Leigh, Ashton & Lowton Edition
October 2016
! W E N
And there’s
more! Local News Motoring Jack’s Tracks Garden Diary What’s On Home Services...
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Rich
pickings I
‘m feeling very pleased with myself of late. After a few months of sloth, I’m now back in the saddle, cycling a good few miles each week, and also doing a bit of walking. Me and walking never really got on until I discovered the joys of blackberry picking. Free food and exercise at the same time? This revelation started a few weeks ago when we bundled the kids together, plastic tubs in hand, and set off for a stroll through around Ashton and Golborne. I even got to use the wicker basket I bought a few years ago in the vain hope it’d turn me into Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall, of River Cottage fame. Instead, it’s hardly left the kicthen, where it is used as a repository for items on their way to the blue and brown bins. So you can imagine my delight when, instead of overflowing with cans, bottles and junk mail, it was cradling some plump, sun-kissed berries. Over a few hours, we walked a couple of miles, got out in the fresh air and bagged 3.5lbs of free food to boot. The kids, aged 8, 9 and 11, who don’t forget are part of the generation brought up with Instagram, Snapchat and all these other timestealing apps, took to our new activity with gusto. There were a few stings and bites along the way, but so what? They learned a bit about nature, it cost absolutely nothing and it prised them away from their iPads for the afternoon. Now all I have to do is make sure all the calories from our baking and jammaking exploits don’t undo all my hard work on the bike...
David Sudworth - Editor
Local Life Media
@locallifemedia
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In this issue Jack’s Tracks visits
A taste of
kindness
Dalton
25
40 Garden
And there’s
more!
Diary
30
47
Education
Test Drive - Ford
special
Kuga
34
48
Regulars 18 Puzzle Page 22 Class from the past 24 Planning
Local Life 247 Ltd, Unit 8, Hewitt Business Park, Winstanley Road, Orrell, WN5 7XB
40 Jack’s Tracks 44 What’s on 47 Garden Diary
Sections 6 Local News 34 Education 40 Leisure
47 Gardening 48 Motoring 50 Home Services
Next issue - November 2016
Advertising deadline - Friday 30, September Published - Friday 21, October
Telephone: 01942 387720 Publisher: Chris Pearce Sales: Clare Glover Editorial: David Sudworth Design: Peter Bretherton Distribution: Sally Boon Accounts: Sam Garrahan
chrisp@locallife247.co.uk sales@locallife247.co.uk leighnews@locallife247.co.uk design@locallife247.co.uk sallyb@locallife247.co.uk accounts@locallife247.co.uk
Local Life (Warrington/Leigh) is published every month. The magazine will be distributed into the following edition areas on an alternate monthly basis. This edition is delivered to 13,850 homes in Lowton, Golborne, Ashton, Leigh and Pennington The next edition will be delivered to 13,850 homes in Winwick, Culcheth, Kenyon, Glazebury, Glazebrook, Gorse Covert, Croft, Locking Stumps, Burtonwood and Newton-le-Willows.
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 may be copied or reproduced without the prior written consent of Local Life 247 Ltd.
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Fright night call
Town celebrates
Volunteers are needed for this year’s Golborne Spooky Walk. The event is set to take place around town on the evening of Saturday, October 29, but extra hands are required to make it bigger and scarier than last year. For more information, visit www.facebook.com/golbornevillage
This year’s Ashton-in-Makerfield Festival runs until Thursday, October 6. Activities include:
Keep fit Over-50 and want to keep fit? Low impact aerobic classes are held on Wednesdays, 1.15pm-2.15pm, at Lowton Social Club, Newton Road. Each session costs £3.50 - call Carole on 07515 954117.
Thom Com-Con Children will have the chance to meet their superheroes at the Thom Com-Con from 10am4pm on Saturday, October 15, at St Thomas’ Church, Warrington Road, Ashton. Entry is £1 - under 5s free.
Tuesday, September 20: Floral workshop at Ashton Library, Wigan Road (7pm - tickets £10 and must be purchased in advance from the library). Wednesday, September 21: The Life and Times of George Formby with live ukelele accompaniment at St Oswald’s Social Club , Liverpool Road, from 7pm. £5 on the door. Saturday, September 24: Craft fair at St Thomas’s church hall, Warrington Road, from noon-4pm. Wednesday, September 28: Byrchall High School Entertain from 7pm at the Warrington Road school. £4 on the door for adults, £2 for children. Friday, September 30: Display of British champions at Seagull’s Gym, Bryn Road South, from 7pm. Thursday, October 6: Wigan Ukelele Club at St Oswald’s Social Club, Liverpool Road, from 7.30pm. £5 on the door.
