Local Life - Wigan - December 2021

LocalLife
Wigan Edition
December 2021
The Season
of Giving
Pages 15-17
Christmas Markets
Pages 40-41
Village Roots
Page 34-36
Panto Special
Pages 56-57
Christmas Books
Page 32
LOCAL NEWS | EVENTS2GO | FOOD | HEALTH | WALks | competitions | home & garden SERVICES

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Around this time last year I sat down to write
the intro to the final Local Life of 2020,
commenting that it was a year ‘that everyone
was glad to see the back of’.
A few days later, on December 8th, Margaret Keenan
received the first COVID vaccine in the UK and an entire
nation cheered.
Although 2021 has itself been a challenging year, we now
know that we have the vaccines to combat COVID-19.
And yet the amazing achievements by the scientific
community continue to be overshadowed by a world
still coming to grips with the effects of the pandemic.
Much of the current news coverage focuses on antivaxxers
protesting freedom curbs, with not so many
column inches devoted to those still waiting to be
offered access to vaccines. Make of that what you will.
Despite these constantly negative headlines, the world
is slowly returning to normal, so lets be grateful for that
and enjoy the festive period with family and friends.
Happy Christmas to all our readers!
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.

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This month’s highlights
40. Six of the Best Christmas Markets
Contents
22. Health
Fighting colds and flu.
32. Books
Great reads make great presents!
46. Food
A recipe for Festive Turkey Burgers.
52. Puzzle Pages
Try these brainteasers for size!
15. Season of Giving 34. Village Roots
58. Greener Christmas
Show Planet Earth a little love.
62. Motoring
Hybrid SUVs - what’s available.
65. Gardening
Up the garden path.
59. Jack’s Tracks to Frodsham & Helsby
66. Home & Garden Services
Find the best local traders for you.
44. Setting the Scene
56. Panto - it’s Back!
Want to
promote your
business in
LocalLife?
Next Issue - January
Advertising deadline - 8th December
Published - 13th January
01695 627 999
www.locallife247.co.uk

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Museum Re-Opens
The Museum of Wigan Life re-opened last weekend after
being shuttered throughout the pandemic. In addition
to the permanent exhibitions featuring Roman Wigan,
Egyptology and early local trade, there will be two
temporary exhibitions for visitors.
gerrumonside! celebrates the passion of rugby league
past, present & future. Learn how Wigan, Leigh and
Tyldesley broke away from the Rugby Football Union in
1895 and formed the Northern Union.
You can see original memorabilia never seen before, and
more unusual items from the world of Rugby League
including an original turnstile from Central Park.
Rebels, Radicals, Reform: The Fight for Better is the second
temporary exhibition and brings to life the many causes
the people of Wigan Borough have campaigned and
fought for over the past 600 years, from the Jacobites,
Diggers and Peterloo, to the miners strike of the 1980’s.
Entry to the museum, which is based on Library Street,
is free of charge and the opening hours are Tuesday to
Saturday 10am-4pm.
Fayre Returns
Wigan and Leigh Hospice’s annual festive fayre is back for
2021. The fayre will be held in the grounds of the hospice
on Kildare Street in Hindley, this Saturday 4th December.
In addition to the 30-ft tall Light for a Life tree, you’ll be
able to see the 5000 Lights project featuring 60 Christmas
trees in the hospice grounds. Each tree is available to
sponsor, and either features a plaque dedicated to
someone special or is sponsored by a local business.
Admission is free and the fayre runs from 12noon to 6pm.
For more information, please contact the fundraising
team on 01942 525566 or email: fundraising@wlh.org.uk.
Libraries Back
Standish and Shevington Libraries have now fully reopened
– albeit with changed opening hours – after
library staff were temporarily relocated to help with the
pressures on Wigan Council during the pandemic. Both
libraries now open from 10am to 2pm Monday, Tuesday
and Wednesday and from 1pm-5pm on Thursday and
Friday.
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Speedy Santa
Santa will be making a special appearance at Scotman’s
Flash on Saturday, December 11, taking one of the
powerboats out for a ride!
You will be able to paddle out in rafted canoes to find
where Santa is on the flash. When you return to shore,
you can warm up around the campfire and you can bring
your own hot chocolate and toast marshmallows. There
will also be a chance to paint some festive pottery , which
has been provided by Haigh Stables Gallery.
The rafted canoes are suitable for families and can seat
between 4 and 8 people, however there must be 2 adults
to paddle the rafted canoes and katakanus, and four
adults if booking the bellboats.
This activity is suitable for ages 3 and upwards and tickets
start at £13.52 and can be booked at www.eventbrite.
co.uk. If you need any more information, please email
outdooradventure@bewellwigan.org
Art School
A brand-new Art School for children and adults has
opened in Standish offering a schedule of regular classes,
as well as Art parties and festive crafts.
Mino Art school will be offering Saturday Art club for
children aged 6+ at their studio on Oak Avenue in
Standish from 9am.
The hour-long sessions are fun, creative and a great way
to pass a Saturday morning with watercolours, dyes,
mixed media, textiles and acrylics.
Delivered by a qualified, registered and experienced
Art and Design teacher, the cost is £7.80 per child and
all you need to bring is an old t-shirt or apron. For more
information or to book your child’s place, please go to
www.bookwhen.com/minoartschool
Choral Christmas
Open your ears to the Christmassy sounds of the Wigan
Choral Society at their festive concert, which takes place
this Saturday (4th December) at St Michael’s Church in
Swinley.
The concert starts at 7.30pm and will feature Verdi,
Faure, selections from ‘Elijah’ and ‘Messiah’, and carols
too. Tickets are priced at £10 (£8 for concessions) and are
available on the door.
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Rotary Santa on Way
Wigan Rotary Club have announced that Santa will be out
and about on the Club’s Santa Float in December visiting
selected housing estates in Wigan. He will also be paying
a few visits to the Tesco Extra in Wigan and appearing
online via Zoom from Santa’s HQ in the North Pole.
Full details of the routes that the Santa Float will cover
are now on the club’s website (www.wiganrotary.co.uk)
and their Facebook page but will mainly cover the larger
housing estates in Standish, Shevington, Appley Bridge,
Swinley and Whitley.
Following last year’s successful launch of the Santa zoom
sessions, you will again be able to Zoom with Santa this
Christmas.
Full details of the zoom sessions are now available on the
Wigan Rotary Club’s website (www.wiganrotary.co.uk),
and you’ll be able to book your slot there too.
All the profit from these events will be used to provide
support for local community and voluntary groups,
and to aid organisations involved in humanitarian work
overseas.
Lonely this Christmas?
Book Cycle’s Christmas Fayre takes place this year on
Saturday 11th December from 12-4pm at their Beech Hill
branch in Buckley Street West.
Santa will be on site at the fayre, meeting children in
his grotto, and live music will be provided by John
Paul Melling, who will be crooning his way through a
repertoire of Elvis songs. Customers at the fayre can
also browse through gift stalls, try Christmas treats and
indulge in a glass or two of mulled wine.
Coffee Morning
A Christmas Coffee Morning will take place at St Wilfrid’s
Parish Hall on Church Street in Standish this Saturday
(4th December) from 10am-2pm. You can enjoy a bacon
barm for breakfast, pick up Christmas cards and presents,
stock up on homemade cakes and pies and catch up with
friends and neighbours.
For those with plenty of time to spare, there’s a good
selection of jigsaws and DVD’s on offer, and you can also
try your luck at the tombola and raffle. Admission is free
and all are welcome.

360 Gathurst Rd • Orrell • Wigan • WN5 0LH www.thevaleorrell.co.uk
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Outdoor Therapy
Hospice patients, along with family and friends, who have
counselling, bereavement support and complementary
therapy are all being offered sessions outdoors in the
gardens of Wigan and Leigh Hospice at Kildare Street in
Hindley.
Wigan and Leigh Hospice’s wellbeing teams are offering
the sessions as a response to Covid-19 and the advice
to meet outdoors wherever possible, but also because
of the unique benefits nature itself can offer in therapy
sessions.
Hospice Counsellor Lindsey Caplan said, “Someone I
know told me she had started doing therapy outdoors
as research has proven that connecting to nature can be
very calming and therapeutic. Over the past 18 months
or so all our sessions have been by telephone or video
call and that will continue for now for most clients.
However, some clients said they would prefer to do faceto-face
sessions, so when I heard about outdoor therapy,
I wanted to give it a try.”
Lindsey continued, “Complementary therapy can be
either done outdoors - such as a shoulder or a hand
massage - or in a complementary therapy room next to
a window. From one of our rooms, you can see our pond,
trees, reeds swaying gently in the breeze, and it means
your whole body just slows down.
“That connection to nature helps with mindfulness –
which is to be fully aware of where we are and what we
are doing. When we’re walking, we can focus on what we
can hear, smell, touch and this helps to ground us and to
focus on ourselves.”
Ann Darcy, a client of Lindsey’s who is taking outdoor
therapy sessions, said: “My experience of outdoor
therapy was literally a breath of fresh air; a chink of light
after all these dark, lonely, isolated grief filled days. To
connect with nature with a caring, listening ear was just
wonderful and I’m so grateful and I’m grateful to have
another session.”
For more information about Wigan and Leigh Hospice
and how to access the Hospice’s services, please contact
the team on 01942 525566 or visit their website at www.
wlh.org.uk.

13
Free after Three
The importance of supporting the local economy has
been regularly emphasised during the pandemic, and
to help residents in their efforts to support local traders,
Wigan Council have announced an extension of their free
parking scheme at most council car parking facilities over
the festive season.
Free parking at weekends is already in place, and now
residents can also park free after 3pm during the week.
The ‘Free after 3’ scheme will continue until Friday 7th
January, whilst the free weekend parking continues until
Sunday 27th March 2022.
Please note that the car park near the Civic Centre and the
one on Chapel Lane are not included in this offer.
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15
Season of Giving
By Nicola Gray
Christmas has always been the season of giving. Amidst the
hustle and bustle of Christmas shopping though, it’s easy to
overlook the fact that there are many people who don’t have
the resources to ‘do’ Christmas. With food banks expecting
their busiest Christmas to date, the festive season is a perfect
time to donate to help those people who are struggling to
provide a happy Christmas for their families. This month,
Local Life spotlights the charitable efforts of two local
organisations – The Brick and Skelmersdale Foodbank – to
provide for those in need, and highlights a few initiatives
they run that can help you give something back to others.
The Brick Works
The Brick, 10 Arcade Street,
Wigan, WN1 1LU
01942 236 953
enquiries@thebrick.org.uk
www.thebrick.org.uk
The Brick Project offers a huge range of services to people
who are homeless, in poverty or facing debt crisis. This
includes crisis intervention, asset coaching and Wigan’s
largest Foodbank. As its name suggests, it provides a safe,
solid building block for people in crisis
to begin rebuilding their lives. The
group also runs a charity shop and offers
training to those who are unemployed.
As well as running the foodbank they
are running numerous initiatives to
make it even easier to give back – look
at just a few of them!
Wrap Up Wigan Campaign
The Brick are inviting people to donate
coats and warm clothing to ensure
everyone stays warm this winter. All
donations will be given to people in
Wigan and Leigh who may struggle to
keep warm during the winter months.
As well as winter coats, they would
appreciate donations of hats, scarves,
socks, men’s and ladies winter shoes
and toiletries.
Donation Points:
• Wigan Shop, 160 Gidlow Lane, Wigan
WN6 7EA Monday to Friday 9.30 –
4.30pm, Saturday 10am-3pm
• The Brick Works, 4 Hodson St, Wigan
WN3 4EN Monday to Friday 9.30 –
4.30pm
• Leigh Shop, 13 Railway Road, Leigh
WN7 4AA Monday to Saturday 9.30 –
4.30pm

