 418763<br />

Over 70 Lancashire<br />

Walks<br />

<strong>Local</strong><strong>Life</strong><br />

FREE to download at<br />

locallife247.co.uk<br />

French Polishers &<br />

Upholsterers of Distinction<br />

• Domestic and commercial<br />

work welcome<br />

• Free Pick Up and Delivery<br />

• Established in <strong>St</strong>. <strong>Helens</strong><br />

since 1946<br />

• Free estimates<br />

01744 23074<br />

91 Shaw <strong>St</strong>reet, <strong>St</strong> <strong>Helens</strong>,<br />

WA10 1EN<br />

www.htebb.co.uk<br />

BOOK ONLINE 24/7<br />

www.mr-soot.com<br />

<strong>St</strong>oves & Fireplaces Swept<br />

Flues Tested<br />

Liners Installed<br />

PAY BY<br />

CARD<br />

Professional & Reliable<br />

T: 01942 409401<br />

M: 07881 816839<br />

helen@carrolls-cleaning.co.uk<br />

Design & Print<br />

• Earwax Removal<br />

• FREE Hearing Tests<br />

• Hearing Aids & Repairs<br />

• FREE 1 Week Hearing Aid Trial<br />

Drop in or contact Darren on:<br />

01942 215 391<br />

8-10 Gathurst Road, O re l, WN5 8QH<br />

www.wiganhearing.co.uk<br />

10% off<br />

Presen<br />

Flyers, postcards, brochures<br />

and distribution service.<br />

Put your<br />

hearing<br />

first with<br />

Ask us about our wide range of hearing aids<br />

this voucher for 10% OFF your next<br />

hearing test or earwax removal.<br />

Contact us today for further information. Terms and conditions a ply<br />

<strong>Local</strong><strong>Life</strong><br />

rural Vi lage<br />

NUrSErY<br />

A l staff<br />

paediatric<br />

& first aid<br />

QUALIFIED<br />

oPEN<br />

Mon-Fri<br />

8AM-6PM<br />

FUNDED<br />

PLACES<br />

Available for<br />

2/3/4<br />

year olds<br />

£37.50<br />

per day<br />

LANgUAgE<br />

& SPortS<br />

LESSoNS<br />

pre-schoolers<br />

Large<br />

outdoor<br />

PLAY ArEA<br />

rated by<br />

oF<strong>St</strong>ED<br />

oUt<strong>St</strong>ANDINg<br />

We cater for<br />

CHILDrEN<br />

3 months<br />

- 4 years<br />

NEWLY<br />

rEFUrBISHED<br />

in 2019<br />

Ca l Sarah on 01744 886166 for more information or admin@cranknursery.net<br />

www.cranknursery.co.uk<br />

For more information<br />

Call 01744 649722<br />

www.locallife247.co.uk<br />

Get your oven<br />

looking like new!<br />

We clean ovens, hobs,<br />

microwaves and fans for over<br />

500 regular customers.<br />

Single ovens only £50<br />

We only use non-caustic,<br />

totally safe liquids.<br />

Little Acorns Nursery<br />

QUALITY CHILDCARE YOU CAN TRUST!<br />

Open Mon-Fri: 8am ti l 5.30pm term time<br />

We operate a booking system for the<br />

holidays which saves you money<br />

We deliver 30 hours free entitlement<br />

£29 for a fu l day<br />

Flexible sessions available<br />

We take children from 2 years old<br />

Li tle Acorns Nursery is situated in a beautiful woodland<br />

se ting. It is a safe and vibrant place for your child to gain<br />

lots of wonderful educational experiences.<br />

We are big on the great outdoors & being down in the forest<br />

which is good for your child’s health and we l-being<br />

Little Acorns Nursery<br />

A l Saints’ Primary School | Finch Lane | Appley Bridge | WN6 9DT<br />

01257 252647<br />

www.li tleacorns-daynursery.com<br />

0151 430 0766<br />

0770 256 6393<br />

www.theovencleanersgroup.co.uk


£29 for a fu l day<br />

rural Vi lage<br />

NUrSErY<br />

FUNDED LANgUAgE<br />

A l sta f<br />

PLACES & SPortS<br />

