LocalLife
Wigan Edition
Glasson Dock Walk
Pages 66-68
June 2021
WIN
a meal
for two!
Discover the Duggie
Pages 20-23
Pirates in Parbold!
Pages 26-27
6 of the Best – Walks
Pages 49-52
LOCAL NEWS | EVENTS2GO | FOOD | HEALTH | WALKS | COMPETITIONS | HOME & GARDEN SERVICES
2
3
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4
After months of holding our collective breaths
waiting for the Sat Nav to malfunction on this
road map, it now looks likely that June will be
the month where most COVID restrictions in the UK will
be dropped. Finally, it is time to look forward and once
again enjoy life in full.
On that positive theme, this month’s Local Life has a new
feature series called ‘6 of The Best’ as we look forward
to visiting the region’s best venues for arts and culture,
leisure and shopping. As this magazine drops through
your letterbox, we’re not quite there on the road map, so
we’ve taken a safe option and kicked off this month with
6 of the best walks in the North West.
These walks are taken from our Jack’s Tracks archives and
available for free download at www.locallife247.co.uk.
I must confess to a feeling of trepidation whilst eating out
over the past few weeks, but it is important that we all do
our best to support the local hospitality sector.
Hospitality has been badly (and some say unfairly) hit by
the pandemic, so much so that that some businesses have
yet to open again. Our competition this month, featured
on pages 60-61gives you a chance to win a meal for two
at one of four local eating places!
After a long arduous journey, we’re coming out of the
tunnel now; it’s time to get out and enjoy life to the full!
See you next time.
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.
5
This month’s highlights
20. Discover the Duggie
Contents
26. Pirates in Parbold
30. Island Escapes
14. Father’s Day
No socks please!
28. Outdoors
Cycling with bionic legs.
44. Home
Add colour to your kitchen.
56. Puzzle Pages
Try out our new word ladder!
60. Competition
Win a meal for two!
62. Recipes
A lemony risotto and glazed salmon.
64. Health
Let’s talk about the perimenopause.
66. Jack’s Tracks visits Glasson Dock
70. Motoring
Making the switch to electric.
73. Home & Garden Services
Find the best local traders for you.
38. Bold Summer Vibes 49. 6 of the Best Walks
Want to
promote your
business in
LocalLife?
Next Issue - July 2021
Advertising deadline - 16th June
Published - 30th June
01695 627 999
www.locallife247.co.uk
6
Pic Competition
It’s a fabulous time to be
out and about in Haigh
Woodland Park, with
lots of spring colour and
if you fancy yourself as
a budding David Bailey,
then here’s your chance
to win £50.
All You Knead, the
Lancashire-based
independent
bakery
and owners of a café at
Haigh Hall Courtyard,
are running a photography competition to highlight the
scenic beauty of Haigh Woodland Park.
The rules are simple; the competition is open to amateur
photographers only and photographs must be taken
within Haigh Woodland Park. You have until Monday
May 31 to submit your images and photographs can be
emailed to haigh@allyouknead.co.uk.
NEW LADY MEMBERS
OFFERS
• NEW 7 Day Full Member - Pay £800 (discount of £170
from £970 for 2021/22 subscription year)
• NEW 7 Day Restricted Member - Pay £700 (discount
of £170 from £870 for 2021/22 subscription year)
• NEW 9 Hole Member - Pay £360 or £30 per month as
part of the Ladies Get into Golf programme (discount
of £95 from £455 for the 2021/22 subscription year)
• Other discounted rates are also available for younger
golfers joining the club from Juniors
through to the age groups 26-30,
31-35 and 36-40.
For full details please contact the Club Manager on:
01257 255235
or email: secretary@gathurstgolfclub.co.uk
The best selection of entries will be selected by All You
Knead, and these will then be subject to a public vote on
their Facebook page and at the cafe to find the winner.
The winner will be announced no later than Sunday
June 20, for more information please go online at www.
allyouknead.co.uk
Bridal Event
Wigan Bridal specialist Melissa Marie is holding a Trunk
Show for brides-to-be at their Library Street store. The
Trunk Show will feature creations from the Richards
Design 2022 collection and will run from Saturday
22nd May through to Thursday 3rd June, with fabulous
discounts and goody bags available for those who place
an order within two weeks of the show.
Brides can book an exclusive appointment to try on the
gowns, together with their wedding party if desired, by
calling 01942 826001 or by messaging via the store’s
social media accounts. For more details about the store
visit www.melissa-mariebridal.com.
Artisan Market
AppleCast’s monthly artisan market returns on Saturday
5th and Sunday 6th June from 10am-3pm. The Newburgh
farm will be host to lots of artisan stalls showcasing their
products, along with all the usual fun of the animal farm,
birds of prey, garden centre and gift shop. Entry is £3
per car which includes one free drink. More information
can be found online at www.castmw.net or by emailing
mary@applecast.co.uk
Swim Tots
If you’re looking to introduce your little ones to the water
and have some splashing good fun this summer; then
the Swim Tots classes at Wigan Life Centre are perfect for
you. The fun packed sessions help to introduce the basic
swimming techniques through nursery rhymes and are
ideal for children aged 0-2. The sessions are instructor-led
and aimed at helping children adjust to water.
Each session is £2.90, and this includes one child and one
adult, sessions run on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and
Friday. For more information on times and to book, visit
www.bewellwigan.org.
7
Senior Administrator
Required
An opportunity has arisen for an experienced
administrator to join our Wigan office.
The role is suited to candidates that have financial services
experience, specifically 4yrs plus in IFA Wealth Management.
Computer literacy and an excellent level of communication,
both written and verbal, is essential.
• Salary in the region of £25,000 dependent upon experience
• Discretionary bonus scheme of up to 10% of salary
• Employer pension contributions of up to 5% of salary
• Death in service (4 times salary)
• 25 days holiday
• Flexible benefit scheme
The role is a fantastic opportunity for someone
who has ambitions to progress into senior
management as there will be a new team
leader role created within the next two years.
Please email your CV to ruth.smyth@prosper-ifa.co.uk
or telephone us on 01257 423800
and ask for Ruth quoting the Senior Admin Vacancy
Closing date for applications is Friday June 11th
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Children & pets welcome
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Over 25 years of local advice
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8
The team behind the Old Courts in Wigan is
looking to develop a community-led small scale
digital audio broadcasting (DAB) project. If the
bid is successful, this could mean over 20 new
community and local stations based in, and
focused on, the Wigan and St Helens area.
The team at The Old Courts, who will lead on
this project, are interested to hear from, existing
community or commercial radio stations; new
and emerging community or commercial radio
projects; and community members.
Radio Wigan
Jess Rotherham, The Old Courts Development
Manager, said, “Small-scale DAB is an amazing
opportunity to ensure that our local radio is inclusive,
diverse and reflects the wants and needs of local
communities.
“Particularly over the past 12 months, we have seen just
how important radio is to keeping people in touch and
informed. We are really interested to hear from local and
community radio stations who are interested in joining
us on this project.”
To take part in these conversations participants need to
complete an online expression of interest form. Anyone
already operating a digital radio channel, interested in
starting one or simply want to find out more can visit
www.theoldcourts.com/wiganradio to find out more and
get in touch.
WE ARE NOW OPEN
AGAIN...
7 DAYS A WEEK!!!
9
AB Book Launch
Three local residents have written a book about life in
Appley Bridge during the war. Steven Smith, Barbara
Dix and Anne Fletcher launched ‘Appley Bridge and the
Second World War’ earlier this month.
The book carries details about life during WW2 in the
village and memories of those who lived through the war.
There are tales of bravery and kindness, and also details of
the men whose are named on the war memorial.
The book is available to order at a price of £6 and all profits
go to the Royal British Legion. For more information
about ordering a copy of the book please contact the
Appley Bridge Community Association by searching @
Appleybridgecommunitycentre on Facebook.
Summer School
The first days of secondary school have always been scary
for most kids, but an initiative at Shevington High School
aims to ease that anxiety this year. Pupils currently in Y6,
who already have a place at Shevington High School in
September are invited to register their interest in Summer
School 2021.
This is a fantastic opportunity for children to meet their
peers ahead of starting school in September. The week
will take place from Monday 26th July to Friday 30th
July, and places will be free due to the introduction of
government funding. Parents can register their interest by
following this link https://forms.gle/56FkR5jAtjLmcYFn9
and submitting the requested information, or call the
school on 01257 400900 for more information.
Tea & Tots
Wrightington Mossy Lea Primary School is home to a new
toddler group. The Tea & Tots group runs every Thursday
and Friday between 9.30am and 11.30am.
The playgroup is suitable from newborn to 4 years old
and also serves as a support group for parents. There are
toys and soft play for the children and some sensory toys
for the babies. The cost is £4 a family and this includes tea
or coffee for the adults.
The sessions need to be pre-booked now but will soon be
drop-in sessions. For more information or to book your
space please contact Amy on 07546 823772 or search for
@TheTeaandTotsPlaygroup on Facebook.
Jewels May is a wonderful independent
jewellers. The shop has recently expanded
so as to offer customers more on site
specialist services, one-to-one consultation,
specialist design and re-modelling advice and
manufacturing.
Their jewellery range is extensive from antique
and vintage to modern and one-off bespoke
luxury pieces, set with diamonds and precious
stones. They also boast an impressive range of
engagement and wedding rings as well as preowned
luxury watches.
Repairs & Alterations
Rhodium Plating
Cleaning & Polishing
Design & Manufacturing
Engagement & Wedding Ring Specialists
Insurance Valuations
Watch Servicing, Repairs, Refurbishing
& Batteries
Good Prices Paid For Your Scrap &
Unwanted Jewellery
“Now offering on-site rhodium plating within an hour,
Wednesday to Sunday.
SPECIAL READER OFFER
Rhodium plating of 2 rings for £50 (normally £60),
just quote Local Life 247”
Heskin Hall Shopping Village,
Wood Lane, Heskin, PR7 5PA
Tel: 01257 450448 Etsy: Jewelsmayuk
www.jewelsmay.com
Interior Design Services
Bay Window Specialists
Bespoke Curtains & Blinds
Upholstery Services
Home Consultations Available
Proud stockists of
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Opening Hours: Mon, Tues ,Weds, Fri 10am - 4pm • Thurs 10am - 1pm
Please call 01257 46 34 77 for out of hours appointments
12
Men’s Health
A new group focused on improving men’s mental health
issues has been launched. Walk&Talk4Men (WAT4M) was
created in 2019 in Cambridgeshire and the Wigan group,
led by Ben Heaton, met for the first time in April.
WAT4M Wigan gets together a couple of times a month
for a stroll and a chat. The group promises to ‘give guys
the opportunity to offload, get things off our chest and
talk about how we are feeling rather than bottling it up
and suffering in silence’. The next event is this Saturday
(22nd May), meeting at Haigh Hall car park at 10.30am.
If you have a man in your life who you think is struggling
mentally and you want to find out more about the group,
please search for ‘Walk&Talk4Men’ on Facebook.
Rugby Recruits
Shevington Sharks are on the lookout for any budding
rugby players who would be interested in joining one of
their teams. Coaches are looking to welcome players of all
ages, from 4 years old to open age. With the club moving
into their purpose-built facility at Vicarage Lane, there’s
never been a better time to join this up and coming club.
Training is on Thursdays at 6pm at Vicarage Lane and
matches are played on Sunday mornings. For more
information, please get in contact by going online to
www.shevingtonsharks.co.uk or searching Facebook for
@ShevingtonSharksARLFC
Pink Link
A business networking group for women has launched in
Wigan. Pink Link was created in 2009 by Coral Horn and
now has 14 groups throughout the North West area.
Pink Link is a supportive community for all women in
business, and owners, freelancers, and employees are all
welcome. In addition to the local online meetings, you
can access an online business community which brings
together members to share news and tips.
Pink Link Wigan will be holding online networking
meetings, hosted by Pink Link Network Facilitator, Rachel
Riches. The next meeting is on Wednesday 2nd June
from 9.30am-11am. You can book your space here www.
pinklinkladies.co.uk/networking-wigan/.
Dance Returns
The floors at St Wilfrid’s Parish Hall in Standish will once
again resonate to the sounds of dancers, all making up for
lost time, as the restrictions ease.
Renown Wigan dance company Hurst Dance have just
restarted their sessions at all their Wigan venues including
St Wilf’s on Church Street. Children’s Strictly Beginner
Ballroom and Latin classes run from 5.30pm for 6-16 year
olds. Adults Latin Line classes run at 6.30pm and again at
7.30pm and Adults Strictly Ballroom and Latin classes run
from 8.30pm.
For more details call Phil on 07745 685548 or visit www.
hurstdance.co.uk
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14
No socks please...
From pocket money treats to push-the-boat-out presents,
we’ve got plenty of ideas for Father’s Day gifts…
Whether your father is an avid runner or needs
some encouragement to get off the couch, a Garmin
Forerunner 35 might give him extra motivation. It’s
£129.99 from www.very.co.uk
A handcrafted, refillable pen will last for years.
