Local Life - St Helens - Mar/Apr 2021

LocalLife

St Helens Edition

Mar/Apr 2021

House Plants Special

Pages 28-30

Rainford Newsletter

Pages 36-37

The Sweet Life

Pages 44-46

Jack’s Tracks -

Ashurst’s Beacon

Pages 48-50

Hometown Girl

Carole

Matthews

Pages 14-17

TIMBER, FENCING & DECKING NWTT

MADE to

MEASURE

FOR

CURRENT

OFFERS

visit

nwtt.co.uk

TIMBER DECKING

GATES &

FITTINGS

AGGREGATES

NEW

COMPOSITE

DECKING

PAVING

ARTIFICIAL GRASS

FENCE

PANELS

SOFTWOOD TIMBER

& PROFILES

SHEET MATERIALS

CUT to

SIZE

TAKE AWAY

TODAY

BUILDING

MATERIALS

LOCAL FAMILY RUN BUSINESS

FOR OVER 30 YEARS

Ashton-in-Makerfield - Lockett Rd, South Lancs Ind Est, WN4 8DE

St. Helens - 304 Jackson Street, WA9 3AZ T: 01744 454110

01942 720777|sales@nwtt.co.uk|www.nwtt.co.uk

SLEEPERS

Ashton-in-Makerfield • St Helens • Walkden • Skelmersdale • Rossendale

NEW

Supplying everything for the job - timber and much more...

FASCIA &

GUTTERING

NWTT

NORTH WEST TIMBER TREATMENTS

Timber & Builders Merchants

Open to the Public & Trade

Mon-Fri 7am-5pm, Sat 7am-12 noon

STRUCTURAL / PLANED TIMBERS | FENCING TIMBERS | GATES & FITTINGS

DECKING | DECORATIVE AGGREGATES | BRICKS & BLOCKS | FLAGS

SAND/CEMENT/STONE | PLASTERING & INSULATION PRODUCTS | AND MORE

Quality carpets & flooring, expertly fitted at competitive prices

Luxury Vinyl Tiles (LVT)

Carpets and Rugs

Laminate Flooring

Hard Wood Flooring

www.bespoke-floors.co.uk | bespoke@wjdflooring.co.uk

No.2 The Old Smithy, Church Road,

Rainford WA11 8HD

01744 88 55 14

Bespoke Flooring is the trading name of WJD Retail

& Online Solutions Ltd – Company Number 1248484

New Season Online

Hidden away behind the positive headlines

of the Prime Minister’s road map, the one

leading us to those sunny uplands, was the

caveat that local or regional lockdowns may come into

force if infections rise again.

Here in St. Helens, we’ve had a bellyful of lockdown

restrictions and every single one of us has a part to play

in making sure that this doesn’t happen again. Crucially,

when you are asked to go for your jabs, for God’s sake, go.

Affirming yourself as a proud anti-vaxxer might get you

your 15 seconds of infamy on social media, but your

actions could lead to you joining the many anti-vaxxers

who have ended up in ICU, bitterly regretting their words.

Whilst a healthy sense of scepticism is a necessary quality

to have in this world of fake news, wilfully ignoring

scientific facts that show how well the vaccines have

performed is unacceptable behaviour, and could be

downright dangerous for both you and the unfortunate

people around you.

Let’s just imagine being able to sink a pint at the local pub,

meet with friends for a meal, hug your family, get your

hair cut, cheer on Saints live, book a sunshine holiday and

all the other pleasures that we used to take for granted -

but will never do so again.

The faster we all have the jab, the faster we’ll be able to do

those things again. So when that call comes, get the jab!

Come on St. Helens, you can do it!

Chris Pearce, Publisher

chrisp@locallife247.co.uk

Click & Collect

Free Shipping

Keep in touch with the

LocalLife Team!

LocalLife

Telephone: 01744 649722

info@locallife247.co.uk

locallifemagazine247@locallifemedia

38 Church Road Rainford WA11 8HD

01744 881 588 www.ellamora.co.uk

/ellamora38

38 Church Road Rainford WA11

8HD Tel: 01744 881 588

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

14. Hometown Girl Carole Matthews

Contents

18. Tech

Tracking your outdoor exercise.

23. Food

A rich and cheesy tartiflette.

38. Puzzles Pages

Try these brainteasers for size!

42. Baking

Lovely lemon tart & an orange loaf.

26. Create a Cosy Retreat 28. House Plants Special

51. Health

Brain aging & Self help for sore knees.

54. Motoring

Fiat 500 - hybrid power.

56. Gardening

Create an English country garden!

48. Jack’s Tracks visits Ashurst’s Beacon

57. Home & Garden Services

Find the best local traders for you.

36. Rainford Newsletter

44. The Sweet Life

Want to

promote your

business in

LocalLife?

Next Issue - May/June 2021

Advertising deadline - 14th April

Published - 28th April

01744 649722

www.locallife247.co.uk

Holiday Camp

If your kids are desperate to make a break for it this Easter,

why not book them some much needed outdoor fun over

the Easter holidays?

The Mountain Monkeys Holiday Club will be holding

their outdoor adventure holiday club from Tuesday April

6 to Friday April 16, at the Boat House at Carr Mill Dam,

off Garswood Old Road. The Holiday club is divided in to

two groups; Cheeky Monkeys for children aged 5-7 and

Chimps for children aged 8-11.

Activities will include, kayaking, rock climbing, raft

building, stream walks, problem solving and team

building exercises. The cost of the holiday camp is £25.50

per day, with a free t-shirt if you book a full week, there is

also a 10% sibling discount available. The price includes

all the equipment needed, including life jackets, and

wetsuits where needed.

For more information about the holiday club or to make

a booking please contact Mountain Monkeys by calling

07799 286836 or going online at www.mountainmonkeys.

co.uk.

Click and Collect service still available

Same Day Delivery when possible

National &

International

Yippee!

We re-open on the 12th April

Looking forward to seeing you then

01744 885 363

29 Church Road, Rainford, WA11 8HE

Open: Monday - Saturdays, 8.30am - 5.30pm

www.wendysflowers.co.uk

Lockdown Panto

St Helens Theatre Royal will be bringing the holiday fun

to your front room with their online offering of Jack and

the Beanstalk.

Original plans to stage the panto live have now been

revised as it is not yet permitted to open the venue’s

doors to the public. Instead, Jack and the Beanstalk will

be filmed and streamed online during the Easter break,

enabling families to enjoy the experience of pantomime

during the school holidays but from the comfort of their

own home.

The whole family can join Jack on his gigantic journey up

the beanstalk as he discovers geese with golden eggs, a

magic harp, and not forgetting a close encounter with a

very hungry giant.

Theatre staff have planned for 17 performances between

Friday April 2 and Sunday April 11, and booking is now

open.

Theatre Manager Chantelle Nolan said, “We were really

looking forward to welcoming audiences back into the

theatre this Easter, we’ve all missed out on so much in

the last year, so families can still experience all the panto

fun and laughter but from the comfort of their own living

room, while tucking into their Easter eggs.”

Streaming access can be booked by calling the Box Office

on 01744 756000.

Lego Challenge

Rainford Parish Church has some exciting news for

Lego lovers. Members will be taking part in a Lent Lego

Challenge and are inviting anyone who loves Lego to join

in and share their Lego creation throughout Lent.

The daily challenges started on Monday March 15 but

will run for three weeks, up to Easter, so there is plenty of

opportunity to get involved. The idea is to for participants

to get involved in the daily build challenges and explore

some of the key events of Holy Week.

If you don’t have Lego, not to worry, you could use other

construction toys or junk modelling. For more information

about the event, please search for Rainford Parish Church

on Facebook or email enquiries@Rainfordparishchurch.

org.uk

Don’t Miss Out

on the Staycation

Boom!

We are now taking bookings from 17th May

2021 and UK holidays are going FAST!

Call us on 01942 728960 now

for your Free 2021 brochure

or download a copy from

www.memorylanetravel.co.uk

TheSe exTrA hOliDAyS FOr 2021 Are nOT in The 2021 BrOchUre

Devon Delights Diner Tour

27th June – only £389

5 nights dinner, bed & breakfast

Queens Hotel, Paignton

Entertainment every night, day excursions to

Totnes, Buckfast Abbey, Exmouth & Dartmouth

lake District Diner Tour

28th October – only £299

4 nights dinner, bed & breakfast

Cumbria Grand Hotel, Grange-over-Sands

Day excursions to Ambleside, Bowness

& Ulverston

Diner Tours include; A hostess serving coffees, light lunches and snacks - see website or brochure for full details

DAy excUrSiOnS re-STArT 17Th MAy 2021 See WeBSiTe FOr DeTAilS

holidays ~ Short Breaks ~ Day excursions

Why TrAvel WiTh MeMOry lAne?

3 Home pick-up for holidays 3 Executive coach travel 3 Quality hotels 3 Local well-established operator

Moss industrial estate,

William Way,

leigh Wn7 3PT

01942 728960 • www.memorylanetravel.co.uk

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

Running for Willowbrook

Willowbrook Fundraising Officer

Melissa Kenny has been busy during

the latest lockdown, pounding the

pavement in preparation for the

London Marathon in October.

Melissa has been a fundraising

officer for Willowbrook for seven

years and has seen first-hand the

devastation that the pandemic has

inflicted on the Hospice. She told

Local Life, “Unfortunately since the

outbreak of coronavirus in March

2020 our income has been hit hard

and we continue to look for ways to

raise money and awareness.

“We have been blown away by what our wonderful

supporters have achieved through these challenging

times. Now it is my turn to take on a challenge and raise

as many funds as possible.”

Melissa hopes to raise £1,300 in donations, that’s £50 for

each gruelling mile, and at the time

of going to press she had already

raised £445 through her JustGiving

page.

Melissa continued, “After working

through the pandemic and seeing

first-hand the care we provide to

people in our community, I feel

privileged to be given this opportunity

to run in the London Marathon to

raise funds for those people who

need our help and support.

“Now I have started to turn up my

training, when I am running, I think

of those patients, families and

supports of the hospice. I am running for them and for

our community to keep this vital service going!”

If you would like to show your support and donate, please

go online at www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Melissa-

Kenny1

Beautifully furnished

Stone Cottage

Holiday Let

– sleeps up to 4

Situated near Sedbergh,

in the Yorkshire Dales,

and also within easy

reach of the Lake District

Children & pets welcome

Call 01942 216 058

www.millthropcottage.co.uk

Quiz Night

Have you always fancied yourself as a contender for

Mastermind? If the answer to that question is a resounding

yes, then the St Helens Library online quiz might be right

up your street. At 2pm on the first Friday of the month, it’s

time to put your literary knowledge to the test and see if

you can come out on top.

The next quiz will be held on Good Friday, April 2, so

get your thinking caps on and join a group of likeminded

people. You can join the quiz by searching for @

STHLibraries on Twitter and Facebook.

Need a Hand

in 2021?

Is your company

sufficiently tech-savvy

for a post-Covid/Brexit

world?

We can help you:

Build a website

Create an online shop

Develop a social media presence

We also design inspirational logos

and graphics, leaflets/posters, and

business stationery.

Earn extra

cash!

Local Life require distributors

for the following areas;

St Helens

The Shires estate

402 copies £27.14 + leaflet pay

Eccleston

Millfields, Tatton Way/Chelford Dr Estate

345 copies £25.02 + leaflet pay

Rainford Junction

Bushey Ln, Kendal Dr & News Ln area

355 copies £23.96 + leaflet pay

Rainford

Church Rd, Rookery Ln & Mossborough Rd area

301 copies £20.32 + leaflet pay

Windle

St Helens Rd, Moss Ln & Rainford Rd area

167 copies £14.61 + leaflet pay

Interested?

Please email your name, address,

contact number and date of birth to

sallyb@locallife247.co.uk

www.etsmarketing.co.uk

Call ETS today on

07770 665148

or e-mail info@etsmarketing.co.uk

Imagine getting an income

to treat the grandkids

With an income lifetime mortgage

Do more of the things you love with the

help of your home. If you’re 55 or over and

a homeowner, find out how you can release

extra monthly income for a fixed term, to help

you live life the way you like in retirement.

A lifetime mortgage is a loan secured against

your home. The Loan and compound interest

is repaid when the last borrower dies or moves

into long-term care or you can make interest

only payments to the loan so that only the

initial loan is repaid. This may affect meanstested

benefits. Arrangement fee applies.

There may be cheaper ways to borrow. To

understand the features and risks, we will

provide you with a personalised illustration.

To find out more, talk to us today on:

01257 441580

or visit: www.armortgagesuk.com

Alexander Ross is a trading style of WE Financial Services Limited which is an

appointed representative of LJ Financial Planning Limited which is authorised

and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and is entered on the financial

services register www.fca.org.uk/register with firm reference 429142

hEritagE opEn days

WhEElton moor Walk

a hEalthiEr hEart

september 2018

Cover photo © Ian Bonnell Photograpthy

St Helens Library is now open for

essential computer access and a

click and collect book service.

Now based in the World of Glass

Museum on Chalon Way East, St

Helens Library joins Chester Lane

Library in offering IT support,

available to book by appointment

for up to 45 minutes at a time

during opening hours to assist with

essential tasks such as study, access

to benefits, searches for work and

training opportunities.

For library members wanting to

borrow books, a click and collect

Library Reopens

service will also be available at this site. View the available on the Home Delivery Library Service which

catalogue here: https://sthlibrarieswp.koha-ptfs.co.uk/. allows members to enjoy up to 20 books or audio

All items currently on loan are renewed until 1st April and books delivered direct to the home once a month.

fines for overdue items have been removed.

To contact the Service call 01744 677898 or email

To accommodate housebound residents, places are still

homedeliverylibraryservice@sthelens.gov.uk

SPRING

foRwaRd

all our magazine

distribution is

monitored using

GPS

tracking

Prepare now

to boost your

business when

lockdown lifts

LocalLife

Wigan North Edition

Education spEcial

rEstoring rivington

Duo Celebrate

Bike Success

LocalLife

Wigan Edition

Forgotten Buildings:

Winstanley Hall

a BrightEr orrEll

sandstonE trail Walk

FREE

october 2018

FREE

march 2020

St Helens Edition

LocalLife

Ballooning

in Autumn

with

LocalLife

Wigan Edition

Remembering

LocalLife

Wakes Weeks

St Helens Edition

highfiEld cc turns 95

salt trail Walk

WIN

a luxury

Spa Day for

Two!

FREE

Heritage

Open Days

WIN

tickets

to the Flower

Show

FREE

July 2019

Education spEcial

WoodvalE Walk

FREE

A Giant

Finale

october 2018

Call today to discuss how we can help you...

01744 649722 | www.locallife247.co.uk

Sales & Lettings Agent

Sell your property with the

leading, most trusted and

experienced agent in the area...