paediatric<br />

Available for LESSoNS<br />

& first aid<br />

2/3/4<br />

for<br />

QUALIFIED<br />

year olds pre-schoolers<br />

oPEN<br />

Large<br />

£37.50<br />

Mon-Fri<br />

outdoor<br />

per day<br />

8AM-6PM<br />

PLAY ArEA<br />

www.cranknursery.co.uk<br />

rated by<br />

oF<strong>St</strong>ED<br />

as<br />

oUt<strong>St</strong>ANDINg<br />

We cater for<br />

CHILDrEN<br />

3 months<br />

- 4 years<br />

NEWLY<br />

rEFUrBISHED<br />

in 2019<br />

61<br />

Call Clint for a free no obligation quote<br />

01744 470 051<br />

07834 241 642<br />

www.justcleanpropertycare.co.uk<br />

ROOF CLEANING<br />

• Moss Removal & Bio-Treatment<br />

• Softwashing / Low Pressure<br />

POWER WASHING<br />

• Driveways & Patios etc.<br />

CONSERVATORIES<br />

• Exterior & Interior (Cleaning)<br />

UPVC CLEANING<br />

• Windows, Fascias,<br />

Gutters etc.<br />

SPECIAL OFFER - 20% OFF ALL CLEANING PACKAGES<br />

Over 70 Lancashire<br />

Walks<br />

<strong>Local</strong><strong>Life</strong><br />

FREE to download at<br />

locallife247.co.uk<br />

New Name -<br />

Same Fantastic Cleans!<br />

Promote your<br />

company here for<br />

just £30 + VAT<br />

Call 01744 649722<br />

<strong>Local</strong><strong>Life</strong><br />

www.locallife247.co.uk<br />

• Carpets - Quick Drying<br />

includes moving furniture for you<br />

• Upholstery - Fabric & Leather<br />

• Hard floors - Tile/<strong>St</strong>one/Vinyls<br />

FREE Test clean to see the results<br />

• Curtains - Hassle free<br />

Cleaned where they hang<br />

• Rugs<br />

Collection & delivery service<br />

<strong>St</strong> <strong>Helens</strong>’ premier domestic<br />

cleaning service<br />

No job too small or tall<br />

Call:<br />

01942 273944<br />

07872 176335<br />

www.dpconservatorycleaning.co.uk<br />

Email: dpconservatorycleaning@gmail.com<br />

Call us<br />

today for<br />

a free quote<br />

01925 411449<br />

www.alliancecleaningsystems.co.uk<br />

e: sales@alliancecleaningsystems.co.uk<br />

Design & Print<br />

Flyers, postcards, brochures<br />

and distribution service.<br />

Call 01744 649722<br />

<strong>Local</strong><strong>Life</strong><br />

Little Acorns Nursery<br />

QUALITY CHILDCARE YOU CAN TRUST!<br />

Open Mon-Fri: 8am ti l 5.30pm term time<br />

We operate a b oking system for the<br />

holidays which saves you money<br />

We deliver 30 hours fr e entitlement<br />

Flexible se sions available<br />

We take children from 2 years old<br />

Ca l Sarah on 01744 86166 for more information or admin@cranknursery.net<br />

Li tle Acorns Nursery is situated in a beautiful woodland<br />

se ting. It is a safe and vibrant place for your child to gain<br />

lots of wonderful educational experiences.<br />

We are big on the great outd ors & being down in the forest<br />

which is g od for your child’s health and we l-being<br />

A l Saints’ Primary Sch ol | Finch Lane | A pley Bridge | WN6 9DT<br />

Li tle Acorns Nursery<br />

www.locallife247.co.uk<br />

01257 252647<br />

www.li tleacorns-daynursery.com<br />

We only use<br />

reliable, vetted<br />

staff<br />

Cleaning in the<br />

<strong>St</strong> <strong>Helens</strong> area<br />

for 10+ years<br />

• £11.95 per hour<br />

minimum 2 hrs<br />

• Same cleaner each visit<br />

• All domestic duties provided<br />

Call or email Joanne<br />

01744 649091<br />

joanne@acleanbreak.co.uk<br />

www.acleanbreak.co.uk


£29 for a fu l day<br />

