local-life-wigan-may-2021

LocalLife

Wigan Edition

The Wandering

Wiganer

Pages 14-16

May 2021

Orrell’s First Hub?

Pages 27-30

UK Road Trips

Pages 58-61

Making the Switch

Pages 76-77

Jack’s Tracks - Crank

Pages 72-74

Bathroom Special

Pages 48-51

Refresh your WFH Space

Pages 46

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With restrictions easing across the UK, life is

slowly returning to normal. More relieved

than most are the owners of businesses

that have had to close their doors during the lockdowns,

in particular those businesses in the hospitality, personal

care and non-essential retail sector.

Owners of small businesses like these often exist on next

to nothing in their business’s formative years with the

plan that rewards will follow if the business succeeds.

During the pandemic, many businesses, particularly the

newer ones, were faced with a life-changing ‘stick or twist’

decision. Some opted to close permanently whilst others

are hanging on in the hope that the easing of restrictions

brings a change in fortunes. Your support can help.

Let’s also be patient with our hospitality industry when

it opens up. Ordering perishable supplies when there is

no trading pattern of post-pandemic sales, training new

staff to replace those who left, keeping customers safe by

ensuring social distancing rules are in place, and having

to keep records of everyone who walks through the door

is not an easy task.

Walking into your favourite pub and restaurant and

expecting the quality of food and the ambience to be

perfect from Day 1 post-lockdown is like expecting your

sports team’s star player to be at peak form on the first

day of pre-season training. To achieve perfection does

take time.

#bekind #shoplocal

Chris Pearce, Publisher

chrisp@locallife247.co.uk

Keep in touch with the

LocalLife Team!

LocalLife

Telephone: 01695 627 999

info@locallife247.co.uk

locallifemagazine247@locallifemedia

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

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

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

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

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

This month’s highlights

14. The Wigan Wanderer

Contents

27. Orrell’s First Hub?

48. Bathroom Storage

34. Baking

Rhubarb sponge slice.

38. Food

Asparagus & salmon mini frittatas.

42. Tech

Check out the best kitchen gadgets.

46. Working from Home

Give your home office an uplift.

50. Home

Make your bathroom a relaxing oasis.

64. Puzzle Pages

Try out our new word ladder!

68. Health

Cope with stress and anxiety.

72. Jack’s Tracks visits Crank

81. Home & Garden Services

Find the best local traders for you.

58. Road Trips UK 76. Switch to Electric

Want to

promote your

business in

LocalLife?

Next Issue - June 2021

Advertising deadline - 5th May

Published - 19th May

01695 627 999

www.locallife247.co.uk

Litter Pickers

A determined group of litter pickers has racked up 1,000

new members and hundreds of bags of litter.

The Wigan Litter Picker group was created in February,

and the group has gone from strength to strength,

encouraging tidying up discarded litter in areas such as

footpaths, woods, parks, canal and towpaths.

The main aim of the group is to encourage residents to

take pride in their own little patch of the town and show

they care.

Wigan Litter Pickers is backed by Wigan Council’s Improve

a Space initiative. Before undertaking any environmental

volunteering activity on council-owned land, you or your

community group will need to request permission.

Members can also direct you to how you can get your

hands on free litter picking equipment including gloves,

picking stick and bags, that will be delivered to your door.

Search Facebook for Wigan Litter Pickers to join the

group. For further information about the Improve a Space

initiative go online at www.wigan.gov.uk and search

Improve a Space.

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Library Consultation

Wigan Council have launched a public consultation on

the future of Lamberhead Green Library, based at Dean

Trust School in Greenhey, Orrell. The school has identified

the need to create a new onsite Engagement Centre to

support and engage with parents/carers, and the space

currently used for the library has been identified as an

ideal location for this Centre.

To replace the existing library space, the school wants to

provide a replacement, purpose-built facility, which is to

be sited at the front of the school close to the existing

library entrance, with the hope of increasing membership,

participation and volunteer engagement in the library

service.

In 2019/2020, the library had the 7th highest book

lending rate out of the borough’s 13 community libraries

and, though it remains temporarily closed for the time

being, the council insists that the library will not be

permanently closed.

The consultation closes on Sunday 2nd May – to

participate online, visit https://www.wigan.gov.uk/

Council/Consultations/Lamberhead-Green-Library.aspx

Clothes Drive

For those of you looking for an excuse to clear out a few

wardrobes this spring then this is it. Daffodils Dreams,

the Poolstock-based charity that helps local children and

their families living in hardship, recently have launched a

clothes drive for new/nearly new children’s clothing and

footwear.

The charity is looking for high-quality new and like-new

items that you can donate, so that they can put together

and distribute packages for specific children through their

referral process. These would ideally include clothing,

footwear, nightwear, bedding, toys and so many other

nice things that most children take for granted.

Daffodils Dreams will collect donations from your doorstep

– just message Clare Dean on 07568 473694 or you can

book an online collection at www.daffodilsdreams.org.

Donations can also be dropped off at the back of the

Tippings Arms, 115 Poolstock Lane, Wigan at any time

or at the Shevington Village Kitchen, 2g Gathurst Lane,

Shevington from Weds to Sunday 9.30pm-2pm.

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Conny Expands

The Concourse in Skelmersdale is aiming to become Plans for WonderWorld have been submitted as Ultra

an entertainment hub after launching ambitious plans Star Cinema completes the final fit out and decoration

for an indoor entertainment venue – just months after of the deluxe, two-screen cinema, the town’s first cinema

announcing the arrival of a cinema.

for 38 years. Each 125-seat auditorium will be fitted

If planning is approved by West Lancashire Borough

with comfy, Italian leather high-back chairs, each with

Council, the second floor of The Concourse will be a

1.5-metre spacing between rows, to create a luxury feel

Wonderworld Development, comprising of a cocktail bar,

with additional legroom.

an American-style diner, an artisan-style street food court,

a coffee bar, jungle-themed adventure golf and ten pin

bowling and other attractions. The decision is expected

in May.

David Halliwell, director of Dalton-based Moorgate

Developments, said: “This is a long-awaited development

by many, which is why we took our research to a higher

level, looking at the most popular entertainment centres

from as far away as Australia and America.

“We really invested time into looking at what a family

needs and wants to make a great day out. WonderWorld

will also cater for parties and corporate days and will

welcome all age groups.”

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Haigh Cash Boost

Wigan Council has received initial support from The

National Lottery Heritage Fund for the second phase of

the Haigh Woodland Park project. The project aims to

restore and bring unused areas of the park back to life

while enhancing the overall visitor experience.

Development funding of £256,000 has been awarded by

The National Lottery Heritage Fund to help Wigan Council

progress their plans to apply for a full National Lottery

grant at a later date.

Haigh Woodland Park has become a regional hotspot

for tourism since major changes were made in 2016

following £3.6 million investment from Wigan Council.

Phase one of the Haigh masterplan included car parking

improvements, construction of the play area, adventure

golf and high ropes, conversion of the stables into Haigh

kitchen courtyard and installation of new furniture.

The project aims to address the major restoration needed

to protect the heritage of the site, while expanding the

activities on offer for visitors to enjoy, exploring ways

in which the park can further impact on the health and

wellbeing of visitors, identify ways to boost volunteering

and educational activity and enhance the biodiversity

value of the park, in particular the woodland.

Commenting on the award, Councillor Chris Ready,

cabinet member for corporate assets, said: “Lots of

our residents have fond memories of the park and can

remember the era of the zoo, greenhouses and model

village.

“Sadly, these areas have been closed off for many years due

to a lack of funding. If successful, this funding will help us

to open us these spaces once again, giving visitors even

more opportunities to explore and appreciate what the

park has to offer. Haigh Woodland Park means so much to

so many people in our borough and we’re determined to

get this right for them and our future generations.”

Feedback from a resident’s survey in 2019 helped to

shape the proposal and over the next few months,

Wigan Council will launch a big listening exercise, giving

residents and visitors another opportunity to engage and

shape the future of Haigh Woodland Park.

u3a Day

Have you recently retired and have surplus time on your

hands? If so, then Wednesday 2nd June could be the first

day of the rest of your life. It is National u3a Day!

Founded in 1982, the u3a is a movement of 1,057 groups

that provide a wide range of opportunities so that its

450,000 members can explore new ideas, skills and

activities together. The organisation is open to everyone

who’s no longer in full-time work.

Up Holland & District u3a will be hosting an information

display stand by the Co-op store in Ormskirk Road,

Upholland from 10am to 4.30pm. Visitors to the stand can

also pick up details of a heritage trail around the area.

Members and their friends are also invited to attend a

virtual Variety Show in the morning and a virtual Quiz in

the evening. For more information about joining the u3a,

here are the websites of other Wigan groups.

www.uphollandu3a.org

www.u3asites.org.uk/wigan

www.ashtoninmakerfieldanddistrictu3a.co.uk

No Mow May

Wigan Borough residents are being encouraged to leave

the mower in the shed throughout May as part of a

scheme to help the environment.

Wigan Council has been preparing over the winter for

the ‘No Mow May’ initiative on various greenspaces

throughout the borough to attract wildlife and rare

species of wildflowers.

Paul Barton, Wigan Council’s director for environment,

said, “While the pandemic has challenged many of us like

never before, one positive has been shining a light on

how a reduced mowing regime can improve biodiversity

immeasurably and encourage new wildlife into the

borough.

“I’d encourage residents to take up the challenge. Not

only could it result in enough nectar for ten times more

bees and other pollinators, but you’ll be able to put your

feet up in the spring sunshine and be more likely to spot

a greater variety of flowers popping up in your garden.”

For more information about how you can get involved in

the scheme please go online at www.plantlife.org.uk

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The Wigan

Wanderer

by Nicola Gray

To travel is to live, and how right Hans Christian Andersen

was! The power of travel is truly underestimated by many;

spending time in other parts of the world and even our own

country, not only allows us to dive deep into the history of an

area, but it also allows us to experience other cultures and

the mannerisms of people we wouldn’t normally meet.

One person who wholeheartedly agrees with the musings of

the Danish author is Wigan resident, Simon Radcliffe. Simon

came to my attention when he popped into my social media

feeds with his hugely riveting series, entitled ‘Si Travels’.

Travel is a way of life for Simon, and he has the tools to

really tell the story of a location. Scrolling through his

Facebook group you will see exactly what I am talking

about. He pulls together the elements of natty writing

with some stunning photography – capturing the places,

people, food and culture of the places he visits.

Simon is a Wiganer born and bred, he grew up in Kendal

Street in Swinley, and now lives in Appley Bridge with

his wife and daughter. His wanderlust started at an early

age and was sparked by a school pilgrimage to Lourdes.

Simon told me, “When I was 13, school took us to stay

over in Paris and Nevers along the way. We visited the

Chapel of Saint Gidard at the Sisters of Charity in Nevers.

“Saint Bernadette’s preserved body is on display there

Copenhagen

Denmark

Malmo - Sweden

Bolton Abbey

Bratislava - Slovakia

and it triggered a fascination with trying to understand

the cultures and traditions of other countries. Why did

they celebrate the life of someone in this way? What was

the story behind it? It made a young boy see travelling

abroad as a learning experience, not just to escape the

rain of England!”

Simon works for Bupa UK, and his first brush with

blogging came in 2014, he added, “It all began back in

2014 when my mental health was at its lowest. I decided

that whenever I was experiencing negative thoughts and

couldn’t stomach leaving the house, I’d do exactly the

opposite!

