local-life-wigan-december-2020

LocalLife

Wigan Edition

December 2020

WIN

a hamper

for your

lockdown

hero!

Christmas on a Budget

Pages 16-17

Christmas Recipes

Pages 26-28

Hometown Brushstrokes

Pages 38-41

Top Santa Apps

Page 44

Books for Christmas

Page 48

Jack’s Tracks: Carr Mill

Pages 62-63

The gorgeous Love It Gallery in Billinge has an excellent range of original gifts

to suit all budgets, made from craftspeople, many of them local. From Christmas

cards, wrapping, advent calendars and decorations, right through to gifts sets,

accessories, jewellery, ceramics, and soft furnishings, Love It Gallery has got

something for everyone this Christmas.

As the home of Morpheus Glass, it’s not surprising that

the range of inspirational glass art at Love It Gallery

is huge, with clocks, bowls, mirrors, vases, wall panels

and much more featuring prominently, many pieces

carrying the rainbow theme of 2020.

On site at the gallery is Bag & Bean coffee

shop, where you can enjoy coffee, cake

and light lunches, socially distanced style

- with additional outdoor and undercover

seating with heating.

Love It Gallery, Winstanley Road, Billinge WN5 7XG

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

Telephone: 01695 622 332

KEEP WARM THIS WINTER

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This is the final Local Life of 2020 and I can safely

say that it is a year that everyone is going to glad

to see the back of. The news on the vaccine front

gives us hope that 2021 will be the year the world learns

how to cope with this virus, but in the meantime, we are

facing a toned-down Christmas.

Whilst this is an awful situation for everyone, please

remember in your thoughts those families that will be

facing their first Christmas without loved ones. Christmas

can also be a tough time of year for many who are lonely

and isolated, and sending a simple Christmas card or

making a phone call can mean a lot to them.

With light finally showing at the end of the (admittedly

very long) tunnel, now is the time to look forward to what

you can hopefully enjoy next year; to the party you’re

going to have next Christmas, to next year’s sunshine

holiday, to celebrating birthdays, graduations, proms, to

watching live sport in person or in a crowd down the pub,

going to the cinema and doing all those things that we

have taken for granted for so long.

Never before, certainly in my lifetime, will the sentiment

‘Happy New Year’ be delivered with as much sincerity as it

will be this year. Enjoy Christmas, keep your family close

– but not too close – and from us all at Local Life, a Happy

New Year.

Chris Pearce, Publisher

chrisp@locallife247.co.uk

Keep in touch with the

LocalLife Team!

LocalLife

Telephone: 01695 627 999

info@locallife247.co.uk

locallifemagazine247@locallifemedia

Local Life 247 Ltd, PO Box 779, Wigan WN1 9UB

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

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

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

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

This month’s highlights

38. Hometown Brushstrokes

Contents

20. Competition Winners

The lucky Rainbow Glass winners.

16. A Budget Christmas

26. Christmas Recipes

24. Beauty

Gift set inspiration this Christmas.

42. Tech

Top ticket Christmas gifts 2020.

44. Top Christmas Apps

Discover the magic of Christmas!

56. Health

Overcome your digestive problems.

58. Puzzle Pages

Try these brainteasers for size.

60. Motoring

6 health conditions to declare.

62. Jack’s Tracks - Carr Mill

65. Home & Garden Services

Find the best local traders.

30. Win a Luxury Hamper

48. Books for Christmas

Want to

promote your

business in

LocalLife?

Next Issue - January 2021

Advertising deadline - 16th December

Published - 20th January

01695 627 999

www.locallife247.co.uk

Hospice Support

Hospice UK, the national

charity which leads Hospice

Care Week, estimates that

UK hospices have lost in the

region of £70m in income

so far this year, with charity

shops closed throughout

the first lockdown and many

major fundraising events

having to be cancelled.

You can help Wigan and

Leigh Hospice face this

unprecedented financial

challenge by supporting

the Hospice’s annual Light

for a Life appeal, which

provides an opportunity to

celebrate and remember those you love and have loved.

A light is lit on the Hospice Christmas tree for every

dedication made each year and every name is featured

in a Book of Dedications

which is printed into a

bound hard-backed book

and is available to view all

year round.

Dedications can be made

to anyone, there does not

need to be a connection

to the Hospice. It is a

simple and moving way

of remembering those

you love or have loved at

Christmas time.

For more details, visit www.

wlh.org.uk.

You can also support the

Hospice by buying any last-minute Christmas cards you

need. The Hospice has a range of eight Christmas cards

and these are sold in packs of ten cards for £2.99 each

online at www.wlh.org.uk.

Christmas Market

Standish Christmas Market will be a bit different this year

and organisers are hoping that their virtual offerings will

help to keep the Christmas spirit alive.

The hope is that they will be back in Market Place and

the craft halls next year, but for 2020 they have teamed

up with Pedddle.com to host a Virtual Christmas Market

weekend.

You will be able to access the market at www.pedddle.

com - just search for Standish Christmas Market. There

will be a sneak preview of who is going to be trading from

Wednesday 2nd December and it will go live on Friday

4th December and run until Sunday 6th December.

The market will be full of familiar traders from previous

non-virtual markets, along with a few fresh faces. The

same sentiment stands this year - shop local and support

small businesses.

So break open the mulled wine, warm up the mince pies,

curl up on your sofa and have your credit cards handy -

let’s go Christmas shopping!

Over 25 years of local advice

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Festive Night In

Wigan Youth Zone will be hosting a festive night in on

Sunday 20th December. You can join them at 6pm on

Zoom to for a fun-filled evening packed with amazing

performances from the young people of Wigan Borough,

messages from celebrity guests and they will also be

revealing the winners of The Big Christmas Raffle!

Prizes for The Big Christmas Raffle include a diamond

necklace worth £1000, Moschino sunglasses, cameras,

hampers, experiences days and much more! For more

information on how to secure a raffle ticket, please email

Sharon.McLaren@wiganyouthzone.org or alternatively

you can purchase your ticket through the website at

www.wiganyouthzone.org

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WINTER MEMBERSHIP

OFFERS

You can join Gathurst Golf Club without

signing up for a full membership

Come along & give us a try!

• Join for 1 month (Jan, Feb or Mar) for just £50 per month &

play as much golf as you can fit in

• Join for 2 months (any combination of Jan, Feb & Mar) for just

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Zoom with Santa

The Santa float that normally tours Wigan’s estates in

December, staffed by Wigan Rotary Club, will not be

running this year due to the current health crisis.

However, the club have come up with a contact-free way

for the children still to be able to tell Santa what is on their

Christmas list. Via the Wigan Rotary Club’s website, or by

scanning the QR Code on this page, parents will be able

to book a meeting for their child or children to sit in their

house and link up with Santa in his grotto.

Rotary President Rosemary Charles said “We are very

disappointed that children will not be able to see

Santa come down their street or when they go to the

supermarket so we wanted to make sure they could still

have a direct line to Santa with a special meeting we hope

they will treasure.

‘Zoom with Santa’

means they will still

be able to see Santa

this year in his grotto

and have time to

chat to him and tell

him what they want

for Christmas. This is

a fully personalised

experience and will

see Santa speaking

one to one with

each child from his

Lapland grotto and

recreate the magic of this festive tradition as best as

possible.’

