Local Life - St Helens - Jan/Feb 2022

FREE 

LocalLife 

St Helens Edition 

Jan/Feb 2022 

WIN 

Saints 

2022 

Memberships 

Go Active in 2022 

Pages 38-43 

Win Ed Byrne Tickets! 

Page 30 

Reduce your Meat Intake 

Pages 16-17 

Adventure of a Lifetime 

Pages 34-36 

LOCAL NEWS | EVENTS2GO | FOOD | HEALTH | WALks | competitions | home & garden SERVICES

2

3 

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4 

As I sit here re-writing this on the 16th December, 

the nation’s plans for Christmas are quickly 

disintegrating due to the new Covid variant. I 

hope that, by the time this magazine reaches you, you’ll 

be looking back at an enjoyable Christmas period which 

wasn’t as disastrous as many initially feared. 

Right now, my heart sinks for those local businesses 

who have again had Christmas obliterated by events 

out of their control. During the lockdowns, many local 

businesses went over and above to help those customers 

who needed their products and services. Many attracted 

new customers as a result, but as the pandemic eased, 

these customers drifted away. 

Once the wave recedes and restrictions lift this year, 

please consider #shoplocal as your resolution for the 

new year. Whilst variants of this damn virus come and go, 

many vulnerable people need local businesses to survive 

and thrive, so please #shoplocal when you can. 

Best wishes for a happy and healthy 

New Year. 

Chris Pearce, Publisher 

chrisp@locallife247.co.uk 

Keep in touch with the 

LocalLife Team! 


Telephone: 01744 649722 

info@locallife247.co.uk 

locallifemagazine247@locallifemedia 

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

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

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

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

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

5 

This month’s highlights 

38. Go Active in 2022 

Contents 

16. Reducing Meat Intake 

30. Win Ed Byrne Tickets 

10. Beauty 

Resolutions you’ll want to keep! 

14. Recipe 

Chilli and lemon seafood spaghetti. 

18. Tech 

Now we’re cooking. 

19. Baking 

Blueberry custard tarts. 

24. Education 

Choosing a nursery. 

26. Health 

Is sitting the new smoking? 

46. Home 

Fresh new year & choosing neutrals. 

52. Win 2022 Saints Memberships 

64. Puzzle Pages 

Try these brainteasers for size! 

70. Home & Garden Services 

Find the best local traders for you. 

34. Icelandic Adventure 

66. JT to Darwen Moor 

Want to 

promote your 

business in 

LocalLife? 

Next Issue - Mar/Apr 2022 

Advertising deadline - 16th February 

Published - 2nd March 

01744 649722 

www.locallife247.co.uk

6 

New Choristers Appeal 

If pursuing a new pastime is on your list of New Year’s 

resolutions, you might be interested to know that 

Haydock Male Voice Choir are looking for potential new 

members? 

This award-winning choir were founded just after the 

First World War and they celebrate their centenary next 

year in 2023. 

No previous experience is required from new members 

and it’s an excellent opportunity to boost your singing 

skills. Other benefits include the chance to get fitter and 

healthier, and to have some fun along the way with this 

friendly group. 

The choir rehearse on Tuesdays at Haydock Conservative 

Club and on Thursdays at the United Reform Church in 

St Helens. 

You can check out some audio of their performances 

on www.haydockmvc.com. For more information 

about rehearsals call 07742 312565 or email secretary@ 

haydockmvc.com. 

Hamper Winner 

The competition 

to win a 

Lancashire Day 

hamper, featured 

in the Nov/Dec 

issue of Local 

Life was won by 

Georgina Wilding- 

Platt from Bushey 

Lane in Rainford. 

Here’s Georgina 

pictured with her 

twin daughters, 

Nyla and Eliza. Thank you to all who entered. 

In this issue, we have two competitions for you! You can 

win a pair of Saints 2022 Memberships worth over £600 – 

check out pages 52 and 53. 

And on page 30, we have a competition to win a pair of 

tickets to the Ed Byrne concert at St Helens Theatre Royal 

on 25th January. 

LEADING LOCAL SPECIALISTS 

25 HARDSHAW STREET, ST HELENS, WA10 1RP 

2 DERBY STREET, PRESCOT, L34 3LJ 

THINKING ABOUT THE FUTURE? 

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

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

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

WILLS 

TRUSTS 

PROBATE 

ADMINISTRATION OF ESTATES 

INHERITANCE TAX PLANNING 

LASTING POWERS OF ATTORNEY

7 

Time to Talk 

The Time to Talk Day, an initiative that encourages 

everyone to talk about their mental health, takes place 

this year on Thursday 3rd February 2022. The day is 

about creating supportive communities by having 

conversations with family, friends, or colleagues about 

mental health. 

Seneley Green Parish Council, and in particular Cllr 

Pete Peers and their Health & Wellbeing Group working 

alongside Kate Andrews, a Mental Health Professional at 

Garswood Surgery, will be leading the way by hosting an 

event for Time to Talk Day. 

The event will take place, subject to Government & 

NHS England regulations at the time, on Thursday 

3rd February between 10am-1pm at Seneley Green 

Community Hall on Billinge Road in Garswood. 

The Parish Council is also open to facilitating further 

events for people suffering with their mental health and 

their friends and families. For details about this and a 

list of mental health support agencies, please visit the 

website www.seneleygreenparishcouncil.org.uk. 

New Hall for Billinge PC 

After almost 3 years of negotiation, Billinge Chapel End 

Parish Council has secured the purchase of the former 

Methodist Church in the centre of the village. The site of 

the former Public Hall on Pingot Road will be developed 

into two bungalows. 

The new Public Hall is next to the Millennium Garden 

which the Parish Council already owns. The small 

graveyard on the site of the church will be maintained by 

the Parish Council. 

At the first Parish Council meeting at the new Public 

Hall, Parish Chair Cllr Dennis Mc Donnell said “This is an 

historic occasion and I sincerely hope that, in a hundred 

years’ time, our successors in the Parish Council will be 

celebrating the centenary of the site”. 

He also thanked the Councillors for their efforts to secure 

the site and, in particular, the previous Parish Clerk, Tom 

Kelly and present Clerk Hazel Broatch. 

The Parish Council will be consulting with residents on 

proposals to develop the site for community needs. 

Any suggestions or ideas would be welcome for 

consideration as part of the process. The Parish Council 

meets at 7.30 pm on the third Monday of every month. 

Increase your 

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8 


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Pick up a FREE copy of Local Life 

magazine at these venues; 

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After! 

St Helens 

Peter Street Library, Peter Street 

St Helens Library, World of Glass, Chalon Way 

Billinge 

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Clock Face 

Chester Lane Library, Four Acre Lane 

Bold 

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We welcome commissions 

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Denton’s Green 

Toast Coffee House & Café, 149 Dentons Green Lane 

Eccleston 

Eccleston Library, Broadway 

Garswood 

Garswood Library, School Lane 

Haydock 

Haydock Library, Church Road 

Kings Moss 

Fir Tree Farm & Shop & Café, 50 Pimbo Road 

Moss Bank 

Moss Bank Library, Bowness Avenue 

Newton-le-Willows 

Newton-le-Willows Library, Crow Lane East 

Parr 

Parr Library, Fleet Lane 

Rainford 

Cherry Orchard Tearoom, Inglenook Farm, 

Reds Cafe, Church Rd 

Rainford Library, Church Road 

Rainhill 

Caffe & Co , Dane Court, 8 Warrington Rd 

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Thatto Heath 

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Thatto Heath Library 

Or sign up to read your copy online at: 

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Moss Nook Lane | Rainford | WA11 8AE 

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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 

raising money 

for charity? Are 

you a member 

of a community 

group with 

something to 

shout about? 

Maybe you’ve got an unusual talent, or have a 

claim to fame? If so, let us know and you could be 

appearing in the next edition! 

Simply contact us on editorial@locallife247.co.uk 

or call us on 01744 649722

9 

The outstanding achievements of over 180 students from 

University Centre St Helens were celebrated at St Helens 

Parish Church. Graduates from the class of 2020 and 2021 

put on their caps and gowns before processing through 

the town centre led by the Parr Band, Valley Brass Band 

and Town Crier, bringing Saturday morning shoppers to 

a standstill. 

Class of 20/21 

At the ceremony, Simon Pierce, the CEO and Principal 

of SK College Group, introduced motivational speaker 

and published author, Andy Grant. Andy, a former Royal 

Marine, who was severely injured by an IED that left him 

with life changing injuries during his service in Iraq and 

Afghanistan, told graduates: “As you enter the next stage 

of your life, try to remember life is 10% what happens to 

you and 90% how you react to it.” 

Each year, St Helens Rotary Club present an award to 

a graduate who has demonstrated dedication and 

commitment in overcoming adversity to obtain their 

qualification. This year’s winner was Joanna Leech, 

who graduated from FdSc Applied Microbiology with a 

distinction. Joanna managed to find the time to study, 

alongside working full-time and juggling family life. 

Special recognition for outstanding achievements was 

also awarded to graduates; Ashutosh Neerunjun Mohun, 

Jessica Denson, Lucy Kelly, Priya Luxmee Murphy, William 

Hayes and Christine Moles. 

Those people considering a career change, or looking 

for career progression can apply now for 2022 entry on 

a range of full and part-time degree courses, including 

flexible evening study. Visit www.sthelens.ac.uk/ucsh for 

further information.

10 

7 Easy 

You’ll want to keep 

Supercharge your bath 

Who doesn’t love 

a soak in the bath 

on a cold winter’s 

night? Make yours 

a treat for your 

skin and senses 

with a handful of 

fragranced bath salts. Dove’s are a 

good choice. They’re made from 

pure sea salt to ease aching muscles, 

with added natural moisturisers 

to boost hydration. And you have 

a choice of three aromatherapyinspired 

fragrances, at £6.99 

from www.boots.com and www. 

superdrug.com. 

Use SPF 

Your skin doesn’t need to be at risk 

of burning to be damaged by UV 

rays. So it’s important to protect it all 

year around. A good facial sunscreen 

shouldn’t feel greasy or block pores. 

Alternatively, you can just opt for a 

moisturiser with added SPF, but to 

get the full benefit, you may need to 

use more than usual. 

Give your nails a break 

Gels and acrylics 

are great, but your 

nails do need a rest 

now and then to 

recuperate. If your 

nails are feeling 

brittle, file them short 

to reduce the risk of breakage. Treat 

them to a weekly nail-strengthening 

treatment and a daily cuticle oil. If 

you want some colour, choose a 

gentle nail polish. Nailberry polishes 

(£15, www.nailberry.co.uk) are 

breathable and free from alcohol, 

phthalates and harsh chemicals. 

Treat your hair 

If you struggle to find 

the time for a weekly 

hair mask, try an 

overnight one. JOICO’s 

Defy Damage Sleepover 

Treatment contains 

moringa seed oil to 

add shine and softness, 

along with other natural 

ingredients that help to strengthen 

hair and protect it from further 

damage. It’s non-greasy and you 

don’t even need to rinse it out the 

following morning. It costs £20 at 

www.lookfantastic.com. 

Try something new 

It’s all too easy to get stuck in a 

beauty rut. If you fancy trying 

something new, book yourself in 

for a skin consultation or mini 

makeover at a cosmetics 

counter. Or visit a few 

counters and ask for their 

recommendations. You 

could also sign up for a 

beauty box subscription, 

like those by Birchbox, Glossy 

Box and Look Fantastic, which will 

give you the chance to sample lots 

of different brands. 

Switch to green beauty 

It’s simpler than you might think 

to make more eco-conscious 

choices. To start with, look for easily 

recyclable, zero-waste packaging. 

Check that the brands you use are 

certified cruelty-free. And swap 

disposable products for reusable 

ones, such as a bamboo razors, 

refillable deodorants and washable 

cleansing pads. To make life easier, 

buy from retailers that have strict eco 

policies, like www.biggreensmile. 

com, www.naturalcollection.com 

and www.lovelula.com. 

Feed your skin 

Boost a healthy diet with a vitamin 

supplement. Manifesto’s Beauty 

gummies (£39.90, www.manifestonutrition.co) 

are a good choice as 

they’re packed with vitamins and 

antioxidants and taste great. The 

hero ingredient is astaxanthin, 

which has been found to improve 

skin’s elasticity. There’s also zinc, 

biotin and Vitamin A to help 

strengthen your hair 

and nails, collagen 

boosting Vitamin 

C, and other 

ingredients 

your skin will 

thank you for.

11 

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12 

Wedding Fayre 

A Healthy 

Dog is a 

Happy Dog! 

Our one-to-one hydrotherapy 

sessions can help dogs with; 

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• Pre/Post Operative Recovery 

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Make her day special 

with a gift of flowers! 

Valentine’s 

Day 

14th February 

If you heard the sound of wedding bells last Christmas 

and Santa left an engagement ring for you under the 

tree, then you’ll be interested in the Bridal Fayre that 

takes place on Sunday, January 30 at the stunning 

Lancashire Manor Hotel on Prescott Road, Pimbo, near 

Skelmersdale. 

This is a great chance to view everything on offer, 

including the beautiful banqueting suites and bridal 

suites. There will also be a chance to have a chat with 

the team’s preferred suppliers who can help you with 

everything from photography, venue dressing, hair, 

make-up, entertainment and not forgetting the allimportant 

bridal gown! 

On the day there will be a fashion show put together by 

Trudy Smith Bridal Boutique, to give you all the latest 

ideas and trends in bridal gowns and grooms wear. 

Pop down between 12-3pm on the day and make your 

wedding dreams a reality. 

For more information, please call the hotel on 01695 

567260. 

30 Years for Anne 

A Prescot music teacher is celebrating 30 years of 

coaching some of the area’s brightest prospects. 

Anne Turner, from Columbia Road, teaches piano, voice, 

keyboard and music theory in everything from folk to 

music theatre and classical. 

Since 2011, Anne has also taken up the role of Music 

Director for several local singing groups, many of whom 

have taken part in charity events, raising money for good 

causes, and promoting health and wellbeing through 

music. 

Anne said, “I’m pleased to have served the local 

community for so many years and would like to thank 

students past and present for their loyal and continued 

support.” 

To contact Anne, call 0151 4266606, 07767 815916 or 

email j.anneturner@btinternet.com 

National & 

International 

01744 885 363 

29 Church Road, Rainford, WA11 8HE 

Open: Monday - Saturdays, 8.30am - 5.30pm 

www.wendysflowers.co.uk

13 

Madness Return 

The Jockey Club Live have announced 

three 2022 dates for the return of their 

popular live music nights at Haydock 

Park Racecourse. Paloma Faith will 

be appearing on Friday 1st July, Olly 

Murs will return on Friday 5th August 

and iconic 80’s band Madness will be 

appearing on Saturday 16th July. 