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Are you interested
in volunteering? If you are over 18 years old, can spare one day a week and would like to make a positive difference to people’s lives…
You might just be the person we are looking for! • Visit and Support families that are in crisis and at risk of incidents of Domestic Abuse • Train to enhance your knowledge and understanding of Domestic Abuse and the different services available to help • Make referrals and appointments so that families are given timely support, to develop healthier relationships
In order to volunteer for this position you will need: • Access to a car & hold a full clean driving licence • Good communication & listening skills • A desire to help other people If you would like to know more about the role then please contact Citizens Advice on 01942 267963 or email Ben Banks on b.banks@wigancab.org
If you have experienced or are experiencing Domestic Abuse, then please seek help by contacting Women’s Housing Action Group on 01942 832360 or the Domestic Abuse Helpline on 0161 636 7525 or visit www.endthefear.co.uk
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Couple’s bumper
year
Norma and Dennis O’Donoughue are celebrating 50 years of wedded bliss - and if that wasn’t enough cause for celebration, they won tickets to Southport Flower Show! The couple, from Rutland Street, Leigh, were among the lucky winners of our recent competition. The others were P. Dobson of Primula Drive, Lowton; Jannette Worthington of Spawell Close, Lowton; Angela Davidson of Thompson Avenue, Ormskirk; Mrs Grant from Swanpool Lane, Aughton; Alan Moran from Delph Park Avenue; Aughton, Mr J. Hanson of Larkfield Avenue in Whitley, Wigan, Paula Spiers from Woodlands Drive in Shevington, Wigan; Maureen Derbyshire of Martland Crescent,
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Wigan.; Beverley Swires of Coppull Hall Lane, Coppull; Sharon Grayston of Cricketers Green in Eccleston; Margaret Horsley of Melrose Gardens in Croston; Geoffrey Swift of Nutgrove Hall Drive in St Helens; Sue Hobin of Easington Road in St Helens and Diane McAuliffe of Widdale Avenue in Rainhill.
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Tell us your story 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! Simply contact is on leighnews@locallife247.co.uk or call us on 01942 387 720.
Charity dinner Soroptimist International Leigh & District Club is holding a charity dinner in aid of Derian House. The event, with entertainment from The Media, is taking place on Friday, September 23, from 7pm at Haydock Park Golf Club, Newton Lane. Tickets are ÂŁ30 can be obtained from Avis Freeman on 01942 674954 or Josie Carter on 07845 973 353. Altenatively, email soropleigh@yahoo.co.uk or search for Leigh Soroptimists on Facebook.
In harmony Women aged 16 and over are being invited to join Riverside Harmony Chorus. The group, which began over 20 years ago, meets every Wednesday from 7.45pm-9.30pm at the Diamond Club, Grey Road, Ashton. Call Karen Griffiths on 07706 063243 or Sheila Holden on 01942 716964 for further details.
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£226k for town
hall
Ashton Town Hall - which will be flattened to make way for a new health centre - was sold for over £200,000, Local Life can reveal. Documents from the Land Registry show that the sale yielded £226,000 for Wigan Council. The Bryn Street site was put up for auction last year. However, the process was halted when a last minute deal was finally brokered to deliver a new health facility for the town. Local health bosses have now told Local Life that the town hall will be demolished later this year and that the new centre should be open by early 2018. They also gave assurances that historic stone tablets from the building will not only be saved, but incorporated into the new building. The current town hall was built in 1876 and is where a young Joe Gormley, who went on to be the leader of the National Union of Mineworkers, made his first foray into politics as a local councillor. A spokeswoman for Wigan Borough Clinical
Commissioning Group and One Partnership said: “A planning application has recently been submitted to Wigan Council. It includes space to accommodate two GP practices, a pharmacy and some community services. The historical tablets have already been removed from the town hall and are in storage until they are put up as part of the new building, bringing together the history of the area with modern facilities to meet its future needs. The designers are still working on the best way to incorporate the tablets in the building. We have been meeting with the local school, including the governors, the dental practice and the council and will be sending out a leaflet to all residents in the area updating them on where we are up to.”
Parks transferred?