“I’d force myself to go outside and travel to places where

I could find some peace and keep my mind occupied,

to investigate a new place and its history and try to

interact with new people. It began with visiting every

place that my regional train pass could take me, then

eventually I broadened my horizons and decided to

venture further afield. After a few years of posting to my

personal Facebook profile, I decided to try and expand

my audience and set up the SI Travels group in 2017.”

Seven years and 26 countries later, and Simon is still going

strong! He adds, “My blog compels me to carry on with

my journeys, document our local heritage and challenge

my lethargy; it has become my second job in many ways.

“Travel is in my DNA. My ancestors were Lathom boat

people, so I get restless if I’m in the same place for too

long! Documenting my journeys gives me great pleasure

and I’m passionate about delivering quality content to

inspire and educate others.”

Being so well travelled I imagine it must be difficult

to choose a favourite destination, but Simon’s answer

comes quickly and with gusto, “Berlin! Nowhere can hold

a candle to Berlin. It’s my second home and the one place

I return to regularly; without question my favourite place.

“Actually, my most memorable encounter happened in

Berlin, when I ran into Nardo, a Belize-born New Yorker.

We originally met in the ‘Schnelle Quelle’ bar in Berlin

back in 2012. I will never forget that he walked in there

and was probably the only American out and about in

the old Soviet Quarter! The German barman Uwe (who

speaks no English whatsoever!) ended up getting Nardo

under the draught pumps and the whole pub ended up

resembling a very drunken United Nations congress!

“After we’d all sank a few Berliner Pils, we ended up

getting completely lost together, as we searched areas

across East Berlin for secret underground bars and pubs!

I kept in touch with him on Facebook thankfully and we

arranged to meet up again. This time in the Big Apple!

Nardo is lucky enough to live in Brooklyn, NYC and is

somewhat of a good luck charm.

“Nardo showed us some of the places that he had fond

childhood memories of, including the docks he visited as

a child with his father. It was great to get off the beaten

track and get some local insight.”

Simon has many memories when it comes to his

globetrotting and I want to know if he has any he would

rather forget. “I have many, Simon laughs. Just ask my wife

and friends! Getting lost in the Vatican, falling down the

steps of Cologne Cathedral, drunkenly singing Karaoke

in Hamburg to a German language song, is that enough?

“Still though, not as embarrassing as the time my wife and

I were on a guided tour in Edinburgh with a large family

group. The host of the tour said, ‘Now this next bit is for

the little children...’ before pointing to a small boy stood

directly in front of me and saying, ‘would you like to come

forward?’

“Thinking he meant me, I excitedly stepped out and the

whole group sniggered. My wife quickly shot the words

‘Simon! He said CHILDREN’ at me!”

When it comes to travel inspiration, Simon draws in the

wealth of knowledge from Michael Palin, Bill Bryson, Paul

Theroux and Mark Twain. Simon adds, “I prefer to read the

adventures of others and in particular the 19th Century

tales of Isabella Lucy Bird. She was quite the adventuress

and a complex character. I mostly enjoy reading travel

writing from the distant past, as the author takes you to a

place that you can never experience first-hand; the fusion

of travel and history is largely what my blog is all about.”

Simon also tells me that alongside his blog, his camera is

actually something he can’t do without, “I need to be able

to capture every moment. When it comes to what I need

when travelling, I look at this in a less literal sense, I can’t

travel without adequate research and planning being

done beforehand. Don’t waste hours getting lost trying

to find places or queuing for tickets. Get it all organised

before you go!”

Simon continues, “I always strive to tell people that

travelling isn’t all about how far you’ve been or how many

miles you’ve clocked up, it’s all about leaving your front

door and taking those all-important first steps.

“Day to day life is travelling. Going to the next town

is travelling. A day out with your children in the park is

travelling! Don’t see travel as something that requires

large amounts of money to realise. Start small and aim

big if you wish to.”

This sentiment has been real-life for the past 12 months,

with the national lockdown restricting not only foreign

but also regional travel; people have had to rediscover

their local area. Simon tells me, “The pandemic has

crippled the travel industry, but I believe that peoples

love of visiting new places hasn’t diminished.

“Once confidence in safety is restored, I can envisage

normality returning pretty quickly by 2023. I think the

next couple of years will see a slow build up as companies

struggle to recoup their losses, particularly the aviation

industry. We’ll see both cheap fares and price hikes.

Travellers will need to be alert to these changes and

spend wisely.”

To keep up to date with Simon and his travels please go

to Facebook and search @sitravels2018

Karl Marx Allee - Berlin

Rabbit Rocks - Ince

Wigan in Bloom

Local communities are being encouraged to take part

in one of the UK’s longest running environmental

competitions this summer. Wigan In Bloom returns for

2021 with lots of opportunities for residents.

The aim is to improve surroundings through the

imaginative use of trees, shrubs, flowers and landscaping.

It also helps to create a more sustainable environment.

Running alongside In Bloom is It’s Your Neighbourhood,

a non-competitive scheme for groups who want to help

revamp disused areas or community gardens.

Bernard Pendleton, Chairman of North West in Bloom

said: “For many years we have received numerous In

Bloom and It’s Your Neighbourhood entries from Wigan

Borough and its surrounding areas. These have been very

successful and have supported many improvements to

greener and cleaner communities”.

The categories are based on the size of the entry which

could range from entire towns and villages to hotels,

pubs and shopping centres. The closing date for Wigan in

Bloom entries is April 30.

Applications forms can be downloaded at www.

northwestinbloom.com, or if any groups would like to

speak to a council officer for more information or support

please email Paul Gallagher inbloom@wigan.gov.uk.

Players Wanted

Wanderers F.C are looking to create three brand new

football teams - an under 14’s girls’ team, an open age

men’s team and a Vets over 35’s team.

So, whether you’re looking to get the kids active again

after lockdown or you want to become a valued team

member, then this is the club for you. All members will be

trained by a Qualified Level 1 F.A Coach, all with first aid

and safeguarding qualifications.

The club is committed to developing each player, with fair

and equal playing time on match days. The anticipated

start date is June 2021, training will take place on

Tuesdays and Thursdays, 6pm-7pm at Whelley Labour

Club. For more information message the Facebook page

by searching for @wanderersfc2018.

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Rein It In

A Billinge horse owner is asking

members of the public not

to feed horses whilst out and

about.

With country walks on the

increase during the pandemic,

horse owners across the UK

have reported incidents where

horses and ponies have suffered

and died due to well-meaning

passers-by feeding them

without permission.

Jenny Walsh, along with fellow

horse owners on the same

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owner to take action to stop

these incidents happening.

Jenny said, “We have put new

signs on the field fences and

gates and have posted messages about this issue on

local community blogs, but some people continue to

disregard all this.”

“Horses have delicate digestive systems and are unable

to be sick, so ingesting something that their body cannot

deal with can often lead to a very painful and distressing

death”.

“Just as you wouldn’t give a child some sweets without

permission or feed a dog a treat

without asking its owner, don’t

feed a horse or pony”.

“Look at the horses and take

pictures, but please don’t touch

or feed them. I know people

mean well but, whilst they can

just walk away after feeding

horses, owners can be left

with vet’s bills for thousands of

pounds because of their actions”.

Fellow horse owner Tracey

Holland, pictured with 11-yearold

Troy, also warned against

petting horses. “If you pet horses

at the gate, they think that

they are being fed, so they can

bite your fingers”, said Tracey,

admitting that her own horse

Troy had even bitten her a few times.

The campaign to stop the public from feeding horses

gathers momentum, with extensive coverage in national

magazine, Horse and Hound, and the campaign has

also reached social media. ‘Stop Feeding our Horses’ is a

Facebook group consisting of almost 10,000 members

and was created by former horse-owner Hannah

Johnstone whose Welsh gelding Lightning died after he

was fed a raw potato.

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Great gadgets for cleaning

everything outdoors

The return of brighter days means you’ll notice the

windows need a good clean, and there are plenty of

gadgets to help. We love the Karcher WV5 handheld

window washer (£83; other models are cheaper),

which sucks up the washing liquid and squeegees

the glass clean, while for difficult to reach windows

Lakeland has a long Window Trigger Spray Mop for

£19.99.

If you really hate cleaning outside windows and have

£200 to spare, the Gladwell Gecko Robot Window

Cleaner is exactly what it sounds like. It uses suction

to attach itself to your window and while it’s fairly

slow it’s safer than perching on a ladder.

For tougher cleaning tasks consider a handheld

steam cleaner such as Hoover’s Steamjet Handy

(£49), which gives you 20 minutes of steam from

a single tank. It’s great for cleaning everything

from textiles to tiles, and is particularly useful for

refreshing metal garden furniture and for gently

removing stains from painted surfaces a pressure

washer might be too harsh for.

Pressure washers can be handy, of course and are

a powerful way to clean everything from muddy

bikes to muddy boots. But even those with long

cables need to be plugged in, which limits where

they can go. Wouldn’t it be great – and better for

the environment – to have a pressure washer that

didn’t need plugging in at all? The award-winning

£45 Mud Daddy does uses water pressure instead

of a motor so is silent and portable, and is perfect

for bikes, muddy dogs and outdoor cleaning. It uses

much less water than a hose or pressure washer too.

What about drying? Things like bikes and motorbikes

are fiddly to dry, and car fanatics need a scratch-free

way to dry their newly cleaned paintwork. Step

forward the £99 BigBoi Buddy, a portable dryer

delivering warm air that is twenty-five degrees

warmer than the surrounding environment, and it

filters the air to prevent blasting any dust or dirt.

Sadly it isn’t portable, but with a 1,000W motor it

makes quick work of any drying task.

WINDOW TRIGGER MOP

Lakeland’s clever 2-in-1

enables you to squirt, wipe

and squeegee windows

that would normally be

too high to reach without

a ladder.

£19.99 from Lakeland.co.uk

KARCHER WV5

Karcher’s window washers are

essentially a squeegee and a

vacuum cleaner joined together,

so as you wipe the window clean it

automatically catches the dirty water.

£83 from Halfords.com

BIGBOI BUDDY

Professional valets use air dryers to

deliver a perfect finish to washed

vehicles, and the Buddy’s powerful

motor does a brilliant job of drying

bikes and motorbikes.

£99 from theultimatefinish.co.uk

MUD DADDY PORTABLE

WASHING BRUSH

With a 5 litre capacity the Mud

Daddy is great for even the

muddiest pets or bikes. No

motor means no noise and no

need to plug it in.

£44.99 from Amazon.co.uk

GECKO ROBOT WINDOW CLEANER

The Gecko sticks to the outside of

your window and slowly works its way

around the glass, cleaning every inch

of it while you do something more

interesting.

£199 from Amazon.co.uk

Great

Impressions

Impressions Uniforms

(formerly Standish

Sports and Uniform) is

a local family business

that now provides

uniforms to schools

far and wide! Mum

and daughter team,

Caeryn and Katie have

owned the business

for 11 years and have

developed a range

of hassle-free ways

to shop for uniform

during that time.

The Standish shop is well stocked and has its own car

park. However, the range of services they provide means

that you can shop with Impressions without ever having

to visit the shop. Not only do they have a website, but

you can also take advantage of their innovative ‘Take Two’

service. Where you can order and pay for uniform in the

size you think you need but have another size delivered

at the same time.