‘Rosemany adds, “We are not making a charge for this

but we hope everyone will feel able to make a donation

which will cover the costs of the event and help us to

continue all the work we do in the Wigan community”.

Bookings are now been taken via www.wiganrotaryclub.

org.uk with full details of the dates and times available.

You can also scan the QR code on this page for arrange

your very own meeting with Santa

For any queries email wiganrotaryzoom@gmail.com or

ring 07813 471000

If you wish to donate without making a booking just go

to www.wiganrotaryclub.org.uk and click on the ‘Donate

Now’ button.

Choose a

caring community

It has never been more important to choose the right care setting.

Belong villages provide high quality 24-hour support

in a safe household environment, with focus on wellbeing,

meaningful occupation

and exercise.

Small households create

a homely setting,

cohorting in ‘bubbles’

of up to 12 people

Specially adapted

processes to facilitate

safe move-ins and

family visits

Robust infection prevention

and control measures, and

regular testing for colleagues

and residents

Services include 24-hour support,

including nursing and dementia

care and independent living

apartments

Belong also operates an award-winning home

care service, providing support with daily living,

companionship and a range of initiatives to help

with physical and mental wellbeing during lockdown.

To find out more, contact your nearest village

enquiries@belong.org.uk

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Your life, your pace, your way

Escape to Gulliver’s

With many festive options for family fun closed off this Elf Workshop and, of course, enjoy the festive rides and

year because of COVID-19, those in search of a Christmas attractions.

family adventure can still depend on Gulliver’s World in

The ’Festive Breakfast’ and ‘Cracker’ packages, which start

Warrington. The packages are a little different this year,

from £25 per person (concession prices are available)

but you can still enjoy a classic collection of fabulous

include either breakfast or lunch, and a chance to enjoy

festive treats for all the family.

Gully’s Christmas Show too.

Packages start from £19 per person (concession prices

Gulliver’s World is open in Warrington on every weekend

are available) and all packages include a trip aboard the

up to and including 19/20 December, and also open

North Pole Express to the Winter Wonderland, stopping

throughout Christmas week right up until the 24th

off on the way for special festive sights! Every child will

December. Santa Sleepovers are also available on selected

have the chance to give Santa their Christmas wish list in

dates at the Gulliver’s Hotel on site. For further details and

a socially distant manner, choose their own gifts from the

to book your tickets, visit www.gulliversfun.co.uk.

family fun

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Call us today to arrange a

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Wigan,

WN6 0HF

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01257 228027 / 01942 409154

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Volunteers Wanted

The Wigan Borough Volunteer Hub are on the lookout for

volunteers. The Hub is run by WBCP, a registered charity

which exists to provide advice, training, and support to

the voluntary, community and social enterprise sector.

Are you willing to support those who are self-isolating,

by helping with activities such as personal shopping

and food deliveries?If so, please contact WBCP on 01942

363621 or emaiL info@wbcommunitypartnership.org.

School Admissions

The deadline for new primary school admissions is 15th

January. If your child was born between 1/9/16 and

31/8/17, they will start reception class in September 2021.

To be considered for your preferred primary schools, you

must apply online on the Wigan Council (or Lancashire

County Council website) or fill in the primary school

application form.

If you need assistance, then call the School Organisation

Team on 01942 489013 (or 0300 123 6707 for Lancashire

residents).

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New Use for School Site

Wigan Council is carrying out an analysis to re-develop

the former Shevington Community Primary School site

to provide housing for elderly residents and people

living with disabilities. If approved, the site will remain

in ownership of the council and will offer high-quality,

affordable rent homes to those who meet the criteria for

extra care accommodation.

Councillor Terry Halliwell, cabinet member for housing

and welfare said: “Affordable accommodation suitable

for older people has historically been in short supply in

Shevington, so we’re glad to have identified a potential

site to bring a new scheme forward.”

No design work has started, and residents will be

consulted on the proposals before planning permission is

sought. If given the go ahead, it is hoped that the scheme

will be funded by the council with Homes England

support, subject to grant funding.

Councillor Halliwell added: “This is very much an early

proposal, if approved, no work would start on site

before 2022. It’s imperative that we speak directly with

local people to seek their thoughts so we can ensure

this scheme is shaped to respect the environmental

sensitivities of the site whilst considering local views.”

ON A BUDGET

Free and low-cost ideas to make Christmas magical!

Try a digital advent calendar (£3.70)

The Jacquie Lawson advent calendar is a firm favourite in

our house. (I love it as much as the kids.) A new game,

story or creative activity is released each day throughout

December. The calendar is centred around a Christmassy

scene, and many of the activities then become part of

that scene. So your child might decorate the tree, dress

up the snowman or create a wreath to hang on a shop

door, for example. See www.jacquielawson.com/advent.

Look for low-cost elves (£1)

A branded Elf on a Shelf could set you back over £20,

so look for alternatives. I picked up a couple of small

bendable elves for £1 each from Tiger a couple of years

ago, which did the job just as well as a bigger elf – until

the dog got hold of them!

Send a message from Santa (Free)

Santa has been

wishing my kids a

happy Christmas

through a Portable

North Pole (www.

portablenorthpole.

com) video for

years. The shorter

personalised video

is free to create

and is pretty much

guaranteed to

delight younger

children. (It’s also

worth looking in

your phone’s app

store for Christmasthemed

apps like

Santa Spy Cam and Elf Yourself.)

Organise a second-hand scavenger

hunt (£10 or under)

Most children enjoy a scavenger hunt around the house

or garden. The most successful one I’ve organised for

my children involved a load of Shopkins and other mini

figures that I picked up second-hand from Facebook

Marketplace for under £10. The elves that I mentioned

above also create a treasure hunt every year, with a series

of clues leading to a craft activity, gift-wrapped sweets or

a small toy.

Buy in bulk

If you can club together with other families, you might

be able to make savings on stocking fillers and activities

by bulk buying. Baker and Ross (www.bakerross.co.uk)

for example, sell a wide range of craft kits, activities and

small toys. They mainly sell to schools, so if you bulk buy it

works out a lot cheaper. My son adored the Gingerbread

House Kit last year (two for £6.95 or 10 for £22.50).

The Rainbow Wooden Keyring Craft Kits (four for £6.95

or sixteen for £18.40), Racing Reindeers (four for £5.95 or

sixteen for £14.88) and Woodland Friends Stationery Sets

(four for £6.95 or sixteen for £18.40) would all make great

stocking fillers. There’s also usually an offer on whereby

you can save more money if you spend over a certain

amount.

Jewels May is a wonderful independent jewellers.

The shop has recently expanded so as to offer

customers more on site specialist services, one-toone

consultation, specialist design and re-modelling

advice and manufacturing.

Their jewellery range is extensive from antique

and vintage to modern and one-off bespoke luxury

pieces, set with diamonds and precious stones. They

also boast an impressive range of engagement and

wedding rings as well as pre-owned luxury watches.

Look for cost-saving memberships (£1)

Membership cards like Kids Pass offer substantial

discounts on family experiences. You can get up to 40%

off cinema tickets for example, as well as

money off days out to safari parks, theme

parks, zoos, trampoline parks and so

on, plus discounts

on restaurants.

A Kids Pass

membership

from www.

kidspass.co.uk

costs £2.99 a

month, but

you can get a

thirty-day trial

for just £1.