rural Vi lage<br />

NUrSErY<br />

A l sta f<br />

paediatric<br />

& first aid<br />

QUALIFIED<br />

oPEN<br />

Mon-Fri<br />

8AM-6PM<br />

FUNDED<br />

PLACES<br />

Available for<br />

2/3/4<br />

year olds<br />

£37.50<br />

per day<br />

www.cranknursery.co.uk<br />

LANgUAgE<br />

& SPortS<br />

LESSoNS<br />

for<br />

pre-schoolers<br />

Large<br />

outdoor<br />

PLAY ArEA<br />

rated by<br />

oF<strong>St</strong>ED<br />

as<br />

oUt<strong>St</strong>ANDINg<br />

We cater for<br />

CHILDrEN<br />

3 months<br />

- 4 years<br />

NEWLY<br />

rEFUrBISHED<br />

in 2019<br />

62<br />

All aspects of Gas Heating<br />

& Plumbing<br />

• Boilers<br />

• Bathrooms<br />

• Servicing<br />

Installations, Upgrades<br />

& Maintenance<br />

Established 30+ years<br />

emergency call outs<br />

11672<br />

Call Paul for advice<br />

and a free quote<br />

07929 428 496<br />

42-44 Rainford Road, Billinge<br />

FINANCE<br />

AVAILABLE<br />

ASK FOR DETAILS<br />

Over 70 Lancashire<br />

Walks<br />

<strong>Local</strong><strong>Life</strong><br />

FREE to download at<br />

locallife247.co.uk<br />

Design & Print<br />

Flyers, postcards, brochures<br />

and distribution service.<br />

Call 01744 649722<br />

<strong>Local</strong><strong>Life</strong><br />

• Brand New Bathrooms<br />

• Boiler + Central Heating<br />

Installs, Servicing + Repairs<br />

• Extended warranties<br />

available<br />

• 24 Hour Call-out<br />

• Domestic + Commercial<br />

Freephone:<br />

0300 3030121<br />

Dave: 07769 942218<br />

Matt: 07969 183809<br />

506515<br />

Little Acorns Nursery<br />

QUALITY CHILDCARE YOU CAN TRUST!<br />

Open Mon-Fri: 8am ti l 5.30pm term time<br />

We operate a b oking system for the<br />

holidays which saves you money<br />

We deliver 30 hours fr e entitlement<br />

Flexible se sions available<br />

We take children from 2 years old<br />

FINANCE<br />

OPTIONS<br />

AVAILABLE<br />

21 Naburn Drive, Orrell wN5 8SB<br />

Email: info@orrellheating.co.uk<br />

www.orrellheating.co.uk<br />

Ca l Sarah on 01744 86166 for more information or admin@cranknursery.net<br />

Li tle Acorns Nursery is situated in a beautiful woodland<br />

se ting. It is a safe and vibrant place for your child to gain<br />

lots of wonderful educational experiences.<br />

We are big on the great outd ors & being down in the forest<br />

which is g od for your child’s health and we l-being<br />

Li tle Acorns Nursery<br />

www.locallife247.co.uk<br />

A l Saints’ Primary Sch ol | Finch Lane | A pley Bridge | WN6 9DT<br />

01257 252647<br />

www.li tleacorns-daynursery.com<br />

Call-Outs<br />

welcome<br />

24/7<br />

624630<br />

ATB Plumbing<br />

& Heating<br />

Boiler Installs, Repairs<br />

& Services<br />

Fire & Cooker Installations<br />

Bathrooms Fitted<br />

System Flushes<br />

Landlords Certifications<br />

LPG<br />

Call Alec on<br />

07730 735 174<br />

rainford-boiler-tech.co.uk<br />

Promote your<br />

company here for<br />

just £30 + VAT<br />

Call 01744 649722<br />

<strong>Local</strong><strong>Life</strong><br />

www.locallife247.co.uk


£29 for a fu l day<br />

rural Vi lage<br />

NUrSErY<br />

FUNDED LANgUAgE<br />

A l sta f<br />

PLACES & SPortS<br />

paediatric<br />

Available for LESSoNS<br />

& first aid<br />

2/3/4<br />

for<br />

QUALIFIED<br />

year olds pre-schoolers<br />

oPEN<br />

Large<br />

£37.50<br />

Mon-Fri<br />

outdoor<br />