If you’re on a budget, try the Wood Wirkshop,
which offers a range of wooden and acrylic
styles from just £12. See
www.facebook.com/TheWoodWirkshop
Ooni Fyra portable wood-fired outdoor pizza
oven, £249, www.cuckooland.com
Glamis bat box, £8,
shop.nationaltrust.org.uk
Dad will love a
weekend relaxing in
a hammock, available for
£75 from Habitat
It’s easy to pick up chocolate
from the supermarket, but a
personalised bar is so much more
special. These luxury handmade
chocolates cost £3.50 to £15
from www.cocoas.co.uk
If dad is hoping to indulge his
travel lust a bit more this year, this
T-shirt should whet his appetite.
And it’s just £8 from Tu
Classic car biscuits, £45,
www.biscuiteers.com
Photo reveal new dad mug, £9.99,
www.gettingpersonal.co.uk
Jolie espresso coffee machine, £79,
www.lavazza.co.uk
15
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Jorgus Carpets, Grimeford Mill, Grimeford Lane, Adlington, PR6 9HL
01257 482 636 | www.jorgus.co.uk
16
A full 12 months of lockdown restrictions have taken
their toll on many local communities, with many people
desperately in need of something to look forward to.
With most restrictions now liifting, why not take the
initiative and celebrate by throwing open your doors, or
taking to your gardens, driveways, parks and community
spaces for a good old British knees-up?
The Big Lunch is an annual community-led event that
connects people over a love of food and fun; Big Lunches
come in all shapes and sizes,
small and simple or large and
loud, the how, where and when
are totally up to you.
The celebrations for 2021 are
set to be extra special this year
as the nation emerges from
lockdown and community
events and activities take on
a life of their own. This is great
chance to create a sense of
occasion where you live and a
chance to strengthen those neighbourly bonds.
This year the Big Lunch weekend will take place on
Saturday 5th and Sunday 6th June. All you need to do
is decide how you’re going to join in with the event; you
can have a natter and a nibble online, a socially distanced
BBQ, set up a food stall on your driveway, share recipes
with your neighbours, raise money for your chosen
charity or go the whole hog and arrange a street party.
Last year more than 6 million people took part in the Big
Lunch, with 4.5 million of those
people saying that the event
helped them to feel less lonely.
For inspiration to stage your
own Big Lunch, just visit the
website www.thebiglunch.com
and download the pack.
Don’t forget, if you want to go one
step further and apply to close
the street for a big party, you’ll
need to conact your respective
council in order to do so.
LeafLet Distribution
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Flexible service for all businesses, large and small
Prices from £27.50 per thousand (minimum 4,000 leaflets)
Call or email us for a Leaflet Coverage List
then simply chose the postcode areas
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Call us on 01695 627999
Email chrisp@locallife247.co.uk
www.locallife247.co.uk
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Large selection of occasional furniture,
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20
Discovering the Douglas
By Nicola Gray
River level
monitoring
station
Aqueduct
16
Parbold
Windmill
Bridge 37
Alder Lane
Bridge 38
The River Douglas, also known as the River Asland, can be found
flowing from the West Pennine moors at Winter Hill, past
the urban centres of Horwich and Adlington. It enters
Worthington Lakes and remerges from a tunnel below
Chapel
House
Bridge 39
the reservoir dam, passing to the East of
Standish.
River Douglas
Gillibrand
Bridge 40
Bridge over
River Douglas
Hand Lane
Bridge 41
The river continues
Southwards to Wigan,
where it passes under the
railway near the Wigan North Western
station and heads north-west closely
paralleled by the Leeds and Liverpool
canal. It is crossed by the M6 motorway and
the railway line at Gathurst, passes through Appley
Bridge and at Parbold, crosses the canal for the third
time.
The river then turns northwards through largely
agricultural areas and is joined by the River Tawd,
south of Rufford and the River Yarrow north of
Rufford. It meets the Ribble estuary north of Tarleton,
near Preston and the waters then flow northwards
towards the bathing waters of the Fylde Coast.
Local Life is taking a look at the history of the river,
the wildlife living in and around its waters and the
groups who work hard to maintain it. We pick up
the River at Wigan Pier and follow it through to
Aqueduct 16 at Parbold.
Aqueduct 16 at Parbold
21
River Levels
In the section of the river, we are looking at, there are four
monitoring stations that consistently keep track of the
river levels and can help with flood warnings and flood
forecasts. There are monitoring stations at Parbold, Red
Rock, Appley Bridge and Wigan.
Parbold - The usual range of the River Douglas at
Parbold is between 0.10m and 2.93m. The highest level
ever recorded at Parbold is 3.60m, reached on Saturday
26th December 2015 at 4:15pm.
Red Rock - The usual range of the River Douglas at Red
Rock is between 0.11m and 1.10m. The highest level ever
recorded at Red Rock is 2.19m, reached on Saturday 23rd
June 2012 at 10:30am.
Appley Bridge - The usual range of the River Douglas at
Appley Bridge is between 0.37m and 3.35m. The highest
level ever recorded at the River Douglas at Appley
Bridge is 2.85m, reached on Saturday 26th
December 2015 at 2:00pm.
Wigan - The usual range of
the River Douglas at
River level gauge at Appley Bridge
Appley
Bridge 42
Appley
Bridge
Wigan is between 0.09m and 1.35m. The highest level
ever recorded at the River Douglas at Wigan is 2.55m,
reached on Saturday 26th December 2015 at 2:00pm.
River Douglas at Appley Bridge
with Herons Wharf in the
background
River level
monitoring
station
Finch Mill
Swing Bridge
43
Rannicars
Swing Bridge
44
Fishers
Swing
Bridge
45
Bridge over the River Douglas,
between Appley Bridge &
Parbold
22
Viaduct M6
Motorway
Gathurst
Gathurst
Bridge 46
Leeds & Liverpo o l Canal
Rail
Bridge
45A
Gathurst
Weir
s
Ri ver D ougl a
Crooke
Bridge 47
Fact File
• The River Douglas is a tributary of the River Ribble.
• The river is 35 miles long and rises as a series of springs on Rivington Moor near to the summit of Winter Hill.
• The name Douglas is derived from the Brittonic elements ‘dub’ meaning black and ‘glẹss’ meaning watercourse.
• In 1720 Thomas Steer and William Squire started to make the River Douglas navigable by small ships, between Wigan
and the mouth of the river. Due to financial problems this wasn’t completed until 1742 and by 1772, it had been bought
out by the Leeds and Liverpool Canal company.
• Aqueduct 16 at Parbold was designed by John Longbotham and dates back to 1791 and allows the canal to flow above
the river.
• On the upper reaches of the Douglas, the riverbed is relatively steep, and the river level can change quickly because of
rainfall.
• The remains of several locks can be seen between Parbold and Gathurst.
• The last 10 miles of the river are tidal.
• In 1892 the river was diverted in Wigan to allow for the construction of Wigan Central Railway.
Groups
& Projects:
Canal & River Trust:
Website: www.canalrivertrust.org.uk
Facebook: @canalrivertrust
Parbold Flood Group:
Email: parboldfloodgroup@outlook.com
Douglas Valley Lions:
Website: www.e-clubhouse.org/sites/douglas_valley/
Facebook: @douglasvalleylions
River Douglas Catchment Partnership:
Website: www.groundwork.org.uk/projects/riverdouglas-catchment-partnership/
Twitter: @DouglasPilot
Your River. The River Douglas
Facebook: @douglasriverassociationcic
Twitter: @River_Douglas_
Email: douglasriverassociation@gmail.com
Appley Bridge Community Association:
Facebook: @Appleybridgecommunitycentre
23
Wildlife
& Nature
Martland
Mill Bridge
49
49A Scot
Lane
Bridge
• Water vole
• Dragonfly
• Swans
• Moorhens
• Hedgehogs
• Minks
• Ducks
• Butterflies
• Fish including Chub, Roach, Dace, Pike, Perch
& Bream
• Birds including Dippers and Yellow Wagtails
Gathurst Weir
Rubbish at Green Street
Railway
Bridge
49A
Salmon used to be prevalent in the River Douglas, and it
is said that 150 years ago Wiganers would catch their own
Salmon for tea. The Douglas Catchment Partnership is
helping to build 8 fish passes, with 5 of those in our
River Douglas
area: Gathurst Weir, Pottery Terrace Weir, Scholes
Weir, Red Rock Weir and Worthington
Pagefield
Bridge 49B
Weir. This project, due to be fully
complete in 2022, will improve
the ability of fish populations to
spawn, reach a larger range of
food resources, and recover
from high flow or pollution
disturbances quicker than
before.
Le e ds & Liverpool Canal
Seven Stars
Railway
Bridge 49C
Seven Stars
Bridge 50
Wigan
Pottery
Terrace
Weir
Pottery
Road
Bridge 51
The River Douglas Association
CIC recently organised the Wigan
Plastic Challenge, which saw a big clean up of
the siphon at Green Street in Wigan Town Centre. The group
teamed up with Douglas, River Association, Stormwater Shepherds UK,
Douglas Catchment Partnership, Groundwork, Environment Agency, Canal and Rivers Trust, Wigan
Council, Bithels Skips and RAM Safety to fill 2 skips with plastic waste that had accumulated there for years.
24
A popular community event in the town centre
returns this year thanks to Wigan Rotary Club.
A free stall is available in Wigan town centre
on Saturday 18th September for any local
community group or charity as part of Wigan
Rotary Club’s Community Day.
Rotary President Rosemary Charles explained,
“We are providing this ‘free of charge’ opportunity
for local groups to raise their profile, make
some money, and recruit new members. Every
participating group will be allocated a frontage
on Standishgate or Market Place to erect a table or
gazebo and benefit from this opportunity”.
Community Day
She continued “The Community Day gives
voluntary and community organisations the opportunity
to showcase the fantastic work they are doing in our local
communities. This is the eighth year we have organised
this event and each year it becomes more popular and
we have had some fantastic feedback. Wigan Rotary have
been helping the Wigan community since 1924 and this is
just one of the ways for us to carry on the tradition”.
More details and a booking form for community groups
can be found on Wigan Rotary Clubs website www.
wiganrotary.org.uk or for more information, just call
07813 471000 or email WiganRotaryCommuntyDay@
outlook.com
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
25
Luxury Coach Holidays & Excursions
Here’s a small sample of our luxury coach holidays and day excursions
Luxury HoLidays
Cricket St Thomas
4 nights £459 p.p.
28th June ~ Dinner, B&B
Return to the scene of the TV
comedy To The Manor Born, now a
country hotel operated by Warners
Leisure and set in splendid parkland
with colourful gardens, lakes and a
unique woodland area. looking out across Sandown Bay.
What’s included:
3 Home Pick-up
3 Executive Coach Travel
3 Leisure Facilities
3 Nightly Entertainment
3 Excursions to Lyme Regis &
Honiton, and the Sidmouth
Vintage tram ride.
Luxury HoLidays
Isle of Man
6 days £539 p.p.
1st July ~ HB
The Rutland Hotel is located on
the sea front at Douglas and has a
full range of modern facilities and
accessories The Carvery restaurant
at the hotel offers both a buffet
breakfast and a hearty Manx roast in the evenings.
What’s included:
3 Home Pick-up
3 Executive Coach Travel
3 Leisure Facilities
3 Day excursions including,
Castletown, Peel, MER train
experience, Laxey Wheel
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
Oswestry & Llangollen
Saturday 24th July ~ £19 p.p.
Arriving in the border town of
Oswestry in the morning to enjoy
market day, before moving on to
Llangollen for sightseeing in the afternoon, before we
return home via the majestic Horseshoe Pass.
day Excursions
Anglesey Circular
Saturday 31st July ~ £25 p.p.
A day exploring the beautiful island of
Anglesey: stopping off for coffee and
shopping at Pringles in Llanfair PG,
before travelling up the scenic NW cost to Amlwch Port before
calling at the pretty town of Beaumaris on the way home.
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
26
Ooh Arrr, it’s u3a Day!
Ask the question ‘What is the u3a?’ to someone of tender
years and the answers might range from a religious
cult to a collective of Ugandan rappers. To those in the
know though, the u3a, whose ethos is ‘learn, laugh, live’,
is an organisation that can truly claim to have improved
the quality of life of thousands of its
members.
According to Wikipedia, the
University of the Third Age
(u3a) is an international
movement whose aims
are the education and
stimulation of those
no longer in
full time
employment, but it’s really taken off in the UK with over
1,000 u3a’s containing over 450,000 members. A typical
u3a will be home to many activity groups covering
hundreds of different subjects - from art to zoology and
everything in between.
The organisation is hosting its first ever national
u3a day in June and to mark the occasion
local groups are holding various events.
The only criterion to join this lowcost
organisation is that you
are no longer in full-time
employment, although many
members join pre-retirement
to sample a few groups as part
of the transition process.
Parbold u3a have organised
a Walking Treasure Hunt, which will
take place in the village on Saturday
6th June.
Families and groups will be able to
discover clues whilst exploring the
village, and prizes, including a large,
tinned hamper and various bottles, are up for
grabs too. All children dressed as pirates will
share in the bountiful treasure on offer, but
children under 16 must be accompanied
by an adult.