Refreshingly Professional

Stafford Road, St. Helens £295,000

• EPC:C

• Four Car Driveway

• Three Bathrooms

• Huge Garden

• Garage

• Conservatory

• Great Location

Fairway, St. Helens £260,000

• EPC:C

• Three Reception Rooms

• Corner Plot

• Garage and Driveway

• Bar Area In the Garden

• Close To Outstanding Schools

• Extended Semi Detached

Old Lane, Rainford £250,000

• EPC:C

• Large Reception Room

• Two Double Bedrooms

• Bespoke Designed Bathroom

• Sought After Location

• En Suite Facility

Pimbo Road, Kings Moss £230,000

• EPC:C

• Terraced Cottage

• Traditional Cottage Style

• Two Reception Rooms

• Two Bedrooms

4 No tie in period

4 Online assistance available 24hrs

4 Industry leading photography

Ormskirk Road, Rainford £210,000

• EPC:G

• Three Spacious Bedrooms

• Two Reception Rooms

• Four Piece Bathroom

• Stunning New Kitchen

• Parking For Two Vehicles To Rear

• No Onward Chain

96% of sales achieve full asking price

4 Open early, 6 days and late nights

4 Social media targeting

4 360 virtual tours

Sandy Lane, St. Helens £205,000

• EPC:D

• Terraced Cottage

• Two Bedrooms

• Two Reception Rooms

• Traditional Cottage Style

Book a virtual viewing on any of our properties

On average, our properties receive an offer within 3.5 days of full marketing

SaLeS

57 Duke Street

St Helens

WA10 2JF

sales@daviddaviesestateagent.co.uk

SaLeS

22 Church Road

Rainford

WA11 8HE

LettingS

19 Church Road

Rainford

WA11 8HE

01744 885753

www.daviddaviesestateagent.co.uk

We will not be beaten on price for a

like for like service

The David Davies Promise

SaLeS

168 Kiln Lane

Eccleston

WA10 4RB

lettings@daviddaviesestateagent.co.uk

That’s Entertainment

Organisers of Rainford’s Picnic in the Park have announced

that they will be moving forward with their plans for this

year’s event. Picnic in the Park is scheduled to take place

on Saturday June 12, with a reduced capacity of 2,000 to

adhere to any social distancing measures and tickets are

now on sale.

The group will be keeping everyone informed of their

plans via their website and Facebook

page as they work towards another

fabulous festival this year.

Amongst the six bands

appearing at the event is

the magnificent ‘From

The Jam’, made up of

two of the original

members of The

Jam, Rick Buckler

and Bruce Foxton,

along with vocalist

Russell Hastings.

In addition to the music line up there will be children’s

activities, a range of stalls and various food outlets. No

alcohol is sold on site, but you are welcome to bring your

own along with your own food choices. Food can also be

purchased on the day from various outlets.

Monies raised from the festival will benefit local clubs

including Rainford Rangers, Rainford Cricket Club,

Rainford Tennis Club and the 1st Rainford

Boys’ Brigade and Girls’ Association.

Prices start from £10 for primary

school wristbands and can

be bought by going online

at www.rainfordfestival.

co.uk

For more information

about the event, please

email any queries to

shop@rainfordfestival.

co.uk

LEADING LOCAL SPECIALISTS

25 HARDSHAW STREET, ST HELENS, WA10 1RP

2 DERBY STREET, PRESCOT, L34 3LJ

THINKING ABOUT THE FUTURE?

Everyone should make a Will and we can give advice and guidance as to the

most appropriate form of Will for you to cover your individual requirements

and to try to minimize, where possible, the impact of Inheritance Tax.

WILLS

TRUSTS

PROBATE

ADMINISTRATION OF ESTATES

INHERITANCE TAX PLANNING

LASTING POWERS OF ATTORNEY

A Home away from Home

The past year has undoubtably been one of the most

challenging times for families across the UK. We have seen

families separated and shielded from their support network

for almost a year and although many of us live in hope that

these times are coming to an end we continue to live under

the most difficult circumstances we have experienced in

some time.

For the vulnerable and older people it has been an

exceptionally difficult and distressing time as their lives

have been so greatly disrupted with many being left

feeling a sense of confusion and loneliness during long

periods of isolation.

There is, however, a source of respite and relief for those

who are particularly vulnerable, providing much-needed

companionship as well as support for their families.

Bridgewater Day Care is an adult day care service held

at their centre in Golborne, providing a lifeline for those

who are unable to manage independently at home, and

for their family members who have caring responsibilities.

The day care centre is part of a wider service offering

with Bridgewater Home Care, one of the leading home

care providers across the North West winning numerous

awards for the quality of care they provide.

The aim of the Day Centre is to provide a ‘home away from

home’ for clients where they can socialise, interact with

others in the local community and receive the support

and stimulation that they cannot currently receive from

home. It is also a service that aims to give back some

time to the family members that have daily caring

responsibilities and provide a form of respite from the

ongoing challenges of everyday life.

The Centre is open Monday to Friday from 10am to

4pm and provides a variety of activities such as games,

reminiscence therapy, cognitive stimulation, nutritious

meals, arts & crafts, physical activities, armchair aerobics,

refreshments throughout the day and engagement in

technology; all of which aim to improve mental health,

wellbeing and quality of life.

The Day Centre has been fully operational since the

outbreak of the pandemic, implementing full COVID-19

guidelines with social distancing measures in place

including clients sitting 2 meters apart and staff members

wearing full PPE, so clients and their families can rest

assured they are in safe hands.

The services Bridgewater Day Care provide really do

make such an important difference to people’s lives and

for many it has become something they would find it

difficult to live without. Some clients visit the centre one

day a week, whereas others attend the centre every day,

with services being flexible around the needs of clients

and their family members.

For further information about Bridgewater Day Care

or to arrange a visit to the Centre please call the Day

Centre Manager, Lisa, on 01942 723 115.

A privately funded Day Care service providing high quality care

Call us today:

01942 723115

Welcoming new clients

• Activities & entertainment

• Socialisation with others

• Nutritious meals & refreshments

• A stimulating environment

We welcome private clients and those who receive funding for their care

To arrange a consultation, call our centre Manager Lisa on 01942 723 115

Find us on Queen Street, Golborne, Wigan, WA3 3AF

www.bridgewaterdaycare.co.uk

Open 10am-4pm Monday-Friday

info@bridgewaterdaycare.co.uk

Hometown Girl

by Nicola Gray

Putting pen to paper or rather

fingertips to keyboard, when

there’s a blank page staring

back at you, can be a daunting

experience at the best of times. So,

to imagine selling 6 million books

worldwide and racking up more

than 4 million library lends in the

UK alone, must be something that

dreams are made of.

This just happens to be reality

for St Helens-born author,

Carole Matthews and I for one

want to know more! Carole is an

internationally bestselling author

of 34 hugely successful romantic comedy novels. Her

unique sense of humour has won her legions of fans and

she can count places on the Sunday Times and USA Today

bestseller lists among her accolades.

Carole’s lasting memory of St Helens was the family home

on Ecclesfield Road in Eccleston. Carole tells me, “I was an

only child and that’s when my love of books started. I was

never happier than when I was reading.” Although she

always dreamed of being a teacher, an air traffic controller,

a travel guide or a hairdresser – writer never featured once!

Carole continues, “I have vivid memories of my childhood

and in particular the fields behind the house, now playing

fields, used to be farmers’ fields and everyone – including

the children – used to pick peas and potatoes in the

summer. I had lovely friends and a freedom that I don’t

think kids today enjoy as much.”

St Theresa’s Primary School in Knowsley Road is where

Carole’s education started and she later moved to the

brand-new St Julie’s Primary School on Brooklands Road,

when it opened. Carole continued, “I have incredibly

good memories of my years there and had strong women

teachers in Mrs Whittle and Mrs Sudworth. My secondary

school was Notre Dame High School – long before it

became De La Salle.

“I found those school years

difficult but, again, I was blessed

with incredibly good friends

who I’m still in touch with.

My school reports generally

said something like ‘if only

Carole would stop talking/

daydreaming she might make

something of herself.’ It’s kind of

worked out okay in the end.”

Writing novels wasn’t always on

the agenda for Carole, her first

job came working as a shop

assistant, she tells me, “I worked

in a shop called Come and Save

in Cambridge Road and we lived in a flat above it. I also had

a job in a sweet shop on a Sunday afternoon in Boundary

Road. Truth be known, I wanted to be a journalist, but

didn’t want to go to university and thought that I would

have to. I ended up doing that eventually but in a very

round about fashion. I think all the jobs I’ve done have led

to me being an author – which is absolutely what I love.”

Carole left education at the age of eighteen and secured

a job in London. She recalls, “There was little work in St

Helens at the time and I got a government grant to find

work out of the area. I’d completed a secretarial course

in sixth form and became a secretary at the University

of London. I moved to Hemel Hempstead in

Hertfordshire which I absolutely loved and

commuted daily into the city. It was a

fabulous first job and thought I was quite

the little miss about town.” Carole added, “I

now live-in sunny Milton Keynes,

it’s a much-maligned place,

but I love it!”

St Helens

though has

always been

home, her

mum and family still live in the town and Carols visits

regularly, she says “We always go to eat at The Star or The

Derby Arms in Rainford. I like to take a walk around Carr

Mill Dam if we have time or along the Sankey Valley Way

beside the old St Helens Canal.”

She continues, “My old haunts included the night club

Francoise – or Frannies as we called it – and the disco at

the Fleece Hotel in St Helens. I went to Larkins, before it

closed, for a family party and remember it as The Plaza

night club in my day. My Uncle David was telling me all

the bands he saw there back in the sixties – the Beatles,

Gerry and the Pacemakers, Freddy and the Dreamers, Cilla

Black, so many of the big names.

“On Saturday nights I used to go with my friends to the

rugby club disco at Moss

Lane and spend all night

on the dance floor. The ‘in’

place to go was the Bottle

and Glass near Rainford – we

thought we were so cool if we

went there. That is one thing

I miss about St Helens; the

friendliness of Northerners is,

of course, legendary and you

just don’t get that casual chat

with strangers where I live

now, I also miss being able to

pop to Southport or Formby.

I’m miles from the sea here

and miss it.”

magazines. Then, on

a whim, I entered

a short story

competition. It was

the first fiction I’d

ever written and,

to my surprise, won

a thousand pounds.

Very sensibly, I didn’t spend the money on shoes and

handbags, but booked a course on novel writing. By the

time the course came round I’d started to write a book

and the tutor took me to one side and said it was good

enough to publish. She gave me the name of an agent

and he took me on straight away. It was the start of the

But how did Carole get her

big break? She tells me, “It

took me a while to get there

but, after moving to London

and working as a secretary

I retrained as a beauty

therapist and ended up on a

television programme called

Look Good, Feel Great. I did

a little slot on aromatherapy

massage along with Diana

Moran, The Green Goddess,

and Rosemary Connolly of

The Hip and Thigh Diet fame.

“After that I worked as a

freelance journalist, writing

articles mainly for beauty

America after my book, ‘For Better,

For Worse’ hit the New York Times

bestseller list. As I was about to go

on, the studio floor manager told

me that the show went out live to

60 million Americans which utterly

terrified me.

‘chick-lit’ craze, and I was lucky to be writing the right

thing at the right time. Thank you, Bridget Jones!”

This transcript was to be Carole’s first foray into publishing,

her agent sold her book, and ‘Let’s Meet on Platform 8’

was published. Carole added, “It was such a thrill to see

a book that I’d written in the shops and I’m pleased to

report that never really stops!”

It seems Carole really lives up to the adage of love what

you do; she’s found her passion and has been enjoying

all that brings. When asked what she most loves about

being an author, she tells me, “My job is so varied. I’ve

got to do lots of fun things over the years in the name

of research and that’s been great, as an author, you also

have complete control over the worlds you create”.

When pressed about her proudest moments throughout

her career, I sense there might be too many to mention,

and that Carole is also quite modest. She adds, “I’ve

written thirty-four novels and have been on the Sunday

Times bestseller list with most of them. I was awarded

an Outstanding Achievement Award from the Romantic

Novelists’ Association and have recently won the

Romantic Comedy Novel of the Year for Sunny Days & Sea

Breezes which is fabulous .’

“There’s so much to be thankful for and next year, it’s the

twenty-fifth anniversary of the publication of my first

novel, I never thought when I wrote my first book that I’d

be able to make a long career of it.”

Despite all the accolades, none of the selfdeprecating

Northern humour has left

Carole and she cheerfully tells me

about the time she almost

met Dustin Hoffman.

Carole says, “I went on

breakfast television in

“I have no idea what they said

to me or what I replied. I was so

traumatised that when I came off

the show at 8 a.m. I went straight to

a hotel bar and drank many glasses

of wine. Because of that, I missed

meeting Dustin Hoffman. Sometimes I still

wake up in a cold sweat thinking about it.”

Carole’s level of success doesn’t just

happen overnight, despite her humble

attitude its obvious that she is a talented

writer and has worked hard at her craft. But

what advice would she give to any budding

writers out there? She tells me, “I’m often

asked for shortcuts to getting published,

but you have to sit at your computer long

enough to produce roughly 110k words.

Try to write a little every day – it’s amazing

what you can accomplish in just an hour

and it’s the only way to tone your writing

muscles.

“Without wanting to sound cheesy, write

the book that comes from your heart. If you

chase publishing trends, they’ll be over

before your book is finished. Enjoy writing

your first book – it’s probably the only one

that will be done without the constraints of

a contract or deadlines!”

Carole is a woman of many talents and

along with writing best selling novels she

also enjoys paper crafts, cardmaking and

crocheting. Along with her hobbies, Carole

tells me that walking with her husband has

really been a blessing through lockdown,

“My husband and I like walking and try to

get out every day for about an hour and

at weekends, when we’re able, we’ll do a

longer hike.

“During the first lockdown I was on a

tight deadline to complete my follow-up

Christmas book – Christmas for Beginners – so it was

business as usual. This time round, it’s been much more

difficult to concentrate and find inspiration when we’re

not actually doing anything or going out anywhere. I

didn’t realise how much I needed that.

After dominating bestseller lists and selling 6 million

books around the world, what could possibly be on the

agenda for Carole? “I think this very weird time has

caused many people to think about their lives and

how they want to live them. I’ve spent forty-odd

years working flat out and I’d like to

ease back a bit – though I’m finding

that easier said than done,”

Carole adds, “I love the Lake

District and want to spend

more time there when we

can. I was lucky to be able

to travel extensively when I

was younger, so my wanderlust

doesn’t take me very far now! I love

walking up hills and, if possible, finding a

nice tea shop or pub when I come down again. That’s

definitely the plan for 2021.”

Carole’s list of novels can be found online at

www.carolematthews.com

SIGMA ROX 7.0 CYCLE

COMPUTER

If you prefer pedalling to

pounding pavements, Sigma’s

GPS cycle computer can

track your performance on

every ride and deliver every

conceivable kind of statistic.

£59, Wiggle.co.uk

Track your outdoor

Exercise

Great gadgets from simple trackers to the smartest smartwatches

One of the simplest and cheapest exercise trackers

is the pedometer, which tells you how many steps

you’ve walked in a given period. There are lots of them

around for very little money: for example, the Omron

Walking Style One Step Counter, a pocket-sized digital

pedometer, is around £16.

However, if you’d like to track more than just steps

you’ll need to look at a dedicated fitness tracker. These

aren’t necessarily much more expensive – you can get

Huawei’s attractive and effective Huawei Band 4 for less

than £30 – but they’re more useful, as they typically add

heart rate monitoring, activity tracking, calories burned

and other key data. Some also offer sleep tracking.

Although they’re battery-powered they usually last

much longer than smartwatches, typically going for

over a week between charges and not needing long to

recharge. There are versions designed for kids, too, such

as the Fitbit Ace, which track activity but not calories.

The next step up from fitness trackers is the smart

watch. Apple’s watch is the market leader here, but it’s

also one of the most expensive, and you can get good

smartwatches such as the Samsung Galaxy (£159) or

the Huawei GT2e (£99) for a lot less. These devices offer

a wider range of fitness tracking features and usually

connect to your smartphone to share data with your

health and/or fitness apps.

