Wigan West Edition
Jan/Feb 2013
First & Last
with Paul Sculthorpe
Backing
the Good Traders
Jack’s Tracks visits Lathom
Money Column by TV’s Martin Lewis
www.locallife247.co.uk
Come and visit our newly-opened
Superb Showhome
Old Station Court, Church Street, Orrell A prestigious development of two, three and five bedroom homes
For more information or to receive a brochure contact
01942 603222
www.lowtondevelopments.co.uk
Designed to match classic elegance and contemporary style; craftsman built to an extremely high specification using carefully sourced materials; and finished with meticulous attention to detail, each superb detached property is full of character and has its own, unique charm including our innovative renovation of a local hostelry. Tumbled bricks, stone sills, leaded windows, underfloor heating and many other design features as standard add to the sense of quality that these spacious, stylish homes exude.
For further information on this beautiful development contact: www.borronshaw.co.uk
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Orrell Office 2 Sefton Road, Orrell, Wigan WN5 8UP Telephone: 01695 632 123 Facsimile: 01695 625 741
• YA R W O O D WAY •
New for 2013! Yarwood Way is a select and secure gated development of 12 contemporary homes in Orrell Situated directly opposite our sister development, Sandcross Gardens, this brand new development offers the discerning buyer a truly exceptional standard of design and build.
Prices start from just
Reserve your plot now!
• 3-4 bedroomed semi-detached home • 3 bed bungalow • 4 bedroomed detached home
£169,950
One Only! A truly prestigious bespoke six bedroomed detached family home on Sandcross Gardens, a gated development off Sandbrook Road. The epitome of deluxe living, this magnificent property enjoys a large corner plot, has Bosch appliances included throughout and boasts a wireless Sonos sound system, under floor heating, pre-fitted solar panels and many other outstanding design features.
Price - £349,950
Call now on 0844 774 4460 for a viewing
www.locallife247.co.uk
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Newton Road, Billinge
Smithy Glen, Billinge
Naburn Drive, Orrell
Mill Lane, Up Holland
£625,000
£599,000
£250,000
£225,000
Storwood Close, Orrell
Mill Lane, Up Holland
Tower Hill, Upholland
Naburn Drive, Orrell
£195,000
£187,500 4 bed detached
3 bed semi-bungalow
£175,000
£175,000
Farm Meadow Rd, Orrell
Moor Road, Orrell
Upholland Road, Billinge
Munro Avenue, Orrell
4 bed detached
3 bed detached
£160,000
£139,950
4 bed detached
£135,000
3 bed detached
3 bed detached
£135,000
3 bed detached
3 bed semi-detached
4 bed semi-detached
3 bed semi-detached
Edge Hall Road, Orrell
Willard Avenue, Billinge
Lakeside Avenue, Billinge
Sefton Road, Orrell
£132,000
4
5 bed detached
2 bed semi-detached
£130,000
3 bed semi-detached
£124,500
2 bed semi-bungalow
£99,950
2 bed mid-terraced
If you live in the Orrell, Billinge and Up Holland area and you want to sell your house FAST, there’s only one place to go…. Average Selling Time
28 32 36 39 47 WEEKS
WEEKS
WEEKS
WEEKS
WEEKS
BorronShaw Orrell
Alan Batt Wigan
Regan & Hallworth Wigan
Winnard & Brown Wigan
Reeds Rains Pemberton
*Average Selling Time relates to figures supplied from www.rightmove.co.uk. This is the average time the estate agents above take to sell a property in postcode sectors WN5 and WN8 from 4th November 2012 – 1st December 2012.
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5
Kick Start Required? Publisher: Local Life 247 Ltd Unit 8, Hewitt Business Park Winstanley Road Orrell Nr. Wigan WN5 7XB T 01695 627 999 @
info@locallife247.co.uk
W www.locallife247.co.uk
Sales & Editorial: Chris Pearce Nicola Gray sales@locallife247.co.uk Design & Production: Peter Bretherton design@locallife247.co.uk Accounts & Distribution: Sally Boon accounts@locallife247.co.uk The February issue of Local Life will be published on Thursday 31st January. The copy deadline is Thursday 17th January. Local Life is published every month. The magazine is distributed into the following edition areas on an alternate monthly basis. The Wigan West edition is delivered to over 12,500 private homes and businesses in Orrell, Billinge, Winstanley, Up Holland, Highfield, Marus Bridge, Roby Mill and parts of Pemberton. The Wigan North edition is delivered to over 12,500 private homes and businesses in Standish, Shevington, Whitley, Appley Bridge, Standish Lower Ground, Parbold, Newburgh, Wrightington and Hilldale. You can also pick up a free copy of Local Life at Sainsburys or Tesco Extra in Wigan. Local Life is also published in the West Lancashire and St Helens areas. Whilst every care has been taken to ensure that the data in this publication is accurate, neither the publisher or its editorial contributors can accept, and hereby disclaim, any liability to any party to loss or damage caused by errors or omissions resulting from negligence, accident or other cause. No part of this publication, including pictures, may be copied or reproduced without the prior written consent of Local Life 247 Ltd.
When you receive the new edition of Local Life - remember to recycle the old one.
6
Finding local news and events to publicise in January is much like looking for a black cat in a coal cellar - pretty difficult to find! So, in the absence of much of the usual content, I hope you can find enough in this January issue to help you kick start your New Year. However, if you don’t want a kick start and you’d rather sit at home in the warm (like I will be!), then I’m sure you’ll find other things to enjoy in this issue too! Next month we launch one of our most important initiatives to date; we’ve joined forces with the Trading Standards team at Wigan Council to take our support of the Good Trader scheme to a new level. As from the next issue, ALL of the tradespeople in our Home Services section at the back of the magazine will have been checked out by Trading Standards teams in Wigan, St Helens or Lancashire. Despite the abundance of TV programmes such as Watchdog, Rogue Traders and Builders from Hell, householders are still getting ripped off when they use tradespeople without checking out their credentials first. So, if you’re in the habit of using the local papers, telephone directories and many promotional websites to source trustworthy tradesmen - for your own safety, don’t! Make it your New Year resolution to use either the Home Services section in Local Life or to visit the Wigan Good Trader scheme website for trusted tradespeople. We have a big year ahead; this year Local Life turns five! We’ve gone through the sleepless nights, the teething problems and the terrible twos, and we’re ready to go out in the big wide world! Hopefully you too have exciting plans of your own for 2013; if so, let’s drink to a successful year for us all! See you next time,
chrisp@locallife247.co.uk In this issue 17 20 28 34 38 41 42 44 46 47 48 52 56 58 60 61 70
Returning those Gifts First & Last – Paul Sculthorpe Love Croatia! Newfold Picture Special Money & Investment with Prosper IFA Accountancy Tips from CMA Credit Cards – Martin Lewis Supporting Good Traders Stave off the Winter Blues Orange Marmalade & Chocolate Shortbread Jack’s Tracks visits Lathom Test Drive – Skoda Rapid Angie Barker’s Garden Diary Pets Section Puzzle Corner Home Services Green and Clean’s Useful Numbers
Veterans Honoured
Local MP, Yvonne Fovargue hosted her inaugural Christmas Veterans’ Luncheon at St Matthews Parish Hall, Highfield in December and was joined by over 170 veterans from across the Makerfield area. Special guests included the Mayor of Wigan, Cllr Myra Whiteside and her consort, Mr John Hurst as well as the area’s former MP Sir Ian McCartney, accompanied by Lady Ann McCartney. Winstanley Councillor Clive Morgan, a former Welsh Guard and a veteran of the 1982 Falklands War, was the MC for the day. The Vicar of St Matthews Parish, Revd Bob Pearson was on hand to open the event with prayers followed by the Exhortation led by Mr Mel Lee (Royal British Legion) and Mr Lawrence Powers (Burma Star Assoc). Tucking into award winning pies kindly provided by event sponsor Pooles Pies guests were also entertained by the music of Mr Tony Bostock, including a medley of wartime anthems and music hall favourites for everyone to sing along to. Various prizes were donated by a selection of Wigan businesses and the MP herself, and these were raffled off at the lunch. Pictured is Yvonne presenting a
Local Life Christmas Hamper to veteran Doug Bannister of Mervyn Place in Poolstock. The Makerfield MP has pledged to make the Christmas Luncheon an annual event. Yvonne Fovargue MP said: “On behalf of the whole community across the Makerfield constituency, I want to recognise and celebrate the outstanding contribution made by the men and women present today both at home and abroad.”
Orrell
Salem Reformed Church,
Shevington
Shevington Methodist Church,
Standish
Standish High School,
Church Street (opp. Co-Op) Mondays at 5pm and 7pm
Gathurst Lane Tuesdays 3.30pm, 5pm and 7pm
Kenyon Rd, Off Preston Road Wednesdays 5pm and 7pm
Just call Senior Consultant Barbara on
01695 731 343 or just come along!
* when you buy a 12 week countdown course 1-26 January 2013
www.locallife247.co.uk
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Prom Day If you have a party princess who is leaving school this year, then no doubt you will have been informed that your duties as a parent requires parting with a sum equivalent to our national debt for her prom night. Anything less than that and you could well receive a call from Childline! Fear not, you can take the stress out of all the planning by attending the rather exclusive Prom Day event being held from 10am-5pm on Saturday 19th January at Romancia, located on Main Street in Billinge. There, your very own prom queen can browse through the whole range of Paparazzi and Flaunt Prom dresses by must-have designer Mori Lee.
