LocalLife Chorley Edition
Educating
June 2017
Willy
Test Drive - Toyota Prius Plug-in Hybrid Jack’s Tracks visits Astley Green Local News Motoring Jack’s Tracks Health Food & Drink Home Services locallife247.co.uk
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Never too
T
old
he phrase “youth is wasted on the young” always tickles me, partly because it has a grain of truth, especially when it comes to education. At school, my timetable was divided into two: lessons I loved (English, French, German, Latin) and lessons I hated (everything else). I particularly had a loathing for maths and science, something which amuses my other half as she teaches the latter and thoroughly enjoys quizzing me on my times tables. I think I got it into my head that anything other than linguistics was a waste of time. My subsequent career as a journalist would add weight to that theory. Yet now I’m starting to see just how useful other subjects can be. Recently, I’ve been doing more and more DIY around the house. Some of my tasks have been mixing cement (so ratios come in handy) and cuttng wood (so measuring angles). Although I reckon I’d be more Jim Bowen than Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen, I’ve been rather chuffed with my creations. So it was with great interest that I had the opportunity to chat to Willy Russell recently (see page 35) about his foray back into the classroom to learn about art, a subject he wasn’t particularly good at when in full-time education. Having seen Willy’s work, it’s hard to believe he hasn’t been painting his entire life. I guess it proves the old adage that, even if you’re a bona fide star with countless awards to your name, you’re never too old to learn...
David Sudworth, Editor
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In this issue Educating
Willy
Regulars 23 Planning 52 Events2Go 28 Class From The Past 72 Home 44 Puzzle Corner 78 Garden Diary
Sections 35
6 Property 8 Local News 46 Health
58 Food & Drink 67 Pets 70 Motoring
Is it stress
or anxiety?
Next issue - July 2017
Advertising deadline - Thursday, 15 June Published - Thursday, 29 June
46 Dishing up family
food love
58 Jack’s Tracks visits
Astley Green
LocalLife Local Life 247 Ltd, Unit 8, Hewitt Business Park, Winstanley Road, Orrell, WN5 7XB
Telephone: 01257 498 329 Publisher: Chris chrisp@locallife247.co.uk Sales: Lisa sales@locallife247.co.uk Editorial: David chorleynews@locallife247.co.uk Design: Dylan, Peter design@locallife247.co.uk Distribution: Sally sallyb@locallife247.co.uk Accounts: Sam accounts@locallife247.co.uk Local Life is published every month and distributed into the following areas on an alternate monthly basis. This edition is delivered to 13,515 homes and businesses in Chorley, Coppull, Eccleston, Croston, Charnock Richard, and Heath Charnock.
63 Test Drive
Toyota Prius Plug-in Hybrid 70
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Cautious welcome Campaigners have given a cautious welcome over moves which could secure the long-term futures of Eccleston and Coppull libraries. The facilities were named as part of a cost-cutting exercise by the Labour-led administration at Lancashire County Council last year. The services were maintained after Chorley Council stepped in to provide bridging funding until next March. However, the new Conservative administration at County Hall - which took office following the May local elections - have pledged to fully reopen libraries across the county. Simon Thompson, secretary of the Friends of
Coppull Library Committee, said they were “cautiously optimistic”, but added that they wanted assurances that other services in Coppull wouldn’t be affected. We need to see how sustainable it is in the long term because we don’t want a situation whereby we are in the same position again in five years’ time.” Cllr Keith Iddon, whose county council division covers Eccleston, said he was hopeful that the situation could be resolved as soon as possible. However, because of the way the council operates, the new Conservative administration wasn’t officially in charge until the council AGM, which took place three weeks after the elections. Tory group leader Geoff Driver declined to comment as Local Life went to press.
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Open Gardens fundraiser Villagers are relaunching Croston Open Gardens to raise funds for the community. Proceeds from the event will be donated to Croston Together, which emerged from the action group created to assist those affected by the floods on Boxing Day 2015. Croston Together has now developed into a charity to support existing village organisations, groups and projects, and also new initiatives. The Open Gardens ran previously for many years before the death of one of its prime movers, Linda Websdell. Linda’s husband, Roy, is delighted that Linda’s
work is being continued: Linda would have loved that people are reopening their gardens in a good cause, and showcasing their amazing recovery after such devastating floods.” The Open Gardens event will be held on Sunday, July 9, from 11am-4pm. All the gardens are accessible from Croston train station and are within walking distance of each other. The Old School will host a plant sale, planting demo, and a raffle. Tea and home-baked cakes will be served, and entertainment will be provided by Leyland Morris Men, with activities for the children. Picnic areas will be behind the church, Bishop Alan Chester’s Wood and Croft Field. Tickets will be on sale on the day for £5 per adult (accompanied children go free) from The Old School. Advance purchase tickets are available from from Favourites and The Grapes on Town Road, Croston, or from The Potting Sheds, Cedar Farm, Mawdesley. Group bookings can be made via email at crostonopengardens@gmail.com.
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Just beat it Coppull and Standish Junior Brass Band is looking for new recruits - especially someone who can play the drums. The band plays at community events and rehearses on Thursdays, 7pm, in the band room on Springfield Road, Coppull. If you want to find out more, go to their website: https:// coppullandstandishjuniorband.wordpress.com/
Major investment Chorley Tennis Club has completed a major investment project to resurface and repaint its five floodlit courts. The club, which is a not for profit organisation, has now also two repainted short tennis courts for young juniors, a fully equipped
club house and LTA Tennismark accreditation status. The Sandringham Road club is welcoming junior and adults members for the 2017 seasons. For more information, call Bob Gould on 01772 433591 or email secctc@gmail.com
Shops sign up Two national retailers are coming to Chorley. Marks & Spencer are set to bring an M&S Foodhall and fashion, accessories and home retailer, TK Maxx, are set to join Reel Cinema in the extension to Market Walk shopping centre, which is owned and managed by Chorley Council. Discussions are ongoing with other retailers and food and beverage outlets to fill the remaining 25 per cent with further announcements expected in the coming months.
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Zak’s beaming with Pride A Chorley man has told of his anguish at admitting his sexuality to his family. Zak Bretherton says the experience changed him for the better - and he’s since gone on to help others. He came out as gay to his family by writing a letter to his mum Cheryl, 45. In it, he told how he was being bullied at school for his sexuality and how he hoped his family would not reject him for who he was. Once written, the then teenager set out on his Saturday job, fitting kitchens with his joiner dad Ted, leaving the life-changing letter at home. At work he texted his mum asking her to read it and waited anxiously for her reply.
“It was overwhelming to have that release,” said Zak now aged 22. “It was the best thing I’ve ever done. All the difficulties I had beforehand and the anxiety and all the worry just went away.” Mum Cheryl said: “I was heartbroken to read that he was going to run away, that he thought he could be rejected or bring shame on the family. “We just cried. The fact that nothing was said before. We just got this letter out of the blue and we didn’t know anything about the bullying. I just wish he’d done it years ago. He’s now a lot happier. He’s more confident and smiling more. He’s always been very loving but it just shines through now.” His father Ted, 55, admits it took him a little longer
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15 then Cheryl to be comfortable with his son’s sexuality: “I did find it a bit of a struggle at first but I’m pleased he’s come out and I accept who he is. I’m very, very proud of him.” For Zak, who now lives in Wigan, coming out sparked the beginning of a new happy chapter in his life. It also spurred him on to help others in the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT+) community who may not have a supportive family network like him. Zak became the co-founder of a successful support group, BYOU+, for people aged 18 and over in Wigan and Leigh and is also cofounder of Wigan Pride
- the annual celebration day which is returning to Wigan for its second year in August. For more on BYOU+ visit: www.byoupluswigan.com
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Watch out, beetles about! Work on banishing death watch beetles from a 600 year old Croston church is set to start this month. St Michael & All Angels Church has received a confirmed grant of £206,900 from the Heritage Lottery Fund towards a scheme of major repairs to the roof and floors of the parish church. Work is due to start on June 5 and will continue till the end of October. The church will close after services on June 4 and temporarily relocate to the Trinity Methodist Church in Croston at 9 am on Sunday, June 11, until October. Wednesday services will continue to be held in the Vestry at St Michael’s Church. Church warden Andrew Marston said: “We’re delighted the Heritage Lottery Fund has given the funding to enable us to go ahead with this major project. The church has been very much at the heart of our village community for centuries and it’s great to know that we can now preserve it for future generations. It also gives us the opportunity to open it up more to schools and other visitors to learn more about our church and its history.” The project aims to carry out essential conservation work to protect the structural integrity of the building, improve access and enable wider use of the church buildings for schools, visitors and community use. An educational programme, regular open days and events are also planned and volunteers will be given training so they can guide and inform visitors about the history of the church. There has been a church in the centre of Croston for over 1,000 years and parts of the current Church dates back to 1230, although most of the building dates from the 15th century.