In many cases the line between fitness trackers is blurred.

For example, the Fitbit Versa Lite is a smartwatch, but

really it’s a super-powered fitness tracker and unlike

more expensive devices you can’t install your own apps.

The latest generation of the Apple Watch is really

impressive, both as a smartwatch and as a fitness

tracker. It isn’t cheap – the latest model, the Series 6,

starts at £379 – but the more affordable Apple Watch

SE starts at £269. The older Apple Watch Series 3 is £199,

although we think the SE is more capable and worth

paying slightly more for.

HONOR BAND 5 SMART

FITNESS TRACKER

A fully featured fitness tracker

for under £30? That’s what

this little marvel from Honor

delivers. It’s a great little device

available in a range of colours.

£29.99, Amazon.co.uk

OMRON

WALKING STYLE

ONE 2.0 STEP

COUNTER

APPLE WATCH SE

This is the current

mid-range Apple

Watch and it’s

effectively a cut-down

version of the rangetopping

Series 6. It’s

packed with fitness

features.

£269, Apple.com

This pocket-sized

device contains

the same kind of

3D accelerometer sensor you’ll find in smartphones, enabling you

to track your steps, kilometres and miles.

£15.99, Argos.co.uk

FITBIT INSPIRE HR

This Fitbit is cheap but that

doesn’t mean it’s lacking in

features. It has a workout

monitor and heart rate

sensing as well as step

and calorie counting, and

it syncs nicely with Fitbit’s

phone app.

£59, Fitbit.com

Dream Bathrooms

Wide range of styles for

all budgets

Complete bathroom project management

service from a name you can trust.

Call us now to arrange your free technical survey.

Finance

available

64-80 Duke Street, St Helens, WA10 2JW

Tel: 01744 22331 www.bartonsofdukestreet.co.uk

Open 9am-5.30 Mon-Fri, 9am-5pm Saturday

Photography Competition

Willowbrook Hospice are looking for budding

photographers to help them produce an image that

will be printed on their sympathy cards. In order to do

this, they have launched their first ever photography

competition in a bid to find the perfect image.

The brief is simple; what sight in your local area makes you

feel hopeful? You can take inspiration from your favourite

nature scene, wildlife, a sunrise or a simple flower. The

choice is yours!

Whatever gives you hope, Willowbrook would like to see

it. To enter the competition please send your entry to

helenh@wilowbrookhospice.org.uk. The closing date for

entries is Wednesday March 31.

Live on Stage

Inglenook Farm, located on the Rainford Bypass, are

introducing a series of open-air COVID-friendly events

for 2021, starting with their new Comedy Club and Jazz

Nights, which will run on a monthly basis.

If you have ever fancied yourself as the Frank Sinatra or

Ella Fitzgerald of Merseyside, then the Jazz Night might be

just what you are looking for. Featuring the Danny Miller

Big Band, you can enjoy an evening of jazz renditions and

at the end of each show audience members will get their

chance to sing live! The Jazz nights are staged on Sunday

May 20, Sunday June 20 and Sunday July 25.

Alternatively, if you’re after a bit of light-hearted fun,

why not try the Comedy Club? Two hours, five stand-up

comedians and a whole lot of laughs. Hosted by MC Edy

Hurst, the Comedy Club dates are Sunday June 6 and

Sunday July 4 from 6-8pm.

There will be a licenced bar and snacks available, all

you need to do is bring your own chair. Tickets for each

of the events are £10 and can be bought by calling

Inglenook Farm on 07396 618212 or emailing events@

inglenookfarm.co.uk.

Tell Us Your Story!

Local Life is always on

the look out for news

stories from the local

communities we

serve. Are you raising

money for charity?

Are you a member of

a community group

with something

to shout about?

Maybe you’ve got

an unusual talent, or have a claim to fame? If so, let

us know and you could be appearing in the next

edition!

Simply contact us on editorial@locallife247.co.uk

or call us on 01695 627999.

LeafLet Distribution

service

Your leaflets delivered alongside this magazine

to up to 39,000 local homes

Flexible service for all businesses, large and small

Prices from £27.50 per thousand (minimum 4,000 leaflets)

Call or email us for a Leaflet Coverage List

then simply chose the postcode areas

you want to target

Call us on 01744 649722

Email chrisp@locallife247.co.uk

www.locallife247.co.uk

GPs

Tracked

Distribution

DesiGn

& Print

services

also available

LocalLife

UNIVERSITY CENTRE ST HELENS

OUR DIGITAL 2021 HIGHER EDUCATION GUIDE IS NOW LIVE!

Discover a variety of higher-level qualifications and degrees, studied on

a full and part-time basis, with smaller class sizes and lower tuition fees.

Stay local and study a degree right in the heart of St Helens!

• Applied Chemistry

• Applied Microbiology

• Business Management

• Computing

• Criminal Justice

• Early Years

• Engineering

• Exercise, Health and Fitness

• Fine Art Painting

• Foundation Diploma in Art,

Design and Media Practice

• Game Art

• Graphic Design

• Media Production

• Social Policy, Health

and Housing

• Teacher Training

• Theatre and Performance

Download your copy at:

sthelens.ac.uk/applynow

START YOUR CAREER AT

If you want to start a Hair or Beauty career in 2021,

The Chamber Hair & Beauty Academy can help make it happen.

LEVEL 1 INTRODUCTION TO THE

HAIR & BEAUTY SECTOR

This FREE remote course will teach you course

will teach you everything you need to know to

start a career in a salon.

The course covers:

• Skin care

• Nail art application

• Styling men’s/women’s hair

• The art of photographic make-up

• Applying basic make up

* You must be 19+ and living in the Liverpool

City Region to apply.

To find out more call Starting Point on

01744 698800.

FAST TRACK TO APPRENTICESHIPS

IN HAIR AND BEAUTY

Our Fast Track to Apprenticeships programme

is open people aged 16-24 hoping to secure

an Apprenticeship in the Hair & Beauty sector.

All of our training is running remotely through

lockdown, so you can start training for your

dream career now!

This programme lasts up to 12 weeks and will

ensure that you have everything you need to

start an Apprenticeship in hair and beauty. We

work closely with local employers to secure

exclusive local vacancies across Merseyside,

and our training will ensure your application

stands out from the crowd.

To find out more call 01744 742045.

READY

in 1 hour

Serves 4

Tartiflette

This rich and cheesy potato gratin makes a fabulous warming supper.

Serve with salad and crusty bread.

Ingredients

1kg Charlotte potatoes, halved

1 tbsp olive oil

2 small onions, peeled and thinly sliced

1 garlic clove, peeled and crushed

4 smoked bacon rashers, finely chopped

100ml dry white wine

100ml double cream

4 tbsp crème fraiche

Salt and freshly ground black pepper

150g Reblochon cheese, rind removed

and sliced

Sprig of parsley, to garnish

Method

1 Boil the potatoes in a large pan of lightly salted water until just tender.

Drain well, cool for 10 minutes then cut into thin slices. Preheat the

oven to 200C / fan 180C / gas mark 6.

2 Heat the oil in a large frying pan over a medium heat and fry the

onions and garlic for 5-6 minutes, stirring. Add the chopped bacon

and continue cooking until the onions are golden and tender. Pour the

wine into the pan and bring to the boil. Boil until the liquid has almost

evaporated.

3 Layer the potatoes and onion mixture in a large square baking dish. Mix

together the cream and crème fraiche and season with salt and freshly

ground black pepper. Pour over the potatoes.

4 Lay the cheese slices on top. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30

minutes until golden and bubbling. Serve garnished with parsley.

TIP: Use any other cheese you prefer. Try mature Cheddar, taleggio or Gruyere.

Power Squad

1. In the film Happy Gilmore, Adam Sandler stars

as the title character, who discovers a talent for

golf after struggling to find success at which

other sport?

2. “We few, we happy few, we band of brothers”

is part of a famous speech from which William

Shakespeare play?

3. Also the title of a well known TV show, what

word meaning “extreme happiness” can also

refer to a type of song that originated in 18thcentury

England and is sung by three or more

unaccompanied voices?

4. The TV sitcom Happy Days was set in which city

in Wisconsin?

5. Who famously sang Happy Birthday Mr.

President at a birthday celebration of John F.

Kennedy held at Madison Square Garden in

1962?

Quiz

Theme: Happy

6. In March 2020, which country was named

the happiest country in the world for a third

consecutive year?... a) Switzerland; b) Finland;

or c) Thailand?

7. Is the first note sung in the song Happy Birthday

To You higher or lower in pitch than the last

note sung in the song?

8. In 2014, which internet-based company

launched a new marketing campaign that

featured the slogan “find your happy”?

9. Which 2019 film was advertised with the tagline

“put on a happy face”?

10. In 1982, what became the first UK number one

hit single to have the word “happy” in its title?

RLWC2021, the team running the Rugby League World

Cup, are looking for volunteers to help them deliver a

successful tournament later this year.

The Power Squad will be made up of 2,000 volunteers

who will be welcoming the world to England when the

16th edition of this historic global event kicks off in the

autumn at 21 venues across 18 host towns.

The Power Squad will play a key role in the delivery of

the six-week tournament with a range of roles, including

transport, spectator services, accreditation, way-finding,

media, content and broadcast support.

Recruitment is open now through an online application

process and will conclude on 23 April 2021. The

programme features a dedicated interview process

followed by comprehensive training for successful

candidates.

Candidates must be available for a minimum of three

shifts across the tournament and available to attend

training sessions in the summer as well as being 18 or

above by the 1September 2021.

Apply or find out more information on The Power Squad

programme for the Rugby League World Cup 2021 here:

volunteers.rlwc2021.com

Free Parking

Saints fans will be able to park for free on the majority of

town centre car parks when fans return to the stadium.

St Helens Borough Council has been in consultation with

St Helens R.F.C. to find new parking options with the

demolition of Chalon Way Car Park, which had been a

match day parking facility for fans.

Now fans will be able to use all open-air car parks across

the town centre for free when they can finally return to

the stadium.

All car parks and on street parking bays except Tontine

and St Mary’s Multi-Storey Car Parks will be open for

match day parking for free. More information on the free

parking plans will follow once restrictions are eased later

this year.

Quiz solutions can be found on page 60 of this magazine

All New Yaris Hybrid

might be more affordable

than you think.

DESIGN

0% APR REPRESENTATIVE^

£2,000 SCRAPPAGE ALLOWANCE*

AVAILABLE NOW AT HW MOON.

H.W.Moon Toyota

3 Challenge Way

Martland Park

Wigan

Lancashire

WN5 0LD

01942 219999 hwmoon.toyota.co.uk

Model shown is the MY21 Yaris Design Hybrid Petrol 1.5 VVT-i Auto £21,850 including optional Pearlescent paint at £880. Official fuel consumption figures in mpg (l/100km): combined 57.6 (4.9)

- 68.9 (4.1). Combined CO 2 112-92 g/ km. Prices correct at time of being published. 5 year/100,000 mile manufacturer warranty. Terms and conditions apply. Figures are provided for comparability

purposes; only compare fuel consumption and CO 2 figures with other cars tested to the same technical procedures. These figures may not reflect real life driving results. Fuel consumption and

CO 2 produced varies significantly depending on a number of factors, including the accessories fitted (post-registration), driving style, conditions, speed and vehicle load. All models and grades

are certified according to the World Harmonised Light Vehicle Test Procedure (WLTP). All mpg and CO 2 figures quoted are full WLTP figures. The official CO 2 figures for vehicles have changed,

due to a change in the official method of calculation. CO 2 figures are used in the calculation of Vehicle Excise Duty (car tax) for new cars during their first year of registration. As a result, all CO 2

figures, car tax and ‘on the road’ prices for new vehicles, which were provided or displayed prior to 1 April 2020, may now have changed for vehicles which were not registered before that date.

These dates may change, please visit www.vehicle-certification-agency.gov.uk/fcb/wltp.asp for the latest information. Choice of options and accessories fitted (pre-registration) may affect the

official CO 2 figures, car tax and ‘on the road’ price. For details of your preferred model and grade derivative, please contact your local Toyota Centre. ^0% APR Representative available on new

retail orders on Yaris Hybrid Design. Orders between 1st December 2020 and 31st March 2021 and registered and financed through Toyota Financial Services by 30th June 2021 on a Toyota

AccessFlex (PCP) plan with 0%-35% deposit. Scrappage Saving Allowance is not available in conjunction with a Finance Deposit Allowance. Toyota Financial Services is a trading name of Toyota

Financial Services (UK) PLC; registered office Great Burgh, Burgh Heath, Epsom, Surrey, KT18 5UZ. Authorised and regulated by the Financial 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 offer. Offer may be varied or withdrawn at any time. 8,000 miles per annum,

excess miles over contracted charged at 8p per mile on Yaris Hybrid. Toyota Centres are independent of Toyota Financial Services. Participating Toyota Centres. Affordable finance through Toyota

AccessFlex (PCP). Terms and conditions apply. *If you trade-in any car or commercial vehicle that was registered up to and including registered before 30th November 2012 you can receive

between £2,000 and £4,000 (saving dependent on model chosen and incl VAT) scrappage saving off the Recommended On The Road Price of a New Toyota. Offer excludes GR Yaris, Mirai, Hilux

Active grade and Proace City. New Toyota vehicles must be ordered between 1st December 2020 and 31st March 2021, and registered by 30th June 2021. To qualify for the scheme the owner of

the trade-in vehicle must be named as the registered keeper and resident at the UK address shown on the Vehicle Registration Document (V5) and have owned trade-in vehicle for a minimum

of 6 months before the new Toyota order date. The new vehicle must be registered in the same name. Offer can be used in conjunction with the Finance APRs but not available with any other

customer saving programme or finance deposit allowance. Available to retail customers only. Participating centres only and subject to availability. For further information please contact your

local Toyota Centre. Toyota Financial Services may pay the Toyota Centre a commission for introducing you to them. Commission may be calculated based on either a fixed amount relating

to the vehicle you are financing, a percentage of the amount you borrow, or a combination of both. Toyota Financial Services may also make other types of payment to the Toyota Centres for

introducing you to them. Any such amounts will not affect the amounts you pay to Toyota Financial Services under your finance agreement.

Create a

Full-length curtains help block out light, sound and

draughts. Curtains and headboard in Knot Garden Grey,

£75 per metre, James Hare: 0113 243 1204; james-hare.com.

Cosy Retreat

Warm and quiet, dark and comfortable – ensure your bedroom

has all the ingredients for a great night’s sleep.

Lack of sleep has a profound effect

on our physical Lack of sleep affects

our physical and mental health,

and as many as one in three of us

suffer from poor sleep. So, make

your bedroom sleep-friendly: dark,

quiet, tidy and comfortably warm.

Start with the mattress

First, decide whether you would

prefer a sprung or non-sprung

mattress. Sprung mattresses are

filled with lots of springs and

the best are individually ‘pocket’

sprung to adjust to the body and

eliminate ‘roll-together’. An option

is a sprung mattress ‘zoned’ across

the middle to give extra support

for heavier hips and shoulders, or

made ‘half and half’, to provide

different tensions on each side

of the bed. Another solution for

sleeping partners of very different

weights is a ‘zip and lock’ system of

two different mattresses fastened

together.