To whet your appetite, the group has
provided the first clue from the treasure
hunt;
‘What is the address of the
householder in Mill Lane who seems
to think that Parbold is close to the sea?’
27
Because of Covid restrictions, groups will have to register
to get a time slot and the cost per group is £10. Time slots
are limited so please book as soon as you can to avoid
disappointment – call Chris on 01257 422238 for details.
All proceeds from the treasure hunt will go to the Derian
House, the children’s hospice in Chorley. Funding for
Derian House has dropped significantly during the
pandemic, and the organisation is in desperate need of
donations.
As restrictions ease, the Parbold u3a will be re-starting
a wide range of activities from their base at Hut-on-the-
Hill including, family heritage, bowling, walking, reading,
walking netball, trips out and much more. For more
details, check out their website www.u3asites.org.uk/
parbold-newburgh or contact the membership secretary
on 01257 463320.
Upholland u3a are hosting a Heritage Trail on
Wednesday 2nd June.
An open-air information display stand will be located by
the Co-op store in Ormskirk Road in the village from 10am
to 4.30pm. Visitors to the stand can also pick up a details
of a heritage trail for the Upholland area. Members and
their friends are invited to attend a virtual Variety Show in
the morning and a virtual quiz in the evening.
Wigan u3a has several groups including topics
as diverse as the members who enjoy them from local
history, theatre, IT for beginners, urban sketching,
photography and visits to places of interest. In Wigan u3a
there are also a couple of very active walking Groups, to
suit all abilities, as well as crown green bowls and cycling.
Whilst u3a has a very informal structure and is run by
members for members, there are also opportunities
in the Wigan u3a to join the committee and help with
membership support which fills a gap for those seeking
greater involvement.
“I first joined a walking group at Wigan u3a when I moved
to the area about 3 years ago”, said John. “I‘m now in
several different groups, most of which have continued
online via Zoom during lockdown and it has really helped
to boost morale. There’s something here to interest
everyone and we’re always looking for new ideas.”
Wigan u3a are holding several events locally on
Wednesday 2nd June, for more details visit www.u3asites.
org.uk/wigan/, email enquiries@u3awigan.co.uk or call
Alan on 01942 324430 or Ray on 07483 247 775.
1. Which country is sometimes referred to as the
“land of the rising sun”?
2. Who used the stage name “the Sea Monster”
when she first began her career in stand-up
comedy?
3. Which act won the 2004 Brit Award for Best
British Album for their debut album, Permission
To Land?
4. Marked by dropping a ring into the sea inscribed
with the Latin for “we wed thee, sea, as a sign of
true and everlasting domination”, the Marriage
of the Sea ceremony is an ancient ceremony
that is still performed today in which European
city?
5. What is the only landlocked country with a
name ending in “land”?
6. The Sea of Marmara separates the European
and Asian parts of which country?
7. The poem The Waste Land by T.S. Eliot begins
by saying that which month of the year “is the
cruellest month”?
8. The Suez canal links which two seas?
9. According to the book of Genesis, which “land”
was Cain exiled to by God after murdering his
brother, Abel?
10. Which famous fictional bar is located directly
below a restaurant called Melville’s Fine Sea
Food?
Quiz
Theme:
Land and Sea
Quiz solutions can be found on page 75 of this magazine
28
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.
29
30
Island
escapes
in the UK
Islands are synonymous with holidays. But did you know
that you could get your dream island escape without
needing to leave the UK? It’s time to discover some of our
most beautiful islands.
The UK is home to not hundreds but thousands of islands,
big and small. From Scotland’s archipelago of rugged isles
to sun-soaked islands off the south coast, these hidden
gems could be perfect for your next escape. Here are
three islands you won’t need your passport for.
Isles of Scilly
If you’re looking for somewhere off the beaten track, the
Isles of Scilly are just the ticket, a peaceful pocket of paradise
just 28 miles off the coast of Land’s End in Cornwall.
With white-sand beaches, subtropical gardens and
some of Britain’s best weather, you could be forgiven for
thinking you’ve left the UK entirely. There are five main
islands: St Mary’s is the largest, followed by Tresco, with
very few people living on Bryher, St Martin’s and St Agnes.
Visiting the Scillies is
like stepping back in
time. Quiet, beautiful
and completely
unspoilt, you’ll have
almost every pristine
beach to yourself.
The walks are
outstanding and the
islands are popular
with nature-lovers
too, thanks to the
Isle of Wight
Atlantic grey seals
that breed here, not to mention the flocks of rare seabirds.
You can reach the islands by ferry or plane. Planes depart
from Land’s End, Newquay and Exeter airports, or you can
take the three-hour ferry crossing from Penzance to St
Mary’s.
Isle of Wight
Easily accessible by ferry from Southampton, Lymington
and Portsmouth, a mere two-hour journey from London,
there’s no better place for a British bucket-and-spade
break than the Isle of Wight.
It may be our biggest island, but it’s still small enough
to explore in a few days. Start in the west with a walk to
the Needles, three stacks of chalk and a lighthouse rising
impressively out of the ocean. Soak up the views across
Tennyson Down before jumping on a speedboat at Alum
Bay to see the Needles up close.
Hugh Town Harbour, St. Mary’s, Scilly Isles
31
Then there’s the magnificent Osbourne House in the
north, Queen Victoria’s family home, and Ventnor and
Shanklin beaches in the south. With zoos, dinosaur trails,
museums and adventure parks, there’s plenty for families
too.
Isle of Skye
Scotland has no shortage of beautiful islands, but most
visitors will agree on which is the most breathtaking: Skye.
Spanning 50 miles from top to bottom, Skye is adored
worldwide for its lush green moors, jagged mountains,
sparkling lochs and towering sea cliffs.
The weather up here is not always cheery, but the
frequent shrouds of mist only add to the island’s serene,
mystical presence. On good days, climb to the iconic Old
Isle of Skye
Man of Storr for one of the island’s best viewpoints, or trek
along the Quiraing, drinking in the outstanding scenery.
When the mist closes in, rest up in one of the island’s cosy
pubs or take a tour of a castle or two. Come rain or shine,
Skye won’t let you down.
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
32
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
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
ACCOUNTS
help to grow your business
TAX
plan to save
PAYROLL
outsource the valuable resource
BOOKEEPING
in the game without the strain
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get going on the right foot
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help you to drive forward
AUTO ENROLMENT
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CALL US ON 0800 1223633
FOR NO NONSENSE ADVICE
We can help www.mcgintydemack.co.uk
Taking the Stress out of Mortgages
Did you know we can help you with the following:
Residential Mortgages, Re-mortgages, First Time Buyers
Help to Buy, Adverse Credit, Right to Buy,
Equity Release/Lifetime Mortgages,
Overseas Mortgages*, Property Portfolio Creation
We also provide advice on making sure that you and
your home are fully protected should life throw anything
unexpected your way.
*this is outsourced to a specialist company
Call us on
01257 441580
or for more information visit
www.armortgagesuk.com
YOUR HOME IS AT RISK IF YOU DO NOT KEEP UP REPAYMENTS
ON YOUR MORTGAGE OR ANY OTHER LOAN SECURED ON IT.
Alexander Ross Mortgages is a trading style of WE Financial Services Limited
which is an appointed representative of LJ Financial Planning Limited which
is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.
33
The Big Toddle
Big Toddle Week, the annual fundraiser for children’s
charity Barnardo’s, returns this year from 28th June – 4th
July and your family is invited to take part.
A Big Toddle is a short, sponsored walk for under 5’s. This
year, it is a safari-themed event that you can do either as
a part of a group (Toddle Together) or as a family (Home
Safari) to support Barnardo’s, the charity that protects and
supports the UK’s most vulnerable children.
You can apply for a digital Big Toddle fundraising pack
that is jam-packed with lots of free activities, resources
and games to help take your little ones on a wild
safari adventure. Resources also fit into the Early Years
Foundation Stage framework, providing some great
learning opportunities along the way.
Children taking part can use sponsorship forms or you
can help them to set up a JustGiving page for the event.
You’ll find all the information on how to do this in the
Fundraising Pack.
With lots of opportunities for inventive dressing up,
creative arts and crafts and heaps of indoor and outdoor
fun, The Big Toddle will make sure you have a whale of a
time.
To download a pack or for more details, visit www.
barnardos.org.uk.
34
How to Spot a
Committed Buyer
The Wigan Property
Market is on fire with an
average sale time of just
26 days!
With demand currently
outstripping supply, it
is truly a sellers’ market.
Interest levels are so
high, that sellers are
experiencing
viewing
fatigue and are closing
viewings early sometimes
before potential buyers
have had a chance to view.
What is also clear though is that the number of sales
falling through is rising, so it’s never been more important
to ensure your viewers are genuine committed potential
buyers.
In a hot market, it’s not uncommon for panicky buyers
to make an impulsive offer and go beyond their financial
limits. A buyer might do this because they fear that prices
are rising and the market is getting away from them. Or
perhaps they’ve been outbid in the past and don’t want
to lose out again.
Whatever the motivation, the end result is the same: the
buyer isn’t committed and drops out weeks or months
into the sales process. Not only is it hugely frustrating for
the seller, but it could also cost them financially if they’re
part of a chain which then collapses because the parties
involved grow impatient.
So here are some tips to help you identify genuine buyers.
Arrange a second viewing.
If the buyer makes an offer after the first viewing, your
agent should arrange a
second visit to see if they
are still as keen as mustard.
The buyer should be
quizzed about their plans
for the property to see if
they’ve thought through
the purchase.
Do the admin.
Ensure your agent gets
the buyer to fill in an offer
form that includes details
about their mortgage
provider and solicitor. It’s
preferable to go with a buyer who already has their ducks
in a row.
What’s their story?
Chat to the buyer about why they are moving. If they’re
expecting a baby and have family in the same street, it’s a
fair bet that they’re the real deal. If they know little about
the area or their story keeps changing, question if they
are committed to the sale.
Ensure the lines of communication are open.
Ideally, your buyer will keep you informed of their
progress on the survey, searches, and chasing solicitors.
Be wary if things go quiet quickly.
Work with an experienced agent.
Experienced agents sell hundreds of properties a year,
so it stands to reason that they’ll be good at spotting
the genuine buyers from the chancers. Even though it’s a
buyer’s market, a good agent can streamline the process
for you, and ensure you get the best possible price for
your home.
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
36
Wigan Bandits
How do you fancy trying sport state-side style and playing
American Football? Wigan Bandits are an American
Football team, and they are looking for new players and
coaches to join their ranks.
All teams are now recruiting so anyone aged from ages
7-19, male or female, any shape, size and athletic ability
are welcome! You won’t need any experience of playing
American Football and all the equipment you will need
is supplied.
Subscription fees for U11s, U14s, U17s are only £5 a
month and the U16s and U19s are only £10 a month with
the full kit supplied.
Games start in June, so there is still time to join and start
training. Training takes place at Ashfield Park in Standish
and Leyland Park in Hindley.
Is 2021 going to mark the start of your American
Football Journey? if you are interested in coming along
to give it a try or want more information, please email
wiganbanditsyouth@outlook.com or visit @wiganbandits
on Facebook.
Babies & Beyond
The My Life charity, based at Thomson House Equestrian
Centre in Standish, is hosting a course to help babies and
small children to enjoy the great outdoors. The course will
run on Tuesdays 8th-29th June between 10am-12pm.
Sessions will take place in the beautiful orchard and are
designed for children of all abilities. Activities include
cloud watching, den building, making mud pies and
meeting the animals. The cost is £10 per session for the
family. Price includes coffee, juice and toast. For more
information, please call 01257 472 900 or email info@mylife.org.uk.
Hip Hop
If your child likes to dance, try out the new Hip Hop classes
at St Anne’s Parish Centre in Shevington. The classes are
run on Saturday mornings (10.30 & 11.30am) by the Carol
Barton School of Dance, and offer a free taster session.
Classes are suitable for all ages and take place in a relaxed
and fun environment. To book on these classes please
contact Zoe on 07951 606101.
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37
Fun at Heskin Hall
Heskin Hall on Wood Lane, Chorley, have announced a
string of dates for entertainment, leisure, shopping and
food events, aimed to brighten up our summer.
If you are a lover of open-air theatre, then there are a
couple of great performances coming up; A Midsummer
Night’s Dream on Wednesday 16th June at 6.30pm and
Little Red Riding Hood on Wednesday 18th August at
2pm. Tickets cost £15 for adults and £12 for children.
On Saturday 5th and Sunday 6th June, the hall will be
hosting a festival of history from 11am -4pm each day. The
day will see re-enactors from WW2, the English Civil War
and Medieval times. There will be living history displays,
stalls and lots of entertainment for the children.
There will also be a five-course medieval banquet with
genuine 15th Century recipes to enjoy on the Saturday.
The cost of the banquet is £30pp, but those who opt to
dine will get free entry to the festival.
There will also be a Sunday Market on 13th June from
11am-4pm, with stalls selling a selection of goods,
children’s rides, birds of prey displays and a beer garden
for the adults!
For more information about any of the upcoming events
or to book tickets please call 01257 452044 or go online
at www.heskinhall.com
Transform
your old
flight into an
elegant sight!
