St Helens Local 16

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Issue. 16 - October 2018

INSIDE THIS ISSUE: LOCAL NEWS - WALES - CUMBRIA - SPORTS FREE BIG BROTHER PSYCHIC SALLY MORGAN

FREE

PREDICTING SELL-OUT IN RUNCORN

One of Britain’s best-loved psychis Sally Morgan takes to the road for a record-breaking tenth consecutive year to bring amazing moments and spooky insights to the Brindley Theatre, Runcorn on Monday 19 November.

This year she appeared in Channel 5’s Celebrity Big Brother 2018, Sally will be raring to go and excited to be hitting the road and giving messages to her existing and new found fan base!

At 68 years young, Sally shows no signs of slowing down travelling to over 100 towns and cities on her 10th Anniversary tour. Sally brings

the dead to life with her trademark sense of fun and intrigue in an interactive stage show that will leave Runcorn audiences gobsmacked.

Sally says: “Be ready for tears, laughter and a journey into the unknown. I am so looking forward to seeing all of you in Runcorn for what will be a unforgettable evening for all.

I believe my ability is like a muscle and the more it is used the stronger it becomes and I think this will be the best tour to date” Sally’s sell out theatre shows were the subject of Sky Living’s hugely popular television series Psychic

Sally: On The Road, which followed her gruelling tour schedule showcasing her phenomenal ability.

A best-selling author, regular magazine columnist, Psychic to the Stars and one of the world’s top 5 psychics and now in Runcorn.

To book tickets for Sally’s show see www.thebrindley. org.uk or the Brindley box office on 0151 907 8360.

For more information see www.sallymorgan.tv

THE HALLOWEEN SPIRIT IS DEFINITELY IN KNOWSLEY!

FIND OUT WHAT SPOOKY EVENTS WE HAVE TO CELEBRATE HALLOWEEN THIS YEAR…

Ranger events Get down to your local park to get in the spirit of Halloween!

A spooky afternoon of family fun making ghostly ghouls, batty bats and wicked witches ready for Halloween.

Monday 22 October, 1pm to 3pm Court Hey Park, Roby Road, Huyton Tuesday 23 October, 1pm to 3pm McGoldrick Park, Rydal Road, Huyton Wednesday 24 October, 1pm to 3pm Ten Acre Pits, Acacia Avenue, Huyton For more information about any of these events, contact the Ranger on 0151 443 3114 or 07771550843.

Whitakers Garden Centre At Whitakers Garden Centre, Prescot children can enjoy a ‘haunted hunt’ and receive a free pumpkin if they’re brave enough to complete it! The events take place from Wednesday 10 to Wednesday 31 October from 10am to 4pm and cost £5 per child.

StedyChefs of one, please email us the details to StedyChefs is a learning communications@knowsley.gov.uk centre and offer cookery courses to adults including young adults and those with disabilities. These courses help service users and adults to gain valuable life skills.

Now, they’re organising a halloween-themed cooking workshop to make yummy spooky treats!

The workshop is on Sunday 28 October from 10am to 2pm at 203 Longmoor Lane, Fazakerley L9 0ED The cost is £10 for each attendee and it is free for support staff. To book a place, call 0151 936 1968 or call in the centre. If you are organising a Halloween event in Knowsley or know

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RECORD-BREAKING NUMBER OF

‘MISCHIEF MAKER’S COMPLETE SUMMER READING CHALLENGE A record-breaking number of young bookworms have been commended for completing a national reading challenge.

Organised by the Reading Agency, this year’s Summer Reading Challenge, titled ‘Mischief Makers’ to mark the 80th anniversary of the much-loved children’s comic, Beano, saw a total of 2,315 children start the challenge - with 1,702 going onto complete it by reading six books from their local library over the summer.

This is the highest ever amount of participants to complete the challenge in St Helens, 71 up on last year, with a whopping 10,218 books read between those to complete the challenge.

The Mayor and Mayoress of St Helens, Councillor Pat Ireland and Lynn Glover, were on hand at libraries across the borough to present certificates and medals to the children who completed this

year’s challenge which was delivered with the help of 13 new young volunteers and resulted in 317 young people joining the library service.

