St Helens Local Issue 1

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Meet the new your St helens local inside

Mayor of St Helens

Billinge and Seneley Green ward councillor Joe Pearson has been announced the new Mayor of St Helens for 2017-18.

Born and bred in Wrexham, North Wales, qualified social worker and former regional manager for the National Care Standards Commission, Councillor Pearson moved to St Helens in 1968 to begin work as a social worker for Liverpool City Council. His career in social work, spanning over a 35 year period, saw Councillor Pearson work for a number of other local authorities before joining the National Care Standards Commission in year 2002. He retired from work in

2004. Councillor Pearson is married to wife, Sylvia, who will be at his side throughout his civic year as she takes on the role as Mayoress. The couple have two children, Rachel and Christopher.

Elected to the council in 2007, Councillor Pearson sits on the governing committees at both Garswood Primary School and Billinge Chapel End Primary School – and given his vast experience in the field, has chaired the council’s Health and Adult Social Care Overview and Scrutiny Panel. Looking ahead to his year in office, Councillor Pearson said: “It’s a great honour to be named Mayor of St Helens and to represent

the fine people of the borough.

“Sylvia and I are thoroughly looking forward to the next 12 months as we look to get out into the community to witness first-hand the fantastic work that goes on in our town for the benefit of others.”

For his Mayoral Charity in the year ahead, Councillor Pearson has chosen St Helens Mind - an independent, user focused service for local people who are experiencing isolation and distress due to mental ill health.

Commenting on his time as Mayor for 2016-17, outgoing Mayor, Councillor Dave Banks - who attended over 350 civic events over the past year, and has raised over £10,000 for St

Appeal For The Public's Help

To Trace Marek Horvath

Merseyside Police is appealing for the public's help to trace a 31-year-old man from Slovakia who is wanted on a European Arrest Warrant.

Marek Horvath is wanted on warrant after failing to appear at Westminster Magistrates Court on Thursday, 13 October 2011.

Proceedings are continuing to seek to extradite him to Slovakia in connection with an alleged fraud case there.

Horvath is believed to be living in

the Merseyside area and officers are 101 number. If they prefer, people continuing to carry out enquiries to can also contact Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111. locate him.

Horvath is described as 6ft tall, with brown hair and of a proportionate build. He has tattoos on both arms, including a tattoo of a skull on his right arm.

He is believed to have links to the Bootle and Tuebrook areas.

Anyone who has seen Marek Horvath, or has any information about his whereabouts, is asked to call officers on 0151 777 3835 or via the police

Helens-based bereavement charity Jenson’s Twinkle Stars - said: “All good things must come to an end, and that includes my year as Mayor

of St Helens. “The past 12 months have been the busiest, but best I’ve ever known –and the memories will live with me and my wife Jeanette

for the rest of our lives.” This year’s Mayor Making ceremony also saw Councillor Pat Ireland named Deputy Mayor for 2017-18.

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Meet the new Inside This Issue: • News • Leisure • Visit Wales • Visit Cumbria • Sports

Mayor of St Helens

Billinge and Seneley Green ward councillor Joe Pearson has been announced the new Mayor of St Helens for 2017-18.

Born and bred in Wrexham, North Wales, qualified social worker and former regional manager

for the National Care Standards Commission, Councillor Pearson moved to St Helens in 1968 to begin work as a social worker for Liverpool City Council. His career in social work, spanning over a 35 year period, saw Councillor Pearson work for a number of other local authorities before joining the National Care Standards Commission in year 2002.

He retired from work in 2004.

Councillor Pearson is married to wife, Sylvia, who will be at his side throughout his civic year as she takes on the role as Mayoress. The couple have two children, Rachel and Christopher.

Elected to the council in 2007, Councillor Pearson sits on the governing committees at both Garswood Primary School and Billinge

Chapel End Primary School – and given his vast experience in the field, has chaired the council’s Health and Adult Social Care Overview and Scrutiny Panel. Looking ahead to his year in office, Councillor Pearson said: “It’s a great honour to be named Mayor of St Helens and to represent the fine people of the borough.

“Sylvia and I are thoroughly looking forward to the next 12 months as we look to get out into the community to witness first-hand the fantastic work that goes on in our town for the benefit of others.” For his Mayoral Charity in the year ahead, Councillor Pearson has chosen St Helens Mind an independent, user focused service for local people who are experiencing isolation and distress due to mental ill health. Commenting on his time as Mayor for 2016-17, outgoing Mayor, Councillor Dave Banks - who attended over 350 civic events over the past year, and has raised over £10,000 for St Helens-based bereavement charity Jenson’s Twinkle Stars - said: “All good things must come to an end, and that includes my year as Mayor of St Helens. “The past 12 months have been the busiest, but best I’ve ever known –and the memories will live with me and my wife Jeanette for the rest of our lives.” This year’s Mayor Making ceremony also saw Councillor Pat Ireland named Deputy Mayor for 2017-18.

Appeal For The Public's Help

To Trace Marek Horvath

Merseyside Police is appealing for the public's help to trace a 31-year-old man from Slovakia who is wanted on a European Arrest Warrant.

Marek Horvath is wanted on warrant after failing to appear at Westminster Magistrates Court on Thursday, 13 October 2011.

Proceedings are continuing to seek

to extradite him to Slovakia in connection with an alleged fraud case there.

Horvath is believed to be living in the Merseyside area and officers are continuing to carry out enquiries to locate him.

Horvath is described as 6ft tall, with brown hair and of a proportionate

build. He has tattoos on both arms, including a tattoo of a skull on his right arm.

He is believed to have links to the Bootle and Tuebrook areas.

Anyone who has seen Marek Horvath, or has any information about his whereabouts, is asked to call officers on 0151 777 3835 or via the police 101 number.

If they prefer, people can also contact Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

Page 2. Issue 1. St Helens Local

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Get a free step-o-meter during

National Walking Month

May is National Walking Month. Try a free step-o-metre and walk and walk your way to health, through Halton Borough Council.

Halton’s Walking for Health scheme, is supporting National Walking Month by offering free, friendly health walks throughout May, and giving away free step-o-metres to those who try our new short walk at Murdishaw Health Centre 11am on Tuesdays. Walking is a great way to get active, meet new people and explore your local area.

With walks ranging from 30 minutes to 60 minutes there’s something for everyone.

Paula Parle, scheme coordinator for Halton Borough Council said: “We’re delighted to be supporting National Walking Month this May. Our volunteer walk leaders help all sorts of people to enjoy the many health benefits that regular walking brings, providing support every step of the way.”

“Our walkers have a great deal of fun, making new friends and getting to know their local area. Many of us know we should be more active, so why not join us this May and let us welcome you along to our next walk.”

Halton runs a variety of walks that around 60 minutes in length and one walk of just 30 minutes each week.

By keeping walks short, new walkers and those with long term health conditions will feel more confident getting started.

To find a short walk near you go to www.walkingforhealth.org.uk/ walkfinder or call Paula Parle on 0151 511 8550.

Walking counts towards the recommended 150 minutes of physical activity people should be doing each week.

Only 61% of adults in England are currently meeting this

recommendation, but walking offers a free and simple solution.

Walking is a wonderful form of natural exercise, which is simple but it is also effective.

We could prevent 37,000 deaths every

year, just by taking a walk. In just a short time walking can significantly improve a person’s health, well-being and confidence.

A group of Halton Borough Council staff are doing a sponsored walk for St Rocco’s – Sponsor them here https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/leedswidneswalk

Bring your kids to see our kids

The zoo at Walton Hall and Gardens has

welcomed three baby African pygmy goats.

The three were born to mums Rose and Ellie and dad is Mr Bumble.

There are also three new-born rabbits and some new-born baby squirrels as well.

Children of all ages and school groups are welcome to come down and see all the animals, from new-born to long in the tooth, at the zoo.

For a video of the goats kidding around see: https://www.facebook. com/pg/warringtonbc/videos There are a range of educational tours, for children of nursery age up to high school age. They can find out about animal senses and predators and prey and learn more about rabbits, goats, donkeys, ferrets, chickens and more.

For more details see www.warrington. gov.uk/waltongardens - Walton Zoo open daily from 10.30am-5

Central Library closed for 29 weeks for remedial work.

Following an investigation into the building fabric of the Central Library area of the Gamble Building, it has been established that remedial building work needs to be done in that area.

It has been estimated that the time required to complete this work will be approximately 29 weeks and Central Library will be closed for the duration of the work.

During the investigation period, opening hours were extended at the following libraries: Peter Street, Parr, Haydock and Thatto Heath.

Now that the timescales needed to complete the works are clearer, the Library Service proposes to extend the opening hours in two more branches in Eccleston and Rainhill from 30 May, opening Eccleston Library on a Tuesday and Rainhill

Library on a Wednesday, days that these libraries are normally closed.

The return date for all stock issued from Central Library has been extended until Wednesday 31 May. Customers will be able to continue to drop items off at Central Library from Mondays to Fridays using the drop box in the foyer.

All stock can also be returned to any library in the borough.

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New campaign

encourages bus travel

Better By Bus is a new campaign being ran by the Liverpool City Region Bus Alliance (Arriva, Merseytravel and Stagecoach) that aims to encourage people in the Liverpool City Region to travel by bus, by highlighting the benefits of stepping aboard.