With Transform Staircases
Celebrating 25 years
in the Staircase Industry
With a staircase refurbishment by Transform we can create
a whole new look to your home, bringing a contemporary
modern feel with a more open and light appearance.
The choice is yours!
Visit us in our
New
Showroom
126 Frog Lane
Wigan
WN6 7DS
www.transformstaircases.co.uk
Telephone Bernard: 01942 323980
Mobile: 07947 413246
Email: bernard@transformstaircases.co.uk
We specialise in: Traditional Timber • Toughened Glass Panels • Chrome or Brushed Nickel fittings
38
Bold
Vibes
Set the mood for summer with
gorgeous furnishings and accessories
in bright and cheerful shades.
Intentionally clashing colours and patterns add drama and interest.
Frida Kahlo-style Flower Crown canvas art, £102; Aziza gold console
table, £255; Marilyn Blush velvet armchair, £545; colourful Berber-style
rug, from £172; all audenza.com
GO ALL OUT FOR COLOUR
• Update any room instantly with some vivid wall
art. There is a huge choice available both in the
high street and online, including very affordable
printable art that you simply download and print
out yourself. Alternatively, you might even want
to make some art of your own: buy blank canvases
from an art shop and choose co-ordinating tester
pots of paint for some modern abstract originals.
This colour collection by Dulux mixes standout pinks and
reds with subtler shades of the same tones – a palette that
will add verve and vitality to any home. dulux.co.uk
A colourful, marbled jesmonite lamp
base contrasts with a bright red fabric
cable. Immediately eye-catching.
Marbled jesmonite table lamp, £60,
nineangels.co.uk
A rainbow vase handmade
from jesmonite.
Brunswick vase, £39,
concretecandy.co.uk
• Accessories such as throws, cushions, vases, plant
pots or lamp bases can make all the difference,
even in a relatively neutral room, adding colour to
liven up your day. Group small items together for
greater impact, and don’t worry too much about
conventional good taste – a few clashing colours
can be exciting and uplifting.
• The floor is one of the largest visible areas in any
room, so a new rug will have a dramatic impact and
can completely change the look and feel of the
space. A flat-woven rug in a single block or colour,
wide stripes or a geometric pattern is a great choice.
• If you are feeling particularly bold, consider
repainting wooden furniture, such as chairs,
wardrobes, chests of drawers or even kitchen
cabinets. To do the job properly, remove handles,
knobs or other hardware first, sand down
thoroughly and prime before painting. Use a mini
foam roller on any large, flat surfaces for a perfectly
flat finish.
39
An eye-catching artwork in fresh, modern
colours will look great in any room.
Bold Jungle Tiger art print, £15,
abstracthouse.com
Group houseplants in a variety of pots
against a brightly coloured wall.
The range pictured is from dobbies.com
Add a bold throw to the back of a
sofa or chair for a pop of brilliant
colour and pattern.
Arizona terracotta throw, £23,
albertandmoo.com
A contrast trim helps accentuate vivid
colours.
Mardi Gras cushion in tangerine,
£19.99, dobbies.com
For real impact, add a large item of furniture upholstered
in a colour that you adore.
Reece armchair in orange velvet, £229.99, daals.co.uk
LeafLet Distribution
service
Your leaflets delivered alongside this magazine
to up to 39,000 local homes
Flexible service for all businesses, large and small
Prices from £27.50 per thousand (minimum 4,000 leaflets)
Call or email us for a Leaflet Coverage List
then simply chose the postcode areas
you want to target
Call us on 01695 627999
Email chrisp@locallife247.co.uk
www.locallife247.co.uk
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40
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42
Funding Opens
A £2m Wigan Council fund will help community
organisations, groups and clubs disrupted by the
pandemic get back up and running. Open to bids from all
grassroots and voluntary initiatives, the Our Community
Recovery Fund (OCRF) was unveiled as part of the
council’s 2021/22 budget.
A second round of applications – with allocations of up
to £500 available – will open on Monday 5th July and
all applications for this round will need to be returned
by Sunday 15th August. Further rounds are planned for
October 2021 and January 2022.
Potential recipients are being encouraged to show how their
projects will boost community spirit, engage volunteers
and align with important issues in their local area.
Councillor Chris Ready, cabinet member for communities,
said: “We want groups, clubs and organisations of all
kinds to come forward and tell us why they need help to
get back on their feet”.
Community organisations, groups and clubs can apply
for what they will need to help them get back up and
running following the COVID-19 pandemic and will
need to outline on an application form what they want
to do, how the funding will be spent and what positive
outcomes the activity will provide.
To apply for funding, visit https://communityrecoveryfund.
wigan.gov.uk/. If you need further details about the scheme,
or you need further help and support with the application
process please email thedealforcommunities@wigan.gov.uk.
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44
Add Colour to
Your Kitchen
If your kitchen is feeling bland and
boring, it could simply be missing a dose
of interesting colour. Whether you’re
planning a major renovation or just want
a quick fix, there are plenty of ways in
which to introduce bolder, brighter shades.
Kitchen cupboards and appliances
Add colour with glossy, flat-fronted modern units or
commission a traditional painted kitchen in any paint
colour under the sun. Alternatively, just specify a coloured
island unit combined with plain cupboards elsewhere. If
replacing free-standing appliances, consider less usual
colours – ice cream-coloured retro fridges, for example,
or an Aga in a jewel-bright enamel. This look is best
teamed with neutrals in other areas of the room so as not
to overwhelm.
Worktops and splashbacks
Teamed with understated kitchen cupboards, a colourful
worktop or splashback can give a welcome lift. Sleek
toughened glass can be painted on the back in a range of
shades with some showrooms offering a colour-matching
service at extra cost. Others options include a dramatic
shade of natural stone, stone composites (often called
quartz), man-made solid surfaces (such as Corian), and
Painting free-standing furniture is a quick and cost-effective way to
change your colour scheme.
These pieces are by The Painted Furniture Company: 01285 656 041;
paintedfurnitureco.co.uk
laminates (generally the least expensive option), all in a
range of interesting shades.
Walls and floors
A simple way to add oomph is to paint a wall or two in
a strong colour, or replace wall tiles – choose dramatic
colours for impact even over a relatively small area.
Another cheap trick is to use plain white tiles with
brightly coloured grout (lemon yellow and sky blue are
great). One way to add instant colour for flooring is with
a small, washable rug with an underlay to stop it slipping.
If it’s a complete renovation, vinyl and rubber flooring
is available in many colourways, while poured floors –
polished concrete or resin – can be dyed in any colour.
A vividly coloured seating area and a painted island unit add colour to this otherwise neutral space.
Twickenham Framed Handleless Shaker kitchen, Higham Furniture: 020 73810 488; higham.co.uk
45
Free-standing furniture
Painting wooden furniture is straightforward but needs
preparation – sanding, cleaning and priming – and a
steady hand for painting. It can make a phenomenal
difference, especially with a change of knobs, handles,
hinges and other hardware.
Window treatments and soft
furnishings
Roller blinds are practical and inexpensive where
humidity and splashes are inevitable; alternatively,
wooden shutters can be bright and breezy. Add colour
to seating areas in the form of upholstery, fabric-covered
chair seats or scatter cushions.
Finishing touches
Create colourful displays in glass-fronted cabinets or on
shelving, perhaps cookbooks arranged in a rainbow or
some vintage glassware. Add colourful pendant shades
over a kitchen island or dining table, or accessories such
as bread bins, canisters, knife blocks, cupboard handles,
plant pots, wall art or flowers to bring more colour into
the heart of your home.
A stylish chevron splashback introduces a dose of blue to this
minimal white kitchen.
Savanna Petrol gloss wall tiles, £39.96 per square metre, The
London Tile Company: 0333 320 8048; londontile.co.uk
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46
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• Service contracts
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sales@expolinkalarms.co.uk
EstablishE d 1982
47
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48
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49
Six of the best
WALKS
to enjoy post-Lockdown
To mark the impending end
of the restrictions, we’ve
pulled together a ‘6 of the Best’
series, highlighting some of
the region’s best locations to
experience arts, culture, leisure
and shopping.
Here are our favourite circular walks
from our collection of Jack’s Tracks
walks. Check the website below to
download these and other walks free.
OF THE
SIX
B E S T
You can download these and over 60 other walks free from our website
www.locallife247.co.uk
50
DARWEN
This 3½ mile route is the shortest Jack’s Tracks we’ve ever done, but
as much of it is uphill it’s not an easy route. The starting point is by
the Royal Arms pub, from where you’ll dip into woodland surrounding
Roddlesworth’s reservoirs, before tackling a gentle incline prior to
walking around the perimeter of Earnsdale reservoir and you’ll also
pass close to Sunnyhurst Hey reservoir.
FACTS
Starting Point BB3 OPA
Miles 3.5
Difficulty Moderate to Hard
OS Maps Ref: JT Darwen
Points of Interest: Jubilee Tower,
Reservoirs, Royal Arms pub
Summary: Gentle at first, thigh-aching
breathlessness up the hill and a
deserved pint at the end.
Then comes the steep climb up to the peak of Darwen Hill, which is
1,220 feet above sea level, and you’re rewarded by amazing views of
the North West. The octagonal Jubilee Tower atop the hill was built in
1898 to commemorate Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee and also to
celebrate the victory of the local people for the right to access the moor.
FACTS
Starting Point M29 7QP
Miles 4.5
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
OS Maps Ref: JT Astley Green
Points of Interest: Mining Museum,
Morley’s Hall, Bedford Moss,
Bridgewater Canal.
Summary: Not the prettiest
walking route around
but one that tries hard
with what it
has got.
ASTLEY
GREEN
The sight of the last surviving pit headgear (a Grade II monument) of
Lancashire’s coalfields at the start and end of the route evokes strong
memories amongst those above a certain age. A visit to the 15-acre
Colliery Museum site, now run by the Red Rose Steam Society charity,
is a great place to end the walk.
You’ll also see Morley’s Hall en-route, an early 19th century moated hall
site, which is a Grade II* listed building, and Astley Moss is a rare area of
peat bog, which is one of the last remaining fragments of Chat Moss.
Astley Moss was designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest in 1989.
51
WINTER HILL &
RIVINGTON
There is so much to distract you on this walk on Rivington Moor. A
fairly gentle and steady ascent up Rivington’s slopes can easily be
interrupted by exploring the Terraced Gardens or popping up to the
Pike. Then once you have passed the distractions of Rivington, a short,
steep scramble uphill brings you to the site of mining activity, aeroplane
disasters, murders and (believe it or not) UFO sightings – Winter Hill.
Winter Hill is 1,496 feet above sea level. There is more hardware up there
than you can shake a stick at – numerous masts for TV transmission and
telecommunications – and there are a few historical plaques on the hill
too, one marking an air crash in 1958 where 35 people died.
FACTS
Starting Point BL6 7RU
Miles 6.5
Difficulty: Moderate
OS Maps Ref: JT-Winter-Hill-
Rivington
Points of Interest: Rivington
Terraced Gardens, Rivington
Pike, Historical plaques on
Winter Hill.
WHEELTON MOOR
FACTS
Starting Point PR6 8QU
Miles 6
Difficulty: Moderate
OS Maps Ref: JT Wheelton Moor
Points of Interest: Picturesque White
Coppice, desolate moorland and old
cottages, Brinscall village
Summary: Steep climb at start, levels off
on moor and a pleasant wander back
along The Goit to Brinscall.
The starting point for this walk is the traditional Lancashire village of
Brinscall, with its delightfully quaint swimming pool, two pubs and an
extremely tasty chippy. Leaving all that behind, you tackle the steep
incline to the desolate and hauntingly beautiful moors which are
littered with stone ruins. These derelict smallholding cottages were
issued with a CPO by Liverpool Corporation in the early 20th century
to protect the purity of the water in their nearby reservoirs.
After a slow descent from the moors, you emerge at White Coppice,
hailed as the most picturesque cricket ground in Lancashire, where you
have time to rest with refreshments available at the café at weekends
and back holidays during the cricket season. You return to Brinscall via
a gentle stroll along The Goit.
52
PARBOLD
EIGHT
Parbold is known as the walking capital of West Lancashire and this
route epitomises why that is the case. Starts at Hunters Hill, a former
quarry that is known for its pleasant woodlands and its diverse wildlife.
You will then travel across open countryside and ancient woods to the
very popular Fairy Glen, with its waterfalls and cliff faces.
FACTS
Starting Point L40 3SR
Miles 7
Difficulty: Moderate to Hard
OS Maps Ref: JT-Parbold-Eight
Points of Interest: Fairy Glen, Hunters
Hill Quarry, Parbold Hill
Summary: Leave the heights of
Hunters Hill and slowly fade down to
the Douglas Valley floor, and then you
face a steep climb back up.
Follow the route downhill until you reach the Leeds Liverpool Canal,
before then starting the steep climb up Parbold Hill and beyond. On
reaching High Moor, you travel up the Harrock Estate driveway and
climb to the highest point of the walk, Harrock Hill reservoir. The route
again fades downhill before another steep climb to the starting point.
FACTS
Starting Point L40 1TB
Miles 8
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
OS Maps Ref: JT-RuffordCroston-
Circular
Points of Interest: Picturesque Croston,
little-used stretch of Leeds &
Liverpool Canal, good pubs nearby.