Leigh Christmas Festival
The running of four local parks could be handed over to community groups. King George V Playing Fields, on Queens Avenue, Ashton; Bedford Park Bowling Green and Pavilion, on Sanderson’s Croft, Bedford; Ley Rec Playing Fields Parkfield Close, Astley, and Play Patch, at Platt Lane, Hindley, have all been offered up for Community Asset Transfer by cash-strapped Wigan Council.
The Leigh Christmas Festival comes to town on Wednesday, November 30, and Thursday, December 1, from 3pm-9pm. Situated on the ground floor concourse at Leigh Sports Village stadium, Sale Way, this event will be a showcase of over 70 local businesses. Visit www.launcheventsnw.co.uk for more details.
The process usually involves voluntary groups taking out a lease, meaning they’d be in charge of the day to day running and maintenance of the facility, although the ownership would still remain with the council.
Drawing course A nine-week portrait and life drawing course starts on Monday, October 3, from 6.45pm-9.15pm at Lowton High School, Newton Road. The cost is £45 - call Wendy on 07806 433269.
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Puzzle
Sudoku Answers are on page 43 of this magazine
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corner
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Pick n’ Mix
Did you know that whilst the average size of a family home has shrunk by over two square metres over the last decade, the number of bathrooms per home has actually increased? Yes, we all love an extra bathroom or two don’t we? Research from Prime Location has found that house buyers want an average ratio of at least two bathrooms for every three bedrooms. Which is all well and good, but what happens when the bathrooms need replacing? Who can afford, in this age of austerity, to replace two or three bathrooms every five years or so? And that’s where the chaps from Rainford’s Total Bathroom Restoration come in handy. Using German technology and high quality products, the company have helped canny householders throughout the North West save a small fortune over the After
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last six years, completing the highest quality bathroom restorations and refurbishments. Their mission is to delight you with a luxurious bathroom that’s as good as new, for a fraction of the price of a new bathroom. You could have a nice holiday with the money you save! Their classic restoration service is exactly that – a deep clean and restoration service where silicone and grout is stripped and replaced, tiles and other areas, such as shower screens, are subject to a deep clean which brings them up to a good as new condition. Total Bathroom Restoration reckon to extend the life cycle of your bathroom for a minimum of 7 years. That’s impressive isn’t it? However, Total Bathroom Restoration goes one step further by giving customers the option of replacing
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After Before
new taps right through to the latest high quality performance shower wall and wet walls (see pictures). No more grouting projects on your To Do list! New flooring, ceilings, lighting, shower Screens /Cubicles and Enclosures are all possible options. With 60% of Brits showering daily, a popular option for Total Bathroom Restoration is a complete or partial re-vamp of a shower area, using any combination of high quality wetwall
panels, new trays, wipe-clean UPVC ceilings, flooring, lighting, shower screens or cubicles. Want a bath instead of a shower, or a shower instead of a bath? They can do this. Do you need aids to assist your mobility in the bathroom? They can do this also. It’s the complete pick n’ mix option for you – restore, replace or a combination of the two! For a no-obligation quote and advice, please call Total Bathrooms Restoration today on 01942 417 417. Alpine House, 28 Church Road, Rainford WA11 8HE www.totalbathroomrestoration.co.uk RestoreMyBathroom
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Class from the
past
This month’s Class from the Past is from Golborne Infants 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, email leighnews@locallife247.co.uk
Car boot sale A charity car boot sale in aid of Derian House will be held at Stubshaw Cross Labour Club, Bolton Road, Ashton, on Sunday, September 25, from 11.30am4pm. Attractions include prize draws, tea, coffee, cakes, sweets and beer. All welcome.
Macmillan fundraiser Golborne Parkside Club, on Rivington Avenue, hosts a Gentlemen’s Evening in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support from 7.30pm-late on Saturday, October 22. Tickets are £10 from 07933 243740 or from the bar.
AC U F TU N
E TH MA
A Last Night of the Proms concert is being held at the Rose Centre, formerly Lowton Civic Hall, Hesketh Meadow Lane, on Saturday, October 15. It is hosted by Lowton East Neighbourhood Development Forum. For more details, call Ed on 07803 145805.
T FROM
Last Night of the Proms
DIR ER
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Here’s to a life lived
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Planning Matters Ashton
Lowton
124 Windsor Road: Proposal to extend dwellinghouse single storey to rear and dormers to front and rear (ref: A/16/82865/HH) A decision is
6 The Limes: Plan to extend dwellinghouse single storey to rear projecting to side (ref: A/16/82942/ HH). A decision is due by October 14.
due by October 3.