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This Christmas is likely to be a very different kind of
Christmas for everybody. And sadly, for many in Wigan and
Leigh, instead of it being a special time to look forward to,
it will be just another cause for anxiety and stress.
Wish For Wigan
Make a difference this
Christmas and donate a
wish. Your donation will not
just be giving someone a
Christmas meal – for some, Christmas could be the new
beginning they need, and your donation might be the
first step to help change someone’s life.
Donate by going online to www.justgiving.com/campaign/
WishforWigan2021 or text BRICK followed by your donation
amount to 70480 stress.
Food Bank & Christmas Hamper
Donations
This Christmas families and individuals in the local
community need help. You can donate Christmas food
items, children’s toys and gifts for adults to the Brick’s
hamper appeal. The last day for donations is Friday,
December 10th.
Donations can be dropped off at the following locations:
• Asda Robin Park
• Sainsbury’s Marus Bridge
• Tesco Wigan
• Tesco Hindley
• Lidl Wigan
• Lidl Standish
• Co-op Shevington
• Co-op Upholland
• Standish Health Centre
• Go Outdoors Wigan – clothing & sleeping bags only
If you would like more information about how to donate or
need help, access to winter clothing or food, please email
enquiries@thebrick.org.uk or call 01942 236 953.
5K Santa Dash
Join the Brick team for
the festive 5K Santa
Dash at Pennington
Flash on Sunday, December 12th at 1pm. Walk, jog or run
the 5K route dressed as Santa and raise money for The
Brick. Its £5 to enter, which includes a mince pie and drink
for everyone taking part. Any money raised goes directly
to The Brick, so, bring your family, put your Santa outfits on
and help spread some festive cheer this Christmas.
You can raise donations by giving sponsors the details for
the Just Giving page at www.justgiving.com/campaign/
Santa-Elf-Dash-forTheBrick or you can set up your own.
For more information about these events please contact
Jane Webb, by emailing jane.webb@thebrick.org.uk or call
01942 236 953.
Skelmersdale Foodbank
The Ecumenical Centre, Northway,
Skelmersdale, WN8 6LU
07989 052832
info@skelmersdale.foodbank.org.uk
www.skelmersdale.foodbank.org.uk
The Skelmersdale Foodbank is part of the Trussell Trust
Network and opened in 2013. Founded by local churches
and community groups, volunteers work together
towards stopping hunger in the local area. The project,
like many others, relies on voluntary donations, goodwill
and support to fund their vital work.
Over 90% of the food distributed by foodbanks in The
Trussell Trust network is donated by the public and are
vital to providing everyone referred to them a balanced
and nutritious three-day supply of food.
Food items can be dropped off at Tesco Wigan Extra,
Central Park Way or the Ecumenical Centre in Skelmersdale
on a Monday or Thursday 9am-1pm. Items that are in
short supply include:
• Long life milk
• Powdered mash / tinned potatoes
• Tinned fruit
• Tinned carrots
• Small bags of sugar
• Coffee
• Rice pudding / custard
• Sponge puddings
• Toiletries
Their distribution centres are currently operating a closeddoor
collection service. You will need a valid voucher code,
obtained from one of their referral agencies. When you
contact a referral agency, they will take some basic details
from you to complete the voucher.
This will help them to identify the cause of your crisis and
offer practical guidance. It also means they can prepare
suitable emergency food for the right number of people.
• West Lancashire Borough Council - 01695 577177
• West Lancashire Citizens Advice - 03442 451294

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NEW LADY
MEMBERS OFFERS
Save £200!
From the 1st April 2022 we will be
introducing a new member joining
fee of £200 – so now is a great time
to join and take advantage of our
great 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
Curtains Up
The stage is set for a bumper new season at Wigan Little
Theatre.
2021 marked Wigan Little Theatre’s 75th anniversary at
their Crompton Street home, and the COVID-19 recess
forced the theatre to close its doors for most of the year,
but theatregoers are set to return for the Dick Whittington
pantomime, which runs until 18th December.
A full programme has been announced for 2022, starting
with the John Godber comedy, Teechers, which runs
from 26th January to 5th February. This is followed by
the Agatha Christie drama, Towards Zero, which runs
from 9th March to 19th March.
You can book tickets for Wigan Little Theatre at www.
wiganlittletheatre.co.uk or you can call the Box Office
on 01942 242561 between 7.00 pm and 9.00 pm Friday,
Monday and Tuesday before and during each production.
Christmas Markets
Nothing says Christmas spirit like getting wrapped
up warm, enjoying a mulled wine and browsing a few
festive stalls. Well, the Crown at Worthington have got
you sorted; make your way down to the pub on Platt
Lane for two days of Christmas markets.
The markets will be running on Saturday 18th and
Sunday 19th December between 10am-3pm; there will
be a range of stalls on both days so turn up and enjoy!
For more information, please call The Crown on 01257
818015.
On the Trail
The Appley Bridge running group is on the lookout for
new members for their social Sunday get-togethers.
The group meet every Sunday at 9.30am at the Gasket
Coffee shop on Skull House Lane before tackling some
of the local trails.
So, if you’re looking for a good chat, a nice warm brew, a
tasty Gasket treat and perhaps a little bit of running, then
these are the people for you!
All they ask is that you come prepared and make sure
you bring your trail trainers! For more information or to
register your interest, please go to Facebook and search
@appleybridgerunningclub.

21

22
Fighting Colds and Flu:
Myths & Magic Cures
Colds can make life miserable and flu can make us quite ill.
But which cold and flu facts are true, and are there really any cures?
If you have a high temperature, then
it’s the flu – not a cold.
MYTH. Colds can sometimes cause a high temperature,
although it tends to be short-lived and mild (not above
38oC). However, if you’re suffering from sweats and chills,
it’s probably flu.
It’s pointless to avoid someone with a cold or flu. You’re
bound to get it anyway.
MYTH. Flu and colds are highly contagious, spread by
both airborne and direct contact methods, but they’re
avoidable. Avoid sufferers if you can, but if you can’t, you
can still stay germ-free if you both practise good hygiene.
This means:
• Clean high-contact surfaces regularly (e.g. phones,
door handles, touch screens).
• Clean hands regularly and thoroughly, especially after
touching the nose or mouth
• Don’t share cutlery, cups or towels.
• Ensure the contagious person has tissues close by to
catch coughs and sneezes, and bin them immediately.
They should use the ’vampire’ cough (into the inside of
their elbow) if they’re caught tissue-less.
The flu vaccine doesn’t always prevent
flu, so it’s not worth having.
TRUTH and MYTH. It’s true that you may still get the
flu. Flu vaccines are produced in advance, so experts
must try to predict the three or four flu strains that will
be prevalent next winter. This means you may catch an
unexpected or rarer flu strain you’re not protected from.
However, the vaccine is still worth having, as it will protect
you from most strains you’ll encounter. It’s particularly
recommended if you’re vulnerable or have low immunity,
e.g. if you’re a carer, over 65, pregnant or have an existing
medical condition.
Getting very wet and/or cold can give
you a cold or the flu.
MYTH. Since both colds and the flu are caused by viruses,
it’s pretty obvious that cold or wet conditions can’t give
you either. But what cold and wet can do is put your
body under stress, making it more vulnerable to germs
it encounters.
The flu vaccine gives you flu
MYTH. Inactive viruses are used in the vaccine. But
you may have a temperature and ache for a short time
afterwards.
If you’ve had a cold or flu for a
while, you should ask the doctor for
antibiotics
MYTH. Your doctor may give in and prescribe them,
although they know antibiotics won’t work; antibiotics
don’t kill viruses. Patients sometimes take antibiotics for
a week and declare smugly that they’re cured, when in
reality, that extra week was all their body needed to finally
fight off their virus. Antibiotics are only of use if you get a
secondary bacterial infection.

23
Magic Cures
Prevention is the best cure. Cold and flu viruses are
highly contagious and most of us touch hundreds of
communal surfaces every day, so practice good hygiene
and keep your hands squeaky clean – research shows this
can work. Research also shows that stress and poor sleep
can make us more prone to colds, so take positive action
to reduce your stress and ensure you’re getting enough
good-quality sleep.
Boosting your immune system may help you resist colds
and flu or fight them off more quickly. There is evidence
that taking zinc regularly can reduce the number of colds
children get each year, and although there is less reliable
research on adults, it’s reasonable to assume it can work
for them too. Regular intake of probiotics and garlic may
also have some preventative effect, but the research
so far isn’t reliable enough to confirm it. Vitamin C and
echinacea have now been researched extensively and the
consensus is that they don’t provide cold or flu prevention
– and any lessening or shortening of symptoms is mild to
non-existent. However, Vitamin C may be of negligible
benefit to people already under physical stress (e.g.
marathon runners).
Decongestants and antihistamines: apologies to your
wallet, but when used separately, research indicates
these medications have very little or no effect. However,
when used together, particularly with painkillers too,
there seems to be a slight improvement in symptoms.
Ipratropium bromide (Rinatec) nasal spray does seem
to help alleviate symptoms, particularly a runny nose.
Over-the counter cough suppressants: the jury is out,
as much of the research is poor quality. But it seems that
any benefits are negligible.
Vapour rubs do seem to help a little in alleviating night
time cough and improving sleep, but a review of clinic
studies showed that over a quarter of users reported
burning or itching at the application area.
NSAIDs (Non-steroidal anti-inflammatories, e.g.
ibuprofen) can reduce fever and help with aches and
pains.
If you have a cold or flu, stay hydrated, alleviate the
symptoms and take heart; researchers are working to
modify naturally-occurring peptides with properties
that can combat cold viruses. A cold cure may be on the
(distant) horizon.
Always Listening
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24

25

26
Christmas
Literature
QUIZ
1. In which fictional land is it always snowing, but
never Christmas?
2. According to the famous nursery rhyme, when
Little Jack Horner put his thumb into a Christmas
pie, what did he pull out?
3. The first ever Royal Christmas Message was
delivered by King George V, but which famous
author wrote it?
4. In a famous novel set around Christmas time, who
lived on Mount Crumpit with his pet dog Max?
5. Who wrote the 1997 novel The Hogfather, where
the Santa Claus-like title character would grant
children’s wishes and bring them presents on
December 32nd?
6. Who wrote and illustrated the 1984 children’s
book Mr Christmas?
7. Although originally published anonymously
in 1823, Clement Clarke Moore is generally
thought to have written the poem called A Visit
From Saint Nicholas. Also used as an alternative
title for this poem, what are its first five words?
8. Tom Fletcher and Dougie Poynter, who wrote the
2012 book The Dinosaur That Pooped Christmas,
are best known as members of which pop band?
9. Which famous author recalled his Christmas
memories as a child in Swansea in the 1954 book
A Child’s Christmas In Wales?
10. “God bless us, every one”, the final line of Charles
Dickens’ A Christmas Carol, is said by which
character?
Quiz solutions can be found on page 71 of this magazine
Having a Ball
Over 50’s in Wigan can net a new experience and get fit
with walking football sessions taking place every week.
Age UK and Be Well Wigan have joined to offer the slowpaced
version of the beautiful game which is aimed at
helping over 50s to keep fit and healthy.
Organiser Steven Edwards, of Age UK Wigan Borough,
said: “Walking football is a great way to get out and meet
new people, have fun and keep fit and healthy. It follows
the traditional rules of football but without any contact
and you walk instead of run.
“We play on a smaller pitch with smaller goals that are
similar to those on a five-a side pitch, and the ball stays
below head height. It doesn’t matter what your ability is
we are open to all men and women over the age of 50.”
The sessions run at Howe Bridge Sports Centre, in
Atherton, every Monday from 10.30am until 11.30am
and every Tuesday from 11am until 12pm.
If you would like to find out more or take part contact
Steven Edwards at Age UK Wigan on 01942 615880 or
email steven.edwards@ageukwiganborough.org.uk.
Beautifully furnished
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Holiday Let
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and also within easy
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Children & pets welcome
Call 01942 216 058
www.millthropcottage.co.uk