Summary: Solitude central and flat
as the proverbial pancake – quiet
stretches of canal and Moss areas,
interjected by a stroll through
Croston.
RUFFORD &
CROSTON
CIRCULAR
If you like your canals to be without the hordes of fishermen and cyclists,
the Rufford branch of the Leeds Liverpool Canal, which runs from
Burscough up to the Ribble estuary, is the place for you. A pleasant stroll
past Rufford Old Hall and up to Sollom on the canal is followed shortly
afterwards by an amble up the riverbanks of the Ribble to Croston.
After a walk round the outskirts of Croston, or if you prefer, a stop off at
one of the many village pubs, you’ll arrive at the big skies, open spaces
and total silence of Croston Moss before meeting up once more with
the Ribble which takes you back to Rufford.
53
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54
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.
56
Puzzle Pages
CROSSWORD
DOWN
1. Person drafted into military service (9)
2. Activity of making things out of iron,
steel, etc (9)
4. Ringworm (5)
5. Two-wheeled horse-drawn battle vehicle (7)
6. Metropolis (4)
7. External structure of a vehicle (4)
11. Bird-frightening effigy (9)
12. Act of mass destruction and loss of life (9)
14. Tow boat (3)
15. Register of victims to be eliminated (3,4)
18. Flying insects with a formidable sting (5)
19. French for ‘father’ (4)
20. Sean ___, US film actor and director (4)
ACROSS
3. Block of compressed meat, fish or vegetable extract (5,4)
8. Call used three times by a Town Crier (4)
9. Less than average surge of the sea (4,4)
10. Meeting of spiritualists (6)
13. Tree also known as the mountain ash (5)
14. Leaves dried and prepared for smoking (7)
15. Temporary military shelter (3)
16. False hairpiece fashionable in the 17th-18th centuries (7)
17. Greta ___, film star (1905-1990) (5)
21. Tree with sharp thorns (6)
22. Branch of biology that studies heredity and variation
in organisms (8)
23. British explorer of the Arctic and Antarctic (4)
24. Enquiry into finances of a person applying for
monetary aid (5,4)
WORDWHEEL
Using only the letters in the Wordwheel, you have ten
minutes to find as many words as possible, none of
which may be plurals, foreign words or proper nouns.
Each word must be of three letters or more, all must
contain the central letter and letters can only be used
once in every word. There is at least one word that uses
all of the letters in the wheel.
TARGET
EXCELLENT: 25 or more words
GOOD: 20 words
E
V
O
B
E
J
T
I
C
FAIR: 16 words
57
WORDSEARCH
APERITIF
APPETIZER
BILL
CASHIER
CHAIRS
CHEF
COOKS
CUPS
CUSTOMER
DRINKS
FORK
GLASSES
KNIFE
MEAL
MENU
NAPKINS
ORDER
PLATES
SALAD
SPOON
TABLECLOTH
TABLES
TEA
TIP
WAITER
WAITRESS
WATER
WINE
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.
TEAR
WIGGLE WORDS
CLUE: in an agitated
state of suspense.
Trace a path through all
the letters to find the
word or phrase that fits
the clue.
N D N A
E S O S
E E N N
D L P I
DROP
All the puzzle solutions can be found
on page 75 of this magazine
58
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.
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Through our partnerships and extensive knowledge of
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able to deliver a hands on, proactive services to our client
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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
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combining the Xero accounting software with Dext, an
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59
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60
Win a meal for two!
Local Life has teamed up with four of our favourite local eateries to present you with a chance to win a meal for two worth
up to £50. We have four prizes to give way, one from each of the four eateries featured on these pages.
It’s been a tough 15 months for our cherished pubs and restaurants, but step by step, the hospitality sector is reopening.
To enter the competition to win one of four meals for two, simply visit our website, www.locallife247.co.uk, click on ‘free
stuff’ and then on ‘competitions’ and then answer the following question;
What’s the name
of the BBC cookery
competition presented
by Gregg Wallace and
John Torrode?
www.lilyandarthurs.co.uk
www.foresters.pub
61
www.wayfarerparbold.co.uk
www.houghwoodgolfclub.co.uk
The expiry date for the competition is midnight on Wednesday
30th June 2021, and the winners will be personally contacted
within five working days and the results will be posted on our
Facebook account within 5 working days. Prize consists of the
food only portion of a meal for two and the maximum value is
£50. The prize can be used up to 30th October 2021 on Monday-
Thursday only and your table must be booked in advance with
the restaurant. Entrants must be over 16 years of age. Strictly
one entry per household – multiple entries will be disqualified.
Local Life 247 cannot accept responsibility for entries that do
not reach us. Employees of Local Life 247 Ltd and their families
are not eligible to enter this competition.
62
Lemony Pea and Broad
Bean Red Rice Risotto
Serves 2
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 49 minutes
A delicious, comforting dish. Red rice has a wonderful nutty flavour and
is rich in fibre and antioxidants, making it a healthier option than white
refined rice.
Ingredients
1 tbsp olive oil
2 garlic cloves, crushed
1 red onion, finely chopped
500ml hot vegetable stock
125g Camargue red rice
Zest of 1 lemon
1 tbsp lemon juice
100g frozen peas
100g shelled broad beans (fresh or frozen)
4 asparagus spears cut into 2cm pieces
1 tbsp grated parmesan cheese
Method
1. Heat the oil in a large shallow pan and sauté the onion and garlic for
5 minutes. Add the rice and stir to coat in the oil.
2. Add the vegetable stock. Bring to the boil then simmer covered for
40 minutes, stirring occasionally.
3. Add the lemon, peas, broad beans and asparagus and cook for a
further 4 minutes until tender.
4. Spoon into bowls and scatter over the Parmesan to serve.
NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION PER SERVING: calories 403kcal, fat 9.9g, carbohydrates 59.4g, protein 14g
Chilli Glazed Salmon
With Cucumber, Herb & Lime Salad
63
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).
64
Let’s talk about the
Perimenopause
By Kate Duggan
I was 39 when I started having menopausal
symptoms. By 42, hot flushes were a daily
annoyance: I was waking up several times a
night with joint pain or because I needed to run
to the loo, and I just felt generally old. In short,
the perimenopause was proving a royal pain in
the backside.
The average age of the menopause is 51. Before
45 is considered young, but the perimenopause
(the time leading up to the menopause when
levels of oestrogen and progesterone are
decreasing) can last for years.
Symptoms
If I listed all the possible menopausal symptoms
here, there wouldn’t be space to write about
anything else. The most common ones include:
• Irregular periods
• Hot flushes or night sweats
• Mood changes (e.g. feeling sad for no real reason or
having sudden rages)
• Fatigue
• Loss of libido
• Joint paint
• Urinary problems
HRT
Some types of HRT may slightly increase your risk of breast
cancer, but HRT could decrease your risk of other serious
illnesses, such as osteoporosis. Some studies have also
shown that it may help to protect against severe COVID
. Whether or not you take HRT is very much a personal
decision to be made in consultation with a doctor. Given
my age, my GP felt the benefits outweighed any risks.
Honestly, as my symptoms were pretty mild, I haven’t
seen a huge difference since being on HRT, but I do notice
myself dancing around the kitchen again, my joints
no longer ache and the hot flushes have gone (thank
goodness). I’m also sleeping better.
Dr Louise Newson is a leading menopause specialist and
the founder of the Balance app. She recommends seeking
help early: “The perimenopause is when hormone levels
start to reduce, so this is actually the best time to start
taking HRT. When hormone levels reduce, symptoms
commonly occur and also health risks start, such as an
increased risk of heart disease and osteoporosis.”
Supplements
If HRT isn’t for you, supplements may help to ease
symptoms. Before starting HRT, I took turmeric and
evening primrose oil, which did seem to help. Other
people swear by black cohosh or other herbal treatments.
However, there is little scientific evidence about how
effective supplements are, and some should not be used
if you have certain health conditions or are on medication.
So do your research, speak to your doctor and only buy
from a reputable retailer.
65
Dealing with hot flushes
Hot flushes are vile. I kept a bottle of rose water in the
fridge to spritz on my face when the heat hit. An electric
fan can help, as can wearing layers that are easy to whip
off so you can cool down quicker. The NHS also advises
reducing alcohol and caffeine. (Neither of which I
succeeded at.)
If hot flushes are making your life a misery, do talk to your
doctor, as they should be able to prescribe something to
help.
Exercise
Weight-bearing exercise (such as running) can help to
strengthen your bones, thus giving you some protection
against osteoporosis. Exercise (particularly outdoors) is
also good for your mental health. I started Couch to 5K
a year ago. To begin with, 30 seconds of running was a
struggle. I’m never going to be a mega-fit gym bunny but
a few days ago I ran 7km (slowly), which would have been
unthinkable a year ago.
Ideally, find a running partner to keep you motivated.
Otherwise, try podcasts or music, and challenge yourself
by logging your progress on Strava. (And if you’re a fan
of The Walking Dead, you need to try the ‘Zombies, Run!’
app…)
If you’re not keen on running, there are thousands of
exercise videos on YouTube, from Yoga With Adriene to
high-energy dance workouts.
Useful info
• The Menopause Doctor website (www.
menopausedoctor.co.uk) has lots of resources on
everything from HRT to contraception.
• The Balance app (www.balance-app.com) can help you
to keep track of your period and symptoms.
• www.healthandher.com offers a wealth of advice and
relevant products, from vitamins to cooling nightwear.
• If your friends aren’t at the same stage, why not join a
forum? ‘Totes Merry Peri’ on Facebook is my personal
favourite.
(Please note that this article is intended to give a general
overview of the subject and is not intended as medical
advice.)
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66
Glasson Dock
by Chris Pearce
Distance: 5½ miles Difficulty: Easy
Finally let loose out of the parish after lockdown lifted, we
hot footed it up to the M6 to Glasson Dock, an interesting
little village in the Morecambe Bay area which is a curious
mix of leisure resort and working dock. The harbour at
Glasson opened in 1787 to replace the dock at Lancaster
and was, at its height, the largest port in the north west. This
pretty village has much to commend it for an afternoon out
and there are many great walking routes around this mainly
flat area; here’s a fairly easy 5½ mile one for you.
Follow the B5290 into the village and park up in the car
park on the left overlooking the marina (LA2 0BT). Cross
the swing bridge and walk up to the top of Tithebarn
Hill. As hills go, it’s not that steep but because the area
for miles around is flat as the proverbial pancake, you’re
rewarded with an impressive view of the Lune estuary
when you get to the top.
Turn left at the top of the hill and follow the road downhill
to a dog leg bend. Cross over and take the single-track
road called Marsh Lane. Pass the caravan park on the left
and go through the gate into the field beyond. Follow the
clearly worn path which veers to the left towards another
gate in the distance, right by a small pond.
Go through this gate and follow the path up a slight
incline and there, peering over the top at you is Plover
Scar lighthouse. A few yards further and you’ll pass by
Crook Farm and reach the coastal path, along with a
disused sea mine.
Turn left and follow the coastal path. At Abbey
Lighthouse Cottage (which is also the site of the old
Abbey Lighthouse) bear right to stay on the coastal path.
Round the headland and then, as you pass by the slipway,
take a diagonal path inland towards Cockersand Abbey.
Go past the Abbey and look for a stile that will help you
enter the farmyard. Follow the path through the farm and,
once you reach the front, go through the gateway and
follow the driveway to the road. Bear left onto Moss Lane,
which zigzags 1/3 of a mile until you reach a junction
with the brown Cockerham Sands sign. Bear left here, and
follow the road up to Abbey Lighthouse Cottage.
Turn right and follow the coastal path once more for 300
yards until you reach Crook Cottage. Turn right and cross
over the two high stiles onto and out of the property’s
boundaries and follow this path for ¾ of a mile, crossing
footbridges and switching field perimeters, but heading
in the same direction all the time, following the path all
the way.
Dobs Lane
67
River Lune
Sunderland
Janson Pool
Glasson
Dock
Glasson
P
B5290
River Lune
Janson
Pool
Glasson
Marsh
Tithe
Barn Hill
Lancaster
Canal
Marsh Lane
Caravan
Park
Old Glasson
Crook
Farm
Kendal
Hill Farm
Kenhill
Lodge
Moss Grove
Abbey
Lighthouse
Cottage
Tomlinson’s Farm
Lancashire Coastal Way
Slack Lane
Gardner’s
Farm
Moss Lane
Moss Lane
Remains of
Cockersand
Abbey
For those with the OS Maps
app on your desktop, mobile
or tablet, this walk is named:
JT-Glasson-Dock
Go through the green garden gate onto the farmyard
of Kendal Hill Farm and turn left, following the driveway
past Kenhill Lodge for 200 yards. Once you reach the old
Fresian sign, turn right onto a stony track. 300 yards later,
when you arrive at a right-hand bend in the track bear
left towards the brook and follow that path round the
perimeter of the field.
Hop over the stile onto Jeremy Lane and turn left. Follow
this single-track road for almost ½ a mile and, as it joins
with a larger road, carry on in the same direction up to the
canal bridge. Cross over to the left at the top of the bridge
and drop down to the towpath. Follow the tow path for 200
yards and you’ll arrive at the car park where you started.