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Cash for Culture Recovery

Arts at the Mill CIC has been awarded £945,621 as part pandemic so this money will go a long way in covering

of the Government’s £1.57 billion Culture Recovery Fund losses incurred in the organisation due to closure”.

(CRF) to help face the challenges of the coronavirus

Rebecca continued “We now broadcast live performances,

pandemic and to ensure that the organisation has a

workshops, tutorials, seminars, vlogs and more several

sustainable future, the Culture Secretary announced

times per week to continue to provide creative output

recently.

and to maintain cultural engagement for all. Doing

Arts at the Mill are one of 1,385 cultural and creative this has meant we’ve been able to continue offering

organisations across the country receiving urgently paid work in a time when opportunities for artists have

needed support.

become extremely limited”.

£257 million of investment has been announced as part She added “In addition, we’ve thankfully been able to

of the very first round of the Culture Recovery Fund grants maintain employment for all our staff members with a

programme being administered by Arts Council England. number of them continuing to work and some, having

Further rounds of funding in the cultural and heritage

been furloughed, using their time to volunteer for the

sector are due to be announced over the coming weeks.

Covid-19 Community Response Team. We can’t thank

DCMS and Arts Council England enough for giving us this

The Arts at the Mill Marketing & Communications Director,

incredible lifeline.”

Rebecca Davenport said:

For more inforation about The Old Courts and the role

“We feel lucky and extremely grateful to have been

they play in the local arts scene, visit their website at

awarded this grant. We had to make the difficult decision

www.theoldcourts.com.

to close our doors in March 2020 due to the Coronavirus

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Competition Winners

The winners of our Rainbow Glass Art competition in

the October issue of Local Life were recently announced.

Selina Winnard (main picture) from Appley Lane North in

Appley Bridge won the main prize, which was a Rainbow

Arch, Joan Berry from Pepper Lane in Standish was the

first runner up and won a Rainbow Heart and Rachel

Phillips (pictured) from The

Coverts in Wigan won the

3rd prize, a Rainbow Bee.

The pieces are just part of the

collection of rainbow glass

art designed by Morpheus

Glass designer Stephanie

O’Brien and available at the

Love It Gallery, which is based

on Winstanley Road in Billinge.

The Love It Gallery is open

from Tuesday to Sunday. For

more details visit the Facebook

page @loveitgalleryltd.

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Funding for Ideas

Youngsters aged 8-19 looking for funding for big ideas are

being advised to apply to Wigan and Leigh Youth Cabinet.

Wigan and Leigh Youth Cabinet are a group of young

people who help to represent young people’s views

and influence decisions that affect young people locally,

regionally and nationally.

They have £5,000 to spend on young people’s ideas and

they are looking for interesting, imaginative ideas that

will help young people in the area.

Whether you want to get a new kit for your sports group,

to run some training or a workshop for other young

people, get some publicity materials or put on a play with

a positive message, you can apply for funding of up to

£500.

You can apply online from www.wigan.gov.uk/LINC2/

index.aspx, just click on ‘Have a Say’ and then on ‘Youth

Inspiration Fund’.

Or you can also apply by post if you’d prefer (this may be

easier for you if you would like to use pictures as well as

words in your application). To do this simply download

the application form on the site, then apply via post to:

Youth Inspiration Fund, Targeted Youth Support Services,

Wigan Council, Hindley Town Hall, Cross Street, Hindley,

WN2 3AX.

After your application has been reviewed, the Youth

Cabinet will decide whether or not you will be invited

to attend the Youth Cabinet’s board meeting to present

your ideas and a decision will be made at that meeting

whether funding will be granted and the amount.

Virtual Sewing

The Old Courts will be holding their monthly online Stitch

‘n’ Bitch session on Wednesday 16th December from

7.30pm.

This free zoom workshop is a laid-back stitch session run

by artist Lucy Sharkey of House of Sharkey. Lucy will be

on hand to offer and advice you need and a few tips and

tricks. To join in, visit www.theoldcourts.com/whatson.

Train to teach with

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Gifted

Inspiration

There’s something special about a beauty gift set. Here’s some of the best sets this Christmas.

Bobbi Brown’s gift sets are always

a treat and this year’s are no

exception. Top of my list is the Must

Have Essentials set. You get a makeup

bag, full-size Pot Rouge Blusher

and five minis, including a Luxe Lip

Color in Neutral Rose and a Smokey

Eye Mascara. Together, they’re worth

£82, so the set is an absolute steal at

£36.50; see www.bobbibrown.co.uk.

Buying for a teenager? Organic

Young’s My Skin Goals set is likely

to be well-received. It features the

Clear Skin Foaming Face Wash,

Purifying Serum and Cleansing

Moisturiser. Each product has been

specifically designed with teen

skin concerns in mind. Together,

they help to tackle acne, soothe

inflammation and keep skin healthy.

Plus, each purchase supports the

Born Free Foundation. The set is £30

from www.greenpeople.co.uk.

Know someone who could do with

a better night’s sleep? Treat them to

Neal’s Yard Remedies’ Beauty Sleep

Collection. It features the Beauty

Sleep Foaming Bath Gel, Shower Oil,

Body Lotion and Concentrate Serum,

all of which smell heavenly and are

designed to aid relaxation. It’s £40

from www.nealsyardremedies.com.

It can be tricky to find the perfect

gift set, so a few brands now allow

you to create your own. British

brand Noble Isle is one of them.

Select three or four products from

its extensive range, and they’ll be

popped into a gift box and posted

out. And what a range to choose

from… Personally, I love the spicy

Fireside Bath & Shower Gel and

the subtly floral Willow Song Body

Lotion. The bespoke Trio set is £20

from www.nobleisle.com.

Liz Earle (www.lizearle.co.uk ) has

outdone itself with its gift range

this year. The packaging is lush and

many of the sets come with festive

tins or reusable bags. It’s hard to pick

a favourite to be honest. If you’re

looking for a stocking filler, The

Joy Cleanse and Polish set (£12) is

ideal. Buying for a man? You can’t go

wrong with the Shower and Shave

Collection (£30). And I’m personally

lusting after the Together We Shine

Haircare Set (£33).

I think we all deserve a bit of

relaxation this Christmas. Open the

Puressentiel Time to Unwind travel

bag and you’ll find a Rest & Relax

Air Spray, a Rest & Relax Massage

Oil and a Stress Roll-on. Together,

they use the power of essential

oils to promote a feeling of calm,

ease stress and tension, and aid

relaxation. Bliss, at £20 from www.

uk.puressentiel.com.

If you’re looking for a gift with the

wow factor, try Rituals’ The Ritual of

Ayurveda Rebalancing Collection.

All four products (Foaming Shower

Gel, Body Scrub, Body Cream

and Mini Fragrance Sticks) smell

amazing. They’re perfect for

creating an at-home spa experience

on Boxing Day and beyond. And as

they come with a gift box and tag,

you don’t even need to wrap them.

It’s £39.90 from www.boots.co.uk.

Harmony

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Cranberry,

orange and

nut loaf

READY

in 1hr 45mins

plus cooling

Makes 8-10

This simple cake makes a delicious alternative to a classic Christmas cake.

Add the icing and fresh cranberry topping on the day of serving.