The Better By Bus team want to motivate local people to change their travelling habits and choose to use the bus for work, play and everything in between. Remember, the bus doesn’t just have to be a means of getting around; riding the bus is an excellent, affordable way to sit back and relax, and enjoy some of the views the city region has to offer.

The Better By Bus team will be travelling across the region over the next year to encourage people to think differently about how they travel. One of the messages that will be delivered to schools and businesses is that travelling on the bus can have a great impact on the environment compared to travelling by car. The campaign will also let people who may have not travelled by bus recently know about recent improvements made to a lot of buses including Wi-Fi access, USB charging points and comfortable

St Helens Local. Issue 1. Page 3.

FURTHER EDUCATION RECRUITMENT EVENTS COMING TO A CITY NEAR YOU

Following the enormous success of their Jobs Fairs last year, Protocol are pleased to confirm that they will be hitting the road once again with their 2017 Recruitment Roadshow.

Throughout May and June, the Protocol team will be heading out to cities across the UK including London, Leeds, Birmingham, and Newcastle – and the third stop is Liverpool, on the 13th June in at Holiday Inn Liverpool City Centre, Lime Street between 2-7pm.

Lecturers, Assessors, Learning Support Workers, Senior Managers and industry professionals who’d like to find out more about working in further education are all encouraged to attend. Lisa Aldred, Candidate Attraction Manager at Protocol comments: “We recruit for a vast variety of education jobs from teaching, SEN, learning support

and lecturing through to invigilation, admin, MIS and management. Positions include sickness cover, temporary and permanent opportunities. These events are a fantastic way for us to catch up with existing candidates and register new faces.”

She continues: “Our free relaxed events will provide education professionals with the opportunity to speak to an experienced consultant, look for jobs and get advice, ahead of the new academic year.”

The agency will also be running free CV workshops throughout the day, providing tips and advice to help candidates fine tune their CV for the education sector.

Established in 1995, Protocol is the UK’s leading provider of flexible staffing to the Further Education sector, working with over 200 Further Education Colleges and 70 Private Training Providers, as well as Local Authorities and the Justice Sector. They help over 4,000 candidates nationwide find both temporary and permanent jobs every year, in which they deliver over 1 million hours of teaching and learning.

To find out more or to book a slot with a consultant visit www.protocol.co.uk/jobsfairs or call 0115 911 1222

Funding confirmed for

Shakespeare Playhouse e-leather seats. Rob Jones, campaign conductor for Better By Bus, said: “The Better By Bus campaign is designed to make bus travel an attractive choice for every person across Liverpool City Region. We

have so many exciting things planned over the next 12 months that will inspire people to consider travelling by bus to get them where they need to go.

It’s time to take the pressure off, let the bus driver do the hard work; use your bus journey to have some me time and do the things that you want to do.”

before confirming your child’s place.

Together you will then be able to discuss a start date for your child.

You can find out who will be offering the 30 hours free childcare in Knowsley through the Knowsley

Information Service website www.knowsleyinfo.co.uk/ search/site/childcare?page=1.

For more information based on your personal circumstances please ring the Childcare Information Service on 0151 443 5635 or 0800 085 2022 (choosing option 1).

Will you benefit from more free childcare?

The number of hours of free childcare that some working families are entitled to will increase from September. All three and four year olds are currently entitled to 15 hours of free childcare a week and from September working parents may be entitled to up to 30 hours of free childcare a week.

If your family is eligible for the additional hours, you will be able to take up to 1140 hours free childcare a year. The hours can be taken flexibly throughout the year, in a school, academy or with a registered childcare provider, including childminders. The hours can also be split across more than one childcare provider.

To qualify, parents must be in work, and each earning on average at least £120 a week, equal to 16 hours a week at the National Minimum or Living Wage. Families earning more than £100,000 won’t be entitled to the funding. It applies to children who will be three on or after 31 August.

How do you apply?

You can find out if your family is eligible for the 30 hours free childcare through the childcare choices website www.childcarechoices.gov.uk.

If you apply successfully your chosen childcare provider will need your eligibility code, and they will check the code to confirm your eligibility

Arts Council England has confirmed the £5 million HM Treasury funding for the Shakespeare North Playhouse to be built in Prescot town centre.

The funding was pledged by the Chancellor of the Exchequer as part of the budget announcement in May 2016. Since then, Knowsley Council and Shakespeare North Trust have presented a robust and sustainable business plan to Arts Council England to endorse the funding.

John Flaherty, Executive Director (Place) at Knowsley Council said: “This is a fantastic achievement and a key milestone for Shakespeare North Trust and Knowsley Council.

Not only does it mean we now have £11m of confirmed funding, but it is also a huge seal of approval and vote of confidence from the Arts Council that the Shakespeare theatre and education centre is a viable and sustainable business.

“It will also strengthen the Outline Business Case submission to the Combined Authority Single Investment Fund to secure a further £6.5m funding towards the development.”

The funding will be used towards creating an iconic 330-seat Jacobean court style theatre and study centre, education and community resources

and exhibition area, the supporting administrative offices and catering and hospitality facilities.

Subject to funding, construction of the new playhouse is expected to start January 2018.

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Ground-breaking project protecting

youngsters from Child Criminal Exploitation

Merseyside’s Police Commissioner has visited a ground-breaking project run in partnership with Knowsley and Sefton Councils to help protect some of the region’s most vulnerable young people from being exploited by more sophisticated criminals.

The joint Knowsley and Sefton Child Criminal Exploitation (CCE) Prevention and Support programme was commissioned by Jane Kennedy with the aim of preventing children from being drawn into criminal activities by older criminals and gangs.

The project is one of three pilots that the Police Commissioner commissioned in November 2016 to help tackle the emerging issue of CCE and was match-funded by both the Local Authorities. The Commissioner was joined by representatives from both councils to see the programme in action at St Columba’s Catholic Primary School on Hillside Road in Huyton.

Approximately 30 pupils from years 5 and 6 attended the assembly led by project workers Jay Vernon and Mark Reynolds. The presentation included a story which highlighted the potential dangers of CCE and prompted discussion among the children about what exploitation means, how they could potentially be pressured or exploited by older children and the consequences for themselves, their friends and families.

Children from across the two boroughs (school years 5-9) will attend the group sessions which increase young people’s awareness, develop their resilience and help them to make choices which prevent from getting drawn into criminal activities.

The schools package is complemented by the work of a Prevention Advocate who has been funded to offer specialist advice and support for children who have

been identified as at particular risk of exploitation, and their parents. The project will also enable more than 50 professionals across the boroughs to receive training so they can continue the work going forward.

Jane said: “Child Criminal Exploitation is a rapidly emerging issue which is a major concern for our communities.

“Children as young as 10 or 11 are being groomed to enter gangs and commit crime on behalf of older criminals. These young people are being exploited and, by being persuaded to carry out illegal activities, often with the promise of something they desire as a reward, they become incredibly vulnerable.

“While there is now much greater awareness of the issue of Child Sexual Exploitation, Child Criminal

Exploitation is still very much an unknown quantity.

It is difficult to quantify the scale of the problem and there can often be complex factors affecting a young person’s life when they are driven by CCE into committing crime.

“Victims of CCE are often fearful of getting into trouble themselves – for the very actions they have been exploited into carrying out – so it can also be difficult to get these young people to come forward and speak out about their situation.

“This pilot projects run in partnership with Knowsley and Sefton Councils is one of the first steps we are taking into trying to develop a greater understanding of CCE and the multifaceted issues surrounding it.

It was really impressive to see the programme in action at St Columba’s.

While it uses a gentle approach which is appropriate for the age of the children, it was great to see how much the children engaged with the topic.

It was also clear to see how effective the programme is in helping young people to recognise the warning signs, opening their eyes to how they may become exploited to prevent them from becoming embroiled in activities that could, if they continued unchecked, potentially get them into trouble.”

While there is still no legal definition of ‘Child Criminal Exploitation’ or CCE, it is increasingly being recognised as a major factor behind crime in communities across Merseyside and the UK, while also simultaneously victimising vulnerable young people and leaving them at risk of harm.

Free dementia

awareness course

Do you know someone suffering with dementia or have you ever wanted to learn more about it?

Warrington Borough Council’s south neighbourhood team is offering a free dementia awareness session to mark Dementia Awareness Week 2017.

The session will be held on Saturday 20 May, 10.30am – 11.30am at Sandy Lane Community Centre, Sandy Lane, Stockton Heath, WA4 2AY. The purpose of the session is to provide a basic awareness of the issues surrounding dementia, what it is and how it’s caused.

Attendees will learn about the common signs and symptoms and gain insight into the life of someone living with dementia.

The session also aims to improve awareness of how to interpret and understand the behaviour of sufferers and raise understanding of the barriers to communication and how to overcome them.

Stephen Reddy, executive director for families and wellbeing at Warrington Borough Council, said: “Previous community awareness sessions have been a great success.

Many members of the public were eager to learn how they can help in the fight against dementia, gaining information and tips in an informal and friendly environment.

We hope to replicate this success across Warrington and help make the community as a whole more dementia friendly.”

If you are interested in attending the session or would like more information, please contact the south area team on 01925 443187 or email bparratt@warrington.gov.uk

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St Helens Local. Issue 1. Page 5.