68
Cockersand Abbey
In 1180 this lonely spot, built on a low island
of clay in the middle of undrained marshland,
housed a hermitage occupied by Hugh Garth.
Garth’s reputation as a holy man prompted the
foundation of a hospital to care for sick people,
including lepers.
A decade later the hospital was enlarged to
become a priory. The priory attracted enough
endowments that it was raised to the status of an
abbey. Cockersand Abbey owned estates across
Lancashire and into what is now Cumbria.
In 1539, Henry VIII’s Reformation Parliament
passed the Proclamation of The Crown Act
which sounded the death knell for England’s
remaining monasteries and the last abbot of
Cockersand, Robert Poulton, and his 22 canons
signed the document of surrender, marking the
end for Cockersand Abbey.
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.
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70
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.
71
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
more in line with the segment.
The Prime Minister also outlined up to £582 million in
extra grants to help those buying zero or low-emissions
vehicles to lower the cost.
It’s charging where the cost savings really come into play.
As with petrol, the prices do vary between chargers, with
some costing from around 25p/kWh up to around 35p/
kWh. For around 100 miles of additional charge, you’ll be
looking at about £6-7.
When it comes to charging at home, that really depends
on your own energy tariff. Plenty of companies are now
offering EV-friendly plans that take advantage of lowerpriced
charging times, such as in the middle of the night.
However, for an average EV with around 200 miles of
range and a 60kWh battery, you’ll be looking at around
£8.40 for a full charge. It represents good value compared
with petrol and diesel.
Are there any benefits that aren’t as
obvious?
Though the cost-saving benefits are quite easy to see,
there are some other positives to owning an electric car.
One of them is simply refinement – EVs are quiet and,
therefore, relaxing to drive around in. You’ll notice quite
a difference compared with a petrol or diesel car, in fact.
Another positive is performance. Even lower-powered EVs
really zip away from the line, and they give acceleration
that regular cars simply can’t hope to match.
But isn’t the UK lacking in charge
points?
The number of charging stations in the UK has grown
enormously in recent years. According to ZapMap, there
are over 35,000 connectors across the country, made
up of around 20,000 charge points in about 13,000
locations.
In terms of how they’re spread out across the country, 26
per cent are in central London alone, with 13.5 per cent in
the south east and 12.3 per cent in Scotland. This figure is
only set to rise, too, as government funding looks to make
fast chargers more widespread across the country.
Furthermore, the Prime Minister has stated that an extra
£1.3 billion in investment will be rolled out in order to
improve the country’s charging structure and thus make
charging easier.
Doesn’t the energy for electric cars
only come from fossil fuels anyway?
Of course, an electric vehicle is only as environmentally
friendly as its energy source. However, many energy
and charger unit suppliers are working to ensure that
their energy comes from green suppliers. All of BP
Chargemaster’s charging stations, for example, are
certified as providing renewable energy, while home
energy providers like Octopus Energy provide power that
is completely green.
72
Things that are
good for the soul
Award Winner
by Angie Barker
I recently came across an article entitled
10 things that are good for the soul. These
included:
• Breathing in fresh air
• Soaking up sunshine
• Turning off electronic devices
• Embracing seasonal moments
• Finding something inspiring
• Being in nature
Have you twigged yet? Yes! All of these things
can relate to being outside in a garden
I have previously banged on about the
health benefits of gardening I know but at
this moment in time when lots of us are struggling with
mental health issues, and no wonder after what we have
all been through in the last year and a half, I thought it
worth making the point again. First of all we all know that
gardening is good for your physical health but it also
makes you feel good. It is fantastic all round exercise and it
brings a real sense of well being. Research has shown that
it can help relieve mental illnesses such as depression.
You appreciate the workings of nature, wildlife and the
seasons in a way that you just wouldn’t notice if you
weren’t gardening on a regular basis. And all of that is
good for the soul. And what better way to encourage your
children away from computer games by showing them
how much enjoyment can be had from being outside in
the garden and growing plants and food.
Physically gardening activity, which includes digging,
raking, sweeping, lifting, bending, carrying, kneeling,
walking, stretching, and so on, can lower blood pressure
through aerobic activity. It involves muscular activity
which keeps you strong which, as you get older, is so
important. And we all know that being outside in the fresh
air is good for body and soul. As I often say to hubby, if you
want to decline into old age, then sit on your back side.
Yes gardening can be hard work and it is not the most
glamorous of activities (you will get dirty, achey, hot,
scratched and tired) but the rewards are immense and
you will have an outdoor space you love and take pride in.
So you young uns out there, don’t waste your money on
going to the gym. Just garden – you will I promise find it
is good for the soul.
Angie is a qualified awardwinning
garden designer
who will plan your garden
to your needs from start to
finish, supplying reputable
contractors and the ideal
plants.
Call Angie now for your free consultation!
Angie Barker Dip GD (Inst GD) BA (Hons)
Garden Design For All Seasons
Tel: 01942 522 405
Mob: 07857 008 383
www.angiebarker.co.uk
Award Winner
73
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Call - 01942 225711 or
07773 296880
Eton Way, Orrell
25 yeaRs of expeRTIse
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Mobile: 07951 764202
The Barn, 286 Ormskirk Road, Upholland
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07879 024070
01925 271108
01942 387067
crOwn thInnInG
fencInG
fLAGGInG
turfInG
ArtIfIcIAL GrASS
20%
Off
ALL
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BOOKInGS
Email: fourseasons.treespecialists@gmail.com
75
• Landscaping
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WE WON’T BE BEATEN ON
QUALITY OR PRICE
UP TO 25% DISCOUNT
Call Al today for a free quote or advice
OFFICE
01942 396 818
MOBILE
07796 494 463
All tree work including
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MAN
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Puzzle Solutions
CROSSWORD
ACROSS: 3. Stock cube, 8. Oyez, 9. Neap tide, 10. Seance, 13. Rowan, 14. Tobacco,
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DOWN: 1. Conscript, 2. Metalwork, 4. Tinea, 5. Chariot, 6. City, 7. Body, 11. Scarecrow,
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WORDWHEEL
ANSWER:
OBJECTIVE
O J
E I
V
E
B T
C
WORDSEARCH SUDOKU WIGGLE
WORDS
PUB QUIZ
On pins and needles
WORD
LADDER
Here is one possible
solution (others may exist)
TEAR
team
tram
trap
trip
drip
DROP
1. Japan
2. Jo Brand
3. The Darkness
4. Venice
5. Switzerland
6. Turkey
7. April
8. The Mediterranean Sea
and the Red Sea
9. The land of nod
10. Cheers (in the TV
sitcom Cheers)
for
as
76
Trading Standards has a directory of local traders you
can rely on.
Find the borough’s best online at www.wigan.gov.uk/goodtrader
or phone 03454 040506
and ask for Wigan Council’s Good Trader Scheme.
• Quality workmanship
• Interior & exterior
work
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big or too
small
01942 392398
or 07707 321383
Need a new
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Chris Smith - Painter and
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01257 415388
or 07545 065119
4 Exterior & Interior
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undertaken
4 Competitive rate
Award Winner
Contact Graham now
free estimate provided
01257 426234
07954 139069
graham@topcoatdecoratingservices.co.uk
www.topcoatdecoratingservices.co.uk
Design & Print
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8-10 Gathurst Road, O re l, WN5 8QH
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rural Vi lage
NUrSErY
A l staff
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oPEN
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pre-schoolers
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rated by
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We cater for
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3 months
- 4 years
NEWLY
rEFUrBISHED
in 2019
Little Acorns Nursery
QUALITY CHILDCARE YOU CAN TRUST!
Open Mon-Fri: 8am ti l 5.30pm term time
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holidays which saves you money
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£29 for a fu l day
Flexible sessions available
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Li tle Acorns Nursery is situated in a beautiful woodland
se ting. It is a safe and vibrant place for your child to gain
lots of wonderful educational experiences.
We are big on the great outdoors & being down in the forest
which is good for your child’s health and we l-being
Little Acorns Nursery
A l Saints’ Primary School | Finch Lane | Appley Bridge | WN6 9DT
01257 252647
www.li tleacorns-daynursery.com
LTD
Professional Painting
and Decorating
• Domestic & Commercial
Work
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welcomed
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speciality
Call us today for a free quotation
Home Service available
Choose from 1000s of paint &
paper samples in the comfort of
our own home
01942 212096
07831 102 511
www.jpmoorcroft.com
for
as
Carpet & Upholstery
Cleaning
• traditional service, state of the art results •
• Carpets
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Mobile - 07908 770808
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LocalLife
5 star rating with Wigan Trading
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Design & Print
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Drop in or contact Darren on:
01942 215 391
8-10 Gathurst Road, O re l, WN5 8QH
www.wiganhearing.co.uk
10% off
Presen
Flyers, postcards, brochures
and distribution service.
Put your
hearing
first with
Ask us about our wide range of hearing aids
this voucher for 10% OFF your next
hearing test or earwax removal.
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LocalLife
rural Vi lage
NUrSErY
A l staff
paediatric
& first aid
QUALIFIED
oPEN
Mon-Fri
8AM-6PM
FUNDED
PLACES
Available for
2/3/4
year olds
£37.50
per day
LANgUAgE
& SPortS
LESSoNS
pre-schoolers
Large
outdoor
PLAY ArEA
rated by
oFStED
oUtStANDINg
We cater for
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3 months
- 4 years
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For more information
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www.locallife247.co.uk
• Professional Carpet, Rug
& Upholstery Cleaning
• Leather Cleaning & Restoration
• FREE Pre-Inspection Visit & Quotation
T: 01942 409401
M: 07881 816839
helen@carrolls-cleaning.co.uk
Little Acorns Nursery
QUALITY CHILDCARE YOU CAN TRUST!
Open Mon-Fri: 8am ti l 5.30pm term time
We operate a booking system for the
holidays which saves you money
We deliver 30 hours free entitlement
£29 for a fu l day
Flexible sessions available
We take children from 2 years old
Li tle Acorns Nursery is situated in a beautiful woodland
se ting. It is a safe and vibrant place for your child to gain
lots of wonderful educational experiences.
We are big on the great outdoors & being down in the forest
which is good for your child’s health and we l-being
Little Acorns Nursery
A l Saints’ Primary School | Finch Lane | Appley Bridge | WN6 9DT
01257 252647
www.li tleacorns-daynursery.com
New Name -
Same Fantastic Cleans!
• Carpets - Quick Drying
includes moving furniture for you
Over 70 Lancashire
Walks
LocalLife
FREE to download at
locallife247.co.uk
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• Upholstery - Fabric & Leather
• Hard floors - Tile/Stone/Vinyls
FREE Test clean to see the results
• Curtains - Hassle free
Cleaned where they hang
• Rugs
Collection & delivery service
Call us
today for
a free quote
01942 470 081
www.alliancecleaningsystems.co.uk
e: sales@alliancecleaningsystems.co.uk
Having a Clear Out?
Whatever you’re clearing – call us today!
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Fast and Friendly serviCe
Just call us today for a free quote
northwestwaste
• Office, Warehouse or Shop
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Our services are;
4 Cheaper than a skip
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The Meadows, Ruskin Drive, St Helens, WA10 6RP
01744 758 349 / 07557 764 940
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rural Vi lage
NUrSErY
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paediatric
Available for LESSoNS
& first aid
2/3/4
for
QUALIFIED
year olds pre-schoolers
oPEN
Large
£37.50
Mon-Fri
outdoor
per day
8AM-6PM
PLAY ArEA
www.cranknursery.co.uk
rated by
oFStED
as
oUtStANDINg
We cater for
CHILDrEN
3 months
- 4 years
NEWLY
rEFUrBISHED
in 2019
78
Wigan’s premier domestic
cleaning service
we do
oven
repairs
too!
We only use
reliable, vetted
staff
Cleaning in the
Wigan area for
10+ years
• £11.95 per hour
minimum 2 hrs
• Same cleaner each visit
• All domestic duties provided
Call or email Joanne
01942 203442
joanne@acleanbreak.co.uk
www.acleanbreak.co.uk/wigan
BOOK ONLINE 24/7
www.mr-soot.com
Stoves & Fireplaces Swept
Flues Tested
Liners Installed
Professional & Reliable
Call Today
01942 387079
PAY BY
CARD
prices start from £45
let us clean your oven so you don’t have to!
professional oven cleaning
environmentally friendly
we’ll restore your oven to near showroom condition!
call Steven today on 07393 818 392
www.ovenrescue.co.uk/wigan
Get your oven
looking like new!
We clean ovens, hobs,
microwaves and fans for over
500 regular customers.
Single ovens only £50
We only use non-caustic,
totally safe liquids.
0151 430 0766
0770 256 6393
www.theovencleanersgroup.co.uk
Fully
qualified
&
Insured
Plasterer.