Ingredients

175g unsalted butter, softened

175g golden caster sugar

225g self-raising flour

2 tsp ground mixed spice

½ tsp baking powder

3 large eggs

75g sweetened dried cranberries

50g walnuts & 50g hazelnuts, chopped

Zest of 1 orange

1 tbsp orange juice

FROSTING

Half of a 400g tub ready-made royal icing

2 tsp snowflake sugar sprinkles

75g fresh cranberries

Fresh mint sprigs, to decorate (optional)

Icing sugar, for dusting

Method

1 Preheat the oven to 170C, 150C fan, gas mark 3. Grease a 900g loaf

tin and line the base and up two long sides of the tin with baking

parchment.

2 Place the butter, sugar, flour, spice, baking powder and eggs in a large

bowl and beat with an electric whisk for 2-3 minutes until thoroughly

combined. Fold in the dried cranberries, nuts and orange zest and juice.

3 Spoon the mixture into the tin and level the surface. Bake for 1hr-1 hr 15

minutes or until risen and golden and a skewer inserted into the centre

of the cake comes out clean. Leave to cool in the tin for 10 minutes then

turn out onto a wire rack and leave to cool completely.

4 Spread the royal icing over the top of the cake. Scatter over the sugar

sprinkles and fresh cranberries, plus the fresh mint sprigs if using. Leave

in a cool place until set. Serve sliced.

TIP: Instead of the fresh cranberries you could scatter over more festivethemed

sugar sprinkles and add a dusting of edible gold spray for a really

sparkly finish.

READY

in 1 hour

plus cooling

Makes 20

Cinnamon stars

Perfect for a festive sweet treat or a lovely edible Christmas gift,

these cookies can be kept in an airtight container for up to two weeks.

Ingredients

2 medium egg whites

175g icing sugar

250g finely ground roasted hazelnuts

50g mixed peel, finely chopped

1 tbsp ground cinnamon

Method

1 Using an electric handheld mixer, whisk the egg whites in a clean,

grease-free bowl until holding stiff peaks. Stir in the icing sugar until

thoroughly combined then continue to whisk until thick and glossy.

2 Remove 40g of this mixture and set aside. Fold the hazelnuts, mixed

peel and cinnamon into the remaining mixture to make a very stiff

dough. Chill in the fridge for 1 hour.

3 Preheat the oven to 140C, 120C fan, gas mark 1. Line 2 baking sheets

with baking paper. Roll the dough out on a surface heavily dusted with

icing sugar to a 1cm thickness.

4 Using a 5cm star-shaped cookie cutter stamp out about 20 stars, rerolling

the dough as needed until it is all used up. Place the stars on

the baking sheet, well-spaced apart. Spread a little of the reserved egg

white and icing sugar mixture on top of each star.

TIP: Dust the cookie cutter with icing

sugar frequently to prevent the mixture

sticking.

5 Bake for 25 minutes or until the cookies are still white and crisp on top

but slightly soft underneath. Turn off the oven, open the oven door and

leave the cookies to dry out for 15 minutes then transfer to a wire rack

and leave to cool completely.

READY

in 30 mins

plus chilling

Serves 6

Potted

smoked salmon

This is the perfect starter for the lunch on the big day –

the recipe will easily double up if you are feeding a crowd at Christmas!

Ingredients

275g honey roast salmon flakes

250g smoked salmon slices, chopped

100g unsalted butter, softened

125g full-fat soft cheese

2 tsp creamed horseradish

1 tbsp lemon juice

Salt and freshly ground black pepper

Fresh dill sprigs and green

peppercorns, to garnish

Slices of toasted brown or granary

bread, to serve

Method

1 Reserve about 25g of the salmon flakes for garnish (cover and chill in

the fridge until required).

2 Place the rest of the salmon flakes in a food processor with the smoked

salmon, butter, soft cheese, horseradish and lemon juice. Process until

smooth and creamy. Season to taste with salt and freshly ground black

pepper and process for a further few seconds.

3 Divide the mixture between 6 small ramekin dishes and level the

surface. Cover and chill in the fridge until required. Garnish with the

rest of the salmon flakes, dill sprigs and green peppercorns. Serve with

toasted brown or granary bread.

TIP: Most supermarkets sell packs of ready-flaked honey roast salmon but if unavailable just buy ready-cooked smoked salmon

fillets and roughly flake the fish, discarding any skin and fine bones.

Win a hamper

for your lockdown hero!

Rather than offer the hamper as a competition prize as

we have done in the past, this year we’ve decided to

ask you to nominate a deserving recipient of this luxury

Christmas hamper.

This year has brought out the very best in so many people

and, as devastating as the pandemic has been, many of

us have stronger ties and better relationships with our

neighbours and others in the local community as a result.

Who has stepped up to help you this year?

You can nominate a member of your family, a friend or

neighbour, a medical professional or someone else in

your local community who has gone above and beyond

to help others through the pandemic.

To put forward your nominee for the draw to win a

luxury Christmas hamper, simply visit our website,

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

‘competitions’. Simply nominate the name of the person

you wish to receive the hamper in the ‘answer’ box.

The expiry date for the competition is midnight on Thursday 17th December 2020

and the winner will be notified within 48 hours. Entrants must be over 16 years of

age. Only one entry per household – multiple entries will be voided. Local Life 247

cannot accept responsibility for entries that do not reach us. Employees of Local

Life 247 Ltd and their families are not eligible to enter this competition.

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

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WN6 Property Review 2020

It’s been a bumpy year for the country, but a

bumper year for local house values. Here’s a few

of the highlights and lowlights of the property

market in 2020.

The Boris Bounce

A flurry of activity between the December election

and Christmas 2019, was just a taster for the eruption

of activity that took off in the New Year and carried on

unabated until mid-March. In this period, Wigan agents

saw an amazing sales period, fuelled by the release of

pent up demand for people wanting to move on from the

Brexit uncertainty of 2018/9.

Panic Hits

When the pandemic hit in mid-March, the property

market was put on ice for nearly three months. Panicstricken

economists predicted house price drops in the

order of 10% in the best-case scenario and 25% in the

worst for 2020. Nothing could be further from the truth.

The New Normal

During the spring lockdown, homeowners re-evaluated

their homes and their lives. The ability to work comfortably

from home became more important. It was no longer as

vital to live as close to major cities. Village locations with

good motorway links, larger gardens and closer proximity

to green spaces became more desirable.

According to a survey run by the Institute of Directors,

three-quarters of British businesses say they will keep

increased homeworking in place after coronavirus has

been suppressed. it is gradually becoming clear that

priorities for homeowners have shifted – widespread

homeworking means that the need to locate in or around

city centres is decreasing and buyers are looking for more

spacious properties further afield.

The Recovery

The Stamp Duty Holiday, saving buyers thousands of

pounds of tax if they moved before the end of March

2021, all added fuel to a fiery-hot local property market.

The increased demand for a new home in the WN6 area

meant properties on the market in early summer were

snapped up in days for 100% asking price or more.

The Delays

On the downside though, house completions have

significantly been delayed for several reasons. Some

solicitors, banks and surveyors are struggling to cope with

the demand for their services following the end of the first

lockdown. Many have furloughed staff and others have staff

working from home, and this different way of working has

impacted on the time taken between offer and completion.

What’s Next?

Normally when the UK GDP drops like a stone, the

property market follows. But that has not been the case

this year. However, despite all the scary predictions

earlier in the year, property values in WN6 are set at an

astonishing 4.1% higher compared to a year ago. This

would appear to be a quite remarkable outcome given

the current economic framework – long may it continue!