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Club looks to the future Chorley FC bosses have sought to calm fears following a flurry of offthe-pitch changes. It comes after the Duke Street ground was bought by Chorley Council. Owner of the shareholding has also been transferred to Ken Wright and Graham Watkinson - marking the end of Trevor Hemmings’ tenure at Victory Park. A statement from the club said: “The board of directors can confirm that they are working closely with the council to find the correct way forwards to assure the long-term future of the football club. “Frustratingly for both of us we have been presented with a general election which means the Council
has entered a period of purdah during which the authority cannot make any statements. The timing of the election, right in the middle of our discussions, has slowed progress but once it has been completed things will be finalised at the earliest opportunity. We’d like to thank Trevor Hemmings for his support over many years following his intervention in rescuing the club when at a very low point in its history and now for placing his trust in us and giving us the chance to take the club forwards and develop it further.”
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New headteacher
Tell Us Your Story!
A teacher who started his career in the area
Local Life is always on the look out for news stories from the local communities we serve. Are you raising money for charity? Are you a member of a community group with something to shout about? Maybe you’ve got an unusual talent, or have a claim to fame? If so, let us know and you could be appearing in the next edition!
has returned. Alan Brindle started out at Trinity & St Michael’s in Croston before moving on to Bretherton Endowed Primary. He has now been appointed to the post of headteacher at Heskin Pemberton’s School, on Withington Lane.
Roadworks scheduled Motorists are being advised to use a diversion in Charnock Richard. This is because Church Lane is scheduled for resurfacing between Monday, June 5, and Tuesday, July 4, between the hours of 6am and 5pm. The proposed dates for a complete road closure are June 26 and 27 from 9.15am-3pm. An alternative route for traffic affected by the closure is Preston Road – Chorley Lane and vice versa.
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Good sign for Alex A Coppull and Eccleston estate agency has had a make-over thanks to a Runshaw College student. Alex Carnall, 19, was the winner of a competition to design a completely new brand for Home Truths. Alex will now get to see her designs rolled out across the For Sale and Lettings boards throughout the region. She also won a cash prize. Home Truths director Nina Ascroft said: “We now have two offices, one in Coppull and one in Eccleston and with our growing reputation across the region, we recognised that we needed a new brand to reflect our growth. “We approached Runshaw as we wanted some fresh,
creative thoughts and thought that it would be a great opportunity as the winner would literally be able to see their designs everywhere! “We eventually selected Alex as our winner as her design really developed and evolved the existing Home Truths brand. The new logo is fantastic, it is modern, memorable and is the perfect evolution for our business.”
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Planning Matters Charnock Richard
Eccleston
Haydock Farm, Preston Road: Part retrospective change of use of agricultural building to cattery (ref: 17/00313/COU).
Winter View Farm, Parr Lane: Erection of a single storey and part first floor side extension, first floor rear balcony, front porch and roof alterations (ref: 17/00461/FULHH).
71 Town Lane: Demolition of existing dwelling and erection of a replacement dwelling and detached garage (ref: 17/00488/FUL). Coppull Morris’s Bakery, Baker Street: Removal of existing hedge and erection of a new timber fence (ref: 17/00474/FUL).
Heskin Green Farm, Wood Lane: Detached garage to the rear of the house (Plot 3) currently under construction (ref: 17/00352/FUL).
For more information on these and other planning applications, visit www.chorley.gov.uk
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Katherine’s a winner Congratulations to Katherine Ackerley from Arbour Lane in Standish, who has won a £25 Marks & Spencer gift voucher in our distribution survey draw. If you get the Local Life through the letterbox at home, you too can register for this free draw. We’ll email you a survey every couple of months to check on our distribution team; the survey takes just 20 seconds to do and we’d be very grateful for your participation. To register for the free draw visit http://locallife247.co.uk/free-stuff/prize-draw/
Charnock Richard Church Lane/Chorley Lane area Distributors typically work for 2-3 hours every 8 weeks. Applicants must be aged 13+ and be fit, enthusiastic and reliable. Interested? Please email your name, address, landline number and date of birth to sallyb@locallife247.co.uk
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Adoption
event
Chorley folk thinking about starting or growing their family through adoption are invited to an information evening. The event will be held on Tuesday, June 6, at County Hall, on Fishergate Hill in Preston, from 6pm to 7.30pm. Following a short presentation, members of Lancashire County Council’s adoption team, including social workers, will be available to answer questions, talk prospective parents through the process and offer confidential advice. Barbara Bath, head of the adoption service at Lancashire County Council, said: “We need people from all backgrounds to offer a permanent home and family to children who are not able to live with their birth family. What matters to us are your personal qualities and that you are able to provide a loving home where you can support and look after a child throughout their childhood and beyond.” Adoptive parents are needed for children from young babies up to eight years of age, and particularly for children aged over four, children with special needs, disabilities or unpredictable medical issues, sibling groups of two or more children , boys of all ages, dual-heritage children of all ages Further details about the information evening and adoption in general are available online at www.lancashire.gov.uk/adoption or by calling the adoption team on 0300 123 6723. There’s no need to book for the adoption information evening - you can just turn up. Free parking is available on the Arthur Street car park, next to County Hall, and the Pitt Street entrance is accessible for disabled people.
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‘Remove seats’ call
Student help
Councillors have rejected a call to remove seats at
Stressed out Chorley students are being reminded
Eccleston’s Millennium Green. It comes after claims were made about nuisance on the open space. In rejecting the proposal, councillors said they were conscious of a need not to disadvantage regular users of the area. The local police are to be notified of the concerns, and prices will be obtained for the installation of lighting near the seats.
that help is at hand. Young people aged from 12 and 19 can access Talkzone by telephone, text, webtalk, email and Facebook. It is also available for any young person up to the age of 25 with a disability.
Challenge accepted Judging for Croston in Bloom’s Door Step Challenge - which aims to make the village sparkle - starts on Saturday, June 24. Application forms are available from Londis, Co-op and Favourites in the village.
The Talkzone service, formerly known as The Line, is available from 2pm to 10pm each day including weekends and bank holidays. Call 0800 511111, text on 07786 511111, email talkzone@lancashire.gov.uk or visit www.facebook. com/LancashireYZ More information about Talkzone and other young people’s issues is available at www.lancashire.gov. uk/yps
Deputy Editor Wanted We are looking for a journalist trained to NCTJ/degree standard who is ambitious, hard-working and has a passion for local news and events. The role will include: • Sourcing and writing local news stories and events • Sourcing unique content for our social media channels • Deputising for the Editor in his absence The role would suit a recently qualified graduate who wants to make their mark in the local area.
A full driving licence and own car is a must. To apply, simply send your CV, and two examples of your best published cuttings to chrisp@locallife247.co.uk The closing date is 30/06/17 although an appointment may be made before that date if a suitable candidate is found.