27

28
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01257 228027 / 01942 409154
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29
Hotpots In Wigan
The undisputed kings of musical comedy, The Lancashire
Hotpots, are back to bring you another night of madcap
music and laughs on their Big Night Out tour!
The lads will be raising the roof at The Monaco on
Atherton Road, Hindley on Friday, December 10. Tickets
are available from £16 per person, and you can expect
to hear Hotpot classics including Chippy Tea, Has The Bin
Mon Bin Mon as well as Egg, Sausage Chips & Beans!
Brace yourself, it really is going to be a big night out! This
is a standing event and suitable for ages 8+ but under 14s
must be accompanied by an adult. For more information
or to buy tickets please go online at https://bookedit.
licklist.co.uk/popup/event/480135
Christmas Market
Up Holland Community Hub, the Village Club and The
White Lion are hosting the Upholland Christmas market,
which will take place on Church Street this Saturday,
December 4 from 1pm-6.30pm. Entertainments include
story time with Santa, a carol service, Santa’s grotto and a
Christmas tree light switch on.
There will be more than 30 stalls offering craft supplies,
gifts, food and drink, so why not pop down and show
your support. There will be parking available at the
Village Club at a cost of £2 for the day.
For more information please go to the Facebook page by
searching @UphollandChristmasMarket.
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Tell Us Your Story!
Local Life is
always on the
look out for
news stories
from the local
communities we
serve. Are you
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you a member
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group with
something to
shout about?
Maybe you’ve got an unusual talent, or have a
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appearing in the next edition!
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32
Books to Gift
Books make great presents, especially when you can borrow them back in January…
Big Panda and Tiny
Dragon
James Norbury
Fans of The Boy, The Mole, The Fox
and The Horse, and other illustrated
books will love this new offering by
James Norbury. Each of the handdrawn
illustrations is accompanied
by a short conversation between a panda and a dragon,
offering words of wisdom we can all learn from. A book
to treasure and to dip into time and time again.
Freckles
Cecilia Ahern
Allegra has made a life for herself in
Dublin, working as a traffic warden
with a sideline as an artist’s model.
She enjoys the routine and the rules,
but she’s in Dublin for a reason and
needs to pluck up the courage to
see her mission through. A chance
encounter with an angry driver makes Allegra re-evaluate
her life and gives her a new purpose. A light-hearted,
humorous tale with some darker undertones, Freckles is
sure to appeal to a range of readers.
The Exiles
Christina Baker Kline
Buying for a fan of historical fiction?
Exiles is a solid choice. Several
characters’ lives become entwined
when pregnant Evangeline is
sentenced to hard labour in Australia
in 1840. On the ship, she meets
teenage Hazel. Meanwhile, Mathinna
is faced with losing her family and indigenous community
when the governor and his wife decide she needs
‘refining’. A rich, multi-layered story with some shocking
plot twists, The Exiles is the perfect book for curling up
with on Boxing Day.
All In
Billy Jean King
Former tennis pro Billy Jean King
famously defeated Bobby Riggs
in what would become known as
the ‘Battle of the Sexes’. Since then,
King has fought many more battles,
from striving to be taken seriously
as a female athlete to campaigning for LGBTQ+ rights.
Her long-awaited autobiography also reveals the more
personal challenges King has overcome, from an eating
disorder to near-bankruptcy. A must for tennis fans and
autobiography lovers.
Ottolenghi Test Kitchen:
Shelf Love
Yotam Ottolenghi and Noor Murad
If you’re buying for someone who
loves poring over recipe books, you
can’t go wrong with Ottolenghi.
For his latest book, Ottolenghi has
partnered with head chef Noor
Murad. The result is a book packed with recipes to help
home cooks to impress with less stress. The recipes are
also adaptable, so the reader can bring their own twist
to a dish or use up leftovers. Just make sure the person
you’re buying for promises to make you the Upside-Down
Lemon, Maple and Vanilla Pudding…
The Replacement
Melanie Golding
A delicious thriller for a reader to sink
their teeth into on a cold winter’s
night, The Replacement centres on
Ruby and her sister, Joanna. The book
starts as Ruby claims a seemingly
abandoned child as her own. Soon
after, police detective Joanna is called to investigate the
attempted murder of Ruby’s neighbour. Elements of folk
lore and mythology are woven into the story, adding a
unique twist to a familiar genre.

33

34
Village Roots
By Nicola Gray
History is who we are and why we
are that way; it has been said that
a people without the knowledge
of their history, origin and culture
is like a tree without roots. Proud
Standisher and historian, Stan
Aspinall has one hell of a set of
roots, and they have been firmly
planted in the village since the
day he was born.
Stan is considered an authority
on all things Standish and his
efforts haven’t gone unnoticed!
He was recently awarded an
outstanding contribution to local
history award from The British
Association for Local History,
who honour just six people every year for their significant
voluntary contributions.
I recently sat down with Stan, off the back of his latest
recognition, to dig a bit deeper and find out what makes
him tick.
Stan was born in the post-war baby boomer era of 1947
and came into the world in a house on Church Street. Stan
adds, “I grew up in number 43, it was a comfortable place
to live. I didn’t know until much later that I was living in a
house where a double murder involving an axe had been
committed.
“The culprit was never brought to trial and I’m still
wondering what happened to him. My bedroom was
where one of the murders took place and so it’s perhaps
best I didn’t know about all of that until much later.”
Stan first went to nursery on Rectory Lane, and he still has
photographs from his time there. He continues, “Next, I
moved up to the infant’s school just further along Rectory
Lane and then, around eight years old, I moved on to the
boys’ school in Green Lane. It was a scholarship factory,
and I wasn’t selected to be in the class preparing for the
eleven plus.
“My mum came to the school to
argue my case and got a positive
result. I was moved into that
special class and passed the exam.
I opted to go to Chorley Grammar
School and my life-long friends
all went to the newly opened
Shevington High School.”
Stan attended Chorley Grammar
School between 1958-65. “I did
‘A’ level history and was awarded
an ‘A’ grade, but Geography was
always my first interest, and I
gained a 2.1 degree in Geography
at Birmingham University.”
Stan tells me that all he ever
wanted to do was become a
teacher, he continues, “It is hard to describe how proud
I felt when I got my first teaching job, despite an annual
salary of £440 per year. I was appointed as assistant
teacher of Geography at Ashton in Makerfield Grammar
School in September 1969.”
Returning closer to home, he accepted the position as
head of Humanities at Shevington High School and his
foray into local history started when he developed an
integrated course for year 7 pupils. Stan adds, “It included
an exploration of our local history and pupils were asked
to follow the ‘Trail of the Owls’; the ancient crest of the
Standish family that is present in so many unexpected
places around Standish, including on the old water tower
at Prospect House, the Boar’s Head pub and St Wilfrid’s
Church on the top of the church spire.”
Stan was later appointed as Deputy Head at the newly
opened Standish High School, he has many anecdotes
from his time there but one that stands out in his memory
centres around his then new boss. “I remember we were
both new to our roles in 1978, Martin Butler was the new
Head and I was the new deputy.
“Martin was sometimes a bit forgetful; I once went into

35
Stan has written several books about Standish as well
as regularly contributing articles on Standish Voice and
local Facebook groups. Even though Stan left the village
in 1984 for Broughton-in-Furness in Cumbria, his ties
to the local community and obvious affection for the
village haven’t abated over the years. Stan told me, “I
left Standish many years ago and my memories are of a
long time ago; I remember Green Lane when it really was
green, and I fondly remember the old Rugby Union club
before it became a housing estate.”
He continues, “Some of my proudest moments are
wrapped up in the village. During my time at Standish
High, I was appointed chair of the Duke of Edinburgh
Association in Wigan and getting more pupils through the
Stan with his first class at Ashton
in Makerfield Grammar School
his office, and he was there with
a crowbar trying to open the
examination store cupboard. I
asked was there a problem and
he explained the exams were
starting in 15 minutes, but he
couldn’t find the key! We got it
open enough to get the exam
papers out.”
Stan really started to take a
vested interest in the local
history of his home village and
the opportunity for greater
research came from his job as
deputy. Stan added, “We were
contracted to offer an evening
class for adults in lieu of a half
day off. I offered a local history
class and in my research at the
Wigan archives for that class, I
discovered the Standish Papers!
They were the genesis for two of
my books.”

36
scheme than any other school in Wigan Metro was special.
“During that time, I had two meetings with the Duke and
both were very memorable to say the least. At Chester
Racecourse, I was escorting him around and he went in
the wrong direction, which meant he would miss scores
of anxious youngsters eager to meet him. I had to stop
him and redirect him, respectfully of course!”
Stan took retirement in 2012 and has been enjoying
Cumbrian life with wife Kath, his three children and three
grandchildren. He added, “One of my great joys is to go
walking in the Lake District, I do this most weeks. It’s also
good to share local history with others and before Covid
I was giving talks most months and that seems to be
starting once again.”
Stan has also taken his love of local history with him to
Broughton-in-Furness and has also produced four books
about the area. Some of his work has featured research
covering topics such as the First World War, listed
buildings and local scandals.
Stan added, “My recent award from the National
Association for Local History was special as well, the
acknowledgement came for helping to make history
come alive for the people of the Duddon Valley.
“I’d done research into the place where I now live, and
people had given me photos and other information. But
it was lockdown that really set things moving, from the
first day of lockdown I began to post on our local website.
Each day for the next 58 days I posted stories and photos
of the past. People added comments and the stories I’d
written became very detailed; one post attracted more
than 200 replies.
Stan decided to put all his hard work to good use and
wrote everything up into a hard copy. He stood in the
local square selling copies himself. He added, “I managed
to sell 400 copies, raising £2,350 for local and national
charities.”
Stan’s enthusiasm for local history in both Standish and
Broughton will help future generations to know about
their roots and their history, but what is he planning
next? Stan contemplates, “I’m content now to explore
my own country, I’d love to explore the Outlander sites
in Scotland, revisit the Culloden Moor heritage site and
go back once more to Orkney and see what comes of it.“
Stan selling his latest book in
Broughton in Furness

37
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38
Should you Buy in 2022?
What will the New Year bring
for potential first-time buyers?
Always a vital part of the housing
market, that importance of firsttime
buyers has increased now
that the stamp duty holiday is
over, which has removed the
incentive of a tax saving for
other types of buyers.
So will 2022 be a good time to
take your first dive into Wigan’s
housing market pool or will you be sat on the side lines,
fidgeting indecisively with your arm bands? Here’s five
reasons why I think first-time buyers should consider
taking the plunge in 2022.
No Stamp Duty
Most first-time buyers are still exempt from paying any
stamp duty on their first purchase, due to the permanent
stamp duty holiday that’s been in place since November
2017. This means that First Time Buyers can purchase
property of up to £300,000 without paying any stamp
duty.
House Prices (and Sales) Increase
Property prices are predicted to rise by 3.2% during
2022, and there is now no sign in the forecasts of prices
falling. Despite rising inflation and likely interest rate rises
in 2022, the latest forecasts from the Office for Budget
Responsibility predict price growth will continue, albeit
at a more sustainable level, through to 2026.
More people are buying houses too. Sales volumes to
date in 2021 are 16% above the 5-year average (Zoopla)
and sales volumes may well eclipse 2007 by the year end.
Sales in 2022/23 are estimated to be in the region of 1.3
million, 8% higher than the longer-term average (2015/16
to 2019/2020).
Inexpensive Wigan
After Rochdale, Wigan is the
second cheapest place to buy
your first home in Greater
Manchester. With good
transport links with Manchester,
Liverpool, Warrington and the
wider area, an excellent range
of state schools, and with easy
access to open countryside,
Wigan is increasingly becoming
a desirable option for first time buyers.
The Wigan housing market is up 10.2pc since 2020, and the
average house price in the borough is currently £145,560.
Better Mortgage Rates
During the height of the pandemic, low deposit
mortgages become more difficult to come by as lenders
prioritised the security of a large deposit. Since the easing
of restrictions though, rates that would have seemed
laughable just months ago are now available.
According to Which?, it’s possible to secure a 90%
mortgage with a rate of less than 2%, or a 95% mortgage
at below 3%.has seen low deposit mortgages return with
a bang. Mortgage rates for First Time Buyers are tumbling,
with lenders battling for business from borrowers with
small deposits.
More Incentives
Eager to turn Generation Rent into Generation Buy, the
government has a number of schemes that are suitable for
first time buyers. The Help to Buy scheme offers an equity
loan for those who want to buy a new build property,
the First Homes scheme offers discounted homes for key
workers, and the Shared Ownership scheme helps those
who can’t afford to buy 100% of a home. You can find
out more details on these schemes and others at www.
ownyourhome.gov.uk
Alan Batt is a member of The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) and has
worked within the Wigan property market for over 40 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

