St helens local Issue 3 by Lancashire Local

Issue. 3 - July 2017

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Inside This Issue: • News • Schools Out For Summer • Sports

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Steve Prescott Bridge

turned blue for Charlie St Helens Council arranged for the Steve Prescott Bridge to light up blue on Monday evening (10 July) as a symbol of solidarity to Charlie Gard’s family. 10-month-old Charlie, who has a rare terminal illness called mitochondrial depletion syndrome which causes muscle weakness and brain damage, has made international headlines as his family battle for the continuation of his care. A number of Merseyside landmarks, including St. George’s Hall and the Cunard Building, were also lit blue earlier this week in support of the Gard family.

Halton Borough Council is warning scammers come in all different shapes and sizes – they can be male, female, young or old and from any country in the world – but what they all have in common is that they’re very skilled at persuading people to part with their money. Research has shown that 45 – 60-year-olds are most impacted, and by a wide range of scams, often loosing large amounts of money. But there is also a disturbing rise in the number of 18-24 year-olds being scammed – and this is the group least likely to report a scam. The warning comes in the month of July which is Scam Awareness Month. Scammers are often experts in human behaviour; waiting to pounce on the unsuspecting, the shopper short of time or the

consumer looking for a bargain. During National Scams Awareness Month, Citizens Advice and the Chartered Trading Standards Institute, Halton Trading Standards and Citizens Advice Halton are raising awareness of the scams that can affect us all. Some scammers will use phone calls, texts, letters, emails and pop-ups on websites whilst others will knock on your door and try to sell you poor quality and fake goods or take money for work to be done on your house or garden, which they fail to do. Common scams can be about a lottery win or prize draw that you haven’t entered, investment opportunities that don’t exist, expensive miracle cures or weight loss products that don’t work and clairvoyants predicting future wealth and happiness on

payment of a fee for lucky numbers. Scammers will also target members of online dating groups, offering love and a relationship but then soon asking for money to cover travel costs so that a meeting is possible. Halton Borough Council’s Executive Board Member for Trading Standards, Cllr Dave Cargill, said: “The message of this year’s Scams Awareness month is, ‘Play your part, act on scams’. “We are calling on the public to be more aware of how they could be scammed, and to report it if they get caught out. With so many people being snagged by scammers there is no reason to be embarrassed – and every reason to report incidents and help the authorities put a stop to it.” Halton Trading Standards officers been working with people who have been caught out by scams – some

have lost hundreds of pounds whilst others have lost tens of thousands. As well as losing money, being scammed has affected people’s health. One in three people said they had lost sleep and half said they felt embarrassed about being caught out by a scam. People talked about feeling swamped by the letters and intimidated by the number of cold calls. Cllr Cargill continued: “The scammers are very clever and know exactly how to create a situation that makes people react without taking the time to think first. “Anybody can be caught out by a scam when they are taken off-guard and so we really want to get the message out that there’s no need to feel embarrassed – the more we talk about scams the more we will protect ourselves, family and friends.” If you want to talk to us about scams contact Linda or Sue on 0151 511 8785 or 0151 511 8775, who are already working with people in Halton who have lost thousands of pounds to scams. If you need advice on anything else please contact the Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline on 03454 04 05 06.

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Up, up and away at Rainford High’s mental health event

Students and staff at Rainford High have taken part in a week-long programme of activities and events to promote good mental health and wellbeing, to mark Mental Health Week. The week saw numerous activities such as sports, Lego therapy, therapy dogs, staff health checks, mindfulness sessions, arts and crafts, baking, a sensory room, an outdoor tent to provide a relaxing area for staff and positive broadcasts over the school’s radio station – as part of the school’s Mental Health and Wellbeing Strategy. Services such as CAMHS (Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services), Barnardo’s and Healthy Living hosted a marketplace where students and staff could find out what support is available. On 7 July saw students

release balloons with personalised messages attached, as a symbolic way of letting go of their worries. Students also donated food items during an own-clothes day, in support of the local food bank. Ian Young, Principal of Rainford High said: “As a school we have been developing a proactive approach towards mental health and wellbeing for the last couple of years. Being part of the emotionally healthy schools project has supported the change in the way students and staff look at their own and each other’s mental health and how everyone can support each other. “This week has allowed us to show students and staff the

simple and fun things that can be built into our everyday lives to boost our wellbeing. The commitment of the team to deliver the week has been brilliant and has seen all parts of the school pull together. The Mental Health Week is the final event of an ongoing programme that is working towards making our school a great place to work and study.” For more information about the emotionally healthy schools project, please contact Julie Dunning by emailing publichealth@sthelens.gov.uk.

Campaigning for safer

summer spaces

St Helens Council has once again teamed up with community safety partners Merseyside Police, Helena Partnerships, and Merseyside Fire & Rescue Service, to trigger a clampdown on anti-social behaviour in the borough’s parks and open spaces over the summer months. Running from July until the end of August, the ‘SafeSpace’ campaign encourages residents to report different strands of anti-social behaviour such as off-road biking, arson, neighbourhood nuisance, dog fouling and littering; problems which often increase as the evenings stay lighter for longer. New to this year’s campaign will be a clampdown on under age sales – known as ‘proxy sales’ which will see Merseyside Police work closely with the council’s trading standards and licensing teams to combat adults buying alcohol on behalf of underage children. Any person buying alcohol for a person under 18 is committing an offence which can lead to a criminal conviction or an unlimited fine from the courts. Commenting on the campaign, St Helens Council’s Cabinet Member for Community Safety, Councillor Lisa Preston, said: “One of the main purposes of our SafeSpace campaign is to get as many eyes and ears out into our communities to report antisocial behaviour taking place in our parks and open spaces. “With the public’s help, we can stop even more people committing antisocial behaviour in their tracks and send out a firm message that this will not be tolerated in our borough.” St Helens Local Policing Inspector Matt Drennan added: "This partnership initiative is a continued response to community concerns about anti-social behaviour in the green spaces of St Helens, including the use of off-road motorbikes,

which we know cause distress, damage and danger. "I want to thank the public for all the information they have provided on areas of anti-social behaviour, and ask that you continue to do so, so we can take swift action in the right areas. "As the summer months go on, there will naturally be an increase in visitors to our parks and all members of our community should feel they can visit our green spaces without fear or intimidation. "We will have officers on push bikes and on foot making high visibility patrols in the areas, as well as specially trained officers on quad bikes when required, which enable them to cover ground not accessible by car quickly and safely. Previous operations have seen arrests and dispersal orders, all of which have reduced anti-social behaviour and nuisance, and this year will see the same response.” Station Manager Paul Kay, Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service lead on ASB/Arson Reduction said: “The Arson team is committed to the reduction of deliberate fire setting by proactively engaging with partners, carrying out target hardening within the local community whilst actively investigating incidents that are suspected to have been started by deliberate ignition. "Using a risk based approach, we will be delivering community reassurance in the high demand wards across Merseyside. We will collaborate with

Merseyside Police, local authorities and other community safety partners to set clear objectives to Prepare, Prevent, Protect and Pursue in relation to arson reduction.” Torus group head of neighbourhoods, Nora Wade, said: "Helena Partnerships is committed to tackling anti-social behaviour in our neighbourhoods and we are proud to support this collaborative initiative in St Helens. We want to make sure our neighbourhoods are safe places to live and information from residents to us and our partners is vital to help us achieve this." As ever, the key to the success of these initiatives is information, and there are many different ways that you report it. To report anti-social behaviour, contact Merseyside Police on 101 or 999 if a crime is in progress. Help us stop off-road vehicle nuisance

in its tracks, we need descriptions of bikes and riders, information about where the bikes are being stored and names if possible. Call Crimestoppers without providing your details on 0800 555 111. To report anti-social fires dial 999. For more information about the Safer Spaces campaign visit www.safersthelens.org.uk/safespace Regular advice and updates are also available through the St Helens Neighbourhood Twitter feeds: · @MerPolStHelensC: Neighbourhood officers covering St Helens Town Centre and Windle · @MerPolStHelensS: Neighbourhood officers covering Thatto Heath,Sutton, Eccleston, Parr, Bold, Rainhill & West Park ·@MerPolStHelensN: Neighbourhood officers covering Billinge & Seneley Green, Blackbrook, Earlestown, Haydock, Mossbank, Newton, Rainford During the campaign, young people can access a range of activities during through St Helens Council's Youth Action Zone (YAZ) and other local agencies - diverting them away from potentially harmful anti-social behaviour. To find out what’s going on over the summer, visit: http:// yaz.sthelens.gov.uk/

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Oral Health Team all St Helens Summer Beer Festival smiles after national announced for town centre award win

Organisers have raised a glass to toast the announcement of the town’s very first summer beer festival booked in to take place later this month (July) in a defrightful venue with a difference. St Helens Summer Beer Festival takes over Mill Street Barracks on Friday 28 July (6pm – 11pm) and Saturday 29 July (2pm – 11pm), with the venue considered to be one of the most haunted buildings in the country. There will be ales, ciders, food, and live entertainment – and for the first

time a selection of gins and bottles of prosecco – not forgetting other spirits! Event organiser, Gary Wright - head brewer of Rainford’s George Wright Brewery and co-owner of the hugely successful real ale pub, The Talbot in St Helens town centre – said: “The St Helens Beer Festival will see 30 real ales featuring a stunning selection of

local, regional and national award winning breweries. We will have a great range of real ale favourites plus some surprise beers and rare selections we have been able to bring especially for the festival. Breweries will include: Vocation Brewery; Sara Hughes Brewery; Abbeydale Brewery and Mordue Brewery, to name just a few! “ “Last November’s sell-out event was excellent and raised a lot of money for the Steve Prescott Foundation – so it is very exciting to be leading the first St Helens Summer Beer Festival this year and it promises to be our biggest festival yet.” Martin Blondel, speaking on behalf of the Steve Prescott Foundation, said: “We are delighted to be part of this great event again. Last November’s event was a phenomenal atmosphere throughout the weekend and I’m sure this year will be just as good - if not better! “Thanks to everyone involved in making this happen!” Speaking at the promo event, Councillor Joe Pearson, Mayor of St Helens, added: “The St Helens Summer Beer Festival is a fantastic new event which provides us with a great profile, increased footfall and spend within the town centre. Mill Street Barracks is a perfect venue for this event and the council will be working closely with the event organisers and local event partners such as St Helens CAMRA to make the event a great success

and raise much needed monies for the Steve Prescott Foundation. “It is fantastic that Gary Wright is leading these hugely successful events as he brings a wealth of knowledge and contacts within the brewing industry to provide the very best real ales for the event in St Helens town centre.” The Steve Prescott Foundation is looking for beer barrel sponsorship at £150 a barrel which includes four free entry tickets (to both the St Helens Summer Beer Festival and St Helens Beer Festival on Friday 24 November & Saturday 25 November in St Helens Town Hall), advertising in the two event programmes and a glass of George Wright’s “Man Of Steel” - specially commissioned in recognition of the amazing charity work of Steve Prescott - to each of the entrants. Tickets are £4 (includes entrance, glass and programme) and are available online via www.eventbrite. co.uk or from The Talbot, Duke Street, St Helens. For up-to-date information, including the announcement of the full beers list, follow @StHelensBeerFes on Twitter, or like the Facebook page www.facebook.com/ TheStHelensBeerFestival For all the latest events throughout the town centre and the rest of the borough, follow @whatsonsthelens on Twitter -or like What's On in St Helens on Facebook - www.facebook. com/whatsoninsthelens

Accolade for Halton Council and

partners for infant mental health care

Halton Borough Council and partners are celebrating after winning a prestigious national PIPUK (Parent Infant Partnership) Infant Mental Health award. Halton’s Health in Early Years Group, which consists of staff from Halton Borough Council, Bridgewater Community Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust (Bridgewater), and Halton Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) triumphed in the Locality Award for Mental Health Inclusion category. The group was recognised for its work to support the mental health of new and expectant mothers, preparation for parenthood and help with bonding and attachment. Halton Borough Council’s Executive Board Member for Health and Wellbieng, Cllr Marie Wright, said: “Being a parent is hard enough but moreso for those dealing with mental health issues. “It’s important that they get the right help and support when and where it is needed to ensure both parent and child has the best outcome possible. It’s only by working together like this we can achieve that. “This is a fantastic achievement for

everyone involved and a wonderful example of partnership working between local organisations in Halton.” Anne Doyle, Bridgewater’s Assistant Director of Operations for Halton’s Children’s Services said: “We are delighted that Halton’s Health in Early Year’s Group has been recognised for its hard work to improve the outcomes for local families. “We want every child to have the best start in life and by staff from local organisations working more closely together we have been able to improve the support we provide to families especially around the mental health of local expectant mums so they can go on to build positive relationships with their children.” An example of some of the work carried out by Halton’s Health in Early Years Group includes: • ‘Your baby and you’ antenatal sessions for all pregnant women. This is delivered by a range of practitioners (not just midwives) and includes both the emotional and physical preparation for birth. • Time for Me art group for mums with antenatal and postnatal anxiety

and depression. • Specialist training for midwives, health visitors, health professionals and children’s workforce in bonding and attachment and parenting. • Pilot NHS provision for mums

experiencing severe difficulties with bonding and attachment. • Developing a mental health pathway for expectant mums. • Pilot National Childbirth Trust peer support service for mums