Greenslate Update Billinge & Orrell Transition Group’s proposal to create a community farm at Greenslate Farm in Billinge has taken a major step forward. They have succeeded in securing the offer of a lease from Wigan MBC on approximately 17 acres of the land at Greenslate The group now intend to secure start-up funding for the project from a variety of sources including grant-awarding bodies. This process is likely to take a further 12 to 18
months but in the meantime there will be several publicity events taking place throughout the coming year at which you will be able to find out about the project and how to get involved. The first of these events is taking place at Greenslate Farm on Saturday 19th January 2013 at 10am. The group are setting up a small-scale trial vegetable plot and would like volunteers from the community to help dig over the plot. Tools and refreshments will be provided and there will be plenty of opportunities to talk to members of the group about the project. Further information about Billinge & Orrell Transition Group, Greenslate Community Farm and the January event can be found on their website www.billingeorrelltransition.org.uk or by phoning Mandy on 01695 632825.
Get a mention If you’re a member of a community group and you want to publicise your next event free in Local Life, then just email details along with a contact name and number to editorial@locallife247.co.uk
Take your pick of the Prom gowns at our Prom Day! Full range of Paparazzi and Flaunt Prom Gowns available Saturday 19th January 10am - 5pm No appointment required – just pop in! Refreshments available
Beautiful gowns, elegant surroundings, personal friendly service. 209 / 211 Main Street, Billinge, WN5 7PB For directions call: 01744 894 443 8
Pumpkin Winners The annual ‘Guess the Weight of the Pumpkin’ competition was held at Windy Arbour Farm recently and two local charities benefitted to the tune of £450 from the generosity of customers at the popular farm shop! Customers paid £1 each to guess the weight of the giant pumpkin, which was specially grown for Windy Arbour by grower Jimmy Rimmer of Tarleton, and there were three winners! The pumpkin weighed in at a whopping 18 stone 12lbs, and the three winning guesses came from Joan Roberts, Gillian Leigh and Poppy Halliwell. Each of the winners won £25 worth of food from Windy Arbour Farm Shop. The charities that benefitted from the competition were the Wigan and Leigh Hospice and Joining Jack, who both took away a cheque for £225. Pictured with that pumpkin are Lee Forshaw from Lion’s Den Gym in Bryn, Geoff Rigby from Windy Arbour, ex-Saints legend Paul Sculthorpe and one of the competition winners Joan Roberts, and also Rachel Rigby presenting a cheque to Stuart Liptrot from Wigan & Leigh Hospice.
Spring/summer occasion wear now arriving
Let’s Zumba with Nikki Long!
All levels of fitness welcomed No booking required – just turn up!
2013 classes start Tuesday 8th January Class Details Hope School - Marus Bridge Monday 7:00pm & 8:00pm Wednesday 6:30pm & 7:30pm Grange Community Centre – Marus Bridge Tuesdays 2:00pm
Call Nikki for details on 07974 177 751 Zumba with Nikki Long
www.locallife247.co.uk
Sale Now On Up to 70% off!
721 Ormskirk Road, Pemberton, WN5 8AQ Free parking at rear of shop
Call - 01942 212520
www.aubergineladieswear.co.uk Closed Wednesday
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Competition Winners! We had an enormous response to our Lancashire Day competition. The prizes on offer were three meals for two at the Dicconson Arms in Appley Bridge, an award winning restaurant known for its excellent regional cuisine. The lucky winners were Joan Swift of Moor Road in Orrell, Kath Pyke of Haddon Road in Goose Green and Barbara Ashall (pictured) from Millhouse View in Up Holland. A big thank you to all those readers who entered the competition. And the answers to the quiz were; Ah’m afeart (I’m afraid), Eaw’t diggl’in? (How are you doing?), Swant a brew? (Would you care for a cup of tea?), Gerritt ett’n (Would you eat it please), Binmonbin? (Has the Bin Man been?), Woss up wi thi? (What is wrong with you?).
Calling Community Groups Local Life needs your help in compiling a directory of community and sports groups for a new project that we’re launching in 2013. If you’re involved in any not-for-profit group from sports teams to knitting groups, from toddlers play to history societies, from quiz leagues to camera clubs, then we want just ten minutes of your time.
New Year!! New Career!! The Nail & Beauty Training Academy is hosting a number of courses in 2013 that are suitable for beauty trainees, mobile hairdressers/beauticians and others who require expert tuition.
Nails Courses for Beginners £399 Spray Tan courses £80 Make Up courses Gel Nail & Nail Art for ages 10 to 16 For more information call Clare on
07753 387 680
Nail & Beauty Rooms
259a Orrell Road, Orrell Post, WN5 8NB
Call - 01942 621875 07753 387 680
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In less than 100 words, email us details of your group to editorial@locallife247.co.uk. Don’t forget the basic necessities; what, where, when etc. You don’t have to give us more than the basics, but if you can, then please use this opportunity to let our readers know more about your club. If you have a logo, then please also email your logo as a separate attachment. Finally, don’t forget to include a contact number, contact email or website if possible. For those groups who don’t have access to email, then please write to Local Life 247 Ltd, Unit 8 – Hewitt Business Park, Winstanley Road, Orrell, Wigan WN5 7XB.
Improve your mind, body and spirit in 2013 Beginners & intermediate yoga classes at; The Grange Community Centre Highfield Grange Ave, Marus Bridge Tuesday 11am-12.30pm Thursday 6.30pm-7.30pm Friday 1.30pm-2.30pm St Peter’s High School Howards Lane, Orrell Wednesday 7.15pm-8.15pm Shevington Methodist Church Gathurst Road, Shevington Monday 10am-11am Please bring yoga mat, a blanket and water For more details call Claire on 07742 913 711
Love Life Love Yoga!
Call: 07742 913 711 www.lovelifeloveyoga.co.uk
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UP TO
%
OFF
bespoke fused glass design
morpheus glass
January sale Saturday 19 th & Sunday 20 th
At our January sale open studio weekend there will be a wide range of pieces on show and many items will have up to 70% off plus all orders placed on the weekend will receive 30% off the normal RRP. All our work is handmade by glass designer Stephanie Bowen at the studio and pieces can be made to order to suit any space including splashbacks. So come and join us on the 19th and 20th January 2013 open from 10 - 4 both days. Unit 11, Hewitt Business Park Winstanley Road, Orrell, Wigan, WN5 7XB t/f 01695 624182 w www.morpheusglass.co.uk e info@morpheusglass.co.uk splashbacks | panels | coasters | jewellery | hangings | sculptures | bowls
www.locallife247.co.uk
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Cross Street Art The latest exhibition of Cross Street Art restarts after the Christmas break on the 10th January at the gallery in Cross St in Standish. Opening times are 12-4pm Thursday and Friday, and the exhibition runs until 22nd January. If you’re looking to enjoy some New Year inspiration, then do feel free to call into the gallery and enjoy some art. All work on show is available for sale, and the Gallery says it has ‘Unique artworks to suit all budgets’, so pop in and see what’s on offer! Pictured is artist Vikki Hughes, putting the finishing touches to artwork.
Parkside Concert
Zap that frizz
The Parkside Colliery Male Voice Choir will be performing a concert at Trinity United Reformed Church on Milton Grove in Wigan on Saturday 9th March 2013. It will commence at 7.30pm and will be in aid of Mencap and The Torch Trust charities. Ticket prices are £4.50 for adults and £3.50 concessions, and refreshments are included. Tickets are available from Gill Brimelow on 01942 515791.
Wedding Fair
Hair Studio
uni ex s
...with our new hair-taming system! Other treatments available
Brazilian Blow Dry
£60
nths)
(Lasts up to 3 mo
Mini Brazilian
£30
nth)
(Lasts up to 1 mo
Excel Hair Studio, 130 Church Street, Orrell Telephone: 01942 700731
Total satisfaction guaranteed!
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The first wedding fair of the 2013 season kicks off this Sunday (6th January) at the Park Inn, St Helens from 12 noon. Organisers have a great day in store for you all with ideas and inspiration galore and over thirty amazing wedding suppliers on hand to plan your most perfect wedding day. There will also be designer catwalk shows, vintage cars, venue stylists, creative cakes, entertainers and beauticians on hand to give you inspiration. Entry is free and everyone will receive a wedding magazine and exclusive goody bag.
You’ll be able to browse through some original pieces of glass art, perfect for a unique present for your family and friends. Gifts on offer will include handmade jewellery; earrings, bracelets and pendants, coaster sets, colourful hangings and other interesting pieces. If your budget is a bit more considerable, you can pick up glass splashbacks, sculptures and wall panels at a fraction of the price you’ll pay elsewhere! For more information about the Open Weekend or Morpheus Glass please check out the website at www.morpheusglass.co.uk.
Open Weekend Morpheus Glass, based at Hewitt Business Park off Winstanley Road in Orrell, is staging an Open Weekend on Saturday 19th and Sunday 20th January, where members of the public can visit their studio, inspect their collection of glass fusion work and pick up some unbelievable bargains with up to 70% off retail prices!
Roll back the years with CACI Ultra! A revolutionary non-surgical anti-aging system as seen on C4’s ’10 Years Younger’ As used by
Madonna & J-Lo Book your CACI Ultra taster session & consultation now for just £15* *Offer valid until 28th February
enus V
Beauty Studio
www.locallife247.co.uk
Before
After
Venus Beauty Studio (Within FX Leisure) Abbey Lakes, Orrell, WN5 8QZ
01695 624 623 www.venusbeautystudio.com
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St Thomas the Martyr
Do you long for a
chance to dance? NEW CLASSES START W/C 14TH JANUARY 2013 Monday 6.45pm Improver Ladies Latin Dance-Fusion (Dance For Fitness 60 mins) 7.45pm NEW Absolute Beginner Ballroom / Latin / Salsa (60 mins) 8.45pm Beginner / Improver Ballroom / Latin / Salsa (60 mins) Tuesday 6.45pm Improver Ladies Latin Dance-Fusion (Dance For Fitness 60 mins) 7.45pm NEW Absolute Beginner Ballroom / Latin / Salsa (60 mins) Thursday 6.45pm NEW Starters Ladies Latin Dance-Fusion (Dance For Fitness 60 mins) 7.45pm Beginner / Improver Ballroom / Latin / Salsa (60 mins)
Dancers of all ages and abilities welcomed Classes hosted by Tony and Margaret Long, British and International Dance Champions. Private lessons for all levels available on request.