2021 saw a season of incredible live shows at The Jockey 

Club racecourses, ranging from a sold-out show for 

Tom Jones at Haydock Park to an afternoon of joyful 

singalongs with McFly at Newmarket Racecourses. 

Despite the challenges of staging a 

season in 2021, the events marked the 

return to live music for thousands of fans. 

Having last headlined at Haydock in 

2015, Madness have become one of 

the music industry’s best loved British 

bands. Fronted by the charismatic 

Suggs, Madness’ ability to write songs 

that sparkle with the stuff of British life, that find poetry 

in everyday reality, has led them to their many hits. 

Tickets for the events at Haydock Park are now available 

at www.thejockeyclub.co.uk/live/ 

Available 2 nd January - 28 th February 2022 

BOOK ONLINE ONLY | SHERDLEYPARKGOLFCOURSE.COM 

01744 813 149 | info@theparkbarandkitchen.com | Sherdley Park Golf Course, St Helens WA9 5DE 

*Discount not available in conjunction with any other offers.

14 

Chilli & Lemon Seafood 

Spaghetti 

Serves: 4 

Ready in: 20 mins 

Ingredients 

400g spaghetti 

2 tbsp virgin olive oil 

2 garlic cloves, crushed 

Small pinch of dried crushed chillies 

2 whole dried chillis, halved lengthways 

Zest and juice of 1 large lemon 

100ml dry white wine 

150g raw king prawns 

150g squid rings, thawed if frozen 

Handful fresh mussels, cleaned (see TIP) 

2 tbsp fresh finely chopped coriander, 

plus extra sprigs to garnish 

Salt and freshly ground pepper 

Handful fresh basil leaves, to garnish 

On the table in less than 30 minutes, this is a a great 

speedy supper to serve any day of the week. Serve 

with slices of toasted ciabatta and a rocket salad. 

Method 

1. Bring a large pan of lightly salted water to the boil. Add the pasta and cook 

for 12 minutes, or according to the packet instructions, until just tender. 

2. Meanwhile, heat the oil in a large, deep pan over a medium heat. Add 

the garlic and stir for 2–3 minutes until soft, but not brown. Add the chilli 

flakes and whole chillies and cook for 1 minute then stir in the lemon 

zest and juice and wine. Bring to the boil and let the liquid bubble for 1 

minute. 

3. Add the prawns, squid and mussels to the pan and cover and simmer for 

5-6 minutes, shaking the pan occasionally, until the prawns are pink and 

the mussels have opened (discard any that remain closed). 

4. Drain the pasta and add to the pan with the chopped coriander. Toss well 

to coat the pasta in the pan juices. Season to taste with salt and freshly 

ground black pepper. Serve in warmed pasta bowls garnished with the 

coriander sprigs and basil leaves. 

TIP: Scrub the fresh mussels clean and pull away the straggly ‘beards’. Discard any that don’t shut tightly when 

firmly tapped.

15

16 

Reducing your 

Meat Intake 

The headlines about meat-eating are 

all about why you shouldn’t. The main 

focus is on how rearing animals for 

food is a major contributor to climate 

change, but you don’t have to look far 

to understand that animal welfare and 

personal health are also significant 

motivators for the increased adoption 

of a more plant-based food intake. 

It was recently reported that over the last decade, the UK’s 

meat consumption dropped by 17%. That’s a great start, 

but although we know why we should consider this new 

way of eating, the how seems to have less attention. Let’s 

look at some simple changes that might help in making 

your diet less focused on animal products. 

Cooking from scratch 

The easiest option is to eat pretty much as you always did, 

but to use meat-free alternatives. 

Mince, burgers, 

sausages, fish and 

chicken all have 

vegan substitutes 

available and in 

some cases it’s really 

quite difficult to spot 

the difference. Even when it’s not a perfect replication 

of meat, it’s just as tasty so you won’t mind the change. 

Beyond Meat burgers are a good example of this and are 

available in some supermarkets and in many pub and 

restaurant chains. 

Giving up dairy and eggs takes a bit of getting used to. 

Oat milk is the winner for its sustainability credentials, 

with almond milk now generally frowned upon. Butter 

substitutes have been around for years; vegan cheese is 

available but is a bit of an acquired taste. Replacements 

for eggs depends on the recipe, so you’ll have to do your 

research. 

If this way of eating is going to stick, you’ll want to try 

some new recipes. The internet is full of vegetarian and 

vegan cooking ideas, but you’ll notice they typically have 

considerably more ingredients than meat-based meals 

do, including herbs and spices. If you love cooking and 

have lots of jars of flavourings in your cupboards you 

won’t mind this. Otherwise, you might want to consider 

a ready-to-cook option. 

For this, the booming market of recipe boxes is a great 

start. British company Gousto offer around 60 recipes 

each week, with 20% vegan and a further 30% vegetarian 

(meaning over half the meals don’t contain meat). 

Around 80% of HelloFresh meals contain meat so they are 

not a great choice but their sister brand GreenChef and 

another company Mindful Chef are both worth a look.

17 

Ready-to-eat 

The supermarkets have a selection of plant-based ready 

meals, which is particularly good if you need something 

quick or are eating alone. Frozen meal deliveries are 

available from a number of companies, including Planty 

and Allplants. 

Take-away food is a bit more challenging – chicken, 

pizza and kebabs feature at the top of the list of the most 

popular purchases. It is possible though and the online 

menus should offer a clear indication of which of their 

options are vegetarian and vegan. 

Eating out 

What you don’t want is to go to a pub or restaurant where 

there are just a couple of non-meat choices tucked away 

at the bottom of the menu. You should be offered many 

of the same options as usual but in a veggie version, and 

some recipes that are specifically targeted for non-meat 

eaters. Even better is a restaurant that has a specific vegan 

menu, and Wagamama deserve recognition for having 

introduced this at the start of 2021. 

Ideally, choose a vegetarian restaurant that is guaranteed 

to have vegan choices too. You can search on TripAdvisor 

for ‘Vegetarian friendly’ 

and ‘Vegan options’ 

from the dietary 

requirements. However, 

the eatery can qualify 

for this even if they only 

have a couple of dishes. 

A better place to start 

would be Happy Cow 

(happycow.net) as 

there’s far more of a 

focus on plant-based 

restaurants and cafes. 

A general Google search is also useful, or your local 

Facebook group will have lots of people giving you 

recommendations (or ‘avoids’). 

Be realistic 

Like any new regime, a wholesale overnight change will 

be challenging and will often lead to failure. But even 

if you could just do one no-animal-products day each 

week, you will have cut your meat intake by 14% and 

in time you’ll realise that you often prefer the veggie or 

vegan option. 

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18 

Now we’re 

Cooking 

Panasonic SD- 

YR2550sxc 

There are bread makers, and 

then there are bread makers 

that can also make cakes 

and pizza dough and pasta 

dough. If you can bake it, this 

Panasonic can make it. 

£199, johnlewis.com 

Stirr 

Say goodbye to the tyranny of pots 

that need constant stirring: Stirr does 

it for you so you can do something 

more fun while your sauce thickens or 

your soup cooks. 

£21.99, uutensil.com 

Top tech 

for every 

kitchen 

Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1 

If you haven’t tried Instant Pot 

boiled eggs you don’t know 

what you’re missing. It’s also 

great for making soup, stews, 

chilli, rice and even yoghurt. 

£59, Amazon.co.uk 

Sage The Smart Oven 

This brilliant multi-cooker is 

great for small spaces because 

it does so much: it’s a grill, an 

oven, an air fryer, a toaster, 

a food warmer, a pizza oven 

and more. 

£249, sageappliances.com 

Thermomix 

It’s not cheap but when you consider all 

the things the Thermomix can do, from 

weighing and chopping ingredients to 

sautéing and even frying, it’s incredibly 

useful. 

£1,099, vorwerk.co.uk 

Brilliant buys for every kind of cooking 

From setting alarms on our smart speakers to using 

an instant-read digital thermometer to check our 

roasts are the perfect temperature, technology has 

helped us make countless meals. 

Some of the cleverest tech is also very simple. 

Take the Meater, for example. It’s a thermometer 

with a built-in Bluetooth connection that sends 

temperature information to your phone and rings 

an alarm when it’s time to take your roast out of the 

oven or barbecue; its case doubles as a charger so 

it’s always ready to help. 

Technology has revitalised lots of devices. The 

Panasonic SD-YR2550SXC is a newer version of 

BBC Good Food’s favourite bread maker, with 

programmes not just for bread but for pasta and 

pizza dough and cake too, while the £22 Stirr gives 

the humble wooden spoon an upgrade: it’s an 

automatic stirrer you put in your pot to prevent 

your soup sticking or your gravy getting lumpy. 

If you prefer do-everything devices, you’ll love 

the Vitamix. It’s not so much a gadget as an entire 

food preparation system that’s capable of doing 

pretty much anything: weighing ingredients, 

blending vegetables, grinding spices, boiling and 

simmering, kneading dough, whisking sauces, 

grating vegetables and cheese, chopping meat, 

caramelising onions and much more. 

Two kinds of device have become incredibly 

popular in the last few years: the Instant Pot and 

the air fryer. The former is a programmable one-pot 

electric pressure cooker that can do multiple kinds 

of cooking: slow cooking, rice cooking, steaming, 

sautéing, yoghurt making, soup making and much 

more, and with prices under £60 for the entry level 

model it’s a brilliant buy. 

An air fryer uses heat and air to get the same effects 

as deep frying without the oil: instead of immersing 

the food in a vat of boiling oil you just give it a little 

spray with cooking oil. The results are superb for 

almost everything apart from wet batters, which 

tend to fall off, and there are stacks of models: our 

current favourite, Sage’s The Smart Oven, is an air 

fryer, oven, grill, toaster, pizza oven, slow cooker and 

much more. You can even get an Instant Pot with a 

second lid that turns it into an air fryer: the Instant 

Pot Duo Crisp & Air Fryer is currently around £199.

19 

Blueberry 

Custard 

Tarts 

These fruity tarts have a rich 

creamy custard filling with a 

crisp pastry case. If you prefer 

you can use shortcrust pastry. 

Makes: 8 

Ready in: 1 hour, plus cooling 

Ingredients 

75g caster sugar 

3 medium egg yolks 

2 tbsp cornflour 

1 tsp vanilla extract 

350ml milk 

500g puff pastry, thawed if frozen 

Flour, for dusting 

100g fresh blueberries 

Method 

1. Whisk the sugar, egg yolks, cornflour and vanilla extract together 

in a heatproof bowl until smooth. Heat the milk in a pan over a 

medium heat until almost boiling. Whisk the hot milk into the egg 

mixture then pour back into the pan. Gradually bring the mixture to 

the boil, stirring all the time, until a smooth custard forms. 

2. Remove the pan from the heat and cover the surface closely 

with greasproof paper to prevent a skin forming. Leave to cool 

completely. 

3. Meanwhile roll the pastry out on a lightly dusted surface to a 3mm 

thickness. Stamp out eight 12cm rounds of pastry and use to line 

eight 8cm fluted tartlet tins. Prick the bases with a fork and chill in 

the fridge whilst the custard is cooling. 

4. Preheat the oven to 200C, 180C fan, gas mark 6. Divde the cooled 

custard mixture between the pastry cases and scatter over the 

blueberries. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the pastry is crisp and 

golden. Serve warm or cold. 

TIP: Place a baking sheet in the oven to heat up then place the filled tartlet tins on it for baking. The extra burst of 

heat will help to ensure a crisp pastry base.

20 

Hall to Convert 

Rainford Hall in Crank, developed 

by Colonel Richard Pilkington in 

1875, is to be converted into a 

luxury residential retreat with 19 

guest rooms, gymnasium, spa, two 

beauty rooms, therapy programmes 

and wellbeing services for those 

suffering with stress, depression, 

addiction and anxiety. 

Steps Together Group has signed a 20-year lease for the 

hall which, up until a couple of months ago, was the base 

for several local businesses on short term leases. The 

building and surrounding estate continues to be owned 

by the Pilkington family. 

TJM Projects of Jackson Street, St Helens are one of the 

main contractors working on the conversion of the hall. 

The Steps Together Group have vowed to safeguard the 

stunning features within the building, and Steve Jones, 

the Deputy CEO of Steps Together, issued this statement; 

“Rainford Hall is the perfect environment for our work, 

and we are delighted to be working 

alongside our local contractors to 

sympathetically convert the Hall for 

our business needs. 

“During the coming months we 

will be working closely to further 

develop relationships with local 

suppliers and support local 

businesses. 

“We are also excited to find new and innovative ways to 

support our Health Care & NHS colleagues, ensuring their 

patients are able to secure excellent private treatment at 

Steps Together.” 

Earn extra 

cash! 

Local Life require distributors 

for the following areas; 

Windlehurst 

Mulvanney Cr & Carnforth Dr estates 

235 copies £15.86 + leaflet pay 

Eccleston 

Eccleston Gdns, Prescot Rd & Freckleton Rd area 


Ecclesfield Rd, Walmsley Rd & Carmelite Cr area 


Haydock 

Ashbury Dr, Avery Rd & Springfield Pk area 


Rainford Junction 

Bushey Ln, News Ln & Kendal Dr area 


Windle Island 

St Helens Rd & Rainford Rd area 


Billinge 

Avon Rd, Carr Mill Rd & Clifton Rd area 


Beacon Rd, Newton Rd & Main St area 


Interested? Please email your name, 

address, contact number and date of birth to 

sallyb@locallife247.co.uk

21

Study for a 

Degree in the 

Evenings at 

Carmel College 

BSc Physical Education & Sport Science (3 Years) 

Study for a Full-Time Degree at Carmel College 

(Evening Study) 

“Perfect for anyone who wants 

a career change or wants to 

grow themselves.” 

Kyle Amor, St Helens RLFC 

3rd Year Student 

Face-to-face sessions are normally between 6pm-9pm 

one evening per week at Carmel College. 

Various methods of assessment including essays, exams, 

posters, e-portfolio and reflective journals. 