New historic attractions at Prescot’s Elizabethan Fayre

The ever-popular Elizabethan Fayre will return to Prescot on Saturday 3 June, re-creating the town’s famous Tudor Fayres and celebrating its wonderful heritage.

Entertainment will have a distinctly Tudor feel with traditional craft demonstrations and hands-on workshops in pottery, willow making, candle making, calligraphy and wood turning.

New for the first time this year will be a living history village, giving visitors the chance to immerse themselves in the everyday life of a Tudor village complete with blacksmith and apothecary. There’ll also be the chance to try out some archery with Now Strike Archery, the people behind the village.

Visitors will enjoy performances by Mucky Mountains Morris dancers and there will be the chance to have a go at this traditional dance. There will also be Tudor dancing and visitors can try out these steps too!

There will be food from the era with a traditional hog roast and the Station Coffee House café is cooking up some Elizabethan food delicacies for the day.

In the 1590s the town’s fayres were renowned nationwide, attracting visitors from as far as York and London. Visitors also flocked to Prescot, as at that time it was the site of the only freestanding purpose built Elizabethan theatre outside of London. In honour of Shakespeare there will be short, family-friendly

‘pop up’ performances of ‘Romeo and Juliet by MATE productions.

They will go on to perform a complete outdoor production of ‘The Tempest’ in the church’s woodland garden on Saturday 10, Sunday 11 June and Saturday 15 July.

The popular bell tower tours of Prescot Parish Church will again be on offer and, new this year, tours of Prescot Church and Cemetery.

There will be exotic animals and native species for visitors to handle, including fox cubs, barn owls, lizards and guinea pigs – which were one of the favourite pets of the Elizabethan era. The ever-popular birds of prey demonstrations and circus skills workshops will also be back. Thanks to Townscape Heritage for sponsoring the living history village, candle making and Tudor dancers and to Prescot Town Council for sponsoring the hog roast and circus skills workshops.

The Fayre will take place in and around Prescot Town Centre, Eccleston Street and Prescot Parish Church on Church Street from 10am to 3pm with free admission.

The Producers’ Market and Arts, Crafts and Gift Fair takes place on the same day.

If you’d like to get involved in the Elizabethan Fayre please call Knowsley Culture Development and Events Service on 0151 443 5353 or email carla.simkin@ knowsley.gov.uk

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Domestic Abuse Reduction Young musicians sought for

Strategy 2017–2020 prestigious achievement awards St Helens’ Music Education Hub is looking to celebrate three talented young musicians with special awards, and is welcoming nominations for them now.

The awards were launched last year to celebrate and support young musicians, with one dedicated to the memory of courageous schoolboy Harrison Ledsham – a pupil in the Council’s Music Service – who died aged 12 in 2015 after battling bone cancer.

The Harrison Ledsham Award – to be given by Harrison’s parents Karen and Paul Ledsham – and a further two Music Education Hub Awards, will be presented on the final evening of this

Partners in Knowsley have come together to tackle the priority issue of Domestic Abuse. Knowsley’s Community Safety Partnership, which includes the council, police, fire service and housing providers, recognise the issue has many forms and affects many people, including children. They also recognise that everyone has a part to play in tackling the issue.

Domestic abuse is legally defined as any incident or pattern of incidents of controlling, coercive or threatening behaviour, violence or abuse between those aged 16 or over who are or have been intimate partners or family members regardless of

gender or sexuality, although Partners in Knowsley have recognised that domestic abuse may affect also affect those aged under 16 years.

It can take many forms – physical, emotional, psychological, sexual and financial. In addition, there are often ‘hidden’ victims – children or other family members who have witnessed or heard Domestic Abuse.

The partnership has developed a Domestic Abuse Reduction Strategy 2017-2020, which aims to support residents, families and communities to achieve their potential and have safer, healthier and happier relationships and lives.

This will be achieved through the

year’s Summer Concerts at the town hall (4-7 July). Applicants must either live or be educated in the borough and be between 10 and 18 yearsold. Applicants must be nominated by their school teacher, instrumental tutor or other adult mentor that is connected with their music making, like a band or choir conductor.

The awards are not genre, instrument or voice specific, but will be judged on the musical potential and achievement of each young person, and are also open to young composers and songwriters.

The closing date for entries is 26 May with judging taking place on 23-24 June. Shortlisted nominees

will get to attend a series of musical development workshops taking place on Friday 23 June from 5pm-8pm and Saturday 24 June from 9:30am-3pm.

These workshops are designed to support, observe and assess the musical potential of each candidate consisting of music workshops, developmental discussions and a masterclass in which the applicants will perform a solo piece and be given feedback from music mentors.

For an application form please telephone the Music Service on 01744 677946, email musicservice@ sthelens.gov.uk or call in at the Beacon Building, College Street, WA10 1TF.

implementation of the four P’s model – Prepare, Prevent, Protect and Pursue. The strategy encourages effective partnership working, promoting healthy relationships, ensuring the right support is available for victims and effective offender management, including support to change behaviour to ensure they don’t become repeat offenders.

The ultimate aim is to reduce incidents of domestic abuse and make it socially unacceptable. You can read more about the strategy, including the range of initiatives available in www.knowsley.gov.uk/ knowsleycouncil/media/Documents/ DA-Strategy-2017-2020.pdf

Warmlight Windows Thriving

after Will Mellor Opening

Warmlight Windows had their brand new showroom opening event on the 22nd April and it was headlined by local celebrity Will Mellor. It was a hugely successful day and Ms Alison Brook from Billinge was delighted as she won the raffle and an Elite Rock door from which all proceedings went to Derian House and Wigan And Leigh Hospice Charities which shows just how generous the owners are.

They are now operating from one of the largest showrooms in the North West.

The move was a result of their own success as they had outgrown their previous premises in Atherton.

The Company is owned by Mr Glenn Foxwell and Mrs Susan Foxwell who also own Foxwells Builders Ltd which has been established for 17 years, they also work alongside Warmlight as a sister company as they do full house refurbishments as well as working in the commercial sector.

They are also open to the Trade. They trade under this theory “We run a no pressure sale scheme, First for quality, first for service, first for reliability, no contractors,no salesman, just a smile and a honest price” .

10% Discount can be claimed by showing this editorial

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Sex ‘n’ booze, Jimmy Choos and Charlie!

Love comedy and shoes? A tale of ‘sex n booze and Jimmy Choos’ coming to Halton Borough Council’s Brindley Theatre when the hilarious comedy ‘If The Shoe Fits’ comes to the award-winning venue on Tuesday 13 and Wednesday 14 June. Boom Boom Productions received a ‘Best Comedy’ award for the production.

And it brings back Scouse legend Charlie Griffiths, who many of you loved as Fairly Flustered in our panto last year, to Runcorn, playing Liz in the play. Sally’s got a problem. Chas has a secret. Daphne doesn’t have a clue. Jamie has a tip off. Liz has toes like monkey nuts. After Chas drops the big one, there is only one course of action! Filled to the brim with shots, shocks and lethal cocktails, the revelations come thick and fast, turning a day to forget into a night to remember. This show has everything

you would expect from the characters at Goody 2 Shooz. The sharp observations and humour in everyday life will leave you thankful for the interval to give your sides a breather from the non-stop laughter! Written

by Donna Lesley Price.

Directed by Richie Grice, the play was described as “One of the best comedies in the last decade” by Liverpool Sound & Vision and a “Fun, sublime, saucy comedy” by the Liverpool Echo. Liverpool based trained at LAMDA in London and with a BTEC in performing arts from Wirral Met College Charlie has appeared in numerous TV productions. And previously performed in ‘Desperate Scousewives’ at The Brindley. She is a panto veteran, with a string of acclaimed productions under her belt, including Snow White, including here in Halton, three years ago, where she was one of the most popular characters, playing the Wicked Queen, before her acclaimed role last year. The multi-talented Merseysider is also half of a girl group, with her sister and her theatre roles have included challenging characters such Lady Macbeth and ‘Lesley’ in Alan Benett’s ‘Her Little Chance’.

Tickets are £15, £13 from www. thebrindley.org.uk and the box office on 0151 907 8360

All smiles for St Helens

National Smile Month (15 May - 15 June) is coming to St Helens and Healthy Living’s Oral Health team will be holding special

events to back the UK’s biggest oral health campaign.

Taking place from 15 May to 15 June 2017, National Smile Month aims to promote and raise awareness of good oral health by using the British Dental Health Foundation’s three key messages: brush for two minutes twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste, cut down on how often you have sugary foods and drinks and visit the dentist regularly, as often as they recommend. To show support for the campaign, the Healthy Living Oral Health team will be supporting the St Helens Library Service’s Bath Book Bed events being held across St Helens Libraries. This aims to put the smile into National Smile Month and each child who registers and attends the library events will receive their very own dental goody bag and an opportunity to get their picture taken with a ‘Smiley’ – the campaign icon.

Susan Forster, Interim Director of Public Health said: “National Smile Month is a great initiative to raise awareness of how important and yet how simple it is to keep good oral health. The Oral Health team will be supporting events across St Helens and supporting clinics, dental practices, nurseries schools and the hospital. We hope everyone in St Helens can get involved and make it a month to smile.” Chief Executive of the British Dental Health Foundation, Dr Nigel Carter OBE said: “I’m delighted that St Helens has joined the thousands of organisations in engaging with National Smile Month. It is a great reflection of local community spirit and an excellent

way to promote good oral health.