The Longsway Dance Centre offer classes, private tuition, practice sessions, party nights, weekend breaks and dance holidays for dance lovers of all levels. Trinity Church Hall, Fleet Street, Pemberton, Wigan WN5 0DS
Call: 01942 732763 or 07763 465569 E-mail: longswaydance@me.com
www.longswaydance.co.uk
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Victorian Christmas Fayre
Natural beauty through medical expertise Natura Skin Clinic is a friendly, family-run private clinic in Cheshire where every single procedure is carried out in clinical safety by highly experienced doctors. Discover more about our non-surgical treatments using the latest technology or book your free Skin Evaluation today. Botox • Fillers • Laser Hair Removal • Multi-Layer Skin Rejuvenation • Face & Leg Vein Removal • Skin Tightening • Laser Dermabrasion • Skin Resurfacing
Call 01925 398 304 or visit www.naturaskinclinic.co.uk Natura Skin Clinic • 230c Newton Road • Lowton • Warrington • Cheshire • WA32AD
www.locallife247.co.uk
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r e t n i W e Sal on! now
up to
50% off selected blinds
See our Perfect Fit displays at York Windows on Caroline St reet, Wigan!
Pop in today and see our huge selection of; • Perfect Fit clip-on blinds • Roman blinds • Wooden venetians • Rollers • Pleated blinds • Venetians • Verticals Sale ends 28th February 2012
5 year guarantee on all Harmony Blinds Up to 24 months interest free credit Home appointments available 7 days a week
Call - 01942 743203
685a Ormskirk Road, Pemberton, Wigan, WN5 8AQ
www.harmonyofwigan.co.uk
16
Returning a gift – know your rights By Dean Dunham
If you are likely to change your mind about buying a gift, it pays to shop on the web. It’s vitally important to be aware of your rights when it comes to returning or exchanging presents. But what are your legal rights if you need to return goods? The answer is that it depends on whether you bought the item in a shop or over the internet. If you buy something that is faulty then you are automatically entitled to a full refund regardless of where you bought it. So if that gleaming new toy that you’ve brought for a child is flawed when they open the box, take it straight back. It’s slightly different if you want a refund for something because you’ve changed your mind – and it depends on where and when you bought it. High Street Unfortunately, when you buy from a physical shop you are not entitled to a refund just because you change your mind. Last year I bought a jumper for my wife. I gave it to her on her birthday, but when she opened it up she absolutely hated it. When we took it back to the shop and asked for a refund, the shop said no.
When the first camera arrived I telephoned the website and I told them I’d changed my mind and asked for my money back. At first they refused, but what you need to know is that when you buy online your rights are different to if you walk into a shop, because of the cooling off period. When you are shopping on the net, you have seven days to change your mind from when you receive the goods. So if you have second thoughts when you get the item, you can get your money back and get something else in time for the special occasion instead. If a member of the public does not know their rights, they are often refused a refund and that’s the end of the matter. So you should say the following: “Under the distance selling regulations, you have to give me seven days cooling off. I know my rights and I want my money back.” If they still refuse to allow you to return the goods for a full refund, then make a note of date and keep a copy of any emails. You can then contact your local trading standards office. You can find more info about your consumer rights on my website www.youandyourrights.co.uk or by joining me on twitter @deandunham. Happy shopping!
Annoyingly, they were fully entitled to refuse. Lots of people think you should get a refund for changing your mind, but this isn’t the case. Most retailers will, however, allow you an exchange if you have proof of purchase. A right to exchange is not a legal requirement, but often it’s part of the retailer’s own terms and conditions. It’s therefore a good idea to always check the shop’s exchange policy before you buy.
Online When you buy goods and services online you have enhanced rights, which entitle you to a seven day cooling off period if you change your mind. I purchased a camera online last year. I’d ordered it on the Monday and by the Tuesday I’d seen an advert for a brand new Sony camera, and I thought: “Oh, actually I would rather get that one.”
www.locallife247.co.uk
17
Billinge Freecycle
Panto Fun
Some of you may be familiar with the growing ‘freeconomy’ movement where people get together to give away or swap unwanted items. This can be that stuff that’s been lying around in your spare room for years, unwanted Christmas gifts, or items that are no longer needed. Quite literally, anything donated can be given or taken for free; tools, computers, books, clothes, CDs, DVDs, small furniture, suitcases and so on.
If you’re not ready for the seasonal fun to stop then don’t despair; St John’s Amateur Concert and Dramatic Society are staging their annual pantomime from Friday 1st to Saturday 9th February! That timeless classic, Sleeping Beauty, will be performed at St John’s Day School on Church Street in Pemberton. Performances will start at 7.30pm on weekdays and 7pm on Saturdays, but there will be no production on Monday 4th February. However, there will be a matinee performance on Sunday 3rd Febuary starting at 4pm. Tickets are priced at £7 for adults and £5 for children. This group’s productions are very popular, so please book your tickets early by calling Anne Parfitt on 01942 621701 or email your ticket requirements to drp2147@blueyonder.co.uk.
Get a mention The benefit of Freecycle is that these unwanted items can find a good home with people who have a genuine need for them. Landfill space is saved, people can acquire things that perhaps they couldn’t afford to buy, and it fosters goodwill & connections in the communities where the events take place. Tea, coffee and home-made cakes will also be on sale at the event. Billinge & Orrell Transition Group are organising one of these events on January 26th 2013 from 10am-12 noon. Everyone is welcome to come along, but the event is not open to traders, hoarders or car boot sellers. The provisional venue will be Bispham Methodist Church Hall on Crank Road, but, as Local life went to press, this venue is still to be confirmed so please check community notice boards for any changes or call Mandy on 01695 632825. For further information and contact details see the group’s website:- www.billingeorrelltransition.org.uk.
Kumon’s maths and English study programmes work to build your child’s confidence and inspire a passion for learning. Contact your local Instructor for a Free Assessment.
Wigan, Winstanley Study Centre Pauline Cooper 01942 203847
If you’re a member of a community group and you want to publicise your next event free in Local Life, then just email details along with a contact name and number to editorial@locallife247.co.uk
Is your child ready for primary school in 2013?
Come and look round our newly refurbished and recently extended school in the picturesque Lancashire village of Roby Mill. We offer our pupils a safe, friendly and happy environment where they can develop their talents to their fullest potential.
Boost your child’s confidence
Call now for an appointment to view
the school
Roby Mill C.E. Primary School School Lane, Roby Mill, Up Holland, WN8 0QR
Telephone: 01695 622536
kumon.co.uk
www.roby-mill.lancsngfl.ac.uk
Developing Potential • Celebrating Success
18
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19
First By Nicola Gray
First memory you have One of my first memories and one that I always remember very clearly is Christmas Day. I was about six years old and I got the Millennium Falcon from Star Wars off Father Christmas! It’s all I wanted and remember just running round the house screaming! First school you attended The first school I attended was Thorp Primary School in Royton, Oldham. I loved school and had a great time there – apart from the times I was sent to see the Head Mistress, Mrs Hoggard and getting walloped with a table tennis bat! First job you had
Paul Sculthorpe was born to play Rugby League and is regarded as one of the true greats of the modern game! He was born and raised in Oldham and educated at Thorp Primary School and Counthill School. Even before he had started his professional Rugby League career with Warrington Wolves as a 17 year-old – Paul was being touted as a future Great Britain Captain. In 1998 Paul signed for St Helens at the age of 20 in a world record transfer for a forward. He was definitely value for money as he helped to win a total of four Grand Finals, three Challenge Cups and two World Club Challenges. He retired from professional rugby in 2008. Paul now lives in Orrell with his wife and three children. He runs his own business Scully 13, offering Rugby League skill camps to local children and schools. The aim of the camps is to develop Rugby League skills in children of all ages, bring new players to the sport and encouraging students to maintain a healthy lifestyle. For more information have a look online at www.scully13.co.uk.
20
My first job was signing full-time with Warrington RLFC. I had started an A-Level course in PE & Psychology but quit college after four months as the Super League season went full-time. My first fulltime contract saw me earning £20k per year plus match payments & bonuses. There were too many funny moments to mention driving from Oldham to Warrington with 4 teammates!! First car you bought My first car was an Astra 1.6 I paid about £2k for it. A couple of months later I was given a sponsored car so I flogged the Astra! A couple of months later I bought a Vitara ‘Fat Boy’ Jeep in black with a white roof and blacked out windows - I thought I was the nuts! It was a good job I bought it too, as I crashed and wrote off my first three sponsored cars! First house you bought This was a gorgeous detached bungalow I bought when I was 18 over in Oldham. I paid £96k for it in 1995 and my wife-to-be Lindsay actually moved in with me, she was only 17! The first thing we bought was a British Bulldog called Boss! Four years later our son Jake was born and we moved over to Wigan in 2003. First pub or club you visited This would be Butterflies in Oldham. I went with some of the lads I played rugby with - I was about 15 at the
&
Last
time but always looked older! I can honestly say though I never touched alcohol as I was focussed on doing whatever I could to make it as a professional rugby player. First record you bought The first CD I bought would have been one of the Now compilations - probably about NOW 10! I still buy them now, but for my kids obviously! I listen to all types of music but I do like upbeat dance music, especially when I’m in the gym! First best friend My best mate was a lad called Mark Taylor who went all the way through playschool, nursery and primary school with me. We were always up to something, but I lost touch with him when we moved house when I was 11. I have seen him several times since but wouldn’t have a clue what he is up to now.