Carmel College | Prescot Road 

St Helens | WA10 3AG 

www.carmel.ac.uk

Combined Honours Degree 

Early Years Childhood/Education/SEN (3 Years) 

Study for a Full-Time Degree at Carmel College 

(Evening Study) 

Face-to–face sessions are normally between 6pm-9pm one or two 

evenings per week at Carmel College. The degrees are relevant to 

students who wish to pursue professional qualifications in the field 

of education (within school early years settings as well as other 

education-based settings) or as a teacher following a PGCE. 

Both these full-time evening courses will take three years to 

complete and are delivered by a combination of face-to-face 

sessions, on-line sessions and independent study. 

For further information, please contact us on: 

01744 452259 or highereducation@carmel.ac.uk

24 

Choosing a nursery 

Looking for the perfect nursery? Here’s a few things to keep in mind… 

Decide your priorities 

Everyone wants their child to be safe and happy. Beyond 

that, what are your main priorities? Are you looking for 

a small nursery where all the children play together or 

one where the children are split into groups depending 

on their age? Do you want your child to go to a nursery 

that follows the government’s EYFS framework, or one 

that follows a different approach, such as Montessori or 

Steiner Waldorf? Perhaps you want a nursery with plenty 

of outdoor space? 

It’s OK if you don’t have all the answers just yet, but it’s 

a good idea to have at least a rough idea of what you’re 

looking for. 

Consider location 

People tend to focus on nurseries near their home, but 

it may actually make more sense to choose one that’s 

nearer to your workplace. However, do consider what 

will happen if you move jobs or want to work from home 

more often. If you and your partner work in different 

locations, it may be easier having a nursery that’s closer 

to home, so that you can take turns dropping off and 

picking up. A nursery close to home may also mean your 

child moves up to primary school with a 

group of friends, which could make 

the transition easier. 

Ask around 

The best recommendations 

usually come from friends, 

as they’ll likely share many 

of your views on childcare. 

However, it’s also worth 

asking for opinions on 

your local Facebook 

group and other social 

media channels, and checking 

websites such as www. 

daynurseries.co.uk. 

Once you have a shortlist 

of nurseries, you’ll want to read each one’s OFSTED report 

at reports.ofsted.gov.uk. 

Check the small print 

Scrutinise the different policies and websites of the 

nurseries you’re considering. You’ll want to compare: 

• Fees and any extra costs, such as meals and 

penalties for late pick-up 

• Opening and closing times 

• Staff-to-child ratios 

• Staff qualifications 

• Holiday policies 

• First aid training 

(It’s also worth downloading the checklist at www. 

childcare.co.uk/information/nursery-is-your-child-ready.) 

Visit your shortlisted nurseries 

Even if you have your heart set on one particular nursery, 

it’s worth visiting at least three so that you can compare 

them. Write down any questions you have before you go. 

You’ll want to see whether the children look happy and 

engaged, how friendly and knowledgeable the staff are, 

what different activities the children are offered 

and how clean and safe the setting 

seems. You’ll also want to check 

where and when your child 

will take their nap, what 

type of food they’ll eat 

and whether there are 

quiet areas they can 

retreat to if they’re 

feeling overwhelmed. 

Ultimately, you want 

to be armed with all the 

information you need 

to make the right choice. 

However, there’s also a lot to 

be said for trusting your 

gut instinct. Which nursery 

feels right for your child?

25 

Could you be one of tomorrow’s 

outstanding teachers? 

Individuals who are 

passionate about working 

with young children. 

Join us at our open evenings 

Monday 17th January 2022 

Monday 7th February 2022 

Monday 14th March 2022 

Monday 25th April 2022 

4-5:30pm 

4-5:30pm 

4-5:30pm 

4-5:30pm 

Please email enquiries@wcpsd.uk to 

register your interest. 

Individuals who have 

the potential to be 

outstanding teachers 

Accredited 

Study days will be at Liverpool Hope University leading to a PGCE and QTS in primary teaching. 

For more information and updates please visit www.wcpsd.uk and www.saintpatricks.wigan.sch.uk 

To search the course please visit the ‘get into teaching’ website https://getintoteaching.education.gov.uk/ 

and search using the following provider and course codes. 

Provider code 2A4 Primary course code (Age 5-11) 2XT7 EYFS course code (Age 3-7) AP55 

Tell Us Your Story! 

Local Life is 

always on the 

look out for 

news stories 

from the local 

communities we 

serve. Are you 

raising money 

for charity? Are 

you a member 

of a community 

group with 

something to 

shout about? 

Maybe you’ve got an unusual talent, or have a 

claim to fame? If so, let us know and you could be 

appearing in the next edition! 

Simply contact us on editorial@locallife247.co.uk 

or call us on 01744 649722 

Anne Turner 

MUSIC TEACHER 

GDMuS. CertEd. ALCM 

Voice/Piano 

Keyboard 

Theory 

Choral Direction 

Anne also works with choirs and 

community music groups 

For more information, contact Anne on: 

Tel: (0151) 426 6606 

Mobile: 07767 815916 

Email: j.anneturner@btinternet.com 

DBS Certified

26 

Is sitting the 

new smoking? 

According to a growing number of experts, sitting is 

the latest health hazard to look out for. But why is a 

sedentary lifestyle so bad for us, and what can we do 

about it? 

Working from home, online shopping and periods of 

self-isolation: since the first lockdown struck, many of us 

will have noticed that we’re sitting down more than ever 

before. 

Unfortunately, this change of lifestyle comes at a cost. 

Evidence suggests that excessive sitting can expose us to 

a range of health issues, from backache and varicose veins 

to diabetes. The reason? Humans were built to stand, with 

the heart, cardiovascular system and bowel functioning 

far more efficiently when we’re upright. 

Now, this isn’t great news for the thousands of us that 

have desk-based jobs – but don’t lose hope just yet. There 

are lots of things you can do to help: 

Invest in a standing desk 

If you work in an office or from home, one of the easiest 

ways to reduce your sitting time is to invest in a standing 

desk. 

Standing is certainly better for us than sitting. However, 

there is evidence to suggest that standing still for long 

periods of time isn’t hugely beneficial to our bodies either. 

Balance is key; start by standing for 30 to 60 minutes a day 

and gradually increase until you’re alternating between 

standing and sitting every hour. 

Take regular breaks 

It can be hard to motivate yourself to leave your desk 

during the working day. However, taking regular breaks 

– even if it’s just to grab a cuppa – can make a world of 

difference. 

In the office and need to send an email? Get away from 

your desk and relay the message in person. Working from 

home and fancy a coffee? Treat yourself by taking a walk 

to your local cafe. And on days when you’re too busy to 

take a lunch break, set a timer to remind you to stretch or 

have a little walk around. 

Sit the right way 

If you’re spending much of your working life at a desk, it’s 

important to invest in an office chair that will help you 

perfect your posture. 

Choose a chair with lumbar support to ensure your lower 

back curves to the shape of the chair, and make sure it’s 

adjusted so your feet are resting on the floor. You should 

also avoid crossing your legs and try to keep your back 

straight as much as you can. Doing so will make the hours 

you do spend sitting as comfortable as possible. 

Get some exercise 

Evidence suggests that we need between 60-75 minutes 

of moderate-intensity activity per day to combat the 

dangers of excessive sitting – but the more frequent the 

better. You’ll be glad to hear that this doesn’t mean you 

have to hit the gym every day. Moderate exercise could 

be a brisk walk on your lunch break, a light bike ride or 

even those slightly more exerting cleaning duties, such as 

vacuuming, window cleaning or mopping the floor.

27 

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We also offer: 

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30 

Win Tickets to 

Ed Byrne! 

A household name teetering 

on the brink of national 

treasure status, awardwinning 

comedian Ed Byrne 

enjoys worldwide acclaim for 

his stand-up. With 25 years 

under his belt, Ed is a regular 

on Mock The Week and The 

Graham Norton Show, and 

has recently co-presented 

Dara & Ed’s Big Adventure 

and its follow-up Dara & Ed’s 

Road To Mandalay. 

Ed’s new stand-up show, 

‘If I’m Honest’ arrives at the 

Theatre Royal in St Helens on 

Tuesday 22nd January and 

we’ve got a pair of tickets 

to give away in our latest 

competition. 

Photo credit: Idil Sukan 

A quarter of a century at the 

comedic coalface has equipped Ed with a highly evolved 

story-telling ability and a silky mastery of his craft. Yet his 

wit, charm and self-deprecatory observational humour is 

often underpinned by a consistently hilarious vitriol and 

sense of injustice at a world that seems to be spinning 

ever more rapidly out of control. 

Ed’s new show digs ever deeper into a father’s sense of 

responsibility, what it means to be a man, and whether he 

possesses any qualities whatsoever worth passing on to 

his two sons. Whilst Ed is occasionally accused of whimsy, 

If I’m Honest is a show with a seriously steely core. 

As ever, Ed manages to provoke without being overly 

polemical, a balancing act that only someone of his huge 

experience can really pull off. ‘I did stuff about Trump 

and the Pizzagate right wing conspiracy,’ he says, ‘and a 

couple of the reviewers said, “Oh, I would have liked to 

have watched a whole show of this”. And I think, ‘well you 

might have, but the average 

person who comes to see me 

would not like to see that’. 

‘People who come to see 

me are not political activists 

necessarily, they’re regular 

folk. If you can make a 

point to them, in between 

talking about your struggles 

with aging, or discussing 

your hernia operation or 

whatever it is, you can toss 

in something that does give 

people pause as regards to 

how men should share the 

household chores.’ 

Age, it seems, has not 

withered him. Especially now 

that he’s figured out how 

to head off ailments before 

they become a problem. 

‘You see comics who are my age and older but are still 

retaining a level of “cool” and drawing a young crowd. I 

can’t deny that I’m quite envious of that. But there’s also 

something very satisfying about your audience growing 

old with you.’ 

To enter the competition to win a pair of tickets to Ed 

Byrne’s show at Theatre Royal in St Helens, simply visit 

our website, www.locallife247.co.uk, click on ‘free stuff’ 

and then on ‘competitions’ and then answer the following 

question; 

What’s the name of Ed’s new stand up show? 

The expiry date for the competition is midnight on Wednesday 19th 

January 2022 and the winners will be notified within 48 hours. Entrants 

must be over 16 years of age. Only one entry per household. Local 

Life 247 cannot accept responsibility for entries that do not reach us. 

Employees of Local Life 247 Ltd and their families are not eligible to 

enter this competition. 

Ed Byrne is touring nationwide. For more information, please visit http://edbyrne.com

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32 

Review Of 

The Year 

QUIZ 

1. Which computer pioneer and codebreaker 

features on the new Bank of England 50 pound 

note that entered circulation in 2021? 

2. Before later admitting it was an April Fool’s joke 

to help promote its upcoming electric cars, 

which car manufacturer said in a press release 

that it was changing the fourth letter in its name 

to a “t”? 

3. At the 2021 Brit Awards, who became the first 

ever all-female group to win the Best British 

Group award? 

4. Which online fashion retailer bought the brand 

Debenhams in January and the brands Burton, 

Wallis and Dorothy Perkins in February? 

5. Name the only two players to score for England 

in the penalty shoot-out of the UEFA Euro 2020 

Final. 

6. Which British city was stripped of its UNESCO 

World Heritage status in 2021 due to 

developments along its waterfront? 

7. In 2021, El Salvador become the first country in 

the world to make what legal tender? 

8. Instead of its usual course on the River Thames, 

the 2021 University Boat Race was held in 

Cambridgeshire on a stretch of which river? 

9. 2021 saw which 83-year-old become the oldest 

ever person to win an Academy Award for acting? 

10. Name the three countries who finished above 

Great Britain in the medal table at the 2020 

Summer Olympics. 

Engineering Centre Open 

St Helens College recently welcomed Steve Rotheram, 

Mayor of the Liverpool City Region, to officially unveil 

their new Centre for Precision Engineering at the STEM 

Centre, Technology Campus. 

The £1m investment, partially funded by the Liverpool 

City Region Combined Authority, supported the 

installation of brand-new industry standard machinery 

and equipment such as Wi-Fi enabled Haas CNC 

Machines, Axis Lathes, Milling Machines and Haas 

Simulators, to provide students and apprentices with the 

opportunity to develop their skills and learn all aspects 

of modern precision engineering including design, 

testing, manufacturing and operations. 

Steve Rotheram, Mayor of the Liverpool City Region, 

said: “As someone who is especially passionate about 

skills and technical subjects, it’s fantastic to see our £1m 

investment in the college paying off. The new equipment 

is absolutely world class; I’m sure that our young people 

will benefit from it.” Hopefully they will develop a passion 

for STEAM subjects and go on to be the engineers of 

tomorrow!” 

Rebecca (pictured, a Mechanical Engineering Apprentice 

at Cheshire Seals and Components, commented: “It’s an 

incredible environment to learn in – you are learning 

to use real machinery and equipment that meets the 

training and knowledge requirements expected by your 

employer, so it means that I’m able to train effectively in 

my role and hopefully, progress forward in my career.” 

Simon Pierce, CEO and Principal at St Helens College, 

said: “The Centre for Precision Engineering is a great 

asset for the College and our community. It will enhance 

our students’ learning and career prospects, support 

local businesses to grow and expand and support the 

growth of our local economy.” 

Quiz solutions can be found on page 80 of this magazine

33

34 

Adventure of a Lifetime 

Experiencing travel in the 

past few months has been 

like riding a rollercoaster. 

The excitement of once 

again being able to travel 

has been thwarted by the 

need to produce passenger 

locator forms and adhere 

to ever-changing traffic 

light guidelines. 

If there’s one upside for 

those who have reduced their travel in 20/21, it’s that 

most have increased funds available to spend on future 

holidays. The expectation of the travel industry is that 

we’re likely to be more discerning when choosing future 

holiday locations. 

So, who’s ready for the adventure of a lifetime? Welcome 

to Iceland. 

One of Europe’s most magical and unforgettable spots, 

Iceland is a picture-perfect destination for travellers. 

Dubbed the land of fire and ice, Iceland is a captivating 

country where volcanoes, glaciers come together to 

create a landscape that is like nowhere else on Earth. With 

friendly locals, spectacular scenery, lots of adventure, and 

a lively party scene, everyone should experience Iceland 

at least once in their life. 

From the seasoned city 

break traveller looking 

for something new, to 

the adventurous family 

set on a road trip round, 

and the hedonistic party 

lover looking for an 

‘Instagrammable’ hotspot 

– Iceland is a destination 

for all. 

Iceland is also becoming 

an increasingly popular cruise destination, especially for 

those who want to reach Iceland’s natural wonders and 

wildlife. A selection of cruises from Fred.Olsen depart 

from Liverpool and allows tourists to explore Iceland’s 

most incredible highlights. 