Sprung mattresses can be filled

with a variety of materials and

tufted construction is generally

considered better than quilting. In

cheaper mattresses, fillings usually

come in compact pads, while in

better quality mattresses there

will be layers of loose fillings in

greater volumes. Look for a highquality

mattress cover with hand

stitching on the sides and sturdy

handles to help with turning.

Non-traditionalists might consider

a non-sprung mattress where the

A handmade bed frame with an entirely natural,

organic mattress. Eva bed with storage, from

£1,470 for a small single, Naturalmat: 01392 877

247; naturalmat.co.uk.

A soft, curving headboard could help your bed

feel enclosed and cosy. Matilda Dove Grey bed,

from £549; Amazonia Toile duvet cover set, £28;

Farrah Palm Leaf ceiling fitting, £65; all Dunelm:

0845 165 65 65, dunelm.com.

choice of materials includes latex,

memory foam, polyurethane foam

and gel. These mattresses mould

to the sleeper’s shape and are often

warmer than sprung mattresses.

Alternatively, ‘hybrid’

mattresses

provide the traditional support and

comfort of springs with a pressurerelieving,

non-sprung top layer.

What about the windows?

Windows can be a source of earlymorning

light, and noise, heat

loss and draughts at any time. For

regularly opened single-glazed

sash windows, specialist seals fitted

into a rebate will improve draughtproofing,

while secondary glazing

is ideal for seldom-used windows.

Well-fitting timber shutters can

be at least as effective as double

glazing. The traditional solution

is a thick, floor-to-ceiling curtain

with a thermal or blackout lining.

Extend the curtain pole beyond the

window edges so that light cannot

creep in. If using blinds, thick,

blackout versions fitted close to the

wall are best.

Don’t forget about the

floor

A fitted carpet with thermal

underlay deadens sound and

prevents draughts from suspended

timber floors. If you prefer original

timber floorboards, seal any gaps at

the base of the skirting boards and

add thick bedside rugs for extra

comfort. Insulation added below

the boards is also effective.

Designs for Life

STUDIO

BATHROOM & KITCHEN CENTRE

COVID 19 UPDATE:

As an essential supplier, our

Showroom remains open.

Please help us to keep our

customers & staff safe by following

safety guidelines whilst in store.

We are continuing to do

installations and measures, whilst

adhering to all safety guidelines.

TOTAL PROJECT MANAGEMENT from START to FINISH

We offer a range of fitted

wardrobes & sliding doors

tel: 01942 274844

TRADE WELCOME

www.designsforlifestudio.co.uk

• Full service from design to fitting

• Over 20 bathroom & kitchen displays

• Wide choice from many famous brands

• Boiler Upgrades and Central Heating installations

• Friendly family run business

• Large showroom with ample free parking

Open: Monday to Friday 8.30am-5.30pm, Saturday 9am-2pm

Designs for Life

290 Church Road, Haydock, St. Helens WA11 0LF

Go green in style with our guide to creating

a beautiful indoor garden in any room

Passion

for House Plants

House plants look amazing, adding colour, pattern, texture,

interesting forms and a feeling of vibrancy. They can fill a dull

corner, provide soft screening and help dampen noise. The Royal

Horticultural Society reports that indoor plants have been shown to

lower blood pressure and reduce fatigue and headache. Intriguingly,

patients in hospital rooms containing plants report decreased postoperative

pain. The psychological benefits include the satisfaction

of nurturing a small seedling to a healthy, mature plant, as well as

the pleasure of watering, misting and pruning, while the RHS says

that house plants have been shown to reduce stress levels, improve

mood, increase productivity and potentially lengthen attention

span. Plants make us feel good.

What plants to choose?

Select plants suited to homes, where it is shadier and temperature

fluctuations are greater than in their normal habitat. Good

examples include the spider plant, the Boston fern, several

varieties of dracaena, Sansevieria trifasciata, rubber plants, peace

lilies, aspidistra and ivy. Succulents and cacti tend to be easy to

care for and come in a range of shapes and sizes.

Personalise a home work space

with a series of small plants,

placed at different heights for

variety.

Gerry Floor lamp, £161; Drax

desk lamp in black, £137: both

Pooky.

Many plants thrive on humidity, so placing

them in a bathroom is a great idea.

Ionian bath in copper, £5,082; Sherwood

porcelain replica-wood flooring in Rowan,

£71.88 per 80x80 cm panel; both Fired Earth:

01295 812 088; firedearth.com.

For fashion followers, the most-discussed

plants on Reddit in 2020 included the pothos,

monstera, philodendron, hoya and peperomia.

Where to put your plants

Generally plants need good light (but not

bright, direct sunlight) and should be away

from heat sources, draughts and cold. Darker

rooms like bathrooms need shade-tolerant

plants. Provide a stable, waterproof base, and

keep harmful plants away from children and

pets. Huge statement plants look incredible in

hallway, living room or dining room corners,

or group several plants together for a similar

effect. Place smaller plants on tables or use

tall planters, or put a row of small plants on

a mantelpiece, shelf or window ledge, or dot

them among books and vases in a bookcase.

Hang them from the ceiling, stage them in

steps, or pop them on wall racks. Grouping in

odd numbers looks best, and a range of widths

and heights looks relaxed. Opt for varying shades of leaf

colours or try a more regulated appearance, and contrast

leaf shapes for natural variety.

Huge plants make a grand statement in a living room, especially

combined with bold colours and architectural fittings.

Charlotte Chandelier, £380, with 18cm pendant shades in Posh Pink

velvet, £35 each, Pooky.

Struggling for Storage Space?

Transform your loft into a huge storage space -

all for the cost of a wardrobe!

BASIC PACkAge

4 Strong aluminium ladder

4 50 sq ft raised flooring

4 Bright LED light

Only

£307

+VAT

We fit all this;

• Ladders -

Aluminium or Wooden

• Hatches

• Lights

• Boarding

• Insulation

• Velux

All work guaranteed

Call us today for your free survey and quotation

01925 968 061

07895 596 671

Check out our 5 star reviews on

www.in-loftstoragesolutions.co.uk info@in-loftstoragesolutions.co.uk

We cover the

North West Region

Growing in Style

Show off your house plants and keep them happy and healthy

with these great accessories.

FOLLOW A FEW BASIC PRINCIPLES AND YOUR

INDOOR GARDEN IS BOUND TO FLOURISH.

• Regular watering is crucial, but choose an indoor

watering can that doesn’t take up too much space

and looks nice on display. The narrow spout and

high handle help when watering hanging pots,

plants on high shelves or tabletop terrariums.

• Use pruners to remove spent leaves or take off live

stems in order to reshape your plant or encourage

bushier, dense growth. Those with stainless steel

blades are rust-resistant and easy to keep clean.

• Check whether your plant will benefit from

regular misting. Leaf curling, yellowing and brown

leaf edges are all signs that it needs a bit of extra

humidity. Choose a mister with a fine, gentle spray

– the aim is not to make the leaves soaking wet, but

to keep them clean (it helps them photosynthesise)

and change the air quality around them.

Grow your own indoor kitchen

garden with herbs in recycled

planters on a sunny window sill.

Seeds and compost from Dobbies.

Made in London out of Jesmonite

in collaboration with homeware

designer Salt Studios, this handmade

propagation station comes with

a glass test tube to display your

cutting, plus a bookmark with useful

instructions.

Propagation station, £35, Leaf Envy.

Water plants and herbs with a

galvanised steel watering can.

Garden Trading indoor watering can,

£16, Heavenly Homes and Gardens.

A pruner helps maintain healthy,

happy plant growth.

Burgon & Ball house plant pruner,

£12.50, Leaf Envy.

• If you are short on sunlight, try indoor growing

lights, which are more intense than ordinary light

bulbs. They also have a range of colour spectrums

optimised to aid plant growth. Look for all-in-one

kits or separate bulbs or tube lights.

Stylish round

metal hanging

lamp and plant

pot in sleek gold

and black.

£95, Cult

Furniture.

Perfect for orchids and succulents, this plant

mister makes a pretty addition to a kitchen

or bathroom windowsill.

Botanical-style plant mister, £14, Ella James.

This planter combines two styles of

natural rattan. The upper pot includes a

waterproof liner, keeping the lower shelf

(and floors) safe and dry.

Mayfield plant stand, £75, Garden Trading.

These seagrass baskets are tactile and

soft without being floppy.

Redford round baskets, from £40 each,

Neptune.

Try a plant subscription – you’ll be sent

a new plant monthly, with information

and care instructions. A Plant Doctor is

on hand to help with any problems.

Plant & Pot monthly plant subscription,

£35, Leaf Envy.

Improving your home in 2021?

Windows Conservatories Doors Porches Roofline

Composite

Doors

supplied

& fitted

from £700

Trusted Tradesmen ~ Reliable Service

Outstanding Aftercare

Check out our work on www.sthelensupvc.com

@sthelensupvc

Call Simon on 01744 636628 for your free estimate

Unit 7 - 121 Birchley St, St Helens WA10 1HU

All work guaranteed by

• Supply

• Fit

• Repair

Call us today for a free on site quotation

TEL 01744 883 511

www.garagedoorsnw.com

16 Standish Drive

Rainford

St Helens

WA11 8JY

Making your

House a Home

JC Kitchens and Bedrooms in St Helens has long

been the go-to place for the highest-quality

kitchens in the North West. After relocating

to larger premises in 2017 and subsequently

decorating display units and expansive new

shopfront windows with unique accessories, it

quickly became apparent to proprietor Jo that

there could be a niche in the market.

Existing shop windows filled with home

accessories led to daily questions about

whether such items were for sale. After realising

that there was, in fact, quite some demand for

local giftware, the decision was made to open

a shop just across the road from their existing

store.

Jo and her son spent the first lockdown working

together with Johnny Vegas, Martin Blondel and

Andrew Mikhail delivering foodstuffs and other

essential items out of the Eccleston Arms to

those in need across the region, and the two

were keen to work together on a new project.

Regalos – which is Spanish for gifts – is now open

on Tennis Street (just off Greenfield Road) and

across the road from JC Kitchens and Bedrooms.

Regalos has a range of striking and original

decorative accessories to give any home a style

upgrade and has an excellent range of gifts

suited for all occasions and price points.

With new stock arriving each week, including

a range of hand-made items from regional

craftspeople, it is set to quickly become the goto

place in St Helens to buy home accessories

and giftware. Here is a small selection of what

you can expect from Regalos.

Click & Collect Service - Now Available

1. Sheep Doorstop

2. Grey World’s Best Dad sign

3. Tree of Life Doorstops- Silver & Bronze Marble

effect LED candles, varied colours and sizes

4. Wooden Log Birdhouse

5. Wooden stars - Varied colours and sizes

Ceramic Easter bunnies

6. Lyndsey Johnstone - Hand-painted gin glass

7. Felt Garden Gnomes

8. Sass & Belle - Bamboo Plate, Spoons & Heart

Spoon

9. Sass & Belle - Bee salt & pepper set

10. Wooden Happy Easter sign

11. Marble effect LED candles, varied colours

and sizes

12. Decorative Hedgehog

13. Tree of Life Coat Hooks - Silver and Bronze

14. Wicker Heart

15. Sass & Belle - Set of 4 wooden bee coasters

16. Stone Love Letters

Follow @RegalosUK for fresh stock updates.

Regalos Home Accessories & Giftware

14 Tennis Street, St Helens, WA10 6SJ

01744 755105

Rainford Parish Council’s

Response to the Covid-19

Pandemic

During the First Lockdown, help was at hand if you

needed it. The Parish Council set up the Rainford

Volunteers Group to help the elderly and vulnerable

in our community. The group helped with shopping,

posting letters, chatting on the phone and collecting

and delivering prescriptions. It was a testament

to the Rainford sense of community that so many

people quickly offered to become volunteers. A

‘buddy’ system was established to support the well

over 100 households who signed up for the scheme.

Many appreciative families contacted the Clerk’s

office at the Village Hall to emphasize what a lifeline

the scheme had been for them. The Parish Council

is very grateful to all those who came forward and

helped make the initiative a great success and the

Chairman of the Council sent a letter of thanks to all

Volunteers.

Rainford Village Hall

KEEPING YOU UP-TO-DATE

Newsletter

During the next few months, the Village Hall will gradually

be opening up again. If the roadmap out of lockdown goes

to plan, all the businesses will be open from 12.04.2021

and classes will be able to resume from 17.05.2021.

The bar, which had a complete refit just before the first

lockdown, will re-open for socially distanced Friday night

quizzes on 21.05.2021. These will continue for 5 weeks

and will be a good way for people to ease back into social

situations.

From 21.06.2021 at the earliest, all restrictions will be

lifted and the Wedding Receptions and other functions

and events that were planned will be able to take place.

The Parish Council will have undertaken all the required

risk assessments and put in place measures to ensure

that Rainford Village Hall is COVID-19 secure for visitors

and staff. The Village Hall will soon be introducing a new

booking system, which will make it possible to check

available dates and make payments via the website.

Bar refurbishment at the Village

Hall

Just before lockdown, the bar area in Rainford Village Hall

was completely overhauled. Local firm David Rigby Joinery

worked with the Parish Council on this innovative project.

Why not come along and see the changes for yourself

when the bar re-opens for free Friday night quizzes on

(hopefully) 21.05.2021.

Friday Night is free Quiz

night starting at 7.30pm

After

David Rigby and the Chairman

of Rainford Parish Council,

Councillor David Monk

before

If you are planning a function or event and would like

further details about hiring Rainford Village Hall, please

ring 01744 884709 and speak to the Event Co-ordinator,

Victoria Swainbank. Alternatively, you can email

admin@rainfordparishcouncil.com

Boundary Commission Review

The Local Government Boundary Commission for England

has issued draft recommendations on the new electoral

arrangements for St Helens Borough Council. There are

two parts of the draft recommendations that involve

Rainford.

1. The Boundary Commission Review (BCR) considers

that the existing Rainford ward is significantly overrepresented

with three members of St Helens Council,

but there is no ideal solution which offers good electoral

equality while respecting community identity and

providing clear and recognisable boundaries. The draft

recommendation suggests the ribbon of housing to the

west of the A570 Rainford by-pass becomes part of

Windle ward as it considers this will improve the electoral

equality of Rainford ward. The commission would,

however, be particularly interested in further evidence

from the residents of the area along the Rainford by-pass,

as to whether they feel that their community identity lies

to the north towards Rainford village, or to the south.

2. The BCR also suggests a change to the wards for

Rainford Parish Council. At present, there are 5 wards:

Crank, Junction, Mosboro, Muncaster and Randle, each

represented by 3 Councillors. The modification would

create an additional ward called Hill Top and alter the

number of Councillors for each ward:

Crank 1

Hill Top 1

Junction 2

Mosboro 3

Muncaster 5

Have Your Say

The BCR are keen that submissions to the consultation

should make alternative suggestions where there

is disagreement with the draft proposals. It has an

open mind about the draft recommendations and

every representation received will be considered. The

Commission website has a special consultation area

which shows maps of the areas, with the facility to draw

alternative boundaries. The Parish Council will be making

a submission and encourages residents to do the same.

www.consultation.lgbce.org.uk

Parish Council initiatives for 2021

The Parish Council has been considering how it can better

serve the Rainford Community.