Those to complete the challenge were automatically entered into a fantastic prize draw that included family tickets to Knowsley Safari Park.

Presentation ceremonies were then held in libraries where 12 lucky winners were handed their prizes.

Councillor Anthony Burns, St Helens Council’s portfolio holder for libraries, said: “For this year’s Summer Reading Challenge to attract a record number of children and young people in St Helens shows how popular it has become over the years.

“Reading is such a wonderful gift that should be encouraged from an early age, for it can only have only positive effects on a young person’s development. That’s why

the council will continue to support initiatives like the Summer Reading Challenge as it brings our future generations into public libraries, introducing them to

the fascinating and creative world of literature.” If you are aged 12-19 and would like to volunteer at your local library, please contact Community Library Officer, Gillian Yates,

by calling 01744 67 7446, or email GillianYates@sthelens. gov.uk To find out what other exciting events are planned in libraries over the coming months,

visit www.sthelens.gov.uk/ libraries and click the ‘What’s on in libraries’ section – or follow St Helens Libraries Service on social media.

Facebook/Twitter/ Instagram

SHAKESPEARE SCHOOLS FESTIVAL 2018

Schools in Knowsley are taking part in the annual Shakespeare Schools Festival once again to celebrate Shakespeare and enjoy weeks of fun learning to perform some of his best work on a professional stage.

The festival, organised by Shakespeare Schools Foundation, is the world’s largest drama festival and it brings together around 30,000 young people from primary, secondary and special schools across the country. By taking part, young people can gain confidence and ambition, as well as improve literacy

schools and teamwork.

Shakespeare Schools Festival is just one of the ways Knowsley enjoys keeping Shakespeare’s memory alive and celebrating its fascinating links with the famous playwright. In Elizabethan times, Prescot was the only English town outside of London to have a purposebuilt indoor playhouse.

Eighteen Knowsley schools will be performing nine popular Shakespeare stories at Knowsley Leisure and Culture Park from 19 to 23 November 2018.

Monday 19 November 2018, 7pm MacBeth – Malvern Primary School The Tempest – St. John Fisher RC Primary School Henry V – St. Michael and All Angels RC Primary School Tuesday 20 November 2018, 7pm MacBeth – St. Anne’s RC Primary School A Midsummer Night’s Dream – St Margaret Mary’s Catholic Junior School Much Ado About Nothing – Stockbridge Village Primary School Hamlet – Holy Family Primary School

Wednesday 21 November 2018, 7pm The Tempest – Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Primary School Henry V – St Andrew’s The Apostle RC Primary School MacBeth – St Marie’s RC Primary School A Midsummer Night’s Dream – Whiston Willis Community Primary School Thursday 22 November 2018, 7pm The Tempest – Halewood Academy The Winter’s Tale – All Saints Catholic High School Hamlet – Our Lady’s RC Primary School Romeo and Juliet – St Joseph’s The Worker RC Primary School Friday 23 November 2018, 7pm The Tempest – Plantation Primary School A Midsummer Night’s Dream – St Joseph RC Primary School MacBeth – St Luke’s RC Primary School To book tickets, you can call 0151 443 2300 or visit Knowsley Leisure and Culture Park on Longview Drive, Huyton L36 6EG Tickets are £9.75 for adults, £7.75 for children and £6.50 if you buy 20 or more

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GOT A YOUNG CHILD? GET THE NEW FREE HEALTH APP FOR UNDER 5S

If you have a child under five you may be interested in the new, free Knowsley health app which provides essential and approved user-friendly, local health information.

CATCH – ‘the Common Approach to Children’s Health’

The CATCH (Common Approach to Children’s Health) app aims to ease the sense of information overload which parents and carers can experience during pregnancy and a child’s early years.

Approved by the NHS and personalised to you

The app provides NHSapproved information and it is a fantastic source of reliable information intended to give you the confidence and knowledge to identify and manage common minor ailments. It also provides information to help you decide

ROGUE CON MAN

JAILED FOR 24-WEEKS

A self-employed builder, branded a “rogue and a con man” has been handed a custodial sentence after pleading guilty to five offences which left his victims distressed and out of pocket.