Last disagreement you had This was with a referee in Dubai! To be fair to him we were playing Rugby Union and I don’t know the rules! As always though, as I’ve learnt throughout my career, the referee is ALWAYS right! Last time you went shopping I bought a few presents for my wife and kids from Dubai. Perfume for Lindsay, some Beats by Dre headphones for the two eldest and a camel teddy for the little one! I do like shopping - Manchester and Liverpool are two of my favourite places to shop. Last holiday you had I went to Cornwall for a week in July with family and in-laws! It was absolutely gorgeous; the beaches are spectacular if you get the weather. We hired a big house on Porth Beach, the kids had a ball, I will definitely be going back! Last sporting event you attended I went to the Man Utd v Arsenal game at Old Trafford in November. I was in a corporate box with Wish Communications, whom I do some business with. I love to go to as many different sporting events as I can, I’ve been lucky enough to go to some of the biggest, including the British Grand Prix at Silverstone and the British Open Golf.
First kiss I think it was a girl called Kate! She obviously made a big impression! Last restaurant you visited This was The Meat Co at the Madinat Jumeirah Hotel in Dubai. I was there with several rugby colleagues and their wives at the end of last year – we were playing in the Dubai 7’s for the Joining Jack Charity. Some of the players who joined us at the restaurant were former Wigan stars Denis Betts, Mick Cassidy and Steve Blakely. Last DIY task attempted I love DIY! I bet there’s not a tool or piece of kit I’ve not got! The last job I did was actually round at a friend’s house, hanging a couple of pieces of memorabilia for him. I won’t embarrass him by naming him but it was former Wigan legend Steve Hampson! Sorry mate. Last film you watched I think the last time I went to the cinema was the Christmas before last to watch Arthur Christmas! I am rubbish at the cinema, I always nod off! I blame it on my daughter Evie, she always sits on my knee and goes to sleep and that sets me off!
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Happy Birthday!
Keep it under your hat but a certain local publishing company celebrates their 5th birthday later this year. First produced from a front bedroom on Sandy Lane in Orrell, Local Life turns 5 years old in May! Since those days, we have moved just 900 yards away onto the Hewitt Business Park off Winstanley Road, and we now produce three magazines which are delivered to over 67,000 homes over a two month period in Wigan, St Helens and West Lancs. To celebrate our anniversary, we have now made the leap feet first into social media; so please do come along and
say hello! Search for ‘Local Life Media’ on Facebook or follow us @LocalLifeMedia on Twitter. We’ll have exclusive competitions just for Facebook fans and Twitter followers, you’ll be the first to know when there’s a new Jack’s Tracks available, we’ll be telling you about forthcoming community events, keeping you up to date with the local news and letting you know what’s in the next magazine. We’ll also be keeping you up to date with special offers from our advertisers, so follow and friend us and you could save a few quid too!
Rangers Required Rainford Rangers Under 14’s are looking to recruit enthusiastic young footballers who would like to join their successful team. The team are part of the Rainford Rangers JFC Charter Standard club and play in the Wigan Youth Football League on Sunday mornings. If you are interested in joining, please call Mark Jones on 07739 128141 or come along to training at Rainford High Sports Hall on Higher Lane on Thursday 6-7pm or at Brook Lodge Primary School in Rufford Road, Rainford on Saturday between 10.30-11.45am.
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Good Nose If your New Year’s resolution is to develop a taste for the finer things in life and you want to be able to tell your Riojas from your Reuda (that’s Spanish wine, so I’m told!), then you will enjoy a wonderful Spanish 4 course dinner being held at Haigh Hall on Saturday 26th January. The dinner, which is served at 8pm, is accompanied by wines from the regions of Spain and you will receive expert advice from the experts too. To buy your £29 ticket for this Spanish Wine Tasting Evening, please call 01942 832895.
Cinders at WLT It’s Panto Time again at Wigan Little Theatre and this year’s offering is Cinderella herself! Hard-working Cinderella is visited by her Fairy Godmother and is granted her wish to go to the Ball where she meets Prince Charming. As the clock strikes midnight, a slipper is lost and true love might be slipping away too, especially if the Ugly Sisters have anything to do with it! But do not fear – there is bound to be a happy ending with our usual dose of slapstick comedy, singing and dancing thrown in along the way! Cinderella runs at the Compton Street theatre from next Friday (11th January) right through to the 26th January, starting at 7.30pm. There are matinee performances on Saturdays 12th and 19th January, starting at 2.15pm (please note that they are no evening performances on these days). Bookings can be made by telephoning the box office on (01942) 242561, in person at the box office or by completing a postal booking form on the website www. wiganlittletheatre.co.uk.
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Bike to Fitness Why not kick start the fitness campaign next Saturday (12th January) with a challenging bike ride? British Cycling has launched a series of bike rides to get you in the habit of cycling to fun, fitness and friendship in 2013. The ride on Saturday is for women and children only and starts from the canal side at Trencherfield Mill in Wigan at 10am. The estimated duration of the ride is 2 hours and 20 minutes, of which an hour is scheduled for rest stops. The ride is leisurely paced along traffic free cycle paths and canal towpaths and is approximately 8 miles in total. This bike ride goes along cycle paths/canal towpaths/ quiet roads and is best suited to mountain bikes or bikes with off road tyres as there are some sections of the canal which if have experienced rain during this time of year and can have a few bumps and puddles along the way. There will be a cafe stop en route at the Orchid Room. There will still be the climbs as we get to the rest stop as well as downhills to take us back to the start point. Helmets are advised to be worn during the ride and also wear suitable clothing taking account of the weather. It’s advisable to bring along an inner tube just in case of punctures as it isn’t always easy to fix on the trail with a puncture repair kit.
Winstanley Rd, Orrell, WN5 7XA
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Children are welcome on this ride but all children must be accompanied by an adult taking part and must wear a helmet or will be unable to take part in the ride. Children must be able to ride their bike confidently on cycle paths, along the canal towpath and quiet roads. If you have any queries about the ride, please contact Sandra via breezenetworkwigan@gmail.com.
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Humpty Dumpty St Michael’s Amateur Dramatic Society is staging their annual family panto, which starts this Friday (11th January) and runs through until Sunday 20th January at St Michael’s Parish Hall in Shaw Street in Swinley. The group invite you to come along to their fun-filled and magical production of ‘Humpty Dumpty’ and promise you a delightful mix of slapstick, silly jokes, songs and romance suitable for all the family. Pay a visit to that splendid topsy-turvy world where men are women, women are men, where the present is embraced with the past, where people are hit but not hurt, where authority is constantly flouted, where magic abounds and where dreams invariably come true! There are eleven performances. The seven evening performances start at 7.30pm on the 11th, 12th, 15th, 16th, 17th, 18th and 19th January. The four matinee performances start at 2.00pm on Saturday and Sunday the 12th and 13th and also Saturday and Sunday the 19th and 20th. Tickets for adults are £5, concessionary tickets are £4 and group booking discounts are available. To book your tickets, please call June on 01942 236260.
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Dubrovnik
Which European country saw a 23% year on year growth in British tourists in 2012?
£395 per person
Which country is known as the ‘Land of a Thousand Islands’ with its gorgeous beaches, green forested valleys, turquoise Adriatic waters and beautiful Mediterranean cities?
5th May, 7 nights 2* B&B Hotel Adriatic
The Islands
11th May, 7 nights 4* Self Catering Hvar or Brac
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Pula
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Montenegro 12th May, 7 nights 3* B&B Vila Mirenza
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All prices correct on 11th December. Flights from Manchester.
Independent travel specialist with vast range of choice. Call us now for friendly expert advice.
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That’s right; it’s
Croatia!
This fascinating country has one of the most beautiful coastlines in the world and a rich cultural heritage to match. Croatia is a destination which allures travellers to visit time and time again; it’s the perfect holiday setting for anyone that is looking for a bit of old world charm combined with a fantastic culture and A-list style! This amazing little country is made up of 1,244 islands of which only 50 are inhabited and the secluded nature of Croatia means that there is an abundance of beautiful Mediterranean cities which have kept their old romantic flair. Over the years Romans, Venetians, Hungarians and Ottomans have all left their own
Yesterday’s Secret, Tomorrow’s Holiday! cultural influence, which allows Croatia to offer a vast tradition of culinary specialties, and adventurous excursions to its visitors.
5-star hotels and adventure sports facilities, it’s easy to see why Dubrovnik is the world’s tenth most visited port for cruise ships.
Whether you choose to stay on the coast or one of the islands, you are never more than a two-hour drive away from national parks, forests, waterfalls, mountains and rural traditions. There are boat trips from almost everywhere on the coast and a day out island hopping will allow you to enjoy the Adriatic at its finest, with its numerous small coves and ports.
Makarska is everything you need for a peaceful and carefree holiday in the sun-bathed shores of the Mediterranean. It’s located on a pretty horseshoe shaped bay by the Biokovo mountains, and is noted for its palm-fringed promenade, where fashionable cafés, bars and boutiques overlook the pretty harbour where many pleasure craft are moored.
Croatians enjoy the Mediterranean lifestyle with just as much of the flair of the Italians just across the water. Customs such as the afternoon siesta in summer and the ‘corsa’ evening walk are all here, as
The centre of Makarska is an old town with narrow stone-paved streets, a main church square with markets and a Franciscan monastery. Most of the city’s hotels are located just off of the bay and have their own private beaches. If that isn’t enough then a day trip to neighbouring Italy or Slovenia is easy and if you’re staying in the south of the region, a day trip to Montenegro, Croatia’s southern neighbour, is well worth doing. Quite simply Croatia has something for everyone, but with a destination that is enjoying unprecedented growth, the time to go is now before the secret gets out!