LocalLife
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Class from the past
This month’s Class from the Past is from St Gregory’s School. It’s believed this photo was taken in the 1950s. Maybe you can spot a familiar face?
Remember, if you have a photo you’d be willing to share, contact us today by emailing chorleynews@ locallife247.co.uk
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Make your mark Ten candidates have been confirmed across the Chorley and South Ribble constituencies for the June 8 General Election. Lindsay Hoyle is hoping to make it six victories in a row by retaining his Chorley seat for Labour. However, Conservative candidate Caroline Moon is hoping her party’s national poll ratings translate into a win for her locally. In the neighbouring South Ribble seat, Seema Kennedy, who retained the seat for the Conservatives in 2015, will be hoping to see off a challenge from Lancashire County Councillor Julie Gibson.
The full list of candidates is as follows: Chorley Stephen Fenn (Lib Dem) Linsday Hoyle (Lab) Peter Lageard (Green) Caroline Moon (Con) South Ribble Julie Gibson (Lab) Mark Jarnell (National Health Action Party) Seema Kennedy (Con) Mark Smith (UKIP) Andrew Wight (Green) John Wright (Lib Dem)
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Tributes to Georgina Loving tributes have been paid to an ex-Croston pupil who died in the Manchester terrorist attack.
“Our thoughts and prayers go out to Georgina’s family at this terrible time.
Georgina Callandar, who went to Bishop Rawstorne, on Highfield Road, was among the victims of a suicide bomber at the Arianna Grande concert.
“We think especially of her brothers Harry and Daniel, who are also former students of the school.”
The 18-year-old had met the American singer previously (pictured right). The day before the concert, Georgina sent a message via Twitter to Arianna Grande saying: “So excited to see u tomorrow”. A statement from Bishop Rawstorne said: “Georgina was a lovely young student who was very popular with her peers and the staff, and always made the most of the opportunities she had at the school.
A spokesman for Runshaw College, where Georgina was studying Health & Social Care, said the college was offering students all available support possible, including counselling with its dedicated student support team.
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Educating
Willy
The celebrated playwright talks to David Sudworth about his upbringing, career and a new-found love of painting
F
rom humble beginnings, he’s now one of the country’s most celebrated playwrights. His shows have been staged all across the world, and Hollywood stars have played characters he created. But even Willy Russell admits that he got first night nerves when an exhibition of his artwork opened recently. For Willy, who turns 70 soon, this is fairly new territory. He only picked a brush up 10 years ago, and since then he’s become a student again. For a man who freely admits that he “hated school and school hated me,” the irony is not lost on him. But there was part of him which didn’t want his paintings on public display. “I did think at first that I wanted this to be just for me. But then I started thinking whether it was a bit self-indulgent of me not to share it.
36 “I knew that it would be seen through the gauze of everything that I’ve done before. “But famous people - Bob Dylan, Noel Coward, Beryl Bainbridge to name a few - have painted and exhibited before. And also, as you get older, you get a thicker skin. “In my early days, I’d read the newspaper reviews. That’s because not only is it a chance to review your art, but it would give an indication about the future of a play. I wouldn’t write plays for the West End, I’d write them for specific theatres. So for Shirley Valentine, it was for The Everyman in Liverpool. “I remember one critic in the London Evening Standard kicking seven shades of s**** out of Educating Rita, so I thought that would be the end of it. Then that weekend, a Sunday national newspaper absolutely raved about it.
“The only thing you’ll be drawing is the dole” “If it hadn’t been for that review, I may not be speaking here now speaking to you.” Fortunately, Educating Rita did go on to be an on to be an outstanding success. But there were few signs in Willy’s childhood that he’d be treading this sort of path, Born on August 23, 1947, his official biography says he is from Whiston. However, that is only a partial truth. “I was born in Whiston Hospital but when you’re asked where you were born, it really means where you grew up. “I lived on Dee Road in Rainhill. But at that time, Rainhill was synonymous with the psychiatric hospital, so my mates who lived there said they were from Whiston,” he laughs. The family lived in Rainhill untill Willy was five years old, by which time they’d moved to Knowsley Village. “I’m not quite sure of the actual reason. My father, who came from
Julie Walters and Michael Caine in Educating Rita Up Holland, had gone to work in Canada but while he was away, I’d become ill. I get something called nephritis which is nothing today but back then, it was serious and I was in hospital. During that time, my mum got ill wil pleurisy so my father came back. He said he came back to look after the family, but my mum said it was because he couldn’t hack it in Canada. The truth is probably somewhere inbetween the two.” Being one of the youngest in his year and school, and his time in hospital, meant that Willy’s education suffered. He went to several schools, including Knowsley Maypole Primary, Woolfall Secondary Modern and, aged 15, he moved to Rainford High. “I was in the same year group as people who were 12 months older than me. So although I was tall, I wasn’t as developed in other ways. Teachers used to say ‘are you thick Russell?’ “I was kicked out of art class and told the only thing I’d be drawing was the dole, and that’s if I was lucky. “I went to Rainford because I was caned so many
37 times for even the slightest misdemeanours. My legs were cut to pieces. These days, it would have been a najor newspaper scandal but back then, it just happened.” It was while at Rainford, during a Silent Reading session, that Willy started to understand the power of words: “I looked up from the novel I was reading, realised that I was in state of serenity, and thought: “I want to create the same feeling in others”. At the same time, I thought: “What a ludicrous idea. You are destined for the bottle factory.” It was also at Rainford that he first heard Shirley Valentine, as it was the name of a girl in his class. Years later, Pauline Collins would portray her as a bored housewife whose life takes a dramatic turns when she unexpectedly wins a holiday to Greece. Having left school with one O-Level in English language, he became a ladies’ hairdresser. However, he continued to fulfill his creative ambitions by becoming a part-time singer/songwriter. “Even to this day, people come up and ask me who did the music for Blood Brothers. And they’re amazed when I say it was me!” he smiles. Aged 21, he decided to try and reclaim the years of education he’d lost as a child by going back to
Pauline Collins and Bernard Hill in the film version of Shirley Valentine college, and training as a teacher. While studying, Willy began writing drama and, in 1972, took a programme of three one-act plays to the Edinburgh Fringe Festival where they were seen by writer John McGrath. Suitably impressed by what he saw, McGrath recommended Willy to the Liverpool Everyman Theatre who in turn commissioned the adaptation, When The Reds… - Willy’s first professional work for theatre.
“I can’t abide mass-male banter...” It was a couple of years later, in 1974, that Willy’s first big hit came with Beatles musical John, Paul, George, Ringo … and Bert. Commissioned by the Liverpool Everyman, it ran for a then unprecedented eight weeks before transferring to the West End. Other hits followed, including Our Day Out (1976) and Stags and Hens (1978). But it was the film versions of Educating Rita and, later on, Shirley Valentine, that his work was propelled to a much wider audience. It’s been noted many times how he draws on his own past when creating characters. His own personal characteristics, such as his loathing of communal, male banter, also feeds into this.
Willy Russell promoting his 1974 play John, Paul, George, Ringo … and Bert
“I really can’t abide groups of men together. As individuals, they are fine but when they’re
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“At school, I was told I didn’t have any sort of talent for painting... and I believed it” together, all the banter starts and they change their behaviour. It usually starts with things like ‘So what road did you take to get here then?’ “It’s almost as if they’re competing between themselves to find the lowest common denominator as quickly as possible.” 45 years on from his initial play and Willy’s body of work has cemented his reputation, alongside the likes of Alan Bennett and fellow Liverpudlian Alan Bleasdale, as one of the UK’s most celebrated playwrights.
“I enrolled in art classes and it was lovely just being a student of art, learning something new. It was especially nice for me because when you’re a writer, people like directors, actors and so on are always looking to you to provide the answer. Being a student meant that someone else had to provide the answers other than me.”
“I’d see Rita as a fellow journeyman”
Despite his fame, Willy has chosen to be based in his home region - living in a cottage in Woolton, south Liverpool, with his office based in Canning Street, in the city centre.