We can hear the mum and dads taking a collective sigh of

relief – gone are the days of dragging your children

to try on uniforms, try on there and then in the

comfort of their own home and you can give the

size you don’t need back. There is no need to pay for

the additional sizes, returns or alternative deliveries!

Deliveries are carried out at pre-arranged times to

make sure there is someone in to try on. It couldn’t

be simpler!

The new string to

Impressions goes

deeper than the

services they currently

offer to stressed-out

parents all over the

borough. Caeryn

explains, “Quality and

durability has always

been important to us,

so we work hard to

make sure the brands

we sell are the best

value on the market.

We have always tested

our garments ourselves (on our own kids) but this year we

also established a customer panel to test garments too.”

You also get the added benefit of knowing that your

uniform purchase won’t harm the planet or people.

Impressions is committed to helping ‘save the planet –

one uniform at a time’. They source ethically made and

sustainable uniforms, actively promote re-using and recycling

and ensure protecting the planet comes into all

its business decisions.

Even in the shop the experience is made less

stressful with things like toys for the younger ones to

play with, sweeties to bribe shy little ones, tissues for

emotional parents and a photographer to capture

the moment! Caeryn is extremely passionate about

what she does, and she is always trying to help

however she can.

This year Impressions decided to launch their brand-new

VIP scheme. Customers can join a mailing list and be the

first to hear about exclusive discounts, promotions and

have priority booking for the well-loved appointment

scheme. Appointments run from May to August and

allow customers to experience a one-of-a-kind service;

and more importantly, avoid the queues! https://bit.ly/

NewStarterSignUp

The 12th April not only saw the reopening of the current

two shops but of their new shop in Leyland. All of the

current services will be available in Leyland and Caeryn

and Katie can’t wait to meet lots of new customers over

the coming months.

In 2020 the duo also launched their social enterprise.

The new shop has meant an exciting new venture for

the duo. In March Caeryn and Katie launched their social

enterprise. Smart Futures is a CIC set up to increase the

social inclusion of children across our borough living in

poverty by providing school uniform packages. They do

this by collecting donations of uniform from selected

drop off points around the borough, helping people in

need and helping to cut waste and the amount of clothes

going into landfill.

The pre-loved uniform will be repurposed and then be

put on sale in the Impressions shops, on their website and

at pop up shops in the borough. The money raised from

the sale of the uniforms will then be used to provide full

packages for children whose families can’t afford uniform.

Caeryn and Katie want schools to get involved by

collecting donations from parents twice a year that they

then collect. They then work with that school providing

free uniform packages for those in need. For more

information on any of the services offered by Impressions

please call any store on the information below.

31-33 High Street,

Standish,

WN6 0HL

Tel: 01257 400010

83 High Street,

Golborne,

WA3 3BU

Tel: 01942 587487

250 Leyland Lane,

Leyland,

PR25 1XL

Tel: 01772 431431

www.impressionsuniform.co.uk

Cover photo © Ian Bonnell Photograpthy

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Orrell’s

First Hub?

by Chris Pearce

In this magazine a few months ago, we carried a message

from community groups and a local councillor about the

possibility of using the former Warriors training ground on

Edge Hall Road in Orrell as a community hub and urged

local residents for their views.

In this issue we take you back a century or so, to what

could be called Orrell’s first ever community hub. Tucked

away on a most unpaved side street off Winstanley Road,

lies a plot of land that many today know

as the entrance to the Cricket Club,

the bowling green and the children’s

nursery.

acres of land from G.H Bankes, the owner of Winstanley

Hall, the original YMCA building was erected in 1920 and

was opened by Her Highness Princess Marie Louise, a

granddaughter of Queen Victoria, on 22nd January 1921.

Orrell was a much smaller place in those days. The census

figure for 1921 puts the village’s population at 6,773,

compared with the 12,663-population recorded in the

census of 2011.

Turn back the clock to the 1920’s

though, and this area was the very heart

of the village’s activities.

Made possible by a donation of two

ways to have a good time’ at the

YMCA in Orrell.

This selection of images

from the aforementioned

programme illustrates just a

few of the breadth of activities

on offer at the YMCA back in

the 1920’s. Space prevents

us from printing the entire

programme, but a common

theme throughout the years

at the YMCA has been the

quality of sport on offer.

The Orrell YMCA Cricket

Club plied their trade in

the Ormskirk and District

League, whilst Orrell Red

Triangle Cricket Club played

in Division 2 of the same

league. Red Triangle also

had two football teams to

their name; the first eleven

played in the Wigan JOC

Welfare League, whilst the

reserve side played in the

league below. Amongst the

more sedate sports on offer

were billiards, tennis and, of

course, crown green bowls

on the green that remains

part of the site today.

Despite that, the first YMCA Building was constantly

in use, six days a week, from 10am through to 10pm

Monday to Friday, 10am-10.30pm on Saturdays and also

on intermittent Sunday evenings. Annual membership

fees ranged from 3 shillings for children over 12 to 7

shillings and sixpence for adult men.

The noble aim of the organisation was stated clearly in

the 1926/27 programme:

Our Aim is to promote the welfare of Orrell and District,

especially among the young people, and to provide a

centre of amenity for all people of goodwill, irrespective

of creed, political opinion, or social position.

And just as the famous song promises, there were ‘many

Whilst there was no

mention of rugby in the

programme, it’s well known that Orrell RU played on

many open spaces in the area at one time or another. A

quick look at the history of Orrell RU confirms that from

1937-1949 the club leased a ground and hut from Orrell

YMCA for the princely sum of £4 a year! The club then

moved to their spiritual home of Edge Hall Road at this

point.

In the 1950’s the YMCA made a further commitment to

their Orrell site when they bought the freehold of the

remainder of the site from the Winstanley Park Estate. This

was approximately four acres in total and was bought in

1953 for the sum of £157.

The 1980’s was a busy decade for the YMCA. The Cricket

Sir Clive Lloyd opening new clubhouse in 1986

Original YMCA Building in 1992

Club built a brick pavilion

in 1981 and just five years

later, extended it to include a

clubhouse, which was opened

by Sir Clive Lloyd, captain of

Lancashire and of the West

Indies.

Sir Clive brought with him

a Lancashire X1 consisting

of luminaries such as David

Lloyd, Jack Simmons and

Graeme Fowler to play an

Orrell Red Triangle team.

A decision was made in 1989

to replace the original YMCA

building with a brand-new

building. The foundation

stone for the new building

was laid by the Earl of Derby

M.C. in June 1993 and the

new building was officially

opened in October 1994

by the Rev. Canon Frank

Wright.

The building was used as a

youth club until 1990, for

dominoes and whist drives

until 2000, and is currently

used as a children’s nursery

and after school centre,

Supercaligragilisticeexpialidocious. The Orrell Red

Triangle Cricket Club is thriving with five senior teams

playing in the Liverpool and District Cricket leagues,

the popular junior section has ten teams across six age

groups and the club also runs a ECB-sponsored All Stars

section for children between 5-8 years.

And last, but not least is the Orrell YMCA Crown Green

Bowling Club. This is open seven days a week from 10am

to 8pm during the bowling season. New members are

always welcome to join the club at a annual cost of £25

subscription. For details, contact Brian Atherton on 01695

622138 or Harold Preston on 01942 519042.

One hundred years on, the original Orrell Hub can no

longer claim to have the scale of different activities that

it used to, but it’s still the base of Orrell’s strongest cricket

set-up, the main centre for crown green bowls and hosts

the village’s biggest social events of the year – Orrell

Proms and the annual bonfire.

The Earl of Derby laying foundation stone in 1993

G.H. Bankes

George Hildyard

Bankes inherited

the Winstanley Park

estate in 1907, from

his mother Eleanor.

His grandfather and

great-grandfather,

both named Meyrick

Bankes, had built up

the family’s finances

by investing in the

area’s coal industry

and owned numerous

coal mines in the

Wigan area.

G.H. Bankes pictured outside Winstanley Hall -

Both George and his

wife Amy became

local magistrates and

George became the Sheriff of Lancaster in 1921. Both

were heavily involved with local community groups, and

organised and hosted fund-raising events for charities.

George donated land to enable the original YMCA

building to be erected and sat as the President of the

Orrell and District Red Triangle Club. He died in 1949.

Local Life would like to thank David Unsworth for his assistance and most of the images.

Garden Scheme

The National Garden Scheme, initially set up in 1927 to

raise money for district nursing, offers visitors access to

over 3,500 private gardens in the UK. The scheme scaled

down somewhat in 2020, but is back with a bang this year.

Funds are raised via donations in gardens and from sales

of plants and refreshments, notable beneficiaries of the

fund raising are MacMillan, Marie Curie and Hospice UK.

Two gardens to visit locally are based at Derian House

Children’s Hospice on Sunday 9th May and Sunday 8th

August, and also Wigan and Leigh Hospice on Sunday

25th July. Other gardens to visit include private gardens

in Mawdesley, Rufford and Burscough. For further details

on the National Garden Scheme visit www.ngs.org.uk

Haigh Up - it’s Back!

The popular Haigh Hall Artisan Market is back and

promises to be bigger and better than ever!

Following the huge success of the first markets, additional

dates have now been confirmed and will consist of over

50 of the very finest artisan market traders.

So, if you are after an afternoon of food, drink and stall

browsing this is the place for you. The markets take place

on the third Sunday of the month and the next market

date is Sunday May 16 from 10am-4pm.

For more information about the markets and the stall

holders, please go online to www.themarketco.co.uk and

search for Haigh Woodland Park.

Specialists in:

• Family Law • Personal Injury

• Wills & Probate

Call us today to arrange a

free 30 minute consultation

Rachel Jane Taylor

Solicitor & Director

RJT Solicitors

44 High Street,

Standish,

Wigan,

WN6 0HF

Donna Gamble

Solicitor

01257 228027 / 01942 409154

www.rjtsolicitors.co.uk

Time to sort your affairs?

Let me help you organise your

Wills, Trusts and Legal POA’s

Email now for a FREE Info Pack

lynsey.glover@accordwills.co.uk

or call Lynsey for a chat on 07824 629 675

@LynseyGloverEstatePlanningConsultant

R BANKS & SON

FUNERALS LTD

Brian Halliwell Dip F.D M.B.I.E.

Independent Funeral Directors

Monumental Masons

A local family run business, R. Banks & Son

are one of the largest independent funeral

directors in the Wigan Area

ESTABLISHED 1921

Golden Charter Pre Arrangement Funeral Plans

and Memorial Plans available

FINANCE AVAILABLE on Funerals &

Memorials Subject to status, written details on request

24 hour service • Caring family firm

Branches: Standish 01257 422011,

Beech Hill 01942 829200, Bryn 01942 271392,

Scholes 01942 820526, Leigh 01942 261415,

Coppull 01257 793880, Upholland 01695 622099,

Platt Bridge 01942 863936, Atherton 01942 318025

Head Office:

Halliwell House, 758/768 Ormskirk Road

Pemberton, Wigan WN5 8BB

www.rbanksandson.co.uk T: 01942 222156

Rhubarb Sponge Slice

Makes 12 slices

Ready in 1 hour 10 minutes,

plus cooling

Ingredients

300g rhubarb, trimmed and chopped

(see Tips)

25g icing sugar, plus extra for dusting

175g unsalted butter, softened, plus

extra for greasing

175g caster sugar

3 large eggs

175g self-raising flour

1 tsp baking powder

50g ground almonds

1 tbsp milk

This easy all-in-one almond-flavoured sponge with a sweet and tangy

rhubarb topping can be served warm with cream or custard or enjoy a

slice with a cup of tea or coffee.