Merry Christmas
and a
Happy New Year
Wigan Office • 78 Market Street, Wigan WN1 1HX • 01942 233 999
www.alanbatt.co.uk

40
Six of the best
CHRISTMAS
mARkETS
It’s time to wrap up warm and head off to a Christmas
Market to experience a festive array of sights, smells and
sounds. Nothing gets us in a seasonal mood more than a
visit to the Christmas Markets, partaking in a glass or two of
Glühwein or mulled wine, whilst attempting to decimate
your present list with a bit of Christmas shopping.
Here’s our recommendations for your annual Christmas
Market trip – all tried and tested destinations plus a
surprise debut to the world of Christmas Markets from
the entertainment centre of the North West - Blackpool!
manchester
The original and biggest Christmas market in the
country, Manchester Christmas Markets is the place
to go. Arriving in the city in 1999, the market has
grown every year since, now attracting more than
nine million visitors each year to the heart of the
buzzing city centre.
Its 300 beautifully festooned stalls and chalets
offer a dazzling array of hand-crafted Yuletide gifts
along with a mouth-watering range of international
food and drinks. Follow the market trail as it winds
through the city centre, with stall holders tempting
you with gifts, crafts, jewellery, toys and much more.
And don’t forget the food! Manchester’s Christmas
Markets are known for traditional bratwurst, but
visitors can also try Hungarian goulash, Spanish
paella or a good old-fashioned hog roast.
The Manchester Christmas Markets run until
Wednesday 22nd December.
Details on these events were correct at the time of going to press – these events are
subject to change or cancellation, should Covid restrictions come back into effect.
OF THE
SIX
B E S T

41
YORK
The hugely popular St Nicholas Fair returns to York
this year. The charming alpine chalets will once
again line the streets, with local businesses selling
everything from handmade gifts to delicious treats.
Soak up the atmosphere visiting the outlets along
Parliament Street and in Sampson Square , many
staffed by traders in Victorian costume
Many of York’s restaurants, shops and attractions
will be beautifully decorated and will provide a
wonderful winter experience. Don’t miss out on a
visit to Shambles with its cobbled streets for a full
festive atmosphere.
CHESTER
Chester’s Christmas Market, situated outside the
handsome Town Hall in the heart of the city centre, has
a range of over 70 stalls selling Christmas gifts, arts and
crafts goodies, fudge, local spirits, and stocking fillers.
Chester’s food and drink scene really comes alive at this
magical time of the year and the market is no exception
with a small selection of stands selling food ranging from
hot dogs to hog roasts.
The Chester Christmas Market runs until Wednesday 22nd
December.
SKIPTON
For a small market town in North Yorkshire, Skipton
punches well above its weight when it comes to their
eight day Christmas Market.
The stalls will be packed full of hand-made gifts including
Christmas decorations, wooden furniture for the home
and beauty products like bath bombs and hand-made
soap. There will also be plenty of food and drink products
from local artisans including baked goods, Belgian
chocolate, craft beer and chilli sauces.
The market stalls can be found throughout the town
centre and live entertainment helps to spread the
Christmas cheer. At 4pm each day, the market closes and
there is a procession up the high street to the church
grounds where a traditional carol is sung to mark the end
of a magical day at a Christmas market.
The Skipton Christmas Market runs from Sunday 5th
December to Sunday 12th December.
The York Christmas Market runs until Thursday 23rd
December.
BLACKPOOL
Making its debut this year is Blackpool!
The brand-new Winter Gardens Wonderland will host a
Bavarian style Christmas Market within and outside the
magnificent Grade II Listed Winter Gardens, linking the
town centre to the Festival Village.
The Festival Village will feature an Ice Rink, a Magical
Forest, Festive Light projections and more, whilst the
world-famous Illuminations have extended their season
and will stay switched on right through to the New Year.
Blackpool Christmas Market runs from Thursday 9th
December to Monday 3rd January.
BIRMINGHAM
Birmingham’s popular Frankfurt Christmas Market returns to
New Street and Victoria Square to bring some festive cheer
back to the city centre, with stalls selling a tempting array
of food and drink, traditional toys, ornaments and gifts.
In nearby Centenary Square, the big wheel and ice rink
will return and run until 9th January, between 10am and
10pm. To book tickets to these attractions visit www.
iceskatebirmingham.co.uk.
Don’t miss a chance to visit Chris Moose, Birmingham’s
singing Christmas moose, at the Christmas market who
has become a festive attraction in his own right and a
Twitter sensation @thechrismoose.
The Birmingham Christmas Market runs until Thursday
23rd December.

42
Santa at Applecast
Santa will be calling in at AppleCast in Newburgh on the
18th, 19th, 20th and 21st December. Children are invited
to come along each day between 10.30am-2.30pm for a
bit of festive fun. There is no booking necessary, children
will be seen on a first come, first served basis. For more
information, visit www.castnw.net.
Yoga Classes
If you need a bit of zen in your life, then why not roll up
your yoga mat and head out to Shevington Village Hall?
Classes are suitable for all levels of fitness, including
beginners, and no previous experience in yoga is
required. The classes take place on Mondays at 6.30pm
and Wednesdays at 6pm and 7.30pm, the cost is £8 for a
drop-in class or £28 for a four-week block.
For more information or to book your place, please
contact Karen from Gemini Yoga on 07545 884958.
Players Wanted
Appley Bridge Football Club is on the scout for boys and
girls to join a new under 9’s team for the 2022 season.
The club is an FA Charter standard development club
and the focus for the children is on enjoyment and
development. If you would like more information, call
Neil on 07971 082051 or visit the Facebook page by
searching @AppleyBridgefc.
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Showroom Opening Hours: 9am-5pm Mon- Thur, 9am-4pm Fri, 9am-1pm Sat

44
Glowing reds and golds with ornaments, gifts and baubles
creates a dramatic table setting. Faux-fur stocking, £5; cable-knit
throw, £15; fur-trim pillow, £10; stag ornament, £8; trio of frosted
tree decorations, £8; all B&M: 0330 838 9000; bmstores.co.uk.
Style a festive table for delicious
meals with family and friends
Whether you eat turkey and all the trimmings at 2pm
or prepare a nut roast in the evening, a lavish meal is
often the centrepiece of Christmas Day – not to mention
other get-togethers around the dining table before the
day itself. What could be nicer than enjoying a festive
meal with your family or closest friends – perhaps with
seasonal music and scented candles in the background
adding to those Christmassy vibes?
Carefully setting and dressing the dining table for a
Christmas meal can be as much a part of the ritual of
Christmas Day as putting the turkey in the oven or
opening gifts. To prevent it being a time-consuming chore
it is best to plan ahead, consider how you will achieve the
look you want and what key ingredients are required.
First, decide on an overall theme. It could be something
very simple and natural, in muted, neutral colours. Or a
Jazz up a simple wooden table with chunky crockery, golden
goblets and baubles in bowls. Grey wooden micro star, £17.99;
midwinter garland, £34.99; 50 warm white LED green micro fairy
lights, £12.99; set of three antique gold glass baubles, £19.99;
TruGlow® LED pillar candle trio, £26.99; Lights4fun: 01423 816 040;
lights4fun.co.uk. Photograph: Oliver Perrott
more sparkly feel with white and silver, frosting and tinsel.
A classic look is always a good option, employing red, gold
and deep green, perhaps with a touch of tartan, while
for a modern effect you might choose pretty pastels or
even bolder neons. The key is to stick to the theme pretty
tightly so it all looks unified rather than thrown together.
If your dining table is not up to scratch, use a tablecloth
to disguise scratches, stains and separate tables butted
together – plain white cotton or unbleached linen are
classics. Decorate with a lace, embroidered or scalloped
trim, or opt for a festive all-over Christmas pattern.

45
Perhaps add a slim runner along the table, either of readymade
fabric or with a narrow row of suitable decorations
along the table – such as an evergreen garland with pine
cones and berries, micro lights, tea lights in saucers,
lanterns with candles, or floral displays.
An alternative to a runner is a centrepiece, perhaps a
classic wreath with candles, an arrangement of fresh
flowers and foliage, or containers with Christmas bulbs.
Other variations are a grouping of lanterns or pillar
candles, a pile of small presents, a bowl of coloured-glass
baubles or a Christmas ornament.
If you can hang something above the table, ideas include
a selection of greenery entwined around a slim metal
frame, a scattering of metallic-paper origami stars, a
mobile made from baubles on ribbons hung from a
wooden bough, or a simple swirl of fairy lights.
Similarly, wreaths, baubles, pine cones, even small
wrapped gifts, can be tied to or hung from the backs of
wooden chairs for a pretty look.
Place mats and napkins are important elements and
napkins can be folded or rolled and prettified with
additions such as cinnamon sticks, candy canes, mini
wrapped gifts, tiny baubles, small wooden stars, ribbons
Christmas-themed, red-and-white crockery for a warm and
inviting table. Red and white Fair Isle 12-piece dinner set, £20;
White Christmas Wreath 12-piece dinner set, £20; both George
Home at Asda: 0800 952 0101; direct.asda.com.
or coloured twine. Finally, add crockery, cutlery and
glassware. Use your best set arranged super-neatly: bowls
on top of side plates on top of dinner plates; cutlery for all
the courses; glasses for water, wine and fizz. The result? A
gorgeous, welcoming Christmas table.
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46
Turkey Burgers
Ingredients
Burgers
250g turkey breast mince
½ red onion, diced
2 garlic cloves, grated
1 egg, beaten
1 small apple peeled and grated
1 tsp smoked paprika
Salt and pepper
Olive oil (to cook)
Brussels Sprouts Coleslaw
125g Brussels sprouts, trimmed
½ red onion
1 carrot, peeled
50g Greek yoghurt
30g mayonnaise
1 tsp Dijon mustard
1 tbsp lemon juice
Salt and pepper
¼ tsp ground cumin
Handful of chives, chopped
Handful of parsley, chopped
Rolls, lettuce and cranberry sauce, to serve
Fed up with the usual turkey recipes? Try these
delicious turkey burgers topped with cranberry
sauce and a Brussels sprout coleslaw.
Serves 2
Method
1. Place the mince in a bowl with the remaining ingredients for the burger
and mix well. Shape the mixture into two burgers about 3cm thick. Chill
for 30 minutes.
2. Preheat the oven to 190C/170C fan/gas mark 5. Place the burgers on a
lined baking tray and brush the tops lightly with the olive oil. Bake in
the oven for 20-25 mins, turning halfway through cooking, until cooked
through.
3. To make the coleslaw, grate the Brussels sprouts, onion and carrot in a
food processor. Place in a bowl. Mix together the yoghurt, mayonnaise,
mustard, lemon juice, salt and pepper and cumin. Pour the yoghurt
mixture over the vegetables and coat thoroughly. Stir in the herbs.
4. Serve the burgers in buns with lettuce, a spoonful of cranberry sauce
and the coleslaw.
Nutrition per burger with coleslaw: 340kcal, fat 14g (of which saturates 2.9g), carbohydrates 15g (of
which sugars 13g), protein 36g, fibre 3.8g