The parallels between Willy’s thirst for education as an adult and the plot for Educating Rita are striking.
His foray into painting came around 10 years ago when, while at his holiday home in Portugal, he started ‘doodling’ on a pad which the children had been using earlier that day.
“That’s an interesting way of looking at it. I’ve always been at heart and enquiring sort of person and enjoy studying people.
“At school, I was told I didn’t have any sort of talent for painting, and I believed it. “Even when I was a young adult, people would ask me for input into posters for my plays but I would just say that I’m no good at any of that stuff.
Would Rita be proud of Willy for, like her, giving education another go?
“I’d see Rita as a fellow journeyman. Yeah, we’d probably get on well...” Willy Russell: Another Aspect is at Kirkby Gallery, Norwich Way, Kirkby, L32 8XY, until September 2. Opening times are: Mon to Fri 9am to 5pm and Sat 10am to 1pm.
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LOGIC PROBLEMS Can you work out which stock was bought for which client, how much the share price was and which market sector it was in? CLUES 1. The person who bought JMO stock was not in the energy sector 2. The PSTO stock that was sold for £50 3. QMZ was in the health sector 4. Chrissie bought £25 of JMO stock 5. Mark bought stock in the energy sector
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SUDOKU WIGGLE WORDS CLUE: No working for now Trace a path through all the letters to find the word or phrase that fits the clue.
E H A Y
H O D S
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N O S A All the puzzle solutions are on page 74 of this magazine
Puzzle Corner
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Health & Fitness
Is it stress,
or anxiety By Ella Walker
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tress is a normal part of life, and everybody will experience a sense of anxiety from time to time but both these things can also be signs of mental health problems, or an indication that we possibly need to slow down or seek some support. But how do you tell them apart? They can feel and exhibit themselves in a similar manner, so if you’re confused as to whether you’re stressed or anxious, here are some key signs to look out for... How to spot stress In the simplest terms, stress is caused by a specific factor, or ‘stressor’ - for example, a major life change. This can include any situation, event or scenario that makes you feel angry, frustrated, humiliated, nervous etc. For example, moving house, starting a new job, a big meeting or exam you haven’t prepped for, your mother-in-law has invited herself for Christmas. These are actualities that directly cause you stress, usually because you feel unprepared for them, overwhelmed, or are struggling to find a way to deal with them.
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Everyone gets stressed now and again, it’s a normal response to situations that frighten or worry you (which are different for everybody), but over time, if you are under constant amounts of stress, it can cause health worries. Common symptoms (according to the NHS): feeling irritable, fearful, low self-esteem, indecision, difficulty concentrating, headaches, dizziness, tiredness, appetite changes, short-tempered, racing-thoughts, physical tension How to spot anxiety Anxiety can manifest itself even when you don’t have something stressful to link it to, and instead, tends to present as an ongoing feeling of unease, or a sense of impending doom. It’s normal to feel a bit anxious or worried, for example, in scenarios that make you feel apprehensive, like speaking in public, confronting your boss, bungee jumping etc. However, excessive anxiety - or generalised anxiety disorder - where you worry disproportionately and often without an obvious trigger, can severely disrupt day-to-day life. Common symptoms (according to the NHS): restlessness, sense of dread, feeling on edge, lack of concentration, feeling irritable, dizziness,
48 tiredness, muscle aches, fast heartbeat, trembling and shaking, dry mouth, headaches, sweating, shortness of breath, nausea, pins and needles How they’re linked Stress and anxiety often share symptoms, from tiredness and dizziness, to muscle aches and headaches, and both are connected to the fight-orflight response, and neither are remotely enjoyable.
However, both conditions can be eased with the right treatment, from mindfulness and relaxation methods to release pressure and minimise stress, to medication and talking therapies for anxiety. If you are struggling or concerned about how anxious or stressed you’re feeling, always speak to your GP.
Linda Wallbank Foot Health Practitioner Offering home visits for people of all ages, covering a range of foot health problems.
To make an appointment please contact me on 07872 960 494 or email: linda.footbliss@outlook.com
WELLBEING NEWS 62% of UK adults not aware lack of exercise increase bowel cancer risk It’s among the most common forms of cancer, but it seems lots of us aren’t fully clued up about bowel cancer risk factors. More than half (62%) of UK adults did not know that a lack of regular physical activity is associated with an increased risk of the disease, a new poll by the charity has revealed. But research shows that 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity - such as brisk walking or cycling - a week, can cut your risk by as much as 12%. Bowel Cancer UK’s now launched a new fundraising challenge, Step Up For 30, challenging people to do 30-minutes of exercise every day in June (in reference to the fact that, every 30 minutes, somebody dies from the disease). To sign up or find out more, visit bowelcanceruk.org.uk/stepupfor30
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ASK AMANDA
Amanda is the Registered Care Manager for Independent Living – she answers your questions.
Dad is unwell and we are worried he is not safe at night. Can you provide overnight care? YES. We can provide overnight care either as a shortterm arrangement, or on a more regular basis. Our standard nights are 10pm until 7am which means we complete 9 continuous hours. However, within reason we can change these hours to meet your needs. Temporary nights are usually needed if a person is unwell. They may have had a fall, an illness, come out of hospital or for some reason lost a little confidence. In some cases a person may be supported by someone else but for a short time they are unable to do it – a typical example is if a main carer takes a break. We can provide nights on an ongoing basis. This service is most often used when someone is seriously ill. It could be a person has memory loss and is unsafe at night on their own. We do carry out quite a lot of nights for people who are terminally ill. When
a person requires palliative care it is 24 hours and even if a person has family support or the help of MacMillan Nurses there are likely to be times when nights cannot be covered. We can provide nights at this very difficult time.
If we can help with overnight care please give me a call 01257 696 050 What our clients say; I have used Independent Living now for over five years. The carers are lovely people and they take me out to Chorley Market and the hairdressers every week. Last year when I fell and broke my shoulder, they were able to increase my care at short notice. I just can’t thank them enough. Mrs B, Astley Village, Chorley
01257 696 050
E: mark.booker@independentlivinglancashire.co.uk
independentlivinglancashire.co.uk
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Chorley’s leading provider of bespoke home care Why Independent Living? Well established Chorley company.
Our services include;
Local office on Eaves Lane. Kind, well presented carers with calls of 30 minute or more.
Companionship
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Spending time with our clients; taking them out & about, on trips to the shops, doctors and other places
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For a FREE no obligation assessment, call us on 01257 696050 or call into our office for a friendly chat.
Washing, bathing and dressing our clients, and providing overnight care if needed.
Fully insured and regulated for social care. Experienced office staff dedicated to serve your needs.
Housekeeping Ensuring our clients homes are clean and safe, and have enough of food and drink
Specialist Support For those clients who suffer from Parkinson’s, memory loss, strokes, cancer and need post-hospital support
End of life care Providing respect and support to the client and their families when passing is near.
225 Eaves Lane, Chorley PR6 0AG
Registered with the Care Quality Commission
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events2go
Willy Russell: Another Aspect
A Midsummer’s Night Dream
Tuesday, May 9 – Saturday, Sept 2, 9am – 5pm
Wednesday, June 7, 7.30pm
Following his successful exhibition in Kirkby Gallery in 2015, Willy Russell is returning this time to show an entirely new side to his creative portfolio.
Award winning Ballet Cymru present a stunning version of Shakespeare’s most magical play.
The Kirkby Centre, Norwich Way, Kirkby, Knowsley, L32 8XY. Contact: tina.ball@knowsley.gov.uk
The Importance of Being Earnest Wednesday, May 31 – Saturday, June 10, 7.30pm A legendary masterpiece of comedy, romance and Victorian manners written by Oscar Wilde and directed by Collette Kerwin. Wigan Little Theatre, Crompton Street, Wigan, WN1 3SL. Contact: 01942 242561.