Here’s eight places that should be on your ‘Must Visit’ list 

for Iceland: 

Reykjavik blends Nordic heritage with a contemporary, 

distinctly unique style, and this lively city is compact, 

cosmopolitan and refreshingly different. Its charming 

downtown of painted timber homes is watched over by 

the soaring and unforgettable spire of the Hallgrimskirkja 

church, while oodles of hearty Scandinavian vodka bars 

and taverns litter the streets. 

Mt. Kirkjufell

35 

Seljalandsfoss Falls 

Twenty-five miles from the capital is Iceland’s most visited 

tourist attraction, The Blue Lagoon. Despite its 

volcanic nature, the site was formed from the remnants 

of a geothermal power plant in the 1970s. The mineralpacked 

waters, – the reason for the shimmering, whitish 

hue of the lagoon – is the driving force behind the spot’s 

famed healing powers. 

The majestic Gullfoss Waterfall roaring over the 

escarpments and bluffshas long been a highlight for 

tourists. It’s famous as one of the world’s most dramatic 

waterfalls, and cascades over a series of stepped rocks 

and terraces before plunging over a 100ft high gap 

seemingly disappearing into the Icelandic subterrane. 

The waterfall can often be arched over by rainbows 

or shrouded in plumes of mist, added to the graphic 

effects. 

As the self-proclaimed capital of Iceland’s North, 

Akureyri boasts one of the most beautiful harbours 

in the country, whilst the town and its surrounding fjords 

and mountains make it one of the most charming places 

to visit. This fishing port and seaside gem is packed with 

interesting independent cafes and teahouses, while 

Presentation Evening 

Tuesday 25th January - 6pm start 

Wine & nibbles included 

Interested in cruising from Liverpool in 2022/23? Come along 

to hear more about Fred. Olsen’s new ship Borealis sailing from 

Liverpool to a wide range of destinations including: 

the Mediterranean, Canada, Scandinavia, the Canaries, 

European River & Cities and Iceland, Norway & Greenland 

Enjoy FREE Drinks Package AND tips will be covered, 

when you book by 1st February 2022** 

**Applicable on five to 19 night 2022/23 cruises sailing from the UK – 

exclusions apply – see Terms & Conditions for more information 

Independent Travel Specialist 

Booking necessary - Limited space available. 

Please call 01744 893291 to book your places. 

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

36 

Husavik 

Skaftafell Ice Cave 

the Hafnarstraeti shopping street offers up countless 

boutiques and craft stores. 

An easy 50-minute drive from the capital, Strokkur 

Geysir (after which all geysers are named) is the most 

popular fountain geyser in Iceland. This highly active hot 

spring area lies by the Hvítá River and is a popular stop for 

tourists. Boiling mud pits and around 100 other smaller 

geysers are waiting to be explored here. ‘Hot Spring’ 

bread is popular with visitors too, rye bread that’s been 

baking in hot springs for 24 hours. 

Fully expanding on the multitude of attractions in 

Iceland would have filled this issue of Local Life and a 

few more besides. If there’s anything that the past two 

years have highlighted though, it’s the importance of 

making the most of your holiday time. In fact, it’s time 

to ditch holidays and go on adventures instead – and 

Iceland certainly qualifies as an adventure not to be 

missed! 

Vatnajökull National Park is one of three national 

parks in Iceland and consists of glaciers and stunning ice 

caves. The best time to visit Skaftafell Ice Cave is during 

winter after heavy rain has washed the top layer of the 

glacier away. If seen at the right time, the cave is bathed 

in spectacular blue light. If you are in healthy shape, you 

might consider doing a glacial trek in the park with an 

experienced guide. 

Grundarfjördur is approximately 2½ hours from 

Reykjavik and is a small town centrally located on the 

north coast of Snaefellsnes peninsula. The town lies in 

a picturesque fjord, surrounded by mountains, with 

Mt. Kirkjufell looming as a striking landmark. Eyrbyggja 

Heritage Centre holds exhibitions on Grundarfjördur’s 

seafaring history and this is the information centre for the 

whole peninsula. 

Húsavík is known as Europe’s number one spot for 

whale and dolphin watching; in most summers, the tour 

operators have 100% sighting rates. This picturesque 

town, which enjoys gorgeous views over Skjálfandi Bay, 

has many cute cafés and restaurants. Close by is Lake 

Mývatn, a shallow volcanic lake known for its flora and 

fauna, and Vatnajökull National Park. 

Beautifully furnished 

Stone Cottage 

Holiday Let 

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Situated near Sedbergh, 

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and also within easy 

reach of the Lake District 

Children & pets welcome 

Call 01942 216 058 

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37 

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38 

Active 

2022!

39 

It’s been almost two years since 

Covid-19 entered our lives and 

changed them for the worse. A 

Covid-free world doesn’t appear 

to be happening any time soon, 

so we’ve been out and about 

looking for some inspirational 

activities for you to try in 2022. 

As the saying goes, life is not 

a dress rehearsal, so let 2022 

be the year when we embrace 

activity, healthiness, and 

happiness! 

A rt 

Where better to start our 2022 awakening than 

art? Ashton Art Group are a well-supported 

and established group, and this is a great place to discover 

your inner artist. The group meets weekly every Tuesday 

evening at 8pm until 10pm at the Community & Childcare 

Centre in Hilton Street in Ashton-In-Makerfield (formerly 

the YMCA). There is no formal tuition, but the group runs 

demonstrations and workshops which help to develop 

skills and ideas, and also run regular life model sessions. 

www.ashtonartgroup.co.uk 

B adminton 

In the world of theatre in the United States, all 

roads lead to Broadway. Equally, in the world of 

badminton in St Helens, all roads lead to Broadway - that’s 

the Badminton Centre in Grange Park. 

The Broadway centre hosts no less than eleven group 

sessions of badminton each week. Men, ladies, children, 

able-bodied, disabled, family groups and four local clubs 

all play at Broadway Badminton Centre. And if you don’t 

fancy playing as part of group, you can turn up and ‘pay 

and play’ with a partner of your choice. 

www.facebook.com/broadwaybadminton/ 

C 

ooking 

Colours, St Helens College’s fully operational, 

training restaurant on Waterloo Street has a 

Cookery School which offers a varied selection of themed 

short courses, run on evenings and weekends, for aspiring 

cooks, chefs and bakers at all levels? 

Anyone up for Chinese? Italian? Mexican? Curries of the 

World? Tapas? Colours Cookery School runs all these 

short courses and many more, all taught by passionate 

and experienced chefs. They even do Gin and Wine 

tasting masterclasses! 

www.sthelens.ac.uk/colours 

D 

ance 

Surely one of the world’s most enjoyable 

forms of exercise, dance has health benefits of 

varying degrees. Operational since 2005, the Silhouette 

Dance Club in Boundary Road is one of the town’s longest 

established dance club and has classes for all styles of 

dance to suit all ages. The dance genres taught at the club 

include ballroom, Latin, salsa, sequence and rock and roll. 

For the more enthusiastic and flexible, there’s pole 

dancing! Rock ‘N’ Pole is based at the Hamma Gym on 

North Road in St Helens, pole dancing classes run on 

Tuesday and Friday evenings, and the occasional Sunday 

session too. 

www.facebook.com/silhouettedanceclub/ 

www.facebook.com/rocknpole.sh

40 

E 

ducation 

There’s a whole host of opportunities to further 

your education and expand your knowledge 

with St Helens College, St Helens Council and Carmel 

Street. Then you made that drink-fuddled resolution to 

get fit in 2022. Now what? For many people Couch to 5K, 

which aims to get someone to run 5km continuously after 

nine weeks of training, is the beginner plan of choice. 

However, if you’re not in great shape, you might want to 

try a ‘lite’ version of this idea called None to Run, which is a 

free alternative that takes things at a slower pace. There’s 

also a paid-for app which can guide you through each run 

on your iPhone or Apple Watch. 

www.nhs.uk/live-well/exercise/couch-to-5k-week-byweek/ 

www.nonetorun.com/ 

University Centre, to name a few! You’ll be faced with an 

assortment of ways to gain qualifications and improve 

your career, but there are also a multitude of openings 

to enhance your life too. With everything from digital 

skills, short online courses to jewellery making and 

photography on offer, you’re sure to find something that 

fits your brief. Check out the websites for more details: 

www.sthelens.ac.uk/adults/adultcourseguide 

www.sthelens.gov.uk/schools-education/adult-andcommunity-learning 

or 

www.carmel.ac.uk/carmel-university-centre 

F oraging 

You can take part in foraging and other 

sustainable activities with the Green Town St 

Helens crowd. Bee workshops, planting trees, making 

terrariums, blending herbal tea and making bug hotels 

are just some of the actions taken by the group. Join the 

Facebook group below or pop along to Momo’s café on 

Westfield Street on the last Friday of every month at 11am 

for an informal meeting and presentation. 

www.facebook.com/greentownsthelens 

Go Active 

If sport and fitness is a big part of your life then 

you should already be aware of Go Active, the 

sports facilities run by St Helens Council. Queens Park 

Health and Fitness has a swimming pool, a fitness suite with 

sauna & steam rooms, plus a host of fitness classes. Sutton 

Leisure Centre has a multitude of racket sport and athletic 

facilities, and a brand new 3G pitch too. Visitors to Newtonle-Willows 

Health and Fitness can enjoy a 90-station fitness 

suite, a 25-metre swimming pool, a cycling studio, a group 

exercise studio and an outdoor pitch! 

Best of all, there’s a range of membership options where 

you can take advantage of all the facilities across all the Go 

Active sites! Membership starts from just £13.95 per month. 

www.goactive.sthelens.gov.uk 

H iking 

If you think that local walking groups are 

generally populated by walkers who have, 

quite literally been round the block a few times, you’d 

be right. Fillyaboots however, is a popular Merseyside 

walking group with a difference. Most of the 1,000+ 

members are in their 20’s and 30’s and they relish their 

walks, enjoy socials, making new friends and the odd 

weekend away too. 

www.fillyaboots.org.uk 

In Bloom 

This horticultural competition, first established by 

the British Tourist Board, has been running across 

British villages, town and cities for almost 60 years. But 

In Bloom is more than a competition, it gives residents 

a chance to work with their neighbours to make their 

neighbourhood a more aesthetically pleasing place. 

There’s a group already established in Rainford, but if you 

want to set up a group in your area, you can do this via the 

RHS at www.rhs.org.uk/get-involved/britain-in-bloom/ 

register 

www.facebook.com/RainfordinBloom 

J ogging 

You’ve spent the entire Christmas holiday bingewatching 

Netflix and finishing off the Quality

41

42 

K 

arate 

St Helens Shotokan Karate Club was formed 

in 1966, and over the years has launched the 

careers of many martial arts champions at different levels. 

But if your ambitions aren’t that lofty, that’s fine too, 

most members share goals of fun, exercise, and fitness at 

their base at Sutton Leisure Centre. Adults and children 

welcome – check out the Facebook page for details. 

www.facebook.com/StHelensSKC 

Litter Picking 

If you’re looking for inspiration to make your 

community tidier by picking up litter, just 

check out the story of one man and his litter picking 

experiences in St Helens. Ian Roberts’ Facebook page, ‘St 

Helens #LitterHeroes’. 

If you are interested in getting involved in litter picking, 

the council can help you to set up your own community 

litter group or put you in touch with an existing group 

within the borough. To book litter pickers, orange bin 

bags, and a waste collection, please email: 

loveyourstreet@sthelens.gov.uk or call 01744 676789. 

Musical Theatre 

Any budding thespian should check 

out these community theatre groups. 

Pilkingtons Musical Theatre Company have been 

performing in the town for almost a century and are 

now based at St Luke’s Church in Eccleston. The Rainhill 

Musical Theatre Company have been around in one guise 

or another since the 1950’s and are based at the Village 

Hall in Dane Court. For more details visit: 

www.pilkingtonmtc.co.uk 

www.facebook.com/RainhillMTC 

N etball 

If you know your Goal Attack from your Goal 

shooter then you’ll know how to play netball, 

but did you know that there’s a thriving Netball Club in St 

Helens? The Capricorn Netball Club has teams stretching 

from Under 11’s right through to Open Age that all play 

within the local leagues. The club train on Monday nights 

at Sutton Leisure Centre. 

www.facebook.com/capricornnetballteam 

O ddfellows 

If making friends, helping people and getting 

out and about is on your list of things that 

you like to do, then the St Helens and Warrington branch 

of the Oddfellows Society is right up your street. For 

over 200 years, the Oddfellows has helped its members 

forge friendships and offered help in times of need. You 

can enjoy social events, go on holidays, volunteer, get 

membership benefits and much more besides. 

www.oddfellows.co.uk 

Pedal Power 

If you’re new to cycling or looking for moderate 

exercise only, then check out Pedal Power 

Experience. This council-backed club operates regular 

rides from six venues in St Helens, even supplying bikes 

and cycle helmets. If you’re looking for a more highpowered 

challenge, then check out the St Helens and 

Warrington CTC Cycling Club, which operates twiceweekly 

rides, mainly round quieter roads in Cheshire. 

www.pedalpowerexperience.co.uk 

www.sthelensandwarringtonctc.org 

Quiz Nights 

Not the most active of pursuits admittedly, 

but the return walk to the local pub, 

and the mental efforts in recollecting the year 

when Saints won their first Challenge Cup etc. is 

better than sitting on the couch watching Corrie. 

Roller Skating 

Getting fit can be a tedious slog sometimes, but 

here’s one imaginative way to achieve fitness 

and have fun too! Roller-skating has wheeled through 

many dips and rises since its beginnings in the 1880’s 

but is undergoing a new surge in popularity. The IWF 

Rollerdome opened on Regent Street in Liverpool in 2021 

and Wigan Roller Rink boasts Europe’s biggest indoor 

wooden rink. Both venues run lessons for learners. 

www.iwf-rollerdrome.com 

www.wiganrollerrink.com

S nowsports 

You can depend on snowsports venues being 

all year-round fun, no matter the weather. 

Nearby Runcorn Snowsport Centre offers skiing and 

snowboarding lessons, including ski, boot and helmet 

hire, for those intent on learning how to hit the big slopes. 

www.runcornski.weebly.com 

Table Tennis 

A recent study showed that table tennis improved 

more brain function than dancing, walking or 

gymnastics. Not only that it’s a great way to keep fit all year 

round. Rainford has a vibrant table tennis club with over 60 

members, and a proposal is currently on the table to build a 

permanent base in the village. 

https://www.facebook.com/Rainford-Table-Tennis- 

Club-161863097198835 

U 

3A 

If you take one thing away from this feature it’s 

this: If you’re no longer in full time work and you 

want to get (or stay active), then join the St Helens U3A! 