Jet2holidays are an expert provider of holidays to Croatia and other sunshine destinations in Europe. The company will be holding a presentation evening at Marken Travel in Billinge on Thursday 24th January between 6:30pm and 7:30pm. Exclusive booking discounts will be available, so don’t miss it! are festivals of dance, music and tradition - using the open-air treasures as a stage. A must for all Croatian tourists is the magnificent Dubrovnik. With its sublime location, overlooking the calm blue waters of the Adriatic, Dubrovnik is one of the world’s most magnificent walled cities. Now a UNESCO world heritage site and Croatia’s most upmarket destination, it boasts a charming pedestrianonly old town, packed with aristocratic palazzi and Baroque churches, and contained by sturdy medieval fortifications. Add to this the beaches, pristine sea, informal eateries serving top-notch seafood, chic
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Could it be Magic?
Twin Town Appeal
If you rave over Robbie, go ga-ga over Gary and jump at the sight of Jason, then you’ll probably love an audience with Take That Forever, a Take That tribute band appearing at Aspull Civic Hall in January. The band will play a selection of Take That songs and will throw in a few of Robbie’s hits also.
Wigan’s town twinning arrangement with Angers in France is 25 years old this year, and the Under 12’s team from Shevington FC are going over to join in the celebrations and to participate in an international football tournament! The team is looking for sponsors to help with new training gear, hoodies and playing kits, so if you’re a local businessperson and you’re looking to get a bit of publicity for your company this year then do get in touch with Vicky Wilson.
The concert starts at 7.30pm on Saturday 19th January, starting at 7.30pm and going on until late. Tickets are priced at £15, which includes a hot supper and a disco. Vanessa Feltz, the TV celebrity, caught the Take That Forever show and apparently called it ‘a night not to be missed’. Tickets are on sale now at the club - call01942 832073, you can book online at www.takethatforever.com or call 07780 462647.
Get a mention
The team and their parents have various fundraising events planned for the next few months including; bag packing, race night and Easter bingo which will all go towards the cost of the trip. If you require any further details or are able to help the team, please call Vicki Wilson on 07544 576096.
If you’re a member of a community group and you want to publicise your next event free in Local Life, then just email details along with a contact name and number to editorial@locallife247.co.uk
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Edwardian Fair An Edwardian Christmas Fair rounded off a very special year for staff and pupils at Newfold CP School in St James Road in Orrell. St James School, as Newfold was known then, opened its doors in 1912 (see if you can spot the first headmaster posing proudly outside the new school in this issue of Local Life) and the modern day Newfold celebrated its centenary in 2012 with a range of events. This Edwardian Fair which was well attended by pupils, their families and the wider community. Staff dressed up in costume for the day and manned stalls such as the Edwardian Candy Floss Stall and the Jam Jar Jamboree and a good time was had by all!
Pictured above: Caroline Mascord, Wendy Hampson, Hilary Whimpanny and Kelly Fitzpatrick
Above: Alison Staniforth, Andrea Johnson, Alex McMillan, Claire White, Cheryl Rainger and Hazel Hughes
Pictured below: Phil Edge, Sarah Jenkinson, Deb Newberry, Lucy Yates and Leanne McNally
Pictured above: Jane Hart, Doug Pitts, Karen Parkinson, Deb Gibbons, John McCann and Sheila Donovan
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The Winter means more accidents
– What you need to know. As the weather changes for the colder and wetter conditions for driving and walking also deteriorate, the number of accidents on the roads dramatically increases at this time of year. Whether it is because of icy or wet roads, darker nights or drivers being more distracted you are more likely to be involved in a road traffic accident during the winter months. If you are unlucky enough to be involved in such an accident this unfortunately tends to lead to a period of stress and worry when you may not have your vehicle and even end up losing time and money with absence from work due to injury. All because of an accident that was not your fault. We have all heard stories of people leaving the scene of the accident without giving their details or it later being discovered that they were not insured at all, making the whole incident even more stressful than necessary and ultimately resulting in the innocent party being out of pocket. This need not always be the case, there are some simple guidelines that you can follow to prepare for the worst should it happen while you are driving. The last thing that anybody wants is to lose their no claims discount on top of the stress of dealing with an accident.
If you have any concerns about either of the above telephone the police and report the accident immediately. Do not worry you are not wasting police time in doing this. The next step is to report the accident to your insurance company; it is a clause in every insurance policy that all accidents must be reported. A failure to do this may ultimately result in them not assisting you or even accepting the version of events as presented by the other motorist. Finally if you are injured visit your GP or the hospital, whiplash and neck injuries can be very painful and a trip to the doctor may result in a quick referral to physiotherapy or exercises which will ultimately result in a speedier recovery. At Craig and Co we specialise in personal injury claims of all types. We guarantee that your claim will only be dealt with by an experienced member of staff who will listen to your concerns and deal with your claim as quickly and efficiently as possible. We act on a “no win no fee” basis and you will keep 100% of your compensation. If you have been involved in an accident call us on 01942 211670 to discuss any potential claim with our local, experienced team.
It is essential that the person at fault for the accident is correctly identified, if they are not there will be no person to pursue for any losses you may suffer and you will ultimately end up footing the bill. To prevent this always keep a pen and paper in your car. Write down the full name, telephone number, address and registration number of the at fault driver and car. It is also useful to note a brief description of the person driving the vehicle. Although the person responsible for the accident may initially accept responsibility for the accident this often changes when they realise that this accident will affect their own no claims bonus. It is therefore important that you obtain evidence of the circumstances and damage to all vehicles and names of any witnesses to the accident. If anyone gives you their details as a witness take as much information from them as possible, also look around you. Is there a shop or garden nearby in which someone may have witnessed your accident.
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Call - 01942 211670 19 Queens Court, Wardley Street, Wigan WN5 8BF
victoria@craigandcolaw.co.uk www.craigandcolaw.co.uk
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Money & Investments New Year Resolutions! Firstly, happy New Year to all Local Life readers, let’s hope you will all ‘Prosper’ throughout 2013. Apologies for the plug but it’s the only time of year that I think I can get away with it. With the festive season behind us and 2013 underway, your New Year’s resolutions are still normally in place by now. Amongst the favorites listed are, more exercise, dieting, less drink etc. Sadly, all these involve an element of pain and deprivation, and it is hardly surprising that most resolutions tend to fail by midFebruary at the latest. One resolution that you may want to retrospectively add to your list, which importantly involves very little pain but can have significant benefits is to have an investment health check. Every January, I notice a significant increase in the number of enquiries from Local Life readers wanting to review their investments. What prompts this increase? Perhaps time off during the Christmas holidays, completion of tax returns, and the end of the tax year looming or the feeling of optimism moving into the New Year. Whatever the trigger, reviewing and revamping your portfolio now could make a significant difference to your portfolio value. Apart from weeding out the poor performing funds and checking you’re still on track, you might find your finances could be arranged more tax-efficiently. I was chatting with a family friend over the Christmas period who was moaning about the amount of paperwork he was receiving from all his different investments and his ability to keep on top of this. At the heart of the problem was that “everything was all over the place” - for every investment he was dealing with a different company. He’d lost control of his
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Before
portfolio and the piles of paper in his study continued to grow. No action was being taken, potentially costing him money. He didn’t have a clue what his up to date valuations were and didn’t know how well his investments had been performing. Having pondered this for some time I asked him what his “ideal” would feel and look like. Here are some of his comments. He wanted to….. • Retake full control of his investments rather than getting swamped with paperwork and information • Have “peace of mind” knowing that an expert was also keeping an eye on his investments • Invest in a wide choice of leading companies without being tied in to a single company/fund • Just deal with “one firm” for all of his different investments rather than having to speak to different companies for his various funds • Have a system that would give him a “bird’s eye” view of his entire portfolio rather than manually piecing together his different statements and constructing his own spread sheets • Have access to his entire portfolio valuation 24/7 without any lengthy telephone calls to numerous call centres, no wading through paperwork or need to wait weeks for an out of date valuation to arrive by post.
After
It probably does not come as a great surprise to learn that we have the solution to all these issues with much, much more. Our Wealth Management Service delivers on all the points above. Indeed one of our clients described the difference between the old way of managing investments and using the Prosper Wealth Management Service as “an absolute revelation”. As I mentioned in my last article, the 1st January 2013 has heralded massive changes for the financial advice industry resulting in a significant number of firms deciding to withdraw from giving advice because of the changes being forced upon them. I am pleased to report that we are certainly not one of them. If your adviser is no longer looking after you or you just feel that our service could be of benefit please do not hesitate to give us a call on 01257 423800. If you would like to know a little bit more information before getting in touch please feel free to visit our website www.prosper-ifa.co.uk or email us to request a free “Putting you back in touch with your wealth brochure” The cost of the initial consultation is met by ourselves and is without obligation.
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Danny’s Story When Danny Atkinson lost his father Jim in 2006, at the young age of 54, he pledged a commitment to lose weight, get fit and do something incredible to raise money for the Diabetes UK charity, which helped his Dad through the illness. Danny, who is 33, started his quest in 2010 and in 2011 ran his first half marathon in Stockport and raised a magnificent £1200!
comes under starters orders at 7.30pm, and there will also be a raffle and auction.
Jim Atkinson
This year, Danny is stepping up his campaign to raise money for Diabetes UK by attempting the Virgin London Marathon, a distance he has never completed before but is committed to achieving.
Danny Atkinson Talking about his father, Danny said “Dad was very special to us all and losing him so early in his life had a big effect on us all. He was a kind and caring man who always put others before himself as both a family man and a great teacher. I hope he would be proud of what I am doing in raising funds for a charity that supported him through his illness.” In addition to running the London Marathon, Danny and his wife Alison are organising a fundraising event at St James Social Club in Orrell in March. The Diabetes UK Race Night will take place at the club on Friday 15th March, and the £5 entrance fee (£1 for ages 4-12) will include the Race Night, disco and food! The first race
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Danny adds “We chose to hold it in Orrell because this is where I have always lived, and St James Social Centre is where Dad liked to drink and he was also a member of the church parish. I would love to pack the place out in memory of my Dad, so please come along if you can.” You can purchase tickets by calling 07841 646461 or 01695 622543. If you can’t get along to the night, but would like to donate please visit justgiving.com/Daniel-Atkinson1 or if you prefer, send a text to DAKY79 £5 to 70070. Diabetes UK is the leading UK charity that cares for, connects with and campaigns on behalf of all people affected by and at risk of diabetes.
