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
LOCAL NEWS | EVENTS2GO | FOOD | HEALTH | WALKS | COMPETITIONS | HOME & GARDEN SERVICES
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4
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
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5
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
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LocalLife?
Next Issue - May/June 2021
Advertising deadline - 14th April
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www.locallife247.co.uk
6
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
7
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?
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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
8
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
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and also within easy
reach of the Lake District
Children & pets welcome
Call 01942 216 058
www.millthropcottage.co.uk
9
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.
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hEritagE opEn days
WhEElton moor Walk
a hEalthiEr hEart
september 2018
Cover photo © Ian Bonnell Photograpthy
LOCAL NEWS | EVENTS2GO | FOOD | HEALTH | WALkS | COmpETiTiONS | HOmE & GArDEN SErViCES
10
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
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11
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12
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
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13
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
14
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
15
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
16
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
17
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
18
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
19
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
20
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
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LocalLife
21
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
22
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.
23
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.
24
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
25
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.
26
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.
27
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
28
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.
29
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.
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30
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?
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31
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16 Standish Drive
Rainford
St Helens
WA11 8JY
34
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.
1
2
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.
3
5
4
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
6
7
8
9
35
11
10
12
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
13
14
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
15
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
16
Follow @RegalosUK for fresh stock updates.
Regalos Home Accessories & Giftware
14 Tennis Street, St Helens, WA10 6SJ
01744 755105
36
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
37
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
38
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.
R
C
D
P
O
TARGET
EXCELLENT: 36 or more words
U
E
GOOD: 28 words
FAIR: 25 words
39
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.
5
2 9
4 3
8 1
18 21 13
15
21
14
21
16
16
11
All the puzzle solutions can be found
on page 60 of this magazine
40
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
41
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
42
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.
43
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.
44
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
45
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
46
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
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48
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
49
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
P
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
50
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’.
51
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
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• Relationship Issues
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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
to
handle
emotional
a r o u s a l ,
which
the
means
more
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.
52
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
53
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.
54
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
55
55
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…
56
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!
57
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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.
Contact us today for further information. Terms and conditions a ply
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
as
oUtStANDINg
We cater for
CHILDrEN
3 months
- 4 years
NEWLY
rEFUrBISHED
in 2019
60
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
21
14
21
16
16
11
(by Captain Sensible)
61
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
62
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
as
oUtStANDINg
We cater for
CHILDrEN
3 months
- 4 years
NEWLY
rEFUrBISHED
in 2019
63
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
as
oUtStANDINg
We cater for
CHILDrEN
3 months
- 4 years
NEWLY
rEFUrBISHED
in 2019
64
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
65
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
66
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NEXT ISSuE
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May 2021 7th April
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LocalLife
© David Bancroft Photography
Wigan Edition
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LOCAL NEWS | EVENTS2GO | FOOD | HEALTH | WALkS | COmpETiTiONS | HOmE & GArDEN SErViCES
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hEritagE opEn days
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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
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No contractors
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Just a smile and a honest price from a family run business
Transform
your
conservatory
into a home
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SISTER COMPANY OF FOXWELLS BUILDERS
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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
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68
Tomorrow’s Home Improvements Today!
Quality ~ Choice ~ Value
Windows
Bi-Fold Doors
Thermally-efficient conservatory roofs
expertly fitted by accredited installers
©
Orangeries
Don’t just lock it,
Rock it!
Conservatories
Manufacturers and installers since 2004
Contact us on 01744 891717 for a no obligation quote
Visit our showroom/factory at; Crows Nest, Ashton Road, Billinge, WN5 7XX (near Windy Arbour crossroads)
www.orrellwindows.co.uk
28544