47
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49

50
Can You Afford to Retire?
As a result of the pandemic, we
have seen a significant increase
in new clients who have now
decided against ‘putting off’
their retirement any longer and
would like to know if they can
now afford to retire.
Today, most people’s hopes and
expectations for retirement
are very different to those
who were retiring in the past.
Retirees now have much grander plans, such as travelling
the world, spending more time on hobbies or spoiling the
grandchildren.
To enjoy all the things on their wish list, retirees need
to have the income to afford them. For most people,
the state pension isn’t enough to allow them to achieve
their vision of a comfortable and active retirement. And,
increasingly, income from other pensions is not enough
either.
The Retirement Challenge
Pensions have been hitting the headline in recent years,
but the focus has generally been encouraging people
to save and build a fund for retirement. Not enough
attention has been given to an equally pressing issue that
many approaching (or in) retirement face - making their
pension savings last all the way through retirement.
This is more of a concern now than it has ever been in
the past with interest rates being so low and standard
annuities offering poor value. It is highly likely that the
state pension and other individual pension arrangements
that pay a guaranteed income for life are less likely to
account for all of a retiree’s income needs in the future.
In short, there is a good chance that individuals financial
wellbeing in retirement could depend to a large extent
on sources of income which are not guaranteed for life in
the way that traditional pensions are.
What are the key risks to your income in retirement?
Building up a pot of money for retirement and making
sure that money lasts them for the rest of their life are two
very different challenges. The former challenge is easily
Risk One
Risk Two
David Barton
APFS Cert CII (MP)
Chief Executive Officer
defined because you have/had
a definite end date in which to
save for. The latter challenge is
much more difficult because
people don’t know how long
their retirement will last.
There are several specific risks
that need to be considered
when deciding how to generate
an income from retirement
savings, as noted below.
Living longer than expected
Inflation: rising prices will eat into the
value of savings
Risk Three Will the mix of investments be the right
ones?
Risk Four
Risk Five
Withdrawal risk: taking too much, too soon
Long Term Care funding
How can we help?
Planning for retirement when considering all the
above risks can be a daunting task. The future can be
very difficult to predict, and that’s why people use
Independent Financial Advisers. Whilst we do not have
a crystal ball, we do have many years of experience of
helping clients approaching/in retirement achieve their
retirement dreams.
If you are moving into
retirement, please do not
hesitate to give us a call on
01257 423800.
The initial meeting will be at our expense
and is without obligation.
Remember all investments can fall as well as rise in value so investors could get back less than they invest.

52
Puzzle Pages
CROSSWORD
across
1. Shade of blue tinged with green (4)
4. Japanese movie monster (8)
8. George Lucas film of 1977 (4,4)
9. Vegetable known as lady’s fingers (4)
10. Spencer ___, actor who appeared in many films
with Katharine Hepburn (5)
11. Highly-prized edible subterranean fungus (7)
13. Person who is tricked or swindled (6)
down
2. Arab country which achieved independence
from the UK in 1971 (5)
3. Fruit resembling a small peach (7)
4. Largest and most southerly island in the
Marianas (4)
5. One who runs away from service in the armed
forces (8)
6. In snooker, to pocket the cue ball after hitting
another (2-3)
7. Siren of German legend (7)
12. The food of the gods (8)
14. Popular chilled beverage (4,3)
16. Goat-like antelope (7)
18. Throbs dully (5)
20. Watery discharge from the eyes or nose (5)
21. Support for sails (4)
15. Greek mathematician (the ‘Father of Geometry’) who
wrote The Elements (6)
17. Port city in northern France (2,5)
19. Military chaplain (5)
22. Corrode, as with acid (4)
23. Flavoured with herbs and spices (8)
24. Rotating part of an engine (8)
25. Oil reservoir in an engine (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: 35 or more words
Good: 28 words
Fair: 21 words
p
i
e A
t
t
d
u

53
WORDSEARCH
Family
ANCESTOR
AUNT
BOND
CHILDREN
CLAN
COUSINS
DAD
DAUGHTER
FATHER
GENEALOGY
HALF BROTHER
HUSBAND
KIN
MARRIAGE
MUM
NEPHEW
NIECE
PARENTS
PROGENY
SIBLING
SISTERS
SON
SPOUSE
TWINS
UNCLE
WIFE
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.
BACK
WIGGLE WORDS
CLUE: discuss a
matter without
coming to the point.
Trace a path through all
the letters to find the
word or phrase that fits
the clue.
B O E B
A U H U
T T T S
A E B H
FIRE
All the puzzle solutions can be found
on page 71 of this magazine

54
CMA Accountancy
MTD 4 ITSA
By Kieran Fitzgerald MAAT
No, this isn’t an inscription in a heart
carved into a tree – it’s the latest project
from HMRC and it could affect you. Read
on for details…
We’ve covered Making Tax Digital (MTD) extensively in our
Local Life articles. It’s been a big success story for HMRC,
and following that success, HMRC are working towards
the next step on their plan, MTD for Income Tax & Self-
Assessment (MTD for ITSA).
So, what does MTD for ITSA actually involve? Individuals
who are subject to income tax on the profits of their sole
trader or property business will be required to keep their
accounting records electronically (either using suitable
software or on a spreadsheet) and file quarterly returns
to HMRC with details of their income and expenditure
together with any other information that HMRC specifies.
In a statement issued on 23rd September 2021, the
Government confirmed that MTD for ITSA will be
introduced from April 2024 onwards and will affect
individuals who fall within the criteria and have gross
income from these sources over £10,000.
MTD for ITSA is not optional if you fall within its scope
– you cannot simply choose not to take part.
Currently it is unclear when you will be able to apply for
the scheme but keep your eyes out to avoid stress as the
deadline approaches. In the meantime, get yourself set
up on a cloud-based accounting software as soon as you
can. This will help you avoid the admin overload when the
launch date comes, iron out the kinks and get to know
how the software works in plenty of time before the start
of MTD for ITSA!
Before migrating your bookkeeping on to the cloud,
it is best to get up to date with your records and Self-
Assessment Returns, and there is no time like the present!
The deadline for the Self-Assessment Return for the Year
Ending 5th April 2021 is fast approaching. You need to
ensure you have submitted your return online by 31st
January 2022, or if you submit by paper, by the 31st
October 2021.
Remember, a Self-Assessment Return isn’t purely for the
self-employed, you may have a full-time employment
elsewhere with a side hustle to earn some extra income
on the side, or some rental income from a 2nd property. If
you earn more than £1,000 from these sources then you
fall within the criteria to submit a return, so get in touch
as soon as possible if this applies to you!
You may have all of this in hand but allow us to take the
burden from you and complete this on your behalf. We
might be able to help you claim certain tax reliefs you
have not previously considered and reduce your tax bill!
Our expert team of accountants are ready to help with all
aspects of MTD for ITSA, your Self-Assessment Return and
migrating over to a cloud-based software.
Check out our website at www.cma-accountancy.com for
the latest and greatest tips, and you might want to sign
up to our weekly newsletters whilst you’re there!
Kieran Fitzgerald – CMA Accountancy
39 Skull House Lane, Appley Bridge, Wigan, WN6 9DR
01257 255521 info@cma-accountancy.com
www.cma-accountancy.com

55
Do you need
help and
guidance with;
Company Accounts?
Auto Enrolment?
Self Assessment?
Cloud-based Software?
Payroll Services?
Making Tax Digital?
AE
SA deadline
VAT
Benefits
SA
FREE
INITIAL
CONSULTATION
Call CMA Accountancy today
www.cma-accountancy.com
info@cma-accountancy.com
Skull House Lane, Appley Bridge. 01257 255521

56
Panto It’s back!
By Nicola Gray
Last year, COVID-19 played the part of biggest panto villain ever and the
Christmas pantomime season was decimated last year as a result. Booooooooo!
Well, its behind you (cue laughter) and Local Life have put together a guide to
this year’s most exciting panto experiences in Wigan and beyond.
Wigan Little TheatrE
Dick Whittington
Wigan Little Theatre, Crompton Street, Wigan, WN1 3SL
01942 242561
www.wiganlittletheatre.co.uk
The tale of Dick Whittington features singing, dancing,
comedy sketches and, as usual, there will be a crazy dame
to add to the fun.
• Dates: Thursday December 2 to Saturday December 18
• Ticket Information: Standard tickets from £10 other
tickets £12. Online bookings subject to a 7.8% fee per
ticket.
The Old Courts
Cinderella
The Old Courts, Gerrard Winstanley House,
Crawford Street, Wigan, WN1 1NA
0343 208 6015
www.theoldcourts.com
Get ready to cheer Buttons, the Fairy Godmother,
Cinderella and Prince Charming, but do remember to boo
every time you see the Ugly Sisters up to their evil ways.
• Dates: Thursday December 9 to Thursday December 23.
• Ticket Information: Adult tickets - £17.50 and child
tickets - £13.00
St Helens Theatre Royal
Goldilocks & the
Three Bears
St Helens Theatre Royal, Corporation Street,
St Helens, WA10 1LQ
01744 756000
www.sthelenstheatreroyal.com
Goldilocks and the Three Bears come to town this
Christmas with a mix of unbelievable circus tricks, madcap
comedy capers and a smash-hit selection of chart hits to
sing and dance along to.
• Dates: Friday December 10 to Sunday January 9
• Ticket Information: Tickets from £16. Online bookings
subject to a 50p fee per ticket.
Octagon Theatre
Peter Pan
Octagon Theatre, Howell Croft South, Bolton, BL1 1SB
01204 520661
www.octagonbolton.co.uk
This swashbuckling rendition of Peter Pan takes you to
Neverland and join Peter, Wendy and the Lost Boys for an
awfully big adventure.
• Dates: Friday November 26 to Sunday January 9
• Ticket Information: Adult tickets from £15.00 and under
16s tickets from £15.00

57
Albert Halls Bolton
Beauty & the
Beast
Bolton Albert Halls Theatre, Victoria Square,
Bolton, BL1 1RU
0343 208 0500
www.alberthalls-bolton.co.uk
The Albert Halls spellbinding festive family pantomime
this year is Beauty and the Beast, featuring spectacular
scenery, glittering costumes, amazing special effects and
plenty of audience participation!
• Dates: Saturday November 27 to Friday December 31
Manchester Opera House
Aladdin
3 Quay St, Manchester, M3 3HP
0161 828 1700
www.atgtickets.com
Aladdin will feature a lamp-load of comedy, jaw-dropping
special effects, sensational song and dance and plenty of
boos and hisses the whole family will enjoy.
• Dates: Saturday December 11 to Sunday January 2
• Ticket Information: Tickets available form £13.00 per
person. Online bookings subject to a booking fee of
£3.65 per ticket.
• Ticket Information: Adult tickets - £20.00, senior citizen
tickets - £16.00, under 16s tickets - £16.00
The Atkinson Southport
Cinderella
The Atkinson, Lord Street, Southport, PR8 1DB
01704 533333
www.theatkinson.co.uk
This spellbinding panto pits Cinderella against her wicked
Stepmother and the jealous stepsisters; will Prince
Charming and the Fairy Godmother come to the rescue?
• Dates: Friday December 10 to Sunday January 2
• Ticket Information: Adult tickets from £18, concessions
from £16 & family tickets from £59
Grand Theatre Blackpool
Snow White & the
Seven Dwarfs
33 Church Street, Blackpool, Lancashire, FY1 1HT
01253 290190
www.blackpoolgrand.co.uk
In true rags-to-riches style, Snow White manages, with the
help of her madcap friend Muddles, to meet a handsome
Prince and make her dreams come true.
• Dates: Friday December 3 to Sunday January 2
• Ticket Information: Adult tickets from £20.50 and under
18s tickets from £18.50