St Helens Healthy Living Oral Health Team has won a national award for their hard work and dedication to oral health across the borough. The team – who are part of St Helens Council’s Healthy Living Team - won the National Patrons Prize Award from the National Oral Health Promotion Group at the end of last month (June). The award was presented to team members Joanne Dawber and Julie Lawson for their partnership working embedding good oral health across the borough. The team provide training and resources for schools, nurseries, health visitors, care homes and other agencies. Oral Health Improvement Officer, Joanne, said: “We are very passionate and extremely proactive about the work we do within St Helens. We are really proud to see the benefits that integrating oral health awareness has had within our community. “It was such a proud moment for me and Julie to receive this award. This is just the start of great things to come from the team and the future is looking good for oral health in our community.” The award presentation was then followed by the North West Oral Health Network Meeting, hosted by the team at St Helens Town Hall. The meeting brought together partners from across Cheshire and Merseyside in the oral health field, to learn about the work being delivered across St Helens and how oral health promotion has been incorporated into other services and training. St Helens Council’s Assistant Director of Public Health Dympna Edwards, who was a guest speaker at the event, said: “I just want to say congratulations to the team for winning this award and for all their hard work on promoting good oral health. The meeting was a good opportunity to highlight and share the good practice happening in St Helens.” For more information about the Oral Health Team, please call 0300 300 0103 or visit www.healthysthelens.co.uk

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Youngsters cook up a treat for their local community

Youngsters from Tickle Avenue Youth Club could certainly handle the heat after preparing lunch for their local community as part of a national event. Alisha Aldred, Sandra Gudziecka and Chloe McEvoy, all 13, along with 17-year-olds Ethan Anders and

Danielle Hayes – and 16-year–old Gemma Aldred - organised their very own ‘Eden Project Big Lunch’ event by writing to local shops and organisations for food donations before taking to the kitchen to prepare a feast for 25 people in the area.

Since starting in 2009, thousands of big lunch projects have taken place across the country with the aim of bringing people together and promoting community spirit. As well as preparing the food, the group decorated the club, based

in the Salvation Army building in Tickle Avenue, and entertained guests with face painting, bingo and a disco, courtesy of Carl Smith and Adam McGrath, who were awarded volunteers of the year by St Helens Council’s Youth Service in 2016.

Praising the youngsters for their efforts, St Helens Council’s Cabinet Member for Children, Families, Young People and Education, Councillor Jeanette Banks, said: “The group deserve huge credit for taking the time out to organise and host this

event which I’m delighted to hear was an astounding success.“ ”Those who attended commented on the young people’s good manners and the hard work that they had put in to make the event the success that it was, so they should be very proud of themselves.”

Broad Oak Primary School on song

- but your votes are needed Broad Oak Primary School is counting on your vote as their choir looks to become crowned the winner of a national competition. The Brunswick Street based school has entered Wellchild School Choir of the Year, a new school singing competition organised by children’s charity, Wellchild. The school with the most votes will perform at the 2017 Wellchild Awards

ceremony in London, regularly attended by Prince Harry and a host of celebrity guests. As part of the competition, named ‘Over the Rainbow,’ a group of pupils recently visited SAE recording studio in Liverpool with their teacher, Sean Moore. There, the group made a music video as they produced their very own version of ‘Over the Rainbow’ - made famous by the 1939

classic, The Wizard of Oz. The top 5 schools that receive the most votes, and the top 5 fundraising schools, will go through to a judging panel who will select the overall winner on Friday 8 September. Find Broad Oak’s rendition of Over the Rainbow and vote for it here: https://www.wellchild.org.uk/overthe-rainbow/ Voting is open until Sunday 30 July.

02 scam alert Halton Borough Council has issued a warning after a resident received an email which claims to be from O2. The information in the red boxes explains how we know this is a scam. Halton Borough Council’s Executive Board Member for Trading Standards, Cllr Dave Cargill, said “The email is intended to cause alarm and prompt an immediate reaction by stating that this bill is for £228. “If you receive an email like this, delete it without opening or clicking on any links.” The warning comes at the start of Scam Awareness Month. Scammers are often experts in human

behaviour; waiting to pounce on the unsuspecting, the shopper short of time or the consumer looking for a bargain. During National Scams Awareness Month, Citizens Advice and the Chartered Trading Standards Institute, Halton Trading Standards and Citizens Advice Halton are raising awareness of the scams that can affect us all. Trading Standards scams experts, Linda and Sue, will be out and about knocking on doors in areas that we know have been targeted by scammers and they’ll also be at the Halton Direct Links between 11

am and 2 pm on Wednesday 5 July (Widnes), Tuesday 11 July (Runcorn), Thursday 20 July (Runcorn) and Thursday 27 July (Widnes). They’ll be easy to spot in bright pink t-shirts so please go along and talk to them! If you can’t come along to one of sessions and you want to talk to us about scams contact Linda or Sue on 0151 511 8785 or 0151 511 8775, who are already working with people in Halton who have lost thousands of pounds to scams. If you need advice on anything else please contact the Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline on 03454 04 05 06.

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Children celebrate the Earth at town hall music concerts

A showcase of young musicians from across St Helens was held at the town hall recently, telling the story of the Earth, its inhabitants, and the effects humans have on the environment. The concerts featured local primary school choirs, professional and upcoming soloists all accompanied by St Helens Youth Orchestra and their professional music mentors. Written to mark the 50th Anniversary

of WWF-UK, ‘One Sun One World’ tells the story of our astonishing planet, in all its rich diversity, through the eyes of several characters, including the panda, polar bear, tiger, the cacao plant, and the old oak tree who narrates the story. As the musical unfolds, the characters become more concerned by the impact that our modern lives are having upon the planet. The children of the world

wonder how we can sustain and help to protect this wonderful life we all know. The massed choir featured members of St Helens Vocal Youth and pupils from several primary schools, including Sutton Manor, Sherdley, Blackbrook St Mary’s,

Sutton Oak CE and St Peter’s CE. Barbara Flitcroft, Head teacher at St Peter’s CE said: “The concert was wonderful! It was thoroughly enjoyable and very professional. The choirs, soloists and orchestra created beautiful music together. I

can’t wait for the next event!” The new Mayor and Mayoress of St Helens, Councillor Joe Pearson and wife Sylvia, were in attendance. Cllr Pearson said: “This is one of the first functions we’ve attended as Mayor and Mayoress and it was truly

a delight. The children and young people have clearly worked very hard with their tutors and teachers to put on such a dramatic performance. I look forward to seeing what’s next from these talented young musicians at the Summer Concerts in July.”

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The odds are looking good

for new business,

Bespoke Trailer Conversions

Widnes based business, Bespoke Trailer Conversions is gearing up for the festival season after receiving support from St Helens Chamber. Mark Marston converts old, abandoned and unloved horse boxes, he explains: “ We buy abandoned horse boxes from farmers’ fields and turn them in to things of use like catering wagons, mobile bars, play houses and campervans, anything you can think of.” The trailers can be designed to fit a variety of needs, and supply a niche in the market with the ever growing popularity of pop up bars, festivals and outdoor events. Mark continued “It’s mainly festivals, weddings and outdoor events but we also have customers who have pitches in local markets and are looking to do catering. “I’m currently working on a mobile bar, this is a customer’s design although I have done my own designs in the past.” Previously unemployed, Mark was signed up to the New Enterprise Allowance through his local Job Centre Plus and after being referred to St Helens Chamber, was assigned a dedicated Business Coach to help him into self-employment. The New Enterprise Allowance is a package of government support to assist unemployed people looking to start their own business. The help that Mark has had from his dedicated adviser has helped him get his business of the ground. He said: “I’ve had a lot of support from St Helens Chamber especially from my mentor, Stella. She has pointed me in the right direction and given me help with budgeting and finding suppliers.” “It’s really helpful to be able to throw ideas around, and if it’s a bad idea the mentor doesn’t have a problem telling me it’s a bad idea and that saves me a lot of time researching and finding out on my own.

Mark’s Business Adviser recommended that he increase his presence on social media and use his website to attract new customers. He explained: “I’m getting a lot of business from down south and have even been contacted by someone from Bulgaria about doing some work.” “I’ve started getting more active on social media, we have a website and use social media sites like Facebook and Instagram where my followers are growing.” Although these bespoke converted horseboxes are in high demand during festival season, Mark has secured contracts outside of this period.

He explained: “The response that I’ve had from my designs is looking good and I’ve got other projects in the pipeline for after the festival season, such as converting one of the boxes in a play house.” Stella Libertini, Business Adviser at St Helens Chamber said: “Since January Mark has converted three trailers, two from his own design and one specified by the customer. “He has invested the profits from the first couple of conversions in tools and machinery and Mark looks like he will be making a good profit within his first six months of trading. “I will continue to provide further business

support for Mark over the next six to eight months.” To find out more about Bespoke Trailer Conversions visit the website at https://www. bespoketrailerconversions.co.uk/ For more information about the support available from St Helens Chamber to start a business, call 0845 340 9980, email startup@ sthelenschamber.com, or visit http:// www.sthelenschamber.com/startup If you are unemployed and thinking of starting a business, speak to your JobCentre Plus adviser for more information about the New Enterprise Allowance Scheme.

Chamber joins forces with

local manufacturers to launch Recruitment and Skills Programme

St Helens Chamber has joined forces with local manufacturing companies Film & Foil and Starbank Panel Products, to assist with recruitment and training and progress new employees through Manufacturing Apprenticeship training. Joanne Abraham, Director of Training Services at St Helens Chamber, said: “We are delighted to be able to support two more local businesses with their recruitment needs. Our Recruitment and Skills programmes have proved hugely successful in the past at bringing together local businesses and jobseekers, and we’re excited to be able to do this again for Starbank and Film and Foil.” Aimed at young people aged 18-24, the programme is split into three stages, induction, work experience and employment. Throughout the induction phase, which takes place at the Chamber’s Construction Training Centre in Parr, trainees will undertake training in: Working in the manufacturing

industry, Manual Handling, First Aid, Following Standard Operating Procedures, Problem Solving & Fault Finding and receive support preparing their CV’s and perfecting Interview techniques. On completion of the induction, trainees will be interviewed by Film & Foil and Starbank Panel Products and if successful will progress onto stage two, gaining three weeks valuable work experience on site with the employer. Following on from the work experience, if successful, trainees will work with the company on a six month paid placement, earning between £196- £246.75 per week, depending on age. Throughout the six month placement trainees will continue to receive support from the Chamber via regular visits from an allocated Training Adviser. On completion of the six month placement trainees will be interviewed for a permanent contract with the employer. The Recruitment and Skills programme is part of the

Access to Work Programme which is part-funded by the European Social Fund and the Youth Employment Initiative. If you are interested in applying contact Starting Point on 01744 698800, email info@ thestartingpoint.org or pop along to our open day on the 12th July from 12pm-4pm at St Helens Chamber’s Construction Centre, 528 Fleet Lane, St Helens, WA9 2NB.

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Sefton's coast Sefton's coast has so much to offer residents and visitors. Miles of beaches and sand dunes to explore, woodland and estuary which play host to an amazing amount of wildlife and some of the most rare plants and animals in the country, all promise an almost infinite universe of discovery! Delve further in to the shipwrecks and prehistoric footprints which lay trapped for thousands of years in sediment beds and Antony Gormley’s “Another Place” installation on Crosby beach which offers the biggest open air art gallery in the country. The astonishing maritime history of Liverpool Bay means that Sefton overlooks some of the greatest trade routes in the world, which continue to bring new ideas, business and diversity to our doorstep just as they have for hundreds of years. The coastline is a key element in the character of Sefton – exciting and dynamic, always changing as the winds and tides constantly influence the shape of the coast. It appeals to visitors young and old, amateur or professional, whether they be daytrippers, anglers, naturalists, kiters, cyclists, dog owners, horseriders, walkers, artists, archaeologists or historians. Our coastline really is a source of inspiration for an active, inquiring and fun-loving population and we hope you enjoy discovering and exploring it as much as we do.

Splash World

is a wet and wild water theme park housed on the sandy beaches of Southport. Located at the end of the spectacular beach front promenade it’s a fun packed family day out for all ages. The most popular ride at Splash World is out Lazy River Tyre Ride but don’t be deceived by the title, it’s fast, furious and incredibly fun. The Rapid River Ride lets you lie back and get carried away on an adventurous trip around the pool. If you're feeling brave our Speed Freak Flume Ride ultimate thrill, as you fly round the bends. On your exit

a speed gun will record you speed. See if you have broken the fastest speed of the day! For a gentler pace try the Family Fun Flume for adults and children to enjoy the fantastic lighting display but be prepared for the misted tube! We also have a recently refurbished interactive children’s Toddler Pool & Water Play Area packed with water features including a HUGE tipping bucket, water cannons and a shallow toddler pool. If you're looking to take it easy sit back and relax while you enjoy the soothing bubbling waters of Relaxing Bubble Spa. Looking for a birthday party with a difference? We offer exciting indoor sea scooter parties As well as splashtastic party packages followed by a feast from Murtle’s Diner and – upon request – a visit from Murtle himself Please contact us for further details.