Food & Drink Festival Saturday, June 3, 10am – 4pm Vintage, collectibles, retro wares, art and crafts. Live music, dance classes, magicians, free crafty corner and face painting plus lots of merriment. Town Hall, Blackburn Road, Accrington, BB5 1LA. Contact: craftyvintage.com
Farmers Market Saturday, June 3 and Saturday, July 1, 10am – 4pm Local beef, pork, lamb, Lancashire haggis, black puddings, cheeses, pies, flowers, fruit and veg, chocolates, wine, cakes and much more. Cedar Farm, Back Lane, Mawdesley, Ormskirk, L40 3SY. Contact: mel.gaskell@gmail.com
Preston Guild Hall, Lancaster Rd, Preston PR1 1HT. Contact: 01772 804444
Be My Baby Saturday, June 10 – Saturday, June 17, 7.30pm Set in a mother and baby house in 1964 in the North of England, this play follows the fortunes of Mary Adams. Bolton Little Theatre, 27 Hanover St, Bolton BL1 4TG. Contact: 01204 524469
Worm Charming Day Saturday, June 10, 11am Can you entice the worms to the top? There will also be entertainment and a variety of stalls. St. Elizabeths Vicarage, Bolton Road, Aspull, Wigan, WN2 1PR. Contact: committee@ friendsofhaighcountrypark.co.uk
Magic of the Musicals Sat, June 10, 7.30pm and Sun, June 11, 2.30pm If you’re a fan of musicals, then this will be a guaranteed treat! Tickets for this event are £8 adult and £6 children. Buckshaw Village Community Centre, Unity Place, Buckshaw Village, PR7 7HZ. Contact: facebook. com/BuckshawVAMP
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Music in the Woods
Vintage Summer Fair
Saturday, June 10, 7pm – 10pm
Sunday, June 11, 1pm – 4pm
St. Michael and All Angels church presents Music in the Woods featuring Dave Kenny and Connor Banks. Feel free to bring picnic provisions (no barbeques), weather proof shelter, gazebo, seats etc. Alcohol permitted. Tickets are £12 if bought before the day and £15 on the day. Children go free of charge.
There will be many different stalls including cake stalls, coconut shy and stocks, many children’s stalls, plus face painting and bouncy castle. Entertainment includes Morris dancing and the Red Admiral Band. Afternoon tea will be served along with a glass of prosecco from the Prosecco Bar, plus a BBQ
Croft Field, Croston, PR26 9HA. Contact: 01772 600962
St Agnes Church, The Green, Eccleston PR7 5PH
Our House
Summer Fair
Monday, June 12 – Saturday, June 17, 7.30pm
Sunday, June 11, 1.30pm – 5.30pm Lots of wonderful craft and gifts stalls for you to enjoy. This event is also the week before Father’s Day, so treat Dad to a great gift too.
The Award-Winning musical using the music of Madness. A funny, fast-moving, toe-tapping show full of energy and fun. All tickets are £10, group bookings £9 per ticket (buy 10, get 11th free).
Spring Meadow, Clayton-le-Woods, Leyland PR25 5LX. Contact: craftandgiftfairs@gmail.com
Chorley Little Theatre, Dole Lane, Chorley, PR7 2RL. Contact: 01257 264362.
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Fashion Show
Crafty Vintage
Friday, June 16, 7.30pm
Saturday, June 17 – Sunday, June 18,
Tickets are £4 each, available from The Hoot (open Wednesday to Sunday), Mrs Lyon’s Tearoom (open Tuesday to Sunday), the Friends of Standish Library.
Vintage, collectibles, retro wares, quirky handmade, fine foods and delectable cuisine. Come along and see a magnificent showcase of talent from the finest creators, collectors and artisans in the land.
Unity Club, 2 Cross Street, Standish, WN6 0HQ. Email: standishneighbourhoodforum@gmail.com
Summer Fair Saturday, June 17, 1pm Join in the fun at Coppull’s Summer fair and watch the new Rose Queen, Miss Arwen Minton, be crowned. Admission is 50p per person. The Parish Church of St. John the Divine, 8 Darlington St, Coppull, Chorley PR7 5AB.
Music for a Summer’s Evening Saturday, June 17, 7.30pm – 9.30pm The Rawstorne Singers will be performing a mixed programme of music. It will feature music both sacred and secular, including well known composers, plus Spirituals, folk songs and items from the musicals. Tickets are £7 and under 14 go free, there will also be refreshments available at the interval.
Brockholes Nature Reserve, Preston New Road, Samlesbury, PR5 0AG. Contact: craftyvintage. com/book-now
Farmers Market Sunday, June 18th, 10am – 2pm One of the original markets in Lancashire. A celebration of fresh ingredients grown or reared locally. Farmers and growers are joined by bakers, confectioners and craftsmen and women to make it a great day out. It is a mecca for locals in the know so come and see what it is all about! Hoghton Tower, Hoghton Tower, Hoghton, Preston, PR5 0SH. Contact: 01254852986
St James’ Church, Water Street, Brindle, Chorley PR6 8NJ. Contact: alisonking90@hotmail.com
Haigh Fest Rewind Saturday, June 17, 11.30am – 7pm Haigh Fest Rewind marks the return of one of Wigan’s most popular and well loved music events. Six carefully selected bands from Wigan Borough will each play a 45 minute showcase set. Gates open at 11.30am and the first band with begin their set at 1pm. Tickets cost £4.99 which can either be bought in advanced or on the day, parking will be limited. Haigh Hall Country Park, School Ln, Wigan WN2 1PE. Contact: boxoffice.wlct.org
Great Selection of Vintage & New Guitars One-to-One Music Lessons, Guitar Set-Ups & Repairs
Gift Vouchers Available Tel: 07590 984773
Heskin Farmers Market & Craft Centre, Wood Lane, Heskin PR7 5PA
www.blackstonemusic.co.uk
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Peter Pan (NT Live) Sunday, June 18, 2pm – 5pm Captured live at the National Theatre, a recorded performance of JM Barrie’s much-loved tale screens in cinemas. Chorley Empire Community Cinema, Dole Lane, Chorley, PR7 2RL. Contact: info@chorleyfilm.com
Melodies of Stage & Screen Saturday, June 24, 7.15pm A fifth birthday celebration staring Bolton Cancer Voices with special guests Affectside Choir and Salford Symphony Orchestra. Victoria Hall, Knowsley Street, Bolton, BL1 2AS. Contact: 01204 522569
Challenge Walk Saturday, June 24, 8.30am The Barbara Williams Challenge Walk is a moorland and lake walk taking in Darwen tower, Strawberry Duck, Wayoh and Jumbles reservoirs, Turton Tower and Cheetham Close. Make sure sensible clothing is worn whilst on any of these walks. Crookfiled Road Carpark, Bolton, BL7 8BG. Contact: chorleyramblers.co.uk
Picnic in the Park Sunday, June 25, Noon – 3pm Pack up your picnics and head to Chorley’s Astley Park for an afternoon of free fun and entertainment. Chorley Council will again be bringing a fantastic family stage show to Astley Park with performances from children’s entertainers, top local bands, singers, and a surprise guest from a popular celebrity as well as face painters and balloon modellers. Astley Hall, Coach and Park, Off Hallgate, Chorley PR7 1NP. Contact: checkoutchorley.com/
GIN FESTIVAL 24th & 25th June 150+ Gins available
Sampling, Talks,
Food & Live Music From 12pm ‘til 9pm Monday, Bingo Quiz Night A new twist to our popular quiz night with big prizes every week Wednesday, Steak Night 2 steaks & bottle of wine £25 Fizz and Fish Friday Special fish menu available also, Prosecco £12.95 all night Sunday, Roasts from £8.95 Roast Sharing Platter from £17.95 Monthly Open Mic Night on the last Thursday of each month Special offers on food & drink Food served all day Breakfast available weekends 9.30am ‘til 12pm Book now and mention Local Life for 20% off
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Coffee Morning
Blackrod Scarecrow Festival
Monday, June 26, 10.30am – Noon
Saturday, July 1 – Sunday, July 2, 10am – 7pm
Buckshaw Village community welcomes you to join them on the last Monday of the month for ‘The Over 50s Club’ coffee morning. Entry is £1.