“By making an event as fun and imaginative as possible, we hope it will inspire more people to join in the fun than ever before while delivering the three key messages for good oral health.” The Oral Health team will also be supporting Health Visiting and Breastfeeding teams to provide

the St Helens Baby Bottle to Cup Campaign. Staff will be exchanging baby bottles for feeder cups at baby assessment/weaning clinics (limited stock). For more information about the campaign and the events taking place, please call the Healthy Living Team on 0300 300 0103 or email hit@sthelens.gov.uk

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St Helens Local. Issue 1. Page 9.

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Summer of Love

planned for Knowsley

Feelgood Festival and Knowsley Flower Show set to draw crowds of thousands to Knowsley with free family fun this August Summer looks set to hot up in Knowsley with its two best loved annual events celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Summer of Love in 1967.

You can expect lots of colourful fun at the Knowsley Feelgood Festival and Flower Show this August – including some spectacular knitted décor brightening the trees at Court Hey Park thanks to the handiwork of community group Knitwits.

Both events take place, as always, at Court Hey Park, just off the M62 in Huyton and are completely free to attend.

Knowsley Feelgood Festival The Feelgood Festival, on Saturday, 5 August from 1-5pm, is growing year-on-year in popularity since its launch three years ago. Packed with activities, performances and experiences to help improve your health and wellbeing, the festival has something for everyone. It’s a chance to try Mindful Yoga, pick up some relaxation techniques, try some fitness and sporting activities, try your hand at drawing and painting, enjoy some complementary therapies and even take part in a family bike ride on the day.

There’ll be lots of laughs with the Comedy Trust, who’ll be offering hilarious ‘Feeling Funny’ workshops, exploring the ways in which laughter and comedy has the power to make you feel good.

Lush Spa Liverpool will also be there, with some fantastic complementary taster treatments and a little bit of Lush magic, whilst Boots pharmacy will be on hand with both health advice and a makeup artist offering

amazing summer makeovers.

Children are invited to dress up in 60s or 70s fashion and join in the Summer of Love fancy dress parade around the site at 1pm to get the event off to a fantastic start – and there’ll be great prizes on offer for the best costumes.

Register now through Knowsley’s Children’s Centres or call 0151 443 5749 for an entry form.

Knowsley’s Children’s Centres will also be at the festival, promoting oral health, giving baby massage demonstrations and offering storytime sessions for the very youngest festival-goers.

Knowsley Flower Show Then, on Sunday 6 August, you can expect even more flower power than usual as the renowned Knowsley Flower Show r e t u r n s , from 11am until 5pm, with crowds expected to flock from all over the North West.

The Floral Marquee at Knowsley Flower Show At the show’s heart is always the breathtaking floral marquee, bursting with potentially prize-winning fruit, vegetables and flowers. Get growing and you could be entering your pride and joy into one of the 100 categories, suitable for both novices and experienced growers alike. Download the schedule of classes and view the special classes themed around 50 Summers of Love.

Certainly, keen gardeners will love the many plant and seed stalls offering great value, and the chance to get expert tips at the Gardener’s Question Time event.

As usual there will also be the rich programme of family entertainment, including dog displays in the main arena, live music inspired by Sgt Peppers’ Lonely Heart Club album, Geraud’s large farmers’ market, circus skills, glitter faces and a health and wellbeing zone plus lots of trade stands.

Famers’ Market at Knowsley Flower Show Both events are completely free, and are part of a wider programme of

more than 60 Summer of Love events taking place across the City Region this summer.

“Bigger and better every year” Cllr Steff O’Keeffe, Knowsley’s Cabinet Member for Public Health, Wellbeing and Customer Services, said; “The Feelgood Festival and Knowsley Flower Show are fantastically popular and seem to get bigger and better every year.

“We hope that by joining in with all the various Summer of Love themed events taking place across the city region this year that even more people will come along to the events, discover what they are all about and have a great, free family day out in Knowsley.”

Make sure you take a look at the Knowsley Flower Show website www.knowsleyflowershow.com which gives details of the free shuttle buses in and around Knowsley and ‘like’ the show on www.facebook. com/KnowsleyFlowerShow for all the latest news.

So, get the dates in your diary and look forward to the Summer of Love in Knowsley.

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Looking for something to do

over the school holidays?

…Then take a look at Volair’s what’s on timetable with activities taking place around Knowsley.

From pool inflatable sessions, crash swim courses for ducklings through

to box-fit, splash fit, tae Kwando and junior gym sessions, there is something for all ages! The school holiday what’s on programme is being delivered at Halewood and Kirkby

leisure centres, Knowsley Leisure and Culture Park and Stockbridge Village Neighbourhood Centre.

You can call the Volair team on 0151 443 2200 to find out more.

Gin festival promises to be absolutely fabulous

Organisers have raised a glass to toast

the announcement of two gin-ormous

events set for St Helens later this year.

Absolutely Fabulous Gin Festival, which has proved popular among gin lovers after a number of successful events across Merseyside, will make its debut appearance at St Helens Town Hall in August, and return in December for a Christmas celebration.

With 50 gins to choose from, guests can gain entry from just £10 which includes a welcome drink, an Absolutely Fabulous gin copa glass worth £5 which can be taken home, a bag and gin guide – and live entertainment.

Limited VIP tickets are also available to purchase for £50 which entities guests to five gin and tonics served with fever tree tonic and garnish, a dedicated seat, balcony access to view the entertainment – and Indian food

served by Indian restaurant, Mayur.

Speaking at the launch, St Helens Council’s Town Centre Manager, Gary Maddock said: “We’ve noticed the success Absolutely Fabulous Gin Festival has been in other parts of Merseyside, and read noting but rave reviews about similar events across the country, so thought: ‘let’s give it a go in St Helens.’ “We’re greatly looking forward to welcoming people from all over the borough and surrounding areas to the town hall to enjoy a gin on what I’m sure will be a great occasion.”

Lisa Copp, Director of Absolutely Fabulous Gin Festival, added: “We are delighted to have the opportunity to bring this festival to St Helens, held within the fabulous town hall, which

will be a great night out for gin lovers who have the chance to sample the many types of gin on offer, Indian food and live entertainment.

“Interest in this event is already high, so we would encourage those wanting to attend to book early in order to avoid disappointment.”

Absolutely Gin Festival comes to St Helens on 18-19 August, and again on 1-2 December for an 'Absolutely Fabulous does gin at Christmas' event. To book your tickets for August’s event, visit: https://www. skiddle.com/whats-on/StHelens/ St.-Helens-Metropolitan-BoroughCouncil/Absolutely-Fabulous-GinFestival-Comes-to-Saint-HelensTown-Hall/12974446/ Bookings for December’s event will be taken soon.

Cheers…. Arif Mashood (Mayur); Lisa Copp (Absolutely Fabulous Gin); Suzanne Davies (St Helens Council Events team); Sue Metcalf (Absolutely Fabulous Gin); Gaynor Purcell (Absolutely Fabulous Gin); Tina Siddiqi (Mayur)

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North Wales Named One of

Top Regions Globally for 2017

There’s cause for epic celebrations in Wales as North Wales has made it on to Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel 2017 list – the only destination in the UK to do so.

A playground for thrill seekers, a haven for foodies, a hideout for stargazers and a goldmine for heritage seekers, North Wales has a holiday for every kind of traveller. But what caught the eye of the Lonely Planet, the world’s leading travel authority, is the way the former industrial landscape has been reinvented and repurposed to create a series of truly world class attractions, from high speed zip lining and inland surfing to underground trampolining in a 176-year-old disused slate mine.

Alongside UNESCO World Heritage Sites as Conwy, Beaumaris, Harlech and Caernarfon Castles, North Wales is home to some of the best walking

and cycling in Britain, as well as a range of industry-leading attractions, all set against the spectacular backdrop of the Snowdonia mountains.

On the flanks of Snowdonia National Park, Zip World boasts 11 different attractions in total including the everpopular Bounce Below, a colourful underground world of bouncing nets, slides and rope bridges. Zip World Velocity in Bethesda is the world’s fastest zip line with two 500 ft. (152 m) high courses that enable riders to exceed 100 mph (161 km/h), while Zip World Titan in Blaenau Ffestiniog offers Europe’s first four-person line – perfect for thrill seeking families. A short drive east is Surf Snowdonia, a world-first man-made lagoon where amateurs and professional surfers alike can surf a powerful 6.5 ft. (2 m) wave, under the watchful eye of Welsh National Surfing Champion,

Jo Denison. It’s not hard to see why North Wales is becoming known as the adventure tourism capital of Europe.

With enough to keep even the most hardcore adrenaline junkies quiet, North Wales has a full range of accommodation and services to complete its tourism offer, from five star Chateau Rhianfa to yurts and cabins at Graig Wen, and for the extra brave, cliff camping suspended high above the sea with Gaia Adventures.

And if it’s food you’re after, North Wales now has two Michelin-starred restaurants: Sosban & The Old Butcher's on Anglesey, and Tyddyn Llan in Denbighshire, not to mention the multitude of local producers, delis, cafes, restaurants, farm shops, markets and micro breweries who ensure that north Wales is full of excellent places to eat and drink.