Look out for the following in the coming months:

• Business Around Rainford: a new forum for Businesses

in Rainford and for Rainford residents who have

businesses

• The Club’s Club: a group to bring together the many

societies and organisations within Rainford to share

ideas, expertise and knowledge

• Organised litter picks to keep our Village looking clean

and tidy and discourage people from thoughtlessly

discarding their rubbish

• Community Speed Watch: Volunteers will soon start

their training so that they can be out and about around

Rainford, checking the speed of traffic on the roads and

looking out for illegally parked vehicles

If you are interested in getting involved with any of the

above or have other suggestions for ways the Parish

Council could engage with the community, please contact

the Clerk, Sally Powell on 01744 884709

clerk@rainfordparishcouncil.com

Business (almost) as usual

Parish Council meetings are currently taking place via

Zoom but that doesn’t mean that you can’t join in. Please

contact the Clerk’s office for the link. 01744 884709.

Further details can be found on the Parish Council website:

www.rainfordparishcouncil.gov.uk

The Full Council meets on the fourth Monday of the month.

The Finance, Planning & Administration committee meets

on the second Wednesday, and the Community Liaison

committee on the third Tuesday.

A very special anniversary

The Parish Council were

delighted to send flowers

to mark the 70th Wedding

Anniversary of Crank

residents Florence and Eric

Parr and congratulate them

on an incredible achievement.

Photograph courtesy of Tony Foster

Census March 2021

The census is taking place in March 2021.

It is a survey that happens every 10 years and gives a

picture of all the people and households in England and

Wales. It helps plan and fund public services, like transport,

education and healthcare.

By taking part and encouraging others to do the same,

you’ll help make sure you and your community get the

services you need. There will be plenty of help to take

part for people who need it. The census will be completed

many online, but paper copies will be available.

You can find out more at www.census.gov.uk

follow the census

@census2021

Christmas at the Village Hall

Christmas Party nights will be back at the Village Hall this

year on 17 and 18 December 2021. Contact the Event Coordinator,

Victoria Swainbank for further details: 01744

884709/07410132073 admin@rainfordparishcouncil.com

RAINFORD PARISH COUNCIL

Rainford Village Hall, Church Road Rainford WA11 8HB

01744 884709

clerk@rainfordparishcouncil.com

@rainfordvillagehall

@rainfordparishcouncil

Puzzle Pages

CROSSWORD

DOWN

1. Item of food associated with Christmas (5,3)

2. Divisions of the school year (5)

4. Female reproductive cells (3)

5. Vehicle of extraterrestrial origin (6,6)

6. Land area, especially of a farm (7)

7. Flip (a coin, for example) (4)

8. Popular tourist area in north-western

England (4,8)

12. Unemotional person (5)

13. Graveyard (8)

15. Horse’s bit (7)

19. Mammary gland of bovids (5)

20. Tori ___, singer whose albums include

American Doll Posse (4)

22. Quoits target (3)

ACROSS

1. Traditional story (4)

3. Woman’s hairstyle in which the hair has a puffy appearance (8)

9. Place of complete bliss, delight and peace (7)

10. Imperial units of length (5)

11. Day in spring on which the Resurrection is celebrated (6,6)

14. Uncertainties, doubtful factors, ___ and buts (3)

16. Devotional paintings of Christ or other holy figures (5)

17. To stretch out (3)

18. Trend-setting fashions (5,7)

21. Civilian dress worn by a military person (5)

22. Lever operated with the foot (7)

23. Climbing garden plant having fragrant flowers (5,3)

24. Land force of a nation (4)

WORDWHEEL

Using only the letters in the Wordwheel, you have ten

minutes to find as many words as possible, none of

which may be plurals, foreign words or proper nouns.

Each word must be of three letters or more, all must

contain the central letter and letters can only be used

once in every word. There is at least one word that uses

all of the letters in the wheel.

TARGET

EXCELLENT: 36 or more words

GOOD: 28 words

FAIR: 25 words

WORDSEARCH

GOLF WORDSEARCH

APPROACH

BALL

BIRDIE

BOGEY

BUNKER

CART

CHIP

CONDOR

COURSE

DIVOT

DRIVER

EAGLE

FAIRWAY

FORE

GREEN

GRIP

HOLES

HOOK

IRON

PAR

PUTTER

ROUGH

RULES

SHOT

SLICE

STROKE

SWING

TEE OFF

TREES

WEDGE

WOOD

SUDOKU

WIGGLE WORDS

CLUE: have a private

reason for doing or

being involved in

something.

Trace a path through all

the letters to find the

word or phrase that fits

the clue.

D H N A

N A A X

I V E E

R G O T

NUMBER BLOCK

The numbers in each row add up to totals to the

right. The numbers in each column add up to the

totals along the bottom.

The diagonal lines also add up the

totals to the right.

2 9

4 3

8 1

18 21 13

All the puzzle solutions can be found

on page 60 of this magazine

Use Your Pension Wisely

The UK has seen a rise in the number of people accessing their

pension pots or enquiring about doing so since the global

pandemic started last year. The number of people taking

part of their private pension in a tax-free lump sum has

increased by 55%, whilst the number of people withdrawing

all their private pension in one lump sum increased by 94%.

Investors reacted to the pandemic according to their

own circumstances. Many people’s incomes have been

significantly reduced and so taking money out of their

pension pot seemed like a quick fix cash-flow solution.

Beware the Tax Rules

But there are complex tax rules around pension

withdrawals so it is vital to get professional financial

planning advice, which will allow you to make an

informed decision once you are aware of the potential

consequences.

Once you reach the age of 55 (due to change to 57 in

2028) you can access your private pension pot. You can

take some or all of it, to use as you need, or leave it so

that it has the potential to continue to grow. You can

withdraw up to 25% of the value of the pension in a taxfree

lump sum without incurring any tax liability, but if

you withdraw anything over that, it is subject to income

tax at your marginal rate.

Holding your Nerve

Many pension savers resisted the urge to access

their pension pots in the face of continued financial

uncertainty. Others have continued to invest in their

pensions throughout the pandemic, as stock markets

slowly recover since the crash of March 2020.

Should you withdraw your pension –

Here are 4 Things to Consider

1. Pension freedoms: You can now do a lot more

with your pension pot than previously. Everyone is

different and it is important to find the right solution

for your circumstances.

2. Income requirements: Consider the amount of

money you will need each month to maintain your

lifestyle. Ask yourself: How much might I need? How

much might I get? Do I still have a mortgage to pay

off? What other sources of income do I have, and do

I need my pension to keep up with inflation? Could I

consider working for longer? Do I want to have annual

holidays?

3. Costs later in retirement: Think about costs

later in your retirement. What will your living costs

be in the future? Care needs are not a subject we are

comfortable thinking about, but it is important to

have conversations about it with your family, as well

as Powers of Attorney, Wills and inheritance.

4. Health and life expectancy: We often vastly

underestimate this, but evidence shows we are mostly

living longer, with a growing variation in healthy life

expectancy. If you have a partner, do you need to

provide for them financially after you die, or are you

relying on them?

Callisto Wealth Management specialises in formulating

long-term retirement plans individually tailored for you.

Because we’re all different. Some will expect to retire in

their 50’s or even their 40’s and will dip deep into their

private pension pot before normal retirement age, whilst

others expect to work until they are well into their 70’s

and may not touch their private pension until then,

preferring to let their investments accumulate.

Some have long term health conditions, whilst others

are fit and active. Others envisage literally sailing into the

sunset, with plenty of annual cruises or exotic holidays,

whilst some would be happy with a week in the UK.

Whatever your future plans are, Callisto Wealth

Management will be able to help you plan for your future

and put together a sensible long-term retirement plan.

Call us now for a complimentary initial meeting.

Andrew Platt

CFP TM Chartered MCSI

The value of investments (including property) and the income derived from them may go down as well as up.

Callisto Wealth Management Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Our FCA reference is 607698 and our listing can be found at register.fcaorg.uk

Planning for your future is hard if you don’t have the

necessary financial expertise.

Callisto Wealth Management will work with you to help you achieve your financial

freedom once you reach retirement.

Take the first step today towards enjoying the rest of your life.

Call us on 01744 881421 to arrange a

no-obligation consultation at Rainford Hall.

Remote consultations also available.

Call us now for your FREE Budget 2021 guide.

Callisto Wealth Management Ltd

Rainford Hall | Crank Road | St Helens | WA11 7RP

01744 881421

www.callistowealth.co.uk

enquiries@callistowealth.co.uk

READY

in 1hr 30mins

plus cooling

Serves 8

Lemon Tart

This divine dessert has a crisp and buttery pastry case

filled with a tangy lemon cream filling.

Ingredients

300g ready-made sweet shortcrust pastry

Flour, for dusting

Grated zest and juice from 3 large lemons

100g caster sugar

2 medium eggs

2 medium egg yolks

150ml double cream

Lemon slices and mint leaves, to decorate

Method

1 Roll the pastry out on a lightly floured surface and use to line a 23cm

loose-based fluted flan tin. Trim the edges and prick the pastry base all

over with a fork. Chill in the fridge for 30 mins.

2 Preheat the oven to 200C / 180C fan / gas mark 6.Place a baking sheet

in the oven to heat up. Line the pastry case with greaseproof paper and

baking beans. Bake on the hot baking sheet in the preheated oven for

10 mins. Remove the lining paper and beans and bake for a further 5-10

mins until the pastry is pale golden.

3 Reduce the oven temperature to 170C / 150C fan / gas mark 3. In a

large bowl, whisk together the lemon zest, sugar, eggs and egg yolks.

Gradually whisk in the double cream and lemon juice. Leave the mixture

to stand for 10 mins.

4 Pour the lemon mixture into the pastry case and bake for 30-40 mins

until the filling is just set – it should still be a little wobbly in the centre.

Leave to cool in the tin. To serve, carefully remove the tart from the tin

and decorate with lemon slices and mint leaves.

TIP: Allow the pastry to come to room temperature for about 30 mins before rolling out, otherwise it may crack.

READY

in 1hr 30mins

plus cooling

Serves 8

Orange

and apricot loaf

Get the kettle on and enjoy a slice of this delicious fruity loaf cake.

Ingredients

175g unsalted butter, softened

175g caster sugar

175g self-raising flour

3 medium eggs

Grated zest and juice from 1 small

orange, plus extra zest to decorate

75g ground almonds

125g ready-to-eat dried apricots,

chopped

Icing sugar, to dust

Method

1 Preheat the oven to 170C / fan 150C / gas mark 3. Grease a 900g (2lb)

loaf tin and line the base and two long sides with baking paper.

2 Place the butter, sugar, flour, eggs and the orange rind and juice in a

bowl. Beat with an electric whisk until thoroughly combined. Toss

together the ground almonds and apricots and fold into the mixture.

3 Spoon the mixture into the prepared tin and gently level the surface.

Bake for 50 minutes - 1 hour 10 minutes until risen and golden and a

skewer inserted into the centre comes out clean. Cool for 10 minutes

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

dusted with icing sugar and decorated with the extra orange zest.

TIP: If the top of the cake starts to over-brown before the end of the cooking time, cover loosely with a piece of foil.

The

Sweet Life

Where are you going for your first holiday AC (After Covid?).

A holiday is the top of everyone’s to do list for 2021, ideally to

a destination with sunshine, good food and the new ‘must

haves’ - access to good health facilities and close enough to

get home quickly should we need to.

After much deliberation, we plumped for Italy. After a

year like 2020, a bit of la dolce vita is much required and

very welcome, thank you. Italy sounds like a safe bet, but

rather than face the crowds of Rome, Florence and Milan

(and the prices in Venice), we’ve opted to travel south

to the Mezzogiorno to discover the little known and

ruggedly beautiful region of Puglia.

Situated in the boot heel of Italy, Puglia offers everything

the Italophile craves: ancient towns steeped the history

of many cultures; extravagant architecture, food to die

for and the olive green seas of the Adriatic. The senses

of travellers, which may have dulled by frequent visits to

Italy, will once again awaken as they find release in places

like Lecce, known as the Florence of the South, and other

beautiful Pugliese towns and villages.

But it is perhaps outside of its cities that Puglia shines

brightest. From the ancient countryside to its dramatically

broken coastlines, and above all, its proud and generous

people, eager to share the delights of Puglia with you.

Let us start in the baroque splendour of Lecce, where

buildings of beauty and interest are to be discovered

almost around every corner. The Lecce Cathedral,

originally built back in 1144, is just one of numerous

religious buildings of note which are over 500 years old

in compact Lecce. The city’s amphitheatre, built by the

Romans, is situated near

Sant’Oronzo Square and was

once able to seat more than

25,000 people.

The city has a long traditional

affinity with Greek culture

and the Messapians who

founded the city are said to

have been Cretans. Even to

this day, a group of nearby

towns not far from Lecce,

the griko language is still

spoken. Whilst visiting in this

gorgeous baroque grandeur,

you can soak up the ambience

of Leece’s streets, cosy cafes and elegant boutiques.

Most visitors pass by the port of Bari on the way to Lecce,

but bustling Bari doesn’t lack history or culture. The old

town contains the bones of St Nicholas (aka Santa Claus

– yes, that Santa Claus!) in its Basilica di San Nicola, and

there’s an excellent archaeological museum. Superb

seafood and a bustling street food scene in Bari appeals

to all foodies. Bari’s port is a point of departure for those

adventurous travellers departing across the Adriatic for

the shores of Croatia, Montenegro, Albania or Greece.

Strategically placed atop the steep Pizzomunno cliffs

between two sweeping sandy beaches is Vieste.

Surrounded by the Parco Nazionale del Gargano,

Vieste is perfect for cycling and hiking and all things

considered, it is one of the south’s most complete all-inone

destinations for the whole family.

Discover Undiscovered

Italy!

Fly/Coach Tour of Puglia

including Lecce & Vieste

£1,169 p.p.

8 days in 4* hotels

Most meals included

Price based on 2 sharing – single passenger price is £1,344.

Depart from Manchester on 4/4/22 – other dates available

Independent Travel Specialist

Riviera offer over 100 global escorted fly/coach tours.

Call us today or pop in to collect a Riviera brochure.

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

Lonely Planet describes the town as ‘a cross between

Naples and Dubrovnik, with a bit of Puglian magic mixed

in’. Some of the finest vistas at Vieste though are actually

at sea, as the nearby coastline is made up of grottoes and

arches, their calcareous rock shaped by water and wind,

so do take in a boat trip whilst visiting Vieste.

Otranto is Puglia’s and Italy’s eastern-most town, and

is one of the region’s most charming and picturesque

towns; a fascinating mix of history, architecture, sea-front

promenades and an amazing white sandy beach with

turquoise waters.

But it wasn’t always like this – when 18,000 Turkish

soldiers landed in 1480, they laid waste to the town and its

population. 800 survivors barricaded themselves inside

the Cathedral with their bishop, Stefano Agricoli, to pray

for deliverance. Divine intervention was not forthcoming,

however, and they were beheaded whilst their bishop

was cut to pieces and his head paraded round the town

on a pike. Years later, a Papal decree formally beatified

the 800, who became known as the Blessed Martyrs of

Otranto.

Just beyond the borders of Puglia, but often visited by

tourists is Matera, the jewel of neighbouring Basilicata,

which is reputed to be the world’s third-longest

continuously inhabited human settlement.

Natural caves in the tufa limestone attracted the first

inhabitants perhaps 7,000 years ago. In the 1950’s, Matera’s

clustered sassi (cave dwellings), were little more than oneroom

caves containing appalling poverty and unthinkable

living conditions, and the town was denounced as the

‘Shame of Italy’. Today, the value of this extraordinarily

built environment been recognised, and in 2019 the city

was recognised as a European Capital of Culture.

The sweet life in Puglia is just waiting for you…

One final word...