per day<br />

8AM-6PM<br />

PLAY ArEA<br />

www.cranknursery.co.uk<br />

rated by<br />

oF<strong>St</strong>ED<br />

as<br />

oUt<strong>St</strong>ANDINg<br />

We cater for<br />

CHILDrEN<br />

3 months<br />

- 4 years<br />

NEWLY<br />

rEFUrBISHED<br />

in 2019<br />

Call Paul<br />

Locksmiths<br />

EstablishEd 2000<br />

• uPVC & WOOdEN dOOR sPECialist<br />

• Emergency door Opening<br />

• uPVC door lock Repairs<br />

• uPVC door lock Changes<br />

• uPVC door lock upgrades<br />

• Wood door lock Changes<br />

• all Work Guaranteed<br />

a Registered insured NCFE Certified Company<br />

call Paul for a Fast, Reliable,<br />

Professional service<br />

tELEPhoNE<br />

01744 526 589<br />

moBiLE<br />

07932 718 362<br />

WWW.CALLPAULLOCKSMITH.CO.UK<br />

63<br />

Promote your<br />

company here for<br />

just £30 + VAT<br />

Call 01744 649722<br />

<strong>Local</strong><strong>Life</strong><br />

www.locallife247.co.uk<br />

Convert your bath to a<br />

Walk-In Shower<br />

AJC<br />

WALK IN SHOWERS<br />

Typical price<br />

£1800<br />

Fully guaranteed<br />

One day installation<br />

No mess - no fuss<br />

Easy to clean & maintain<br />

Call Anthony on<br />

07919 876 825<br />

Workshop address:<br />

Bulldog Tools Ind. Est.<br />

Darlington <strong>St</strong>reet East Wigan WN1 3BT<br />

We also fit full bathrooms!<br />

All aspects of wall &<br />

floor tiling: bathrooms,<br />

wet rooms, en-suites,<br />

kitchens, lounges,<br />

conservatories etc<br />

Underfloor heating<br />

Call Karl now for a<br />

FREE ESTIMATE<br />

01744 602931<br />

or 07756 274503<br />

7 Albany Avenue,<br />

Eccleston Park, L34 2QN<br />

gArAge door<br />

repAirS<br />

All gArAge<br />

doorS<br />

repAired:<br />

Springs, Cables,<br />

Locks, Rollers etc.<br />

Doors of all ages<br />

repaired<br />

01744 894939 / 07891 330214<br />

NO FIX, NO CHARGE!<br />

<strong>St</strong>rawberry Cottage,<br />

Pimbo Road, Kings Moss<br />

WN8 9QL<br />

www.garagedoorandlock.co.uk<br />

KEYS LOCKS SAFES<br />

• Repairs & Upgrades on<br />

all locks, including UPVC<br />

• Safes supplied & installed<br />

• Key cutting service<br />

• Emergency call outs<br />

welcomed<br />

• All work guaranteed<br />

Call your local lock expert<br />

for a free quote<br />

Established 1970<br />

Call us now on<br />

01744 732 256<br />

Visit our showroom:<br />

2, Lingholme Road, <strong>St</strong> <strong>Helens</strong>, WA10 2NS<br />

Design & Print<br />

Flyers, postcards, brochures<br />

and distribution service.<br />

Call 01744 649722<br />

<strong>Local</strong><strong>Life</strong><br />

Little Acorns Nursery<br />

QUALITY CHILDCARE YOU CAN TRUST!<br />

Open Mon-Fri: 8am ti l 5.30pm term time<br />

We operate a b oking system for the<br />

holidays which saves you money<br />

We deliver 30 hours fr e entitlement<br />

Flexible se sions available<br />

We take children from 2 years old<br />

Ca l Sarah on 01744 86166 for more information or admin@cranknursery.net<br />

Li tle Acorns Nursery is situated in a beautiful woodland<br />

se ting. It is a safe and vibrant place for your child to gain<br />

lots of wonderful educational experiences.<br />

We are big on the great outd ors & being down in the forest<br />

which is g od for your child’s health and we l-being<br />

A l Saints’ Primary Sch ol | Finch Lane | A pley Bridge | WN6 9DT<br />

Li tle Acorns Nursery<br />