Early last year, St Helens Trading Standards began to receive complaints about the conduct of Jason Douglas Myers, 47, previously of Malvern Road, Parr.

Complaints made against Myers - who now resides in Preston - ranged from the very poor quality of his work, to people who had paid large deposits which Myers kept without doing any of the work promised.

On Friday (28 September) at Liverpool Crown Court, in a prosecution undertaken

by St Helens Council Trading Standards Service, Myers - who traded under

Handyman Solutions - was sentenced to 24-weeks imprisonment by Judge Alan Conrad who labelled him a “rogue and a con man.”

Welcoming the outcome, Councillor Lynn Clarke, St Helens Council Cabinet Member for Better Neighbourhoods, said: “I’m glad to see the law come down hard on this individual, as cases like this have a devastating impact on victims who put their trust into what they think is a reputable business – only to be ripped off. “The advice from our trading standards team is to never agree to have work undertaken by people who just happen to knock on your door. Always get at least three quotations and consider recommendations from family and friends.

“You also need to be cautious on social media sites such as Facebook where rogue traders

are increasingly advertising their services. I`d suggest visiting St Helens Councils Trader Register at www.sthelens.gov.uk/ traderregister or telephone 01744 676299 for an up to date list of reputable traders administered by St Helens Trading Standards Service.”

St Helens Trading Standards is currently undertaking investigations into a number of other traders who are also breaking trading standards laws intended to protect consumers who are undertaking home improvement works.

If you think you have been misled or have paid over the odds in relation to work you have had done on your home, contact Citizens Advice Consumer Help Line by telephoning 03454 040506 or visiting citizensadvice.org.uk

whether medical attention or caring for your child at home is more appropriate when your child is unwell or injured.

CATCH can also be personalised so you only receive notifications relevant to your child’s age. Simply input your child’s date of birth, or due date if you are expecting, and you will receive timely prompts, such as key dates for immunisations and health and development reviews.

Cllr Sean Donnelly, Cabinet Member for Health and Social Care, said: “Parents are often bombarded with conflicting information and it can be hard to know what to trust. CATCH provides really helpful general and local NHS and councilapproved information with parents’ best interests at heart, so there’s no need to look anywhere else. If you haven’t already, download the app

today!” Helpful and practical.

CATCH also provides helpful, general health information from the local area such as bank holiday pharmacy opening times or urgent health news. There’s also a useful map of local health and social care services in the area, including your nearest

GP, dentist and pharmacy. It’s also a great source of practical advice relating to other areas including finances, childcare and preparing for school.

To find out more visit the CATCH website, where you can also download the app, or search “catch app” in the App Store or Play Store.

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TAKE THE FAMILY FOR A TRIP TO THE BRECON

BEACONS NATIONAL PARK WHILST IN WALES AND

ENJOY A BROAD ASSEMBLY OF ATTRACTIONS AND ACTIVITIES!

STARGAZING: The entire Brecon Beacons National Park is an International Dark Sky Reserve and has some of the highest quality skies throughout the whole of the UK which makes it a first choice for many to enjoy stargazing as the contrast of the stars against the beautiful dark sky allows for a truly brilliant stargazing experience. There are also many nocturnal animals that venture out in the night that you will be able to spot with your binoculars! You may be able to spot some of the rarest creatures of the night such as barn owls, horseshoe bats, foxes, badgers, dormice, hedgehogs, moths and insects.

MOUNTAIN BIKING: Enjoy beautiful views whilst cycling throughout the stunning scenery within the National Park and simultaneously participating in a healthy bout of exercise and spending plenty of time in the fresh air with family and friends.

Bikes can be hired from the park where guests can enjoy a range of packages such as a modest one day bike ride to a complete set including equipment, accommodation, routes and guides. A range of different terrains are available for guests to discover such as lanes and hillside tracks.