58
‘Less is more’ is a mantra that’s rarely heard around
Christmas. This year, show Planet Earth a little love with
these five eco-friendly Christmas tips.
Rent, reuse or recycle a tree
Every December, up to eight million Christmas trees are
bought in the UK alone, most of which are dumped at the
end of the season. That’s a lot of waste!
Plastic trees last for years but take enormous amounts of
energy to manufacture. Buying pre-loved ones on eBay,
Gumtree and Freecycle, however, is a great way to reuse
what would otherwise be thrown away.
If Christmas isn’t the same without that authentic pine tree
scent, why not rent a tree from a local farm? After you’ve
used it, it’ll be picked up and replanted, ready for next year.
When buying new, look out for the ‘Grown in Britain’ label
or FSC ‘seal of approval’, and find drop-off points in your
area where it can be recycled once Christmas is over.
Buy second-hand
Gifts don’t have to be new to bring a smile to someone’s
face. Suggest a second-hand present rule this year, where
you only buy each other pre-loved gifts.
These could be from a charity shop or websites such as
eBay. If you’re feeling crafty, you could even whip up
some gifts from home. Candles, jams and chutneys or
knitted hats and scarves: get creative and see where your
talents take you!
Source locally grown food
We’re all guilty of buying – and eating – a little more food
than we need at Christmas, so it’s important to make sure
it’s coming from a sustainable place.
Instead of fighting over groceries in the supermarket
aisle, source your Christmas lunch from local farm shops
and choose an organic, free-range turkey. Food tastes a
lot better when you know where it’s come from!
Sadly, Christmas is also the most wasteful time of the year,
so make sure you only buy things that you know will get
eaten. If you get carried away, turn your leftovers into new
meals, see how much you can fit in the freezer or donate
to a local food bank.
Rethink your decorations
From Christmas lights to candles, who would have thought
that decorations could be bad for the environment?
Fortunately, something as simple as switching your
incandescent lights to LEDs can cut energy usage by up
to 80%! You don’t have to give up your candle collection
either; look out for soy or beeswax candles, which don’t
contain harmful paraffin wax.
The chances are you have Christmas decorations rattling
round in your attic, so don’t waste money – or materials
– buying new ones. If you do, head to charity or vintage
shops to find some pre-loved styles.
Wrap sustainably
We use over 8,000 tonnes of wrapping paper over
Christmas, much of which isn’t recyclable!
It’s depressing, but don’t lose hope. Try wrapping presents
with old wallpaper, posters or newspapers, and save the
wrapping paper on your own gifts for next year.
A great way to test if wrapping paper can be recycled is to
scrunch it up in your hands and then let it go. If the paper
stays crumpled it can be recycled, but if it unfolds by itself
it probably contains non-recyclable elements.

59
by Chris Pearce
Distance: 6¼ Difficulty: Medium Plus
Frodsham
& Helsby
Occasionally when I collate a Jack’s Tracks walk, I get a
suspicion that there’s room for improvement. The Sandstone
Trail in spring 2020 was a case in point; the first half of the
walk was a cracker, the back half just ok, so I popped over
the Mersey again recently to scratch that itch. This wellsignposted
6¼ mile walk centres around two prehistoric
hilltops enclosures; Helsby Hill and Woodhouse Hill. There
are lots of climbs and some sheer cliffs on this walk, so
I would recommend that you leave the kids at home and
make sure you wear suitable footwear.
Start the walk at the car park for Frodsham’s war memorial
(WA6 6BG) and take the steep road downhill. Turn left at
the Belle Monte Hotel and look for a footpath on your
right which plunges you into the woods. After a
few short steps, the path forks so take the left
fork uphill.
After a few minutes walking – follow
the yellow ‘S’ sign and go up the
sandstone steps and you’ll arrive
at the war memorial,
the first of many
impressive viewpoints on the walk. Carry on in the same
direction past the war memorial and ease downhill for 200
yards – then take the lower path.
The track continues, hugging the side of the hill in the
shadow of sandstone cliffs until you ascend once more,
briefly arriving at an open area at the top and then again
sinking into the woods. You’ll soon arrive at a crossroad
of paths by some wooden steps, turn right here following
the NCW sign and you’ll arrive at multiple flights of steep
steel steps, Take the steps carefully to the bottom of the
sandstone valley and you arrive at a fingerpost – turn
right to Carriage Drive.
Continue on the path downhill until you reach a distinctive
wall; turn left here and take the steps down the steep hill.
When you arrive at the foot of the hill where all the ferns
are, there’s two options; turn right at this point.
Follow the path through the woods, close to its perimeter
with farmland for just under ¾ mile until you reach an
exit marked Tarvin Road. Take this exit and walk down to
the road; turn left and then first right into the single-track
Chestnut Lane.

60
At its conclusion Chestnut Lane narrows to a footpath:
take the bridge across the stream and head in the
same direction up the concrete steps. Follow this evernarrowing
footpath until you arrive out in the open by
a house called Tong Dean. Go through the gate
opposite and follow the clearly defined footpath
until you arrive in Helsby on Bates Lane.
Turn right and then turn left at the crossroads
on the Old Chester Road. Look out for a
footpath sign for ‘Helsby Hill’ on your left
about 50 yards up that road. Turn up the
narrow footpath for a short steep climb
to an opening with three paths and
a fingerpost. Take the second path
marked ‘Hill Top’ and take a gentle
enough climb, passing a cliff top
viewpoint on the way, until you
reach the summit of Helsby Hill,
which is marked by a trig point.
The views from the top of this
hillfort are pretty impressive,
360-degree views of the
Mersey Estuary and
Liverpool, the mountains
of North Wales and also
the Shropshire Hills to
the south.
Exit the summit via
the path directly
opposite the
path you took
to arrive at the
summit and follow that path downhill for approximately
150 yards. Take a left turn at a fingerpost (partly hidden
on the left) towards ‘Harmers Lake’. 350 yards later, you’ll
have passed the lake on the left and arrived at the
single-track lane. Turn right downhill and once
you’ve passed a secondary and the primary
entrance to Harmers Wood on the left,
there’s a signpost on the left to Tarvin
Road.
Follow this path for 400 yards to Tarvin Road
and then turn left for 200 yards. Look for
a signpost on your right (Alvaney/Burrows
Lane), which is partly hidden behind a tree
and take that path. Once you’ve crossed a
bridge, turn left along the field’s perimeter in
the direction of Woodhouse Hill.
Once you reach Burrows Lane turn left and, at
the T-junction, turn right and 350 yards later,
take the left fork down a footpath/bridle path.
Follow this long gentle incline for just under ¾
mile, ignoring the turn offs to Snidey Moor on
the right and to Woodhouse Hill on the left. Once
you reach the T-junction with bench on the right
and the fingerpost on the left, turn left and then
bear right at the next fork taking the path round
the edge of the woodlands.
Look for the path encased by a low sandstone
wall on your left and follow this path to the top of
Woodhouse Hill before sharply dropping down steps
to a bench and an info board ‘Ice and Sea’.
Turn right and follow the path gradually downhill,
parallel to the golf course. Just past the tee for the
10th hole, take care when climbing down some steep
sandstone steps. At the base, turn left, walk over the
wooden bridge and you arrive at the fingerpost
from earlier.
Tackle the flights of steel stairs once
again and retrace your steps for 100

61
yards or so until you see a turn to the right which takes
you through undergrowth and onto the golf course. You
need to look hard to see a slight dip running diagonally
across the fairway heading to the left of the masts in
the distance. As you cross the fairways, you’ll see a very
apparent footpath in the distance that runs firstly through
undergrowth and then runs onto a dirt track heading up
to Simons Lane.
Turn left when you reach Simons Lane and follow Elevation the
road round a right-hand bend that runs downhill past the
Forest Hills hotel back to the starting point.
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.
Elevation
100m
Lowest 23m
Highest 141m
50m
Total ascent 425m
0.0km 5.0km 10km
For those with the OS Maps
app on your desktop, mobile
or tablet, this walk is named:
JT-Frodsham-Helsby
Hatley Lane
Netherton
M56
A56
B5393
Sandstone Trail
Beacon
Hill
A56
The Coppice
Helsby
Bates Lane
Hawthorn
Farm
Tarvin Road
North Cheshire Way
Woodhouse
Hill
Higher Mickledale
Farm
Helsby
Hill
Bates Lane
Arboretum
Manley Road
Harmers
Wood
Foxhill
Farm
Foxhill
Wood
Tower
Snidley
Moor
Burrows Lane
Home Farm

62
Hybrid SUVs: what’s available?
If you fancy a hybrid with more space there are plenty of options
The SUV lends itself perfectly to a hybrid powertrain. With
more space, it means there’s a little more wiggle room for
the batteries and, as a result, it allows for a better boot.
Needless to say, many manufacturers have clocked onto
this, which is why there are so many hybrid SUV offerings
available today.
With such a congested market it can be tricky to find out
which is right for you. Fortunately, we’ve picked out some
of the best options available today.
BMW X5 xDrive45e
BMW’s X5 has been a core part of the SUV segment for
decades, but more recently it has been added to with
the introduction of a plug-in hybrid variant – badged
X5 xDrive45e. Where this car majors, though, is electric
range; at up to 54 miles, it far exceeds the vast majority
of other hybrids and allows for decent-length journeys to
be completed on battery power alone.
Plus, you still get the premium cabin and sharp looks that
you’d associate with the standard X5.
DS 7 Crossback E-Tense
As it’s part of the
wider PSA Group, DS
can take advantage
of all manner of
hybrid powertrains.
It’s why the 3008 and
the DS 7 Crossback
E-Tense appear so similar – they’re essentially the same
underneath. However, that efficient hybrid setup is
contained within a slightly more dramatic, eye-catching
exterior with the DS, while the interior is flamboyant too.
Kia Sorento PHEV
Kia’s plug-in hybrid
version of its latest
Sorento SUV uses a
1.6-litre petrol engine
linked to an electric
motor and batteries,
and Kia claims you’ll
get around 35 miles of electric-only driving.
As well as a striking exterior design, the Sorento boasts
a well-made cabin that is fitted with a healthy level of
standard equipment.