www.locallife247.co.uk<br />

01257 252647<br />

www.li tleacorns-daynursery.com


64<br />

ALPINE LTD<br />

Roofing & Building Services<br />

OAP<br />

DISCOUNTS<br />

SERVING<br />

CHORLEY, WEST<br />

LANCASHIRE &<br />

WIGAN<br />

Your local roofing company from repairs<br />

to re-roofs, fascia’s, soffits & gutters.<br />

• Flat roof specialists<br />

• Damp proof specialists<br />

• Quality workmanship<br />

• Affordable pricing<br />

• Quick response to all repairs<br />

FULLY INSURED<br />

Tel: 01744 776880<br />

Mob: 07730 351523<br />

www.alpineroofingandbuildingltd.co.uk<br />

Damp<br />

Control<br />

<strong>St</strong>ate of the art diagnostic<br />

equipment used to provide a<br />

comprehensive assessment<br />

of your damp issues.<br />

Free quote and<br />

advice provided<br />

for any remedial<br />

works needed.<br />

For a reliable, friendly<br />

service call Matthew on<br />

07840 096 233<br />

Matthew<br />

Rigby<br />

Property Services<br />

Damp Control Specialists<br />

Promote your<br />

company here for<br />

just £30 + VAT<br />

Call 01744 649722<br />

<strong>Local</strong><strong>Life</strong><br />

www.locallife247.co.uk<br />

Rainford<br />

Electrical<br />

Est.1975<br />

Electrical Installations & Repairs<br />

All aspects of domestic work<br />

undertaken<br />

Lights, Sockets, Fuseboards etc<br />

Electric Oven & Shower Repairs<br />

P.A.T. Testing & Inspection<br />

Small jobs a speciality<br />

Call Alan Leigh on<br />

01744 883883<br />

or 07884 496434<br />

DF Electrical<br />

Services<br />

Domestic Commercial<br />

Industrial<br />

• Rewires<br />

• Consumer Unit Upgrades<br />

• Outside Lighting<br />

• Outside Sockets<br />

• Alarms<br />

• CCTV<br />

Contact David Feely<br />

Mob: 07961 641 826<br />

Tel: 01257 367 386<br />

Email: dfelectricalservices@outlook.com<br />

All electrical work undertaken from<br />

full re-wires to alarms/CCTV.<br />

No job too small.<br />

No call out charge – guaranteed.<br />

30 years experience.<br />

CAll STeVe oN<br />

07809 427 508<br />

www.hjselectricalservices.co.uk<br />

W.Hurst & Son Ltd<br />

ELECTRIC<br />

CONTRACTOR<br />

www.whurstandson.co.uk<br />

• All types of electrical work<br />

• 35+ years experience<br />

• No job too small<br />

• Friendly and reliable<br />

For a free quote<br />

& advice call Jeff<br />

01695 622 191<br />

07850 622 191


£29 for a fu l day<br />

rural Vi lage<br />

NUrSErY<br />

FUNDED LANgUAgE<br />

A l sta f<br />

PLACES & SPortS<br />

paediatric<br />

Available for LESSoNS<br />

& first aid<br />

2/3/4<br />

for<br />

QUALIFIED<br />

year olds pre-schoolers<br />

oPEN<br />

Large<br />

£37.50<br />

Mon-Fri<br />

outdoor<br />

per day<br />

8AM-6PM<br />

PLAY ArEA<br />

www.cranknursery.co.uk<br />

rated by<br />

oF<strong>St</strong>ED<br />

as<br />

oUt<strong>St</strong>ANDINg<br />

We cater for<br />

CHILDrEN<br />

3 months<br />

- 4 years<br />

NEWLY<br />

rEFUrBISHED<br />

in 2019<br />

65<br />

Call us now for ALL your roofline requirements!<br />

Facias, soffits, cladding, dry verge and gutters<br />

<strong>Local</strong><strong>Life</strong><br />

We specialise in seamless<br />

aluminium gutters.<br />

Clean, stylish and guaranteed<br />

for 25 years!<br />

Call: 07917 352 182 / 07917 352 183<br />

www.orrellroofline.co.uk<br />

Promote your<br />

company here for<br />

just £30 + VAT<br />

Call 01744 649722<br />