If there is one thing that the pandemic

has painfully illustrated, it is the very real

value of booking via a travel agent. Many

of those who booked independently

without cover sadly lost money, whilst

others struggled to get to where they

need to be.

Whilst booking via a travel agent can be

more expensive sometimes, in todays’

current travel climate it’s worth using a

travel agent, if only to have an experience

and knowledgeable person on your side

should the unexpected happen whilst

you are on holiday.

Cover photo © Ian Bonnell Photograpthy

Education spEcial

WoodvalE Walk

SPRING

foRwaRd

4 Quality magazines

delivered to 39,000

homes

4 Inexpensive leaflet

delivery service

4 Free marketing

advice

4 Free artwork

4 Pay monthly

LocalLife

Wigan North Edition

Prepare now to

boost your business

when lockdown lifts

LocalLife

Wigan Edition

Forgotten Buildings:

Winstanley Hall

a BrightEr orrEll

FREE

sandstonE trail Walk

october 2018

FREE

march 2020

LocalLife

St Helens Edition

Ballooning

in Autumn

LocalLife

Wigan Edition

Remembering

LocalLife

Wakes Weeks

St Helens Edition

highfiEld cc turns 95

WIN

a luxury

Spa Day for

Two!

FREE

september 2018

with

LocalLife

salt trail Walk

WIN

tickets

to the Flower

Show

FREE

July 2019

A Giant

Finale

FREE

october 2018

all our magazine

distribution is

monitored using

GPS

tracking

Education spEcial

rEstoring rivington

Duo Celebrate

Bike Success

hEritagE opEn days

WhEElton moor Walk

a hEalthiEr hEart

Heritage

Open Days

Call today to discuss

how we can help you...

01744 649722 | www.locallife247.co.uk

Ashurst’s

Beacon

by Chris Pearce

Distance: 3.1 miles

Difficulty: Medium

Beacon Country Park in Up Holland is a popular local facility. 300

acres of rolling countryside and woodlands, the park is used

throughout the year for walking, golfing, picnics, kite flying,

sledging and occasional events. However, because the main

car parks and much of the activity takes place well away

from the Beacon that the park is named after, Ashurst’s

Beacon, many people don’t even know it is there.

This 3.1 mile route starts from a small public car park

just downhill on the left from The Beacon Inn (WN8

7RR). Once parked up, exit the car park and turn left

by the roadside for 150 yards. Just before you reach

Beacon Villa there are footpaths right and right –

turn left and head downhill.

Great views of Merseyside and Cheshire here as you head on the path through

the golf course. Just before the path winds left to cross the bridge, you need to

head straight on over a smaller bridge straight into a copse.

Follow the path in the same direction running parallel to the

brook until you exit opposite Beacon Cottage on the single- track

Elmers Green Lane. Turn right and follow the lane up a gentle

incline for 500 yards until you arrive at a crossroads dominated by

St Michaels and All Angels Church.

Cross over and walk by the front entrance of the church down

Higher Lane. Take the next right turn - a shared entrance to the

church car park and a cobbled road to the Grade 2 listed Ashurst’s

Hall – you need to turn into the car park and then pick up the

path on the left that runs parallel to the cobbled road.

Head past the pond on the right and very shortly afterwards,

look for the ancient path up Ashurst Hill,

which is totally enclosed by

trees. This pathway is

Dalton

Beacon Covert

Beacon Villa

Beacon House

Farm Stopforths

Farm

Edward Henry

Plantation

Cricket Ground

Chisnall’s Farm

Long Heys Lane

Ashurst’s Hall

Ashleigh

Farm

Long Heys Lane

Ashurst’s Beacon

Barker’s

Farm

Atherton’s

Farm

Bangham’s

Farm

Stone Hall

For those with the OS Maps

app on your desktop, mobile

or tablet, this walk is named:

JT-Ashursts-Beacon

Beacon Lane

A577 Stannanought Road

Please ensure you wear appropriate clothing and footwear whilst walking. Whilst every care has been taken to ensure

that the walk is accurate, neither the publisher or its editorial contributors can accept, and hereby disclaim, any liability

to any party to loss or damage caused by errors or omissions resulting from negligence, accident or other cause.

Higher Lane

A577 Stannanought Road

Beacon Lane

250 yards long and is rough with uneven cobbles. Once

you pass through the wooden gate at the end of the

path, you’ll have a short steep climb to a plateau with four

different pathways – go straight on and you’ll soon see

the shape of the tower at the top of the Beacon.

Once you’re at the top of the hill, look for the directional

plaque set in stone to the left. Using the directions on

the plaque, take the path in the direction of Winter Hill.

Go down the slope, through the wooden gate and head

diagonally across the field.

Cross the brook via the footbridge and follow the path

round the field until you exit onto Long Heys Lane. Turn

left and follow this single track road downhill for 350 yards

and then turn right at the entrance to Banghams Farm. Pass

though the garden gate to the right of the main farmhouse

gate, and follow the path round and away from the farm.

At the farm’s boundary, you’ll cross The Dingle stream

and arrive at the dirt track known as Stone Hall Lane. Turn

right and follow the track uphill bearing left for 400 yards,

bearing left towards a rather handsome Grade 2* listed

building called Stone Hall. Bear right through the farmyard

when you arrive and go through a couple of gates to exit.

Keep left as the track splits and take the next opening

on the left near the stone stile, heading uphill along field

perimeters for 0.4 mile until you again reach Long Heys

Lane. Turn right and head past Stopforths farm and the

entrance to Bradshaws Farm. Look for a set back footpath

to the left just before The Manor House and follow this

rather slender footpath for 325 yards across a field, a

driveway and then an enclosed wooden area. Once you

hop over the final stile into a wooden area, you’re back at

Ashurst’s Beacon. Turn left and follow the path to the main

road. The starting point is just across the road to the right.

A history of

Ashurst’s

Beacon

The tower at Ashurst’s Beacon

was built in 1798 by Sir William

Ashurst to act as a watch tower

in preparation for the Napoleonic War. However, there

was a previous tower at the site, which was used as part of

a relay of beacons stretching from Liverpool to Lancaster

during the Anglo-Spanish war of 1585.

The land surrounding Ashurst Beacon was acquired in

the 1920’s by Thomas Meadows, the Editor of the Wigan

Observer, who apparently twice restored the tower at

his own expense. In 1962, his widow Florence Meadows

donated the 17 acres of land to Wigan Corporation on

condition that ‘this land should forever remain a beauty

spot for the enjoyment of the people of Wigan’.

Brain aging: what are the signs?

Lost your keys again? Feeling accident-prone? Does it seem

harder to concentrate these days?

Some scientists believe that evidence of neural decline may

reveal itself from the age of just thirty.

Invisible changes

While grey hair, stiff joints and laughter lines are all

clear signs that our bodies are aging, the chemical and

structural alterations happening inside our heads are

completely unseen. While our skull size remains the same,

our grey matter reduces in size, with some areas of the

brain shrinking more, and faster, than other parts.

The biggest losses appear in the prefrontal cortex, the

cerebellum and the hippocampus, areas associated with

attention focus, memory, speech, muscle co-ordination

and learning. The wrinkled outer layer of the brain, known

as the cerebral cortex, also thins as we age and this is also

more pronounced in some parts than others.

Other symptoms of an aging brain include decreased

blood flow, less communication between nerve cells and

an increase in inflammation.

Wandering attention An older person taking a test or

doing a job that requires concentration will probably be

more easily distracted than someone younger. Youngsters

have more ability to ‘zone out’ when they are doing an

Mobile: 07475 004637

• Depression & Anxiety

• Bereavement

• Work Related Stress

• Relationship Issues

• Infertility

• Trauma

• Addiction

• Eating Disorders

• Self-Harm

• Anger Management

www.empathycounsellingservices.co.uk

info@empathycounsellingservices.co.uk

important task

(think

the

who

about

teenager

does

homework

while listening

to music and

using

social

media). It’s all

linked to our

reduced ability

handle

emotional

a r o u s a l ,

which

the

means

important the

task is to us, the more we find ourselves distracted by

outside noises and interruptions.

Clumsiness If you’ve been more accident-prone than

usual recently, or have found it harder to deal with fiddly

tasks like fitting a key into a lock, that could be due to

brain aging.

Research carried out in America suggests that as we

age, we become less able to judge distance when we

encounter nearby objects. We also concentrate more on

the objects we are interested in and less on any obstacles

that lie in the way of our goal: typically that might mean

reaching for the pepper grinder and knocking over a

glass of wine on the way.

Losing your sense of smell and taste If things don’t

smell or taste as good as they did when you were young,

don’t blame the cook. We are all born with around 9,000

taste buds on our tongues. These buds are very good at

regenerating, which is why, when you burn your tongue,

your sense of taste returns so quickly. But as we age, our

taste buds become less able to replace themselves and we

lose the sensitivity that helps us identify different flavours.

The senses of smell and taste are closely linked and age can

be a factor in the loss of both, but if you notice a sudden

change in your sense of smell, there may be other causes,

such as nasal polyps, blocked sinuses or seasonal allergies.

Forgetfulness You may have noticed that as you age, it

becomes harder to remember names, or recall something

that you have learned. The ability to remember learned

facts, life events and the names of people you have met

is called ‘declarative memory’, while remembering how

to tie a shoelace or ride a bike is part of your ‘procedural

memories’, which don’t tend to fade as quickly.

Another aspect of brain function affected by age is

‘working memory’: the ability to solve problems or hold

information such as phone numbers, or where you have

parked, in your head.

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle

A healthy lifestyle, paired with activities that keep your

brain alert, can boost cognitive abilities and ward off the

signs of aging.

Self Help for

Sore Knees

Do you suffer from osteoarthritis (OA)? This painful condition affects around one-third of people aged

45 or above. Although it can affect any joints, around half of sufferers have arthritis in their knees.

The WHO regards osteoarthritis as a ‘priority disease’. It

ranks in the top ten of most disabling conditions and as the

population ages, along with the growing issue of obesity,

numbers of OA sufferers are set to rise.

What is osteoarthritis?

When you bend a joint, the two bone surfaces rub against

each other. Cartilage pads on the ends of your bones

cushion the movement. The joint is enclosed in a capsule

and lubricated with synovial fluid.

WIth OA, the joint is gradually destroyed. The cartilage

becomes thin and roughened, the bone surfaces become

irregular, and debris collects within the joint space.

The joint is supported by muscles and ligaments. If these

become weakened through age or accident, there is too

much pressure on the joint.

OA causes

bearing, and hydrotherapy is also worth considering.

Medical studies confirm that weight loss and exercise

result in significant benefits. For example, in a 2013

randomised trial, 399 participants aged 55 and over and

with BMIs between 27 and 41 were randomised into three

groups: diet; exercise; or both diet and exercise. They

were then followed up for 18 months.

The diet and exercise group did the best, losing an

average of 10.6Kg – 11.4% of their body weight. This

group also had significant reductions in pain, better knee

function and improvement in quality of life compared to

the other two groups.

Prescot Chiropody Clinic

Outside of an accident such as damage to a cruciate

ligament, the exact cause of OA is unknown, but it’s linked

to your genetics, ageing and obesity. It’s more common

in females and is associated with other chronic diseases,

such as diabetes.

OA symptoms

Pain, stiffness, and joint swelling are the most common

symptoms. Your knees may look deformed.

OA treatments

Exercise is very important, even when your knees are

hurting, plus using the joint helps reduce stiffness and

encourages blood flow. Not using your knees worsens the

problem as it encourages the thinning and softening of

the cartilage. Exercise reduces chronic inflammation – a

metabolic process that exacerbates cartilage breakdown.

A physiotherapist can help. Cycling and swimming are

good options as they cushion the knee from direct weight

Lose weight

Losing weight may seem an impossible task. However,

it can be done and studies prove this often leads to a

significant reduction in pain and improved mobility.

In a 2007 review (Christensen R. et al) of four studies

involving 454 patients with OA, those who lost 5% of their

body weight over twenty weeks demonstrated a marked

improvement in pain and much improved mobility.

Pain relief

Try paracetamol along with non-steroidal anti-

Inflammatory (NSAID) drugs such as ibuprofen,

diclofenac and naproxen. NSAIDS reduce inflammation in

the arthritic joint. An NSAID gel rubbed into the joint may

be helpful.

Your GP will discuss other medication options with you:

• Drugs called COX-2 inhibitors, such as celecoxib, are

very effective anti-inflammatories. Sometimes opiates

such as co-codamol are advised.

• Capsaicin cream can be applied to the knee joint.

• A steroid can be injected directly into the joint. Steroids

are powerful anti-inflammatories.

• Alternatively, try Transcutaneous electrical nerve

stimulation (TENS).

• The efficacy of hyaluronic acid injections has not been

substantially proven but may have benefits for some.

Other lifestyle tips

• Try to reduce the strain on your knees and spread your

weight evenly by using a stick.

• Start the day with a hot bath or shower – the heat eases

joint stiffness.

• Try using hot pads or an ice pack on the sore joint.

• Massage has been found to be helpful for pain relief.

• Sometimes your doctor may suggest use of a knee

brace.

Complementary and Alternative

therapies

Glucosamine, curcumin, vitamin D and omega-3 fatty

acids all appear safe, but there is a lack of medical

evidence for their efficacy.

Mindfulness, meditation and acupuncture have all been

advocated and can help improve symptoms.

UK Drive: Hybrid power keeps the

Petrol Fiat 500

going a little longer

Charming it may be, but Ted Welford finds the Fiat 500’s age has now got the better of it.

What is it?

As recognisable and as loved as a Mini or Land Rover

Defender, the 500 was Fiat’s icon throughout a big part of

the twentieth century until 1975, followed by a revival of

the model in 2007.

That reincarnation was a hit and Fiat still sells 400,000 of

these city cars every year, despite a multitude of rivals.

What’s new?

This year saw the introduction of a new electric 500.

It looks similar to the petrol car but is rather different

underneath, and should be yet another hit as it’ll be

one of the cheapest EVs around thanks to a sub-£20,000

starting price.

There is also Fiat’s new 500 Hybrid. It’s not a full hybrid, but

rather a petrol engine with a small electric motor, battery

and belt-integrated starter-generator that improves

efficiency and aims to allow for a smoother drive. So does

it succeed?

What’s under the bonnet?

If you want a manual 500, the only option is this new mildhybrid

petrol, with automatic models using the 1.2-litre

unit that Fiat has been using for years.

With just 69bhp, 0-60mph takes 13.6 seconds, but around

town it’s more than up to the task. A six-speed manual

gearbox is also a pleasant surprise for a car of this size.

The mild-hybrid system is also noticeable with the

regenerative braking when you take your foot off the

accelerator, though the engine can ‘switch off’ while

coasting in order to improve fuel economy.

What’s it like to drive?

It’s in urban areas where the Fiat excels. It bucks the trend

of city cars growing in size, as at 3.5m-long it remains tiny

and an absolute doddle to park, helped by great visibility.

The steering is also brilliantly light, and even gets a ‘City’

mode to make it even lighter.

But elsewhere the 500 shows both its age and its flaws. The

ride quality is poor while the driving position leaves a lot to

be desired – you feel like you sit on the car, rather than in

it. Refinement is also poor, even by city-car standards. Next

to rivals like the Volkswagen Up!, it’s well behind the pace.

How does it look?

It’s likely buyers choose the Fiat 500 because of the way

it looks. And with its scope for personalisation, bubblelike

shape and cool retro-inspired design, it offers bags

of charm and appeal in this respect. A range of trim and

liveries add to the appeal.