CMA Accountancy Guide to making 2013 a
fantastic year
Hello and welcome to the latest article from CMA, a proactive accountancy firm based in Appley Bridge. By the time you read this article most tax returns will have been submitted and it will be time to plan for the future. It is time to reflect on the past 12 months, and look at what was successful, what we have learned, and what might have been. To make 2013 the year you want it to be – plan it out. Unless you plan, events, and other people will decide how you will spend your time. It is a good idea to look at what is important to you, such as visiting family, planning a holiday or changing jobs, and then putting these plans into action. If you are a business owner it is a good idea to spend time working out in detail what you want your business to be doing this year. Financial and business planning can seem tricky, so it is really helpful to have someone to bounce ideas off. Here at CMA, as well as making sure your businesses finances are in the best shape we are also experienced business advisers and provide assistance to help you grow. We like to go the extra mile and work with you to discover your business goals, so that you can devise a plan to make sure you achieve them. Here are some useful steps to take to build a great business: 1 Assess where you are today – make a realistic assessment of your business and look at your strengths and weaknesses and what do you need to build on. 2 Failure to plan is planning for failure– Set your targets for the New Year and think about any new products or services you can offer your customers. 3 Look at your business key performance indicators and start to measure them – What gets measured gets managed!
We are happy to talk to anyone about their plans for the next year and look at ways to help you grow your business. If you would like to find out more about any of the issues discussed in this article CMA offers a free initial consultation, either at our office or yours, at a time to suit you. If you would like to see how we can help please get in touch.
Tax Tips of the Month How Much Tax Could You Save • The PAYE system is complicated and as a result there are vast numbers of incorrect PAYE tax codes. The personal allowance will increase to £9,440 from April. Make sure your code is right! • When setting up as a sole trader, you can claim against your profits for items used in your business even if they were purchased prior to commencement of trade. • If you are a business owner, the amount you can spend on purchases of equipment and vans will increase dramatically from January. It is important to seek advice before you make a purchase.
Contact Details Chris Alcock ACMA CMA Accountancy 39 Skull House Lane, Appley Bridge, Wigan, WN6 9DR Tel: 01257 255521 Email info@handsonaccounting.co.uk www.handsonaccounting.co.uk
It’s your business, your future – so make sure you plan to make the most of 2013!
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Let me say it loud and proud – hoorah for credit cards! Most people think of credit cards as a way to borrow. Yet, used right, they’re also by far the best way to spend. Some plastic gives 5% back on all your spending. That’s right, they PAY YOU, and we’re not talking pennies. Here are the 10 need-to-knows. Neuter the card’s interest-charging ability. Just set up a direct debit to repay IN FULL each month. That way you avoid any interest, so it’s all profit (also, never withdraw cash, as then you pay interest even when you fully repay). If you’re not going to do this, please stop reading now.
Use for Everything With the direct debit set up, the credit card’s effectively like a debit card that’s paid monthly from your bank account. So provided you can always clear in full, use it for ALL normal spending.
Capital’s Cashback Capital One’s Aspire pays newbies 5% back for the first 99 days (up to a maximum of £100). So apply now to get the 5% and take advantage of the winter sales. After the 5% ends, the rate’s ‘up to 1.25%’ depending how much you spend. If you already have a Capital One card, check out the best buys at moneysavingexpert.com/cashbackcards.
Poor credit score? Most cashback cards require a decent credit score, but if you don’t have one, you needn’t miss out. The Aqua Reward card offers 3% cashback, up to a maximum of £100 a year. As it’s primarily a card to rebuild your credit, even some with past CCJs or defaults can get it.
Heavy Traveller? Get big money back on petrol and train fares. The Santander 123 credit card pays a permanent 3% on up to £300 a month on petrol, diesel and rail. You also get 2% on department store spending and and 1% on supermarkets. Due to the £2 a month fee, this is a card that’s only best for heavy drivers/commuters who shop in supermarkets . Still, that’s a lot of people.
In a trusting relationship? Imagine Janet applies for a 5% cashback card. She can make John the second cardholder, so he can take advantage too. After the three month higher rate ends, John can then do the reverse for a further three months at 5%. After that, both partners should use one card, as cashback rates are tie-ed.
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Cashback Cards by Martin Lewis How’s the cashback paid? It’s usually taken off the statement annually. Most cards do this on the anniversary of when you opened the account – though Capital One does it every January, and Santander does it monthly.
Credit Score Impact Every application you make for credit marks your file. One isn’t a problem, but many applications in a short period of time can be damaging. So if you’re imminently applying for a more important credit facility, such as a mortgage, it’s best to wait until after your mortgage application is cleared.
Free consumer protection By law, buy anything from £100 to £30,000 and pay, even in part, on any credit card and Section 75 laws mean the card firm’s jointly liable with the retailer for the whole amount. Therefore, if an item’s faulty, or the retailer goes bust, go to the card provider for refunds. This can be valuable extra protection.
Cashback on council tax, mortgages, energy bills & more! With the Santander 123 bank account (not the credit card) you get 1% back on water, council tax, Santander mortgage payments, and 2% on gas and electricity. It’s 3% on mobile, broadband, phone and TV bills. Plus there’s tiered interest up to 3%. There’s a fee of £2 a month, but for many, this is a winner earning £100s a year. Full info at www.moneysavingexpert.com/bankaccounts
Get Martin’s FREE tips and money-off vouchers emailed directly to you each week by signing up to www.moneysavingexpert.com/tips
Martin Lewis Martin Lewis, Money Saving Expert, is an awardwinning campaigning TV & radio presenter, newspaper columnist and a best-selling author. An ultra-specialised journalist, focusing on cutting bills without cutting back, he runs and founded the UK’s biggest money site, www.moneysavingexpert.com with 13 million monthly users. Each month, Martin will be writing a feature for Local Life - advising our readers how to save thousands of pounds every year! Don’t miss it!
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Local Life has joined forces with the Trading Standards team at Wigan Council to help run those cowboy traders out of town! The Orrell based publishing company have announced that, as from the next issue, the Home Services section of Local Life will only carry advertisements from those tradespeople who are members of the Good Trader Scheme or are members of similar Trading Standards schemes in St Helens and Lancashire.
“Get Town
The Good Trader Scheme was launched by Wigan Council in 2009 to promote honest and reliable tradespeople in the Wigan area. The scheme is a database of tradespeople that have undergone a series of checks by Trading Standards officers. To promote the scheme, Wigan Council hosts a website which allows homeowners to grade the tradespeople on completion of the job on criteria such as ‘Quality of Work’ and Customer Service’. This information subsequently helps future users of the scheme to make an informed choice of which tradesperson to call. Julie Middlehurst, the Trading Standards Manager at Wigan Council explains “The Good Trader Scheme was launched as a result of the increasing number of calls we were receiving from residents complaining about being ripped off by rogue tradespeople. Once we have received an application by a tradesperson to join the Good Trader Scheme, we then run a number of background checks on that tradesperson to see if they are a suitable member of the Scheme”.
These Checks include: • • • •
Insurance Trade Associations Reference Checks Applicants must provide details of three most recent referees
The publisher of Local Life, Chris Pearce, tells how he first got involved with the Good Trader Scheme. “When Local Life was first published, we only approached local tradespeople who we knew personally to advertise in the magazine. As the magazine became more popular, we were approached by other tradespeople, who we didn’t know, who wanted to advertise with us.”
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Julie Middlehurst, Trading Standards Manager of Wigan Council, with Chris Pearce, Local Life Publisher, outside the Local Life offices in Orrell. Chris goes on, “I’ve had first-hand experience of the damage, both financial and emotional, that a rogue builder had on a member of my family who didn’t bother to check out the credentials of that builder beforehand, and I certainly didn’t want Local Life readers to be put in a similar situation as a result of responding to advertising in the magazine. So I turned to Trading Standards to find out how I could protect our readers from rogue tradespeople and found out that the Good Traders scheme had just been launched. The Trading Standards team have really worked hard to build the membership of the scheme up and it is very popular, both with readers and with local tradespeople.”
Are you a Tradesperson? To join the scheme visit www.wigan.gov.uk/goodtrader and you can apply online. Or call 01942 827476 for a Good Trader Scheme pack.
t Outta r!” e n d r a P n, Julie adds “We have had tremendous support for the scheme from Local Life ever since the scheme started. The magazine has not only given valuable publicity to the scheme, but has acted as a recruiting agent, urging the tradespeople who advertise within the magazine to join the Good Trader Scheme, including our current Good Trader of the Year winner, Chris The Builder.” Julie welcomed the latest move by Local Life to restrict their Home Services section to members of the Good Trader Scheme. “It’s great news. Residents needing tradespeople who don’t have access to our website can just pick up a copy of Local Life, turn to the Home Services section and be assured that all the tradespeople in there have all been checked out by Trading Standards.” Chris adds “The great thing about the scheme is that it opens up tradespeople to scrutiny, because customers can give feedback about their tradesperson’s work on the Good Trader website. If all our readers use Local Life and/or the Good Trader Scheme website when looking for a reliable tradesperson then work for the local cowboys will simply dry up, so they will be forced to saddle up and move on!”
When you need a Tradesperson… Visit www.wigan.gov.uk/goodtrader and search for your required tradesperson OR
l Life Simply pick up your copy of Loca on secti ices Serv e Hom the at and look
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Good Trader award winners Angie Barker of Angie Barker Garden Designs, Bob and Ben McWilliam of Manor House Carpet and Upholstery Cleaning and Chris Smith, of Chris the Builder.