Our Focus Is<br />

Quality & Price<br />

From a Loose Slate to a<br />

Complete Construction<br />

LOCAL<br />

FAMILY<br />

FIRM<br />

All aspects<br />

of Building<br />

& Roofing<br />

UPVC Rooflines<br />

www.locallife247.co.uk<br />

Extensions &<br />

Alterations Specialists<br />

References Available<br />

Call us on... 01744 600074<br />

Mobile: 07867 592460<br />

13 Hawes Ave, Carr Mill, WA11 7EA<br />

WILSON<br />

BROS<br />

• •<br />

Est. 1985<br />

Roofing & Roofline<br />

Specialists<br />

• All aspects of<br />

maintenance & repair<br />

• Fascia & soffit<br />

installation<br />

• Guttering and felting<br />

services<br />

Call us now for<br />

a free estimate<br />

01695 633173<br />

Colin: 07958 302 166<br />

Brian: 07760 160 988<br />

www.wilson-bros.co.uk<br />

Design & Print<br />

Flyers, postcards, brochures<br />

and distribution service.<br />

Call 01744 649722<br />

<strong>Local</strong><strong>Life</strong><br />

Little Acorns Nursery<br />

QUALITY CHILDCARE YOU CAN TRUST!<br />

Open Mon-Fri: 8am ti l 5.30pm term time<br />

We operate a b oking system for the<br />

holidays which saves you money<br />

We deliver 30 hours fr e entitlement<br />

Flexible se sions available<br />

We take children from 2 years old<br />

Ca l Sarah on 01744 86166 for more information or admin@cranknursery.net<br />

Li tle Acorns Nursery is situated in a beautiful woodland<br />

se ting. It is a safe and vibrant place for your child to gain<br />

lots of wonderful educational experiences.<br />

We are big on the great outd ors & being down in the forest<br />

which is g od for your child’s health and we l-being<br />

A l Saints’ Primary Sch ol | Finch Lane | A pley Bridge | WN6 9DT<br />

Li tle Acorns Nursery<br />

www.locallife247.co.uk<br />

01257 252647<br />

www.li tleacorns-daynursery.com<br />

Do you<br />

have<br />

Failed<br />

Double<br />

Glazing<br />

Units?<br />

Don’t pay £££’s to replace<br />

the frame, we’ll replace the<br />

glass panes.<br />

We also replace; Window<br />

locks, Door locks, Hinges<br />

& Handles.<br />

...and we do conservatory<br />

repairs.<br />

Call us now for a free<br />

quotation on<br />

01744 810 000<br />

www.northwestwindowrepairs.co.uk<br />

Promote your<br />

company here for<br />

just £30 + VAT<br />

Call 01744 649722<br />

<strong>Local</strong><strong>Life</strong><br />

www.locallife247.co.uk<br />

PLC<br />

MAINTENANCE<br />

MuLtiSkiLLed<br />

HandyMan<br />

• Roofing & Roofline -<br />

repairs and replacement<br />

• Decorating • Building<br />

• Gates supplied & fitted<br />

• Plastering • Gardening<br />

For all your home improvements<br />

No job too small<br />

07847 394040<br />

01744 606938


Cover photo © Ian Bonne l Photograpthy<br />

66<br />

Promote<br />

your<br />

business<br />

in<br />

<strong>Local</strong><strong>Life</strong><br />

all our magazine<br />

distribution is<br />

monitored using<br />

GPS<br />

tracking<br />

WIGAN NORTH<br />

WIGAN<br />

NEXT IssuE<br />

October <strong>2020</strong><br />

DEaDlINE<br />

17th <strong>September</strong><br />

13,064<br />

ABC1 homes<br />

<strong>St</strong>andish, Shevington, Appley Bridge,<br />

Parbold, Whitley, Newburgh, Beech Hill,<br />

Red Rock, Springfield, <strong>St</strong>andish Lower Ground,<br />

Wigan Lane<br />

<strong>Local</strong><strong>Life</strong><br />

Wigan North Edition<br />

Public<br />

mEmOriES OF CENTrAL pArk<br />