What is a WN6 property worth today?

Average Overall Value Now

Average Price Paid in the last year

WN6 Detached £312,700 £305,970

WN6 Semi-Detached £169,420 £166,920

WN6 Town House / Terraced £115,240 £124,180

WN6 Apartments/ Flats £143,750 £120,230

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

worked within the Wigan property market for over 30 years.

Alan Batt

For more of Alan’s tips, guidance and analysis on the Wigan property market, check out

www.wiganpropertynews.blogspot.co.uk

Merry Christmas

and a

Happy New Year

Wigan Office • 78 Market Street, Wigan WN1 1HX • 01942 233 999

www.alanbatt.co.uk

Artisan Market

Haigh’s popular Artisan Market takes place this Sunday

(6th December) from 10am-4pm at Haigh Hall Woodland

Park (WN2 1PE). The market is run by The Market Co, which

is known for delivering artisan markets in Wilmslow,

Northwich, Urmston and other venues in the North West.

In addition to running the artisan markets, the company

also has a shopping platform for many talented artisans,

small business producers and creators who display at

their markets. This was launched earlier this year to help

the NW’s artisan micro-businesses survive the pandemic.

You can shop for a huge range of goods (including food,

drink, art, crafts, bodycare, homeware and clothing)

online at their impressive site www.themarketco.co.uk.

The site also hosts micro-sites for each individual artisan.

Christmas at Apple Cast

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Head Office:

Halliwell House, 758/768 Ormskirk Road

Pemberton, Wigan WN5 8BB

www.rbanksandson.co.uk T: 01942 222156

Apple Cast in Newburgh are running a family Christmas

event from Saturday 19th to Wednesday 23rd December.

The precise attractions had not been confirmed at the

time we went to press but are expected to include a

Christmas market, live music, children’s activities, food, a

bar and a carol service.

The event will run from 10am-2pm at the venue, which is

based on Cobbs Brow Lane (WN8 7SF). For more details,

visit @CastNorth West UK on Facebook.

Heskin Markets

Heskin Hall are hosting two Christmas events in

December. The Christmas market will run from Wednesday

2nd through to Sunday 6th December, and the Christmas

market incorporating the Steampunk market will take

place on the weekend of 12th and 13th December.

Visitors can browse through artisan and makers stalls,

and enjoy seasonal food and drink including bratwurst

sausages and mulled wine. Live music is scheduled for

4th and 5th December, and there will be an entertainer

on 6th December. There will be children’s rides on site and

a selection of birds of prey too.

Santa will be visiting on the 5th and 6th and you will

be able to make these socially distanced appointments

on Facebook (@HeskinHall) prior to visiting the market.

Heskin Hall is located on Wood Lane in Heskin (PR7 5PA)

and entrance to the market is free.

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Choice, quality, service

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Wide selection of quality lounge suites

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Large selection of occasional furniture,

mirrors, pictures, lamps and other

accessories.

Goodyear Furniture Centre:

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Hometown

Brushstrokes

by Nicola Gray

They say a picture paints a thousand words and if this is to

be believed, then Parbold-born artist David Barrow would

never run out of things to say about how truly inspired he

is by his hometown. Throughout his decades long career,

David has skilfully captured the Wigan way-of-life in some

iconic scenes including the memorable Wigan Casino,

Tiffany’s nightclub, the beautiful Parbold countryside and

Wigan walking days.

David was born in Parbold and spent his formative years

there, before moving to the Springfield area of Wigan

when he was eight years old. David said, “I have very fond

memories of growing up in Parbold, surrounded by the

countryside and nature. I have 3 brothers and to this day

we still reminisce about the happy times we spent there.

After we relocated to Wigan, we still frequently visited

Parbold to call in on my Grandad, so truth be known, we

never really left!”

David continued, “The first school I attended was Parbold

C of E School on Lancaster Lane (now Parbold Douglas

Academy), I eventually attended The Blue Coat School

after the move to Wigan, before moving on to Gidlow

Middle and then Whitley High School. Parbold though,

brings back lots of nostalgic childhood memories. The

landscape and quaintness of the village is beautiful, I

have always loved to capture its beauty and the stillness

of the countryside.”

David began painting seriously when he was 19 years

old, but his artistic achievements started much earlier

on in life, as he tells me, “I have always enjoyed drawing

from a young age, my first artistic triumph came when

I was just 5 years old. I won the 1st prize for a TSB Bank

art competition; the prize was a £1 postal order and that

inspired me greatly. I have had an interest in drawing and

painting for as long as I can remember.”

David’s deep affection for the village is very

apparent and can be seen in the striking

and colourful series he has produced

featuring Parbold landmarks. Looking at

the vibrant paintings it is easy to pick out

such scenes as the canal running through

the centre of the village, Parbold Hill, and

the Stocks Pub. David added, “I am always

drawn to Parbold Hill, I like to walk from the

village centre up to the school as I did each

day with my brothers.”

He tells me that he never really had a

dream job growing up he just knew that

it wasn’t his first job at a hairdressers, “Yes,

my first job was working in a hairdressers

and it just wasn’t for me, I feel I achieved

my dream job when I became a full-time

artist. I’m doing what I love, and it has taken

me in many different directions, including

passing on my love of art by occasionally

teaching a few lessons.”

David’s first official sale came in 1986

when his paintings of the Market Hall and

Wigan Pier were bought by Wigan MBC

to be added to the Town’s collection.

And this was another winner for him

both personally and professionally as

the painting of the Market Hall won

another local competition. David added,

“I had the painting turned into prints

and it was remarkably successful, so I

produced some more of Wigan Pier and

Central Park, which proved very popular.

The affinity people have with their

hometown is enormously powerful”

David continued, “Alongside creating

my own artwork, I am deeply

passionate about both Art History

and contemporary Fine Artists. In my

spare time I am constantly researching

different Artists and Art styles. I am

creative person and as well as art, I have

always been very much into music and I

enjoy playing classical guitar when I get

the chance. I also really enjoy getting out and about for

family walks in Haigh Hall and Mesnes Park with our dog.”

Some of David’s most iconic work features well-known

Wigan scenes and in contrast to Parbold, David says,

“Wigan is a much busier landscape and I like to capture

the hustle and bustle of town life and to see how this

changes the outcome of my work. Growing up, I used to

love going to Wigan Casino nights and Northern Soul has

really motivated me in the past.”

David’s portfolio of work and his representation of

Northern Soul culture has won him world-wide acclaim,

especially his painting of the Wigan Casino. As a teenager

he was a fanatical regular at Wigan Casino, after being

introduced to the music by his older brother and hearing

it around the home. David was known to frequent soul

nights at Blackpool Mecca, the Ritz in Manchester and

even an all-nighter in Burscough.

The Northern Soul genre led to a new direction for David

and he has never looked back, all the pictures in the

exhibition sold and they have become extremely popular.

So popular in fact that they have been collected by

enthusiasts from around the world. Examples of David’s

work are now owned by recognisable names such as, Paul

Weller, Ocean Colour Scene, and institutions such as the

world-famous Tamla Motown Museum in Detroit.