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Strictly Halton – Coming to Widnes this summer

Experience the glamour and excitement of Halton’s own ‘Strictly’ style event right here in Widnes as Strictly Halton’ is coming to the Select Security Stadium, Widnes on Saturday 12 August. The ten piece band Five Star Swing present its unique ‘feelgood’ Big Band experience. Members appeared on BBC TV’s Children in Need, at Blackpool Tower Ballroom, feature Simone from the Ivy Benson Orchestra, trombonist to Tony Bennett plus Chris Smith (Jnr) composer and arranger for the BBC Radio Big Band. Dancing will cover all styles including Modern Ballroom, Strict Tempo and Latin American styles plus 1940’s & Jive music. Come along and join in! Tickets are £15. Bookings of 10 or more will receive a reserved table and reception drink on arrival. Tickets are available from Stadium Fitness or call 0151 510 6020, www. selectsecuritystadium.co.uk or e mail: stadiumfitness@halton. gov.uk

Maastricht maestro to waltz into The Brindley – by satellite

Known to millions as ‘The King of Waltz’, Durchman André Rieu is one of the world’s most popular music artists. His legendary annual Maastricht concert is the most eagerly anticipated cinema event of the year. You can see a screening of this year’s Maastricht concert at the Brindley Theatre on Saturday 22 July at 7pm. The violinist is one of the world’s highest-grossing touring artists, and every year performs a very special concert in his hometown of Maastricht to tens of thousands who travel from all over the globe to experience one of the most emotionally engulfing live music experiences possible, set against the back-drop of the equally as elegant medieval town square. The Maastricht concert features the maestro in his element, with his

famous 60-piece Johann Strauss Orchestra, sopranos, tenors and very special guests. Last year, André Rieu’s Maastricht concert broke his own record for music event cinema – grossing more than £1.4million at the UK box office over one weekend, more than Take That and One Direction. Now, the Maastricht concert in 2017 will hold extra special significance, as it marks 30 years since André formed the Johann Strauss Orchestra, who have come to be as much family to him as some of the most talented musicians anyone could share the stage with. Once again, the cinema show will be hosted by Good Morning Britain Presenter, Charlotte Hawkins. On the cinema shows and his 30th Anniversary of performing with the

Johann Strauss Orchestra, André said, “When I founded the Johann Strauss Orchestra in 1987, there were only twelve orchestra members – now there are more than 60 people on stage! “Although a lot has changed, there is one thing which has never changed: the joy of playing together, whether in a small group or a big orchestra. “We are so much looking forward to bringing this joy again this year to your cinema in July. The program will be very diverse, reflecting this special anniversary. I do hope you will all join us for an unforgettable, magical evening brought to you from my romantic hometown Maastricht.” Tickets are £18, £16 from www.thebrindley.org.uk and 0151 907 8360.

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The British Lawnmower Museum

This article entitles the subscriber to a special offer of FREE ENTRANCE to The British Lawnmower Museum in Southport, although Southport is not in the south nor is it a Port and doesn’t even have a harbour, however it does have more than a dozen great Golf courses in the area with Royal Birkdale only ten minutes away hosting The Open in July 2017. Enter the fascinating world of this world famous quintessential

British Museum and have a turfrific experience. The Museum is a tribute to the British garden machinery industry over the last 200 years and was voted one of the top 100 places to visit before you die, a unique experience that’s a cut above the rest! Amongst the 1000 mower collection, see 300 restored machines & memorabilia exhibits. See the biggest, the smallest, the most expensive, the fastest and Lawnmowers of ‘The Rich

& Famous’ including Prince Charles and Princess Diana, Brian May, Albert Pierpoint, Nicholas Parsons, Paul O’grady, Hilda Ogden, plus many more, Eric Morcambe’s mower was acquired when celebrating his first baby, where he was observed writing ‘Its a boy’ on the lawn with weed killer, immortalising the words for 12 months. See lawnmowers made by Rolls Royce, Royal Enfield, Hawker Sidley, Vincent, Velocette, Fraser Nash, Dennis, British Leyland and many more. The Lawnmower was invented in Gloucester by Edwin Beard Budding in 1830. He worked in a textile mill & deemed a madman & lunatic for making such a contraption, he had to test his machine at night so no one would see him. Eventually when he brought it on the market he advertised it saying “Gentlemen may find in using my machine an amusing and healthy exercise, plus do the work of 8 men.” His invention has not changed to this day and is still the preferred machine for cutting beautiful formal lawns, sports grounds, golf and bowling greens all over the world. The Museum is open every day (except sun & bank hol). Special Curator guided tours are available that’s a cut above the rest & something to remember for ever-mower! To book contact br@ lawnmowerworld.com

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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 pen-name 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.

Step Aboard FLOATING GRACE and join the Skipper Peter Kenny and his wife Carol for the warmest of welcomes. Our 50 Passenger floating restaurant and licensed bar is available for business events and family occasions including birthdays, anniversarys, weddings & christenings. FLOATING GRACE is berthed right in the heart of Liverpool City Centre, at the Famous Albert Dock. After a short safety brief, we depart our berth and set sail, whilst out top chef Alan Wafer is busy preparing your food we head east then south under Gower Street Bridge into Wapping Basin, passing the Big Wheel and Duke’s Dock entrance. Then we cruise into Wapping Dock; on the east side, you can see the beautiful East & West Quay apartments, which were originally dock warehouses when the docks were operational. Looking west, we pass Staybridge Hotel and the Jurys Inn; we can also see Liverpool’s Echo Arena and the BT Convention Centre. As we proceed under Queens Wharf Bridge

into Queens Dock, to the east we pass the Campanile Hotel, Leo’s Casino and the Dolby Hotel, to the west, we see the recently closed Customs & Excise VAT and Tax Office, now exclusive apartments. A bit further along to the west of Queens Dock is the Liverpool Watersports Centre, where waterborne sports like Canoeing, Dragon Boat Racing, competitive rowing and wakeboarding take place. Heading south and passing under Mariners Wharf Bridge, we enter Coburg Dock, the start of the Liverpool Marina; here you see some of Liverpool’s amazing Yachts and Cruisers, fantastic boats of all shapes and sizes. Full steam ahead… past the Yacht Club Bar and Restaurant into Brunswick Dock, where the rest of the 500 Boats & Yachts are berthed; this is also part of the Liverpool Marina. Continuing south, we pass the Brunswick Lock entrance, that leads to the famous River Mersey, and to the east we can see HMS Eaglet, the Royal Naval Reserve and

Royal Marine Reserve. We then turn about, and head north through the Docks at a leisurely cruise, returning to Salthouse Dock, where our journey started. For the Finale, we sail under Hartley Bridge into the famous Albert Dock, home of some of Liverpool’s finest Bars and Restaurants: PanAm, The Smugglers Cove, Revolution, Blue Bar, Circo and the Pump House. On board we have a PA System, playing light background music, whilst one of our crew provides a historical account of our Seven Docks Cruise. Why not try a Sunday lunch at £25 per head or an evening three course meal at only £35 per head. Booking is essential as the fresh ingredients are sourced locally to order! We are now taking bookings for Christmas office parties, Association cruises and Christmas meal cruises. For all enquiries and bookings please call Peter on 07540 373838. “What A Way To See All of South Liverpool’s Amazing Docks… A Truly Fantastic Unique Experience To Be Enjoyed…”

FLOATING GRACE

The castle, sits grandly in a harborside 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 chocfull 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.

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GET DOWN TO THE ALABASTER JAR

W H O ARE WE ? The Alabaster Jar is an independently run paint-your-own-pottery shop in Chorley, Lancashire. We provide a relaxing and friendly atmosphere where you can come and spend some quality time making bespoke pottery products for your home or loved ones. W HAT W E D O ? Come in during our opening hours to create from a wide selection of

pottery. All of our pottery is painted in glaze and fired in a kiln, which makes it waterproof and fully useable. We have all sorts of pottery blanks for different tastes and plenty of selection for both children and adults. Prices start from 50p up to £70 WHAT ELSE ? You paint it, We fire it! Simply drop into our studio, select a piece of pottery from a wide range of items. Paint your item however you

like and we will fire it for you in our kiln, then pop back a week later to collect your finished creation. There's no need to book but recommend ringing ahead for groups of 6+ WHY CHOOSE US? Unlike some other paint-yourown-pottery shops, we have no appointment system or studio fee. Why not you ask? Call us on 01257 274690 to find out or call in at 180 Pall Mall, Chorley, PR7 2LH

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

The Diaz Academy of

Performing Arts

Fridays from 4:30pm – 6:30pm For Children Aged 8 – 16 Years Starting Friday 9th September! Come Find Us At Chester Music Theatre, On Tarvin Road, Boughton, In Chester The Diaz Academy of Performing Arts (The DAPA) is an exciting new Stage School in Chester, with a vision of promoting artistic individuality and confidence in performance. It covers an exciting balance of Drama, Dance and Music, as well as the opportunity to achieve LAMDA qualifications. The provides a platform for pupils to develop a passion for the Performing

Arts as well as the foundations to grow as self-assured, sociable and creative individuals. At The Diaz Academy of Performing Arts, for a supplementary cost, each year we will structure sessions to cover The London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art (LAMDA) examinations for pupils who are interested in gaining qualifications related to the Performing Arts. Pupils who enter for LAMDA exams with us are supported and encouraged throughout their journey and experience with tailored sessions for each individual need.

Testimonials “The Diaz Academy of Performing Arts has really boosted my confidence” Pupil. “My child has excelled at Drama in school, The Diaz Academy of Performing Arts have done an amazing job with him!” Parent. “The teachers at The Diaz Academy of Performing Arts are professional and approachable, they create a fantastic atmosphere for all the children” Parent. Contact us: Steven Diaz, Artistic Director – 07714 919 470 E-mail: steven@the-dapa.co.uk Website: the-dapa.co.uk

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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.

The Gardens of North Wales

Trees planted to mark royal romances hundreds of years ago, and landscaped lawns and exotic guests. North Wales is famous for its gardens. From the National Ivy Collection to listed estates, here are a few places worth a visit. Bodnant Garden Devotees of the Italianate vision will love Bodnant. Leading up to the Hall, the upper garden has five terraces, featuring brick paths, lily ponds, formal lawns and herbaceous plants. Below, trees and shrubs flank The Dell, passed by the River Hiraethlyn. Homegrown collections include Chinese, North American and Japanese plants. Plas Newydd, Isle of Anglesey A touch of Aussie lushness on the Menai Strait, where this 18th century house – already the place for pristine views of Snowdonia – is home to an Australasian arboretum, no less. Elsewhere, there’s a spring garden, a summer terrace and colourful, massed hydrangeas to enjoy. The catkin garden is a highlight. Plas Tan y Bwlch, Gwynedd Acres of wonderful gardens fill this research epicentre of the Snowdonia National Park. They include a water garden, a Japanese garden, a fern nursery, an azalea walk and a wildlife garden, all teeming with unusual exotic

specimens. Valleys and woodlands surround this former home of an 18th century mansion. The Great Orme, Llandudno This valley was dedicated to local residents by Lord Mostyn in 1887, and it offers splendid views of the town more than a century on. Take a sloping walk to the charming landscaped gardens forming part of them, then lie back and relax under the ancient trees towering above. Bodelwyddan Castle, Denbighshire There are 260 acres of parkland surrounding Bodelwyddan, and the

formal garden, which is part of a site including a maze and woodland areas, was designed in 1910. The walls were the idea of 19th century baronet Sir John Hay Williams, who originally introduced many of the exotic plants here. Grade I listed Ivy Collection Erddig is the place to find the National Ivy Collection, but there are also some extremely rare fruit trees within the hallowed grounds of one of the most important gardens in Britain. Discover why William Eames’ late 18th century design has been deemed worthy of Grade I listing status.

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The night sky above Snowdonia National Park has been granted dark sky status

Snowdonia National Park has become Wales’ second destination to be awarded dark sky status. It joins the Brecon Beacons to become one of only ten locations worldwide to be designated as an international dark sky reserve. Dark sky status is only awarded to locations with the highest quality of night air making them ideal for stargazing. Emyr Williams, Chief Executive of Snowdonia National Park Authority said “receiving this designation is very good news for the residents,

businesses, visitors and the wildlife of Snowdonia,” Mr Williams went on to say “the quality of the environment will be protected, there will be a new natural attraction to attract new visitors to Snowdonia on quiet periods of the year, the local economy will be improved and the dark sky above Snowdonia will be protected for future generations.”