U3A is a UK-wide movement of locally-run groups that 

provides a wide range activities for its members. The St 

Helens U3A, founded just five years ago, has hundreds 

of members and acts as a gateway to dozens of activities 

taking place across St Helens, far more than we have room 

to list here. Members also can enjoy social events and 

coffee mornings. Membership is just £15 a year and you 

pay an additional £2 for every 

activity you participate in. 

www.u3asites.org.uk/st-helens 

V olunteering 

There are dozens of groups in the St Helens 

area that are looking for volunteers to help 

them do their good works. Check out the website below 

to help you choose from a selection of local volunteering 

opportunities. 

www.haltonsthelensvca.org.uk 

W I Forget the jam-making and Jerusalem 

image, today’s Women’s Institute is a 

modern organisation suitable for all ages. During the 

pandemic, members rushed to support foodbanks, 

arrange book deliveries and create craft kits for families 

home-schooling their children. Local WI’s meet in 

Rainford, Rainhill, St Helens, Eccleston and Burtonwood. 

www.thewi.org.uk 

X-perience Days 

Fancy ticking off a few things on your bucket 

list in 2022? This website contains a glut of 

active experiences. Fancy a flying lesson, doing Britain’s 

highest bungee jump, rock climbing, quad biking… you 

can find these and thousands of other experiences on the 

website below. 

www.experiencedays.co.uk 

Y 

oga 

The benefits of Yoga are well documented, and 

you too can improve your strength, balance 

and flexibility in 2022 by completing a yoga course. You 

should try a few sessions at different venues to find an 

instructor that you’re comfortable with. Yoga Steve is well 

established in St Helens and runs classes at a number of 

town centre venues. 

www.yogasteve.vpweb.co.uk/classes 

Z zzz 

43 

Experts believe sleep and exercise have a bidirectional 

relationship. In other words, the 

more active you are during the day, the better quality 

of sleep. And getting an adequate amount of sleep may 

promote healthier physical activity levels during the day 

after.

46 

Fresh New Year 

January is a great time to catch up on all those household 

chores and get going with an early ‘spring’ clean. Make 

it more enjoyable and planet-friendly by choosing goodlooking 

tools and eco-conscious supplies. 

This coconut fibre scourer 

has a bamboo handle, both 

of which are plant-based and 

biodegradable; the stainlesssteel 

wire is easily recyclable. 

Bambaw reusable bamboo 

dish brush, £6, beaumonde. 

co.uk. 

Good-looking storage makes organisation 

more enjoyable. 

Matt black steel and bamboo caddy, £10; 

all-purpose hob cleaner, £3; bamboo and 

plastic scrubbing brush, £2; bamboo round 

dish brush, £2; all dunelm.com. 

Make light work of house cleaning 

• If you can’t bear the thought of tackling all the 

cleaning at once, divide it into manageable tasks, 

and devote perhaps an hour a week – or else tackle 

one room at a time, maybe over a weekend. 

Generously sized and made from pure 

cotton, this gingham apron features a pair 

of handy patch pockets. 

Auberge apron in Wedgwood blue, 

£16.99, waltonshop.co.uk. 

Take the effort out of everyday cleaning. 

Long-handle dustpan and brush, £25, 

gardentrading.co.uk. 

The sustainable 

way to clean dirty 

dishes. Simply 

compost when 

finished with them. 

Natural latex 

rubber gloves, £3, 

zerozen.co.uk. 

• Be prepared. Have a thorough clear-out and tidy, 

change into old clothes and rubber gloves, and 

gather the necessary equipment and products. 

This is where a sturdy caddy, a tool belt, or an apron 

with plenty of large pockets becomes invaluable – 

keeping everything with you as you go will save lots 

of time. 

• As you work, try to be organised, whether it’s one 

room at a time or one task at a time. The chores will 

generally divide into five main areas: vacuuming, 

dusting, mopping/scrubbing, washing and wiping, 

and polishing, so bear this in mind when planning, 

so as not to miss anything out. 

• Don’t forget specific tasks such as turning 

mattresses, spot-cleaning upholstery, deepcleaning 

the oven, defrosting the freezer, descaling 

the shower head and steam cleaning carpets. 

• Work from the top of a room to the bottom (in other 

words, dust the pendant light before polishing the 

table beneath it). Prioritise the hardest-to-clean 

item in the room to do early on – then the rest of 

the room will be a breeze.

47 

This eco-friendly cleaner works on a range of high-gloss 

surfaces, and comes in a reusable aluminium bottle along 

with a microfibre cloth. 

Glass cleaner starter pack, £6.99, wearthlondon.com. 

Make light work of dusting without the need for toxic 

chemicals. 

Living Nostalgia genuine natural ostrich feather duster, 

kitchencraft.co.uk. 

These heavy-knitted cloths can be used, washed, and used again. 

Bleached stockinette dishcloth, £1.79, waltonshop.co.uk. 

This lemon-scented washingup 

soap bar is 100% natural, 

biodegradable, plastic-free and 

contains no palm oil. 

Dish-washing soap bar in lemon, 

£7.99, suusco.com. 

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Handmade in the UK, this love seat is composed of Scandinavian 

birch, with feather-wrapped foam cushions for squishy comfort. 

Banoffee love seat, £1,445, Loaf: 020 3141 8300; loaf.com. 

For a look that is classically stylish, easy 

to live with and works in every room, 

choose a subtle palette of whites, greys 

and browns. 

In a room decorated with neutrals, you will always feel 

at home. With an almost infinite range of colours, from 

the purest white to pale, mid and deep tones of grey, 

beige and brown, they work well for both old and new 

houses, and for small or large spaces. Think of the glow 

of polished wood, the texture of rattan, the variations 

of natural pebbles – these luscious shades, chosen and 

combined with care, can be full of character. 

This table teams two planks of tactile and sustainably sourced 

white oiled oak with black metal legs. 

Industrial oak table, £975; Edie dining chairs, £525 (pair); all Nordic 

House: 01872 223 220; nordichouse.co.uk. 

First, the basics. Pale can definitely be interesting: shades 

of not-quite-white offer a surprising range of options, 

from fresh, bright and airy to rich, warm and restful. Rooms 

painted in pure white can appear bigger and brighter, 

thanks to the way the colour reflects light around. A clean 

white wall is a great background for vibrant paintings, 

for the coloured spines of books, or for a simple jug of 

flowers. And if brilliant white is too cold, choose a white

49

50 

with a pink or yellow undertone that warms the space 

and is more flattering against the skin. 

Beyond white, pale neutrals vary in hue from cream to 

sand, through taupe to stone and bleached-timber tones, 

while darker neutrals vary from charcoal and ebony to 

chocolate – and there is a whole rainbow in between to 

choose from, including beautiful greys, from palest dove 

to darkest steel. Many people love the laid-back, fresh feel 

of a room that puts white on white, or combines a range 

of very pale tones, but with neutrals it is also possible 

to employ counterpoints of darker tones against lighter 

colours, or even to go dark and dramatic all over. 

Choose colours by trying them out in situ, using small 

tester pots before committing to a bigger purchase. Paint 

at least two coats on several pieces of card, and stick them 

up on every wall around the room in question. Observe 

the colours at the times you’ll usually be in the room, and 

with your lights both on and off, as lighting 

has a marked effect on neutrals. 

soft cotton, warm wool, floaty muslin, fluffy sheepskin, 

and so on. Bring out the cosiness of a small bedroom, for 

example, with a shaggy rug, matt-painted walls, velvet 

curtains and soft woollen throws. Or emphasise a light 

and airy living room with satin-varnished floorboards, 

glossy woodwork, sheer curtains and silk cushions. 

While there is inherent pattern in many of these textures 

(the weave of a rug or a wicker basket, for example) 

you may wish to introduce some surface pattern, too. 

In rooms that are, on the whole, relatively plain, small 

pattern features will stand out as focal points. Checks and 

stripes, chevrons and zigzags, damasks and geometrics 

can all look particularly good. Similarly, the occasional 

spot of colour, whether it’s a pale pink cushion, a 

turquoise vase or a mustard-coloured lampshade, may 

be the perfect finishing touch for an all-neutral room, 

adding just a touch of drama and personality to the calm 

and welcoming vibe. 

The trick is to select layers of colour rather 

than just one, creating an interesting, subtly 

varied effect. When combining neutrals, 

avoid using different hues that are all of the 

same tone. An easy way to choose is to take a 

colour chart and go up or down (dark to light) 

within the same colour family, rather than 

working across from colour to colour. You 

could use darker tones for woodwork, with 

lighter ones for walls or, if you have features 

such as cornices and dadoes, perhaps vary 

the wall tones with lighter ones above and 

darker ones below the divisions. You can also 

use different neutrals to provide a gentle 

visual link from room to room: perhaps a very 

pale colour in a narrow hallway, with slightly 

darker hues in a living room and a warm tone 

in a dining room, for example. 

With paint colours sorted, continue the 

layering effect with flooring, wallcoverings, 

furnishings and accessories. In any neutral 

scheme, it is surfaces that are the star, and 

success comes from choosing textures – hard 

and soft, rough and smooth, squishy and 

knobbly – as carefully as you would colours. 

Natural is key, so aim for simple upholstery, 

window treatments, bed linen and table 

linens, in fabrics that have subtle and 

attractive variations in texture – crisp linen, 

Inspired by classic wingback chairs, these stately beds have 

ample storage space concealed beneath. 

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52 

Win a pair 0f 2022 

Saints Memberships! 

This year, the Totally Wicked Stadium will see the return of 

Saints fans for the first full campaign since the pandemic 

started, and the Club can’t wait to welcome everyone 

back home for more nights to remember! 

The Super League and Challenge Cup winning Head 

Coach Kristian Woolf is at the helm again for the Saints, 

and he’ll be leading the charge for another tilt at even 

more silverware to follow the team’s ‘three-peat’ of Super 

League titles. 

Kristian will oversee a team that’s filled with top-level 

talent, including a host of exciting new recruits such 

as Curtis Sironen, Konrad Hurrell, James Bell and Will 

Hopoate, who join our new breed of homegrown stars 

including Jack Welsby and Lewis Dodd. 

There’s no doubt that Saints will again be the team to 

beat in the Betfred Super League. 

As part of the build-up to the start of the season in 

February, Local Life are delighted to run a competition 

to win a pair of 2022 Memberships for the full season of 

home matches at the Totally Wicked Stadium, starting 

with the match against Catalans on Thursday 10th 

February 2022. 

The Memberships included in the prize are located in the 

Totally Wicked North Stand Bronze seating, and have a 

value of over £600 combined. 

For further information about 2022 Memberships please visit www.saintsrlfc.com/memberships

53 

To enter the competition to win a pair of 2022 Saints 

Memberships, simply visit our website, www.locallife247.co.uk, 

click on ‘free stuff’ and then on ‘competitions’ and then answer 

the following question; 

In the past three years, how many times have Saints won 

the Betfred Super League? 

The expiry date for the competition is midnight on Monday 31st January 

2022 and the winners will be notified within 72 hours. Entrants must be over 

16 years of age. Only one entry per household. Local Life 247 cannot accept 

responsibility for entries that do not reach us. Employees of Local Life 247 Ltd 

and their families are not eligible to enter this competition.

54 

• Supply 

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Call us today for a free on site quotation 

TEL 01744 883 511 

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16 Standish Drive 

Rainford 

St Helens 

WA11 8JY

55

56 

Home Security: 

How safe is 

your home? 

The ways in which we protect our homes have changed. 

From CCTV systems to good old-fashioned burglar 

alarms, the list of home security gadgets is endless. But 

just how safe is your home? 

Last year there were more than 260,000 cases of home 

burglary in the UK, the majority of which were conducted 

by amateur thieves. Statistics show that your home is 

five times more likely to be targeted if no visible security 

measures are in place. 

How do I know if my home is secure? 

With an understanding of basic theft prevention and 

an assessment of your property’s security, you will 

be in a better position than most to know if security 

improvements are needed. 

Keep valuables out of sight 

Removing valuables from an outside viewpoint gives 

thieves no reason to target your property. This includes 

car keys, smart devices, bags and jewellery. Even the 

packaging of expensive items shouldn’t be left outside as 

this acts as an advertisement to criminals. 

Check for vulnerable entry points 

Forcing entry to a doorway is the most common tactic 

for burglars to enter your property. Ensure all entrance 

points are secured with suitable locking mechanisms. 

Windowless doors with a minimum of two locks are best. 

Keep sheds and garages secure 

Thieves will often enter a rear garden to obtain tools from 

a shed or garage. Never give an intruder the opportunity 

to use your own belongings against you. 

Think like a thief 

Attempt to gain access to your own home without using 

a key. Understanding your home’s weaknesses will help 

you to understand what improvements are needed. 

Don’t make it easy for them 

If you lose your house keys, replace the locks immediately. 

You should never leave house keys under the doormat or 

flowerpot; this is the first place intruders will check. 

The most effective methods for 

protecting your home 

Under lock and key – the simplest solutions are always 

the most effective. Over 70% of home intruders gain 

access to properties by entering the front door. 

Always ensure it remains locked, along with all other 

entrances, windows, gates and garages. 

Let there be light – outdoor security lighting on 

timers or infrared motion sensors are a low-cost 

solution for deterring would-be intruders. Make sure 

you focus on dimly lit areas, which are hotspots for 

attacks, muggings and altercations with criminals 

who can take possession of your house or car keys. 

Smile for the camera – an alternative option to a full 

CCTV system without breaking the bank is a wireless 

doorbell camera. Burglars tend to knock on the front 

door before entering a property, to check if anyone is 

at home. With a door camera you will naturally deter 

intruders, be able to see who is knocking on your 

smart device and have the added benefit of recording 

their face should future evidence be required. 

Home and away – the longer a house is uninhabited 

the more vulnerable it becomes. Use automatic 

lighting and timers for electronic devices to come on 

in the evenings, to give the illusion that your house 

remains occupied. 

Play it safe – if all of the above fails and an intruder 

has managed to enter your property, fear not. With 

a simple safe box your goods 

stand a better chance of 

remaining in your home. Fixing 

your safe securely in place in a 

hidden spot is the tried 

and tested method 

for preventing thieves 

escaping with your 

valuables.