In recent years David explains that he has developed a

different style of working from his traditional oil paintings

and atmospheric club scenes. In his most recent series

of paintings, David brings to life Wigan walking days. He

adds, “My favourite style to paint in is the ‘naive’ style, as I

like to experiment with textures and repetition of shapes

and figures. I like to produce paintings of places that are

personal to me, particularly when I was growing up. The

‘naïve’ style allows lots of excuses for me to show times

and places from my life, with an added touch of fun.”

In addition to his Walking Day series, David is developing

other works based around some familiar local places

including Wigan Baths, Wigan Pier, and the market.

The recent and most current lockdowns have been a

period of planning and research for David and he has

capitalised on this time. David continued, “I have been

producing and planning different collections as a

story board featuring more places and memories

from both Wigan and Parbold. I am in the process of

creating a book featuring paintings that celebrate the

traditional walking days in Wigan.”

He added, “I am working in collaboration with a

writer, together we are combining Wigan speak or

‘Wiganese’ as poems to describe the walking day

marches. This project is going to be produced as an

illustrated book, it will feature different collections,

such as my walks from Parbold village, walking days,

tractor rides from the Plantation Gates to Haigh Hall and

all of this will be combined with Wigan speak as poems.”

David’s hope is that the bespoke Wigan dialect will

narrate and compliment the paintings, telling the story of

his most favourite childhood memories.

David’s work has really travelled, and he is proud to be

exhibited in places from the Manchester Academy of Fine

Arts and the Royal Scottish Academy to the O2 Arena

London and the Turn Pike Gallery. David’s paintings

have been featured five times in the summer exhibition

at London’s prestigious Royal Academy; with one of

David’s portrait paintings also being exhibited at the

Royal Society of portrait painters. David credits one of

his proudest moments as walking

up the staircase in the

gallery at the Royal

Academy

Summer show, he continues, “When I exhibited in

London for the first time in 1990, I felt like I was following

in the steps of other great artists and I can’t really put

that feeling into words. I am also hugely proud to be a

member of the Manchester Royal Academy, it’s great to

be acknowledged for doing something that brings you

great joy and for other people to enjoy it as well.”

With such an extensive list of accolades what could

possibly be left on David’s bucket list? When I put this to

him, it is obvious that he isn’t about to rest on his laurels

when it comes to his passion. He tells me, “Well when it

comes to my bucket list, my main aim is to further develop

my career as an Artist and see where that can take

me. I would also like to travel, once the lockdowns

are lifted and create some artwork featuring

the countries and experiences I have, in

the places I visit. The main aim is to be

able to continue what I am doing,

having my collections shown in

exhibitions plus I would love

more involvement in the

London mall galleries.”

www.davidbarrowart.artweb.com

@Davidbarrowart

Your

Christmas Tech

Many of the gifts we give or get at Christmas are

gadgets, and that means Santa has a few things

to think about in the days before the big

day. For example, if the kids have asked

him for a games console it’s highly

likely that the console will need to

download a big software update

before it can play online; the worst

possible time to do that download

is on Christmas morning when

everybody else in your street is trying

to do the same. If you can, connect any

new console to the internet in advance so

there’s no delay before the kids can play.

Another good idea is to prepare a bit of paper

with your Wi-Fi details and password on it: from

Amazon Echo speakers to Apple iPads and even

many kids’ toys, a Wi-Fi connection is needed

for them to work. Digging out the details in

advance will speed things up considerably on

the day.

It’s worth looking out any USB-ready charger

plugs (such as from iPhones or Kindle Fire

tablets), because to help reduce electronic

waste many USB-powered devices will come

with a cable but not the plug it connects to.

And of course, it’s a very good idea to check

what batteries any gadgets, toys or remote

controllers are going to need. If you don’t

already have one, a battery charger with a

couple of sets of AA and AAA rechargeable

batteries will come in very handy in the next

few days.

Last but not least, we’d recommend having a

multi-tool or a screwdriver set and some really

good scissors handy. We’ve found that many

kids’ toys come screwed to the packaging or

require very small crosshead screwdrivers to

open their battery compartments, and others

come in extremely strong clear plastic that’s

very hard to open.

OCULUS QUEST 2

APPLE WATCH

Checklist

The top big-ticket Christmas gifts 2020

The Apple Watch is the best smartwatch ever

made. There are now three watches to choose

from, starting at £199 for the Series 3 and rising to

£399 for the Series 6.

£199, Apple.com

This is very geeky, we know, but the

Facebook-owned Oculus Quest delivers

an incredible virtual reality experience

without wires or the need for a computer.

£299, Oculus.com

PLAYSTATION 5

The next-generation PlayStation

is big, beautiful and it isn’t quite

as expensive as we feared: the

standard version is £449 and the

disk-free digital version is £359.

£449, Very.co.uk

FITBIT SENSE

If you or your loved one is a

fitness fan, the new Fitbit Versa

adds clever new features to its

tried-and-tested fitness tracking,

including EKG, temperature

sensing and even stress sensing.

£299, Fitbit.com

DYSON SUPERSONIC

If your time is money, then

Dyson’s high-tech hairdryer will

pay for itself very quickly: not

only does it make your hair look

amazing, but it does it in an

amazingly short time too.

£299, Boots.com

Alarms & CCTV

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Top Christmas Apps

Help your child or children discover the magic of Christmas by using these popular Christmas apps.

These apps are now available on both Apple or Android platforms and are either free or modestly priced.

Portable North Pole

Through the Portable North Pole (PNP)

app and website, parents can send

their kids personalised videos direct

from the North Pole. Video messages

are free, but for an additional fee parents can buy their

child more detailed personalisations, views of Santa’s

village and news of the naughty or nice list this year.

NORAD

For more than 60 years, the North

American Aerospace Defense

Command has been tracking Santa’s

whereabouts on Christmas Eve using

satellites and jet fighters. The 2020 NORAD Tracks Santa

website and app each offer a Christmas countdown,

games and other activities, in addition to NORAD’s iconic

reports on Santa’s travels come December 24.

Message From Santa

Parents who download the Message

from Santa app get unlimited

personalised calls from Santa and

can surprise their child with video

messages straight from the North Pole. Kids can also

leave Santa special voicemail messages or hold a text

conversation with him.

Elf Yourself

You can star in a series of personalised

videos featuring your face on dancing

elves. Upload up to five photos of

friends and family from Facebook

or your camera. Then select a dance and the app

automatically generates your custom video you can share

to social media.

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4 Are you in receipt of benefits or tax credits?

You could get a frEE (or heavily subsided)

boiler via the ECO3 scheme.

What is the ECO3 Scheme?

This is a UK government energy efficiency scheme where

energy suppliers fund the installation of energy efficiency

measures, such as boilers, for homeowners in receipt of

benefits and tax credits.

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2021 Concerts

Despite the effect

that the current

health crisis is

having on the arts

and entertainment

industry, Jockey

Club Live are busy

lining up race night

events for the 2021

season at Haydock

Park and Aintree racecourses. The Jockey Club Live events

are renowned for combining a fun-filled evening at the

races with a spectacular evening concert in the informal

and relaxed open-air setting of the hallowed turf.

Confirmed events at Haydock so far are Tom Jones (19th

June) and Olly Murs (17th July), and the confirmed event

at Aintree so far is Nile Rodgers & Chic (11th June). Jockey

Club Live events are also held at Newmarket, Sandown

and Carlisle racecourses.

Tickets for all the events are now available at www.

thejockeyclublive.co.uk and the Jockey Club Live offer a

money back guarantee if cancelled.