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WINTER BLUES by Ken Teppin (MCPH)
Whilst many of us do not relish the thought of winter, for an increasing number of individuals this season fills them with dread.
My second product is a supplement of Folic Acid and B12. These two vitamins have been identified as a deficient in sufferers of depression of all types. Significant improvements have been noted when they have started taking these supplements and either one will make a difference. Taking the two combined however seems to work to a far greater degree.
Although the days are gradually lengthening by now, spring still feels a long way off. In recent years the worst cases have been clinically diagnosed as SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder). So this month I would like to offer some tips on how to overcome, or at least lessen the impact of the winter blues. The first thing I would like to mention is what I call a ‘seasonal perspective’. Observing nature shows us that it is a time for slowing down and resting. However it is clear that we humans completely ignore this; because we have the electric light bulb (alias ‘Edison’s Curse) we continue a frenetic lifestyle 365 days a year. We should take time to relax, wind down and reflect on the year gone by. Yet in general we will have been working harder, partying later and more frequently and pushing ourselves beyond our natural resources. I think that this is a huge contributor to SAD. So whenever you can rest, take a nap, go for a walk or have an early night. I promise you will quickly notice the difference. Products that I can suggest to support you physically are St. Johns Wort (Hypericum Perforatum). Already a household name due to many testimonials from people suffering with general depression, it is widely available and can be taken in capsules or drops. Always look for a good quality brand and take the whole course.
The final suggestion is Aloe Vera Drinking Gel or as it is called in our house ‘liquid sunshine’. Many people take Aloe Vera for a wide range of complaints. It relieves many of today’s aches, pains and stomach problems but also improves energy levels, immune balance and moods. So I now recommend it for Winter Blues as well. Good Natural Health Ken Teppin (M.C.P.H.)
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Marmalade & Chocolate Shortbread January is the season for blood oranges. This recipe was a favourite childhood tea time treat, made with our Gran’s special home-made marmalade. If you make your own marmalade then you’re good to go: if not buy the best quality marmalade you can. Makes 24 Preparation time: twenty minutes plus 30 minutes chilling time. Cooking time: 40-45 minutes
Ingredients • • •
• • • • •
300g plain flour 50g finely ground rolled oats 250g unsalted butter (slightly softened and chopped into cubes) ½-1 tsp salt. 110g caster sugar Zest of an orange 115g good quality orange marmalade 100g good quality dark chocolate, roughly chopped
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Method Grease an 18cm x 28cm rectangular baking tin (non-stick is best). Mix the flour, rolled oats and salt together. You can process them if you want a really fine mix or if you only have normal oats. Beat the butter, sugar and orange zest together until light and fluffy. Gradually beat in the flour until the shortbread mixture sticks together in small clumps. Press a little more than half the mixture into the greased tin. Level and smooth the top. Spread this base with the marmalade and sprinkle the roughly chopped dark chocolate over the top. Crumble over the remaining shortbread mixture then refrigerate for 30 minutes. Preheat the oven to 150C / Gas Mark 2. Bake shortbread for 40-45 minutes until golden brown. Allow to cool in the pan and cut into 24 before it cools completely.
Notes Milk chocolate can be used instead of dark. The resulting shortbread will be sweeter. Lime marmalade can be substituted with equally delicious results. The shortbread will keep in an airtight container for up to three days.
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Burscough Priory & Lathom
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On a cold wintry Sunday morning in early December, we loaded the dogs up in the boot of the car and set off to Burscough to try this 5½ mile walk. It’s a well known local walk which takes in two places of worship that are connected to the historic Lathom Estate; Burscough Priory, which is in ruins and Lathom Park Chapel, which is still active and in a well kept condition. The walk’s a bit muddy in parts, particularly going through Mill Dam Woods at the back end of the walk, so do wear waterproof walking boots. Please also take great care at the unmanned railway crossing near Burscough Priory.
Park up on Lordsgate Lane near to the Bull and Dog pub, and head back to the A59 (Liverpool Road South). Cross this busy road, and turn right. Take an immediate left turn down Abbey Lane. Pass the landfill site on the left and then bear right when you reach a fork in the path. The concrete road eventually becomes a dirt path which leads to the Wigan - Southport Railway line. Cross over the unmanned railway crossing, taking care to look and listen as you cross. Once you have safely crossed, take a look to your left and, in the distance, you will see the ruins of Burscough Priory. Go through the gate at the end of the path. Once upon a time, you could turn left at this point and walk past the ruins, but there is a diversion in place at the moment and the path is barred. Instead walk straight on through the peaceful Abbey Farm Caravan Park. Carry on past the barrier signifying the front entrance to the Park and carry straight on until you reach Dark Lane. Turn left for 175 yards along Dark Lane. Once you have crossed Abbey Bridge, cross over the road immediately and take a right turn as indicated by the public symbol. Following the footpath, which runs parallel to Abbey Brook for 425 yards. Once you reach the corner of the field by a telegraph pole, you’ll meet a track running across your path. Turn right and go over a little bridge over a brook. Within seconds you’ll reach a driveway to a house (Shaker Lady Hey House). Exit the driveway and turn left onto Sandy Lane. After 250 yards you’ll reach the T junction at the end of the road (ignore the public footpath symbol a few yards before the junction). Turn left down Cranes Lane. Follow Cranes Lane for its entirety, which is just over a mile, passing Ormskirk Golf Club on the right. It’s quiet and peaceful here, with only the odd shout of ‘Fore!’ disturbing the silence. We took in the fabulous views of the snowy tops of Longridge Fell and beyond. When you get to the end of Cranes Lane, cross over the road (Hall Lane) and into Lathom Park. After 300 yards you’ll reach Lathom Park Chapel on your left. In the distance on the right at this point, you’ll spot the West Wing - the only remaining part of Lathom House. Turn up the entrance to the Chapel and you’ll immediately
Burscough Priory Burscough Priory is situated just 1/4 mile from the main A59 and around 150 yards from the Wigan to Southport railway line. It was founded in 1190 by Robert Fitz-Henry, the Lord of Lathom. For 350 years, the priory flourished and was a vital part of everyday life. In 1286, the monks at Burscough Priory were awarded a Royal Charter by Edward I that permitted them to hold a twice weekly market in nearby Ormskirk, a market that still attracts locals and visitors to this day. This all came to an end in the mid 1500’s. The Dissolution of the Monasteries act came into force in 1536. This was the set of administrative and legal processes instigated by Henry VIII which disbanded monasteries, priories, convents and friaries, appropriated their income and disposed of their assets. At the time of its dissolution, the Priory maintained a prior and five canons of the Augustine order. The Priory was the burial place of the Lathoms and their successors, the Stanleys of Lathom, Earls of Derby, but after the dissolution of Burscough Priory many of the bodies were moved from the vault at Burscough to the vault in the Derby Chapel at Ormskirk Church, which itself was built by Edward, the third Earl of Derby. The bells of the Priory were moved to the Church too, where a tower had to be built to support them, which is the reason why the church has a tower and steeple, one of only three churches in England to do so.
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A59
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spot Cromwell’s Stone on the right. Walk past the chapel and the adjoining Almshouses. As the road bears left, go straight on and follow the well defined pathway that takes you between two fields. Go through the metal kissing gates and carry on down the path. Once you reach the pair of black metal bollards at the end of the path bear left. You now exit Lathom Park and reach Hall Lane once again. Take a right turn, cross over the road and follow Hall Lane for 325 yards. Just before you get to the sharp right hand bend, look ahead and you’ll see (though partially obscured behind the chevron road sign) what is thought to be the smallest cottage in Lancashire. This former post office also used to be the childhood home of the wife of the Local Life Publisher! Just before Watkinsons Farm you will reach a public footpath sign on your left; so take a left at this point. After 30 yards down the farm track, you’ll see a red sign on the left which directs you to the path which takes you right through the field. Cross over the wooden bridge over the brook and take an immediate right turn. A few yards later you’ll meet a track; turn left and follow the track in the same direction for ½ mile up the right hand perimeter of the field. On your way, you’ll pass through some wooden posts - just follow the well defined path in the direction of the telegraph poles. When you reach the dirt track known as Lady Alice’s Drive, bear right for 100 yards and then turn right again.
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A5209
Lathom Chapel Follow the track for 600 yards until you reach Blythe Lane. Cross the road and walk up the track to Warmrow Farm. Once you reach the top of the track, look out for a garden gate on the left where the brick wall is. Go through the gate and carry on down the path, which takes you downhill into Mill Dam Woods. Cross the bridge over the stream, then turn left and walk through the woods on the pathway which runs parallel to the stream. Once you reach the corner of the woods, follow the path as it makes a right turn uphill. After a short climb, you will soon reach a wooden stile on your left, hop across and head straight across the middle of the field towards Mill Dam Farm. To the right of the farm, there’s another stile, so cross this and turn right. Head uphill over the railway bridge and straight on up Mill Dam Lane until you meet the junction with Liverpool Road South. Turn left, cross the road and you’ll eventually arrive back at the Bull and Dog pub. Please ensure you wear appropriate clothing and footwear whilst walking. Whilst every care has been taken to ensure that the walk is accurate, neither the publisher or its editorial contributors can accept, and hereby disclaim, any liability to any party to loss or damage caused by errors or omissions resulting from negligence, accident or other cause.