Leigh
Vacant land south of 4 Whitledge Road: Erection of an end terraced property comprising of 2 flats, together with the erection of a boundary wall (ref: A/16/82693/FULL). Decision due by September 30.
117 St Helens Road: Plan to extend dwellinghouse single storey to rear (ref: A/16/82960/HH). A decision is due by October 18.
Golborne 67 Park Road: Plan to extend dwellinghouse - two storey to rear (ref: A/16/82870/HH). A decision is due soon.
83 Chestnut Drive: Plan for a single storey rear extension (ref: A/16/82961/PDE). A decision is due by October 7. For more information on these plans, visit www. wigan.gov.uk
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A taste of
kindness Leigh volunteers are using food that supermarkets no longer want to stop people going hungry. Mark Taylor reports...
“W
e would never turn anyone away if they can’t make a donation - we rely on the community.”
Rachel Thompson is standing outside Leigh Caring Kitchen which, as food places go, does exactly what it says on the tin. What started out as a few kind souls dishing up meals to Leigh’s homeless twice a week is now a café, shop and meeting place for everyone. It recently relocated to the old Methodist school on King Street after two years at the New Life Pentecostal Church on Ullswater Street. A dedicated team of volunteers keep the cuppas coming and serve up a varied menu of restaurant-standard food from morning till night seven days a week. The Kitchen has opened its doors so anyone can go along and enjoy a tasty, nourishing meal for little or no money. That’s because the centre operates a “pay what you feel” policy. And if you can’t pay then that’s fine too. “We get bread from Sainsbury’s, waste from Morrisons and a cash and carry in Farnworth,” explains Paul Bibby, the chief executive. “There are also two bakeries in Leigh that supply us. We have recently signed a contract with Sainsbury’s to take their waste food and are also hoping to do something similar with M&S.” Paul was one of the early volunteers of the charity and he spends much of his time driving around the area to collect food that was once destined for the bins.
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He’s seen the Caring Kitchen grow and grow but doesn’t want it to be seen as purely a service for the homeless. “Yes, we feed the homeless when they come in at whatever time of the day. “But we want members of the whole community to come in, have a breakfast, have a meal, take away any produce they want. “It has been a bit hard to get the word out but we want more people to come in and support us. It’s not just for the homeless, there are people in Leigh with money problems and they are welcome to join us.” The café area is clean, bright and boasts a surprisingly
People can walk in and know they won’t be judged or preached at. They can have a brew, look at the paper and listen to the radio and be left to their own devices. But if they want to chat, the staff are willing to act as a sounding board rather than a counsellor.
extensive menu. On the day I visited the kitchen, you could have had a bacon and banana melt or a Monte Cristo hotdog – which, just in case you’re wondering is a hotdog on a brioche bun with peanut butter, strawberry jam and melted Swiss cheese. But there’s also traditional fayre like sandwiches, breakfasts and chicken soup.
In addition, the kitchen has a shop selling donated items which can be anything from a bottle of shower gel to a pair of work boots. There’s also a space with tables and chairs and a hot water urn which Paul hopes will be regularly used as a meeting place for local groups.
TV programmes can often paint a dowdy, depressing picture of soup kitchens for the homeless but Leigh Caring Kitchen doesn’t match any of those stereotypes.
“People know they won’t be judged here”
Rachel said: “It’s a nice atmosphere and we are getting more new people coming in then coming back.
Paul just wants to keep the project sustainable for as long as possible and has no plans for further expansion. Paul also paid tribute to the Caring Kitchen founders: Gill Rasburn, Anne Crumpton and Carol Hughes: “There are only one or two people who you’d call ‘real’ homeless in Leigh. But there’s a lot of people who go from couch to couch or are in hostels.
“We are open to everyone. People can’t always get a meal like they would get here without paying a high price for it. And we don’t limit people to one meal – some people come back three times a day. “I absolutely love cooking. I enjoy sitting with people and talking to them and they do appreciate what we are trying to do. They are lovely people and they know they can come to us whenever they want.”
“I was one of the people who set it up and we have got to this point thanks to a lot of hard work and support. I do this just because I love doing it. Everybody involved here is happy to see what we
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have achieved. Some nights we will drive around looking for homeless people to give them a blanket or a duvet, we just want to do our bit.” The kitchen is always happy to receive donations and they are especially keen to receive stock cupboard items such as sugar, vegetable oil, salt, spices and flour. “The other day we only had lettuce and turnips... you can’t do much with them,” smiles Paul.