Tŷ Newydd Writing Centre

Wales is not only the land of song, but also of great literature, and that’s why, nestled in the heart of Snowdonia, we have our very own residential creative writing centre. Established in 1990, thousands of aspiring and emerging writers have passed through our iconic teal front door. Every week, we welcome a new group of individuals from Wales, the rest of the UK and beyond to our home. They spend time together under the tutelage of professional writers, taking part in workshops and oneto-one tutorials, enjoying readings and basking in the inspirational setting of Tŷ Newydd. Participants also help in the kitchen, where home-made meals are prepared with local ingredients. Our programme of courses features a mix of residential courses and retreats, and covers a wide range of genres, forms and styles, including poetry, fiction, non-fiction, scriptwriting, nature writing, illustration, storytelling, yoga and more. We choose our tutors and guest readers carefully, and welcome some of the best writers to Tŷ Newydd every year. Present and past tutors include Carol Ann Duffy, Gillian Clarke, Pascale Petit, Paula Meehan, Mark Cocker, Menna Elfyn, Patrick McGuinness, Kaite O’Reilly, Imtiaz Dharker, Niall Griffiths, Daljit Nagra and Malachy Doyle. Our historical house which is set in the stunning surroundings of rural north Wales was the last home of former Prime Minister David Lloyd George.

It still retains the recognisable touches implemented by architect Clough Williams-Ellis, famous for his quirky Italianate village Portmeirion, the setting of classic TV series The Prisoner and Festival No.6. Nestled in a quiet spot between mountain and sea, Tŷ Newydd offers the perfect creative escape. Visit our website to find out more: www.tynewydd.wales. We look forward to welcoming you to Wales.

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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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Blists Hill stop for Llanfair

Line’s African Train Tour

Hunslet 2-6-2T locomotive No. 85, built in 1954 for service in Sierra Leone and purchased from a scrap dealer by the Welshpool & Llanfair Light Railway (W&LLR) in 1975, will now be a feature exhibit in the summer-long festival of ‘Fire, Furnace and Steam’ at Blists Hill Victorian Town, one of the ten Ironbridge Gorge Museums in Shropshire. The loco will be on display at Blists Hill Victorian Town until Friday 25th August. The locomotive, which last ran on the mid-Wales heritage railway in 2010, has spent six years on display at the Locomotion Museum in Shildon, an outpost of the National Railway Museum. Since leaving there in April, it has visited the Armley Industrial Museum in Leeds, the city where it was built, then Hull, the 2017 City of Culture, the Museum of Water and Steam at Kew, and the 50th Anniversary Weekend of Tyseley Locomotive Works in Birmingham. At Blists Hill Victorian Town, the locomotive has been placed beside the London and North Western Railway goods shed, where visitors will see it as soon as they enter the Town. Displays created by the Friends of the Sierra Leone National Railway Museum (FoSLNRM) accompany No. 85, telling the stories of slavery and freedom, colony and independence, and the special story of the Sierra Leone Railway. The grand tour of UK heritage sites, funded by a £22,800 grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund, celebrates the

many links between the UK and Sierra Leone. The Tour has been organised by the W&LLR in partnership with the FoSLNRM and is helping to promote the Sierra Leone National Railway Museum and to raise funds for the building of a new workshop at the W&LLR’s Llanfair Caereinion base. It is intended that No. 85 will be the first locomotive to be restored in the new facility. When restored the loco will be able to form the African Train, running with two Gloucesterbuilt Sierra Leone Railways bogie carriages that the railway also purchased in 1975. Steam will be featured throughout the summer at Blists Hill Victorian Town,

from the Steampunk Festival on July 1st and 2nd through to the ‘Blists Hill in Steam’ event on the weekend of 19th-20th August. Throughout the summer visitors will be able to see many of the Blists Hill engines in steam, with different engines running on different days. While No. 85 is of mid-20th-century construction, its technology is thoroughly Victorian. At the end of its stay at Blists Hill Victorian Town, No. 85 will travel to the Shrewsbury Steam Rally on 27th-28th August before a triumphant return to the Welshpool & Llanfair Light Railway a week later as part of the line’s annual Steam Gala on 1st3rd September.

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Marine Encounters with New Quay

Dolphin Spotting Boat Trips

The seaside town of New Quay, called Cei Newydd in the Welsh language, is located on Cardigan Bay in the central part of the west coast of Wales. From here New Quay Dolphin Spotting Boat Trips offer a variety of tours which offer visitors the chance to enjoy the area’s abundant marine life and spectacular scenery. Seeing wild dolphins, porpoises and seals

feeding and jumping out of the sea is undoubtedly a unique experience and one of the best things to do in Wales. The Ceredigion Marine Heritage Coast covers twenty-one miles and offers a wide range of coastal scenery including picturesque coves, golden sandy beaches and rocky cliffs. New Quay Dolphin Spotting Boat Trips offer a one-hour cruise which runs

daily and travels south to Cwmtudu. On this short trip you’ll be able to enjoy the spectacular coastal scenery, as well as view bird colonies of Guillemots and Razorbills, and also, observe Castell bach, the ruins of an Iron Age settlement. However, what makes this tour one of the most popular Wales attractions, are the Bottlenose dolphins, Tursiops Truncatus, Atlantic Grey seals Halichoerus grypus, and Harbour porpoises, Phocoena phocoena. Also on offer is a 2-hour cruise which travels further down the coast to the towering cliffs of the Ynys Lochtyn peninsula, one of the main feeding areas for the local dolphin population. That means you have an even better chance of seeing some of these wonderful creatures, if you're really lucky you may even spot a rare Sea turtle or a Sunfish on your voyage as well. The experienced captains and crew know the area well, and provide interesting and informative commentary about the birds and animals you will see in the Ceredigion Special Area of Conservation. When any creatures are spotted the captain slows or stops the boat, in accordance with the conservation areas rules so as not to disturb the natural activities of the animals. This also gives visitors a wonderful chance to view and experience at close range these marvellous creatures. Remember to take your camera along as you may

get a a chance to snap a shot of one of these graceful creatures jumping and playing in the water. ‘New Quay Boat Trips’ benefits from their unique local heritage heritage, approaching their 65th year of boat trip operation under the supervision of decorated former RNLI Coxwain Winston Evans they are rightly proud of their excellent safety record. All their boats are fully fitted with all safety equipment, boats and qualified skippers are tested and licensed by the UK government’s Maritime Safety Agency lifejackets are of course available but not worn due to the size of vessels. It can often be chilly out on the water so take warm clothing, and of course, the British weather

being as it is, be prepared to get wet if it rains, although the boats do offer protection from both rain and sun. Trips run from Good Friday to the end of October which also coincides with the calving period of the dolphins. New Quay Dolphin Spotting Boat Trips works closely with the Sea Watch foundation to offer Eco-friendly tours which promote and protect the natural beauty of the coast and educate as well as entertain visitors. New Quay Dolphin Spotting Boat Trips are the sole boat trip company to have one of their

representatives on board during most trips, taking data and pictures of the dolphins. For volunteering opportunities and cetacean training with Sea Watch aboard one of New Quay’s boats, visit their website seawatchfoundation. org.uk

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St Helens Local. Issue 3. Page 23.

Make the most of Wales this year... Lloyds Caravans and

Looking for holidays in Britain? Wales has so much to offer.

type of accommodation you will be staying in, and you’ve more than likely got a pretty good idea what great activities will fill your days, but there is so much more great stuff to learn about Wales before you set off. Wales is a place of natural drama,

Roy Kellett Caravans

No1 authorised dealers for

or getting active in this wonderful natural playground. Find out about the practical stuff, like the weather companies, Three Showgrounds… forecast or how to get to Wales, or working together to give you more choice! delve a little deeper and learn about Lloyds Caravans and Roy Kelletts to help and advise customers through the history of Wales, literature, music have been selling new and preowned every step of the buying process or the Welsh language. static caravan holiday homes in North in a relaxed and non-pressured Wales for over 50 years and in this environment. So when it comes to time we have been firmly established finding your ideal Caravan Park and as the NO.1 choice when it comes to location, Lloyds Caravans and Roy static caravans holiday homes. Kellett Caravans can suggest many We take pride in helping families find areas and parks that you may not their ideal park and holiday home. even know exist – and there are 100’s Lloyds Caravans and Roy Kellett of them! Our first-hand knowledge Caravans, have the largest collection of the areas and parks themselves, of caravan holiday homes in North means we will find the one that’s right Wales and offers all the leading for you. manufacturers including ABI, Atlas, Boasting the largest showground’s Carnaby, Regal, Swift and Willerby. of new static caravans North Wales There is a huge choice of new and has to offer, along with excellent preowned holiday homes on display customer service, we really are the that will suit all requirements and only place to buy static caravans! budgets and not to mention the North Wales Showgrounds are open 7 ‘Exclusive Designer Collection by days a week, so call in today Lloyds Caravans and Roy Kellett Roy Kellett Caravans – Towyn Road, Caravans’ which includes holiday Towyn, Conwy, North Wales LL22 homes that offer quality and style at 9NW – 01745 350043 affordable prices. enquiries@roykellettcaravans.com – The exclusive range includes www.roykellettcaravans.com ‘Willerby Impression’, ‘Willerby Lloyds Caravans – Pensarn Brenig’, ‘Regal Venture’ and ‘Swift Showground – Pensarn Industrial Snowdonia’. Estate, Pensarn, Abergele, Conwy, North Wales is blessed with some North Wales LL227PW – 01745 of the best Caravan Parks in the 832050 UK and as the dealer for the area, Lloyds Caravans – Talacre we have proudly supplied new and Showground – Main Coast Road, Tan used caravans for the parks and Lan, Talacre, Flintshire, North Wales their customers with the same high CH8 9JY – 01745 560224 standards of service and after sales enquiries@lloydscaravans.co.uk – care year after year. We are conscious www.lloydscaravans.co.uk

North Wales and Cheshire Two

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GreenWood Forest Park, North Wales. Set in 27 magical acres, discover for yourself why it’s an award winning full day out

Jump aboard the world’s only people powered roller coaster, zoom down the longest sledge run in Wales, enjoy the Jungle Boat Adventure, discover the super bouncy Giant Jumper or

aquaplane down SolarSplash (the brand new water ride for 2016!). Plus, explore the turrets of TreeTop Towers, take off your socks and shoes for the BareFoot Trail or take

a ride on the zippy MoonKarts. Smaller tots will also find adventure in the Little Forest PlayBarn, Toddler’s Village, Tunnel Warren and the LittleGreenRun. In the Forest

Theatre during holidays and Peak Season, you’ll find extraordinary entertainment including Ricardo the Pirate, Harley’s Showtime & Smarty Marty’s Kiddies Challenge – they

just can’t wait to make you laugh. Or get creative in the craft area where you can see local crafts people and make something unique to take home with you! Other events include; Face Painting, Nader’s Pyro Art, John the Wood Turner, Crafty Bugwug, Lookachu body art and hair braiding as well as the ever popular Donkey Rides. With so much to do on a day out, you’ll need a break! So let the little ones discover the Enchanted WoodBarn - this indoor play area will keep your young explorers happy while you sit down and relax in our spacious and comfortable GreenOak Café which serves a wide range of appetising hot and cold meals and snacks. Or if you don’t want to miss out on all the outdoor fun, grab a bite to eat from one of our five snack bars. For up to date information including all times and dates of events please see: www.greenwoodforestpark.co.uk

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St Helens Local. Issue 3. Page 25.

Adventure & theme parks of all Ages

A Magical Day

Out for Visitors

In Wales, we don’t do Disney. But for high-powered thills and oldfashioned fun, our adventure parks are hard to beat. We keep it real with family farms, ski slopes, waterslides and rope courses. You can meet a dinosaur, ride an eco-friendly roller coaster, whizz around on a Segway or fly along a zipline at 100 miles per hour. Are you ready? Scream if you wanna go faster! Oakwood. Of the numerous rides and attractions at Pembrokeshire’s

Oakwood Park, three stand out. Hydro is Europe’s fastest and wettest roller coaster, Megafobia is one of the best-known wooden roller coasters in the UK and Vertigo’s extreme flight experience is the closest you’ll get to skydiving without actually jumping off a plane. Visitors often comment about the idyllic Pembrokeshire countryside setting, some of which they will see while upside down… Greenwood Forest Park Greenwood Park has twice been

named Best Family Attraction in North Wales. This is an adventure park with a difference. It features the world’s only rollercoaster harnessing natural energy, a sledge run longer than any other in Wales and a variety of indoor play attractions in the Enchanted Wood Barn. Folly Farm. You don't often see penguins and giraffes on Pembrokeshire farms; but then Folly Farm is not your ordinary visitor attraction. The farm is also home to a

fully working indoor Vintage Funfair, which offers thrills and spills for the young and great memories for the young-at-heart. From farmyard antics at the Jolly Barn, a zoo with some truly exotic animals and spacious adventure play areas, a day at Folly Farm is all-action from start to finish. Super sledging in the Beacons Framed by the surrounding Brecon Beacons, Cantref features Europe’s longest Super Sledge ride. A range of pony rides cater for all levels of rider

and there is a broad range of indoor and outdoor activities and animal attractions too. Barry Island Pleasure Park The Studt family have been part of the fabric of the Welsh fairground life since moving from Bavaria in the late 19th century. The super waltzer, dodgems and high roller fairground rides may be strangely familiar to fans of the television comedy programme Gavin & Stacey, which was filmed in Barry.