Method

1. Preheat the oven to 180C/160C fan/gas mark 4. Grease a 23cm square

shallow cake tin and line the base and sides with baking paper. Toss

the rhubarb and icing sugar together in a bowl and set aside.

2. Place the butter, caster sugar and eggs in a large mixing bowl. Sift

over the flour and baking powder. Using a handheld electric mixer,

beat for 2-3 minutes until smooth and creamy. Fold in the ground

almonds and milk.

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

with a palette knife. Scatter the rhubarb evenly over the top.

4. Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes or until the cake is risen

and springy to the touch. Leave to cool in the tin for 10-15 minutes then

transfer to a wire rack. Serve warm or cold dusted with icing sugar.

TIP: Choose thin stems of pink forced rhubarb for this recipe and chop into small even-sized pieces.

Add 1-2 tbsp drained and chopped stem ginger to the sponge mixture, if liked.

Stay

Warm

keep

dry

enjoy

food &

drink!

Our delicious menu includes;

Come and visit our large, outside,

undercover, socially-distanced,

comfortable seating areas with new heaters

Antipasto

Milk Shakes

Cream Tea

Feta Salad

Ploughman’s

Café Opening Times: 9.30am-4.30 Tues-Sat, 10am-4pm Sunday

Last food orders 30 minutes before closing – except cake, coffee and ice cream.

Gorgeous gifts

and unique

glass art

Gallery open:

9.30am-5pm Tues-Sat, 10am-4pm Sun.

Love It Gallery, Winstanley Road,

Billinge WN5 7XG

Telephone: 01695 622 332

FREE COFFEE!

Buy a slice of homemade cake

and get a ‘Café BON BON’ coffee

absolutely FREE! *

Artisan Coffee ~ Waffles ~

Ice Cream ~ Brunch & more

Open

Mon-Friday

8.30-5pm

Saturday

9-6pm

Sunday

10-4.30pm

3 Dingle Road • Upholland • WN8 0EN • 07885 377 886

*Offer applies only to regular-sized coffee. Original voucher only – no photocopied

vouchers accepted. Collection only. Expiry date 14/05/21

Beautifully furnished

Stone Cottage

Holiday Let

– sleeps up to 4

Situated near Sedbergh,

in the Yorkshire Dales,

and also within easy

reach of the Lake District

Children & pets welcome

Call 01942 216 058

www.millthropcottage.co.uk

Ice Cream & Coffee Parlour

Coffee | Cakes

food | drinks

noW oPen aT:

747 Ormskirk Road, Pemberton

neW ouTdoor seaTing aT:

6 Church Street, Orrell

Now available for private functions

Call 01695 627600 for details

oPening hours:

10am-5pm Mon-Thurs

10am-Midnight Weekends

Open 7 days

from

10.30am

Fully licenced and available

for private functions and events

Call for details - 07745 898 406

www.lovemadisons.co.uk

Also home to Madisons Lakes Fishery

www.madisonslakes.co.uk

Orrell Water Park,

Lodge Rd, Orrell WN5 7AT

ModerniseYourStairs

Bespoke Staircases & Staircase Renovations

Add value to your home by modernising

your stairs in just 2 days!

• Wood, glass or chrome

• Traditional or contemporary styles

• Local company, established 1998

Download our brochure from

www.moderniseyourstairs.com

DESIGN SURVEY

FREE WITH NO OBLIGATION Call 01942 246553

Or pop into our Wigan showroom

Rear Mill, Wood Street, off Chapel Lane, Wigan, WN3 4HL

NexT LefT afTeR THE RANGE

info@moderniseyourstairs.com

Asparagus & Salmon

Mini Frittatas

Gluten

Free

Dairy

Free

Serves 4

Prep time: 15 minutes

Cook time: 23 minutes, plus cooling

Ingredients

125g/4½ oz asparagus

1 handful of frozen peas (30g)

2 spring onions, chopped

60g/2¼ oz smoked salmon, cut into

small strips

4 eggs, beaten

Sea salt and ground black pepper

These colourful savoury muffins are easy to make and are delicious

served warm for breakfast or cold for lunch with a salad. Asparagus is a

fabulous healthy seasonal food to include, being rich in B vitamins and

antioxidants like vitamin A, C and E. For a vegetarian option swap the

salmon for some feta cheese.

Method

1. Preheat oven to 200C/400F/gas mark 6 and grease and line 8 cups

of a muffin tray with paper muffin cases. Blanch the asparagus in a

saucepan of boiling salted water for 2–3 minutes until just soft. Drain,

then cut into 1 cm/½ in pieces using scissors.

2. Divide the asparagus, peas, spring onions and smoked salmon

among the paper cases – they should be three-quarters full. Beat the

eggs in a jug with some salt and pepper, then pour into the paper

cases.

3. Bake in the centre of the oven for 20 minutes or until the muffins are

golden and just firm in the centre. Leave to cool for 5 minutes before

removing them from the tray. Serve hot or cold.

NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION PER SERVING: (2 frittatas) 110kcal, fat 6.3g carbohydrates 1.6g, protein 11.2g

Chilli Glazed Salmon

With Cucumber, Herb & Lime Salad

Serves 2

Prep time: 10 minutes

Cook time: 7 minutes

Wild Alaskan salmon is an excellent source of omega-3 fats and protein.

In this dish, fillets of salmon are marinated in a tangy Asian-style dressing

and accompanied by a light refreshing cucumber and bean sprout salad.

Accompany with some seasonal leafy greens.

Ingredients

1 pickled chilli (or ½ fresh deseeded chilli)

2 garlic cloves, crushed

2 tbsp apple cider vinegar

1 tbsp tamari soy sauce

2 tbsp xylitol or honey

2 boneless salmon fillets, skin on

2 tbsp lime juice

1 tbsp xylitol or honey

1 tbsp mirin

Handful of bean sprouts or sprouted seeds

1 cucumber, halved and thinly sliced

Small handful fresh mint leaves, chopped

Small handful of coriander leaves, chopped

2 spring onions, finely sliced

1 tbsp chopped cashews

Method

1. Place the chilli, garlic, vinegar, tamari, xylitol or honey in a food

processor and process to combine. Put the salmon fillets in a shallow

dish, pour over the marinade and set aside in the fridge for 30 minutes.

2. Make up the dressing by mixing the lime juice, xylitol or honey and

mirin together (if using xylitol make sure it has dissolved). Put the

bean sprouts, cucumber, mint, coriander, spring onions, cashews and

the dressing in a bowl and toss until well combined.

3. Preheat the grill to high. Remove the salmon from the marinade. Place

the salmon on a lined baking tray. Grill for 7 minutes or until the fish

is golden and just cooked through. Place the remaining marinade in a

small pan and simmer to form a glaze. Pour over the cooked salmon.

NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION PER SERVING: calories 305kcal, protein 23.4g, carbohydrates 26.9g (of which sugars

24.4g), total fat14.9g(of which saturates 2.6g).

Libraries Update

Most libraries across Wigan have now reopened in line

with the Government’s easing of lockdown restrictions.

Initially all libraries will operate on reduced opening

hours to allow staff to carry out additional work in relation

to operating in a Covid safe environment.

Wigan and Leigh libraries, including Life Centres, will be

open between 10am and 2pm, Monday to Friday, while

the Borough’s community libraries will be open between

10am and 2pm Monday to Wednesday and 1pm until

5pm Thursday and Friday.

Community run libraries in Aspull and Marus Bridge

(Hope) will also remain closed until further lifting of

restrictions have been applied and Ince Library will

remain closed, whilst extensive refurbishment works are

carried out at the community centre.

Lesley O’Halloran, Director of Customer and Culture, said:

“We are really excited to welcome residents back to our

libraries and we are ensuring that we are doing it as safely

as possible and in line with government guidance.

“The libraries will initially be operating on reduced hours

but members will continue to have access to all the

services they would do under normal circumstances.”

Going forward there will be regular reviews of opening

hours in line with government guidance.

Hospice Shop Re-Opens

Willowbrook Hospice will be reopening the Billinge shop

on Saturday 1st May at 10am and volunteers are looking

forward to welcoming back shoppers.

The shop will also be accepting donations, so whether

you are looking for a bargain or wanting to have a clear

out, don’t forget about the Main Street shop.

The shop will open with a sale so there will be plenty of

bargains to snap up, and there will also be an extra day’s

opening - Bank Holiday, Monday 3rd May at 10am.

For more information about opening times, collections

and drop offs, please contact volunteers on 01744 893782

or email shops@wbhtrading.co.uk.

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The best gadgets for

every kitchen

Now that many of us are cooking so much more at

home, there are lots of gadgets that promise to make our

kitchen time better. Some of them enable you to do much

more with much less washing up; others ensure brilliant

results for every meal; and still others enable you to cook

like the pros.

One of our favourite kitchen gadgets is the electric

pressure cooker. The most famous one is the Instant Pot,

but there are lots of rivals. It’s a one-pot machine that you

can use to make soup, stews, casseroles and even yogurt,

and unlike many multi-cook devices it’s good at all of

them. One of the best things about it is that it enables you

to slow cook quickly: pressure cooking means you get all

the flavour and tenderness of slow cooking in less than an

hour. And when you’re done, there’s only one dishwashersafe

pot to clean.

Another firm favourite in our kitchen is the air

fryer, which gives you deep fried taste

without the mess, smell

or unhealthiness. They’ve come a very long way in just a

few years and they’re brilliant for fantastic fried chicken,

amazing chips and quickly reheating takeaways: the only

thing they’re not great at is food with lots of runny batter,

which just falls off.

If you’re feeling really fancy, a Thermomix can do pretty

much everything: it can vacuum cook meat, fish and

vegetables for sous vide cooking; it can slow cook; it can

caramelise, brown, blend, boil, knead, emulsify and more.

It even has a display to show you video tutorials. It’s very

expensive but it’s an incredible device.

If you prefer to cook manually we’d thoroughly

recommend the Thermapen, an instant thermometer

that enables you to test the temperature of things like

large roasts. It takes the guesswork out of cooking times,

ensuring that every roast is perfectly done, and it’s also

really useful in barbecue season when you

don’t want to risk giving people

undercooked meat.

THERMOMIX TM6

The TM6 is incredibly expensive but it’s a truly

extraordinary intelligent cooking machine that’ll

replace many of your existing appliances.

£1,145, Vorwerk.co.uk

THERMAPEN

This instant-read digital

thermometer takes the

guesswork out of cooking

meat, fish and bread, and

while clones are cheaper

they’re not as accurate.

£51, Thermapen.co.uk

ANOVA PRECISION

COOKER NANO

Sous Vide – gently

cooking food for hours

in warm water – delivers

incredible tenderness

and flavour, and the

Anova enables you to do

it in any big pot. It’s appcontrolled,

easy to use

and produces amazing

results.

£129, Anovaculinary.com

PHILIPS AVANCE COLLECTION

AIR FRYER

Philips’ air fryers are easy to use,

easy to clean and deliver excellent

results. This is one of the larger

models, with a 1.2kg capacity that

makes it ideal for families.

£250, Amazon.co.uk

INSTANT POT DUO

EVO PLUS

This isn’t the cheapest Instant

Pot – the Duo is half the price

– but this is more flexible and

has a brilliant display that

makes it even easier to use.