Keep your eyes peeled for Local Life issues early in 2021

when we will be running a couple of ticket giveaways for

these events.

Be as Warm as Worcester

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The Gift of a Great Book

Books to give, add to your wish list or just treat yourself to…

The Thursday Murder

Club

Richard Osman

Retirees Elizabeth, Joyce, Ibrahim

and Ron have a unique set of skills

that they put to good use solving old

murder cases. So when a real murder

takes place rather close to home, the

four are well placed to find the killer. Funny, warm and

with a twist every minute, The Thursday Murder Club will

keep readers guessing right until the end. Best of all, a

sequel is already in the pipeline.

Oliver’s Britain

Oliver Hellowell

From roadside poppies and

native wildlife to lochs, lakes

and waterfalls, the photos

that grace the pages of this

coffee table book are a sight

to behold. Oliver has Down’s Syndrome and a natural gift

for spotting the perfect shot. Alongside the photos are

quotes from Oliver and some of his many fans. A great

present for people who enjoy a good ramble through the

British countryside.

Word Perfect:

Etymological

Entertainment for

Every Day of the Year

Susie Dent

Ever wondered who the original Jack

the lad was? Or where a phrase like

‘turn a blind eye’ came from? Susie

Dent has been a regular expert on Countdown for twentyfive

years. In Word Perfect, she reveals the story behind

some well-known words and phrases and introduces the

reader to a whole load of new ones. (Personally, I might

start calling a hankie by its Victorian slang name – a

snottinger.)

The Boy Who Grew

Dragons

Andy Shepherd

Looking for a book for a seven to nine

year old? The Boy Who Grew Dragons

is likely to be appeal to even reluctant

readers. Tomas discovers a plant when

he’s helping out in his grandparents’

garden. It turns out to be a dragon fruit tree and the fruit is

about to hatch. Before long, Tomas is learning all about his

new pet, from the fact it loves broccoli to the unfortunate

fact that dragon poo is highly explosive.

Flavour

Yotam Ottolenghi and Ixta Belfrage

If you’re buying for someone who

loves nothing more than spending

a couple of hours in the kitchen

cooking up a storm, this is the

gift for them. It is not, however, a

cookery book for beginners or those

wanting to whip up a quick and easy dish. The ingredients

aren’t always easy to come by and most of the recipes are

experimental to say the least. The dishes are not always

vegetarian, but fruit, vegetables or fungi are the star

ingredients, and often used in rather surprising ways.

Lime and Coconut Potato Gratin anyone?

My Garden World

Monty Don

Wildlife fans will adore My Garden

World, which is basically Monty

Don’s personal homage to the

birds, insects and other creatures

that share his garden. The book is

packed with interesting nuggets of

information about British wildlife and is a real pleasure to

read (particularly when sat in the garden with a cuppa). If

you want to really earn some brownie points, team it with

a few packets of wildflower seeds and a pair of binoculars.

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CabinetMastersNorthWestLtd

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Showroom Open: 8 - 5 pm, Monday - Thursday; 8 - 4 pm, Friday; 10 - 2 pm, Saturday

Is Inheritance Tax

Voluntary?

It was the late Lord Jenkins that said, “Inheritance Tax is a

voluntary tax paid by people who distrust their beneficiaries

more than they dislike the Inland Revenue”.

Inheritance tax was always considered to be a tax on the

rich, but it really isn’t!

Levied at a fixed rate of 40 per cent, it is possible to become

a higher rate taxpayer after you die. If you are single or

divorced, UK legislation allows the first £325,000 (2020/21

tax year) of your estate to be free from Inheritance Tax.

If you are married, or in a civil partnership or widowed,

this amount could rise to £650,000. In addition to this, the

resident’s nil rate band will enable the nil rate band to be

uplifted further if you are living in your own property and

will be passing your estate on to direct descendants.

Inheritance tax can cost your loved ones hundreds of

thousands in the event of your death, yet it’s possible to

legally avoid huge swathes of it, or possibly pay none at

all. How do you manage this? Just by sensible planning.

The main exemptions

• Most transfers between spouses and civil partners.

• The first £3,000 of lifetime transfers in any tax year plus

any unused balance from previous year.

• Gifts of up to but not exceeding £250 p.a. to any

number of persons.

• Gifts in consideration of marriage or civil partnership of:

up to £5,000 by a parent, up to £2,500 by a grandparent

or great grandparent, or up to £1,000 by any other

person.

• Gifts made out of income that form part of normal

expenditure and do not reduce the standard of living.

• Gifts to charities, whether made during lifetime or on

death.

from when the transfer is made for the gift to fall outside

your estate. During the 7 year period the amount of tax

payable reduces each year. This is known as Taper Relief.

However, this relief only applies to the part of a gift which

is in excess of the nil rate band (£325,000).

Trusts

This method allows for the placement of monies out of your

estate into a suitable investment which is then wrapped

within a trust. You as trustee remain in control of the

investments on behalf of the beneficiaries and can decide

when and if any capital will be paid out in part or in full.

There are a wide variety of trust options available and

therefore careful consideration needs to be given to

ensure that the trust is suitable.

• Are you happy to waive your right to income and

capital from the trust?

• Would you prefer to receive a regular income from the

trust?

• Would you like access to capital from the trust?

Clearly, one size does not fit all and therefore further

advice should be taken.

Inheritance Tax is quite a technical area and therefore

before embarking on a course of action I would strongly

recommend that you seek professional advice. We

have advisers with advanced qualifications within the

taxation and trusts arena who if need be will be more

than happy to guide you.

Should you wish to have a chat

with one of our qualified financial

planners please feel free to give

us a call on 01257 423800.

Making Gifts

In most cases, any direct gift either made direct or into

an absolute trust by any one person over the exempt

gift allowances, is a Potentially Exempt Transfer (PET).

This means that you as the donor, need to live 7 years,

David Barton

APFS Cert CII (MP)

Chief Executive Officer

Remember all investments can fall as well as rise in value so investors could get back less than they invest.

Covid Support

for Businesses by Chris Alcock - CMA Accountancy

It goes without saying that it has been an extremely difficult year for all of us and particularly those that run

a small business. This article will outline the updated measures that have been taken by the government to

support business over the next 6 months.

EXTENSION TO THE CORONAVIRUS JOB RETENTION

SCHEME

This scheme has now been extended to the end of March

2021. Employees will receive 80% of their usual salary for hours

not worked and can be used for any amount of time worked.

Employers have until the 14th of the following month to make

their claim. HMRC will review the rates at the end of January.

JOB RETENTION BONUS

The £1,000 JRB due on 31st January 2021 has been postponed

and will be re-issued at the appropriate time, presumably after

the CJRS has stopped.

FINANCIAL SUPPORT FOR LOCAL BUSINESSES

Businesses that have been forced to close will receive grants of up

to £3,000 per month. This should cover monthly rent and is based

on the business properties’ rateable value:-

• For properties with a rateable value of £15k or under, grants will

be available of up to £1,334 per month or £667 per two weeks

• For properties with a rateable value of between £15k and £51k,

grants will be available of up to £2,000 per month or £1,000 per

two weeks

• For properties with a rateable value of £51k or over, grants will

be available of up to £3,000 per month or £1,500 per two weeks

Businesses in the hospitality, leisure and accommodation sectors

that suffered from reduced demand (due to local restrictions

introduced between 1 August 2020 and 5 November 2020) will

also receive help. Backdated grants at 70% of closed business

grants, will be available. Grants will be up to a maximum of £2,100

per month for this period.