Gypsy Wood Park (Established 2004) There aren’t many places where you can combine the magic of fairies with the charm of animals and the rugged wilderness of 20 acres of beautiful natural woodland……. but here at Gypsy Wood Park, that’s just what we do, which is why we are one of Wales’ best kept secrets. Gypsy Wood Park is a unique North Wales attraction that all the family will love. There are loads of things to see and do at our outdoor park in the foothills of Snowdonia in North Wales, and we’re a must-see attraction for all animal, nature, outdoor, train and fairy lovers. Gypsy Wood Park is……. an enchanting place with so much to see. Bring your wellies to explore the wetlands, meet all the different animals who live here, find the fairies, make a wish, hop on Woody’s train and enjoy one of our fabulous adventure play areas; just some of the events and attractions available at Gypsy Wood Park. For a full list of things to do, see our ATTRACTIONS page on our website. Our on-site CAFE and SHOP provide refreshments, drinks and hot and cold snacks, but you are welcome to bring your own picnic with you to eat at one of our designated picnic areas. Gypsy Wood Park is also available for private hire, school groups and parties. CONTACT US for more details on 01286 673133

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Get a taste for South Wales...

Love walking? Then South Wales is perfect for you, step outside of Cardiff or Newport and you've got the cliffs and vineyards of Glamorgan Heritage Coast, the Wye Valley and Vale of Usk, with trails winding their way right up through the South Wales Valleys all waiting to be discovered... Coed Morgannwg Way Coed Morgannwg Way offers a dramatic walk along ancient trackways, mostly through Forestry commission land and the Afan Argoed park. The route passes through Dare Valley and offers dramatic views, especially from its highest ascent, Craig-y-Llyn. See the remains of Celtic and Bronze Age settlements and enjoy the Bristol Channel and the Brecon Beacons in the distance. You can sample short sections, in Margam Park for instance, or walk the whole Way in around 16 hours. For a real long-distance challenge, join the Taff Trail at Gethin Woodland Park.

Sirhowy Valley Ridgeway Walk One for the fit walkers, the Sirhowy Valley Ridgeway Walk takes you through the heart of the South Wales Valleys along the ridges of Mynydd Machen and Mynydd Manmoel, with panoramic views. Pass through Sirhowy Valley Country Park with its two nature reserves and pass Hall's Tramroad, built by the same Benjamin Hall whose name was given to London's Big Ben. There is an Iron Age hill fort along the route, which ends at Tredegar - a town made wealthy in the 18th Century, thanks to the iron industry. Enjoy the 17th Century mansion, Tredegar House, and mark the end of your walk by visiting a monument to Aneurin Bevan - the NHS pioneering MP who was born at Tredegar. Sky to Sea This is a walk of great and dramatic contrasts, starting at the River Dare, where you can choose to climb to enjoy wonderful views of the valley. Leave Dare Valley Country Park and

make your way along footpaths, minor roads and forests tracks to Bryngarw Country Park near Bridgend. The route passes the Bwlch mountain and takes you through stunning scenery, before approaching the quiet but beautiful Glamorgan Heritage Coast, with its dramatic cliffs. Taff Trail Probably the most popular walk in the Valleys, and deservedly so. The Taff Trail is suitable for walkers and cyclists and runs along converted railways, canals and forest tracks. It takes you from the Brecon Beacons National Park, right to the nation's capital. Most of the walking is gentle, though there are steeper sections, including an ascent of Torpantau, at 439m above sea level. You start with canalside walking at Brecon and pass through the stunning Brecon Beacons. The walk then takes you to the viaducts at Pontsarn and Cefn Coed and into the heart of the industrial heritage of the South Wales Valleys.

Morfa Lodge Holiday Park

Morfa Lodge Holiday Park is renowned for its perfect location with outstanding views of the Snowdonia Mountain Range and beautiful sandy beach only a short walk away. The park has plenty to offer for those who just wish to enjoy a relaxing break away. We have a club house with restaurant, play areas for the children,

two outdoor heated swimming pools and a shop on site. We have a selection of quality holiday homes for sale and hire to accommodate couples, families and those wishing to bring along their family pet. For up to date sales details please visit our websites www.morfalodge.co.uk and www.

westpointresort.co.uk. Holiday homes for hire are available in 4 and 6 berth Luxury Units with veranda, DG/CH, or try our top of the range luxury lodge. Prices start from £325.00 £650.00 off peak season, to £670.00 - £1250.00 during the peak season. Please phone on 01286 830205 for further details or book on-line.

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Dolphin spotting

boat trips

''Dolphin spotting boat trips of one and two hours duration run everyday between April and October cruising along the beautiful Ceredigion coastline from New-Quay to both Cwmtudu or Ynys Lochtyn returning to New Quay in one or two hours respectively. Whatever the weather you will have the chance to spot some of the many bottlenose dolphins residing in Cardigan Bay up close as they frequently approach our boats. Your skipper is trained to give you the best view without causing any disturbance in acordance with the code of conduct. Other coastal

and marine wildlife can be spotted including alantic grey seals, harbour porpoise and numerous bird nesting and feeding from the cliffs which are a feature of their own. Remember to bring your camera and you can even get involved with the important work of the Marine Conservation charity ‘Sea Watch’ as they monitor the wildlife from our boats. Don't miss this fun and educational experience, suitable for all ages, we look forward to welcoming you aboard the largestboatsin New Quay, partially covered to offer protection form rain and shade from the sun.

Alternatively we offer two and four hour fishing trips suitable for all abilities and ages. Group bookings and charters are welcome. Dolphins are wild so we cannot guarantee spotting them every trip. Book over the phone or at our office on the main pier. To read more about our trips from customers perspective please visit our facebook or trip advisor pages Dolphin Spotting Boat Trips. New Quay Boat established and operated forover 60 years by Winston Evans. Call 01545 560 800 w w w. n e w q u a y b o a t t r i p s . co.uk www.facebook.com/ DolphinSpottingBoatTripsNewQuay/

St Helens Local. Issue 3. Page 27.

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Upgrade your

lifestyle experience

to a holiday home in

beautiful North Wales

Do you dream of owning a caravan holiday home in beautiful North Wales, with its luscious landscapes and captivating coastline? Or perhaps wish to upgrade to the very latest model? Roy Kellett Caravans want to help you do just that! Roy Kellett Caravans are inviting the general public to their 2017 Holiday Home Exhibition at their showground in Towyn to see the most up-to-date 2017 Caravan Holiday Homes from all the top manufacturers between Good Friday 14th of April until 23rd of April. Roy Kellett Caravan Distributors specialise in selling both beautifully sculptured and affordable holiday homes from the leading manufacturers onto privately owned caravan parks across all of North Wales and Cheshire. The team at Roy Kellett Caravans are on hand when assisting you in making the decision of the right holiday home for you. Whether you’re after a new or preowned holiday home, or can’t decide against 2 or 3 bedrooms, the friendly staff at Roy Kellett Caravans will provide you with all the information and advice you

need to make that decision. New to ownership? Roy Kellett Caravans deal with 100’s of privately owned caravan parks across North Wales and Cheshire, from the Llyn Peninsula to the Wirral, with some park owners being at the exhibition themselves. With park owners and staff at hand during the event, help is at hand to narrow down your park options before the next holiday season starts. Finding you the perfect park which suits all your needs, in the most perfect location. Roy Kellett Caravans can recommend the best parks suited to you, the area you prefer, your lifestyle, the activities you enjoy and your budget, offering you parks you never knew existed. Roy Kellett Caravans 2017 Holiday Home Exhibition will take place over the 14th and 23rd April, where not only will the latest caravans be showcased from top manufacturers including; ABI, Atlas, Carnaby, Regal, Swift and Willerby but there will be discounts on pre 2017 models! Making sure there is something to suit all taste and budgets. Roy Kellett

Caravans, Sales Manager Jennifer Hughes, says ‘we have a wealth of knowledge and have been the leading suppliers of caravan holiday homes since 1965’, making Roy Kellett Caravans the perfect choice when looking to purchase a holiday home. Hughes and the rest of the team are determined when looking to exceed a customer’s expectations and will do all they can to ‘offer customers with parks to suit their particular taste, budget and holiday style.’ Hughes prides herself on introducing customers to ‘parks you never knew existed’, finding hidden gems throughout North wales and Cheshire which tick all the boxes. Head down to North Wales largest holiday home exhibition at Roy Kellett Caravan Showground in Towyn between the 14th and 23rd Aprtil to view all the latest releases from the biggest manufacturers in the industry and start the journey towards your dream holiday home. For more information on buying a static caravan holiday home or the parks we deal with visit www. roykellettcaravans.com

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 preowned 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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St Helens Local. Issue 3. Page 29.

Page 30. Issue 3. St Helens Local

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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 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.

Council gets to work on construction

of new cycleway in Kendal

The first phase of construction of a to Asda in Kendal has begun. The shared use cycleway along Burton 3m-wide cycleway will be available Road from Kirkbie Kendal School to use by cyclists, pedestrians, and wheelchair users. The second phase of works, beginning in April 2018, will further extend the cycleway from Asda to the railway bridge at Natland. Cumbria County Council is carrying out this work on behalf of Cumbria Local Enterprise Partnership with funding from central government,

with the aim of the project to enhance Kendal’s infrastructure and make the town more accessible for more people. With 60% of all journeys that start or end in Kendal being made wholly within the town, it is also hoped that enhancing cycling infrastructure will encourage people to use their bikes rather than their cars - which will reduce congestion and improve air quality within Kendal, as well as

promoting an active and healthier lifestyle. A large number of daffodil bulbs discovered during the initial construction works have been replanted in the nearby Kendal Leisure Centre. Phase 1 works are expected to be completed in June. The council wishes to thank local residents and businesses for their understanding and patience during this period of construction.

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St Helens Local. Issue 3. Page 31.

History of the NGS In 1859 William Rathbone, who was a prominent Liverpool merchant & philanthropist, paid a nurse named Mrs Robinson to care for his sick wife. He was greatly impressed by Mrs Robinson’s work & it struck him that while he was capable of hiring a nurse because he was a wealthy man, there must be thousands of poor people in Liverpool who could not afford this & yet still had that need. He therefore paid Mrs Robinson to go into the city to nurse the poor. Before long Mrs Robinson returned to tell Mr Rathbone that because conditions were so terrible there was no way she could make any impression on them on her own. William Rathbone set up a school of nursing & sent nurses into the city in groups. Later this resulted in the creation of district nursing. District nursing spread through the length & breadth of the land. Among those who were actively supportive of this were Florence Nightingale & Queen Victoria, who were both deeply interested in the work. It is extraordinary to us today to recall that the NHS did not come on the scene until 1948, so all this work had to be funded by charity. The organising body for district nursing was the Queen’s Nursing Institute. In 1927 Miss Elsie Wagg, who was a member of the QNI Council, had the idea of inviting people with fine gardens to open them to the public with a view to raising funds. The first gardens opened in 1927. A total of 609 gardens opened at a standard charge of one shilling per head & a total of £8,191 was raised – a considerable sum of money in those days. It was considered a great success, undoubtedly assisted by the active support of his Majesty King George V, who opened the gardens at Sandringham in Norfolk, & these gardens

have been open every year since. When the NGS was born in 1927, visiting private gardens was a well established pastime, but only for the privileged few. So asking owners of fine gardens to open them once a year to the general public was a radical, but wonderful idea. The charity has gone from strength to strength ever since, with thousands of privately owned private gardens & suburban plots opening for the NGS, in addition to large gardens belonging to stately homes. Beneficiaries. Although many people associate the NGS with Open Gardens, surprisingly few people are aware of the the fact that it is the largest beneficiary of the nursing charities. Through the support of the garden owners & visitors, NGS Cumbria raised £55k in 2015, & the NGS scheme donated £2.7m to the following charities last year (up from £2.6m in 2014): MacMillan Cancer Support £500,000 Marie Curie Cancer Care £500,000 Hospice UK £500,000 Carers Trust £375,000 Queen’s Nursing Institute £250,000 Parkinson’s UK £100,000 Perennial £150,000 The Multiple Schlerosis Society £100,000. Horatio’s Garden £130,000 Contact Details Website address www.ngs.org.uk Follow us on Twitter – CumbriaNGS Like us on Facebook – Cumbria NGS Buy the annual bestseller ‘Yellow Book’ at newsagents everywhere, which gives details of all gardens open across the country for the NGS. Pick up the County Leaflet free in ‘What’s On’ shelves across Cumbria. This gives details of all NGS gardens open across the county. County Organiser – Diane Hewitt 015394 46238, dhewitt.kinsman@ gmail.com. Publicity – Carole Berryman 0153954 443649, carole@ caroleberrymangardens.co.uk Open gardens. 65 gardens will be open across Cumbria this year, of all shapes, styles & sizes. In addition to seeing some wonderful gardens, many not normally open to the public, there are often teas & cakes, & plant sales – a wonderful day out for garden lovers in aid of good causes.