£129.99, Amazon.co.uk

Moving forwards

Where Hope Comes From – Nikita Gill

Nikita Gill’s poems take the reader on a journey through the stages of grief, onwards to hope. Gill is at

high risk from Covid-19 and lives thousands of miles away from her family. Her poems helped her to

find a way forward. As she explained on Instagram, “When I realised that I needed to honour my grief

and anger, I finally began to work my way through them.” The result is a truly beautiful collection of

short poems to help the reader “… come away with a little more joy and hope than before.”

One Hundred Years of Lenni and Margot – Marianne Cronin

A book about two terminally ill friends may not seem like the most uplifting of reads, yet somehow

One Hundred Years of Lenni and Margot manages to be just that. seventeen-year-old Lenni and

eighty-three-year-old Margot meet in hospital. They set themselves a challenge of painting a

hundred pictures, one for every year of their lives. As they grow closer, they reveal the stories behind

the paintings. While the original focus in on Lenni, it’s Margot’s life, with all its ups, downs and loves

lost, that ends up taking centre stage.

The Atlas of Happiness – Helen Russell

Helen Russell explores traditions, practices and beliefs from around the world, from the Italian ‘dolce

far niente’ (the joy of doing nothing) to Japan’s ‘wabi-sabi’ (appreciating things as they are, with all

their imperfections). She also offers advice for embracing some of these practices in everyday life.

An enjoyable read to dip in an out of, The Atlas of Happiness might just help you to see life a little

differently.

Property Report

2011 vs 2021

With all of us completing the Census in the last few weeks it

is a good time to review what has happened in the Wigan

Property Market over the last 10 years. Just to remind you,

2011 saw the wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton,

Mr Cameron was the PM, there was the last flight of the

Space Shuttle and Game of Thrones premiered.

Detached

The average price paid for a Wigan detached home in the last

12 months has been £273,500. The average value of a Wigan

detached home has risen by 38.6% in the last 10 years.

That’s an increase in value of £80,400.

Semi-Detached

• The average price paid for a Wigan semi-detached home

in the last 12 months has been £150,100. The average

value of a Wigan semi-detached home has risen by 31.8%

in the last 10 years.

That’s an increase in value of £40,400.

Terraced Home/Town House

• The average price paid for a Wigan town house/terraced

home in the last 12 months has been £110,500. The

average value of a Wigan town house/terraced home has

risen by 31% in the last 10 years.

That’s an increase in value of £35,400.

Apartment/Flat

• The average price paid for a Wigan apartment/flat in the

last 12 months has been £102,500. The average value of a

Wigan apartment/flat has risen by 32.2% in the last 10 years.

That’s an increase in value of £26,000.

And what about Rental Values?

Whether you are a winner or loser in terms of rental

values depends on whether you are a Wigan landlord or

a Wigan tenant.

The average rent for a property in Wigan currently stands

at £654 per month, whilst a decade ago, it was £595 per

month. That’s an increase of 9.9%.

This means private rents have increased by 50p a month

for the past ten years. Interesting, when compared to the

national average of 98p a month whilst in London, rents

have grown by £4.64 a month.

What will the next ten years bring?

Irrespective of any dip in Wigan house prices or transactions

when the Stamp Duty Holiday ends in the autumn, the

increase in property values is a trend that looks set to

continue, Part of the reason for this is that the supply of

new homes is nowhere near keeping pace with demand.

There have only been 2,303 new properties built in Wigan

in the last 10 years, that’s less than 19 a month. Nationally,

the UK has only built just over 180k homes a year over the

last decade, 120k less than the national target of 300k. In the

meantime, the population has grown by more than 4 million.

To try and predict exactly how much property and rental

values will rise over the next ten years be a fool’s game.

After all, who would have believed what the Wigan

property market has done in the last 12 months since the

start of Lockdown 1.0.

The number of transactions and UK house prices having

risen so much in the last year ... all during a worldwide

pandemic and at a time of such mayhem and havoc in the

UK and world economy, is nothing short of remarkable.

But is it sustainable? That remains to be seen.

If you’d like to find out how much your house has

increased in value, call me now on 01942 233999.

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

worked within the Wigan property market for over 30 years.

Alan Batt

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

www.alanbatt.co.uk

Computers

for Schools

An industry-wide initiative by estate agents

to supply laptops/tablets to children without

access to a PC at home has been enthusiastically

supported in Wigan by Alan Batt Estate Agents.

The Computers for Schools initiative was spearheaded

by industry figures Stephen Brown at Stephen J Brown

Consultancy and Jerry Lyons at Estate Agent Content

and has raised more than £61,000 since being launched

in January this year. The money is being used to provide

free laptops and tablets to schools around the UK,

helping children without access to a home computer.

So far, 486 free laptops have been delivered to schools

throughout the UK, and Alan has already delivered free

laptops to Standish and Shevington High Schools, and

has 10 more tablets to deliver to these Wigan high

schools in the next few days - The Deanery, Dean Trust,

Hawkley Hall, St Peter’s and Upholland.

Wigan Office

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

www.alanbatt.co.uk

Working from home may not be

all fun and games, but there is no

reason why your home office has to

be dull. Add some personal touches

and transform it into a space in

which you actually enjoy spending

time.

To take your home office to the

next level, add some abstract

art, with prints featuring organic

shapes and complementary

monochrome colours

Selection of framed prints, all

Desenio.

Give your Home

Office an Uplift

Working from home at least gives you more

time to tend to your plant collection. If you

haven’t got one, now’s the time to start.

Terracotta plant pots, from £2 each,

Scaramanga.

Combine support and style

with an office chair that raises

and lowers to a comfortable

position, swivels easily and

looks good enough to fit into

your overall room scheme.

Calgary office chair in faux

leather, £164.99, Lakeland

Furniture.

A home office need never

be drab. Add some colour

with well-chosen shades

of paint.

Shown here: Greek Blue,

Louis Blue, Giverny,

Napoleonic Blue and

Athenian Black, all £5.95 per

120ml, Annie Sloan.

Add a spot of cheerful colour in the

form of an adjustable desk lamp.

Ginaz table lamp, £25, B&Q.

A HOME OFFICE ‘GLOW UP’

Colour is important. If a particular colour makes you

feel happy – add it! If you don’t want to go as far

as painting the whole room, just refresh the wall

behind the desk (that you spend the majority of

your time looking at) with a small pot of emulsion.

You can also add colour in the form of furniture and

accessories, from an office chair to the essential

adjustable desk lamp, as well as pen holders, clocks

or paperweights.

Personalise the walls with your favourite prints,

posters, paintings and photographs. For a formal

look, frame them identically and hang them

symmetrically. Alternatively, you could peg small

pictures to a string, stick postcards to a corkboard

with coloured drawing pins or prop them, facing

outwards, on a narrow shelf.

It’s all about comfort, so make sure you’re working

at the right temperature. A small desk fan for the

summer may be useful, while in the winter a heater

can be an essential. For an even cosier feel, choose a

woolly throw that looks pretty and feels soft.

A few plants dotted here and there go a long way

to making an office feel more homely. Increase the

sensory experience with a vase of fresh flowers,

scented candles or an aromatic diffuser.

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Create great

Clear jars are useful for identifying what’s inside.

These are made from glass, with bamboo lids.

Audley storage jars, £8 and £10, Garden Trading.

Bathroom Storage

Find a place for everything and make your bathroom both tidy and beautiful.

A PLACE FOR EVERYTHING

• Bathrooms look their best – and function most

efficiently – when clutter is kept out of sight. If

you don’t already have a vanity cupboard below

your basin, you’ll have to think creatively. Can you

mount a slim cupboard on the wall somewhere? If

it has mirrored doors, then above the basin works

perfectly. Inside, adjustable shelving is useful, and it

may even be handy to add a hook or two on one or

both sides. If you have young children and plan to

keep medicines inside, it is best to add a lock.

• Other options for walls – ideal for items you’re

happy to have out on display – include shelves,

racks, hooks and peg rails – all useful options

depending on what you need to store. You could

also add a rack to the back of the door, where its

contents will be a little more hidden away.

• When space is tight, think tall and slender. Ladder

shelves, caddies (perhaps on wheels) and tallboy

cupboards can be squeezed into small spaces and

will hold a surprisingly large amount of bathroom

kit. For very small items, use baskets or small acrylic

boxes to subdivide the storage conveniently.

• Bathrooms tend to be full of glossy white

sanitaryware, so variations of colour and texture can

be very welcome. It’s easy to add these in the form

of small storage items – woven baskets, terrazzo

pots, glass tumblers, wooden boxes and so on –

which can be replaced quite cheaply

when you feel like a change.

A mirror can also function as

a useful small shelf.

Metal mirror with shelf, £99,

Salt and Steel.

Baskets and smaller

containers are handy when

you need to sub-divide

shelving.

This new PEP&CO range is in

Poundland stores now.

Go for dark colours and

interesting textures –

they look great against

white sanitaryware.

Charcoal grey ceramic

storage pot, £28, Ella

James.

A slim, wall-mounted cupboard

with mirrored doors is invaluable

in a bathroom.

Rochester mirror cupboard,

£290, The Dormy House.

Match pretty storage pots to toothbrush

holders and soap dispensers for a coordinated

look.

Dorma porcelain lotion dispenser, £12;

tumbler, £10; small storage trinket, £10;

and soap dish, £8, all Dunelm.

Peg rails can be used for more than coats –

why not add some useful wall storage to your

bathroom?

Oak hanging hooks, £15, Kinfolk Décor.

The terrazzo look is all the rage, and small

pieces such as this concrete tumbler can

really add character.

Speckled concrete tumbler, £10, House of Flora.

aqua:

Established 2006

bathroom - kitchen

Aqua (NW) Ltd, 16/18, Market Street, Standish, WN6 0HN T: 01257 425 812

E: info@aquabathrooms.co.uk www.aquabathrooms.co.uk

This hybrid bath is designed for smaller rooms, allowing luxury,

comfort and choice to fit into even a modest space.

Mini Ebb shower bath, £1,495, Waters Baths of Ashbourne.

12 ways to make your bathroom a

Relaxing Oasis

Functionality comes first in the bathroom, but there’s no

reason why you can’t combine efficiency with aesthetics

– and gain all the benefits of a space that looks good and

feels good at the same time. Here are a dozen ideas to

start you off:

• Lighting is vital. Check that the bulbs in your light fittings

are giving off the light you prefer, though try not to mix

different light temperatures (warm or cool) in the same

room. Smart bulbs can be switched on and off and the

colour temperature changed or dimmed using a remote

control or an app. Or, if you have a light switch outside the

bathroom door, consider swapping it for a dimmer.

• Sort out your storage. Slim wall cupboards, shelves,

ladders, caddies, peg rails and over-door hooks are

options, while small storage items – such as wicker

baskets, pretty ceramics or bright plastic tubs – bring

texture, colour and interest.

• If your shower is pathetic, investigate whether you can

add a pump to make it more powerful.

• Add a large mirror – it’s not only useful and a focal point

but increases the feeling of light and space in the room.

• Buy a set of coordinating towels. The fluffier the better, in

clean, bright, hotel-white or a colourful pattern.

• Add plants, large and small, high and low – they usually

thrive in a bathroom’s humid atmosphere. Choose pots

that complement your overall scheme.