Leigh Caring Kitchen has a three year sponsorship with Leigh Rotary Club who pay £5,000 a year towards rent. The Leigh Caring Kitchen van was donated by Onestopcarshop in Astley who have also paid the insurance and road tax for a year. Adactus housing have also donated money which has to be reapplied for every year. If you would like to help the Caring Kitchen as a volunteer or by making a donation, search for them on Facebook or call 07398011470.
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Look up! And get
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We’d all like more room at home. But not everyone can afford to move or extend. So what if there was a way to get extra space for just a few hundred pounds, ready to use in less than a day? For most, the loft is a dark and dingy place visited on rare occasions; a precarious scramble across dusty beams with torch in hand, grabbing what’s needed then clambering back past boxes filled with long-forgotten belongings. But that dark and dingy place takes up a third of the floorspace in an average home. So shouldn’t we be making the most of that space over our heads ?
says the company’s no-frills approach is what most people are looking for. “We’re not selling £15,000 loft conversions,” says Paul. “This is a low-cost and simple solution that’s affordable to most, and certainly more cost effective than locking your possessions away in a remote warehouse. For just £287+VAT you can get a ladder that slides easily up and down, as well as a proper light and some boarding to make the space safe and secure. We can also fit a draftproof loft hatch if required from only £55.”
And that’s where More Than Loft Ladders (MTLL) comes in. Skilled local, Paul Langley,
Call 0800 03 59 880 or visit the website at www. morethanloftladders.co.uk
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And there’s
more!
Jimmy Cricket is returning to the area where he honed his craft in the 1970s. David Sudworth decides to “come closer...”
U
nusually for a celebrity, Jimmy Cricket is on time. In fact, he’s waiting for me. “Ah, did you find it ok? It can be difficult if you’re not from around here”, he enquires before ordering us some drinks.
“I thought we’d meet here - Mrs Cricket is redecorating so it’s always best to keep out of the way. She’s painting anything that doesn’t move at the moment!” The pub is just a short walk from the comedian’s home he shares with his aformentioned other half, May. The voice is instantly recognisable, and the years have done little to quell the boundless energy of a man who celebrates his 71st birthday next month. “It’s important to have goals, to keep enjoying yourself. I write new stuff all the time. I put a few jokes out even on Twitter, and keep them relevant to topical events.” Jimmy, whose real surname is Mulgrew, burst on to our television screens in his famous wellies in the 1980s. After winning London Weekend Television’s Search For A Star, he was later given his own series, named after his catchphrase And There’s More. But the road to fame wasn’t quick - Jimmy was in his 40s before stardom came knocking: “When I was a kid in Northern Ireland I entered this talent competition where it was billed as ‘to be judged by a DJ from England’. We can laugh about it now but at that time, having a DJ over from here was a big thing. “I left school at 16 years old and worked for the next two years in a betting shop. A friend saw a Redcoat job advertised at Butlin’s and thought I’d be perfect for it, as I was always acting the fool. I spent the summer of 1966 working as a Redcoat at Butlin’s County Meath followed by two more summers at their Clacton camp.” By the early 1970s, Jimmy was living and working in the North West, with stints at Pontin’s in Ainsdale, Southport, and at Morecambe.