NO JOB TOO BIG OR TOO SMALL
All plastering work
undertaken including:
• All types of rendering • Skimming
• Dry lining • Basement tanking
• Damp proof courses
Call Westley Gillett for a
FREE no obligation quote
01257 413206
or 07802 710685
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Call 01695 627 999
LocalLife
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Des Pilling
Plastering
• Plastering
• Skimming
• Artexing
Coving & Cornice work
also welcomed
Orrell based – Established 1986
Call Des on
07787 513 235
www.lakelandplastering.co.uk
www.despilling.org.uk
Design & Print
Flyers, postcards, brochures
and distribution service.
Call 01695 627 999
LocalLife
Little Acorns Nursery
QUALITY CHILDCARE YOU CAN TRUST!
Open Mon-Fri: 8am ti l 5.30pm term time
We operate a b oking system for the
holidays which saves you money
We deliver 30 hours fr e entitlement
Flexible se sions available
We take children from 2 years old
Ca l Sarah on 01744 86166 for more information or admin@cranknursery.net
Li tle Acorns Nursery is situated in a beautiful woodland
se ting. It is a safe and vibrant place for your child to gain
lots of wonderful educational experiences.
We are big on the great outd ors & being down in the forest
which is g od for your child’s health and we l-being
A l Saints’ Primary Sch ol | Finch Lane | A pley Bridge | WN6 9DT
Li tle Acorns Nursery
www.locallife247.co.uk
01257 252647
www.li tleacorns-daynursery.com
79
Total Cleaning North West
www.totalcleaningnorthwest.co.uk
Unit 6a,
1 Miry Lane,
Wigan
WN3 4AG
One-stop cleaning jobs for your home and garden
• Clean your dirty Driveway or Patio
• Clear out your blocked gutters with our video SkyVac
• Make your Conservatory sparkle • Render cleaning
• Clean Gutters, Soffits and Fascias
• We’ll leave Carpets & Upholstery clean and fresh
Check out our fantastic 5* reviews on Facebook & Google
Call or text David now for a no obligation quote
£60
FIXED PRICE
GUTTER
CLEARING
ONLY
01942 530483 • 07771 924 887 • www.totalcleaningnorthwest.co.uk
Call Clint for a free no obligation quote
01257 543 021
07834 241 642
www.conservatorycleaningwigan.com
ROOF CLEANING
• Moss Removal & Bio-Treatment
• Softwashing / Low Pressure
POWER WASHING
• Driveways & Patios etc.
CONSERVATORIES
• Exterior & Interior (Cleaning)
UPVC CLEANING
• Windows, Fascias,
Gutters etc.
SPECIAL OFFER - 20% OFF ALL CLEANING PACKAGES
80
Call Paul
Locksmiths
EstablishEd 2000
• uPVC & WOOdEN dOOR sPECialist
• Emergency door Opening
• uPVC door lock Repairs
• uPVC door lock Changes
• uPVC door lock upgrades
• Wood door lock Changes
• all Work Guaranteed
a Registered insured NCFE Certified Company
call Paul for a Fast, Reliable,
Professional service
tELEPhoNE
01942 901103
moBiLE
07932 718 362
WWW.CALLPAULLOCKSMITH.CO.UK
Your local friendly
LOCKSMITH
PROFESSIONAL
Wigan-Based
• ALL WORK GuARANTEEd
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• FuLLy INSuREd • FREE QuOTES
24/7
LOCKSMITH
T: 01942 356 311 M: 07477 110 410
www.samedaysecurity.co.uk
NO
CALL OuT
FEE
Jon Wright
Electrical Ltd
All types of
Domestic & Commercial
work undertaken
• Inspection & Tests
• Repairs
• Solar PV
• Alarms
Call now on: 07983 387448
Email: jonwrightelec@live.co.uk
Certificate of excellence winner
2017, 2018 & 2019
gArAge door
repAirS
All gArAge
doorS
repAired:
Springs, Cables,
Locks, Rollers etc.
Doors of all ages
repaired
01744 894939 / 07891 330214
NO FIX, NO CHARGE!
Strawberry Cottage,
Pimbo Lane, Upholland
WN8 9QL
www.garagedoorandlock.co.uk
Alarm installations,
repairs & upgrades
Domestic and commercial
work welcome
Free security assessment provided
Emergency lock openings
Lock changes
No call-out charges
24-hour service
60 mins response
Call 01942 669505
www.uklocksandalarms.co.uk
info@ianwalkerservices.co.uk
A.J.S.
BAILEYS
ELECTRICAL
All electrical work undertaken
Free quotations
• Friendly reliable service
• Mains board upgrades
• Extra sockets to full rewires
01942 215 769
07739 709 005
ToTal ElEcTrics for your HomE or BusinEss
Installation Service Maintenance Repairs
81
call us today for friendly
advice and a free quotation
01942 836 937
www.ghewigan.co.uk
4 complete re-wires
4 new/moving sockets
4 all lighting needs
4 Burglar alarm systems
check out our facebook reviews @ghe.info
suite 1a, Kirkless industrial Estate, cale lane, Wigan, Wn2 1Hf
4 ccTV systems
4 security light installations
4 PaT testing & inspections
4 no Job too small
07557 914 788
Call: 0800 6446100
or 07904 127663
Covering all North West Areas
4 NAPIT part ‘P’ registered
4 JIB Approved Technician
4 38 Years Experience
4 Local, Honest & Reliable
4 Domestic
4 Industrial & Commercial
JIB Approved Electrician
All domestic electrical work
24/7 call out service
FrIEndly, rElIABlE &
proFEssIonAl
Call 07557 795 892
www.johnboughey-electrical.com
Parbold/Wigan Areas
W.Hurst & Son Ltd
ELECTRIC
CONTRACTOR
www.whurstandson.co.uk
• All types of electrical work
• 35+ years experience
• No job too small
• Friendly and reliable
For a free quote
& advice call Jeff
01695 622 191
07850 622 191
J.Dillon
Electrical Services Ltd
Electrician ~ Standish
• All types of electrical work
• 30+ years experience
• Friendly, fast and reliable
• 24 hour call out service
Call: 01257 424918
or 07821 139826
www.jdillonelectrical.co.uk
a Installation & Maintenance
a Inspection & Testing
a Nest Pro Installer
a CCTV & Alarms
Tel: 07738 117712
Orrell bAsed
£29 for a fu l day
rural Vi lage
NUrSErY
A l sta f
paediatric
& first aid
QUALIFIED
oPEN
Mon-Fri
8AM-6PM
FUNDED
PLACES
Available for
2/3/4
year olds
£37.50
per day
www.cranknursery.co.uk
LANgUAgE
& SPortS
LESSoNS
for
pre-schoolers
Large
outdoor
PLAY ArEA
rated by
oFStED
as
oUtStANDINg
We cater for
CHILDrEN
3 months
- 4 years
NEWLY
rEFUrBISHED
in 2019
82
• TV Aerials Installed
• TV Wall Mounting
• Telephone Lines
• Setup Service
Ring Paul on
01942 514 532
07709 490 095
Aerial & Sky
Services
RX-12 Digital TV Aerials
£75 supplied & fitted
Aerial Multi-room System
at £45 per room
TV Wall Mounting Service
Level 5 in Signal Path & Fault
Diagnostics
Domestic
& Commercial
work welcomed
30+ years
experience
01942 257804
07966 488585
Call anytime for a quote or email:
andy@aerialandskyservices.co.uk
• Business Telephone
Systems
• Voip & Structured Cabling
• Residential Extensions
• Faults & Gen Enq
Tel: 01942 441221
Askus@LJTelecomServices.co.uk
www.LJTelecomServices.com
www.aerialandskyservices.co.uk
Having
computer
problems?
• We come to you!
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• Internet and wireless problems fixed
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systems built to
specification
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commercial work
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computer advice.
Call - 01942 863448
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‘Excellence in Customer Service’ –
Winner
No Fix? No Fee!
Design & Print
Flyers, postcards, brochures
and distribution service.
Call 01695 627 999
LocalLife
Little Acorns Nursery
QUALITY CHILDCARE YOU CAN TRUST!
Open Mon-Fri: 8am ti l 5.30pm term time
We operate a b oking system for the
holidays which saves you money
We deliver 30 hours fr e entitlement
Flexible se sions available
We take children from 2 years old
Ca l Sarah on 01744 86166 for more information or admin@cranknursery.net
Li tle Acorns Nursery is situated in a beautiful woodland
se ting. It is a safe and vibrant place for your child to gain
lots of wonderful educational experiences.
We are big on the great outd ors & being down in the forest
which is g od for your child’s health and we l-being
Li tle Acorns Nursery
www.locallife247.co.uk
A l Saints’ Primary Sch ol | Finch Lane | A pley Bridge | WN6 9DT
01257 252647
www.li tleacorns-daynursery.com
Promote your
company here for
just £30 + VAT
Call 01695 627 999
LocalLife
www.locallife247.co.uk
Arley Cabinet
Company Ltd
• Kitchens & Bedrooms since 1952 •
We Measure ~ We Make ~ We Fit
Drop into our
showroom or call us
for a free estimate
214a Gidlow Lane, Wigan, WN6 7BN
01942 246 190
www.arleycabinets.com
£29 for a fu l day
rural Vi lage
NUrSErY
FUNDED LANgUAgE
A l sta f
PLACES & SPortS
paediatric
Available for LESSoNS
& first aid
2/3/4
for
QUALIFIED
year olds pre-schoolers
oPEN
Large
£37.50
Mon-Fri
outdoor
per day
8AM-6PM
PLAY ArEA
www.cranknursery.co.uk
rated by
oFStED
as
oUtStANDINg
We cater for
CHILDrEN
3 months
- 4 years
NEWLY
rEFUrBISHED
in 2019
Bathroom Installation,
Full Bathrooms &
En-Suites
Plumbing Services
Wall & Floor Tiling
Ceiling Panelling
01942 397173
07803 057940
Douglas Drive, Orrell, Wigan
www.ljplumbingandbathrooms.co.uk
Promote your
company here for
just £30 + VAT
StoveS
by Andy
Save £££’s on
your install
• InStallatIonS
• MaIntenance
• ServIcIng
For a free quote and expert
advice call Andy on
01257 369 685
07899 752 225
stovesbyandy@gmail.com
Convert your bath to a
Walk-In Shower
Elite
Bathrooms
& Wet Room Installation
• Bathrooms • Wet Rooms
• Wall & Floor Tiling
Please call for a FREE Estimates
07703 448890
01942 208926
Promote your
company here for
just £30 + VAT
83
Call 01695 627 999
Call 01695 627 999
LocalLife
www.locallife247.co.uk
LocalLife
www.locallife247.co.uk
AGBathrooms.net
Quality bathrooms at
reasonable prices
Complete bathroom
installations from design
to completion.
For free quotes, call Adrian on
07816 394 292
Check out our work on
www.AGBathrooms.net
AJC
WALK IN SHOWERS
Typical price
£1800
Fully guaranteed
One day installation
No mess - no fuss
Easy to clean & maintain
Design & Print
Flyers, postcards, brochures
and distribution service.
Call 01695 627 999
LocalLife
Call Anthony on
07919 876 825
Workshop address:
Bulldog Tools Ind. Est.
Darlington Street East Wigan WN1 3BT
We also fit full bathrooms!
Little Acorns Nursery
QUALITY CHILDCARE YOU CAN TRUST!
Open Mon-Fri: 8am ti l 5.30pm term time
We operate a b oking system for the
holidays which saves you money
We deliver 30 hours fr e entitlement
Flexible se sions available
We take children from 2 years old
Ca l Sarah on 01744 86166 for more information or admin@cranknursery.net
Li tle Acorns Nursery is situated in a beautiful woodland
se ting. It is a safe and vibrant place for your child to gain
lots of wonderful educational experiences.
We are big on the great outd ors & being down in the forest
which is g od for your child’s health and we l-being
A l Saints’ Primary Sch ol | Finch Lane | A pley Bridge | WN6 9DT
Li tle Acorns Nursery
www.locallife247.co.uk
01257 252647
www.li tleacorns-daynursery.com
Great Value
Bathrooms!
Full Bathrooms
& En-Suites
Showers, Trays & Cubicles
Relocation of Bathroom Suites
25 years bathroom experience
Call Chris now for a free quotation
C L Bathrooms
01942 749085
or 07801 295483
www.clbathrooms.co.uk
84
We’ve got you covered
for all aspects of
plumbing and heating
Boilers Gas Heating Plumbing Drainage
Installation • Maintenance • Repairs
626792
Want a new boiler with
ZERO upfront cost?
Pay monthly with servicing and warranty included.
Call us now to find out how!
01942 575730
07565 060530
166 Gidlow Lane • Wigan • WN6 7EA
www.blueflameltd.co.uk
craig@blueflameltd.co.uk
Family run business with 20+ years experience.