• Lay a woven cotton or ‘outdoor’ rug on the floor – it can

easily be washed or wiped down and will introduce a

softer feel, adding colour, pattern and texture, too.

• Change a dated pair of taps for some good-looking,

modern ones. Check that they will suit your water

pressure, and make sure the new spout extends the

correct amount over the bath or basin – they should

reach about as far as the plug hole.

• A chair or stool is always useful in a bathroom, even if it’s

just to throw clothes over or to hold soap and books next

to the bath.

• Get rid of the grunge and scrape out the old grout and

silicone between and around your tiles, especially if there’s

any mould. Redoing them will make an extraordinary

difference.

• Replace a shower curtain with a shiny glass shower

screen – the look is clean and minimally efficient (and

won’t need replacing regularly).

• Jazz up your windows. Options include decorative

window film, a beautiful blind (Roman or roller) or some

minimal wooden louvres.

Wooden blinds are elegant and practical, and

come in a range of natural colours, or brighter,

painted shades.

Luxury Clay Brown wooden Venetian blinds

with tapes, price depends on size, English Blinds.

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• Domestic and

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EstablishE d 1982

Plastic Challenge

The ‘Your River Douglas’ group are backing a national

campaign to clean up our local beaches, rivers and parks.

The public is being urged to clear plastic and litter from

public places as part of a million-mile clean-up to help

combat the litter that has been left during lockdown.

The ‘Your River Douglas’ group was set up to reduce

pollution, to bring plants, insects, fish, birds and animals

back into their habitats, and to make the environment

more resilient to the future effects of climate change.

The group will be organising a host of clean ups. For more

information, search Facebook for

@douglasriversassociationcic.

Free Talk

The Old Courts would like to invite you to join them for a

talk; Philosophy in Quarantine on Thursday April 29.

Facilitated by the engaging Paul Halfpenny, these sessions

are gently structured in such a way that they feel relaxed,

inviting and easy to participate in. It’s a great way to meet

like-minded people and encourage healthy debate.

All you have to do is log on to The Old Courts Zoom

meeting at 7pm and away you go. Bring your thoughts

to the table for a chat and hear what others have to say.

There is no charge for this event, but places are limited to

30 so email holdingl@theoldcourts.com, to reserve your

place!

Be as Warm as Worcester

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Your Local Installer Established 1998

Address: 434 Ormskirk Road, Wigan, WN5 9DF

Phone: 01942 221 221

Email: info@premiergas.com

Website: premiergas.com

Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning

• traditional service, state of the art results •

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Local Life require distributors

for the following areas;

Upholland

College Rd, Hallbridge Gdns, & Rivington Dv area

443 copies £29.90 + leaflet pay

Ashton in Makerfield

Low Bank Rd, Ellesmere Rd & Tenbury Dv area

471 copies £31.79 + leaflet pay

Alexandra Rd & Edward Dv area

335 copies £24.29 + leaflet pay

Interested?

Please email your name, address,

contact number and date of birth to

sallyb@locallife247.co.uk

10% OFF

aLL treatmeNts *

to welcome back our customers!

Facials ~ Nails ~ Brows ~ Lashes

Bee.Bold.Beauty

Tel: 01695 227 460

Mob: 07845 139 999

Open

Monday to

Saturday

106a Church Street • Orrell • WN5 8TQ

www.beeboldbeauty.com

*Just cut out this advert or mention Local Life when booking.

Expiry date 30th June 2021. Offer restricted to one visit only, though multi treatments

can be booked for that visit. Offer cannot be used in conjunction with another offer.

Prince’s Trust

If you’re aged 16 to 25, not currently employed or in full

time education – the Prince’s Trust team can help!

You can take part in an action-packed 12-week, free

personal development course, where you’ll take part in

several exciting challenges. You’ll meet new people and

gain all sorts of new skills that will change the way you

think about your future.

Most participants end up entering employment,

education or training within three months of completion.

The next programme starts on Monday April 26th. To

find out more, text the word PRINCE to 80 800 or call the

Wigan team on 07713 565 442.

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

family fun

advEntuRE

luXuRy

City BREaK

Rail EXPlORE

CRuiSE/RivER CRuiSE

Call your personal travel expert

01942 912334 / 07786 311 282

julie.moss@notjusttravel.com

@NJTJulieM

www.juliemoss.notjusttravel.com

WEddinG/HOnEymOOn

Luxury Coach Holidays & Excursions

Here’s a small sample of our luxury coach holidays and day excursions

Luxury HoLidays

Isle of Wight

5 days £355

12th July ~ Dinner, B&B

Ocean View Hotel is an

attractive 3 star hotel

situated in a prime cliff top

location looking out across

Sandown Bay.

What’s included:

3 Home Pick Up

3 Executive Coach Travel

3 Indoor swimming pool

3 Entertainment every night

3 Excursions to Newport,

The Needles, Yarmouth and

Godshill

Luxury HoLidays

Norfolk

5 days £539

6th June ~ Dinner, B&B

Located in the picturesque

seaside town of Old Hunstanton

on the North Norfolk coast,

Le Strange Arms Hotel is the

perfect venue for the ultimate

relaxing seaside break.

What’s included:

3 Home Pick-up

3 Executive Coach Travel

3 Norfolk Broad Cruise

3 Coach excursions to Wells-

Next-the-Sea, Sheringham and

Thursford

3 Train Journey to Sandringham

for more details about our luxury coach holidays, call 01942 728 960

for a holiday brochure or visit www.memorylanetravel.co.uk

Our SPaCIOuS aND COMfOrTaBLE

LuxurY COaCHES HavE;

3 Full air-conditioning

3 Onboard entertainment system with DVD screens and WiFi

3 Individual Reclining Seats fitted with Seat Belts, Foot & Arm Rests

3 Toilet facilities, fridge, sink and boiler

3 Huge luggage space with driver assistance

day Excursions

Springtime in York

Sunday 30th May ~ £20 p.p.

Arriving in this beautiful city

arriving at 10.30, we’ll have lots

of time to visit the attractions and

shops before leaving at 4pm.

day Excursions

Liverpool Bay

Cruise & Shop

Sunday 4th July ~ £29.50 p.p.

We start the day at Liverpool One

shopping centre and from there, we’ll make our way to

the Pier Head for the Liverpool Bay Cruise.

for more details about our day excursions, call 01942 728 960

for an Excursion Supplement or visit www.memorylanetravel.co.uk

All excursions will pick up from the closest main road to your home.

Please note that this is a tiny selection of our luxury coach holidays and day excursions

available – for more details call 01942 728 960 or visit www.memorylanetravel.co.uk

01942 728960 • www.memorylanetravel.co.uk

Moss Industrial Estate,

William Way,

Leigh WN7 3PT

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

ROAD

TRIPS

by Chris Pearce

With foreign travel still very

much in the balance for 2021, the

race is on to find suitable holiday

destination in the UK. According to

the Conde Nast Traveller website,

many UK tour operators are

experiencing a surge in booking,

around 400 per cent higher than

last year in some cases.

But if the thought of spending your summer holiday in

Blackpool, Bognor or Bournemouth doesn’t fill you with

joy, then there are, quite literally, other roads to explore.

We’ve pulled together three of the UK’s top road trips,

along with some stunning visuals on what to expect from

each.

Sand Bay, Applecross

Brough Harbour near Dunnet Head, Caithness

Wester Ross

NORTH

COAST

500

The daddy of UK road trips since its launch in 2014, the

NC500 takes in 500 miles of stunning scenery, hugging

the northern coastline of the Scottish Highlands.

Described as a jaw-droppingly beautiful road trip route,

the route takes in some of the most picturesque scenery

in the world.

Deserted sandy beaches with Caribbean blue waters,

scrumptious fresh seafood, whisky distilleries, amazing

castles, scenic lochs, , wonderful walking routes, a diverse

range of wildlife and enough activities to tire out even the

most active tourist.

It’s recommended you spend 7-10 days driving the NC500

to experience the route properly. Please note that the

single-track roads that make up much of the route aren’t

that caravan-friendly and that the NC500 is especially

popular in July and August.

For further details, visit www.northcoast500.com

Gruinard Bay, Wester Ross

Port Issac Beach, Cornwall

THE

ATLANTIC

HIGHWAY

The A39 is a road that meanders from Georgian Bath

down to the south coast of Cornwall, and a 70-mile

section of the A39 between Barnstaple in Devon through

to Fraddon, near Newquay has been dubbed the Atlantic

Highway.

This long and winding road passes through Bude,

Tintagel, Camelford and Wadebridge and you’ll pass near

pretty fishing villages, incredible beaches, and dramatic

clifftop castles as well as some stunning sea views on the

route.

Tintagel Castle, Cornwall

Those viewers of the long running ITV series Doc Martin

will recognise Port Isaac, and foodies will love the

offerings in this pretty village and nearby Padstow. You

can also discover the legend of King Arthur at Tintagel

Castle, enjoy a cream tea in Bideford and even picnic on

Bedruthan Steps Beach, a dramatic stretch of coastline

where colossal stacks rise from the waves.

www.cornwalls.co.uk/atlantic-highway-a39

Bude, Cornwall

Portbradden, near Ballintoy, County Antrim

CAUSEWAY

COASTAL

ROUTE

Explore the northern coast of Northern Ireland, from

Belfast to Derry/Londonderry by following the 120-mile

Causeway Coastal Route, where you can experience

seashores to mountain tops and from busy cities to small

hamlets.

Start at Titanic Belfast, an interactive museum, before

moving onto Glenarm Castle, one of Ireland’s oldest

estates. After an overnight stay in Ballycastle, you can set

sail to nearby Rathlin Island to see a variety of wildlife.

Pluck up the courage to walk over a rope bridge between

Carrick Island and County Antrim, before visiting

Bushmills, Ireland’s oldest whiskey distillery.

The magical landscape of Giant’s Causeway itself is

an essential stop for tourists, before unwinding in the

popular seaside resorts of Portrush and Portstewart, with

their championship golf courses, or in the walled city of

Londonderry/Derry itself.

For further details, visit www.causewaycoastalroute.com

Look before

you Leap

With businesses taking

action to re-organise

their staff to adapt to

new post-COVID trading

patterns, it’s expected

that more people than

normal will be leaving

the UK workforce in 2021.

Since the pandemic hit

in early 2020, we’ve seen

an increase in clients

needing advice around

the multitude of options

that are now available for

retirees when looking to

draw their pensions.

Specifically, we had approaches by clients that had been

offered and had accepted very attractive early retirement

and redundancy terms from their employers. Heinz,

Royal Bank of Scotland, British Aerospace to name

just a few... and for most of them this was the first time

in their lives that they been in possession of such large

capital sums.

Without exception, they all needed to make very

important decisions as to how best they should invest

their lump sums (£200,000 plus in some instances) to

meet their needs in retirement. Unfortunately, quite a few

approached us too late which ended up costing them

many thousands of pounds in unnecessary tax as they

had already taken their redundancy payments.

Any element of redundancy over and above £30,000

will be taxed at the employees marginal rate of tax.

Consequently a redundancy payment of say £100,000 to

a 40% tax payer is likely to result in a net payment of just

£72,000 after tax has been deducted. With some forward

thinking and sensible planning it is likely that in many

instances this tax liability could be avoided or at the very

least significantly reduced.

Additionally, many employees are normally presented

with a number of options as to how they want to draw

their pensions.