pArbOLD EiGHT WALk<br />

LOCAL NEWS | EVENTS2GO | FOOD | HEALTH | WALkS | COmpETiTiONS | HOmE & GArDEN SErViCES<br />

Also available at;<br />

Tesco Extra (Wigan) and sainsburys (Marus Bridge)<br />

NEXT IssuE<br />

DEaDlINE<br />

November <strong>2020</strong> 15th October<br />

13,175<br />

ABC1 homes<br />

Orrell, Orrell Post, Upholland, Billinge Higher End,<br />

Winstanley, Highfield, Marus Bridge,<br />

Ashton-in-Makerfield, Bryn, Goose Green,<br />

Kitt Green, Longshaw, Poolstock<br />

© David Bancroft Photography<br />

FREE<br />

september 2019<br />

WIN<br />

tickets<br />

to Martin<br />

Mere<br />

Art Trail<br />

<strong>Local</strong><strong>Life</strong><br />

Wigan Edition<br />

Forgotten Buildings:<br />

Winstanley Hall<br />

a BrightEr orrEll<br />

sandstonE trail Walk<br />

Also available at;<br />

Tesco Extra (Wigan) and sainsburys (Marus Bridge)<br />

WIN<br />

a luxury<br />

Spa Day for<br />

Two!<br />

LOCAL NEWS | EVENTS2GO | FOOD | HEALTH | WALkS | COmpETiTiONS | HOmE & GArDEN SErViCES<br />

FREE<br />

march <strong>2020</strong><br />

ST HELENS<br />

NEXT IssuE<br />

DEaDlINE<br />

November <strong>2020</strong> 22nd October<br />

13,108<br />

ABC1 homes<br />

Rainford, Billinge, Garswood, Moss Bank,<br />

Windle, Eccleston, Eccleston Park, Laffak,<br />

Haydock, Haresfinch, Carr Mill, Denton’s Green,<br />

Prescot Road, West Park<br />

<strong>Local</strong><strong>Life</strong><br />

hEritagE opEn days<br />

WhEElton moor Walk<br />

a hEalthiEr hEart<br />

<strong>St</strong> <strong>Helens</strong> Edition<br />

Ballooning<br />

in Autumn<br />

FREE<br />

september 2018<br />

Heritage<br />

Open Days<br />

Also available at;<br />

Tesco Extra (<strong>St</strong> <strong>Helens</strong> Linkway)<br />

LOCAL NEWS | EVENTS2GO | FOOD | HEALTH | WALkS | COmpETiTiONS | HOmE & GArDEN SErViCES<br />

want<br />

to book<br />

advertiSinG?<br />

Call us on 01695 627999<br />

for more details or email<br />

sales@locallife247.co.uk


67<br />

Come and visit the largest<br />

showroom in the North West<br />

®<br />

Quality installations of windows,<br />

doors, fascias, soffits and gutters<br />

First for quality • First for service • First for reliability<br />

No contractors • No salesmen<br />

Just a smile and a honest price from a family run business<br />

NEW Generation<br />

Rockdoor<br />

now available<br />

SISTER COMPANY OF FOXWELLS BUILDERS<br />

Established since 1999<br />

Call us for a Free Quote<br />

Office Number: 01942 871 777<br />

Victoria Industrial Estate, Victoria <strong>St</strong>reet, Leigh, WN7 5SE<br />

warmlightwindowsltd.co.uk • info@warmlightwindowsltd.co.uk<br />

Conservatory Roof<br />

Conversion System<br />

Transform your conservatory<br />

into a comfortable living space


68<br />

Tomorrow’s Home Improvements Today!<br />

Quality ~ Choice ~ Value<br />

Windows<br />

Bi-Fold Doors<br />

Thermally-efficient conservatory roofs<br />

expertly fitted by accredited installers<br />

©<br />

Orangeries<br />

Don’t just lock it,<br />

Rock it!<br />

Conservatories<br />

Manufacturers and installers since 2004<br />

Contact us on 01744 891717 for a no obligation quote<br />

Visit our showroom/factory at; Crows Nest, Ashton Road, Billinge, WN5 7XX (near Windy Arbour crossroads)<br />

www.orrellwindows.co.uk<br />

28544

Hooray! Your file is uploaded and ready to be published.

Saved successfully!

Ooh no, something went wrong!