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He has particularly fond memories of Wigan, where he was a familar face on the local entertainment scene. “Between 1974 to 1979, I was popular around the Wigan clubs. It was a whole industry then - I used to play Upper Morris Street Working Men’s Club in Scholes on a Monday, Scholes Labour Club on a Tuesday and so on. I also appeared at Goose Green Labour Club. I also did the Conservative and British Legion clubs, so that kept everybody happy! “Some comedians found it difficult working in the Wigan area but I enjoyed them. They just took to me. It could have been the visual humour or the Irish accent. I just got good word of mouth and when I’d turn up, the club would be packed. It did my confidence a power of good. There were some great acts - I remember a guy called Harry Pemberton who was dressed in khaki and had the initials W.C. on the uniform, which stood for ‘Wigan Cavalry’. “At that time, I used props on stage - as I say, I always enjoyed the visual humour - and we managed to get a large pint of Trophy bitter that Whitbread‘s marketing department had been using. Well, while in Wigan we managed to break it. The stage was being cleared for the bingo, which was just about to go on, and Frank Law, who used to book me in Wigan, threw it off, so it cracked. We did manage to patch it up though,” laughs Jimmy. “Frank was the first agent to get me £100 for the night. It was in September 1975 at the Villa Marina in Douglas, Isle of Man, supporting
An early publicity shot
Kenny Ball’s Jazzmen. It was a game changer for me and led to my
Jimmy and friends with the Trophy bitter prop first summer season at the Gaiety Theatre there in 1976. “ Once he hit the big time, the TV appearances came thick and fast, appearing in the Royal Variety Show and, in 1987, he was suprised by Eamonn Andrews and his big red book for an episode of This Is Your Life. The show was aired the evening before Andrews’ death, making it the last episode he ever saw. In the 1980s, Jimmy would regularly pack out theatres across the country. His trademark wellies, letters from “mammy” and catchphrases (“And there’s more” and “Come closer”...) went down a treat in an era where ‘clean’ comics were being challenged by a new generation of alternative performers. He even played along with the odd ruse to ensure maximum publicity for his performances: “In Southport there was a great guy called Phil King who was the head of tourism. Phil had an idea to get some extra publicity by telling the press that my wellies had been stolen from the Floral Hall theatre. But it would be alright on the night as they’d be returned just before the show and, as it was around Christmas time, he’d arrange the press to get a picture of Santa presenting them back to me. “The story went everywhere, into the tabloids and I was even interviewed on the radio. Now, the
33
problem is, I’m not a good liar at all so when the presenter asked me whether it was the only pair of wellies I had, I just started waffling! “A few years ago though, a pair of concrete wellies given to me by Ken Dodd for my 50th were stolen from the garden. I told the police to look for a burglar with a hernia...” Jimmy continues to perform across the country - in fact he’s heading back to Wigan in October for a function in aid of Wigan & Leigh Hospice. He’s also
“I’’m a complete ham - I love being recognised!” got a CD out for Christmas, aptly entitled Santa, Bring My Wellies Back to Me, in aid of Francis House Children’s Hospice and is available via jimmycricket. co.uk And it’s those famous wellies which were recently captured by photographer Andy Hollingworth, who has worked with stars such as Ricky Gervais, Rowan Atkinson and Stephen Fry. I wonder whether there’s a chance that, one day, Jimmy will pack away his wellies for good? “No, I just love the creative process, I love writing - I’ve workshopped one called Maloney’s Big Moment, which Bill Kenwright, the theatre producer, is thinking about. I also love the interaction with
Jimmy with Local Life editor David Sudworth fans. I take a book to shows in which they write their names, addresses and birthday, so I can send them a card. I do a batch about once a week - it’s just a little PR thing but they like it. And besides, I wouldn’t give it up because I’m a complete ham - I’d be gutted if nobody recognised me in Tesco!” As we depart, I ask Jimmy whether he’d like a lift home just outside Rochdale, but he opts for the fresh air and exercise: “It’s not far away and it keeps me fit.” A comedian by trade, but even at 71, with his boundless energy and enthusiasm Jimmy Cricket clearly isn’t joking when he says: “And there’s more...” Jimmy stars at the Wigan & Leigh Hospice Fundraisers at St James’ Social Centre, Orrell, on Friday, October 14. Tickets are £12 from St James on 01695 623902 or from Frank Mernagh on 01942 309760.
Photo © Andy Hollingworth Archive
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Parents ‘oversharing’ on
Facebook? W
hen a baby or child achieves something fantastic - from taking their first steps to coming top in an exam - it’s hard for many parents not to jump straight on social media to share it with the world.