Average price £3.50. 10 New gardens in 2016 including: Broom Cottage Long Marton, Appleby-in-Westmorland CA16 6JP open Sun 3 July 6&8 Conyers Ave Barrow-in-Furness LA14 4JT Open Sun 24 July Eden Place Kirkby Stephen CA17 4AP Open 3 July Fern Bank High House Rd St Bees CA27 0BZ Open Sun 10 April Grange Fell Allotments Fell Rd Grange-over-Sands LA11 6HB Open

Sun 3 July Grow West Allerby Aspatria Wigton CA7 2NL Open Sun 22 May Highlands High Knott Rd Arnside Carnforth LA5 0AW Open Sat-Sun 11-12 June Mirefoot Burneside Kendal LA8 9AB Open Sun 5 June Sandhouse Burnhill Scaleby Carlisle CA6 4LU 39 Outbarrow Rd Ulverston – part of Ulverston Open Gardens Open Sun 26 June

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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 route-creating 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.

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St Helens Local. Issue 3. Page 33.

Explore the country’s biggest adventure playgrounD

Whether you’re looking for a mountain scramble, a coastal gallop or a downhill challenge, the Lake District,

Cumbria has a dramatic landscape of lakes, mountains, countryside and coast to explore. Check out our top tips for outdoor adventures, or visit the GoLakes website for more ideas and inspiration: Take in the sea air on horseback: Enjoy stunning views across the Irish sea and the Western Lake District on horseback with Cumbrian Heavy Horses. Canter from the Duddon Estuary on the Cumbria coastline along endless miles of beautiful sand dunes and tranquil scenery. Ride on a majestic Clydesdale, Shire or Ardennes horse and make it a trip to remember. Prices start from £70 per person. Enjoy a quintessential Lakeland cruise: Windermere’s unique scenery and atmosphere make spring the perfect time of year to get out and discover some spectacular natural wonders. Travelling by Windermere Lake Cruises is a unique way to see the famous Lakeland fells, wooded shoreline and rolling countryside along the lakeshore. The 45 minute ‘Blue Islands Cruise’ is at £8 per adult and £4 per child, other cruises are available. Get in a spin: Explore the grounds of a country house estate or have an adventure on a race track on Cumbria Tourism’s ‘Tourism Experience of the Year’ Lakeland Segway. Feel the exhilaration as you whizz along

tracks and trails whilst taking in the glorious sights and sounds of Cartmel Racecourse and The Holker Hall Estate. With professional training, safety instruction, and lots of practice included, you’ll be well equipped to set off on a thrilling mini adventure. Prices start from £40 per person. Feed your need for speed: Challenge yourself whilst having an epic day out over endless miles on one of Cumbria’s fantastic man made mountain bike trails. The Altura Trail at Whinlatter Forest Park is a 19km red grade challenge with some superb flowing sections of single-track, huge sweeping berms, technical forest sections, and optional black graded features. This awesome trail rewards success with outstanding views, making it one of the best places for thrill seekers this spring! Free Entry. Walk the wall: Discover the northern frontier that is Hadrian’s Wall from Carlisle Castle and follow in the footsteps of a mighty Roman empire to the historic Birdoswald Roman Fort. Witness the longest surviving stretch of wall and extensive remains of Roman settlement while spotting fort milecastles, turrets, a Roman bridge, and Cumbrian wildlife as you look out towards the Lake District and North Pennines. With the

unique 2017 celebration of Hadrian’s Cavalry kicking off from 8th April, there has never been a better time to have your very own historical adventure. Carlisle Castle entry at £6.40 per adult and £3.80 per child and Birdoswald Roman Fort entry at £6.10 per adult and £3.70 per child. Look up to the sky: Head outdoors to witness the dark night sky in all its glory. Head away from the bright lights of towns and villages and up to Church Fell near Sizergh Castle in Lake District National Park where, on a clear night before a full moon, you can see infamous constellations the Plough and Orion’s Belt. Just remember to take your binoculars and a flask of hot chocolate. Free Entry to Church Fell. Sizergh entry from £6.50 per adult and £3.25 per child. Zip through a forest: Think you, your friends, and family could handle three hours of tree top adventure? Are you wild enough to climb 30ft up a rope ladder, Tarzan Swing into a giant rope net, then zip wire through trees, crawl through tunnels, and tackle high wire rope bridges? If so, try out GoApe at Grizedale Forest where you will be guaranteed hours of fun whilst unleashing your inner ape. The Tree Top Adventure

starts from £33 per adult and £25 per child. Descend a clifftop… backwards: A popular and thrilling activity for the brave – walking off a cliff backwards and living to tell the tale! Try your hand at a gentle abseil, push yourself with a mega abseil of 120ft, or really up the adventure stakes with a canyoning experience at Mere Mountains. Set amongst spectacular caverns and gorges, this exciting opportunity will make for a truly memorable day. Activities start from £35. Experience views like no other at 15,000ft: Get your adrenaline pumping, face your fears, and enjoy a once in a lifetime experience skydiving the Lake District this spring with Skydive Northwest. After the exhilarating 120mph freefall, it’s time to catch your breath whilst you enjoy a tranquil

parachute ride through stunning landscapes. What better way to go ‘sightseeing’ than from thousands of feet above it all? Tandem Skydive at £230 per person. Put yourself in the driving seat: Experience the exhilaration of a real 4X4 off road driving adventure and discover the Lake District National

Park from behind the wheel of a specially prepared KANKKU vehicle. These tough and capable exarmy Land Rovers allow you to go off the beaten track as you are expertly guided on challenging rough and rocky terrain on a gripping journey with a spectacular lake and mountain backdrop. Prices from £45 per person.

Welcome to Yorkshire

It’s been described as God’s Own Country, boasts Must see rolling green hills and Wolds in East Yorkshire, the Pennines If you like the sea, then see taking in gems like Whitby, Staithes, Scarborough, seven great cities, three National Parks, miles of golden stunning vistas are all on offer. Make including Bronte Country, the Peak some of the UK’s best along Filey and Bridlington among many others. beaches and two UNESCO World Heritage sites. sure you see the Yorkshire Dales, The District and the North York Moors. Yorkshire’s stunning coast For more information check out www.yorkshire.com The well coined phrase ‘whatever you want, we’ve got it’ is all too often used, but in Yorkshire’s case it is true. A long weekend won’t be long enough to sample the huge array of food hailing from the county’s award-winning restaurants and eateries. Whether it’s locally sourced pub food or high end dining, Yorkshire has it covered. Did you know the county has more Michelin starred restaurants than any other area outside London? World-class attractions are visitor magnets and Yorkshire is home to several national museums. These include the National Media Museum, National Railway Museum, National Coal Mining Museum, Royal Armouries and Eureka! National Children's Museum - you’ll need a few repeat visits to enjoy them all. Other great attractions include The Deep in Hull, Sea Life Scarborough, Yorkshire Wildlife Park in Doncaster, Tropical World in Leeds, Lightwater Valley near Ripon and Flamingo Land near Malton. All are great for making memories and filling up the photo album.

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Keighley & Worth Valley Railway

Travel on the Keighley & Worth Valley Railway through Brontë Country, where you can take in the beautiful views and landscapes. Sit back and witness the landscapes that inspired the classic works of the Bronte sisters. The Railway has also appeared in many TV and film

productions including most recently Swallows and Amazons and Peaky Blinders. For those of a certain age the Railway is particularly famous as the location for the classic 1970 film The Railway Children. For those that like the great outdoors the railway has plenty of spectacular

walks and nature trails. Every stop offers a walk, whether it’s a moorland walk or one of The Railway Children walks - make sure you have your walking boots at the ready. Try the Top Withens Walk, which takes you out of Haworth, the village where the Brontë sisters lived and wrote, along pathways they walked and through the moorland that inspired them. Much more than just a railway, Keighley & Worth Valley Railway offers a great day out for all ages. You can hop off the line at Ingrow West, which is home to Rail Story; two award winning transport museums.

Here you can view the vintage carriages and learn about the history of rail travel. Throughout the year the Railway hosts a number of events from Steam Gala’s to Curry Trains and Beer Festivals. If you are looking for an evening of entertainment then don’t miss the Haworth Haddock and Keighley Korma. You enjoy two round trips, whilst being served with fish and chips or curry, alight at Keighley to enjoy live music to end the evening. If you are looking for something more traditional we run our Pullman Afternoon Teas throughout the year. Relax in the

luxurious Pullman Carriages, eating traditional Afternoon Tea while the beautiful countryside passes by. A fantastic treat for that special person. Finally our biggest and best event of the year are the Santa Trains. Running every weekend from the end of November to Christmas Eve, these trips create magical memories for all the family. Climb aboard and Santa comes to visit all the children and gives them a special gift, while mum and dad get a mice pie and a glass of sherry. All our events sell out fast so visit the website for more information and to book.

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Yorkshire's Historic Past

Yorkshire - a county with a history unsurpassed in Britain For more than 2000 years, history has written a proud and fiercely independent story across the landscape, from the mighty castles of medieval England to the mills which mark the birth of the Industrial Revolution. This was once the kingdom of the woad-painted warriors, the Brigantes,

whose capital is now marked by the Roman town at Aldborough. The conquering Romans made their base at Eboracum which in its turn became the Vikings' Jorvik and later, medieval York. The Middle Ages left their legacy standing in stone - a wealth of ancient abbeys and castles. Seeking solitude in the wilderness, the monks gave glorious settings to their abbeys, among them Bolton,

Jervaulx and Rievaulx Abbeys and incomparable Fountains Abbey, a World Heritage site. For centuries, "he who held the north held the kingdom", a stark truth which speaks from the stones of castles such as Skipton, Helmsley, Conisbrough, with its mighty Norman keep, Castle Bolton, and tranquil Middleham in Wensleydale, once the power base of the infamous Richard III. More peaceful ages poured their wealth into lavish country homes, among them, Nostell Priory near Wakefield,

palatial Harewood House near Leeds and the Baroque splendour of Castle Howard, near Malton, made famous by the television series "Brideshead Revisited". Excellent city museums include those in Leeds, Hull and the Yorkshire Museum in York, with its superb Middleham jewel. Lively smaller museums include the awardwinning Hornsea Museum and Scarborough's distinctive Rotunda Museum, and museums with a special appeal such as Holmfirth Postcard Museum, Ripon's Prison and Police

Museum and Wilberforce House in Hull, dedicated to the fight against slavery. More intimate but no less beautiful are the region's many smaller historic homes. They reach back through time from Edwardian Lotherton Hall near Leeds to the Elizabethan warmth of Burton Agnes Hall on the Wolds and the medieval memories of Shibden Hall near Halifax, the West Yorkshire Folk Museum. Remember, too, Yorkshire's dynamic industrial museums capturing centuries of working

pride in textiles, mining, fishing and steel. See how people lived and worked at the Colne Valley Museum, Golcar, the Abbeydale Industrial Hamlet, Sheffield and the Museum of South Yorkshire Life, Doncaster. Visit Worsbrough Mill Museum, Barnsley, Thwaite Mills and Armley Mills in Leeds, Bradford Industrial and Horses at Work Museum, the Calderdale Industrial Museum and the Hull Town Docks Museum - all harnessing the power of the past in a unique experience.

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Blackburn’s Big Night Out

An event taking place at King Georges Hall is inviting people to celebrate 1973: the year Bowie Came to Blackburn. In the 70s Blackburn’s King George’s Hall played host to many world famous musicians and bands – and now fans are delighted to welcome back Woody Woodmansey, the drummer and last surviving member of David Bowie’s legendary Spiders From Mars, to the venue where they played on May 31, 1973. Woody will be the ‘guest of honour’ for the culmination of a Heritage Lottery funded multi-arts and heritage project celebrating Bowie and the many other top bands who played KGH that year, including Status Quo, Queen, The Sweet and Mott The Hoople. Fans will have a chance to meet Woody and hear how Woody had just been offered a promotion – to be second in command to the foreman no less – at the Driffield factory where he worked, when Bowie called to ask if he’d like to join the band.