57 

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Please see our website for further details 

www.best-security.co.uk 

UNIT D MOSS PARK, DAIRY FARM ROAD 

RAINFORD, ST. HELENS WA11 7JR

58 

Fresh starts 

Give your New Year’s resolutions a helping hand… 

Running Made Easy – Lisa Jackson and Susie Whalley 

Whether you’ve got your mind set on running a marathon this year, or you just want to 

complete Couch to 5K, this book could prove as invaluable as the right pair of trainers. Within 

its pages, you’ll find plenty of tips, running plans and advice, mainly aimed at beginner 

runners. Perhaps most importantly, however, you’ll also find lots of motivational real-life 

stories of people who’ve used running to dramatically improve their lives.. 

The Book of Hopes – Edited by Katherine Rundell 

This book brings together poems, short stories, essays and illustrations – all designed to ‘comfort, 

inspire and entertain’. It’s perfect for dipping into on a coffee break or when you’re in need of a moment 

of solace. While it’s aimed at children, there’s no reason why The Book of Hopes can’t be enjoyed just as 

much by adults. A beautiful book to give or receive. 

Everyday Cook – Donal Skehan 

Is your New Year’s resolution to cook more meals from scratch? Most of the recipes in Everyday Cook 

are designed to take you from fridge to table within half an hour. (Some dishes can be whipped up in 

just fifteen minutes.) There are also meals to freeze for days when you really don’t have the energy to 

cook. The recipes might be simple, but they’re far from boring. Think Cheat’s Spring Risotto, Kung Pao 

Chicken and Aubergine, and Spicy Prawn Aglio e Olio. 

The Wildlife Gardener – Kate Bradbury 

British wildlife has declined dramatically over the last few decades. Once common species, such as 

the hedgehog, are under threat. If you want to play a role in helping to reverse the decline, this book 

is a good starting point. It’s packed with practical tips on encouraging all manner of wildlife into your 

garden. You’ll find step-by-step projects, ideas for plants and plenty of gorgeous photography. And 

you’ll also be taught how to identify some of your new garden visitors. 

Farrow & Ball Recipes for Decorating – Joa Studholme 

Planning to refresh your home in 2022? Before you go anywhere near a paintbrush, get some advice 

and inspiration from the experts. Farrow & Ball’s no-nonsense guide covers everything from creating 

different moods using colour, to tackling common problems such as dark rooms and small spaces. 

There are several case studies and tons of photos. Whether you’re craving an ultra-modern living room 

or want to bring some country-cottage comfort to your kitchen, this book is for you. 

The Sustainable(ish) Living Guide – Jen Gale 

Going green can feel pretty daunting, but this book sets out small steps we can all take to help combat 

climate change, reduce plastic and cut waste. It’s about making more conscious, informed choices – 

from small swaps that you’ll barely notice to more impactful life changes. There are no lectures, no guilt 

trips and no preaching – just relatable, easy-to-read advice and ideas.

59 

Parkside Plans Go Ahead 

Almost thirty years since its closure in 1993, Parkside 

Colliery in Newton-le-Willows is about to be transformed 

as a major industrial estate and logistics hub. 

The Parkside development has been hailed as a project 

that will bring ‘significant economic benefit’ by the 

Government. In his response approving the plans 

Michael Gove agreed with the inspectors that the first 

phase of the regeneration of the former colliery site in 

Newton-le-Willows would help deliver great benefits not 

just for the borough but the entire region. 

The announcement also saw approval of the Parkside 

Link Road, which will create a direct link between the site 

and the nearby M6. 

The first phase will cover a 93,000 square metre site, 

bringing almost 500 jobs during the construction and 

the potential of more than 1,300 new jobs offering a 

variety of skills in the completed buildings. 

St Helens Councillors are ‘keen to get moving’ on turning 

Parkside plans into reality as they approve plans that will 

see its transformation start early next year. 

St Helens Borough Council’s Cabinet have approved the 

next steps for the development which will see Balfour 

Beatty start work on the site in early 2022 to create the 

Parkside Link Road. 

Councillors also approved plans as part of the joint 

venture that will support the bringing forward the 

construction of phase one of the development. 

Councillor Richard McCauley, Cabinet Member for 

Regeneration and Planning, said: “Parkside has significant 

regional importance as a large scale economic growth 

opportunity and will put St Helens back on the map as 

an economic power. 

“Michael Gove on his approval of the plans last month 

highlighted the significant economic benefits of a site 

at the sweet spot between Liverpool and Manchester. 

It is also why Parkside has been identified as the largest 

custom and tax site in the Liverpool City Region Freeport 

plan.” 

Cabinet also approved the release of funding for the link 

road along with the necessary additional land acquisition 

to make junction improvements at the junction of 

Southworth Road and Parkside Road to comply with 

planning conditions. 

What’s on at 

Willowbrook 

For further details, events and bookings, 

please see willowbrook.org.uk/events 

January 2022 

Thurs 6th-Fri 14th (weekdays only) – 

CHRISTMAS TREE RECYCLING 

March 2022 

Weds 9th – AFTERNOON TEA ** 

Sat 19th – BLACK KNIGHTS SKYDIVE 

April 2022 

Sun 3rd – THE BIG, BIG TEA PARTY 

and BOUTIQUE MARKET 

– at St Helens Hotel 

May 2022 

(date tbc) ANTIQUE VALUATION 

WITH ADAM PARTRIDGE ** 

Sat 7th – BORN SURVIVOR 

MANCHESTER 

Weds 11th – AFTERNOON TEA ** 

Fri 20th – PLANT SALE ** 

June 2022 

Sat 25th – WILLOWBROOK 25th 

ANNIVERSARY MOONLIGHT WALK ** 

July 2022 

Sun 3rd – LIVERPOOL TO CHESTER 50 

MILE BIKE RIDE AND 5 MILE TUNNEL 

RIDE 

Sat 9th – LIVERPOOL CATHEDRAL 

ABSEIL 

Sat 16th – OPEN GARDENS – 

at Willowbrook Hospice 

** denotes event at Willowbrook – The Living Well, 

Borough Road, St Helens, WA10 3RN 

Registered Registered Charity No. Charity 1020240 No. 1020240 

Every Contact Counts

60 

KEEPING YOU UP-TO-DATE 

Newsletter 

Friday Quiz Nights 

Free Quiz nights will continue in the New Year on 7, 14 

& 28 January 2022 and 11 & 18 February 2022. Doors 

open at 7pm and the free quiz starts at 7.30pm. Book a 

table for up to 6 team members by calling 01744 884709 

or email office@rainfordparishcouncil.gov.uk 

The Christmas Quiz night on 03.12.2021 was a great 

evening. Congratulations again to the winning team and 

a great big thank you to Andy who sets and presents the 

quizzes, assisted by Rob. 

On 04.02.2021 there will be a special quiz night to raise 

funds for the Parish Council’s Chairman’s charity for the 

year, Rainford Heritage Society. Tickets are £7 each 

including a hotpot supper. Teams of up to 6. Please 

call 01744 884709 to book your table or email office@ 

rainfordparishcouncil.gov.uk 

Parish Council Meetings 

Community Liaison Committee 

05.01.2022 and 02.02.2022 

Health & Safety Committee 


Finance Planning & Administration Committee 


Full Council meeting 

24.01.2021 and 28.02.2022. 

All meetings take place at Rainford Village Hall. 

Residents are encouraged to address members on matters 

of concern to them and are very welcome to attend 

meetings. Further information on the Parish Council 

website: 

www.rainfordparishcouncil.gov.uk or call 01744 884709 

The Beer Festival is Back for 

2022! 

The ever-popular Annual Beer Festival will be held at 

the Village Hall 11 – 13 February 2022. As in previous 

years, we will be showcasing beers from around the 

region and, of course, the Gin Table will be available for 

those not partial to a pint. Entrance is £3 per person 

with tokens for beer available separately. If you are an 

individual or business interested in any of the sponsorship 

deals available, please contact Vicky Swainbank on 01744 

884709 or email admin@rainfordparishcouncil.gov.uk 

Business Around Rainford 

The next breakfast forum for Businesses in Rainford and 

Rainford residents who have businesses will take place on 

26.01.2022 from 8am – 9am at the Village Hall. Come 

along, have some breakfast and meet other business 

owners in Rainford. 

To book a free place call 01744 884709 or email admin@ 

rainfordparishcouncil.gov uk 

The Village Hall 

Rainford Village Hall is currently undergoing some major 

renovation works. The Parish Council have commissioned 

work from stonemasons as some of the stone work on the 

front of the building is delaminating. Over the past 12 

months, the Parish Council have paid for extensive repairs 

to our lovely Village Hall, which is now 115 years old. 

The decorative brickwork above the entrance to the bar 

area had to be removed as it was leaning at a dangerous 

angle and the chimney stacks have been repointed. 

Additionally, work has been undertaken on the main roof 

and brickwork on the bar side of the building. Although 

the hall doesn’t look so good with the scaffolding across 

the front, the facilities are the same inside and it shouldn’t 

be there for much longer. 

Rooms are still available to hire from just £10 per hour 

for classes, meetings, parties, anniversaries, events and 

Wedding Receptions. Call 01744 884709 or email admin@ 

rainfordparishcouncil.gov.uk to discuss your requirements. 

Rainford Community Cinema 

In the New Year, we will be putting together a programme 

of Cinema showings for the year. Watch out for the upand-coming 

films in the next issue of our newsletter.

61 

Rainford Christmas Fayre 

The Parish Council, in conjunction with St Helens Rotary 

organised the Rainford Christmas Fayre which had to be 

moved into the Village Hall at the last minute because of 

the adverse weather conditions. Despite this, the Fayre 

was a great success with some wonderful stalls, fabulous 

entertainment from Rainford Band and The Ladies Choir 

and, of course Father Christmas in his grotto accompanied 

by some fantastic elves. It was great to have photographers 

from Rainford High School keeping a record of the event 

for us. Thank you to everyone who helped make the day 

a great event. 

New Councillors 

Rainford Parish Council welcomes 2 new members who 

were recently co-opted: 

Councillor Tracey Denton (Mossborough Ward) 

Councillor Andy Griffiths (Muncaster Ward) 

There is still a vacancy on the Council for Junction Ward, 

so please contact the Clerk if you would like to know 

more about the role and responsibilities of being a Parish 

Councillor. 

St H elens Borough Local Plan 

Main Modifications public 

consultation 

The schedule of proposed main modifications for the 

St Helens Borough Local Plan 2020 – 2035 submission 

draft and supporting documents have been published for 

consultation. 

St Helens Council submitted the draft for examination 

in October 2020. 2 planning inspectors were appointed 

and a series of public hearing sessions were held in May 

and June 2021. The Inspectors have now considered 

all the evidence put before them and have identified a 

number of Main Modifications to be made to the Local 

Plan Submission Draft in order for it to be found ‘sound’ 

in accordance with national policy. Consultation is now 

being undertaken on them. 

For further details on the consultation, please visit www. 

sthelens.gov.uk/localplanmodifications 

Community Speed Watch and 

Road Safety 

The speed watch volunteers are finally out and about 

in the village, looking out for speeding vehicles and 

illegally parked cars. The aim is to make it unacceptable 

to break the speed limit and stop inconsiderate and 

dangerous parking throughout Rainford. 

Most of the speeding vehicles recorded so far are 

Rainford residents! One driver was even caught 

speeding twice in the same session!! So, to any 

Rainford drivers who think it’s OK to speed through 

our lovely Village and park inconsiderately and 

illegally, it is not. 

To try and get vehicles to slow down, the Parish 

Council have wheelie bin stickers for 30mph roads 

and 20mph roads. Although these only get put 

outside houses once a fortnight, they have been 

shown to be very effective in slowing vehicles down. 

The stickers are available free of charge from the 

Clerk’s Office in the Village Hall. If you and your 

neighbours all use them, this will be another way to 

tackle speeding vehicles. 

If you would like to get involved in the Speed Watch 

scheme, please contact 01744 884709 or email 

clerk@rainfordparishcouncil.gov.uk 

RAINFORD PARISH COUNCIL 

Rainford Village Hall, Church Road Rainford WA11 8HB 

01744 884709 

clerk@rainfordparishcouncil.gov.uk 

@rainfordvillagehall 

@rainfordparishcouncil

62 

Missing out on Higher-Rate 

Tax Relief? 

Are you a higher rate taxpayer and investing into a pension? 

Did you know that you need to claim the additional higherrate 

income tax relief for your pension? A recent study has 

found that up to 80% of higher-rate taxpayers have missed 

out on a significant amount of available pension tax relief 

between the tax years of 2016/17 and 2018/19. 

An estimated total of £810 million went unclaimed by 

more than 1.5 million higher and additional-rate taxpayers 

in the 2018/19 tax year. This unclaimed tax relief, between 

the tax years of 2016/17 and 2018/19, totals £2.5 billion. 

Tax relief is one of the advantages of using a pension to 

save for retirement. It can add a real boost to your pension 

and incentivise you to save for the future. 

Here’s five things you should know about tax relief; 

1. Higher and additional-rate taxpayers must 

claim their additional relief 

The basic rate of pension tax relief is 20%. So, a £100 

pension contribution would cost you just £80, with the 

government adding the remaining £20. If you have a 

relief-at-source pension, your pension provider will claim 

this tax relief automatically. However, it is only the basic 

rate of tax relief that is added automatically. 

Higher-rate taxpayers are eligible for 40% tax relief. 

Additional-rate taxpayers are eligible for 45% tax relief. 

This added tax relief is not given automatically. 

If you are a higher or additional-rate taxpayer, you will 

most likely need to complete a self-assessment, even if 

your pension is handled by your employer, to claim your 

extra 20% or 25% tax relief. According to research, some 

80% of higher-rate and 53% of additional-rate taxpayers 

may have failed to claim this additional tax relief. 

2. How to claim back the additional tax relief 

If you are a higher- or additional-rate taxpayer, you can claim 

your pension tax relief through online self-assessment. 

In the relevant section of your online tax return, simply 

state the exact amount of your pension contributions. 

This should be a gross calculation that includes your 

contributions and the basic-rate tax relief of 20%. 

Alternatively, you can write to your HMRC tax office, 

outlining how much you have paid in pension 

contributions, and you will also need to provide personal 

details so that you can receive the tax relief. You will need 

to contact them every time you have changes to your 

pension contributions or your salary. 

You’ll receive your tax relief as a rebate at the end of the 

tax year or a reduction in your tax liability or a change to 

your tax code. 