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The Chapel of St John the Divine was founded by the Earl of Derby in 1500, and it stands within the Lathom Park estate. This handsome chapel is set in well-tended gardens, and has several adjoining Almshouses. The chapel was restored in 1810, at a cost of £1200 and today holds regular Anglican services. Various plaques in the chapel commemorate the residents of Lathom House, whose remaining west wing lies within 200 yards of the chapel. Whilst the quiet Lancashire parish of Lathom is now a rural backwayer, it was once an administrative and power centre. The Manor of Lathom once formed the most important of 17 manors in the North West and the Lathom family owned lands throughout southern Lancashire, extending as far afield as Manchester. The lordship passed through marriage from the de Lathom family to the Stanley family who used the Wars of the Roses to enrich themselves and enhance the importance of Lathom. In 1643, the Royalist James Stanley, 7th Earl of Derby, was despatched to the Isle of Man to defend the island, leaving his wife, Charlotte de la Tremoüille, behind at Lathom House. The Roundheads demanded that she surrender the house, but she defended Lathom House with 300 men against 2,000 Parliamentarians in the Seige of Lathom which lasted from February to May 1644. Royalist reinforcements arrived and this allowed Charlotte to flee Lathom House to the Isle of Man. Lathom House again came under siege from July 1644 and it finally fell in December 1645, when it was mostly destroyed. Knowsley Hall later succeeded Lathom House as the main residence of the Stanley family.
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RAPID RESPONDER? There won’t be too many who remember the launch of the 1935 original Skoda Rapid. The badge will be more familiar to those who recall it on the rump of the rear-engined Rapid Coupe from the mid-80’s. Those in the know loved the way it drove and motoring writers affectionately dubbed it the poor man’s Porsche 911. Yes, it was a bit rough and ready but it was great fun and just stuffed to bursting point with character. Fast forward to 2012 and we have a new generation Rapid. You’d probably peer under the Rapid and conclude that there’s not a lot that’s too exciting about this car. And you’d be right. There’s a simple strut front suspension and a torsion beam rear end with tried and trusted Volkswagen Group engines plumbed under the bonnet. The front end is a modified Polo platform, whereas the rear end comes from the
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Beetle. The result is a car which rides firmly, has light steering and excellent all-round visibility making the Rapid an easy car to drive. The entry-level engine in the range is a 1.2-litre threecylinder petrol unit that packs 75PS and will thrash its way to 60mph in 13.4 seconds. A more satisfying option can be found in the rather brilliant turbocharged 1.2-litre TSI four units, while there’s a seven-speed DSG-gearboxed 122PS 1.4-litre TSI at the top of the range that looks a little redundant but which is the only car in the line-up that can crack 10 seconds to 60mph. Diesel drivers get a 1.6-litre turbodiesel with 105PS. So, as you can see, rapidity isn’t big on the Rapid’s agenda. The Rapid is an unusually proportioned car. Fairly long and relatively narrow, it’s a hatchback that looks much like a saloon and is also a good deal bigger expect at its price point. It’s not extrovertly styled in any way and this feeling of sparse utility is really rather refreshing in a market rammed with gaudy attention seekers.
Those with long memories will recall Skoda’s last Rapid. This one is nothing like it. Andy Enright reports. passenger seat, rear electric windows, chrome interior detailing and a four spoke multi-functional steering wheel. The engine line-up is clearly geared towards economy rather than excitement and the 1.2-litre TSI powerplant may well work out as the most cost-effective for the lower mileage user, especially as it’s the cheapest variant to insure, ratings starting from 7E. The diesel is sure to be popular, putting out 114g/km of CO2.
The interior is unconventional in its own way as well. Touch many of the cabin plastics and they’re rather hard and scratchy, but it looks well built. It looks elegant. It looks, above all else, as if it’s not trying too hard. And if there’s a better definition of cool than that, I’ve yet to hear it. Rear legroom is excellent although shoulder room is a pinch for three. Headroom is good as well, while the boot is bigger than that of a Ford Mondeo and accessed through a huge tailgate.
The Rapid might seem unremarkable on the face of things but Skoda has in fact built something rather intriguing. It has brought to market a car that doesn’t rely on gimmicks in any way. That presupposes a real maturity from its customers and it would be heartening to see the Czech brand’s faith repaid. The Rapid is a car that can only be bought by the self-assured customer; the sort of person who doesn’t need to hide behind a badge to impress others. Overall? Well, perhaps we are entering an age of pared back utility. After all, 2012’s coolest car may well have been the Dacia Duster. The Skoda Rapid isn’t that pared back but it will still appeal to the buyer who’ll never be deemed a try-hard. We like that.
Pricing start at around £13,000, so you’re paying a lot less than you would be for a basic Ford Focus. Despite this, the standard specification runs to remote central locking, curtain airbags, daytime running lights, rake/ reach-adjustable steering wheel, a height-adjustable driver’s seat and electric front windows. SE trim starts at around the £15,000 mark and adds 15-inch alloy wheels, body-coloured door mirrors and handles, air-conditioning, a Maxi-dot trip computer, an MDI (Multi Device Interface), a leather steering wheel and Bluetooth connectivity. Buyers opting for range-topping Elegance models benefit from 16-inch alloys, cornering front fog lamps, cruise control, a height-adjustable
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Angie is a qualified award-winning garden designer who will plan your garden to your needs from start to finish, supplying reputable contractors and the ideal plants.
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Room for improvement? January is always a flat month for me. All the excitement of Christmas has gone, there are the New Year resolutions to stick to (and the guilt when you don’t!) and worst of all - there is little opportunity to get out into the garden.
Which new plants do I want and where can I plant them - what conditions do they need to thrive (sun, shade, aspect) and which plants will they look good next to, how big do they grow and so on (there is more to this garden design lark than meets the eye you know!)
Don’t get me wrong, as a garden designer (which includes planting) I work in all weathers and I don’t mind it at all. But working in the garden at this time of year can actually do more harm than good. For example walking across frosty or wet lawns may cause irreperable damage and working on wet borders will only end up compacting the soil. No, the best type of gardening in January is in a greenhouse sowing seeds - but not many of us have that luxury. So January for me is all about planning.
It’s usually at this point that Hubby says “I thought the garden was done”. I try to explain that a garden is a living growing thing which changes with the seasons and needs redecorating every now and then, just like rooms in a house. Talking of which, I’m thinking our front room could do with a bit of a makeover… hear Hubby groan.
Curled up in front of the fire, I make plans for the coming months and consider whether there is any room for improvement in my planting: Have I got any plants which are not living up to my expectation - and is there a reason for this (for example are they in the wrong place) Are there any plants which have outgrown their space. In which case can I move them - and where to - or can I prune them or (as a last resort) will they have to go
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Author: Angie Barker Dip GD (Inst GD) BA (Hons) Garden Design For All Seasons Tel: 01942 522 405 Mob: 07857 008 383
www.angiebarker.co.uk
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your pets Why timely spaying of bitches is very clever? Reproductive cycle of every species has its own characteristics, but female dogs possess a unique feature which unfortunately predisposes them to some genital diseases. Regardless of the fact that whether a bitch becomes pregnant or not following a season, her hormonal background changes to that of pregnancy. A bitch’s ovaries begin to produce the pregnancy hormone Progesterone even before the eggs are released. Thus, by the time this process is complete, a bitch is ‘hormonally’ pregnant even if not physically so. The persistent high levels of Progesterone for up to three weeks after the eggs are released, often leads to thickening of the lining of the womb, getting gradually worse with every new season, leaving the womb prone to bacterial infections. But, the real trouble starts when the Progesterone levels begin to fall. Somehow the natural infection control of the womb becomes weaker and any infection present takes hold pretty quickly and fills the womb with pus. The bitch starts to produce a dirty bloody discharge and within a few days becomes unwell, loses appetite and shows excessive thirst. The condition is called Pyometra and if left untreated will prove to be fatal. The diagnosis of Pyometra is made by ultrasonic or x-ray means. The patient often needs to be hospitalised for stabilisation. The only effective treatment is a major and delicate surgical procedure involving removing the uterus and ovaries, in principle the same procedure as the routine spay operation but only many times more expensive. In some bitches the trouble starts as the Progesterone levels drop very low, when the levels of the hormone Prolactin begin to rise. In normal pregnancy this hormone would kick in to initiate the process of milk production and enhancement of mothering instincts. It almost does the same in a non-pregnant bitch, with the only difference that no puppies are expected. The results are the well -know ‘false pregnancy’ symptoms: mammary enlargement, adopting of toys as puppies, nesting or even mock
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birth and marked aggression is some cases. Severe cases need treatment to help them out the condition, and for mastitis that ensues in some cases.
Spaying can eliminate the possibility of a bitch developing the above described problems. Obviously, it will also eliminate the inconveniences caused by the spotting and urine spraying, undue attention from male dogs during the season and the threat of unwanted pregnancy. But spaying has yet another great advantage: it can prevent the development of mammary tumours, which unfortunately are not uncommon in bitches. As the most common mammary tumours in a bitch are Oestrogen dependent, the best time to spay a bitch is when the mammary glands have not been exposed to oestrogen that is before the first season sets in. However, it is never too late to spay. I have carried out surgery on a 12 years old Labrador bitch for Pyometra! Although spaying is a major surgical operation, most vets are comfortable performing this procedure safely. At ‘Sunrise’ our modern anaesthetic systems and surgical protocols coupled with an advanced patient monitoring system makes this procedure pretty safe, but what impresses our clients most is the almost keyholelike surgery, absence of any external sutures and the incredible speed of recovery. If you have any questions or concerns regarding spaying of your pet, please do not hesitate to give us a ring on 01257 463 142.
Dr Shams Mir BVSc&AH,MVSc,DrMedVet,MRCVS Veterinary Surgeon Sunrise Veterinary Surgery 6 The Common Parbold WN8 7DA Tel: 01257 463 142 www.sunrisevets.co.uk
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Answers are on page 69 of this magazine
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Bespoke Carpentry & Construction Services Loft Conversions Handcrafted Furniture Built in Storage Solutions French Polishing Plastering & Tiling Plumbing Kitchen Build & Design Fully Qualified Technicians For your free quotation please call:
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