Against all advice from family and friends, Woody said no to the factory and yes to Bowie. There followed an incredible roller-coaster touring the world with the biggest, most exciting and extraordinary band on the planet. Woody will also talk about his recently published ‘My Life With Bowie, Spider From Mars’ a funny and poignant memoir of his years with Bowie and subsequent career. Woody’s In Conversation and Panel Discussion are part of a packed showcase event to mark the culmination of the oral history and arts project: 1973: The Year Bowie Came to Blackburn. The event starts at 1pm in King George’s Hall, going throughout the afternoon and evening, ending with an iconic 1970s Roxy / Bowie Disco and Aftershow Party from midnight – 6am, Cellar Bar on King Street. Highlights include the film premiere:- ‘1973 KGH: Our Memories’ by 1973 fans who were there, live music including 1970s covers with a twist and specially composed new music by students from McNally Music Tuition, plus an original set from Sky Valley Mistress. There’ll also be presentations and talks bringing the 1970s alive with music journalist Dr. Toby Manning and a panel discussion: ‘Music Then And Now. Afternoon events are free. Tickets for the evening are £1.20, the same price fans All proceeds raised will raise money to showcase their work in heritage Bureau Centre for the Arts, McNally Music Tuition, Gill paid in 1973 and it will include a free CD of original new for ‘All the Young Dudes’, that venues in Blackburn. The event is Burns Community Dance and Action Factory Arts. To music and a booklet commemorating the project. supports young musicians and artists a creative collaboration with The book visit www.kinggeorgeshall.com Tel: 0844 847 1664

Enjoy the Green Fayre and many other fantastic parks events in July

July is an action-packed month and the wonderful Green Fayre, planned for the 22nd and 23rd, is just one of many fantastic free family events organised by West Lancashire Borough Council Parks and Countryside Ranger Service this month. The Wimbledon tournament will be reaching its final

stages in the first week in July so if you catch the tennis bug watching it then don’t miss the Ormskirk Tennis Festival at Coronation Park, Ormskirk on Saturday 8 July between 11am and 4pm. This spectacular family tennis event offers you a chance to try the game and take part

in fun competitions. You can also test your fitness playing cardio tennis and enjoy other activities. Refreshments will also be available, and there will be performances by Sound Affects Music Studios throughout the day. On Saturday 15 July buzz along on a Bee Safari around Beacon Country

Park with rangers and experts from Lancashire Wildlife Trust's "Plan Bee" project. Meet at the visitor centre at 2pm, no booking is required, just turn up to find out more about local bees, their importance and what you can do to help them. On Sunday 16 July the Ranger Service will be leading a 7-mile loop walk around wonderful Halsall. The walk will start and end at the car park of the Saracens Head pub. On Saturday 22 July and Sunday 23 July Beacon Country Park hosts the Green Fayre, a celebration of the countryside and countryside living. Thousands of people are expected to come and enjoy a huge range of wonderful attractions and family entertainment. There will be Jousting, birds of prey displays, farm animals, Viking encampments, craft demonstrations, chainsaw carving, Music, dog shows,

caving, archery, bouncy castles, a climbing wall and much, much more. The show is FREE to enter and will be open from 11am-5pm on both days For more information on the Green Fayre please visit Green Fayre. A busy month continues with the start of the West Lancashire Walking Festival and the summer junior rangers events. See Countryside and parks events for more details. The summer music festival also starts in July. More details will be announced shortly. Dave Tilleray, Director of Leisure and Wellbeing, said: “July is a fantastic month at our Parks and Countryside sites with a wide range of events offering something for everybody to enjoy. There are walks, talks, conservation days and fundays like the Green Fayre, the biggest event in the Parks and countryside programme. There are plenty of

opportunities offering fantastic days out for all the family so make sure that you don’t miss out and get down to your local park and join in with the fun. For the organised walks children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. When attending park and countryside events please ensure that you wear suitable footwear and clothing for the weather, ground conditions and the planned activity. For more information regarding Council events please visit events. For more information about volunteering opportunities with the Parks and Countryside Ranger Service please email beacon.park@ westlancs.gov.uk or phone 01695 622794. Please note that we can only accept volunteers aged 18+. You can also follow the Rangers on Twitter @ WLBC_Rangers or Facebook.

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Value drives Algarve towards

Cool Iceland is hot stuff

another record golf year with

The Algarve continues to exceed golf visitor records after a flying start to 2017, while it has also retained its place as the best value holiday destination for UK tourists. The region is widely-regarded as Europe’s number one golf destination with 43 fabulous courses and hit an all-time high for golf visitors numbers in 2016 with almost 1.3m rounds throughout the year – an increase of more than 10 per cent on its previous record in 2015. But the surge has continued into 2017 and the sights are now set on another new record after nearly 328,000 rounds were played in the first quarter of the year – another six per cent rise on last year’s figures.

Aside from the quality of the golf courses, the hospitality and the fabulous climate, golfers also know they can expect exceptional value for money as, according to the recent Post Office Holiday Costs Barometer, the Algarve is the best value holiday destination throughout the eurozone once again for 2017. The Algarve was one of 14 beach resorts in the eurozone surveyed by the Post Office for price checks on meals, drinks and other holiday essentials, coming out on top of the pile for British holidaymakers on a budget. Visitors know that prices for meals and drinks – one of the biggest costs for tourists – do not come any cheaper

than along the stunning Algarve coastline, which can make a huge difference to holiday costs. Maria Manuel Delgado e Silva, ATA golf product manager, said: “Last year was a hugely successful year for everyone associated with our golf tourism industry but it’s fantastic to see this continue into 2017. “Our guests know they can be assured of enjoying top-quality golf courses and can expect friendly and the very best in service whenever they visit. It remains our ambition to provide the very best in hospitality, accommodation and the whole golf experience and we look forward to welcoming many more visitors throughout the rest of the year.”

visiting golfers

Popular as a short-break destination, Iceland is now wowing overseas golfers. There are 65 golf courses spread around the volcanic island – 16 offering 18 holes and two with 27 holes – and golf is second only to football as its most popular sport. Foreign golfers are increasingly being attracted by its green fairways. Almost 4,000 visitors played golf in 2016, a big increase on 2015, and while half of them played only one round 27% played five or more rounds. Despite its proximity to the Arctic Circle, Iceland’s golf season lasts six months on average, and seven months in the south. Some courses near the coast can be played most of the year and there was even a golf tournament in northern city Akureyri, the world’s most northerly 18-hole golf course, in the middle of December! Golf Iceland chairman Magnus Oddsson said: “We have over 16,000 members in the Icelandic Golf Union, which is about 5% of Iceland’s total population, but according to surveys about 30,000 Icelanders say they play golf. “But we have so many courses, all of them open to public and during the midsummer months open 24 hours! Only 330,000 people live in Iceland and we are number one in Europe regarding courses per capita, so we have a lot of available tee times for visitors.” Golf Iceland was established in 2008 when the country’s courses and tourism sector joined forces to

create an organisation to promote and market its golf internationally. “IAGTO helped us with the first steps and made a marketing plan for us,” said Oddsson. “The number of foreign golfers visiting our courses has increased over those years, but it took some time to get the messages out, that golfers can play in nature on 65 courses around the island – in fact to make people believe that there are good golf courses in Iceland! “We have had a very good increase and in 2016 we were up about 50% compared with 2015. Almost 4,000 visitors played golf in 2016 and over 10,000 rounds were sold to foreign golfers last summer.” IAGTO Chief Executive Peter Walton said: “Very much like the destination itself, Icelandic golf is often spectacular! There are a number of high quality courses that will appeal to avid golfers and trophy hunters, as

well as golfers who love to experience unique and interesting environments with some tremendous views. We nicknamed the excellent Kellir Golf Course near Reykjavik ‘Lava-Links’ because the front nine negotiates its way through lava fields, transforming to a true links experience on the back nine. The Grafarholt and Oddur golf courses are also close to Reykjavik and are well worth playing for those visiting the capital.” Walton added: “Playing golf among volcanoes and even within ancient volcanic craters, such as on Heimaey in the Westman Islands, or within sight of angry towering geysers is not an every-day occurrence, which is why they live long in the memory. Interestingly, most courses in Iceland offer a special rate for couples which is significantly less that the cost of two green fees.” For more information, visit www.golficeland.org

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Cycle across the new Brecon Beacons route

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

Make the most of Wales this year...

Looking for holidays in Britain?

Wales has so much to offer.

2017 is here and it’s the perfect time to discover Wales! Explore one of our historic castles, take a city break or relax in a luxury spa. So you may have decided where you are going to visit in Wales and what type of accommodation you will be staying in, and you’ve more than likely got a pretty good idea what great activities will fill your days, but there is so much more great stuff to learn about Wales before you set off. Wales is a place of natural drama,

from the country’s beaches to walking its mountain ranges. The nation’s history is told through its ancient monuments and museums. While the bold 21st century Wales is there for everyone to enjoy on a short break in one of Wales’ cities to explore or getting active in this wonderful natural playground. Find out about the practical stuff, like the weather forecast or how to get to Wales, or delve a little deeper and learn about the history of Wales, literature, music or the Welsh language.

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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Mandy cobane Weddings and Events

Welcome to Mandy cobane Weddings and Events , bespoke and boutique wedding planning and Events company based in St helens Merseyside.We offer a fully client managed service that starts with you and ends with you.From inception to delivery, we will work with you to create the event of your dreams, to capture your imagination and to bring

it alive- always with the highest level of professionalism and dedication, ensuring that everything comes together when it matters. Our services include full wedding and party design, event planning and management, venue searching, theming, sourcing suppliers and party accessories or simply just on the day support. We are truly passionate about

producing unique and personal celebrations based on using our expertise and extra-ordinary insights that make the biggest impact on our client;s special day. We always go that extra mile to create beautiful, bespoke and amazing events with the aim of delivering emotion and everlasting memories for our clients and their guests

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?

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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.

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.

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-tobe 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.

Church Versus Registry Office

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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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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?

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Councillor secures pieces of Haydock's proud history

A Haydock ward councillor has spoken of his delight on securing pieces of local history after a 130-year-old foundation stone, entrance arch and a time capsule, were given back to St Helens Council to put on public display in Haydock. Haydock councillor, Martin Bond, held successful discussions with the land owner of the former Haydock Cottage Hospital to claim possession of a entrance arch, a foundation stone laid by coal mine owner Mrs Josiah Evans, and a time capsule containing two annual reports of the hospital and copies of the Wigan Observer and Earlestown newspapers, which were put into a glass bottle on the opening day of Haydock Cottage Hospital on 7 August, 1886. Haydock Cottage Hospital was built in 1886. The land was donated by Lord Newton along with a piece of land to be used for the recreation of the patients. The colliers of Haydock, raised the princely sum of £290 by a halfpenny a week from their wages. In consideration the committee decided that the miners of Haydock, Parr and Pewfall could be treated free of charge and given free treatment for accidents. Official records state that heroine nurse, Florence Nightingale, requested copies of the hospital plan, and in a letter dated June 10, 1885, she made observations on every detail and also suggestions for improvements to the hospital, which got her overall approval. Following several local colliery closures - coupled with new safety measures imposed on colliery owners by the Coal Mines Act which meant

less accidents, resulting in less patients – the hospital was eventually opened up to all citizens from Haydock and surrounding areas in 1930, until it’s closure in 1975. Present land owner, Issam Jabrow, has plans to rebuild on the site and the foundation stone and time capsule became his on sale of the land. However, following talks with Councillor Bond, Mr Jabrow has kindly agreed to hand over the items so that they can be permanently

displayed in Haydock for residents and family members of those miners who helped fund the hospital - to see Councillor Bond said: “I am absolutely delighted that through the generosity of Mr Jabrow, we can ensure that the memory, history and heritage of the Cottage Hospital can be preserved in Haydock. “I come from a mining family and am profoundly conscious of what we owe to our forebears, who put life and limb at risk every day of their

working lives. “Not only did the mining industry power the Industrial Revolution that founded the wealth of the whole of the UK - it kept the home fires and foundries burning during two world wars. “Now that the pit heads have gone, the time capsule and decorative masonry from the Cottage Hospital will take pride of place in Haydock, so that future generations can learn the story of how and why the hospital came into being." It is planned to display the time capsule at Haydock Library – while the foundation stone and entrance arch will be sited in a different location in the Haydock area later this year.

New partnership confirmed between

Liverpool & Sefton and St Helens Chambers

A new partnership has been confirmed between St Helens Chamber and Liverpool & Sefton Chambers of Commerce to deliver Apprenticeships across the Liverpool City Region. The partnership, which commenced on 1st July 2017, will concentrate Chamber of Commerce delivery of Apprenticeships and other training opportunities into St Helens Chamber, who will operate their service from their existing St Helens base, with an operation at Liverpool & Sefton Chambers' offices at Old Hall Street. As a result of the partnership, St Helens Chamber will deliver qualifications to Apprentices previously attached to Liverpool Chamber Training, the training subsidiary company of Liverpool & Sefton Chambers. Existing Liverpool Chamber Training staff and Apprentices will transfer to St Helens Chamber so there will be complete continuity for existing Apprentices and great opportunities to progress people who are looking to take the next step on their qualification journey. St Helens Chamber, recently awarded the Queen’s Award for Enterprise, have an increasingly broad range of qualifications which includes Apprenticeships, adult

learning and traineeships across a wide range of sectors. This exciting portfolio of training services provides plenty of opportunities for local businesses to use the Chambers of Commerce as their preferred training partner, particularly as organisations seek guidance about how to spend their Apprenticeship levy funds wisely. Kath Boullen, Chief Executive of St Helens Chamber said: “We’re proud of the Apprenticeships St Helens Chamber has delivered to people of all ages across all industry sectors. Our Ofsted ‘Good’ grade is reflective of the quality we consistently deliver which will be replicated in Liverpool. We were rated ‘Outstanding’ by Ofsted for the Personal Development we provide for our Apprentices, which is an important focus of our

approach. "We’re particularly excited at the prospect of broadening our delivery to companies attached to Liverpool Chamber and to supporting businesses in extracting maximum value from their Apprenticeship and training budgets” Neil Ashbridge, the Chair of the Liverpool & Sefton Chambers of Commerce stated: “Liverpool Chamber Training has delivered Apprenticeship qualifications to learners for more than 30 years. This partnership with St Helens Chamber will provide our collective members with an excellent joined up service that serves apprentices across the region with outstanding quality and prestige. "It will also provide the opportunity for the Liverpool & Sefton Chambers of Commerce to concentrate on

delivery in membership services and international trade which are seen as a priority for the future.” Businesses interested in either employing Apprentices or up-skilling their own staff members can contact St Helens Chamber on 01744 742333.