3. You can claim back tax relief from the 

previous four years. 

You must make your claim within four years of the end of 

the tax year you are claiming from. 

4. Everyone is entitled to tax relief up to the 

Annual Allowance 

Each tax year, there is a limit on how much you can 

contribute into your pension and still benefit from tax 

relief. This is known as the Annual Allowance. In the 

2021/22 tax year, the Annual Allowance stands at £40,000 

or 100% of your earnings, whichever is lower. 

It’s also worth noting that once you start to draw flexibly 

from your pension, the Money Purchase Annual Allowance 

is triggered. This reduces your Annual Allowance from 

£40,000 to just £4,000. If you plan to continue paying 

into your pension, you may want to avoid drawing from it 

early to maintain the maximum amount of tax relief you 

can claim. 

5. A financial planner can help identify and 

manage all your available tax relief 

At Callisto we’re here to help you get the best out of your 

finances, and to help you achieve your financial goals. That 

includes making the most of your pension tax relief. Please 

contact us for a complimentary review of your finances. 

Andrew Platt 

CFP TM Chartered MCSI 

A pension is a long-term investment not normally accessible until age 55 (57 from April 2028). The value of your investments (and any income from them) can go down as well as up, 

which would have an impact on the level of pension benefits available. Your pension income could also be affected by the interest rates at the time you take your benefits. 

The tax implications of pension withdrawals will be based on your individual circumstances, tax legislation and regulation which are subject to change in the future. You should seek 

advice to understand your options at retirement.

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

necessary financial expertise. 

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

freedom once you reach retirement. 

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

Call us on 01744 881421 to arrange a 

no-obligation consultation at our new 

Rainford offices. Remote consultations also available. 

Callisto Wealth Management Ltd 

The Stables | Pasture Lane Business Centre | Pasture Lane | Rainford | WA11 8PU 

01744 881421 

www.callistowealth.co.uk 

enquiries@callistowealth.co.uk

64 

Puzzle Pages 

CROSSWORD 

across 

3. Onyx marble (9) 

8. Crack in a lip caused usually by cold (4) 

9. Pretending one set of feelings and acting under 

the influence of another (3-5) 

10. Glacial period in Earth’s history (3,3) 

13. Greek muse of love poetry (5) 

14. Painfully desirous of another’s advantages (7) 

down 

1. Copyist, scribe (9) 

2. Implanted device that controls heartbeat (9) 

4. Milky plant substance that coagulates on 

exposure to air (5) 

5. Sell illicit products such as drugs or alcohol (7) 

6. Unwanted email (4) 

7. Fencing sword (4) 

11. Mental illness in which the mind is dominated 

by a single thought or idea (9) 

12. Of a triangle, having two sides of equal length (9) 

14. Container used to store jam, dried fruit, etc (3) 

15. Facility caring for the terminally ill (7) 

18. Make cloth by interlacing threads (5) 

19. Strong, forceful wind (4) 

20. Mammal having partially webbed feet; valued 

for its fur (4) 

15. Ugly, evil-looking old woman (3) 

16. Citizen who has a legal right to vote (7) 

17. Devoutly religious (5) 

21. Breathe out (6) 

22. Early Christian church (8) 

23. Bake in a kiln so as to harden (4) 

24. Apiarist (9) 

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: 20 or more words 

Good: 16 words 

W 

T 

N 

R 

I 

E 

Fair: 12 words

65 

WORDSEARCH 

Music 

Banjo 

Drum 

Bass 

Flute 

Bodhran 

Guitar 

Castanet 

Harp 

Cello 

Mandolin 

Chimes 

Oboe 

Cittern 

Pennywhistle 

Clarinet 

Piano 

Cornet 

Cymbal 

Didgeridoo 

Sitar 

Tambourine 

Trumpet 

Viola 

Violin 

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. 

FOOT 

WIGGLE WORDS 

CLUE: to talk 

nonsense and say 

things that aren’t true. 

Trace a path through all 

the letters to find the 

word or phrase that fits 

the clue. 

R I A T 

T F H O 

O O L L 

B E F U 

YARD 

All the puzzle solutions can be found 

on page 80 of this magazine

66 

Darwen Moor 

by Chris Pearce 

Distance: 5 miles Difficulty: Medium 

To help those of you who are working hard to get yourself 

fit for the new year, we headed out to Tockholes for a walk 

that is sure to get anyone’s cardiovascular system racing. 

At just over five miles, this Darwen Moor walk dips into 

the area around Higher Roddlesworth Reservoir, levels 

out at Earnsdale Reservoir before the climb to Darwen 

Moor, and enjoyed wonderful views across Lancashire. 

We start at the car park next to Vaughns Country 

Café at the foot of the Moor (BB3 0PA). Please 

make sure you use the rear of car park, which 

is for the use of walkers, rather than the 

front of the car park which is for the Royal 

Oak pub next door. 

Take the public footpath opposite the 

pub and head down the steps, passing the 

ruins on the right, and carry on downhill 

where you’ll see glimpses of Roddlesworth 

through the trees. Once you reach the 

wooden fence at the bottom, turn 

right to walk around the right-hand 

side of Roddlesworth. 

After 300 yards, you’ll approach a 

fork – take the lesser-used uphill path to the right. Follow 

this through the woods until you reach the Tockholes 

Road. Turn left and follow the road until you reach Fine 

Peters Farm. Cross over and go through the gate at the 

left-hand side of the farm, following a track. 

The track (Dean Lane) starts to climb, affording super 

views, and then dips to a crossroad of paths. Carry 

straight on down the cobbled path (Donkey Brow) 

and this will eventually bring you out at Earnsdale 

Reservoir. Follow the path round Earnsdale and 

stay on the tarmacked road uphill until you 

reach Waterhouse (1897). Carry on in the 

same direction for 50 yards and then take a 

right turn up the concrete road. 

Just before the second bend on the concrete 

road, there’s a gap in the safety barrier; go 

through the gap and follow the well-defined 

path until you come to a gate, set in a drystone 

wall. Go through the gate and 

follow the path for 150 yards until you 

arrive at a wider path. Turn right and go 

through the entrance to Darwen Moor.

67 

Further up the path you reach a fork, here you take the 

main left fork and climb the hill until you get to the tower. 

Go round the tower to the left and you’ll see a path 

running away southwards towards the mast; take this 

path and when you reach a junction (look for the bench), 

turn left for 150 yards until you reach a marker that 

indicates the West Pennine Way/Witton Weavers Way 

junction; here you take a sharp right uphill along Witton 

Weavers Way. 

Tockholes Road 

Green Hill 

Houghton Farm 

Witton Weavers Way 

Sunnyhurst 

Clough 

Sunnyhurst 


Earnsdale 

Reservoir 

Higher 

Roddlesworth 

Reservoir 

Tockholes 

Number 1 

Plantation 

Sunnyhurst Hey 

Reservoir 

Sniddle 

Hill Farm 

Ryal Fold 

Jubilee Tower 

Tockholes 

Number 2 

Plantation 

P 

Stepback Brook 

Higher Wenshead 

Darwen 

Hill 


New Barn 

Waterfall 


Duckshaw Clough 

Darwen Moor 

For those with the OS Maps 

app on your desktop, mobile 

or tablet, this walk is named: 

JT-Darwen-Moor 

Cartridge Hill 

White Hill

68 

junction; here you take a sharp right uphill along Witton 

Weavers Way. 

Darwen Tower can get pretty busy with walkers 

sometimes, but once you get up onto the top of Darwen 

Moor the crowds start to thin out and you can appreciate 

the amazing countryside views. Follow the path for almost 

a mile until you reach a gate with a bench just the other 

side of it. Go though here and wind your way downhill 

until you reach a stone marker by a wooden gate. 

Go through the gate and take the path that cuts a visible 

green swathe through moorlands. Follow this somewhat 

muddy path uphill again and immediately after you 

have gone through a second gate, bear left downhill and 

follow this muddy path down to New Barn Farm. 

Bear right when you have reached the farm, so through 

another gate and follow that path for ¼ mile until you 

once again reach the Witton Weavers path. Take a sharp 

left through a gate and then follow that path for a further 

½ mile downhill until you return to the car park where you 

started. 

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.

69 

A history of 

Darwen Tower 

Darwen Tower is a Grade 

II listed structure which 

was built in 1897/98 to 

commemorate Queen 

Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee, 

but to the people of Darwen 

it symbolises something 

more fundamental – the right 

to access to Darwen Moor. 

Back in the 1870’s, the Lord 

of the Manor, a Reverend 

called Duckworth who lived 

in Somerset, instructed his gamekeepers to 

block the ancient rights of way onto the Moor. 

Coal supplier William Ashton took exception to 

this move, he had to supply farmers who lived on 

the Moor, and when Duckworth’s gamekeepers 

blocked his way, he unblocked it. After a few 

bloody skirmishes, the issue went to court and by 

1896 the townspeople had 

regained the right to use the 

moorland footpaths. Ashton 

had died a couple of years 

earlier, but his three sons led 

a celebratory procession up 

on to the moors to the spot 

where the Tower now stands. 

The victory coincided with 

the town’s desire to celebrate 

Queen Victoria’s diamond 

jubilee. An anonymous letter 

to the local paper suggested a landmark be built 

on the Moor to commemorate the Jubilee and 

also to celebrate the freeing of the Moors. The 

townspeople rallied behind the idea and the 

tower was opened in September 1898 by the 

Reverend William Duckworth himself.

70 

All the colours of the rainbow 

Joy in the winter garden 

Create orange and yellow sunshine in 

The start of a new year is the perfect time to review your 

patch of outdoor space to ensure it fills you with joy. You 

need either strong structural design or a wonderful array 

of rainbow shades, punctuated by architectural forms. 

Planting a rainbow 

Aim to provide something that fits into the chart of the 

seven visible spectrum colours: red, orange, yellow, green, 

blue, indigo and violet. Almost certainly, you will already 

have some green, but there are many different shades. 

The secret is to have one shade of green set off against 

another – dark and light is the classic combination. You 

can play with greens all year round, but January is the 

month they can really bring the show alive. 

Reds for the winter garden 

Think about stems and bark as well as flowers, foliage 

and berries, and there is a feast of red opportunity. The 

fiery stems of Cornus sanguinea ‘Midwinter Fire’ or Cornus 

alba ‘Sibirica’ will set the border ablaze, particularly if you 

prune down your cornus in late winter or very early spring 

so that the new growth is pleasingly vertical. The rich 

mahogany bark of Prunus serrula, or Tibetan cherry, can 

look stunning against a backdrop of dark green hedging 

or the brown leaves of winter beech. Lower to the ground 

you might consider heuchera such as H. ‘Forever Red’ or 

H. ‘Paprika’. Then we have rhododendrons, some of which 

can be adorned with a blousy show of scarlet this month. 

the garden 

With ornamental grasses in borders or pots, January 

will glow. Clumps of tall miscanthus with its warm, 

yellow-orange stems and seed heads will look dignified 

in January, providing structure and colour. Choose an 

orange-stemmed cornus for vertical accent and dot these 

plants around in repeated forms to bring the picture 

together. Plant Eranthis hyemalis, the winter aconite, 

under deciduous shrubs to create a spreading, golden 

carpet and consider Mahonia ‘Winter Sun’, a magnificent 

structural shrub with yellow, scented winter flowers to 

transform a shady corner. 

Beat the winter blues with garden blue, 

indigo and violet 

Blue fescue is an evergreen grass that can create winter 

blues and there are plenty of conifers and shrubs with 

steely-blue foliage to provide structure and colour, 

including Juniperus ‘Blue Star’ and Pittosporum ‘Wrinkled 

Blue’. Eucalyptus gunnii, with its strikingly blue juvenile 

leaves, can be tamed by clipping for winter beauty. For 

an indigo or violet hue, consider the conifer Cryptomeria 

japonica, which turns a pleasing shade of purple in winter. 

Evergreen heucheras can provide low mounds of purple 

foliage to line paths and provide a safe haven for wildlife. 

Your winter garden is likely to be viewed through glass for 

much of this month, so help it to come alive with colour! 

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71

72 

Used car bargains: 

the models that are escaping 

the big price rises 

In recent months, with new car production badly affected 

by a shortage of components – namely due to limited 

supplies of semiconductors, which are used in everything 

from reversing cameras to safety assistance systems – 

buyers are flocking to used cars like never before. 

It’s having a huge knock-on effect on the prices of used 

cars too – especially on the models with long waiting 

times for a brand-new version. In fact, recent data from 

automotive analysts Cap HPI showed that values rose 

by 20.3 per cent in a five month period, with some cars 

jumping in value by nearly 50 per cent in that time. 

It means that used cars are now pricier than they’ve 

ever been. However, there is still a range of models that 

continue to offer great value for money. Here are the used 

car bargains still available. 

BMW X3 M Competition 

BMW’s M division is best known for its sports saloons 

like the M3 and M5, but these days the brand’s sporty 

SUVs play an equally important part. Take the X3 M 

Competition, for example, the brand’s entry-level M 

model in the SUV line-up – though with its 503bhp twin 

turbo 3.0-litre engine under the bonnet, it’s far from basic 

in terms of performance. 

If you wanted a new model it would set you back an eyewatering 

£83,000 (and that’s before you’ve chosen any 

optional extras). But by looking at used versions instead 

you can save a considerable chunk of money. We found 

a 2020 car with just 5,000 miles on the clock for £60,000, 

which is a vast saving off the original list price. 

Vauxhall Astra 

Though Vauxhall’s 

Astra might not be 

the most aspirational 

car in its class, that 

has never harmed 

its popularity. And it’s this that works to its advantage if

73 

you’re looking for a bargain, as with the huge choice of 

models available, it helps to guarantee you a great deal 

on a used example. 

So while the soon-to-be-replaced Astra might cost you 

£20,000 new, by looking at nearly-new versions you can 

quite easily save yourself well in excess of £5,000. We 

spotted a 2020 car with under 10,000 miles on the clock 

for just £13,495 – you’d struggle to find a new city car for 

that price. While it’s often overlooked, the Astra is still 

good to drive, looks good and has a practical interior that 

is ideal for families. 

Volkswagen 

Arteon 

Sometimes the best 

trick to finding a 

used car bargain is 

to choose a car that 

flies under the radar, 

and one great example is the Volkswagen Arteon. It’s the 

brand’s most ‘executive’ model these days, yet despite its 

striking design it’s often cast aside by buyers who favour 

a more premium badge. 