Cycle across the new Brecon Beacons route

Brecon Beacons National Park, allowing visitors to take in even more of the beautiful scenery in the area. It spans all the way from Llandeilo in the west to Abergavenny in the east.

The route is divided into five sections, leading cyclists alongside a Roman road with panoramic views of the Central Beacons, gentle country lanes and a pretty tow path.

Section 1: Llandeilo to Talsarn This 13-mile journey winds through the side streets of Llandeilo town before crossing the river Towy. From here, there's a climb towards Trapp that lets users take in great views of the Towy Valley and the Black Mountains, plus a steep descent and climb either side of Pont Newydd.

It's better suited for experienced cyclists who like a challenge rather than novices and families, but the views will be worth it!

Section 2: Talsarn to Sennybridge Also for confident cyclists,this 11mile section begins with open views over fields that expand into a stunning exposed area near the Roman Camp.

Continuing east through a forest with Usk reservoir to the north, the path then undulates into the army town of Sennybridge.

Section 3: Sennybridge to Brecon This 9-mile route along the north of the River Usk, is a lovely stretch for those used to road cycling. The hedge-bound route along country roads gently rises and falls, providing great views of the Brecon Beacons.

Section 4: Brecon to Llangattock/ Crickhowell This 15-mile part of the journey can be used to get to Llangattock and Crickhowell. It leaves Brecon on the towpath that runs alongside the Monmouthshire and Brecon canal,

then passes though the picturesque village of Talybont-on-Usk. From here, there's a climb up and over the Ashford canal tunnel and onwards to Llangynidr, crossing the canal a few times before passing the site of the famous Green Man Festival and the villages of Dardy and Llangattock.

Alternatively, you can just stick to the family-friendly towpath as long as your bike can handle the varied road surface.

Section 5: Llangattock/Crickhowell to Abergavenny For this 8-mile section, follow the towpath until Govilon Wharf, from which there is a route to the heart of Abergavenny. It's family friendly up to the village of Llanfoist, just outside of Abergavenny.

If you fancy dipping in to any part of these routes, tweet or Instagram us your pics with #Findyourepic

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Land of legends:

places to see

What makes a legendary place?

It’s more than just people and buildings. Just about every lake, rock and hill in Wales comes with its own legend attached.

Over the centuries, history and mythology have become intertwined - and that’s the way we like it.

We make no apologies for having legends around every corner; we’re swimming in legendary people and places! But if you’re thinking ‘Well… where do I start?’ here’s a snapshot of places where you can start your Welsh adventure.

1.) Yr Ysgwrn (Hedd Wyn’s birthplace). Hedd Wyn was the penname of the great poet Ellis Evans, who died in battle in World War 1. In 2017 the National Eisteddfod, held in Anglesey, remembers the centenary of his death and his birthplace ‘Yr Ysgwrn’ in Snowdonia unveils its new look and visitor centre. Visitors can also see ‘Y Gadair Ddu – The Black Chair’, the Bardic chair which was famously draped in a black cloth when it was revealed that he had been killed in battle some weeks before the chairing ceremony.

2.) Caernarfon Castle. This huge Norman fortress in North Wales was

designed to evoke the romance of the Roman Empire and Macsen Wledig (Magnus Maximus), the 4th-century warrior who dreamed of (and later married) a Welsh princess. The castle, sits grandly in a harbor-side position, a short stroll from the epic ‘Black Boy Inn’, a historic Caernarfon coaching Inn where you can sup a pint and listen to the melodic Welsh language all around you.

3.) Beddgelert. This is the name of one of Snowdonia’s prettiest villages, meaning ‘Gelert’s grave’, after Llywelyn the Great’s trusty dog Gelert, who saved Llywelyn’s baby son from a wolf. The faithful old dog was slain in an unfortunate case of mistaken identity. You may wish to take a hankie when you read the full story.

4.) Bardsey Island.

Bardsey is said to be the resting place of 20,000 saints, who share this beautiful North Wales island where grey seals bask on rocks and wildlife is abundant. The Welsh name for Bardsey (Ynys Enlli) means ‘island of the currents’ and it’s a great place for day trips. Just hop on a boat from Aberdaron or Pwllheli and sail to the place where Christians

have been travelling to since the 6th century, when St Cadfan established a monastery on the island.

5.) Cantre’r Gwaelod At low tide the remains of an ancient sunken forest appear in the sands of Borth and Ynyslas in Ceredigion.

Situated at the gateway of Dyfi National Nature Reserve, the sight of 4,000 year old oak, pine and birch trees peeping through the sand is an arresting sight.

According to legend, this is the lost land of Cantre’r Gwaelod. The poet J.J Williams wrote of this legendary place: ‘And as the sandy silence stays with me till I sleep, the bells of Cantre’r Gwaelod are ringing in the deep…’

6.) St Davids The 12th century cathedral, built from dusky purple sandstone, is one of Wales’ most iconic religious sites and sits tucked away near the River Alun. So legendary is this site, that in the 12th century the Pope decreed that two pilgrimages to St Davids in Pembrokeshire were equal to a trip to Rome, and three matched one to Jerusalem. The legacy of Saint David (the man) lives on every 1st March in Wales – a day of concerts,

eisteddfodau (festivals of literature, music and performance) and parades.

7.) Twm Siôn Cati’s Cave Twm Siôn Cati was a 16th century folk hero, trickster and con-artist similar to Robin Hood. Born in Tregaron in Ceredigion, his exploits led to him hiding from the long arm of the law before eventually being pardoned by the queen. During his bandit career, Twm hid himself and his booty in this cave half way up a steep hillside overlooking the beautiful RSPB Gwenffrwd-Dinas nature reserve. You can see a copy of his will at the Red Kite Centre and even follow the Twm Siôn Cati trail in Tregaron.

8.) Pennard Castle Swansea is choc-full of legendary smugglers tales and creepy castles. At

Pennard, there are whisperings that the castle lord made the fatal error of annoying the local fairies, who took their revenge by swamping the fortress in sand. The castle ruins now perch on the edge of Pennard Pill, which leads down to stunning Three Cliffs Bay. You may have to scramble up sandy hills to reach the top but it’s hands down one of the finest views you will see at any castle in the UK, with sweeping sea and bay views across to Penmaen Burrows.

9.) Llyn y Fan Fach Llyn y Fan Fach lies at a lake below the peak of Black Mountain in the Brecon Beacons National Park. It's home to the beautiful Lady of the Lake, who married a local farm lad.

Their sons became the first of many generations of herbalists and healers,

know as the Physicians of Myddfai.

It’s thought the myth of Llyn y Fan Fach inspired another famous tale – the Arthurian legend of the Lady of the Lake and Excalibur. Nowadays the lake is a great spot for wild swimming and paddling.

10.) Llanddwyn Island St Dwynwen was unlucky in love.

So she went to live as a nun on Llanddwyn Island, North Wales, where she prayed for true lovers to have better luck than she did. And so St Dwynwen became the Welsh patron saint of lovers, whose day we honour every year of 25th January, very much like Valentine’s Day. Her home, Llanddwyn, is one of the most wildly romantic spots in Wales and a great stop-off spot for an Anglesey adventure.

A new way to discover the wonders of Welsh wildlife

Wales is one of the world’s best places to watch wildlife, if you know where - and when - to look. So we’ve teamed up with Wildlife Trusts Wales to create an interactive guide to help you explore Wales’ wonderful wildlife, whether it’s amazing ospreys, a feeding frenzy of red kites, the world’s largest Manx shearwater colony, or the best place in Britain to see puffins and porpoises. Why not go for a relaxing stroll through

an enchanting Welsh rainforest carpeted in bluebells and daffodils?

Or simply sit in a field full of orchids, or by a brilliant waterfall, and admire the view?

The magic isn’t just restricted to spring and summer – there are amazing wildlife displays in autumn and winter with seal pups aplenty, the return of thousands of birds to our estuaries, and wonderful autumnal woodland colours with golds, bronzes and foxy reds.

Wales has an abundance of wildlife hot-spots, including 216 Wildlife Trust nature reserves, 11 RSPB sanctuaries, over 2,485sq miles (4,000sq km) of National Park, and an 870-mile (1400 km) Wales Coast Path for wildlife to, well, go wild in.

Wales has it all – but knowing where to go is the key to unlocking its secrets. Wildlife of Wales helps visitors to explore Wales’s wonderful natural world

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It’s official: Lake District named as

Britain’s top walking destination

The Lake District, Cumbria, is officially the most popular destination for walking in Britain, according to a new nationwide survey just released

by Ordnance Survey.

Their OS Maps service analysed more than 500,000 routes over ten years and revealed that the Lake District has topped the country’s league table with Keswick and Ambleside being the most popular locations for walkers.

And of the 20 most popular places to create a walking route across Britain, an impressive 18 of them are within the core areas of the Lake District National Park – taking in popular locations including Keswick, Ambleside, Grasmere, Helvellyn and Scafell Pike. Managing Director for Cumbria Tourism, Ian Stephens, says, “This is the ultimate place to enjoy the great outdoors and this latest Ordnance Survey research confirms that the Lake District, Cumbria, is indeed the UK’s Adventure Capital.