FISHING: Whether you’re an avid fisherman or a complete newbie, turn your hand to fishing at the National Park and experience fishing in rivers, canals, lakes and reservoirs within The River Wye, The River Usk, Talybont Reservoir, Usk Reservoir, Llangorse Lake, or the Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal. All participants are required to hold a Rod Licence.

HORSE RIDING: Horse lovers are also welcomed at the National Park as the stunning scenery spans over 600 miles of bridle paths and tracks. Guests can also enjoy a relaxing pub lunch

whilst exploring as facilities also cater for the horses.

Experience quality trekking, riding and hacking holidays, short rides and pony trekking.

GROUP ACTIVITIES: Experienced coordinators can help to create a package of activities including mental exercises or physical challenges for an afternoon of fun with your family and friends.

Take advantage of the group activities at the Brecon Beacons National Park where a variety of activity sessions can be booked such as: water activities, i.e. Canoeing, kayaking, paddleboarding, whitewater rafting, raft building, sailing, windsurfing; walking and riding, i.e.

Hill walking, orienteering, geocaching, cycling, mountain biking, quad biking, horse riding, pony trekking; nature and skills building, i.e. Navigation, bushcraft, wildlife-watching, archery, clay pigeon shooting as well

as exploration activities, i.e. Caving, rock climbing, abseiling, gorge walking, ropes and zip wires.

It is important to note that before partaking in outdoor activities, a thorough visit to the Brecon Beacons National

Park’s website is recommend ensuring that all essential equipment can be obtained.

Also, check the weather forecast to allow for proper preparation for the course of nature. Ensure family and friends are aware of your

location and always take local advice about any natural hazards you might encounter.

Contact a local guide, instructor or organised group and follow the Countryside Code and the Waterways Code.

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 hotspots, including 216 Wildlife Trust nature reserves, 11 RSPB sanctuaries, over 2,485sq miles (4,000sq km) of National Park, and an 870mile (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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IMPROVING THE QUALITY OF LIFE FOR

THOSE LIVING WITH DEMENTIA IN KNOWSLEY

A new strategy outlining how the council, partners, residents and businesses will all work together to achieve a Dementia Friendly borough by 2020 has been approved.

Dementia describes a set of symptoms which include loss of memory, mood changes and problems with communicating and reasoning. Dementia-friendly communities are areas where people living with dementia are understood, respected, supported and confident that they can contribute to community life and there are many small changes that we can make which can make a big difference to those living with dementia.

Ultimately, dementia friendly communities aim to improve the quality of life for people living with dementia.

Supporting those with dementia Dementia is becoming increasingly prevalent in our local communities. Currently around 1,700 residents in Knowsley are living with dementia and this is set to

increase significantly in the future – it is estimated that by 2030 the number of people aged 65 and over living with dementia in Knowsley will increase by 33%. Therefore it’s important that local communities are set up in a way that supports residents who are living with dementia, along with their families and carers. The strategy has been developed using the Knowsley Better Together principles – working in partnership with other organisations to deliver more for local people and coproducing the strategy with local people who are living with dementia, and their families / carers to ensure it addresses the issues that matter to them.

Dementia-friendly borough Based on feedback from residents and key partner organisations, five priorities were identified to drive the strategy’s vision – working towards being dementiafriendly by 2020. The priorities are:- Challenge stigma and build awareness.

Ensure that our communities

are committed to supporting people with dementia to engage and live well in their community Empower people with dementia to have a voice in shaping their community Provide community based solutions that help to maintain independence Ensure early diagnosis, personalised and integrated care Councillor Sean Donnelly, Cabinet Member for Health and Social Care, said: “We know that by working better together, more can be achieved. The views of our residents with dementia have been at the heart of the strategy’s development.

Everyone can play their part – from having a better understanding of what dementia is, considering becoming a Dementia Friend and ensuring signage and shops / building layouts are dementia friendly. In addition, leading healthier lifestyles can reduce your risk of being diagnosed with dementia. I look forward to seeing this

strategy progress over the next two years for the benefit of our residents.”