Pension with a tax-free lump sum?

Pension without a lump sum?

Annuity - Fixed or escalating with/without widows

pension?

Flexible access drawdown?

It is extremely important that individuals ‘look before you

leap’ as the wrong decision going into retirement could

cost them tens of thousands of pounds.

As soon as you receive your

retirement paperwork from

your pension provider or

you are approached by your employer with

a potential deal to finish, either through

retirement, redundancy or both - you

should contact a financial adviser before

committing to a course of action.

Should you not have a professional adviser and you

would like to speak with one of the team just give us a

call on 01257 423800. The initial consultation is at our

expense and is without obligation.

David Barton

APFS Cert CII (MP)

Chief Executive Officer

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

Puzzle Pages

CROSSWORD

DOWN

1. Father or mother (6)

2. Daphne du Maurier novel (7)

3. River which flows through Paris (5)

5. Fishermen (7)

6. Follower of a major religion (5)

7. Rough shelter at the side of a house (4-2)

8. Root used in the preparation of a sharp-tasting

condiment (11)

14. Underground prison (7)

15. Japanese paper-folding art (7)

16. French sweet blackcurrant liqueur (6)

17. With hands on hips and elbows extending

outward (6)

19. Compass point at 180 degrees (5)

21. Unprocessed thick sap from a tree (5)

ACROSS

1. Local church community (6)

4. US artist, Andy ___ (6)

9. Leader of a Jewish congregation (5)

10. Fabric made of silk (7)

11. Centre of an atom (7)

12. Spew forth lava and rocks (5)

13. Mythical container enclosing all human ills (8,3)

18. Malicious burning to destroy property (5)

20. Framework erected over an oil well (7)

22. Receptacles for cups (7)

23. Medieval and Renaissance wind instrument resembling

an oboe (5)

24. Statue with the body of a lion and the head of a man (6)

25. Colour of the rainbow (6)

WORDWHEEL

Using only the letters in the Wordwheel, you have ten

minutes to find as many words as possible, none of

which may be plurals, foreign words or proper nouns.

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

contain the central letter and letters can only be used

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

all of the letters in the wheel.

TARGET

EXCELLENT: 24 or more words

GOOD: 18 words

FAIR: 15 words

WORDSEARCH

INSECTS

ANTS

APHID

BEDBUG

BEETLE

BUMBLEBEE

CATERPILLAR

CICADA

COCKROACH

CRICKET

EARWIG

FIREFLY

FLEA

FLIES

HORNET

LADYBIRD

LICE

LOCUST

MAYFLY

MOSQUITO

MOTH

SILKWORM

TERMITE

TICKS

WASP

WEEVIL

SUDOKU

WORD LADDER

Change one letter at a time (but not the position

of any letter) to make a new word - and move from

the word at the top of the ladder to the word at the

bottom, using the exact number of rungs provided.

HAND

WIGGLE WORDS

CLUE: an implausible

story used as an

explanation or excuse.

Trace a path through all

the letters to find the

word or phrase that fits

the clue.

T O R Y

S C O C

L B D K

L U N A

FOOT

All the puzzle solutions can be found

on page 79 of this magazine

The Road to

Financial Recovery

By Kieran Fitzgerald – CMA Accountancy

As we pass the anniversary of the first lockdown there

finally appears to be some light at the end of the tunnel for

business owners. Now is the time to take an in-depth look at

your business and form a plan on how you envisage moving

forward in to a Post-COVID economy.

There are a number of support schemes that are now

available to businesses:

• Job Retention Scheme – The furlough scheme will be

continued for pay periods up to the end of September. The

government will continue to pay 80% of your employee’s

unworked hours until the end of June. From July employers

will have to continue 10% towards this, increasing to 20%

from August until the scheme’s end in September.

• Self-Employment Income Support Scheme – In a

continuation of the SEISS, a fourth grant will be issued

covering the February to April period, with a fifth grant

covering May to September. Eligibility has increased

to support individuals who have filed their 2019/20 tax

returns who were previously ineligible.

• Time to Pay – If you think that you may struggle to pay

your tax bills on time, you can avoid penalties and interest

by arranging a payment plan with HMRC before the tax

is due to be paid. However, if you have still not paid

the 2019/20 tax bill that was due on 31st January 2021,

it is too late to arrange a payment plan - an immediate

payment should be made to avoid further penalties.

• Recovery Loans – A new recovery loan scheme

launched on 6th April 2021, which will allow loans of

between £25,001 and £10million, 80% of which will be

government-backed. For loans less than £250,000 there

will be no personal guarantee.

The continued existence of these schemes has benefitted

businesses extensively over the previous 12 months and

will continue to do so.

Who are CMA and what can we do for you?

Through our partnerships and extensive knowledge of

cloud-based accounting solutions, CMA Accountancy are

able to deliver a hands on, proactive services to our client

base. We specialise in cloud-based systems so clients can

access real-time information and can then liaise with us to

track your cash positions, review the need for a payment

plan with HMRC and apply for any additional business

support.

At CMA Accountancy we are adept at using the powerful

cloud-based tools that our clients love. We offer a service

combining the Xero accounting software with Dext, an

intuitive online receipt capturing software. Utilising a

combination of Xero and Dext will provide you with many

advantages:

• Automated Bookkeeping – by linking Dext directly

to Xero, your purchase invoices can be automatically

captured and transferred into your Xero account. The

software reads the data on the receipt, and over time

builds up a knowledge of how you previously categorized

the expenditure to produce further time savings.

• Invoice Fetching – connect your Dext account with your

online supplier accounts and each week the software will

the invoices issued to you in the past week, pulling them

straight into your Dext platform.

• 24/7 Access, from anywhere – Readily available

mobile apps allow you to capture receipts on the go,

without the worry of accidentally misplacing them, and

create a digital record in the cloud. Say goodbye to boxes

of invoices in your loft for years to come!

• Online Sales invoices, automatically chased –

Create simple, professional looking Sales invoices within

Xero, which are able to be sent digitally directly to your

customers. Avoid the delays and awkward phone calls

to chase up payment by utilising automatic reminder

e-mails, taking the stress away from you.

If you have any questions regarding Xero, Dext, other

cloud-based accounting solutions, or the various means

of COVID support on offer at present, please get in touch.

Kieran Fitzgerald – CMA Accountancy

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

01257 255521 kieran@cma-accountancy.com

www.cma-accountancy.com

Do you need

help and

guidance with;

Company Accounts?

Auto Enrolment?

Self Assessment?

Cloud-based Software?

Payroll Services?

Making Tax Digital?

SA deadline

VAT

Benefits

FREE

INITIAL

CONSULTATION

Call CMA Accountancy today

www.cma-accountancy.com

info@cma-accountancy.com

Skull House Lane, Appley Bridge. 01257 255521

Stress and Anxiety

Are you feeling stressed and anxious about the future?

During the pandemic, we are experiencing more stress and

anxiety than ever before. This is caused by uncertainty and

ever-changing information. According to the mental health

charity Mind, 60% of adults said their mental health became

worse during lockdown.

Stress and anxiety can manifest itself in many different

ways. Physical symptoms can include an increased

heart rate or muscle tension, ‘jelly’ legs or tingling in the

hands and feet, breathing too heavily or dizziness. You

may experience feelings that you might lose control,

faint, think people are looking at you and noticing your

anxiety. Dave Smithson from Anxiety UK says “Those who

are usually outgoing may become withdrawn or those

who are reserved may become erratic.

Everyone is different and anxiety can

be triggered by a range of things.”

Other symptoms can include

lack of concentration,

catastrophic thoughts,

poor memory, excessive

alcohol intake, under

or overeating, a short

temper and tearfulness.

A key indicator is

blowing things out of

proportion. As Lorraine

Collins, psychodynamic

counsellor, psychotherapist,

Cognitive Behavioural Therapist

and member of the British

Association for Counselling and

Psychotherapy (BACP), says

“If you’re stressed, how you

view situations can become

altered and distorted due

to the brain not being able

to process information in

a more balanced way. It

can also be a cry for help

in communicating distress

that can be difficult to put into words, so is ‘acted out’ by

slamming doors, banging around, road rage and so on.”

If you are under threat of redundancy as a result of the

pandemic, this is additional stress as a job provides selfesteem,

purpose and a social network. Losing your job

unexpectedly affects all this, so stress accumulates.

Lorraine says “If there is a threat of redundancy, it’s quite

normal to feel stressed and anxious about your security

and future. It can be like a constant feeling of dread and

impending doom. You may experience a sinking feeling

in the stomach. There may be a tendency for catastrophic

thoughts about what the future might hold.”

If you are suffering from extreme stress, it may be difficult

to recognise it. Lorraine advises checking your

‘internal dialogue’, which will reduce the risk of

stress and tension building up. By that she

means asking yourself “Am I tired and

wired?” as a kind of self-monitoring.

“I often suggest to my patients

to use the HALT method – am

I hungry, angry, lonely or

tired? Getting into the habit

of addressing these things

can help to monitor your

levels of stress and keep a

more balanced sense of wellbeing,”

she says.

How To Manage

Stress and Anxiety

The good news is there are

plenty of practical and useful

tools to manage anxiety and

reduce stress:

• Getting back into nature is a

great way of calming your anxiety.

This can be a local park, woodland,

nature reserve or your garden.

Lorraine says “You can practice

naming what’s around you, the

things you see and hear, and this will interrupt

the constant looping of anxious thoughts.”

• Looking after mind and body: “Go to bed

at a reasonable time without screens and

mobiles or other things that will decrease

the winding-down time we need to settle

into a relaxed state and leave the day behind,”

says Lorraine. “Watch your diet, as excessive

caffeine and refined sugars will only stimulate

an already stimulated body and mind.”

• Learning to relax: relaxation techniques can

include exercises to release the tension in your body by

easing your muscles. The Mind web site lists plenty of

options.

• Switch off the news: if you find it difficult coping with

news coverage, it may make you feel better if you limit

what you read, watch and listen to for a while.

• Connecting with other people: “Plan to have regular

chats with friends and family over the phone,” says

Stephen Buckley from Mind. “This is a vital way of

maintaining wellbeing.”

• Sharing the problem: talking to someone you trust

about what is making you stressed can be helpful. If this

isn’t possible, you could call a confidential helpline such

as Mind’s Infoline or those run by Anxiety UK and the

Samaritans. You could also join a support or self-help group

– talking to people in the same boat can be reassuring.

If these self-care techniques don’t work, it’s best to talk to

your GP about treatment options. This can include talking

therapies such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT).

www.lccounselling.com

www.mind.org.uk

www.anxietyuk.org.uk

Should you be taking

supplements?

We should be able to get all

the vitamins and minerals our

bodies need from the food we eat.

However, modern day life is making

it increasingly difficult to achieve

a balanced diet. That’s where

supplements come in.

Supplements are considered ‘topups’

for the vital vitamins and

minerals our bodies require to

function. They can take the form of vitamins, probiotics,

herbal products, powders, drinks – and more.

There is still much debate surrounding their effectiveness.

However, although medical professionals insist that

supplements aren’t a substitute for a healthy diet, it’s proven

that some could have a positive effect on your health.

For example, many vegetarians and vegans will benefit

from iron and vitamin B-12 supplements, while those trying

for a baby are advised to take folic acid supplements until

twelve weeks into their pregnancy. It’s also recommended

that children aged between six months and five years take

vitamin A, C and D supplements every day.