63
Mercedes-Benz GLE350de
In a break from the
norm, the GLE350de
arrives as a dieselpowered
hybrid.
Mercedes has a few in
its line-up, but across
the wider segment,
a hybrid paired with a diesel engine isn’t a regular
occurrence. Mercedes claims you’ll get up to 256.8 mpg
combined, too, which will certainly help with the fuel bills.
Plus, when you’ve run out of electricity – which should
still give you a decent 54 miles between charges – you’re
left with a smooth and refined 2.0-litre diesel engine.
Peugeot 3008 Hybrid
Peugeot’s range of
electrified vehicles is
expanding at an everquickening
rate and
the 3008 plug-in hybrid
is one of its latest. It
uses a 1.6-litre petrol
engine hooked up to two electric motors for a combined
power output of 296bhp. Four-wheel-drive means it’s got
plenty of traction, too.
Peugeot claims an electric-only range of up to 36 miles.
On top of this, you get loads of standard equipment and
one of the sharpest exterior designs around.
Volkswagen Touareg R
A hybrid setup can be
used for performance,
as demonstrated by
the new Volkswagen
Touareg R. It takes the
title of Volkswagen’s
most powerful
production car to date, thanks to its V6 petrol engine
and electric motor combination producing 456bhp and
700Nm of torque.
But it remains a practical and well-sized option, while a
claimed fuel economy figure of 94.2mpg should make it
a little cheaper to run than a conventional Touareg, too.
Audi Q5 TFSI e
Audi’s Q5 has proved
to be a popular choice
in the SUV segment
thanks to its premium
interior and good level
of standard equipment.
A plug-in hybrid
version has recently been added to its list of powertrains,
mirroring other cars in Audi’s line-up.
You should get 26 miles of electric-only range in the
Q5 too, allowing for plenty of driving without having to
trouble the petrol engine.
Call Chris on 01942 215 111 or 07969 357 751
www.cosmeticar.co.uk
Scuffs/scratches mended
Minor dents repaired
Alloy wheel repairs
No Vat charged
We’ll beat any quote!
PCP or lease
coming to an
end?
Call me
now and
save
£000’s

AIR-CON SERVICING
64
We’ll fix your;
Paintwork Scratches
Bumper Scuffs
Alloy Wheel Damage
Minor Dents
No VAT
charged!
Quality repairs with a lifetime guarantee.
Mobile Service – we come to you!
For your free estimate, call Dave on
07970 915 504
c/o JW Gaskell Garages,
Dingle Garage, Dingle Road, Up Holland, WN8 0EN
Car Paintwork Repairs
Vehicle Repairs ~ Servicing
Diagnostics ~ Air Conditioning
Exhausts ~ Tyres ~ MOT’s
Unit 3 – Otterswood Square
Martland Mill Ind. Est.
Wigan WN5 0LF
01942 211 986
07961 135 393
www.jdmechanical.com
info@jdmechanical.com
JD Mechanical Services
For friendly
advice, affordable
rates and over 30
years expertise,
call us today.
M.O.T. & Service Centre
WE NOW OFFER HYBRID SERVICING
O MOT (Cars, Light Commercials & Motorcyles)
O Hybrid Servicing
O Service & Repairs (Petrol & Diesel)
O Air-Con Servicing
O Diagnostics
O Tyres
Tel: Allan 01257 254934 | www.ataylorautorepairs.co.uk
7 Appley Lane North, Appley Bridge, Nr. Wigan, Lancs WN6 9AP

Up the
garden path
65
Award Winner
by Angie Barker
I realise at this time of year most of us will
not be thinking about our gardens, but
rather racking our brains to come up with
some original gift ideas. (Hubby take note!)
However this time of year really is a great
time to think about the structure in our
gardens and how we can improve it so that
we get better use and more enjoyment from
our outside space next year.
When I sit down to design a garden I think
about how to create a sense of journey
through the space, no matter how big or
small it is. This will draw you out into the
garden to explore it and will make it more
interesting and the right path is a key design
consideration.
The first decision is to consider whether you go for straight
or curved, or a combination of the two. Curved paths bring
a sense of calm to a space and slow you down so that you
tend to take more time looking at the garden as you walk
around it and suits cottage garden schemes. Straight
paths bring a sense of the contemporary to a space and
create strong clean lines in a design. They can also be
successfully used in formal gardens. Practical issues also
need consideration. A curved path to a children’s play area
or a shed may not be practical as in these situations you
would want to take the quickest route.
The second consideration is what material to build
your path out of. They can be attractive additions to
a garden scheme and whether you decide on natural
paving, porcelain tiles, smooth concrete, setts or brick,
the detail can be important so consider it as much as
the overall plan of the garden. Bound resin is also a good
choice where there are mobility issues. Gravel and slate
chippings are cost effective options but in most cases will
need an edging to stop the aggregate spilling over on to
borders or lawn.
Getting back to gift ideas, Hubby here are some hints - not
very subtle ones - a bottle of fizz (preferably Champagne
and the pink variety) a good gardening book, new pjs
and I’ll be a happy lady. Enjoy the forthcoming festivities
everyone and here’s to a new gardening year filled with
possibilities.
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

66
Design & Print
Flyers, postcards, brochures
and distribution service.
Call 01695 627 999
LocalLife
Are you the carer of an older person?
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GENESIS CARE Day care with a difference
Genesis Care provides daytime support for older people with dementia & other disabilities.
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Open Mon, Tues, Thurs & Friday
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The School Rooms, Chorley Methodist
Church (formerly Trinity Church),
Gi librand Walks, Chorley, PR7 2HF
Email: genesiscare@btinternet.com
Website: www.genesiscarenw.co.uk
Tel: 07845 969442 / 07715 809236 for more information
www.locallife247.co.uk
Do you need care and support in
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We are a CHORLEY company providing BESPOKE QUALITY CARE
For helpful and friendly advice, pop into our office at 225 Eaves Lane, Chorley,
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We are fu ly Insured, Care Quality Commission regulated, member of the UK
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www.independentlivinglancashire.co.uk
Call Amanda on 01257 696 050 for further details
Quality carpets & flooring, expertly fitted at competitive prices
Luxury Vinyl Tiles (LVT)
Carpets and Rugs
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www.bespoke-floors.co.uk | bespoke@wjdflooring.co.uk
No.2 The Old Smithy, Church Road,
Rainford WA11 8HD
01744 88 55 14
Bespoke Fl oring is the trading name of WJD Retail
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rural Vi lage
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A l staff
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www.cranknursery.co.uk
Little Acorns Nursery
QUALITY CHILDCARE YOU CAN TRUST!
Open Mon-Fri: 8am ti l 5.30pm term time
We operate a booking system for the
holidays which saves you money
We deliver 30 hours free entitlement
£29 for a fu l day
Flexible sessions available
We take children from 2 years old
Li tle Acorns Nursery is situated in a beautiful woodland
se ting. It is a safe and vibrant place for your child to gain
lots of wonderful educational experiences.
We are big on the great outdoors & being down in the forest
which is good for your child’s health and we l-being
Little Acorns Nursery
A l Saints’ Primary School | Finch Lane | Appley Bridge | WN6 9DT
01257 252647
www.li tleacorns-daynursery.com
For more information please ca l 01744 649091 or email us on contact@carebreak.co.uk.
The Care Quality Commi sion (CQC) defines companies like Care Break as an introductory agency
pursuant to the Health and Social Care Act 2008.
www.treetechsolutions.co.uk
•
•
QUALIFIED & INSURED
FREE ESTIMATES
TELEPHONE:
01695 623 909
07903 290 878
www.gardenrescue-treeservices.com
Quality Fencer
required for
these pages
Call 01695 627 999
LocalLife
www.locallife247.co.uk
Garden Design &
Quality Landscaping
Established 1994
Quality work & reliability
at competitive prices
Garden makeovers with artificial
grass a speciality
Call today for a
FREE quote
01942 510 986
07710 405 214
• Gates and railings
• Repairs and restorations
• Ironwork and welding
• Traditional forge work
25 years of expertise
Tel: 01695 721877
Mobile: 07951 764202
The Barn, 286 Ormskirk Road, Upholland
SMN
Tree and Landscape Management
Tree Felling & Pruning
Site Clearance
Tree Surveys and Reports
Invasive Weed Control
Ground Maintenance
Agricultural & Domestic Fencing
Firewood & Woodchip
Woodland Maintenance
24 Hour Emergency Tree Work
West Lancashire Borough Council
approved contractor
Wigan Council approved contractor
Day: 07970 521 692
Eve: 01942 214 121
www.smntrees.co.uk
steve@smntrees.co.uk
• All tree work
• Hedge cutting
• Grounds maintenance
• Stump grinding
NO JOB TOO SMALL
EMERGENCY CALL OUTS WELCOME
Call Wes for a free quote on
07713 121135 / 01695 363630
LocalLife
BILLINGE BASED
Over 70 Lancashire
Walks
3 Tree Dismantling,
Felling & Pruning
3 Crown Reduction,
Thinning & Lifts
3 Pollarding
FREE to download at
locallife247.co.uk
3 Removal of dead,
dying & diseased
trees
3 Stump Grinding
3 Hedge Trimming & Removal
We also sell hardwood seasoned logs
Call today for your FREE quotation:
01257 435501 07805 325231
www.jjhtreesolutions.co.uk

67
• Landscaping
• Driveways & Patios
• Block Paving
• Indian Stone
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
• Shaping & Pruning
• Felling & Topping
• Stump Grinding Service
• Fencing & Decking
• Turfing &
Artificial
Grass
Man
& Digger
for hire
Quality Fencer
required for
these pages
Complete Solution to all
Garden & Tree Services
• Garden maintenance
• One-off clearances
• Treework
• Landscaping
Approved contractor West Lancs BC
Call Iain today for friendly
advice and a free quote
Tel: 01695 632773
Mob: 07724 298193
www.hands-onlandscapes.co.uk
Billinge-based
Over 70 Lancashire
Walks
LocalLife
FREE to download at
locallife247.co.uk
Call 01695 627 999
LocalLife
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Garden
Make-Overs
Before
After
•Landscaping
•Driveways
•Decking
•Design
Call for free estimate
Colin 07958 302 166
Brian 07760 160 988
Wilson Brothers
01695 633173
www.wilson-bros.co.uk
Felled
Topped
Pruned
Re-Shaped
Stump Grinding
crown reduction
Fencing
Flagging
Turfing
Artificial Grass
Call us today for a free
no obligation quote
07879 024070
01925 271108
01942 387067
crown Thinning
20%
OFF
ALL
autumn
BOOKINGS
Email: fourseasons.treespecialists@gmail.com

68
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.
Call Paul
Locksmiths
Established 2000
A Registered Insured NCFE Certified Company
Call Paul for a Fast, Reliable, Professional Service
• 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
TELEPHONE
01942 901103
MOBILE
07932 718362
WWW.CALLPAULLOCKSMITH.CO.UK

69
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
Quality Removals
required for
these pages
Call 01695 627 999
LocalLife
www.locallife247.co.uk
Wigan’s premier domestic
cleaning service
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
Aspinall’s
Chimney Sweep
• Chimney Sweeping
• Chimney Pots & Cowls – supplied & fitted
• Bird Nests removed & Birdguards fitted
• Chimney Stacks re-pointed
• CCTV Chimney Inspections
No Mess Guaranteed!
ContaCT
Patrick
for a free quote
01942 375 076
07449 456 980
www.aspinallschimneys.co.uk
e-mail patrick@aspinallschimneys.co.uk
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
FROM
£85
regular sweep & checks
new homeowner inspections
professional & reliable
01942 387079
book online at mr-soot.com

70
Carpet & Upholstery
Cleaning
• traditional service, state of the art results •
• Carpets
• Rugs
• Fabric & Leather
Upholstery
5 star rating with Wigan Trading
Standards Good Trader Scheme
Call today for a free consultation
& no obligation quote
Call - 01257 251221
Mobile - 07908 770808
www.manorhousecleaning.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
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Call 01695 627 999
LocalLife
www.locallife247.co.uk
New Name -
Same Fantastic Cleans!
• Carpets - Quick Drying
includes moving furniture for you
• Upholstery - Fabric & Leather
• Hard floors - Tile/Stone/Vinyls
FREE Test clean to see the results
• Curtains - Hassle free
Cleaned where they hang
• Rugs
Collection & delivery service
Call us
today for
a free quote
01942 470 081
www.alliancecleaningsystems.co.uk
e: sales@alliancecleaningsystems.co.uk
Leaflet
Distribution
Service
Your leaflets delivered alongside
this magazine to up to 39,000
local homes
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LocalLife