Progress against the actions identified in the Dementia Friendly Strategy for 20182020 will be reviewed by Knowsley’s dementia Friendly Strategy Development Group – consisting of representatives from Knowsley Council, Merseyside Police, Knowsley Clinical Commissioning Group, Knowsley Chamber of Commerce, Merseytravel, First Ark, Healthwatch,

Merseyside Fire and Rescue and Knowsley Community and Voluntary Services (KCVS). A local dementia service, Sight and Mind, was also key to the development of the strategy.

Accessing support In Knowsley, a range of initiatives and support is already available for people living with dementia and their carers. There are more than 11,000 ‘Dementia Friends’ in the borough who have a better understanding

of dementia who, equipped with this knowledge, are in a position to do small things to help others – find out more about becoming a Dementia Friend on The Alzheimer’s Society website. In addition, there is a range of respite provision in the community, support groups and six extra care schemes which enabling people to live independently with support – all of this, and more, is available on the Live Well Directory – www. thelivewelldirectory.com

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HAVE YOU HEARD ABOUT

THE LYTH VALLEY COUNTRY INN?

The Lyth Valley Country Inn is a charming inn which houses a magnificent restaurant and bar area within the stunning Lyth Valley. The inn is situated in the north west of England, treasured within the rugged, mountainous area of the English Lake District where picturesque views of the surrounding landscape can be enjoyed from every angle. If you endeavour to stay over in the Lake District, treat yourself to a luxurious, refreshing, and peaceful break with the Lyth Valley Country Inn where you can witness panoramic views out towards Scout Scar or gaze in wonder at the woodland scenery.

Each bedroom is individually decorated and can become the perfect start to an amazing trip in the Lake District.

The inn is a family-run business as owner, Steve, works side by side with his two sons, Craig and Shaun, and his head-chef, Jamie.

They pride themselves on their ability to provide a broad variety of hearty meals from

locally sourced produce into their even broader variety of menus. The dining experience at Lyth Valley Country Inn is renowned for brilliance; not only is the food exquisite, but the internal environment and surrounding areas allow for total satisfaction.

Breakfast delivers the opportunity to devour the likes of fresh pastries and artisan coffee or, if you prefer to eat out during lunchtime, why not pop in to enjoy the highly recommended lunch

or afternoon tea menus?

Experience the delightful dinner menu during the evening with the highly sought-after succulent pork belly, which is slowly cooked for seventy-two hours.

You will not fail to find something that caters to every taste, diet, or requirement.

This same level of greatness can also be found within the bar of Lyth Valley Country Inn, as they hold both the finest ales, due to the Winster Valley Brewery, and the best

wines from all around the globe. Don't forget to check out their cocktail menu as they also provide expertly mixed concoctions which are a treat to the taste buds!

Take a seat with family or friends within the cosy booths or venture out on to the raised decking area to savour both the drink and the spectacular views.

The greatness of Lyth Valley Country Inn spills over into their sister pub, the Brown Horse Inn, which is located

just three and a half miles away. Contemporary takes on the traditional dishes has allowed them to form their classy and chic menu with a comprehensive range of wines and ales served alongside.

Like Lyth Valley, the Brown Horse also offers on site accommodation as well as the added luxury of selfcatering cottages scattered around the Winster Valley. So, why not indulge in yourself this Christmas and journey to the Lyth Valley Country

Inn - or the Brown Horse Inn - to experience the fun fuelled festivities with great company among beautiful surroundings.

LYTH VALLEY COUNTRY INN: Lyth, Kendal, Cumbria, LA8 8DB. Tel: 015395 68295.

Email: info@lythvalley.com Web: www.lythvalley.com BROWN HORSE INN: Winster, Nr Bowness-onWindermere, Cumbria, LA23 3NR. Tel: 015394 43443.

Web: www.thebrownhorseinn. co.uk

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DALLAHAN – FROM SCOTLAND

RUNCORN VIA HUNGARY AND KATHMANDU

One of the most thrilling forces in the international folk music scene is coming to the Brindley Theatre Runcorn on Tuesday 13 November when Dallahan comes to town.