Other supplements, however, could be a waste of money.

If you’re wondering whether supplements could benefit

your diet, it’s worth speaking to your doctor or nutritionist

first. But to start you off, we’ve put together a list of the

top five supplements people take in the UK, and what

they are taken for.

Vitamin D

A vital vitamin for regulating our bodies’ calcium and

phosphate content, vitamin D is a key contributor to

healthy bones, teeth and muscles.

We get most of our vitamin D from the sun, but living in

the UK means we have limited daylight hours during the

autumn and winter. For this reason, many people in the

UK choose to take vitamin D supplements between late

September and early April, when the sunlight is weaker.

Zinc

Best known for its ability to boost

immunity and fight off bacteria and

viruses, zinc is another vital mineral

our bodies need to function.

Red meat, shellfish and dairy foods

all have high levels of zinc, as do

chickpeas, lentils and beans. In

supplement form, you can top up

your zinc levels with over-the-counter capsules, tablets

and lozenges.

Magnesium

Found naturally in foods such as pumpkin, spinach,

soy beans and brown rice, magnesium is important for

bone health and energy production. It’s a known stressreliever

too, and studies have proven that it can even help

sleeping problems.

Omega 3

Swallowing fish oil first thing in the morning might not

sound appetising. But, there’s solid evidence to suggest

that omega 3 fatty acids can help contribute towards a

healthy heart and brain, while also reducing inflammation.

That’s why omega 3 supplements, often in the shape of

fish oil capsules, are so popular. Vegans and vegetarians

can also top up their intake with algae oil supplements.

Iron

Iron is responsible for making red blood cells, which

transport oxygen around the body. It’s particularly

important in younger women, but according to the 2018

National Diet and Nutrition Survey, 27% of women are

deficient.

It’s predominantly found in red meat, which is why

many vegans and vegetarians take iron supplements to

make up for any potential deficiencies. However, smaller

amounts can be found in beans, nuts and fortified cereals.

hEritagE opEn days

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a hEalthiEr hEart

september 2018

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Voted Wigan’s audiologist of the year 2019

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Crank

by Chris Pearce

Distance: 7.5 miles Difficulty: Medium

The landscapes of most walks have an element of ‘old’

and ‘new’ about them, and this latest Jack’s Tracks has

more than most. Ancient country estates, old railway lines,

attractive churches and beautiful countryside make this 7.5

mile walk around the northern villages of St Helens a real

treat for walkers.

Park up on Crank Hill (WA11 7SD) near the bend at the

higher end of Alder Lane. Follow the footpath away from

the village and up an incline. You’ll pass the reservoir on

the right as you arrive at the top of the hill; carry on in the

same direction downhill. The path bends as you enter the

wooded area and you’ll go slowly uphill again, rewarded

with great views of Billinge as you exit the trees.

Go through two stiles, pass Forsters Farm Shop and turn

right when you arrive at Moss Bank Road. The handsome

alms-houses appear soon after on the right, which date

back to 1725, give you an idea of the rich history of the

hilltop village, followed shortly after by Moss Bank Mission,

which was built in 1855 and donated to the village by Lord

Daresbury for the education of local children.

Take the footpath that runs between the boundaries of 59

and 61. Moss Bank Road, and as you exit through a metal

turnstile you can expect to see great views from your lofty

position. You’re now on the Rainford Hall estate, which

is far off to your right and straight ahead on the top of

A570

For those with the OS Maps

app on your desktop, mobile

or tablet, this walk is named:

Holiday Moss

Farm

King’s Moss Plantation

JT-Crank

Rainford

Myer’s

Farm

Red Cat Lane

Higher Lane

Rookery

Farm

Mill House

Farm

Alderley

Farm

Rainford

Delph Farm

Rainford Road

Mill Lane

Farm

Crank

Alder Lane

Farm

Fir Wood

Delph Cottage

Crank Hall

Farm

Crank

Farm

Clay Wood

Reed’s Moss

Rainford Brook

Crank House

Rainford

Hall

Shoots Delph

Farm

Moss Bank Road

Crank Road

Winstanley

Wood

Moss Plantation

Dagnals

Bridge

Farm

Poverty Plantation

Moss Bank

Berrington Hall

Golf Club

A570

Windle Park

Wood

Windle Hall

that hillock, you can see the rooftops of Windle Hall. Both

homes were once owned by members of the Pilkington

family.

Follow the path downhill and then turn right down the

wide bridleway, which in years past was the track bed for

the St Helens to Rainford Junction railway, opened in 1858

and closed to passengers 93 years later. Other stations on

the line included Crank Halt, Old Mill Lane, Rookery 1 & 2

and Rainford Village.

Follow the bridleway as it bends to the left and then

cross Rainford Brook via the metal footbridge on the left.

Follow the footpath to Crank Road, cross then turn left for

50 yards, then turn right into Berrington’s Lane.

Berrington’s Lane is just under a mile long and as you walk

away from the noisy East Lancs Road, the lane becomes

alive with wildlife. It was early morning when we did the

walk and we were lucky enough to spot a couple of deer,

a few rabbits and numerous songbirds.

Pit Lane (the site for the old Rainford Village Station). Turn

right here and walk up to the mini roundabout at the top

of the road. Turn left and just after you pass the Rainford

URC Church, turn right into Muncaster Drive.

At the end of Berrington’s Lane, turn right and follow Mill

Lane for 600 yards crossing Rainford Brook once more.

Look closely for a path on the left-hand side once the

Saint-Gobain site ends and in the vicinity of the bus stop.

Follow the path, which takes you down the back of the

industrial site, for ½ mile until you arrive at Rookery Lane

in Rainford. Turn right, go straight

past the junction for Derby Drive

and then turn left into Rainford

Linear Park.

Once again, the walk returns to the

track bed of the St Helens to Rainford

Follow Muncaster Drive for 650 yards as the walk opens

up to views of Billinge Hill. Once you reach the crossroads

of paths, go straight on for a further ½ mile and then turn

right at Fire Clay Farm and follow the path for a further

400 yards until you emerge on Higher Lane. Turn left.

Follow the road away from Rainford for just over ½ mile

until you reach Mill Lane Farm on a

dogleg bend. Just after the dogleg,

turn right and follow the path at the

side of the field. Hop over a couple

of stiles, then turn left and follow the

well-used path around the perimeter

Junction railway. Rainford Linear Park

runs straight through the village like

an arrow, bringing a green sanctuary

to the residents. The park is a real

delight, it’s so well kept and is a haven

for walkers and cyclists of all ages.

Diploma Qualified by Diane

of the field until you reach the

driveway to Crank Hall Farm. Turn

left to reach Crank Road and then

turn left again towards Crank. Follow

the road for 1/3 mile into the village.

You’re going to follow the path

until you reach a road called Cross

Tel: 01695 624 098

Mob: 07442 015 490

Email: OrrellPoochParlour@gmail.com

Facebook: Orrell Pooch Parlour

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.

Cycling

with bionic legs!

Cyrusher

XF690 folding fat bike

£1,799 from Cyrusher.co.uk

An introduction to e-bikes

E-bikes are like normal bikes given super powers: you still

pedal them, but they have an electric motor that gives

you some extra help. It feels rather like having bionic legs:

you can pull away from traffic lights quickly and easily

tackle steep hills.

That makes them brilliant for commuting and urban

cycling, and a great choice for people who want to

improve their fitness and haven’t been on a bike for years.

What kind of e-bikes are there?

Commuter bikes are all-rounders while MTBs are

mountain bikes and road bikes are racing bikes. The

former have big tyres and great suspension, while the

latter use super-light materials and aggressive geometry

to achieve high speeds. Cargo bikes are for carrying loads

that are too big for panniers or a backpack, and usually

have bigger tyres and better brakes.

How do I get the right e-bike size?

E-bike sizes are usually expressed as S, M, L and XL. Small

bikes are generally suitable for riders up to 5’5” while

XL bikes are designed for six footers and above. Some

e-bikes have very adjustable seats and handlebars that

enable them to skip between sizes.

Swifty E-Mountain Bike,

£799 from Amazon.co.uk

Volt Metro Folding Commuter

Bike,

£1,599 from Voltbikes.co.uk

Is there more than one kind of

e-bike motor?

Crank drives connect directly to the bike chain, while hub

drives sit in the wheel hub – usually the rear wheel. Crank

drives are more energy efficient and feel more natural

when pedalling but hub drives are usually much cheaper.

What about gears?

E-bikes come with the same kind of gear systems as

ordinary bikes and the gears adjust how much pedalling

is needed.

With e-bikes you’ll usually be able to control the

assistance level the motor gives you. You might choose

Turbo for fast pulling away from traffic lights but Eco (or

equivalent) when on a relaxing country ride.

Which battery should I choose?

Most manufacturers provide a battery range estimate,

or you can calculate the range by dividing the battery’s

power by 20 – a battery with a 400Wh rating should give

about 20 miles on full assist, which is when the electric

motor is operating at full power. Most e-bikes have a little

bike computer that shows battery charge and the range

remaining before recharging is needed. When the battery

runs out of power, your e-bike behaves like a normal bike,

albeit a heavier one. Typical recharge time is three to four

hours and batteries typically last for two to four years.

How much should I spend?

You can get perfectly decent e-bikes for around £500,

or you can spend over £4,000 on a carbon road bike.

The more you spend the lighter the bikes become and

the better the hardware: where cheaper e-bikes are

designed for everyday use, the most expensive

e-bikes are serious bits of sporting equipment

with matching price tags. Whatever you buy,

make sure you acquire a very good U-lock:

sadly, all e-bikes are targets for bike thieves.

Making

the switch

to an

electric

vehicle:

what you need to know

Government announcements mean more EVs will be on

our roads, but what do you need to know about them?

Last year’s announcement by Boris Johnson that sales of

new petrol and diesel cars and vans will be phased out by

2030 means that electric vehicles are going to become a

more important part of our driving lives very shortly.

But even with this change, there remains a level of

mystery surrounding all things electric. Fortunately,

we’ve got some of the key things you need to know about

making the leap to an EV.

How much range do you need?

Range is a word which has great importance in the

EV world, as it’s what governs how far you’ll be able to

travel in between trips to the plug. However,

there’s no need to get worried about a car’s

range if you think carefully about how far

you travel.

If you’re someone who only does shorter

trips around town and does fewer than 100

miles a week, for instance, then a car with a

shorter range will suit you down the ground.

However, if you’re a driver who travels further

afield, then a car with a bigger battery might

make more sense. Don’t be scared of cars

with shorter ranges, though, as they’ll still

offer more than most people do on average

each week. Plus, cars with smaller batteries

offer quicker charge times.

How do I add charge

when I get home?

Home charging is one of the crucial

aspects of owning and running an

electric car. Being able to add energy

to the vehicle while it’s at your home

really does make things a lot more

flexible – and cheaper, too.

Whenever you buy a new car, there

are incentives in place for charging

at home. Government grants and

even manufacturer schemes will

make installing a home wall box

much cheaper. Yes, you can use a three-pin socket, but

this isn’t as quick or as safe as having a wall box.

Will it actually be cheaper to buy

and run an electric car?

Of course, the initial upfront cost for an EV is often more

than an equivalent internal combustion-engined car.

However, as the technology progresses, this is becoming

less common. The new Renault Zoe, for instance, is priced

from £26,495, which though still relatively expensive is

Local Life - Wigan - May 2021

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