“With a network of just under 2,000 miles of Rights of Way and some of the most spectacular scenery you are likely to find, it’s great to see that the Lake District remains a firm favourite. Whether you’re taking a gentle lakeside stroll with the family or scrambling up more challenging locations like Sharp Edge on Blencathra, this spectacular

landscape appeals to everyone from the occasional walker to the more specialist adventurer.” Nick Giles, Managing Director of Ordnance Survey Leisure, says: “For centuries the Lakes have held a special place in people’s hearts, and we know the area is loved by map users, because the region frequently

tops our bestselling paper maps.

However, when we started examining this data and looking at the routecreating habits of people, we weren’t expecting the Lake District to dominate so strongly.”

Just a few of the walks highlighted by Ordnance Survey include England’s highest mountain Scafell Pike and

Langdale Fell which forms part of the popular Cumbrian Way. Other breathtaking walks include Nethermost Pike, one of the highest Wainwrights’ in the eastern fells; Allen Crags which is frequented by walkers on route to Scafell and Fairfield Horseshoe, one of the more classic Lake District walks.

New ‘Goat on the Rocks’ tour

launched in English Lake District

Whether you prefer scampering up rocks or relaxing with a tipple ‘on the rocks’, three leading attractions in the English Lake District are coming

together to launch the new ‘Goat on the Rocks’ tour experience – specially created for group celebrations, including hen and stag dos.

The adventure begins from your hotel door on one of Mountain Goat’s mini coaches, which will make its way past Thirlmere along officially ‘Britain’s

best driving road’ to Keswick and up to the heady heights of the epic Honister Pass – one of the country’s steepest roads.

Then it’s time to face your fears at Honister Slate Mine’s Via Ferrata Xtreme. Although it’s twice as high as The Shard and nine times higher than The Big One Rollercoaster, no previous climbing experience is needed for this heady combination of vertical climbs, cliff-edge ladders, rock-face rungs and rope-bridge crossings.

You’ll be guided by professionals and secured to the mountain by a cable at all times – giving the very real sensation of being exposed on a rock face, but with special safety precautions in place.

As you edge your way towards the summit ridge of the mighty Fleetwith Pike, you’ll then take on the challenge of a Burma Bridge suspended more than 2,000 feet above the valley floor.

After time for a well-deserved lunch at a traditional Lakeland inn, the next stop is the multi award winninng -Top Cumbrian Icon Lakes Distillery.

With Mountain Goat there is no need for a designated driver, which is just as well as you’ll be treated to a tour to learn about the art of distilling, finished with a tasting of The Lakes Gin, The Lakes Vodka and The ONE Whisky- before heading back to your hotel. The ‘Goat on the Rocks’ package includes: a bus and driver for the day, Via Ferrata Extreme at Honister Slate Mine and a tour and tasters at the Lake Distillery (lunch not included). It costs £98 per person for groups of between 6 and 24 people. To book, contact Mountain Goat: 015394 45161 / tours@ mountain-goat.com

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Enjoy the Lakes!

A predominantly rural county, Cumbria is considered one of the most beautiful regions of the UK and includes the whole of the Lake District, also known as The Lakes or Lakeland, the Eden Valley, the North Pennines, the Furness Peninsula, and part of the Yorkshire Dales. A hideaway just for two for a special occasion in the Lakes; anniversary, birthday, Valentine’s Day, proposal, engagement or honeymoon, or just to spend quality time with the one you love on a romantic

Ingrid Grayling

– Professional dog trainer Ingrid Grayling is a renowned dog trainer, known nationally as well as throughout Cumbria, for her highly professional experience and extensive knowledge of working with every aspect of a dog.

With over 35 years of experience working with animals, Ingrid has built up a highly successful business in the heart of rural Cumbria, offering expert training in all fields, and for all breeds of dogs.

Ingrid has always had a love for animals and prior to moving to Cumbria in 1995, she set up and ran a successful boarding kennel establishment in Lancashire, which is still thriving today. Ingrid says that the success behind her business, which has been established for over 22 years, lies in the unique and expert services she offers.

Her training methods are very different to the traditional group training lessons often advertised, and see Ingrid offer her undivided attention as she trains on an exclusive 'one-to-one' basis.

All the training takes places in a natural and open environment with no other distractions, including dogs and people, where Ingrid trains the owner to train their dog. Ingrid's training methods are based on teaching the owner the skills, which work quickly and effectively, and after training the dog will have complete freedom but remain firmly under the owner's control. Dogs are totally relaxed, and understand exactly what is required of them for the rest of their life.

Ingrid's training methods have been highly commended by many different clients from all over the UK, due to her very simple and positive training methods.

short break. It might be a secluded holiday cottage for two with a cosy woodburner or open fire, a swish town centre apartment with a deep roll top bath and luxury cottages with four poster beds that you're after. Accommodation in Cumbria are usually available by the week and also offer short breaks.

From the national award-winning restaurants to gastro pubs and cafes, Cumbria offers the best in food and drink, day or night.

From the clear Lakeland water in local beer to the renowned Lakeland lamb and beef, an abundance of excellent local food combines with

global influences to provide for even the most discerning foodies. Cumbria has a good variety of places to cater for lovers of animals in Cumbria, from the specialist centres for birds of prey and fishes, to Lakeland’s only Zoo at Dalton-in-Furness where tigers and other rare animals can be seen.

Visitor centres, such as Brockhole and Whinlatter cater for children, and some attractions, such as the Beatrix Potter attraction are aimed especially at children. Cumbria has three historic steam railways, with children especially welcome. The many museums in Cumbria will offer plenty of interest to all the family.

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Three Lochs Holiday Park

When you become a holiday home owner at Three Lochs Holiday Park, not only will you get the keys to your caravan or lodge, you will also open the door to a fantastic new lifestyle and automatic entry to a world where family bonds are strong, friendships endure and kids enjoy a childhood where bikes rule and getting dirty is law. At Three Lochs, everyone is so busy having fun that electronic devices, mobile phones and social media don’t rule the roost. Three Lochs offers a healthier lifestyle in a breathtaking environment where you can enjoy peace and relaxation or action and adventure, depending on what you are looking for.

Three Lochs is situated in a quiet corner of Dumfries and Galloway at the edge of the famous Galloway Forest. Set against a dramatic backdrop of fishing lochs and sprawling woodland, Three Lochs is the perfect destination for those looking for a holiday home of their own with so much going on, you’ll never have to have a dull moment!

There’s a huge range of activities available including, three fully stocked fishing lochs, archery, airgun and clay pigeon shooting, nine-hole golf course, cycle hire, horse riding, indoor swimming pool, jet-ski, two children’s playgrounds, sandpit and beautiful marked walking trails in and around the park. If you don’t want to venture far you don’t have

to as everything you need is on site. There’s a shop, laundry and our ‘Duck or Grouse’ family bar/a la carte restaurant serving home cooked meals and a great range of wines, beers, spirits and soft drinks.

However if you do fancy a change, the nearest town of Newton Stewart, is a twenty -minute drive away with shops, cinema, restaurants, bars and plenty of tourist attractions. So if you’ve been thinking about a holiday home of your own, don’t think any

longer, just come and see us! We have a range of fantastic pre-owned and new caravans and lodges from £12,995 with site fees included until March 2018 and various finance plans available. All holiday homes come with a deck – perfect from which to enjoy the stunning views, relax with a morning coffee or watch the sun go down. With a season stretching for eleven months including Christmas and Hogmanay, you get enormous value for your site fees and if you want to, you can rent out your caravan or lodge and make it pay for itself.

So if we’ve tickled your taste buds and you want to find out more, give us a call for details or to arrange a visit to see the park and the facilities. Don’t delay it could be the best phone call you ever make! Three Lochs – 01671 830304 or call Pete – 07787 298061 or by email enquiries@3lochs.co.uk. www 3lochs.co.uk. If you aren’t looking to buy a holiday home why not come and stay with us? We welcome holiday guests in our fleet of static caravan and luxury lodges.

Tents, tourers and motorhomes are also welcome. Give us a call for details or to book your next break.

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Support act announced

for Widnes Elton John gig

Applauded singer/songwriter Jake Isaac has been announced as the support for pop icon Elton John’s upcoming UK stadium tour dates.

Hailing from South London with Caribbean Roots, Isaac released his

debut album ‘Our Lives’ last week, and has received support all over the world selling out headline shows in the US, Europe and the UK, as well as having previously supported Ella Eyre and Paloma Faith.

Jake’s distinctive brand of feisty soul pop, bold anthemic hooks, and instantly recognisable vocal have led him to gain plaudits from key press including Wonderland, Notion and The Independent and radio, with BBC Introducing being early fans, and achieve over 30 million streamsall before Jake signed to Elton John management company.

Elton John fans will now get the chance to see one of the brightest young stars in British music as Jake Isaac will support the legendary Elton on seven of his upcoming UK shows, starting at The Stoop in Twickenham on 3 June, including WIDNES on June 18.

Jake Isaac said: “…It’s an INSANE privilege to open up for the iconic sir Elton John!!! Think I might actually have to play my socks off!!!”

An unmistakable name in the history of popular music, Elton John has done it all – and then some. From being awarded multiple Grammys and BRITs, and even an Oscar and a Tony Award, Elton has proven his universal acclaim. In addition to selling more than 250 million records worldwide, with 38 gold and 31 platinum or multi-platinum albums, he has also written the music for stage and screen successes Billy Elliot: The Musical, Elton John and Tim Rice’s Aida, and The Lion King, which was named the highest-grossing stage show or

film release in the world. Elton John has over 4,000 performances, in more than 80 countries, to his credit since launching his first tour in 1970.