Applications for discretionary Local Authority grants will be also

be available. We recommend you contact your Local Authority

now as limited funds are available for the discretionary grants.

SELF EMPLOYED INCOME SUPPORT SCHEME – SEISS

This grant for the self-employed has been extended for the period

from Nov 2020 to Apr 2021. Grants will be paid in two lump

sums, each covering a 3 month period, Nov 2020 to Jan 2021 and

Feb 2021 to Apr 2021 and will now be worth up to 80% of their

average monthly trading profit, capped at £7,500 per claim.

Self Employed workers must pay close attention to the deadline

for making these claims once they are published.

TAX CUTS AND DEFERRALS

The temporary reduction of VAT to 5% for the tourism and

hospitality sectors has been extended to March 2021.

Businesses that deferred their VAT payment earlier this year can now

apply to pay this back in 11 interest free instalments from April 2021

rather than in full in March 2021.

Self-assessment taxpayers will also be able to apply from a

separate 12-month extension meaning payments deferred from

July 2020 will now not need to be paid until January 2022.

FLEXIBILITY TO PAY BACK LOANS

Businesses who took out a Bounce Back Loan can use a Pay as

You Grow flexible repayment system to ease the burden of

repayments.

All the schemes introduced have had tremendous impact on

businesses and in many cases have allowed them to retain staff

and manage the obvious impact that the lockdown has brought.

And finally, I just wanted to mention the benefits of cloud

accounting packages. This has proved invaluable over the past

few months as we have been able to offer hands on support,

using up to information, to help clients track their cashflow, apply

for loans and discuss payments plans with HMRC.

If you’re looking to consoli and gro your business in 2021, then we

have a range of solutions to assist businesses of all sizes, starting

with our Essentials package for start-ups and sole traders, the

Growth package to help you take control of your accounts and

the Premier package designed to help you drive your business

forward.

If you’d like a free initial consultation on how

CMA can help your business in 2021, please get

in touch. We can meet in our COVID-safe office or

over a Zoom call to discuss your requirements.

Chris Alcock ACMA - CMA Accountancy

39 Skull House Lane, Appley Bridge, Wigan, WN6 9DR

01257 255521 info@handsonaccounting.co.uk

www.handsonaccounting.co.uk

Do you need

help and

guidance with;

Company Accounts?

Auto Enrolment?

Self Assessment?

Cloud-based Software?

Payroll Services?

Making Tax Digital?

SA deadline

VAT

Benefits

FREE

INITIAL

CONSULTATION

Call CMA Accountancy today

www.cma-accountancy.com

info@cma-accountancy.com

Skull House Lane, Appley Bridge. 01257 255521

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Amanda Singleton

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Lillian Leighton-Martin

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Digestive problems

and how to overcome them

Bloating, nausea, abdominal pain, constipation and

diarrhoea. These are all common digestive problems that we

all experience and usually they can be treated with ‘over the

counter’ medicines. Some conditions might be as a result of

overindulging or eating the wrong food, but with Christmas

round the corner, what can we do to avoid them?

With more of us working from

home, it’s all too easy to

eat a rushed sandwich in

front of the computer,

skip lunch altogether

or grab a snack while

preparing the kids’ tea.

How you eat is a major

consideration, as eating

too quickly and not

swallowing food

properly can lead to

digestive problems.

As Roberta Baldo,

nutritional therapist

from Baldo & Mason

says “Eat slowly. This

allows time for the

signals from the

senses to get to the

brain and stimulate

the production of

digestive enzymes, muscular

contractions and other

processes necessary for

digestion, before the food

arrives.”

Chewing food properly also

helps with digestion. As

Roberta says, “If food is not

chewed properly, digestion

is impeded and may take

much longer because the

food does not have sufficient

surface area exposed to the digestive juices for digestion

to occur efficiently.”

Taking your time over a meal is also important. At

Christmas, we’ll all have plenty of time to linger over a

meal, but Roberta advises to eat mindfully and “focus on

your meal rather than eat whilst doing other things. How

we eat is as important as what we eat.”

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

Digestive problems often settle down by themselves,

but sometimes symptoms persist that could indicate

other conditions, such as Irritable Bowel Syndrome

(IBS). According to The IBS Network, this affects over

twelve million people in the UK. Classic symptoms

include abdominal pain, bloating, change in bowel

habits, diarrhoea and constipation. Alison Reid, CEO, The

IBS Network, says “It is a very individual condition and

symptoms will vary for each person. Other symptoms

can include lethargy, nausea and backache. There is no

specific cause for IBS but the most common risk factors

are a gastroenteritis attack, a traumatic or upsetting

event and courses of powerful antibiotics.”

What causes IBS to flare up? Contributory factors include

the food that we eat and the stress in our lives.

Self-management is the key to living well with IBS, says

Alison. “Once you have a better understanding of what

is happening in your body you will be able to explore

what treatments work best for you. These include dietary

and lifestyle changes, psychological therapies and

medications – see your GP or pharmacist for advice. These

may be used together or on their own depending on the

possible cause and severity of the condition.”

Managing general lifestyle and diet is vitally important

when dealing with IBS, says Dr Simon Smale, consultant

gastroenterologist and clinical director, Manchester

University NHS Trust. “Small meals eaten often rather than

one big meal at the end of the day,” he says. “Ensure you

don’t drink too much caffeine and alcohol as they can have

dire effects. If the condition is primarily diarrhoea, avoid

the following foods – cauliflower, sprouts (yes

even at Christmas), onions, garlic, chewing

gum and diet drinks. For constipation

sufferers, ensure you have enough fluid and

eat enough fruit and vegetables.”

In terms of lifestyle, Dr Smale advises

adequate sleep and regular exercise – at least

150 minutes of vigorous exercise a week,

such as brisk walking.

Additional advice from The IBS Network

includes: reducing the consumption of highfat,

processed and reheated foods such as

chocolate, butter, cream, cheese, fried foods, cakes, pizza

and burgers; limiting high fibre food such as wholemeal

bread, whole-wheat cereals, brown rice and pasta; and

limiting fruit to three portions a day.

The festive season approaches so how can IBS sufferers

ensure they can enjoy Christmas dinner and reduce

the risk of an IBS flare up? Dr Smale says “Take things in

moderation. Have a drink, followed by an alcohol-free

drink. Similarly with coffee – have a caffeinated one

followed by a decaff. Be mindful. When you’re having

your meal, stop when you feel full.”

The IBS Network suggests identifying your triggers

(foods that lead to a flare up), choosing food and alcohol

carefully, managing stress levels over Christmas and

exercising.

With some careful forward planning you will really be

able to enjoy Christmas mealtimes. Happy Christmas!

For Further Information

www.baldoandmason.com

www.theibsnetwork.org

Always Listening

• Micro-Suction Wax Removal

• FREE Hearing Tests

• Claim your FREE trial of the latest digital

hearing aids – technology that can’t be

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• Hearing Aids & Repairs

Rest assured you are in safe hands in our

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Voted Wigan’s audiologist of the year 2019

Call now to make an appointment

01942 215 391

Email - info@wiganhearing.co.uk

8-10 Gathurst Road, Orrell, WN5 8QH

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