Heavily rooted in traditional Irish music, but with hugely diverse backgrounds and influences, members call on their mixed Irish, Scottish and Hungarian heritage to create a unique and seamless musical montage.

Their debut album When The Day Is On The Turn in 2014, was highly praised by audiences and critics alike, described by fRoots magazine as “the most exciting Irish music I’ve heard in a long time…

Lunasa for the new generation”, establishing themselves internationally as one of the most enthralling live shows, captivating

audiences at such prestigious international events. The following year, 2016 saw the Dallahan’s continued ascent with the release of their second album, Matter Of Time, and an intensely busy touring schedule, playing 103 gigs across seven countries.

This included travelling to Kathmandu, Nepal to on behalf of the British Council to collaborate with Nepalese band Kutumba at the British/ Nepalese bicentenary celebrations.

The second album was shortlisted for ‘Album of the Year’ at the Scots Trad Music Awards and they were awarded ‘Instrumental Cut of The Year’ at the Live Ireland Awards 2016.

Tickets are £14 from www. thebrindley.org.uk and the Brindley box office on 0151 907 8360.

THE MAN BEHIND JOHN SHUTTLEWORTH AND COUNT ARTHUR STRONG IS COMING

Graham Fellows, the man behind the characters John Shuttleworth and Jilted John is coming to the Brindley Theatre Runcorn on Wednesday 7 November.

Graham has performed as the character John Shuttleworth

for over 25 years on stage, TV and radio, delighting audiences throughout the UK with his songs and quirky take on everyday life. Recently Graham finished touring as John Shuttleworth with his latest show ‘My Last Will

And Tasty Mint’, as well as appearing and winning (alongside Dave Gorman) on Pointless Celebrities and Count Arthur Strong.

Now Graham, minus purple leather jacket and fawn slacks (but fully clothed!), steps out

from behind the keyboard to plug in his guitar and sing his own songs: revelatory, humorous and quirky still, sometimes sad.

The Independent said he writes “The finest lyrics known to man.”

Graham will naturally talk

about Shuttleworth as well as his other comic characters, plus his pivotal acting role on Coronation Street, and becoming a teenage pop star as Jilted John.

Hear the tale of the night jazz legend George Melly broke into Graham’s bedsit, and of

the time he bought a packet of bread sauce with a famous Hollywood actor, poignantly recalled in the ballad, ‘Mark Rylance Was My Lodger’.

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

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GREAT NEWS FOR GOLFERS AS

COUNCIL SAVES HISTORIC COURSE

Golfers will be teeing off on Bowring Park Golf Course once again after Knowsley Council stepped in to keep the course open following the collapse of the private sector company which ran it.

Mack Golf went into Voluntary Liquidation last week, causing the course to close with immediate effect and the company’s employees to lose their jobs.

The council opened talks that same day with the affected staff to try to save the course, which is one of the oldest municipal golf courses in the country.

Councillors have today confirmed that the course will reopen tomorrow morning (Tuesday, 9 October). And – after positive discussions with staff and their GMB union representatives – all five members of staff will be

staff and club members. able to attract a high quality interest in running the course. the moment should make it a Cllr Powell continued: “I’m operator for the course and The £2m of investment that really attractive proposition re-employed by the council really confident that we’ll be I’m sure we’ll get a lot of is going into Bowring Park at for the right operator.” whilst more a more permanent operator is sought.

Cllr Shelley Powell, Knowsley Council’s Communities and Neighbourhoods Cabinet Member, said: “It was a real shock to the community when the course suddenly closed. Not only are local people really proud of this historically important course but it also employs five people and is much valued by golfers.

“It was really important for the council to do everything we could to get the course back open as soon as possible, so I’m delighted to be able to confirm that we’re going to do just that.”

The council will now go out to tender for a permanent operator, and hopes to make an appointment by the end of March 2019. In the meantime, it will be business as usual for

HOW TO GET A TEE TIME ON THE OLD COURSE AT ST ANDREWS

The Old Course at St. Andrews is the most revered and hallowed of grounds.

Widely regarded as the spiritual Home of Golf, the iconic layout and historic town played an indelible role and influence within the development of the game.