Having performed at several of the world’s most recognisable venues – including a pair of residencies at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas, Elton continues to be one of this country’s biggest pop-culture exports. He may have had a hit with ‘Sorry Seems

To Be The Hardest Word’, but you have to apologise if you miss out on tickets for the music fan in your life! ‘Don’t Let The Sun Go Down’ on this opportunity! For more details of these packages: http://www. selectsecuritystadium.co.uk/elton/ For hospitality enquiries: 0151 510 6000 or stadium@halton.gov.uk GENERAL TICKETS: £80, £60 & £40 (subject to booking fee) from

http://www.ticketmaster.co.uk/ event/3500512FB8C66F5F?did =eltonclub%20 Note: General Admission Tickets are NOT AVAILABLE from the Stadium Halton Borough Council announced the biggest gig in the area since The Stone Roses played Spike Island more than 25 years ago, last year, as it revealed pop icon Elton John will come to Widnes.

Ladies – Enjoy a night of music,

muscle, magic and mayhem

The Dreamboys are back at the Halton Borough Council’s Brindley Theatre Runcorn and hotter than ever with a brand new show for 2017.

The group is said to be the UK’s top Male Strip Show, perfect for a girls night out with all your friends.

IT comes to Runcorn’s multi-award winning venue on Thursday 20 July Its showcase is unquestionably the most famous male stripper act the UK has ever produced. With special

guest appearances on some of the UK’s biggest TV shows such as The X Factor, Britain’s Got Talent, Celebrity Big Brother, Loose Women, This Morning, Geordie Shore and The Only Way Is Essex, plus massive sold out worldwide tours, it’s no wonder The Dreamboys have earned themselves the title of the only male strip group in history to have celebrity status. If you’re looking for the very best girls night out in the UK, look no

further than these incredible stripping hunks. An action packed 2 hour Show from start to finish, these boys will literally have you begging for more!

This is one action packed show full of music, muscle, magic and mayhem that will leave you breathless which you simply cannot afford to miss, so book your Tickets now before it’s too late! Tickets are £24 from www. thebrindley.org.uk and the box office on 0151 907 8360.

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St Helens Independent Living

If you are Andy Woods, Development Manager, of St Helens Independent Living Services you say “absolutely”.

This kind of connection doesn’t happen overnight (sadly) it takes many hours of deliberate relationship building, reputation management and careful planning.

SILS came into being in 2011 through the merging of Disability Advice St Helens, Shopmobility St Helens and St Helens & District Advice Group.

Across all sectors it is widely known that most mergers fail: this one hasn’t.

Why has it worked and worked so well? Andy puts it down to a strong commitment from top to bottom and back again to listening whilst involving everyone in the ‘authorship’ of the final model: “writing your own future matters” explains Andy. Self determination is an approach that infuses every service that the charity now offers from equipment hire to retailing, volunteering and training.

Five of the current staff team of eight started out as volunteers. Volunteering as a route to employment for those who are seeking work is something Andy and his team not only believe but exemplify. The feature in Tradepoint Magazine, which was actually about seating solutions specialist company Respose Furniture, dedicated most space to telling the story of Luke. Six years ago, reluctant to speak to people Luke began volunteering with SILS. Now he works two part time customer service jobs and is a St Helens RFLC safety steward.

Repose is an interesting company as even though it sells nationally it

retains a family business, hands on approach and it was this that prompted Andy to strike up a relationship with them. Some months and one national feature on from those beginnings SILS has won a number of local supplier contracts on the back of that exposure. These are not the easiest of times for SILS. We might think that something like a UK wide referendum on European Union membership

would not impact the work of a local charity, we would be wrong. The day after the vote the retail price of some mobility equipment rose 10% due to currency fluctuation: Euros became more expensive so did equipment.

Unfortunately that wasn’t the end of it, one product has risen in price four times in as many months.

As a charity trading in goods and services for customers many of

whom are facing significant personal challenges there is an expectation, maybe even an entitlement, to transparency in terms of pricing: something about which the SILS team is highly mindful.

At its heart this charity business is still all about the people. There are monthly customer feedback surveys. Opportunities to develop skills in retailing and engineering

as equipment needs maintaining.

Then there are the days when a letter arrives.

Kevin sent in a letter. Following a diagnosis of Muscular Dystrophy in 2015 and being told it shouldn’t affect him for some years barely six months later he could no longer work. His letter says how the support from Paula and Andy “changed my life so much and made it so much easier day by day”. Kevin worked in

Warehousing as a Senior Recruitment Consultant and he knows a thing or two about retail. He says “the team are up there with the very best for customer service they go a million miles to help you” and he is delighted with his scooter too.

This year will see Kevin do a skydive (yes that does say skydive) to raise money for SILS and Muscular Dystrophy. That’s Kevin doing his bit, what could the rest of us do?

Care and support for most

vulnerable improving

Warrington is performing well in preventing hospital readmissions, providing quality care, supporting homeless people, boosting employment and helping young people achieve.

The council’s latest quarterly performance report reveals that progress is being made in a number of key areas. These include: Supporting older people to stay at home – the latest figures show that 83.2% of people using the council’s ‘re-enablement’ services were at home 91 days after their discharge from hospital.

The AQUA scorecard (relating to supporting older people in the community) indicates that Warrington is one of the top performers in the North West in preventing older people being readmitted to hospital. It is also performing well above the regional average in getting older people out of hospital quickly and in reducing the need for older people to be admitted to residential care.

Safeguarding vulnerable adults - 78% of care providers in Warrington are meeting the council’s standards, 4% higher than the national average. This measure includes residential homes, homecare and supported living providers.

Schools – The hard work of Warrington’s young people and their teachers was rewarded by another year of excellent GCSE exam results, with Warrington’s secondary schools once again

performing above the national average for 5+A*-C grades.

Homelessness - There have been almost 400 instances of positive action in recent months to prevent or relieve homelessness, including providing housing assistance to people who consider themselves at risk of homelessness in the near future.

Employment – Recently published figures for young people not in employment, education or training (NEET) show that Warrington is the third best performing local authority, with only 2.6% of 1617 year olds classed as NEET, compared to an England average of 7.1%. In September, the Careers for Young People service held their most successful careers evening to date, with a record number of 660 people attending Orford Jubilee Neighbourhood Hub, to speak to college representatives and employers.

Council Leader, Cllr Terry O’Neill, said: “It’s pleasing, in such challenging times for local authorities, that we continue to provide good services for some of our most vulnerable people.

“This reports shows we are making progress in caring for older residents, looking after those who are disadvantaged and helping build bright futures for our young people.

There’s much more to do, but we can be encouraged that the work we are doing continues to make a difference to people’s lives.”

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A1 Bridals Boutique A1 Bridals Boutique formerly known as A1 Bridals has relocated to 68A Warrington Road, Platt Bridge, Wigan, WN2 5JA (next door to original shop) The move is a natural progression in our development and has not impacted in any way on the service we provide and collections that we stock.

It has a complete new boutique look with fresh clean lines. According to current brides it looks and feels more intimate and personal which is how a modern bridal boutique should look and feel.

The ‘Brides Room’ is specifically for the bride to change in privacy and where attendants are invited to view

the bride in full attire as she chooses.

The bride does not go in the main body of the shop with a wedding dress on thereby keeping it personal and individual to each bride.

A1 Bridals is a main stockist of the award winning Callista Collection specifically designed for brides with curves. www.callistabride.com We carry at any one time around 30 plus size Callista gowns from size 16 – 30 Always keeping up with new trends in the bridal industry we always look to take on new labels that are well established and sit well within our shop.

The Ladybird collection was launched in the UK in September 2015 and is massive throughout Europe.

Beautifully styled using a variety fabrics and colours, this collection has really made an impact on the UK market. Need to be tried to fully appreciate the supportive structure of these gowns. A look at www.ladybird. nl will give you a glimpse at the diversity of the collections.

We also have a great selection from the internationally acclaimed Alfred Angelo collection which has recently celebrated 80 years in the bridal industry. The bridesmaid collection boasts an amazing 62 colours from which to choose from. www. alfredangelo.com Choosing your gown should be an enjoyable and exciting experience.

Appointments are always advisable.

Kefalonia Weddings

Kefalonia Weddings offers a comprehensive wedding planning service covering all aspects of organising your event: from the initial planning stages of finding the perfect venue, to sourcing all suppliers, creating the design concept through to making sure every last detail is in place on the day.

We offer this to our Kefalonia Weddings clients so they can experience the full support of a professional planner.

This ensures that the special day far exceeds expectations without stress and distance constraints of organising an over-seas event entirely alone.

Kefalonia Weddings approaches each wedding with a fresh, enthusiastic outlook, focusing on the individuality and uniqueness. A warm relationship is formed through the months of working together, developing trust and creating a special bond. We can schedule a convenient Skype appointment to discuss your plans in person as well as full email response.

The warmth of the Greek sun, hospitality and ambience makes getting married abroad a simple solution - contact us now so we can start your wedding planning journey together.

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Phenomenal Fireworks

Wedding Fireworks & Civil Partnership Celebration Firework Displays Wedding fireworks displays are now becoming increasingly popular and a must have addition to any wedding celebration. Phenomenal Fireworks were one of the pioneers of wedding fireworks and have been offering our services in this field for many years. We have had the pleasure of providing the fireworks for many couples wanting to make their day special and finish with a bang.