Tony Robinson Conversation
Come and visit Blackrod for another fantastic display of scarecrows. Programmes are just £2 (from St Catherine’s church) and contain full details of where the scarecrows are, where to get food, photographic competition details and what events are happening throughout the weekend. Displays will appear from 10am until 7pm each day for you to stroll around and enjoy the creations.
Tuesday, June 27, 7.30pm
Blackrod Village, BL6 5EN. Contact: 01204 691575
Meet National Treasure Sir Tony Robinson in conversation about his life and work as covered in his autobiography, “No Cunning Plan”.
Ladies’ Fashion Show
Buckshaw Tesco, Buckshaw Village, Chorley PR7 7EL. Contact: 07514411655.
Chorley Little Theatre, Dole Lane, Chorley, PR7 2RL. Contact: 01257 264362.
Neighbourhood Watch Thursday, June 29 – Saturday, July 1 Mawdesley Amateur Dramatics Society will be performing ‘Neighbourhood Watch’ by Alan Ayckbourn. Tickets £8 will be available from the Spar in Mawdesley as well as from the website www.madsociety.co.uk. Mawdesley Village Hall, Hurst Green, Mawdesley, L40 2QW. Contact: info@madsociety.co.uk
Moonlight & Memories Walk Saturday, July 1 , 7.30pm Walk under the stars in memory of loved ones in a 10 mile or 4 mile family-friendly routes around Lostock Hall, Bamber Bridge, Preston and Penwortham, raising money for your local charity through sponsorships and donations. As ever, there will be music and dancing at the hospice for walkers to warm up and register from 7.30pm, before setting off on the poignant night-time trek at 10pm. Dogs are allowed on the walk, but must be kept on a lead. St Catherine’s Hospice, St Catherine’s Park, Lostock Lane, Lostock Hall, Preston, GB PR5 5XU. Contact: fundraising@stcatherines.co.uk
Tuesday, July 4, 7.30pm Chorley & District MS Society event. There will be at least 50% off ex-High Street fashion which can be bought after the show, tickets cost £5. St Joseph’s Parish Centre, Harpers Lane, Chorley, PR6 0HR. Contact: 0300 365 0014 or email chorleyms@gmail.com
The King Returns Saturday, July 8 – Sunday, July 9, 10am 2017 is the 400th Anniversary of the visit of King James I of England to Hoghton Tower and in July this will be celebrated by a weekend of re-enactments, celebrations, music and more! Hoghton Tower, Hoghton, Preston, PR5 0SH. Contact: 01254852986
Chorley Flower Show Saturday, July 29 – Sunday, July 30, 10am – 5pm After the phenomenal success of Chorley Flower Show’s second year, they’re delighted to announce that they will be back on Saturday and Sunday 29-30 July 2017.They are now an ‘award-winning’ show after scooping ‘Tourism Event of the Year’ at the prestigious Lancashire Tourism Awards last year. Astley Hall, Chorley PR7 1XA. Contact: chorleyflowershow.com
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Food & Drink
Dishing up family
food love
By Kate Whiting
“I
don’t serve plain pasta and my kids would think it was weird,” says Claire Thomson, family food ambassador for the National Trust, chef and mum-of-three. “They’re excited by the food in front of them, the kitchen is the axis of my home life and I want them to feel that food is a really normal thing, that it’s not fetishised or not given enough credence. “We’ve got a tiny kitchen but a great big kitchen table, because I think it’s important that Grace should be sitting there doing her spellings, or Dot will be colouring in while I’m cooking - it’s just dayto-day a real normalcy around food.” If this sounds like a manifesto for how to give kids a love of good food, it is. Thomson, 37, has spent the last five years showing the world exactly how we could be feeding children through her daily ‘5oclockapron’ Instagram and Twitter posts. And you won’t find a plain bit of pasta in sight. The dishes she makes for her daughters at five o’clock each day (“they’re just so tired after school and I don’t want to fill them full of snacks”) include sumptuous-looking bowls of ‘tamarind & turmeric chicken broth with soba noodles & cucumber’, or ‘seared monkfish with potatoes, chard stalks, serrano ham & rosemary’. Two years on from her debut cookbook, The 5’Clock Apron: Proper Food For Modern Families, Thomson has now penned the National Trust Family Cookbook.
“The recipes are all pretty easy. It takes three minutes to slop some chicken thighs in a bowl in the morning, drop some yogurt on and cardamom and stick it in the fridge. Then when you get back from work, you’ve just got to bang that in a hot oven - the longest thing to do is preheat the oven. And then you chop a quick salad and make tzatziki, which the children can help with. “It’s really important to get them to help you, otherwise the food lands in front of them and they’re expected to eat it,” Thomson adds. “They should set the table or pour the water. There’s a community to being in a family; I don’t want to be running a restaurant for my children until they’re 18 and leave home!”
National Trust Family Cookbook by Claire Thomson is published by the National Trust Books, priced £15
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Risi e bisi
Serves 4 Ingredients 60g butter 3 rashers of unsmoked streaky bacon or 80g pancetta, finely diced (optional) 1 onion, finely diced 1 leek, white part only, finely diced (or use extra onion) 1 garlic clove, finely chopped 200g risotto rice Salt and freshly ground black pepper 1L hot chicken or vegetable stock 450g frozen peas (or use fresh cooked)
Method Melt two-thirds of the butter in a large wide pan over a medium heat. Add the bacon if using, the onion and leek and cook for about eight to 10 minutes until soft and translucent. Add the garlic and cook for one more minute. Add the rice, stirring for two to three minutes to coat the grains in the melted butter mixture and warm them through before you add any liquid. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Add the hot stock, bring to the boil, then reduce the heat and simmer gently for 15 minutes. Add the peas and cook for a further five minutes until the rice is just cooked through.
Approx 80g Parmesan, grated
Remove the pan from the heat and add the Parmesan, the parsley and the remaining butter.
Small bunch of parsley, finely chopped
Check the seasoning, then serve immediately.
60
Taste Test
Good times at
Goodwin’s by David Sudworth
A
s someone who lives in a small town, I notice subtle differences when eating out in a city. There’s much more now of a trend towards relaxed, chilled out eateries where the staff are actually happy to have a conversation with you. I’ve often wondered when that kind of concept would catch on in the shires. Judging by my recent meal at Goodwin’s Bar &
Kitchen in Chorley, I think it’s actually arrived. The menu is an array of mouth-watering temptations. It’s not fancy or pretentious, just very, very good, honest fayre with that relaxed twist. Before my colleague Lisa and I even got to the starters during our recent visit, we ordered two homemade lemonades. Yes, this is stuff that was squeezed right here in Chorley, and it has a lovely,
61 refreshing flavour. For those familar with French cafes, it was like a Citron Pressé -, but sans the watery bitterness. For the starters, I had Scallops on Crushed Peas. Even sat writing it now afterwards, I’ve no idea why I ordered this as I really dislike peas. Maybe the menu’s self-assuredness was rubbing off on me. I’m glad it did, as the peas were lovely and sweet. The fact they were crushed, and came sauteed in garlic and parsley butter, took the edge off the usual starchy taste. Highly recommended. Lisa went for the Bubble & Squeak and Poached Egg, which came with black pudding, smoked streaky bacon and a Hollandaise sauce. This was particularly flavoursome, with the Hollandaise working well with each individual part of the dish. Goodwin’s, despite it being a new place, is already getting a firm reputation for its 28-day matured steaks. The length of hanging time means the meat is that more tender, and that transfers into the texture and taste. My own dish was the 8oz sirloin, and it was cooked to perfection. Some places toss out rubbery steaks like they’re going out of fashion. Not here, this kitchen team knows exactly how to look after their customers. Lisa was feeling equally carnivorous but opted for the Avocado & Chorizo Burger. Each burger is served with mixed leaves, fresh tomato, red onion and mayonnaise in a brioche bun, with sea salt and rosemary fries, half a gherkin and Goodwin’s spicy ketchup on the side.