It’s more impressive just how fresh the 500 looks

considering it’s been around since 2007 in its current

guise – the only real design changes in that time being

some new lights at the front and rear, fresh alloy wheel

designs and updated bumpers. Some subtle ‘Hybrid’

badging is also fitted as part of this update, however.

What’s it like inside?

The interior also has charm – not least with the cool colourmatched

dashboard, which is a particular highlight.

There’s a clear instrument cluster, with an optional seveninch

TFT display in the middle. A seven-inch touchscreen

is also fitted, and while not the best system you can get

today, it’s simple to use and gains Apple CarPlay and

Android Auto. A panoramic glass roof is also a nice touch.

But the colourful dash and technology can only go so

far with the Fiat 500, as other areas feel especially cheap,

with hard and scratchy plastics littering the cabin. It’s also

small even by city-car standards, with a dinky 185-litre

boot and compromised rear space.

What’s the spec like?

Prices for the Fiat 500 start from £13,020 and for that you

get a Pop-spec car. It’s not especially well-equipped but

gains air conditioning, a DAB radio and a speed limiter.

But our choice is the £14,750 Lounge model, which adds a

touchscreen, leather steering wheel, rear parking sensors

and a glass roof.

Prices rise through to £17,150 for the top-spec Launch

Edition, which includes sat nav, 16-inch alloy wheels and

special seats made from recycled materials. But at that

price, you can buy a far more accomplished supermini.

Verdict

It’s a testament to the 500’s cool retro design, easy-to-drive

nature and quirky interior that this Fiat continues to be as

popular as it is. Used around the city it’s really appealing,

and the Hybrid system has added greater efficiency to the

package – meaning it will be very cheap to run.

But none of these traits can hide some glaring weaknesses

of the 500, which are really just down to its ageing design. Its

poor driving experience away from town and cheap cabin

make it fall off the pace of rivals, and given it’s not especially

cheap, it means this Fiat – is tough to recommend. Consider

the electric model instead…

How many kinds of

sweet flowers grow…

The quintessentially English country garden has classic,

timeless appeal, and although easier to achieve in the

countryside can still be recreated at least in part in town.

Shrubs make a great backdrop so choose a range of

different shapes, textures and shades of leaf colour for

that cottage garden feel. For best effect choose mainly or

all deciduous shrubs with just a few evergreens.

A wooden or metal gate painted white gives the right

feel, and when smart, traditional-look fixings and fixtures

are painted contrasting black, the look is complete.

In a country-style garden the combination of a wide

range of types of flower in an even wider range of colours

is perfect. Contrasting colours look great as long as there

is plenty of greenery in-between.

Plant loosely and almost randomly in drifts, with no straight

lines anywhere, to give beds and borders a country style,

whatever their size. Allow plants to grow closer together

so there is no bare earth, and when planting a bed from

scratch use hardy annuals to fill in any gaps while the main

plants grow, to create a wall-to-wall carpet of colour.

Plants in pots add seasonal splashes of colour, so include

temporary plants such as brightly coloured pelargoniums

and geraniums or longer-term plants such as bulbs and

small shrubs. Choose a pot with an informal, rounded

shape, rather than anything too geometric or modern; a

terracotta pot works a treat.

Have a range of heights in the flower borders, basically

with smaller plants in front and the largest at the back,

but add in tall, slim plants throughout to add colour,

interest and height variation without blocking your view

of their smaller neighbours. The classic choice for this is

the purple-flowered Verbena bonariensis.

A wall made from brick or stone make a perfect boundary.

A drystone wall with variations in the grey and brownish

colours of the stone looks great in all weathers, and

you can grow plants such as house leeks in some of the

crevices.

If your garden needs steps, choose stone. It is longlasting,

withstands hard frosts and needs no preservative

treatments. Combined with a wall of the same material,

steps like this almost look natural, particularly when laid

slightly unevenly.

Ivy is perfect for covering up unattractive features such

as an ugly wall. It grows rapidly and is a useful wildlife

habitat, but don’t allow it to grow out of control.

Maximise planting opportunities with containers made

from natural materials such as terracotta. Positioned on

top of a wall they’ll mark the boundary well and bring

seasonal colour. Swap the plants around at summer’s end

and use winter-flowering pansies for colour throughout

the year.

Plant small, compact plants along the edges of paths and

steps to add colour and interest. Small saxifrages look

great but won’t swamp the steps either!

Promote your

company here for

just £30 + VAT

Call 01744 649722

LocalLife

www.locallife247.co.uk

AABRON

LANDSCAPING

SERVICES

• Raised Beds • Artificial Grass

• Lawns Re-Turfed

• Driveways & Patios

• Fencing, Flagging & Block Paving

• Gardens Designed

& Constructed

Free fixed-price

quotations provided

All genuine like-for-like

quotes beaten!

01744 606 080

07780 801 341

51 Sandringham Drive, WA9 3TQ

www.aabronlandscaping.co.uk

Garden

Make-Overs

Before

After

•Landscaping

•Driveways

•Decking

•Design

Call for free estimate

Colin 07958 302 166

Brian 07760 160 988

Wilson Brothers

01695 633173

www.wilson-bros.co.uk

Over 70 Lancashire

Walks

LocalLife

FREE to download at

locallife247.co.uk

feLLed

tOpped

pruned

re-ShAped

Stump GrIndInG

crOwn reductIOn

fencInG

fLAGGInG

turfInG

ArtIfIcIAL GrASS

Call us today for a free

no obligation quote

07879 024070

01925 271108

01942 387067

crOwn thInnInG

20%

Off

ALL

Autumn

BOOKInGS

Email: fourseasons.treespecialists@gmail.com

Reproduction

Victorian Gates and

Railings made to

order

Call - 01744 893773

or 01942 718339

for

WE WON’T BE BEATEN ON

QUALITY OR PRICE

UP TO 25% DISCOUNT

Call Al today for a free quote or advice

OFFICE

01942 396 818

Dave’s

GARDENING

SERVICES

3 Garden Maintenance

3 Grass Cutting

3 Hedge Trimming

3 Power Washing

Regular or

one-off work welcome

Call Dave for a free quote on

01744 322 334

07974 119 321

Based in St Helens

MOBILE

07796 494 463

• Landscaping

• Driveways & Patios

• Block Paving

• Indian Stone

All tree work including

• Shaping & Pruning

• Felling & Topping

• Stump Grinding Service

Design & Print

• Earwax Removal

• FREE Hearing Tests

• Hearing Aids & Repairs

• FREE 1 Week Hearing Aid Trial

Drop in or contact Darren on:

01942 215 391

8-10 Gathurst Road, O re l, WN5 8QH

www.wiganhearing.co.uk

10% off

Presen

Flyers, postcards, brochures

and distribution service.

Put your

hearing

first with

Ask us about our wide range of hearing aids

this voucher for 10% OFF your next

hearing test or earwax removal.

LocalLife

rural Vi lage

NUrSErY

A l staff

paediatric

& first aid

QUALIFIED

oPEN

Mon-Fri

8AM-6PM

FUNDED

PLACES

Available for

2/3/4

year olds

£37.50

per day

LANgUAgE

& SPortS

LESSoNS

pre-schoolers

Large

outdoor

PLAY ArEA

rated by

oFStED

oUtStANDINg

We cater for

CHILDrEN

3 months

- 4 years

NEWLY

rEFUrBISHED

in 2019

Ca l Sarah on 01744 886166 for more information or admin@cranknursery.net

www.cranknursery.co.uk

For more information

Call 01744 649722

Little Acorns Nursery

QUALITY CHILDCARE YOU CAN TRUST!

Open Mon-Fri: 8am ti l 5.30pm term time

We operate a booking system for the

holidays which saves you money

We deliver 30 hours free entitlement

£29 for a fu l day

Flexible sessions available

We take children from 2 years old

Li tle Acorns Nursery is situated in a beautiful woodland

se ting. It is a safe and vibrant place for your child to gain

lots of wonderful educational experiences.

We are big on the great outdoors & being down in the forest

which is good for your child’s health and we l-being

Little Acorns Nursery

A l Saints’ Primary School | Finch Lane | Appley Bridge | WN6 9DT

01257 252647

www.li tleacorns-daynursery.com

www.locallife247.co.uk

Over 70 Lancashire

Walks

LocalLife

FREE to download at

locallife247.co.uk

• Fencing & Decking

• Turfing &

Artificial

Grass

MAN

& DIggER

for hire

SMN

Tree and Landscape Management

Tree Felling & Pruning

Site Clearance

Tree Surveys and Reports

Invasive Weed Control

Ground Maintenance

Agricultural & Domestic Fencing

Firewood & Woodchip

Woodland Maintenance

24 Hour Emergency Tree Work

West Lancashire Borough Council

approved contractor

Wigan Council approved contractor

Day: 07970 521 692

Eve: 01942 214 121

www.smntrees.co.uk

steve@smntrees.co.uk

Want your business to grow?

Advertising packages start from £30 + VAT

4 Free artwork 4 Pay monthly Call 01744 649722

LocalLife

www.locallife247.co.uk

for

Home Services

Promote your

company here for

just £30 + VAT

Design & Print

Flyers, postcards, brochures

and distribution service.

H. TEBB

& SON

Call 01744 649722

LocalLife

www.locallife247.co.uk

• Earwax Removal

• FREE Hearing Tests

• Hearing Aids & Repairs

• FREE 1 Week Hearing Aid Trial

Drop in or contact Darren on:

01942 215 391

8-10 Gathurst Road, O re l, WN5 8QH

www.wiganhearing.co.uk

10% off

Presen

Put your

hearing

first with

Ask us about our wide range of hearing aids

this voucher for 10% OFF your next

hearing test or earwax removal.

rural Vi lage

NUrSErY

A l staff

paediatric

& first aid

QUALIFIED

oPEN

Mon-Fri

8AM-6PM

FUNDED

PLACES

Available for

2/3/4

year olds

£37.50

per day

LANgUAgE

& SPortS

LESSoNS

pre-schoolers

Large

outdoor

PLAY ArEA

rated by

oFStED

oUtStANDINg

We cater for

CHILDrEN

3 months

- 4 years

NEWLY

rEFUrBISHED

in 2019

Ca l Sarah on 01744 886166 for more information or admin@cranknursery.net

www.cranknursery.co.uk

Little Acorns Nursery

QUALITY CHILDCARE YOU CAN TRUST!

Open Mon-Fri: 8am ti l 5.30pm term time

We operate a booking system for the

holidays which saves you money

We deliver 30 hours free entitlement

£29 for a fu l day

Flexible sessions available

We take children from 2 years old

Li tle Acorns Nursery is situated in a beautiful woodland

se ting. It is a safe and vibrant place for your child to gain

lots of wonderful educational experiences.

We are big on the great outdoors & being down in the forest

which is good for your child’s health and we l-being

Little Acorns Nursery

A l Saints’ Primary School | Finch Lane | Appley Bridge | WN6 9DT

01257 252647

www.li tleacorns-daynursery.com

We repair

all kinds of surfaces.

Do your worktops, UPVC & glass,

baths & showers, tiled, stone or

wood flooring need some TLC?

We’ll make them as

good as new!

Check out before & after pics here;

www.magicnicksurfacerepairs.co.uk

Call Magic Nick for a free quote on

07925 768 534

Or email details to;

magicnick.repair@gmail.com

We repair:

4 Phones & Tablets

4 Laptops & PC’s

4 Gaming Consoles

4 Apple Watches

We also build

gaming PC’s to all

specifications.

If we

can’t fix it,

no one

can!

QUALITY service

FREE estimates

FAST turnaround

Call the Tech Guys on 01744 410554

or email info@techguys360.co.uk

www.techguys360.co.uk

1st Floor, Rainford Parish Council Offices,

Church Rd, Rainford, St. Helens WA11 8HB

LocalLife

For more information

Call 01744 649722

www.locallife247.co.uk

COMPUTER

PROBLEMS?

• No Call Out Charges

• Local Company

• PC Experts

www.bodtree.co.uk

Broadband broken, computer slow

printer packed up, virus/spyware or

your keyboards gone kaput

Bodtree Systems fix all types of PC problems

in the comfort of your own home

Call Catherine Now

07540 222787

Tel: 01744 778381 - 01942 418763

Promote your

company here for

just £30 + VAT

Call 01744 649722

LocalLife

www.locallife247.co.uk

French Polishers &

Upholsterers of Distinction

• Domestic and commercial

work welcome

• Free Pick Up and Delivery

• Established in St. Helens

since 1946

• Free estimates

01744 23074

91 Shaw Street, St Helens,

WA10 1EN

www.htebb.co.uk

• Professional Carpet, Rug

& Upholstery Cleaning

• Leather Cleaning & Restoration

• FREE Pre-Inspection Visit & Quotation

T: 01942 409401

M: 07881 816839

helen@carrolls-cleaning.co.uk

ural Vi lage

NUrSErY

A l sta f

paediatric

& first aid

QUALIFIED

oPEN

Mon-Fri

8AM-6PM

£29 for a fu l day

Flexible se sions available

FUNDED

PLACES

Available for

2/3/4

year olds

£37.50

per day

www.cranknursery.co.uk

LANgUAgE

& SPortS

LESSoNS

for

pre-schoolers

Large

outdoor

PLAY ArEA

rated by

oFStED

oUtStANDINg

We cater for

CHILDrEN

3 months

- 4 years

NEWLY

rEFUrBISHED

in 2019

No job too small or tall

Call:

01942 273944

07872 176335

www.dpconservatorycleaning.co.uk

Email: dpconservatorycleaning@gmail.com

BOOK ONLINE 24/7

www.mr-soot.com

Stoves & Fireplaces Swept

Flues Tested

Liners Installed

PAY BY

CARD

Professional & Reliable

New Name -

Same Fantastic Cleans!

• Carpets - Quick Drying

includes moving furniture for you

• Upholstery - Fabric & Leather

• Hard floors - Tile/Stone/Vinyls

FREE Test clean to see the results

• Curtains - Hassle free

Cleaned where they hang

• Rugs

Collection & delivery service

Call us

today for

a free quote

01925 411449

www.alliancecleaningsystems.co.uk

e: sales@alliancecleaningsystems.co.uk

CROSSWORD

ACROSS: 1. Myth, 3. Bouffant, 9. Nirvana, 10. Yards, 11. Easter Sunday, 14. Ifs, 16. Icons,

17. Eke, 18. Haute couture, 21. Mufti, 22. Treadle, 23. Sweet pea, 24. Army.

DOWN: 1. Mince pie, 2. Terms, 4. Ova, 5. Flying saucer, 6. Acreage, 7. Toss, 8. Lake District,

12. Stoic, 13. Cemetery, 15. Snaffle, 19. Udder, 20. Amos, 22. Tee.

WORDWHEEL

ANSWER:

C P

PRODUCE

R D O

U E

Puzzle Solutions

WORDSEARCH SUDOKU WIGGLE

WORDS

PUB QUIZ

1. Ice Hockey

2. Henry V

3. Glee

4. Milwaukee

5. Marilyn Monroe

6. b) Finland

7. Lower

8. Rightmove

9. Joker

10. Happy Talk

Design & Print

Flyers, postcards, brochures

and distribution service.

Call 01744 649722

Have an axe to grind

NUMBER

BLOCK

2 8 1 3

1 5 6 9

7 4 3 2

8 4 3 1

18 21 13 15

Li tle Acorns Nursery

QUALITY CHILDCARE YOU CAN TRUST!