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Discover curious creatures

with Ranger Service

St Helens Council’s Ranger Service is inviting residents to a series of peculiar events this month, on the hunt for a variety of curious creatures. Kicking off the fun, free and familyfriendly activities is the Rangers’ popular ‘moth morning’ event, taking place on Saturday 22 July, 10:30am at the Heritage Visitor Centre, Sankey Valley Country Park, Blackbrook Road. With an illustrated talk, it’s a great opportunity see and photograph a selection of live moths, and learn how to attract an eclipse (or a group) of moths to your garden and identify them. The Heritage Visitor Centre will also be the base from which a ‘bug hunt’ will take place on Wednesday 26 July, 11am-1pm. Event-goers will be guided on a short walk through Stanley Bank Meadow – a designated Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and lauded as one of HRH Prince Charles’ Coronation Meadows

– on the lookout for the wonderful variety of insects, from butterflies to beetles, present in the wildflower ecosystem. Then, on the evening of Friday 28 July, residents can join Rangers and Friends of St Helens Cemetery on a twilight walk searching for and identifying the cemetery’s range of resident bats and other nocturnal and crepuscular creatures. Meet on the main car park, off Rainford Road, starting at 9:30pm. Residents are advised to bring a torch if possible, wear suitable clothing for night time walking. Please leave dogs at home for these events, and call the Ranger Service on 01744 677 772 for further information. Photos show Stanley Bank Meadow, a guided talk by a member of the Ranger Service taking place, and an Elephant Hawk Moth photographed at a previous 'moth morning' event by Dave Owen of the Ranger Service.

Feel the magic at this year’s Summer Beach Disney fans are in for a magical treat next week when Peter Pan, Captain Hook and Tinkerbell - as well as Moana, and Ariel from the Little Mermaid – visit St Helens town centre for the opening of the annual Summer Beach attraction. Join them in Church Square on Saturday 22 July from 11 - 4pm for a meet and greet and take part in a range of fun activities including arts and crafts, glitter tattoos, face painting – and mini interactive shows and games. A host of other much loved children’s TV characters will also visit St Helens while Summer Beach is on, including young superheroes for the animated series, PJ Masks, on Monday 31 July (1pm-3pm) – and tails will certainly be wagging when Chase & co from Paw Patrol call into town on Monday 7 August (1pm-3pm) and for Ben & Holly on Monday 14 August (1pm-3pm). Complete with a large beach area for youngsters to tackle with their buckets and spades - and a fantastic children's funfair Summer Beach will run from Saturday 22

July until Saturday 2 September in Church Square, 10:00am – 4:00pm. The Mayor and Mayoress of St Helens, Councillor Joe and Sylvia Pearson will officially open Summer Beach at 12:00pm on Saturday 22 July. While most of us enjoy the glorious weather and like to have fun in the sun, it is vital to remember the importance of staying safe. Therefore, as part of St Helens Council’s ‘Think Before You Tan’ and ‘Smokefree Summer’ campaigns, posters will be displayed around the Summer Beach attraction with advice and messages on sunbed and sun safety – and how to quit smoking. Gary Maddock, St Helens Council's Town Centre Manager said: "Summer Beach is just one of many red-hot attractions part of scorching schedule of summer events taking place in St Helens over the summer for the kids to enjoy. Several family fun days will take place in parks and markets across the borough, including Sherdley Park (23 July), Victoria Park (29 July & 29 August), St Mary's Market (5,12 & 19

August) and Earlestown Market (4,11,18 August). "Then on Saturday 5 August, prepare to be amazed when the Newton Town Show returns to Mesnes Park. Highlights of this year’s event include a motorbike display team, thrilling helicopter tours, a spectacular parachute display, the traditional tug o’ war –and military action through firing displays by Royal Artillery 103 Regiment and a First World War battle re-enactment. "St Helens is also set to stage its annual Summer Streets – an occasion of outdoor performances set against a carnival atmosphere on Saturday 12 August. Expect a line-up of top artists and attractions from the world of comedy, music, acrobatics, dance, magic and theatre. All the action will take place on the streets in the town centre and all the performances are free!" For regular event updates on what’s happening where and when across the borough, ‘like’ www.facebook.com/ whatsoninsthelens/ on Facebook - or follow @whatsonsthelens on Twitter.

Car seat check event results

As part of a road safety campaign, parents and grandparents in Prescot recently had an expert check that their child’s car seat had been fitted correctly – and the results are in. The campaign by Good Egg InCar Child Safety and supported by Knowsley Council’s Road Safety Team, aims to protect babies and young children by tackling the issue of poorly fitted or inappropriate car seats. 77% of car seats checked at the event were fitted incorrectly, a figure that mirrors the national results from 2016. The most common errors found were slack harnesses and slack seat belts which are fortunately classed as ‘minor’ errors. However, 10% of car seats checked had ‘major’ errors which include the child seat not being attached to the car correctly and the seat belt route being incorrect in some way. Issues like these mean

that in the event of a collision the baby or child is not protected and could suffer serious injury or worse. Car seats were also judged on whether the harness and seat belt were twisted or damaged as well as the actual car seat. Cllr Graham Morgan, Knowsley’s Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Economic Development said: “It was alarming that such a high number of the car seats checked were unsafe, however it is reassuring to know that those faults have now been corrected and those babies and young children are now protected properly. Clearly parents buy car seats with the best of intentions, however the public need to be aware that the risk of serious injury is just as great if the seat is not fitted correctly or if the wrong seat has been chosen for the height, weight and age of the child. In Knowsley we are passionate about protecting the most vulnerable

members of our community and reducing the number of people killed or seriously injured in road traffic collisions. In addition to these types of safety events, our Road Safety team also delivers a comprehensive programme of education and training to every school in Knowsley and is committed to child safety.” If you missed the event and would like to find out more information about car seat safety please visit Good Egg Car Safety’s website or you can contact roadsafety@knowsley.gov. uk to request a car seat safety guide.

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Redeveloped Ruskin is a sight to behold St Helens Council marked the reopening of Ruskin Drive sports complex over the weekend ((8-9 July) by hosting one of the region’s biggest multi-sports events with many of the clubs who use the site. The annual St Helens Sports Festival – attended by over 7000 spectators including the Mayor and Mayoress of St Helens, Joe and Sylvia Pearson; St Helens Council Leader Barrie Grunewald; Liverpool City Region Metro Mayor Steve Rotherham; MP Marie Rimmer and former Premier League referee, Chis Foy – saw sports teams from across the North West compete in various activities on the site’s new and improved 3G floodlit artificial rugby and football pitches, cricket and rounders field, bowling green, and all weather tennis courts.

Other improvements to the site include the installation of six new changing room and two new carparks, taking the capacity of onsite car parking to nearly 500 vehicles. The redevelopment totalled £3.6 million – over half of which has been provided by non-council sources including Sport England, the Football Foundation, Lawn Tennis Association, the Rugby Football League and Pilkington Recs ARLFC, who received compensation when their City Road home was developed for housing. Ruskin has already been in the media spotlight earlier this year after Pilkington Rec’s Challenge Cup fixture against Siddal was televised and streamed online by the BBC – and was the saviour of the British

Army Rugby League squad who might not have been able to train for their own Challenge Cup game, had it not been for Ruskin’s RFL certified artificial turf rugby pitch, designed to accommodate grass route sports and higher level performers in all weather. Ruskin is also providing a new home for St. Helens Town FC, who had not been based in the borough for

almost a decade – and hosted a well contested under 12s county cricket match between Lancashire and Yorkshire (Sunday 9 July) as part of the reopening event. Commenting on the redeveloped complex, St Helens Council Leader Barrie Grunewald said: “This marvellous facility will be a huge boost for sport and the development

of St Helens which will enable even more people to become active. “The council is committed to improving people’s lives, creating better places, and delivering effectively together. Ruskin Drive is a symbol of that commitment.” Councillor Sue Murphy, portfolio holder for leisure services, added: “It’s wonderful to finally see this

colossal sports complex open to the public. For many years, Ruskin Drive was the envy of many a sports team visiting from outside the borough – so we’re extremely proud to have this new and improved state of the art facility on our doorstep which will benefit thousands of people.”

Award-winning Couch to 5k up and running for the summer

An award-winning community sport project which gets people off their couch to running a full 5k in just 10 weeks is up and running again for the summer. Couch to 5k Registration is now open for St Helens Sports Development’s ‘Couch to 5k’ programme which has seen over 2,500 inactive local people get involved in physical activity by attending weekly sessions on Sutton Leisure Centre’s athletics track where they have slowly built up their fitness over 10 weeks. Running from Monday 24 July to Saturday 30 September, Couch to 5k – which was named Community Project of the Year at the Merseyside Sporting Champions Dinner 2016 – costs £10 for the ten weeks, which works out at just 33p a session if attended three times a week. On the tenth week, participants have the option to run a full 5k on the track and then take part in the successful St Helens parkrun in Victoria Park. Runners confident enough can then progress on to one of the many

local jogging groups available. Sports Development Officer, Gemma Harkness, said: “Since starting the programme in 2015, feedback has been phenomenal, with most people recording a weight loss, improvements in sleep, mental health, and general fitness. "There’s no pressure at all because you work at your own pace in a safe and supportive atmosphere where trained staff are on hand to support you throughout the programme and keep you motivated.” Sessions take place every Monday and Wednesday, 6pm to 7pm, and Saturdays, 9:15am to 10am, with week one commencing on Monday 24 July. To register and to view a list of FAQs, https://www.eventbrite. co.uk/e/st-helens-couch-to-5kjuly-2017-tickets-35398315314 Email gemmaharkness@ sthelens.gov.uk for more details.

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Mark Percival is expecting a physical game when Catalan come to the Totally

Wicked Stadium this Sunday. Saints play the Dragons following a 1912 home victory over Hull FC last Friday night, which leaves them just four points off a semi-final spot. Percival said: “Everyone is saying we should beat Catalan on Sunday but they have a quality team. They are a tough side who play a physical game so we will have to bring that to the match. “They also have a new boss who seems to have tidied their game up. Although results haven’t gone their way in the last couple of weeks in the majority of these games they have been in those contests.” Mark bagged a brace and three goals in a great performance on Friday but knows a team effort is required to beat the Dragons. “We need to think of doing the basics right and that should hopefully give us the win,” he added. “The way the table is, every point matters, we can’t have a week off and think we’ll get the win next week. “We need every point in the game and I’m hoping we can take the two in the game on Friday.” Tickets for the clash, which kicks off at 3pm on Sunday July 16, are on sale from the Ticket Office, by calling 01744 455 052 or online http://saints. retailsportssystems.com/matchtickets. html.

Justin Holbrook wants Saints to continue their good form as they aim to back up their win over Hull FC

Catalans Dragons come to town on Sunday and the head coach says his charges are now in ‘Super 8s’ mode. “The Super 8s started for us a couple of weeks back in effect,” he said. “We needed a win last week, that was obvious, and now we have to continue that and chase those above us. “It is an exciting time of the year and we have put ourselves in a position to be able to do that. “Catalans are hard to predict. They held Wigan at 10-10 with three guys suspended and those players will come back in this week. Recent weeks show they are improving. We have to be aware of them but be aware of our performance too. “We have to play well from the start. We have been playing well for a few weeks now and consistency is what is needed for us to catch the top four.” He continued: “I always said we would continue to improve and get better as a side. The forward pack is going well now the strike players are doing well has a few games under his belt and is “We are heading in the right direction Tickets for the clash, which kicks sale from the Ticket Office, by calling saints.retailsportssystems.com/ on the outside – and Jonny Lomax better for it. at the right time of the year.” off at 3pm on Sunday July 16, are on 01744 455 052 or online http:// matchtickets.html.

Each Edition of the St Helens Local has a print run of 5,025 copies. Published by JAC Media Ltd, Foxhall Lodge, Foxhall Road, Nottingham, NG7 6LH.