71
we do
oven
repairs
too!
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
Puzzle Solutions
CROSSWORD
Across: 1. Aqua, 4. Godzilla, 8. Star Wars, 9. Okra, 10. Tracy, 11. Truffle, 13. Victim,
15. Euclid, 17. Le Havre, 19. Padre, 22. Etch, 23. Seasoned, 24. Camshaft, 25. Sump.
DOWN: 2. Qatar, 3. Apricot, 4. Guam, 5. Deserter, 6. In-off, 7. Lorelei, 12. Ambrosia,
14. Iced tea, 16. Chamois, 18 .Aches, 20. Rheum, 21 Mast.
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
WORDWHEEL
aNSWER:
APTITUDE
e A
p
t
t
i
u
d
WORDSEARCH SUDOKU WIGGLE
WORDS
Beat about the bush
WORD
LADDER
Here is one possible
solution (others may exist)
BACK
bank
bark
bare
fare
FIRE
PUB QUIZ
1. Narnia
2. A plum (“he put in his thumb and
pulled out a plum”)
3. Rudyard Kipling
4. The Grinch
5. Terry Pratchett
6. Roger Hargreaves (as part of his
Mr Men series)
7. ‘Twas the night befoe Christmas
8. McFly
9. Dylan Thomas
10. Tiny Tim

72
Having a Clear Out?
Whatever you’re clearing – call us today!
• House & garden
• Garage or Shed
Fast, RELIABLE and
PROFESSIONAL service
northwestwaste
• Office, Warehouse or Shop
• Probate
Our services are;
4 Cheaper than a skip
4 Fully licenced by the
Environmental Agency
4 Completed by smart and
friendly staff
The Meadows, Ruskin Drive, St Helens, WA10 6RP
01744 758 349 / 07557 764 940
Email: transport@northwestwaste.co.uk
www.northwestwaste.co.uk
Man
& a Van
available for
removals
J&P
MOORCROFT
LTD
Professional Painting
and Decorating
• Domestic & Commercial
Work
• Interior & Exterior work
welcomed
• Old/listed buildings a
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
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01942 212096
07831 102 511
www.jpmoorcroft.com
Call 01695 627 999
LocalLife
www.locallife247.co.uk
4 Exterior & Interior
Decorating
4 Domestic &
Commercial work
undertaken
4 Competitive rate
Award Winner
Contact Graham now
free estimate provided
01257 426234
07954 139069
graham@topcoatdecoratingservices.co.uk
www.topcoatdecoratingservices.co.uk
Need a new
look for your
home?
Skilled interior and
exterior work undertaken
at reasonable prices!
Chris Smith - Painter and
Decorator
01257 415388
or 07545 065119
Shevington based business
• Quality workmanship
• Interior & exterior
work
• No job too
big or too
small
01942 392398
or 07707 321383
• Interior & Exterior Decorating
• Trustworthy & Reliable
• Fully qualified with 15 years
experience
No job too big or too small
Call Gavin for a free estimate on
07870 632 041
gavowen1984@gmail.com

73
Call Clint for a free no obligation quote
01257 543 021
07834 241 642
www.conservatorycleaningwigan.com
get your
gutters
cleared
Book any service
FREE!
ROOF CLEANING
• Moss Removal & Bio-Treatment
• Softwashing / Low Pressure
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CONSERVATORIES
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LocalLife

for
as
74
Plumbing & Heating
Specialist
Complete Bathrooms
Installation ~ Repairs ~ Service
• Business Telephone
Systems
• Voip & Structured Cabling
• Residential Extensions
• Faults & Gen Enq
John Bailey
01942 495785
or 07721 040620
& 07710 153238
Based in Kenyon Road, Wigan
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
Tel: 01942 441221
Askus@LJTelecomServices.co.uk
www.LJTelecomServices.com
• Brand New Bathrooms
• Boiler + Central Heating
Installs, Servicing + Repairs
Freephone:
0300 3030121
Dave: 07769 942218
Matt: 07969 183809
FINANCE
OPTIONS
AVAILABLE
New showroom opening soon at:
2a Gathurst Lane, Shevington WN6 8HA
Email: info@orrellheating.co.uk
www.orrellheating.co.uk
506515
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
Design & Print
Flyers, postcards, brochures
Quality carpets & flooring, expertly fitted at competitive prices
and distribution service.
Luxury Vinyl Tiles (LVT)
Carpets and Rugs
Laminate Flooring
Hard Wood Flooring
www.bespoke-floors.co.uk | bespoke@wjdflooring.co.uk
No.2 The Old Smithy, Church Road,
Rainford WA11 8HD
01744 88 55 14
Bespoke Fl oring is the trading name of WJD Retail
& Online Solutions Ltd – Company Number 1248484
rural Vi lage
NUrSErY
A l staff
paediatric
& first aid
QUALIFIED
oPEN
Mon-Fri
8AM-6PM
FUNDED
PLACES
Available for
2/3/4
year olds
£37.50
per day
LANgUAgE
& SPortS
LESSoNS
pre-schoolers
Large
outdoor
PLAY ArEA
rated by
oFStED
oUtStANDINg
We cater for
CHILDrEN
3 months
- 4 years
NEWLY
rEFUrBISHED
in 2019
Ca l Sarah on 01744 886166 for more information or admin@cranknursery.net
www.cranknursery.co.uk
For more information
Call 01695 627 999
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
LocalLife
• Extended warranties
available
• 24 Hour Call-out
0%
• Domestic + Commercial Finance
available
651511
Boiler Installation
Boiler Servicing & Repairs
Boiler Finance Available
Landlords Gas Safety Reports
Experienced, Reliable & Friendly Service
01257 252647
www.li tleacorns-daynursery.com
www.locallife247.co.uk
Credit Cards accepted
01942 221 996
07769 203 056
hartheatingwigan@gmail.com
Winstanley-based

A Genuine Family Run
Business With Friendly
& Courteous Staff
Specialists in central heating installation,
boiler replacements and upgrades
75
• 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
Registration No.
88604
WE REPAIR ALL
MAKES OF BOILERS!
Telephone:
01257 421 660
Tel: 01942 504 429
Mob: 07515 505 501
Accredited Installer & Service Partner
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

76
Elite
Bathrooms
& Wet Room Installation
• Bathrooms • Wet Rooms
• Wall & Floor Tiling
Please call for a FREE Estimates
07703 448890
01942 208926
AGBathrooms.net
Quality bathrooms at
reasonable prices
Complete bathroom
installations from design
to completion.
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
Convert your bath to a
Walk-In Shower
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
01257 277802
07966 488585
Call anytime for a quote or email:
andy@aerialandskyservices.co.uk
TT20778
www.aerialandskyservices.co.uk
For free quotes, call Adrian on
07816 394 292
Check out our work on
www.AGBathrooms.net
Quality Tiler
required for
these pages
Call 01695 627 999
LocalLife
www.locallife247.co.uk
AJC
WALK IN SHOWERS
Typical price
£2200
Fully guaranteed
One day installation
No mess - no fuss
Easy to clean & maintain
Call Anthony on
07919 876 825
Workshop address: Bulldog Tools Ind. Est.
Darlington Street East, Wigan WN1 3BT
Microshop address: Hardshaw Centre,
Church Street, St. Helens WA10 1EB
We also fit full bathrooms!
• TV Aerials Installed
• TV Wall Mounting
• Telephone Lines
• Setup Service
Ring Paul on
01942 514 532
07709 490 095

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
Call: 0800 6446100
or 07904 127663
Covering all North West Areas
77
4 NAPIT part ‘P’ registered
4 JIB Approved Technician
4 38 Years Experience
4 Local, Honest & Reliable
4 Domestic
4 Industrial & Commercial
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
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
• Cctv & Ajax wireless alarm
01942 215 769
07739 709 005
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
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
a Installation & Maintenance
a Inspection & Testing
a Nest Pro Installer
a CCTV & Alarms
Tel: 07738 117712
Orrell based

78
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
Winstanley-based
www.gdrdriveways.com
Call Gareth for a FREE quotation: 01942 217 113 or 07715 177 754
Quality Fencer
required for
these pages
Call 01695 627 999
LocalLife
www.locallife247.co.uk
Specialists in
Replacement
Double
Glazed Units
• 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
Quality Flooring Fitter
required for
these pages
Call 01695 627 999
LocalLife
www.locallife247.co.uk
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
Quality Removals
required for
these pages
Call 01695 627 999
LocalLife
www.locallife247.co.uk

79
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
Quality Flooring Fitter
required for
these pages
Call 01695 627 999
LocalLife
www.locallife247.co.uk
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
Handy
Andy
Building / Joinery
Plastering / Tiling
Plumbing / Roofing
Flatpack Assembly
Call Handy Andy on
01257 369 685
07899 752 225
tradesbyandy@gmail.com
All
jobs
considered
HANDS ON
Property Maintenance
& Handyman Services
3 Kitchens & Bathrooms
3 Painting & Decorating
3 Building & Joinery
3 Electrical
3 Paving, Decking
& Fencing
3 Tiling
3 Plumbing
Check out my work at
keith.anderton
Telephone Keith on
07812 110476
• Timber cladding
• Bespoke furniture
• All aspects of joinery
• Fabrication / steel work
Contact:
07800 580532
01744 747787
www.funkytimber.co.uk
Unit 17b, Wharton Street,
St Helens, WA9 5AA
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
Fully
qualified
&
Insured
Plasterer.
NO JOB TOO BIG OR TOO SMALL
All plastering work
undertaken including:
• All types of rendering • Listed Building Plastering
• Skimming • Dry lining • Damp proof courses
• Basement tanking
Call Westley Gillett for a
FREE no obligation quote
07802 710685

80
4 Extensions and House Refurbishment Works
4 New Build Houses
4 Groundworks, Drainage, External Paving
and Landscaping
4 Internal Structural works to accommodate
new bi-fold doors / open plan living etc
4 Full range of garden design and landscaping
works including BBQ areas, garden offices,
bars, games rooms etc
4 Full Range of Commercial Building including
Interior Designs and Fit Outs
Contact us for further details on 01257 447 427 or enquiries@helixgroup.uk
Blackthorn House | Skull House Ln | Appley Bridge | Wigan | WN6 9DB
www.helixgroup.uk
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
K Stone
Building Services
All types of building
work undertaken
• Brickwork
• Pointing
• Garden Walls
• Patios
25 years
experience
• Roof Repairs
• Flagging
• Alterations
• Driveways
01942 495412
07974 496676

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)
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
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
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
W.Newman
ROOFING & REPAIRS
01695 627 212
MOBILE: 07774 943 706
52 HALLBRIDGE GARDENS,
UP HOLLAND
Established Over 30 Years
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
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
81

82
Promote
your
business
in
LocalLife
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distribution is
monitored using
GPS
tracking
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NEXT Issue
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January 21 8th December
13,221
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Winstanley, Highfield, Marus Bridge,
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LocalLife
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Wigan Edition
Forgotten Buildings:
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83
Come and visit the largest
showroom in the North West
Quality installations of windows,
doors, fascias, soffits and gutters
First for quality
First for service
First for reliability
No contractors
No salesmen
Just a smile and a honest price from a family run business
Transform
your
conservatory
into a home
office
NEW Generation
Rockdoor
now available
SISTER COMPANY OF FOXWELLS BUILDERS
Established since 1999
Call us for a Free Quote
Office Number: 01942 871 777
Victoria Industrial Estate, Victoria Street, Leigh, WN7 5SE
warmlightwindowsltd.co.uk • info@warmlightwindowsltd.co.uk
Representative example: Total cash price £1164, deposit £0, amount borrowed £1164 over 12 months. 12 monthly repayments of £97. Interest
rate 0%. Total repayable £1164. Credit is subject to the lenders T&C. Warmlight Windows, Doors and Conservatories Ltd is authorised and
regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority FRN 7700524. We are a credit broker, not a lender and have a facility with one lender.

Tomorrow’s Home Improvements Today!
Quality ~ Choice ~ Value
Windows
Bi-Fold Doors
Thermally-efficient conservatory roofs
expertly fitted by accredited installers
©
Orangeries
Don’t just lock it,
Rock it!
Conservatories
Manufacturers and installers since 2004
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