Our expertise in the wedding fireworks area has become so highly recognized that many venues and party organisers recommend our fireworks for weddings service to their clients in the knowledge that they will be receiving excellent service and true value for money.

Low Noise Displays With more and more venues now asking for ‘low noise firework displays’ we are pleased to say we can offer a wide range of low noise display options, which can either be with or without music. Whatever

your budget, we can create a unique, intense and spectacular display for you that will create an unforgettable fireworks display to celebrate your big day and also keep your venue happy! Using our specialist low noise fireworks such as gerbs, display candles, waterfalls and spectacular multi-shot barrages – we can create a spectacular fireworks display, without the need for loud bangs and crashes and filled with vivid

colours and intense effects. Our low noise firework displays really are something special.

We have low noise firework displays starting from only £595 inc VAT. Every show staged is unique and will be crafted to your individual needs, and with wedding fireworks displays starting from only £595 including all operator charges, Isn’t it time you thought of adding that touch of class to your wedding day?

Church Versus Registry Office

Many women dream about their wedding day from childhood. Not only is it one of the biggest days of a person’s life, it is also likely to be the most romantic.

Given the momentous nature of the all-important wedding, it should therefore come as no surprise that a lot of thought goes into the planning involved. And one of the most significant aspects of that is the wedding venue.

While most people associate a wedding with a church and minister, tying the knot in registry offices has become increasingly popular over the years. Ultimately, however, the decision between church and registry office depends on the individuals in question.

A bride and groom-to-be could think about whether they want a

traditional wedding versus modern.

There is nothing more traditional than donning a lavish white wedding dress and walking down a long aisle flanked by scores of family and friends to the tune of Here Comes the Bride.

The tradition of having the father of the bride accompany his daughter and give her away at the altar is one that many dads dream about.

Having bridesmaids at the side of the wife-to-be is another comforting aspect of traditional weddings that is so engrained in our cultural identity.

But such strict adherence to tradition is not everyone’s cup of tea — particularly those who are in no way religious. Ultimately, marriage is a legal contract and what better way to seal that than by having a more official and straightforward ceremony in a registry office?

As opposed to having passages from the bible recited and old religious hymns sung by guests, registry office weddings can incorporate a more modern set up consisting of clear and concise vows - that are not necessarily devoid of romance — along with songs that again, are not strictly religious.

At the bones of the comparison between church and registry office is just how lavish you want your wedding to be. For example, at a church there will be room for more guests, in which case a big and extravagant ceremony is a possibility, but in an official office, only a handful of people can be present.

Brides feel more comfortable wearing a fabulous traditional wedding gown in a church, but in a registry office, a smart dress and jacket seems more

apt. A church wedding undoubtedly provides men and women — regardless of their religion - with the ultimate fairytale setting that is often considered more romantic and magical. But, on the plus side of the registry office, it can be an awful lot cheaper.

There is also less wedding planning and stress involved, meaning that the bride and groom can focus solely

on each other and the reasons why they are tying the knot, instead of being distracted by the drama surrounding the spectacle that is their big day.

There is a lot to be said for couples who do not need to profess their love to the world by spending thousands of pounds on an overthe-top ceremony. Clearly all they need is each other.

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Night In lads get health Chizzy Narrowly Saints checks and stadium tour Misses Out On o2

St Helens Thrower Dave Chisnall missed out the play offs at the o2 after an entertaining 6-6 draw with already eliminated James Wade.

Chisnall needed a huge win coupled with a Phil Taylor defeat to Adrian

Lewis later in the evening which incidentally didn't happen as Taylor ran out a comfortable winner.

Chisnall had done brilliantly even to give himself a chance after a torrid start to the campaign had left him

fearing relegation at one stage. Week by week he had clawed back into contention and only just fell at the final hurdle. With his current ranking of 7 it looks likely he will be back to compete again next year.

FC St Helens was formed in 2014 as the official adult section to the St Helens Town Junior FC. As of July 1st 2017 all teams will fall in under the FC Banner instantly making them the largest football club in the town. FC St Helens runs age groups from Under 6 to Open age football where the main team

compete in the Cheshire Football League. It’s base is at Windleshaw Sports on Windleshaw Road were plans are afoot to redevelop the area over the coming years to a North West Counties standard facility.

We will be looking to work with residents over the coming months to outline our plans when ready.

As with any football club, commercial opportunities are important and that of volunteers. We currently have in the region of 32 regular volunteers that deal with coaching, catering and administrative duties but we always need more! So we are actively recruit people to join our progressive club in all areas. We also have a thriving ladies football section and we have further space for more players due to the growth we are experiencing in this area, for details please contact the club on info@fcsthelens.co.uk The club are seeking commercial partners and the following link will take you to some of those opportunities: https://issuu.com/fcst.helens/docs/ fc_st_helens_commercial_temp Finally, our reception class every Saturday morning is free of charge and starts at 10am!

Just come along

FC ST HELENS

Saints Foundation worker, Gaz Foster (front) takes a group of Saints Night In event attendees on a tour of the Totally Wicked Stadium.

A follow up session to men's health and wellbeing awareness event, Saints Night In, took place last week which gave over 40 attendees the opportunity to get a health check and stadium tour of the Totally Wicked Stadium.

The event, held as part of Mental Health Awareness Week at the Totally Wicked Stadium on 10 May, saw past players Peter Harvey and Eric Chisnall show footage of some of

their memorable games and take part in a Q&A session.

A stadium tour also took place, where attendees could find out all about Saints Rugby League Club and get a behind the scenes look of the club.

Health Trainers from St Helens Council’s Healthy Living Team were on hand to provide health checks which included measurements such as blood pressure, height, weight, BMI, cholesterol and a diabetes test.

Advice was then given based on results.

Meanwhile, Mindsmatter offered assessments to help people reduce stress and anxiety and improve their wellbeing.

A number of other services were also present in a marketplace, including St Helens Council’s Home Improvement Agency, Mersey Forest, St Helens Sports Development, Creative Alternatives, Adult and Community Learning, CGL St Helens Integrated Recovery Service, Smokefree St Helens, Ways to Work and the NHS St Helens CCG. The services offered information and advice on what support they can offer to people, including; how to keep warm and well during the winter months, home improvements to help keep people independent, using green spaces and physical activity to boost wellbeing, creative and learning workshops, drug and alcohol support, help to quit smoking, help to get into employment, weight management and having a say on local health services.

If you would like to find out more about the support on offer from any of the services involved, or would like to book a free health check, contact the Healthy Living Team on 0300 300 0103 or email hit@sthelens.gov.uk

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Fleming Joins Leigh On Loan

St Helens centre Matty Fleming has joined fellow Super League club Leigh Centurions on a one-month loan deal.

Fleming has scored seven tries in 19 firstteam appearances since making his debut in April 2015.

The 21-year-old is in contention for a place in the Centurions’ squad at the Magic Weekend at St. James Park in Newcastle.

Head coach Neil Jukes’ side play Salford Red Devils on Sunday, 21 May (15:15 BST).

“It is important to us that he is coming at a busy period and will thicken up the squad,” said Jukes.

“It was important that we got a genuine centre in our ranks to help get consistency in other areas and get more competition for places - something we have not had for a number of weeks.”

Fleming began his career in rugby union with Sale Sharks’ academy before switching codes to turn professional with St Helens

Smith secures

4th PDC title Michael Smith beat Mensur Suljovic to win the 2017 Gibraltar Darts Trophy and a first PDC title for nearly two years. Smith, playing in his first final since appearing in the Austrian Darts Open last June, put in a fantastic display to beat Suljovic 6-4 and claim the £25,000 winners cheque and the title to add to his trio of previous wins which came in 2014 and 2015.

The 26-year-old averaged 96.33 and hit exactly half of his attempts

at double to overcome the stubborn Austrian who battled back despite falling 3-0 behind early on.

A stunning 108 checkout was Smith's early highlight as he took early control before Suljovic broke Smith’s throw twice himself and then move into a 4-3 lead. Smith replied by taking out 81 on double 12 to level the contest, and it was the ninth leg that would prove to be decisive one.

With Suljovic on 56 to hold throw

Fixtures

and move within a leg of the title, the 26-year-old produced a fabulous 132 finish on the bull to break the throw and edge 5-4 up. A miss at double top for the title in leg 10 from Smith allowed the Austrian a dart at double 15 on a 110 finish to take the thrilling final to a decider. Suljovic's effort, though, was just inside the wire, allowing Smith to step in and steal victory on double 10 and secure the £25,000 top prize.

May 20 May 2017 16:45 Hull FC vs St Helens Magic Weekend 25 May 2017 20:00 St Helens vs Wigan Warrior Betfred Super League RD15 29 May 2017 15:00 Huddersfield Giants vs St Helens Betfred Super League RD16 June 04 June 2017 15:30 Castleford Tigers vs St Helens Betfred Super League RD17 09 June 2017 20:00 St Helens vs Widnes Vikings Betfred Super League RD18 Each Edition of the St Helens Local has a print run of 5,100 copies. Published by JAC Media Ltd, Foxhall Lodge, Foxhall Road, Nottingham, NG7 6LH.

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