After spending 10 minutes telling Lisa how much I love chorizo, she suggested I have some. Job done and it was splendid. Chorizo is one ferocious Spanish sausage which, when cooked, can be quite salty. But thankfully it complemented the burger, rather than overpowering it. Lesser places would have ruined this dish by allowing the chorizo to run riot. The dessert menu has everything you’d want, and a few nice surprises. That’s what led me to the Fresh Berry Sundae. Plus it also has fruit in, which obviously negates the calories hitherto consumed. What made this sundae so good was the shortbread crumb/clotted cream ice cream/cherry compote trio; it was simply delightful. Lisa opted for the Cookie Dough Cheesecake. The portion was much more generous than anticipated, but I am always happy to help a colleague in need. Cheesecakes come in very many forms. This one hit the spot for me. Goodwin’s knows how to please its customers, and it does it incredibly well. They’ve taken the best of city eating out and brought it to Chorley. For those who work in Manchester or Preston, there’s no need to hang around after 5pm for a bite to eat. You can now get the same quality food and atmosphere right on your doorstep. For those whose life is largely local, you get to sample some of the best the bright lights have to offer without having to remortgage your home. I’d say that calls for another Goodwin’s homemade lemonade. Or two. Goodwin’s Bar & Kitchen Preston Road, Chorley, Lancashire, PR6 7AX 01257 269966 goodwinsbarandkitchen.co.uk
62
Fish-cake sandwich
Method Boil the potatoes in salted water until cooked through - about 15 minutes. Drain well and leave to steam dry in the colander, then mash the potatoes and set aside to cool. Meanwhile, shred the smoked fish into flakes.
Serves 4 Ingredients 800g floury potatoes (about 2 large potatoes), peeled and cut into 4cm cubes 400g smoked fish (trout or mackerel), skin and bones removed 2tbsp Dijon mustard 1tbsp mayonnaise, plus extra to serve 1 large egg, beaten Salt and freshly ground black pepper 2tbsp fine dried breadcrumbs, plus about 50g to coat the fish cakes Small bunch of chives or parsley, finely chopped Vegetable oil for frying Buttered soft rolls, to serve Soft lettuce leaves, to serve 1/2 lemon, to serve
Stir the mustard, mayonnaise, egg and half teaspoon salt into the mashed potatoes. Gently fold in the flaked fish with two tablespoons of breadcrumbs and the chopped herbs until everything is evenly distributed and holding together nicely. If you think the mix is too wet, add another tablespoon of breadcrumbs. Scoop a tablespoon of the fish and potato mixture and roll it between your palms to form a ball. Pat each ball into a flat patty (round or oblong to match the shape of your rolls) about 3cm thick, set aside on a plate and continue with the remaining mix. Sprinkle the fish cakes both sides with additional breadcrumbs. Coat a non-stick frying pan with vegetable oil and place the pan over a high heat. You want the oil very hot before you add the fish cakes. Fry them in a single layer, being sure not to overcrowd the pan, for about two minutes on each side until the fish cakes are golden brown with a good crust. Transfer to a plate lined with kitchen towel to soak up excess fat while you fry the remaining fish cakes. To serve, add the fish cakes to the rolls with a leaf or two of lettuce, some mayonnaise, salt and pepper and a squeeze of lemon.
63
sponsored by
Astley Green O
ne of the recent family holiday ideas up for discussion was visiting the Western Isles of Scotland. We were particularly looking forward to sampling a Lewis Sabbath. Sunday is a strict day of rest on the Isle of Lewis; shops close, there are no Sunday newspapers and even activities such as riding a bike or pegging out washing are frowned upon. Goodness knows then what these islanders would make of Astley on a Sunday then, where the noisy activities of the Rixton Clay Pigeon Club and the Leigh Moto Cross Club did their utmost to disrupt a 4½ mile country walk, so if you’re looking for solitude and silence, best sample this walk on another day. Park up at the end of Ellesmere Street (M29 7QP), and then follow the bridleway heading in the
same direction for 600 hundred yards when you will arrive at a crossroads. Turn right and follow this path through more dense woodland until you arrive at what’s left of a wooden gate just before a rough moss, where walk symbols point left and right. Ignore these signs and choose the welldefined path that runs diagonally to the right. Follow the path and you’ll reach a wooden gate. Go through the gate, cross the shale track immediately afterwards and then you’ll go over a small wooden bridge and up a bank to the Bridgewater Canal. Turn right and within 100 yards you’ll come to a metal bridge running over the canal. Go up the bank and over the bridge, and turn right to follow the towpath along the canal for a further 100 yards
64 until you come to a dual metal wood stile leading away from the canal.
Hop over the stile into the horses paddock and head towards another stile in the right hand corner of the paddock. Once you have crossed this stile, head in the same direction. Though this path isn’t that well defined, you will soon arrive at the 90 degree bend of a more established track. Turn left and follow the track across open countryside for 250 yards.
Take this path through the pleasant woodland for 600 yards and you’ll eventually arrive at Lower Green Lane. Turn left onto the road and walk in the same direction for 575 yards, crossing a mini roundabout en-route, until you reach Oak Villa Farm on your right hand side. Take this private road towards the farm and head towards the stile on the top right hand corner of the farmyard.
The track takes a left hand bend and immediately you’ll see a green bridge on the right. Ignore the bridge and carry on right down that track for 700
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Please ensure you wear appropriate clothing and footwear while walking. While 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.
65
yards. Straight ahead, the trees of Bedford Moss and its single wind turbine will increasingly loom into view, and you may spot the odd low flying aircraft coming into land at Barton Aerodrome. Once you’ve passed though Hills Farm and Gregory Butts on the way, until you meet a single track road (Moss Road). Turn right and follow the arrow straight road for 650 yards until you reach a public footpath sign on a left hand bend. Turn right off the road, along this path.
Navigate your way round two tree trunks and then cross the bridge over the brook. Follow the clearly marked path for 100 yards and then take a left turn across a field. Bear in mind that the field also hosts clay pigeon shooting every fortnight on Sundays so make sure you have any dogs on leads at this point. Once you have crossed the field, turn right and follow the single track for 600 yards. On the way you’ll pass the site of Astley Car Boot and a sand quarry. The track will split into three, but follow
66 the right hand track until you arrive at Morley’s Hall, a Grade 2 listed building surrounded by an ancient moat. Bear right round the moat and cross the private road, hop over two successive stiles and you’ll arrive at a compound centred around Morley’s Bridge, which carries the East Lancs traffic over the canal. Keep to the right and you’ll come to the canal bank.
Mining Museum In the heart of Astley Green stands the Colliery Museum which occupies some fifteen acres of the old colliery site. The colliery began its life in 1908 to exploit coal reserves in the south Lancashire Coalfield and closed in 1970.
Turn right along the canal bank and follow the towpath for ¾ mile. Look out for some moto cross action at Astley Raceway on the right and, further along on the left, you can enjoy some fine views of Bolton, stretching up to Winter Hill. Once you see the pit shaft at Astley Green once more, turn off the canal just before the bridge, turn left and cross the bridge and walk 500 yards until you see the starting point of Ellesmere Street on the right. Footnote: Have you got the OS Maps app on your phone? This walk is filed under JT Astley Green.