Check out our reviews:
ShOwROOM NOw OpEN at 19 Preston Road, Standish WN6 0HP
All plumbing services
including services & repairs
• Bathrooms/Wet Rooms designed and fitted
• Specialists in Disability
Installations & Conversions
• Emergency Call outs welcome
BOILER
SERVICING
FROM
£60
www.gphwigan.co.uk
No Obligation Quotes – Call Mark on
01257 473026
07515 894281
527090
A Genuine Family Run Business
With Friendly & Courteous Staff
SPECIALISTS IN CENTRAL HEATING INSTALLATION, BOILER REPLACEMENTS AND UPGRADES
• Annual Boiler Servicing
• Landlord & Home Owner Gas Safety Checks
• Mechanical Power Flushing
• Thermostatic Valves Radiators Fitted
• All-in-One Air Conditioning & Heating Units for Home & Work
Telephone: 01257 421 660
TEL: 01942 504 429 MOB: 07515 505 501
Accredited Installer & Service Partner
WE REPAIR ALL
MAKES OF BOILERS!
Registration No.
88604
www.fgwelch.co.uk
651511
Boiler Installation
Boiler Servicing & Repairs
Boiler Finance Available
Landlords Gas Safety Reports
Experienced, Reliable & Friendly Service
0%
Finance
available
Credit Cards accepted
01942 221 996
07769 203 056
hartheatingwigan@gmail.com
Winstanley-based
Installation ~ Repairs ~ Service
Central Heating Systems
Boilers & Gas Appliances
General Plumbing
Gas Safety Certificates
Call Andy for a free quote on
01942 564 226
07397 391 935
acampbellheatingandgas
597379
85
• Brand New Bathrooms
• Boiler + Central Heating
Installs, Servicing + Repairs
• Extended warranties
available
• 24 Hour Call-out
• Domestic + Commercial
Freephone:
0300 3030121
Dave: 07769 942218
Matt: 07969 183809
506515
FINANCE
OPTIONS
AVAILABLE
21 Naburn Drive, Orrell wN5 8SB
Email: info@orrellheating.co.uk
www.orrellheating.co.uk
Promote your
company here for
just £30 + VAT
Call 01695 627 999
LocalLife
www.locallife247.co.uk
Plumbing & Heating
Specialist
Complete Bathrooms
John Bailey
01942 495785
or 07721 040620
& 07710 153238
Based in Kenyon Road, Wigan
FULL BOILER
SERVICE
FROM JUST £58
4 Boiler Servicing & Maintenance
4 All aspects of plumbing and heating work.
4 Gas Safety Inspection reports undertaken.
Call MIKE on 0787 113 1012
Established since 1967 ~ WIGAn BASEd
10238
HIVE HEATInG SYSTEM InSTALLEd COMPLETE FOR £205
EmErgEncy call outs
wElcomEd
4 Installations, Services
& Repairs
4 Boilers
4 Central Heating
Bathrooms
4 573747
Call nico for a free quote on
07818 335 441
£29 for a fu l day
rural Vi lage
NUrSErY
FUNDED LANgUAgE
A l sta f
PLACES & SPortS
paediatric
Available for LESSoNS
& first aid
2/3/4
for
QUALIFIED
year olds pre-schoolers
oPEN
Large
£37.50
Mon-Fri
outdoor
per day
8AM-6PM
PLAY ArEA
www.cranknursery.co.uk
rated by
oFStED
as
oUtStANDINg
We cater for
CHILDrEN
3 months
- 4 years
NEWLY
rEFUrBISHED
in 2019
86
GDR Driveways
ALL ASPECTS OF PAVING & tuRfING
4 Block Paving
Clean & Re-seal
4 Indian Stone
service available
4 Flagging
4 Turfing
4 Artificial Grass
JJ Driveways
Imprinted Concrete
Specialists
Huge range of colours
& patterns
• Resin Driveways
• Block Paving
• Indian Stone
• Flagging
We can also revive
your old drive!
Ask about our sealing
service
Call Joe for a
free quotation on
01942 621 959
07867 697 972
www.jjdriveways.co.uk
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company here for
just £30 + VAT
Call 01695 627 999
LocalLife
Call Gareth for a fREE quotation: 01942 217 113 or 07715 177 754
www.locallife247.co.uk
Winstanley-based
www.gdrdriveways.com
Promote your
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just £30 + VAT
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LocalLife
www.locallife247.co.uk
• Conservatory repairs
• Locks, handles and hinges
• Replacement glass
• Windows and doors installed
• Replacement conservatory
roofs
Call MARK now on
01942 737 381
0776 315 1720
conservatoryrepairs@gmail.com
www.fixmyconservatory.com
Specialists in
Replacement
Double
Glazed Units
Ring with sizes for
a FREE estimate
Open 7 days 8am - 8pm
Established Local Family Company
01942 470 085
0800 328 8573
www.steamywindows.net
Design & Print
Flyers, postcards, brochures
and distribution service.
Call 01695 627 999
LocalLife
Little Acorns Nursery
QUALITY CHILDCARE YOU CAN TRUST!
Open Mon-Fri: 8am ti l 5.30pm term time
We operate a b oking system for the
holidays which saves you money
We deliver 30 hours fr e entitlement
Flexible se sions available
We take children from 2 years old
Ca l Sarah on 01744 86166 for more information or admin@cranknursery.net
Li tle Acorns Nursery is situated in a beautiful woodland
se ting. It is a safe and vibrant place for your child to gain
lots of wonderful educational experiences.
We are big on the great outd ors & being down in the forest
which is g od for your child’s health and we l-being
A l Saints’ Primary Sch ol | Finch Lane | A pley Bridge | WN6 9DT
Li tle Acorns Nursery
www.locallife247.co.uk
01257 252647
www.li tleacorns-daynursery.com
87
Quality Handyman Service from a qualified Joiner
4 Flat-packs assembled
4 Laminated Flooring laid
4 Door Hanging
All aspects of maintenance;
And so much more..
4 Electrical appliances fitted
4 TV Mounting
4 Garden Maintenance
01942 387 090 / 07568 195 033
Fixouse Property Maintenance
Home
Improvements
• Fitted Kitchens & Bedrooms
• Garage & Loft Conversions
• Floors, Doors & Windows
• Composite Doors
• Garden Gates
For all your home
improvement needs
call David on...
01942 203 804
07851 225 876
DS Joinery
HANDS ON
Property Maintenance
& Handyman Services
3 Kitchens & Bathrooms
3 Painting & Decorating
3 Joinery
3 Electrical
3 Building
3 Paving, Decking
& Fencing
3 Tiling
3 Plumbing
Telephone Keith on
No job
too
small!
fixouse@gmail.com
07812 110476
K Stone
Building Services
All types of building
work undertaken
• Brickwork
• Pointing
• Garden Walls
• Patios
25 years
experience
Handy
Andy
• Roof Repairs
• Flagging
• Alterations
• Driveways
01942 495412
07974 496676
Building / Joinery
Plastering / Tiling
Plumbing / Roofing
Flatpack Assembly
Call Handy Andy on
01257 369 685
07899 752 225
tradesbyandy@gmail.com
All
jobs
considered
88
Superior
craftmanship at
competitive rates
• Home improvements
• Loft conversions
• Garage conversions
& Extensions
• Staircases
• Windows & Doors
For all aspects of renovations
and maintenance -
no job too small!
For a free quote,
call MT Joinery now.
01257 422317
or 07852 202867
www.mtjoinery.co.uk
All aspects of
roofing & roofline
NEW ROOFS
REPAIRS
FASCIAS, SOFFITS
& GUTTERS
Dormers and
Garages
Rubber Cover Roofing Specialist
Guaranteed 50 years
Call for free quote
M: 07894 687 384
B.A.
Berry
Building & Roofing
Specialists
• All building work undertaken.
• From a broken tile to a full
re roof.
• Flat roofs renewed and
repaired.
• Extensions, Alterations,
Structural repairs including
Lintels.
Your local fully
qualified tradesman
with 30 years experience
Call us now for a free,
no obligation quote
01695 622 704
07968 652 320
www.baberry.co.uk
NEIL SIMPSON
BUILDER
Can’t find a reliable local
builder?...look no further
brickwork
joinery roofing
plastering
internal alterations
all types of building work undertaken
garden construction
garden walls patios
gravel gardens
flagging decking
pergolas
No job too small
Reasonable prices
Quality work
Call Neil
07939 961190 (day)
or 01942 230402 (eve)
28 Years Experience
Extensions & Refurbishments
Kitchens & Bathrooms
Conservatories & Orangeries
Windows & Doors
Roofs & Fascia Boards
Decking & Balustrading
All aspects of building works
No job too small
Call Peter for a free quotation
Day: 07961 516 677
Eve: 01942 745 428
Cambridge Road, Orrell
WILSON
BROS
• •
Est. 1985
Roofing & Roofline
Specialists
• All aspects of
maintenance & repair
• Fascia & soffit
installation
• Guttering and felting
services
Call us now for
a free estimate
01695 633173
Colin: 07958 302 166
Brian: 07760 160 988
www.wilson-bros.co.uk
£29 for a fu l day
rural Vi lage
NUrSErY
FUNDED LANgUAgE
A l sta f
We cater for
PLACES & SPortS
paediatric
CHILDrEN
Available for LESSoNS
& first aid
3 months
2/3/4
for
QUALIFIED
- 4 years
year olds pre-schoolers
oPEN
Mon-Fri
8AM-6PM
£37.50
per day
www.cranknursery.co.uk
rated by
oFStED
as
oUtStANDINg
Large NEWLY
outdoor rEFUrBISHED
PLAY ArEA in 2019
89
First Class
Workmanship
4 All types of re-roofs
4 Strip & re-slate or re-tile
4 Built up felt/flat roofs,
dormers etc.
4 Insurance work undertaken
4 Roofline uPVC
fascias, soffits
& guttering
PP
Your
Building services
Joinery Specialists
• Conservatories & Orangeries
• Extensions
• Refurbishments & Alterations
• Fencing & Decking
Reliable, Friendly,
Professional & Honest
Building & Joinery
Specialists
• Garage & Loft Conversions
• Kitchens & Fitted Bedrooms
• Doors & Windows
• All aspects of joinery work
“Attention to detail is second to none. Can’t recommend Phil enough”
Facebook Review, July 2018
W.Newman
ROOFING & REPAIRS
01695 627 212
MOBILE: 07774 943 706
52 HALLBRIDGE GARDENS,
UP HOLLAND
Established Over 30 Years
Design & Print
Flyers, postcards, brochures
and distribution service.
Call 01695 627 999
LocalLife
Little Acorns Nursery
QUALITY CHILDCARE YOU CAN TRUST!
Open Mon-Fri: 8am ti l 5.30pm term time
We operate a b oking system for the
holidays which saves you money
We deliver 30 hours fr e entitlement
Flexible se sions available
We take children from 2 years old
Ca l Sarah on 01744 86166 for more information or admin@cranknursery.net
Li tle Acorns Nursery is situated in a beautiful woodland
se ting. It is a safe and vibrant place for your child to gain
lots of wonderful educational experiences.
We are big on the great outd ors & being down in the forest
which is g od for your child’s health and we l-being
Li tle Acorns Nursery
www.locallife247.co.uk
A l Saints’ Primary Sch ol | Finch Lane | A pley Bridge | WN6 9DT
01257 252647
www.li tleacorns-daynursery.com
Call us now for ALL your roofline requirements!
Facias, soffits, cladding, dry verge and gutters
We specialise in seamless
aluminium gutters.
Clean, stylish and guaranteed
for 25 years!
Call: 07917 352 182 / 07917 352 183
www.orrellroofline.co.uk
ALPINE LTD
Roofing & Building Services
OAP
DISCOUNTS
SERVING
CHORLEY, WEST
LANCASHIRE &
WIGAN
Your local roofing company from repairs
to re-roofs, fascia’s, soffits & gutters.
• Flat roof specialists
• Damp proof specialists
• Quality workmanship
• Affordable pricing
• Quick response to all repairs
FULLY INSURED
Tel: 01942 410989
Mob: 07730 351523
www.alpineroofingandbuildingltd.co.uk
Cover photo © Ian Bonne l Photograpthy
90
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Come and visit the largest
showroom in the North West
Quality installations of windows,
doors, fascias, soffits and gutters
First for quality
First for service
First for reliability
No contractors
No salesmen
Just a smile and a honest price from a family run business
Transform
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conservatory
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NEW Generation
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now available
SISTER COMPANY OF FOXWELLS BUILDERS
Established since 1999
Call us for a Free Quote
Office Number: 01942 871 777
Victoria Industrial Estate, Victoria Street, Leigh, WN7 5SE
warmlightwindowsltd.co.uk • info@warmlightwindowsltd.co.uk
Representative example: Total cash price £1164, deposit £0, amount borrowed £1164 over 12 months. 12 monthly repayments of £97. Interest
rate 0%. Total repayable £1164. Credit is subject to the lenders T&C. Warmlight Windows, Doors and Conservatories Ltd is authorised and
regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority FRN 7700524. We are a credit broker, not a lender and have a facility with one lender.
92
Tomorrow’s Home Improvements Today!
Quality ~ Choice ~ Value
Windows
Bi-Fold Doors
Thermally-efficient conservatory roofs
expertly fitted by accredited installers
©
Orangeries
Don’t just lock it,
Rock it!
Conservatories
Manufacturers and installers since 2004
Contact us on 01744 891717 for a no obligation quote
Visit our showroom/factory at; Crows Nest, Ashton Road, Billinge, WN5 7XX (near Windy Arbour crossroads)
www.orrellwindows.co.uk
28544
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