By doing so they’re missing out on its refined driving 

experience, upmarket interior and efficient engines, 

though. However, you can use this to your benefit, as 

a 2020 car in high-spec R-Line trim with low miles is 

available from around £26,000 – an almost ridiculous 

£13,000 less than the list price of a new example. So, while 

used car values might be rising at a silly rate, there are 

most certainly still bargains that can be had. 

Audi e-tron 

Due to the increased 

popularity of electric 

cars, it often means 

bargains are quite 

rare. One exception to that rule is the Audi e-tron – the 

brand’s flagship SUV – which, despite its high-quality, 

tech-laden interior and comfortable drive isn’t holding its 

value quite as well as you might expect. 

But that just makes it a terrific used buy, especially as a 

2020 car with under 10,000 miles on the clock can be had 

for £45,000 – a huge £15,000 saving on what you’d pay 

for a brand-new model. Just be aware that this applies to 

the ‘50’ model with the smaller battery option, which only 

allows for an electric range of around 200 miles. 

Mercedes SL 

While Mercedes 

might be gearing 

up to launch its new 

‘SL’ as its convertible 

flagship, its recently axed predecessor is well worth 

your attention. Though more old-school in its character, 

this glamorous drop-top is still dripping in class, with a 

punchy engine that would prove effortless on the longdistance 

trips this Mercedes is meant for. 

Though no longer available to buy new, a factory-fresh 

version would have set you back upwards of £80,000. But 

today, you could expect to find a one-year-old example 

with just a few thousand miles on the clock for around 

£65,000. Granted, that’s still a lot of money, but a very 

generous saving off the original asking price.

74 

Home Services 

Call Clint for a free no obligation quote 

01744 470 051 

07834 241 642 

www.justcleanpropertycare.co.uk 

get your 

gutters 

cleared 

Book any service 

FREE! 

ROOF CLEANING 

• Moss Removal & Bio-Treatment 

• Softwashing / Low Pressure 

POWER WASHING 

• Driveways & Patios etc. 

CONSERVATORIES 

• Exterior & Interior (Cleaning) 

UPVC CLEANING 

• Windows, Fascias, 

Gutters etc. 

SPECIAL OFFER - 20% OFF ALL CLEANING PACKAGES 

No job too small or tall 

Call: 

01942 273944 

07872 176335 

www.dpconservatorycleaning.co.uk 

Email: dpconservatorycleaning@gmail.com 

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 

Quality Removals 

required for 

these pages 

Call 01744 649722 



H. TEBB 

& SON 

French Polishers & 

Upholsterers of Distinction 

• Domestic and commercial 

work welcome 

• Free Pick Up and Delivery 

• Established in St. Helens 

since 1946 

• Free estimates 

01744 23074 

91 Shaw Street, St Helens, 

WA10 1EN 

www.htebb.co.uk

75 

FROM 

£85 

regular sweep & checks 

new homeowner inspections 

professional & reliable 

01942 387079 

book online at mr-soot.com 

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 

Your Property Maintenance Experts 

New Name - 

Same Fantastic Cleans! 

• Carpets - Quick Drying 

includes moving furniture for you 

• Upholstery - Fabric & Leather 

• Hard floors - Tile/Stone/Vinyls 

FREE Test clean to see the results 

• Curtains - Hassle free 

Cleaned where they hang 

• Rugs 

Collection & delivery service 

Call us 

today for 

a free quote 

01925 411449 

Call Louise on 

07494 290 663 

www.bespoke-housekeeping.co.uk 

Check out our 5 Star reviews! 

Eccleston-based 

Est. 2016 

Weekly, Fortnightly 

or Monthly Cleans 

Pre/Post Tenancy/Sale 

Deep Cleans too 

Fully Insured • CRB Checked 

• Handyman Services 

• Pest control 

• Waste removal 

For a free quote with no obligation, 

call 01942 741 124 

or 07450 614 219 

www.twolions11ltd.co.uk 

£10 discount when you mention 

Local Life 

www.alliancecleaningsystems.co.uk 

e: sales@alliancecleaningsystems.co.uk 

Quality Tiler 

required for 

these pages 

Call 01744 649722 



• Professional Carpet, Rug 

& Upholstery Cleaning 

• Leather Cleaning & Restoration 

• FREE Pre-Inspection Visit & Quotation 

T: 01942 409401 

M: 07881 816839 

helen@carrolls-cleaning.co.uk

for 

as 

76 

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 

Haydock 

Decorators 

• High Quality Decorating 

• Neat & Tidy Workmanship 

Over 20 years 

experience 

For a free quote & friendly advice 

contact Paul on 

07596 956 030 

Haydock Decorators 

• 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 

Garswood 

Decorating 

Services 

3 Internal & External 

Decorating 

3 30 years experience 

3 No job too small 

Call Shaun for a free quote 

07542 405031 

07545 956712 

9 Hamilton Road 

Garswood 

shaun@garswooddecoratingservices.co.uk 

A.J.Davies 

Est.1991 

Painter 

& Decorator 

Paper Hanging a Speciality 

Friendly & Very Reliable Service 

Both Domestic & Commercial 

Trading for over 30 years 

Call Adam on 

01744 755 005 

e-mail ajdaviesdecorator@hotmail.co.uk 

PLC 

MAINTENANCE 

MultiSkilled 

Handyman 

• Roofing & Roofline - 

repairs and replacement 

• Decorating • Building 

• Gates supplied & fitted 

• Plastering • Gardening 

For all your home improvements 

No job too small 

07847 394040 

01744 606938 

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 01744 649722 

Little Acorns Nursery 

QUALITY CHILDCARE YOU CAN TRUST! 

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

We operate a booking system for the 

holidays which saves you money 

We deliver 30 hours free entitlement 

£29 for a fu l day 

Flexible sessions available 

We take children from 2 years old 

Li tle Acorns Nursery is situated in a beautiful woodland 

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

lots of wonderful educational experiences. 

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

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


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

01257 252647 

www.li tleacorns-daynursery.com 


£29 for a fu l day 

rural Vi lage 

NUrSErY 

FUNDED LANgUAgE 

A l sta f 

We cater for 

PLACES & SPortS 

paediatric 

CHILDrEN 

Available for LESSoNS 

& first aid 

3 months 

2/3/4 

for 

QUALIFIED 

- 4 years 

year olds pre-schoolers 

oPEN 

Mon-Fri 

8AM-6PM 

£37.50 

per day 

www.cranknursery.co.uk 

rated by 

oFStED 

as 

oUtStANDINg 

Large NEWLY 

outdoor rEFUrBISHED 

PLAY ArEA in 2019 

Call-Outs 

welcome 

24/7 

624630 

ATB Plumbing 

& Heating 

Boiler Installs, Repairs 

& Services 

Fire & Cooker Installations 

Bathrooms Fitted 

System Flushes 

Landlords Certifications 

LPG 

Call Alec on 

07730 735 174 

rainford-boiler-tech.co.uk 

Quality Tiler 

required for 

these pages 

Call 01744 649722 



Quality Flooring Fitter 

required for 

these pages 

Call 01744 649722 



All aspects of Gas Heating 

& Plumbing 

• Boilers 

• Bathrooms 

• Servicing 

Installations, Upgrades 

& Maintenance 

Established 30+ years 

emergency call outs 

11672 

Call Paul for advice 

and a free quote 

07929 428 496 

42-44 Rainford Road, Billinge 

FINANCE 

AVAILABLE 

ASK FOR DETAILS 

• Brand New Bathrooms 

• Boiler + Central Heating 

Installs, Servicing + Repairs 

• Extended warranties 

available 

• 24 Hour Call-out 

Freephone: 

0300 3030121 

Dave: 07769 942218 

Matt: 07969 183809 

506515 

FINANCE 

OPTIONS 

AVAILABLE 

• Domestic + Commercial 

New showroom opening soon at: 

2a Gathurst Lane, Shevington WN6 8HA 

Email: info@orrellheating.co.uk 

www.orrellheating.co.uk 

Design & Print 

Flyers, postcards, brochures 

and distribution service. 

Call 01744 649722 



QUALITY CHILDCARE YOU CAN TRUST! 

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

We operate a b oking system for the 

holidays which saves you money 

We deliver 30 hours fr e entitlement 

Flexible se sions available 

We take children from 2 years old 

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

Li tle Acorns Nursery is situated in a beautiful woodland 

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

lots of wonderful educational experiences. 

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

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

Li tle Acorns Nursery 


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

01257 252647 

www.li tleacorns-daynursery.com 

77 

A Genuine Family Run 

Business With Friendly 

& Courteous Staff 

Specialists in central heating installation, 

boiler replacements and upgrades 

• Annual Boiler Servicing 

• Landlord & Home Owner Gas 

Safety Checks 

• Mechanical Power Flushing 

• Thermostatic Valves Radiators Fitted 

• All-in-One Air Conditioning & Heating 

units for Home & Work 

Registration No. 

88604 

WE REPAIR ALL 

MAKES OF BOILERS! 

Telephone: 

01942 504 429 

Tel: 01257 421 660 

Mob: 07515 505 501 

Accredited Installer & Service Partner

78 

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 

01744 526589 

MOBILE 

07932 718362 

WWW.CALLPAULLOCKSMITH.CO.UK 

Leaflet Distribution 

Service 

Your leaflets delivered alongside this magazine 

to up to 39,000 local homes 

Flexible service for all businesses, large and small 

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

Call or email us for a Leaflet Coverage List 

then simply chose the postcode areas 

you want to target 

Call us on 01744 649722 

Email chrisp@locallife247.co.uk 


GPS 

Tracked 

Distribution 

DESIGN 

& PRINT 

services 

also available 

LocalLife

KEYS LOCKS SAFES 

• Repairs & Upgrades on 

all locks, including UPVC 

• Safes supplied & installed 

• Key cutting service 

• Emergency call outs 

welcomed 

• All work guaranteed 

Call your local lock expert 

for a free quote 

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 Road, Kings Moss 

WN8 9QL 

www.garagedoorandlock.co.uk 

All Electrical Installations, 

Maintenance & Repairs 

From full re-wires to 

outside lighting to socket 

replacements 

No job too small 

24/7 emergency call-out 

with no call-out charges 

Over 30 years’ experience 

79 

Call Steve on 

07874 352501 or 01744 368055 

www.billingeelctrical.co.uk 

Established 1970 

Call us now on 

01744 732 256 

Visit our showroom: 

2, Lingholme Road, St Helens, WA10 2NS 

Quality Flooring Fitter 

required for 

these pages 

Call 01744 649722 



COMPUTER 

PROBLEMS? 

• No Call Out Charges 

• Local Company 

• PC Experts 

www.bodtree.co.uk 

Broadband broken, computer slow 

printer packed up, virus/spyware or 

your keyboards gone kaput 

Bodtree Systems fix all types of PC problems 

in the comfort of your own home 

Call Catherine Now 

07540 222787 

Tel: 01744 778381 - 01942 418763 

All electrical work undertaken from 

full re-wires to alarms/CCTV. 

No job too small. 

No call out charge – guaranteed. 

30 years experience. 

Call Steve on 

07809 427 508 

www.hjselectricalservices.co.uk 

We repair: 

4 Phones & Tablets 

4 Laptops & PC’s 

4 Gaming Consoles 

4 Apple Watches 

We also build 

gaming PC’s to all 

specifications. 

If we 

can’t fix it, 

no one 

can! 

QUALITY service 

FREE estimates 

FAST turnaround 

Call the Tech Guys on 01744 410554 

or email info@techguys360.co.uk 

www.techguys360.co.uk 

1st Floor, Rainford Parish Council Offices, 

Church Rd, Rainford, St. Helens WA11 8HB 

Est.1975 

Rainford 

Electrical 

Electrical Installations & Repairs 

All aspects of domestic work 

undertaken 

Lights, Sockets, Fuseboards etc 

Electric Oven & Shower Repairs 

P.A.T. Testing & Inspection 

Small jobs a speciality 

Call Alan Leigh on 

01744 883883 

or 07884 496434 

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

80 

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 

• 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 

Puzzle Solutions 

CROSSWORD 

WORDWHEEL 

Across: 3. Alabaster, 8. Chap, 9. Two-faced, 10. Ice age, 13. Erato, 14. Jealous, 15. Hag, 

16. Elector, 17. Pious, 21. Exhale, 22. Basilica, 23. Fire, 24. Beekeeper. 

DOWN: 1. Scrivener, 2. Pacemaker, 4. Latex, 5. Bootleg, 6. Spam, 7. Épée, 11. Monomania, 

12. Isosceles, 14. Jar, 15. Hospice, 18. Weave, 19. Gale, 20. Mink. 

aNSWER: 

WINTER 

T I 

W N 

E 

R 

WORDSEARCH SUDOKU WIGGLE 

WORDS 

PUB QUIZ 

To Be Full of Hot Air 

WORD 

LADDER 

Here is one possible 

solution (others may exist) 

FOOT 

hoot 

hood 

hoed 

heed 

herd 

hard 

YARD 

1. Alan Turing 

2. Volkswagen 

3. Little Mix 

4. Boohoo.com 

5. Harry Kane and Harry Maguire 

6. Liverpool 

7. Bitcoin 

8. The Great Ouse 

9. Anthony Hopkins 

10. USA, China and Japan

Misty 

Windows? 

Don’t pay to replace the 

frame 

– we’ll replace the panes 

instead! 

10 year guarantee 

on all sealed units 

We also replace; 

4 Door locks & door lock 

mechanisms 

4 Window locks, hinges 

and handles 

For Fast Efficient Service Call; 

01744 810 000 

www.northwestwindowrepairsltd.co.uk 

Damp 

Control 

We use state of the art 

diagnostic equipment to 

provide a comprehensive 

assessment of your damp 

issues. 

Free quote and 

advice provided 

for any remedial 

works needed. 

For a reliable, friendly 

service call Matthew on 

07840 096 233 

Matthew 

Rigby 

Property Services 

Damp Control Specialists 

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 

81 

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 

Our Focus Is 

Quality & Price 

From a Loose Slate to a 

Complete Construction 

LOCAL 

FAMILY 

FIRM 

All aspects 

of Building 

& Roofing 

UPVC Rooflines 

Extensions & 

Alterations Specialists 

References Available 

Call us on... 01744 600074 

Mobile: 07867 592460 

13 Hawes Ave, Carr Mill, WA11 7EA 

Convert your bath to a 

Walk-In Shower 

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!

82 

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your 

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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

Local Life - St Helens - Jan/Feb 2022

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