The museum houses Lancashire’s only surviving headgear and engine house, both of which now have scheduled monument status. Apart from the steam winding engine and headgear the museum houses many exhibits, not least of which is the collection of 28 colliery locomotives, the largest collection of its type in the UK. The museum is now run and maintained, on behalf of the community, by the Red Rose Steam Society Limited, a registered charity based in Lancashire. Opening hours are 1pm-5pm on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. For further information, please visit the website www.lancashireminingmuseum.org
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67
Heat
W
ith the weather (hopefully) hotting up over the next few months, remember that pets can suffer from heatstroke too… Dogs and cats with a coat they can’t take off, can only pant and do not have widespread sweat glands like humans. Some animals are particularly prone – short-nosed breeds, the very young and old, those with thick coats, overweight animals and those with pre-existing respiratory issues already are especially at risk. Whilst most commonly seen in dogs, cats can also suffer - sneaking into cars, garages etc and becoming trapped. And don’t forget rabbits and other small furries, they can get hot too, especially if kept in full sunlight, on window ledges, or have insufficient ventilation. To help prevent heatstroke, try to avoid exercising your pet during warmer times of the day- walk them earlier in the morning and later in the evening when temperatures have had a chance to drop. They should always have access to a shady, cooler place to rest, and plenty of fresh, cool water to drink. If you’re out in the garden, remember that your dog might need to take some “time out” inside, especially if they usually like to run and play. Never leave your pet in the car on a warm day, even if parked in the shade with the windows partially open, they are still at significant risk. With the outside temperature at twenty-two degrees Celsius, the temperature inside a car can reach forty-seven degrees within one hour. The RSPCA advise that if you see a dog in distress in a hot car, you should dial 999. If the situation is critical, and the police are unable to attend, many people will consider breaking into the car. In this case, remember that without
stroke justification this could be classed as criminal damage and you could need to defend yourself in court. It is therefore important that you tell the police what you intend to do and why, document the situation using photos or video, and get the names and numbers of any witnesses. If you see a dog in a car on a warm day, but it is not displaying symptoms of heatstroke, consider trying to establish how long they have been there, making a note of the car registration and trying to alert the owner (for example sending out an announcement in a supermarket if the car is in a designated car park). You may also wish to contact the RSPCA for advice. Symptoms of heatstroke can include panting, drooling, lethargy (seeming tired or drowsy) and incoordination. In more severe cases, the animal may be vomiting and/or collapsed. You can administer the following first aid if you suspect heatstroke. Move your pet somewhere cool and shady. Use cool water, not cold water to cool the pet (soaked towels changed regularly can be helpful), you can also place them in the breeze of a fan. Allow the pet to drink cool water, little and often. Continue to soak them in cool water until their breathing starts to settle, but do not allow pet to begin shivering. Make sure you contact a vet as soon as is possible.
Pinewood Veterinary Practice 10 Mill Street, Coppull, Chorley, PR7 5AZ
01257 367550 www.pinewoodvets.co.uk
68
Test Drive
Toyota
Prius
L
et’s get one thing answered – the new 2017 Toyota Prius Plug-in Hybrid is not exciting, okay? But, that doesn’t mean it’s a bad car. This is one very ingenious machine, with some awesome features – the most outstanding being the solar panel roof that can place just enough ‘go’ into the Toyota’s drive battery for an extra few free miles every day. The Prius PHV as it’s abbreviated to - also has a refreshed electric powertrain. A large 8.8kWh lithium ion battery is housed under the floor of the Toyota’s boot, together with a hi-tech electrical arrangement to move clout through it. This works well and provides, what is essentially a fourth-generation Prius, some worthwhile shove, especially as the car also has a twin motor hybrid powertrain. This raises pure electric power from 72PS to 103PS. All this
Plug-in Hybrid
by Tim Barnes-Clay
gives the Toyota five-door hatch a maximum speed of 84mph when driven in unadulterated electric mode. Mind you, you can only get away with this form of propulsion for so long – the electric range is 39 miles, but expect 20-25 miles real-world.
69
70
The Toyota Prius Plug-in Hybrid also has a 1.8 petrol engine, and along with the electric wizardry, 122PS is produced – giving a zero to 62mph time of 11.1sec and a maximum speed of 101mph. Hardly exciting, as I said earlier – but it’s not abysmal performance, either. More importantly, the Prius PHV breaths out a tiny 22g/km of CO2 and it’s possible to get 283mpg out of the car. No, that’s not a typo – that’s the claimed figure. Of course, reality doesn’t always match up to what we’re told, and on a long motorway stretch, I only managed to get 59mpg – but then I did have my foot down – and hardly used electric mode. Instead, I mucked around with the ‘Normal’ ‘Eco’ and ‘Power’ settings, seeing what difference they made to the car. It’s difficult to tell much difference between ‘Eco’ and ‘Normal’ – but the ‘Power’ mode does give you a bit of a push in the back – and a lot more noise – reminiscent of a slightly unhinged vacuum cleaner. Anyway, away from the tech and figures, the new Prius PHV is similar to the normal Prius – apart from a couple of things. Unlike the regular model, it’s
Fast Facts • 0-62 mph: 11.1 secs • Combined mpg: 283 • Engine layout: 1798cc; 4-cylinder petrol; electric • Max. power (PS): 122 • CO2: 22 g/km • Price: £34,895
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Car Paintwork Repairs
only got two seats in the rear – so it’s a strict fourseater - and the boot is smaller. This is all due to the bigger, newer battery. Oh, and I nearly forgot - there is one other notable way of telling the PHV apart from the usual Prius: its rear lights are horizontal, not vertical. I think it looks better this way. On the move, the car is hushed, due to extra sounddeadening materials, and, when I did venture off the motorway onto Spanish rural routes, the Prius handled corners with barely any lean at all. This is down to retuned suspension springs and dampers. However, the tauter set-up means the car does bang and crash over potholes. Yet, back on smooth surfaces, the Toyota feels refined and, when using electric-only mode, I found the car almost silent. Only the whoosh of wind and tyre rumble disturbs the otherwise library-like calm in the cabin. Once I’d stopped hooning the PHV and started using the electric settings, I achieved a hybridmode fuel economy figure of 69mpg – which is better than many Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs) will do. Alas, that’s only a tiny fraction – probably about 5mpg - better than you’d eke from a run-of-the-mill Prius. It’s also hard to recommend this car over the regular Prius – due to its strict fourseater configuration and its shallower boot.
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“And...
S
action” by Angie Barker
Award Winner
omething rather exciting happened in my garden last month. I’m not referring to the Delphiniums which came into flower – those wondrous perennials with tall flower spikes of pale blue and white. Nor am I talking about the Paeonies with their blousy white petals flushed with pink. No, as exciting as these events were, I am in fact referring to a visit by a BBC producer! I received a call from the BBC in London who had found my garden under the National Garden Scheme website, and were looking for a garden to film in the North West. There is a programme called Garden Rescue, where Charlie Dimmock (remember her from Ground Force?) goes up against the Rich brothers (Chelsea Flower Show medal winners) to design a garden for someone who needs help with creating a new garden on a theme. Throughout the programme, snippets are thrown in from completed gardens which demonstrate the particular theme for that programme. The trend they were looking for from my garden was contemporary cottage garden. The producer (Dean) was extremely nice and put me at my ease as we chatted and he set up his camera for an interview with me, before spending three hours filming in the garden. The VT (that’s video
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.
tape to me and you) would be condensed down into four minutes for the show. Dean explained how he would have to stop when his sound mike picked up anything untoward. It was quite a challenge for the poor lad filming in Hindley Green with planes going to and from Manchester airport, dogs barking, lawn mowers whirring and Hubby who kept asking if anyone wanted a cup of tea. The show was due to be aired on BBC 1 at the end of May/early June so when you read this I might already be a television star. (ha ha). It was a brilliant experience – and if you want to take a peek at the garden yourself, please come along to the garden open day on Sunday 25th June, between 11.00am and 4pm. Entry is £3.50 and all proceeds go to cancer charities. PS. They really do shout “and ….action” !
Call Angie now for your free consultation! 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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