Open Mon-Fri: 8am ti l 5.30pm term time

We operate a b oking system for the

holidays which saves you money

We deliver 30 hours fr e entitlement

We take children from 2 years old

Ca l Sarah on 017 4 861 6 for more information or admin@cranknursery.net

Li tle Acorns Nursery is situated in a beautiful w odland

se ting. It is a safe and vibrant place for your child to gain

lots of wonderful educational experiences.

utd ors & being down in the forest

being

(by Captain Sensible)

Call Clint for a free no obligation quote

01744 470 051

07834 241 642

www.justcleanpropertycare.co.uk

ROOF CLEANING

• Moss Removal & Bio-Treatment

• Softwashing / Low Pressure

POWER WASHING

• Driveways & Patios etc.

CONSERVATORIES

• Exterior & Interior (Cleaning)

UPVC CLEANING

• Windows, Fascias,

Gutters etc.

SPECIAL OFFER - 20% OFF ALL CLEANING PACKAGES

Happy New Year – Tidy New You!

4 Cheaper than a skip

4 Smart and friendly staff

4 Free quotation

Having a clear out – call us now.

• House and garden clearances

• Rubbish removals

• Probate clearances

• Commercial clearances

northwestwaste

The Meadows, Ruskin Drive, St Helens, WA10 6RP

01744 758 349 / 07557 764 940

Email: info@northwestwaste.co.uk

www.northwestwaste.co.uk

Call Paul

Locksmiths

EstablishEd 2000

• uPVC & WOOdEN dOOR sPECialist

• Emergency door Opening

• uPVC door lock Repairs

• uPVC door lock Changes

• uPVC door lock upgrades

• Wood door lock Changes

• all Work Guaranteed

a Registered insured NCFE Certified Company

call Paul for a Fast, Reliable,

Professional service

tELEPhoNE

01744 526 589

moBiLE

07932 718 362

WWW.CALLPAULLOCKSMITH.CO.UK

Garswood

Decorating

Services

3 Internal & External

Decorating

3 30 years experience

3 No job too small

Call Shaun for a free quote

07542 405031

07545 956712

9 Hamilton Road

Garswood

shaun@garswooddecoratingservices.co.uk

A.J.Davies

Est.1991

Painter

& Decorator

Paper Hanging a Speciality

Friendly & Very Reliable Service

Both Domestic & Commercial

Trading for over 30 years

Call Adam on

01744 755 005

e-mail ajdaviesdecorator@hotmail.co.uk

gArAge door

repAirS

Haydock

Decorators

• High Quality Decorating

• Neat & Tidy Workmanship

Over 20 years

experience

All gArAge

doorS

repAired:

Springs, Cables,

Locks, Rollers etc.

Doors of all ages

repaired

01744 894939 / 07891 330214

NO FIX, NO CHARGE!

Strawberry Cottage,

Pimbo Road, Kings Moss

WN8 9QL

www.garagedoorandlock.co.uk

For a free quote & friendly advice

contact Paul on

07596 956 030

Haydock Decorators

KEYS LOCKS SAFES

• Repairs & Upgrades on

all locks, including UPVC

• Safes supplied & installed

• Key cutting service

• Emergency call outs

welcomed

• All work guaranteed

Call your local lock expert

for a free quote

Established 1970

Call us now on

01744 732 256

Visit our showroom:

2, Lingholme Road, St Helens, WA10 2NS

Promote your

company here for

just £30 + VAT

Call 01744 649722

LocalLife

www.locallife247.co.uk

£29 for a fu l day

rural Vi lage

NUrSErY

FUNDED LANgUAgE

A l sta f

PLACES & SPortS

paediatric

Available for LESSoNS

& first aid

2/3/4

for

QUALIFIED

year olds pre-schoolers

oPEN

Large

£37.50

Mon-Fri

outdoor

per day

8AM-6PM

PLAY ArEA

www.cranknursery.co.uk

rated by

oFStED

oUtStANDINg

We cater for

CHILDrEN

3 months

- 4 years

NEWLY

rEFUrBISHED

in 2019

All aspects of Gas Heating

& Plumbing

• Boilers

• Bathrooms

• Servicing

Installations, Upgrades

& Maintenance

Established 30+ years

emergency call outs

Call Paul for advice

and a free quote

07929 428 496

42-44 Rainford Road, Billinge

FINANCE

AVAILABLE

ASK FOR DETAILS

Rainford

Electrical

11672

Est.1975

Electrical Installations & Repairs

All aspects of domestic work

undertaken

Lights, Sockets, Fuseboards etc

Electric Oven & Shower Repairs

P.A.T. Testing & Inspection

Small jobs a speciality

Call Alan Leigh on

01744 883883

or 07884 496434

Design & Print

Flyers, postcards, brochures

and distribution service.

Call 01744 649722

LocalLife

Little Acorns Nursery

QUALITY CHILDCARE YOU CAN TRUST!

Open Mon-Fri: 8am ti l 5.30pm term time

We operate a b oking system for the

holidays which saves you money

We deliver 30 hours fr e entitlement

Flexible se sions available

We take children from 2 years old

Ca l Sarah on 01744 86166 for more information or admin@cranknursery.net

Li tle Acorns Nursery is situated in a beautiful woodland

se ting. It is a safe and vibrant place for your child to gain

lots of wonderful educational experiences.

We are big on the great outd ors & being down in the forest

which is g od for your child’s health and we l-being

A l Saints’ Primary Sch ol | Finch Lane | A pley Bridge | WN6 9DT

Li tle Acorns Nursery

www.locallife247.co.uk

01257 252647

www.li tleacorns-daynursery.com

Call-Outs

welcome

24/7

ATB Plumbing

& Heating

Boiler Installs, Repairs

& Services

Fire & Cooker Installations

Bathrooms Fitted

System Flushes

Landlords Certifications

LPG

Call Alec on

07730 735 174

rainford-boiler-tech.co.uk

Promote your

company here for

just £30 + VAT

Call 01744 649722

LocalLife

624630

www.locallife247.co.uk

W.Hurst & Son Ltd

ELECTRIC

CONTRACTOR

www.whurstandson.co.uk

• All types of electrical work

• 35+ years experience

• No job too small

• Friendly and reliable

For a free quote

& advice call Jeff

01695 622 191

07850 622 191

• Brand New Bathrooms

• Boiler + Central Heating

Installs, Servicing + Repairs

• Extended warranties

available

• 24 Hour Call-out

• Domestic + Commercial

Freephone:

0300 3030121

Dave: 07769 942218

Matt: 07969 183809

506515

FINANCE

OPTIONS

AVAILABLE

21 Naburn Drive, Orrell wN5 8SB

Email: info@orrellheating.co.uk

www.orrellheating.co.uk

All electrical work undertaken from

full re-wires to alarms/CCTV.

No job too small.

No call out charge – guaranteed.

30 years experience.

CAll STeVe oN

07809 427 508

www.hjselectricalservices.co.uk

Promote your

company here for

just £30 + VAT

Call 01744 649722

LocalLife

www.locallife247.co.uk

£29 for a fu l day

rural Vi lage

NUrSErY

A l sta f

paediatric

& first aid

QUALIFIED

oPEN

Mon-Fri

8AM-6PM

FUNDED

PLACES

Available for

2/3/4

year olds

£37.50

per day

www.cranknursery.co.uk

LANgUAgE

& SPortS

LESSoNS

for

pre-schoolers

Large

outdoor

PLAY ArEA

rated by

oFStED

oUtStANDINg

We cater for

CHILDrEN

3 months

- 4 years

NEWLY

rEFUrBISHED

in 2019

Call us now for ALL your roofline requirements!

Facias, soffits, cladding, dry verge and gutters

We specialise in seamless

aluminium gutters.

Clean, stylish and guaranteed

for 25 years!

Call: 07917 352 182 / 07917 352 183

www.orrellroofline.co.uk

Damp

Control

We use state of the art

diagnostic equipment to

provide a comprehensive

assessment of your damp

issues.

Free quote and

advice provided

for any remedial

works needed.

For a reliable, friendly

service call Matthew on

07840 096 233

Matthew

Rigby

Property Services

Damp Control Specialists

Promote your

company here for

just £30 + VAT

Call 01744 649722

LocalLife

www.locallife247.co.uk

Design & Print

Flyers, postcards, brochures

and distribution service.

Call 01744 649722

LocalLife

Little Acorns Nursery

QUALITY CHILDCARE YOU CAN TRUST!

Open Mon-Fri: 8am ti l 5.30pm term time

We operate a b oking system for the

holidays which saves you money

We deliver 30 hours fr e entitlement

Flexible se sions available

We take children from 2 years old

Ca l Sarah on 01744 86166 for more information or admin@cranknursery.net

Li tle Acorns Nursery is situated in a beautiful woodland

se ting. It is a safe and vibrant place for your child to gain

lots of wonderful educational experiences.

We are big on the great outd ors & being down in the forest

which is g od for your child’s health and we l-being

Li tle Acorns Nursery

www.locallife247.co.uk

A l Saints’ Primary Sch ol | Finch Lane | A pley Bridge | WN6 9DT

01257 252647

www.li tleacorns-daynursery.com

JJ Driveways

Imprinted Concrete

Specialists

Huge range of colours

& patterns

• Resin Driveways

• Block Paving

• Indian Stone

• Flagging

We can also revive

your old drive!

Ask about our sealing

service

Call Joe for a

free quotation on

01942 621 959

07867 697 972

www.jjdriveways.co.uk

Do you

have

Failed

Double

Glazing

Units?

Don’t pay £££’s to replace

the frame, we’ll replace the

glass panes.

We also replace; Window

locks, Door locks, Hinges

& Handles.

...and we do conservatory

repairs.

Call us now for a free

quotation on

01744 810 000

www.northwestwindowrepairs.co.uk

Convert your bath to a

Walk-In Shower

AJC

WALK IN SHOWERS

Typical price

£1800

Fully guaranteed

One day installation

No mess - no fuss

Easy to clean & maintain

Call Anthony on

07919 876 825

Workshop address:

Bulldog Tools Ind. Est.

Darlington Street East Wigan WN1 3BT

We also fit full bathrooms!

All aspects of wall &

floor tiling: bathrooms,

wet rooms, en-suites,

kitchens, lounges,

conservatories etc

Underfloor heating

Call Karl now for a

FREE ESTIMATE

01744 602931

or 07756 274503

7 Albany Avenue,

Eccleston Park, L34 2QN

PLC

MAINTENANCE

MuLtiSkiLLed

HandyMan

• Roofing & Roofline -

repairs and replacement

• Decorating • Building

• Gates supplied & fitted

• Plastering • Gardening

For all your home improvements

No job too small

07847 394040

01744 606938

Promote your

company here for

just £30 + VAT

Call 01744 649722

LocalLife

www.locallife247.co.uk

Our Focus Is

Quality & Price

From a Loose Slate to a

Complete Construction

LOCAL

FAMILY

FIRM

All aspects

of Building

& Roofing

UPVC Rooflines

Extensions &

Alterations Specialists

References Available

Call us on... 01744 600074

Mobile: 07867 592460

13 Hawes Ave, Carr Mill, WA11 7EA

WILSON

BROS

• •

Est. 1985

Roofing & Roofline

Specialists

• All aspects of

maintenance & repair

• Fascia & soffit

installation

• Guttering and felting

services

Call us now for

a free estimate

01695 633173

Colin: 07958 302 166

Brian: 07760 160 988

www.wilson-bros.co.uk

Promote your

company here for

just £30 + VAT

Call 01744 649722

LocalLife

www.locallife247.co.uk

ALPINE LTD

Roofing & Building Services

OAP

DISCOUNTS

SERVING

CHORLEY, WEST

LANCASHIRE &

WIGAN

Your local roofing company from repairs

to re-roofs, fascia’s, soffits & gutters.

• Flat roof specialists

• Damp proof specialists

• Quality workmanship

• Affordable pricing

• Quick response to all repairs

FULLY INSURED

Tel: 01744 776880

Mob: 07730 351523

www.alpineroofingandbuildingltd.co.uk

Promote

your

business

LocalLife

All our magazine

distribution is

monitored using

GPS

tracking

WIGAN

ST HELENS

NEXT ISSuE

DEADlINE

May 2021 7th April

13,191

ABC1 homes

Orrell, Orrell Post, Upholland, Billinge Higher End,

Winstanley, Highfield, Marus Bridge,

Ashton-in-Makerfield, Bryn, Goose Green,

Kitt Green, Longshaw, Poolstock

LocalLife

Wigan Edition

Forgotten Buildings:

Winstanley Hall

a BrightEr orrEll

sandstonE trail Walk

Also available at;

Tesco Extra (Wigan) and Sainsburys (Marus Bridge)

NEXT ISSuE

DEADlINE

May/June 2021 14th April

13,108

ABC1 homes

Rainford, Billinge, Garswood, Moss Bank,

Windle, Eccleston, Eccleston Park, Laffak,

Haydock, Haresfinch, Carr Mill, Denton’s Green,

Prescot Road, West Park

Also available at;

Tesco Extra (St Helens Linkway)

WIN

a luxury

Spa Day for

Two!

FREE

march 2020

LocalLife

hEritagE opEn days

WhEElton moor Walk

a hEalthiEr hEart

St Helens Edition

Ballooning

in Autumn

FREE

september 2018

Heritage

Open Days

WIGAN NORTH

NEXT ISSuE

June 2021

DEADlINE

5th May

13,064

ABC1 homes

Standish, Shevington, Appley Bridge,

Parbold, Whitley, Newburgh, Beech Hill,

Red Rock, Springfield, Standish Lower Ground,

Wigan Lane

LocalLife

Wigan North Edition

mEmOriES OF CENTrAL pArk

pArbOLD EiGHT WALk

Also available at;

Tesco Extra (Wigan) and Sainsburys (Marus Bridge)

Public

FREE

september 2019

WIN

tickets

to Martin

Mere

Art Trail

want

to book

advertiSinG?

Call us on 01695 627999

for more details or email

sales@locallife247.co.uk

Come and visit the largest

showroom in the North West

Quality installations of windows,

doors, fascias, soffits and gutters

First for quality

First for service

First for reliability

No contractors

No salesmen

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

Transform

your

conservatory

into a home

office

NEW Generation

Rockdoor

now available

SISTER COMPANY OF FOXWELLS BUILDERS

Established since 1999

Call us for a Free Quote

Office Number: 01942 871 777

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

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

Representative example: Total cash price £1164, deposit £0, amount borrowed £1164 over 12 months. 12 monthly repayments of £97. Interest

rate 0%. Total repayable £1164. Credit is subject to the lenders T&C. Warmlight Windows, Doors and Conservatories Ltd is authorised and

regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority FRN 7700524. We are a credit broker, not a lender and have a facility with one lender.

Tomorrow’s Home Improvements Today!

Quality ~ Choice ~ Value

Windows

Bi-Fold Doors

Thermally-efficient conservatory roofs

expertly fitted by accredited installers

Orangeries

Don’t just lock it,

Rock it!

Conservatories

Manufacturers and installers since 2004

Visit our showroom/factory at; Crows Nest, Ashton Road, Billinge, WN5 7XX (near Windy Arbour crossroads)

www.orrellwindows.co.uk

28544

Local Life - St Helens - Mar/Apr 2021

products

Resources

Company

Local Life - St Helens - Mar/Apr 2021

Delete template?

Save as template?

products

Resources

Company