This is a fact most notably celebrated when The Open Championship returns to its most frequent venue – a 29time host of the most ancient major of them all – where the greats attempt to follow in the footsteps of history and lift the Claret Jug. Legendary names such as Bobby Jones, Sam Snead, Peter Thomson, Bobby Locke, Jack Nicklaus, Seve Ballesteros, Nick Faldo and Tiger Woods have all triumphed here. Crossing the

Swilcan Bridge and walking up the last is a watershed moment for any golfer. Taking on the infamous Road Hole, and defying the 112 uniquely named and feared bunkers is an essential opportunity for anyone. The Old Lady has her quirks – with 14 double greens and a natural design unlike any other – but these intricacies make for one of the most fascinating and strategic courses. Over 450 years, the challenge of the Old Course remains timeless, and playing there is arguably the greatest experience in golf. Wonderfully, the door is open to all. St. Andrews is the most accessible of the big-name destinations to play, even though it’s undeniably the most popular. There are several available routes onto

that landmark first tee, and we’ve brought them together for you.

Private Advance Tee Times Each August and September, the St. Andrews Links Trust – who run and operate the seven public courses belonging to the town – unveil an application window for golfers looking to secure times during the following year. Different packages are available – all involving playing another one of the layouts - with applicants being drawn from a ballot to determine who has been fortunate enough to claim a registered spot on the Old Course.

Book Through Travel Company Perhaps the easiest – though arguably more expensive option – is to buy a package

through a travel company that possesses guaranteed tee times. Booking the Old Course – and wider accommodation etc – through a brand such as Golfbreaks.com removes the anxiety of having to piece together an itinerary by yourself and removing any uncertainty about not securing that showpiece round.

Winter Packages During January, February, March, April, October, November and December of each year, guaranteed tee times are on offer through the Winter Packages. To secure one of these, you must be staying at a participating local hotel and play rounds on two additional Links Trust courses.

The one stipulation that could put you off is that for each of these months – April excepted – fairway mats are required on the Old Course. But this is an option that many take when looking for a break over the colder season.

Daily Ballot This is the most democratic of processes. Enter the Old Course Ballot two days in advance of when you are hoping to play – Wednesday for Friday etc – and hope to be drawn out from the hat.

Approximately half the spots available are via the ballot,

in which to enter you will require at least two players and accredited handicaps of at most 24 for men and 36 for women. If you’re not traveling from far or have a few days in St. Andrews, this is the most popular of routes to go down, although you are competing in a lottery with all the other hopeful golfers in town.

Local Ballot/Dark Times If you happen to know a resident of the local area who possesses a Links Ticket – then you can be entered into the separate local ballot with them, which is considerably less competitive. Additionally, if you’re unsuccessful, that local could claim one of the seven “dark times” that are available later each day. Those are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis, with the disclaimer being that you’re not necessarily guaranteed to get around 18-holes in full daylight, but in the height of summer that is generally not going to be an issue. Dark times that haven’t been taken can also be secured by visitors within 30 minutes of teeing off. This is an underpublicised but potentially useful option to have for those desperate to play the Old Course.

Single Golfers However, if none of those

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possibilities are available to you, then single golfers can quite literally queue up in the early hours for a tee time.

During the summer, people have been known to line up at the Old Pavilion near the first tee from as early as midnight waiting for the starter to arrive at 6am. There could be more than a dozen – if not more – waiting at sunrise, when you will be listed in order and then potentially being paired up with any two or three balls that have free spots. This is certainly an unpredictable option – and doesn’t always work despite waiting all day – but there is undeniably a romance to it all and a camaraderie is formed between your fellow hopefuls patiently waiting overnight for a glimmer of hope.

So, there you have it. Playing the Old Course at St. Andrews is the ultimate of bucket list experiences, and it’s one that can be attained far easier than you may otherwise have thought. Standing on that first tee – following the legends – brings unquantifiable pressures and emotions. It’s a special place, and one that you can leave a mark on write your own bit of history. The ghost of Old Tom Morris will see you there.