But have you ever thought about how your post may be perceived by others? New research shows 93% of parents believe social media encourages them to ‘overshare’ about their babies, and more than a quarter say they feel under pressure to keep up every week, with 12% admitting to feeling this pressure almost daily. The problem, it seems, is many social media fans who are also parents feel other mums and dads tend to make claims about their children that are either untrue or exaggerated. This in turn may make other parents feel bad because their child hasn’t achieved the same thing. The top culprits identified in the survey are ‘Super Mum’ posts, unrealistic achievements and new baby milestones. Mum-of-four and parenting author Sarah
35
! n e p O w o N
We offer a wonderful nurturing & stimulating environment for your children We are a Pre-School managed by experienced and qualified teachers offering high quality learning in a homely environment
Small setting with only 16 places available September places available Register now for a January start For more information please contact Beverley on:
07704 632473
or contact Emma by email: info@thebeechespreschool.com or have a look at our Facebook page
The-Beeches-Preschool
36
Ockwell-Smith points out that social media can be a great virtual support network for mothers, building a community on which they can lean on and turn to for advice. “For a lot of new mothers, this is an incredibly positive experience,” she says. “When your baby achieves something, you’ll likely want to shout it from the rooftops, both in the real world or on social media. “However, the comparison with others online can cause some mothers to be overwhelmed by feelings that they aren’t good enough. “Be a more ‘sensitive sharer’, particularly if you’re aware of friends having a hard time parenting or even conceiving a baby.” • Know your audience: Are any of your close friends or family struggling with something, or are there issues that would be better to avoid with them? Consider this before posting on social media - many topics or opinions are better suited to conversations in person, as you can read each other’s feelings much more easily.
National Literacy Trust research has found that less than a third of young people read outside school every day, so it’s joined up with the Premier League to run Premier League Reading Stars, an annual initiative which has enlisted the help of 20 Premier League footballers to use children’s passion for football to motivate them to enjoy reading. Some of the players involved include Frank Lampard, Adam Lallana, Joey Barton and Boaz Myhill. The players have set literacy challenges for participating children, allowing them to unlock statistics, tips and videos from each footballer as they progress through the online programme. Manchester City midfielder Lampard says: “As a dad, literacy is a cause close to my heart - I love reading with my girls, and would really encourage other parents to keep reading with their kids.
• Check in with friends offline
And for slightly older children who need more motivation to read, the Reading Stars programme, hopefully combined with a bit of reading with mum or dad, could be exactly what’s needed to spark their interest.
Sometimes sharing with the masses means we’re lazy at communicating with friends who really matter. Some people overshare as a cry for help, so if you think someone you know might be having a hard time, engage with them directly.
The Reading Stars programme is aimed at children aged between 7 and 15 years, but parents seeking help to improve the reading of younger children may gain inspiration from the new free online guide How to Help Your Child to Read: 30 Ways In 30 Days.
• Don’t dismiss friends’ concerns
Homework for parents:
Pay attention - sometimes people just need a listening ear, other times you may want to help them seek professional advice.
• Set a daily time to read to your children and try to stick to it.
• Celebrate others’ achievements too If your friend is really proud of her baby for saying his first word, for example, share in her pride.
Read to your kids Reading is a vital skill that every parent wants their child to learn, yet almost half of UK mums and dads admit they lack the confidence and know-how to help improve their child’s reading at home.
• Hang a family message board in the kitchen. Leave simple notes for one another with plenty of illustrations. • Plan a family book club - everyone reads the same book (or has it read to them). Then get together over popcorn to discuss the story. • As children learn to read themselves, consider allowing them to stay up a bit later as a treat - so long as it’s reading time. For more about Premier League Reading Stars visit www.literacytrust.org.uk and for the 30 Ways in 30 Days guide visit www.leapfrog.com
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38
Catholic
schools
Teachers of the future are being invited to a series of open evenings in the area.
W
igan Catholic Primary School Direct and Wigan & West Lancashire Catholic School Direct are coming to a school near you soon! They’ll be looking to recruit graduates who have the potential of becoming teachers in either a primary or secondary school setting. Working in partnership with Liverpool Hope University, WCPSD and WWLCSD are able to develop direct training that will have the academic and theoretical underpinning to allow trainees to become outstanding practitioners within the field of education. A spokesman said: “We are seeking individuals who demonstrate and are able to apply the skills of organisation, flexibility, reflection, evaluation and action to all aspects of the course and their career. Enthusiastic individuals who are able to communicate effectively with pupils, colleagues and parents on a range of levels are essential to our partnership. Trainees can expect to obtain a PGCE (Post Graduate Certificate in Education) and QTS Qualified Teacher Status by the end of the programme. The PGCE is a 60 credit award that can offer progression, upon successful application, onto a Liverpool Hope University Masters in Education (180 credits in total) for those students who want to pursue further study. It’s a programme that gives you 120 days minimum in school, including a minimum of 12 days at Liverpool Hope University. There will be access to learning conferences throughout the year where you will meet and work with trainees from across
WCPSD and WWLCSD, and placements across two contrasting schools. As part of its training programme, students will also complete the first two modules of the Catholic Certificate of Religious Studies. For more information see the advertisement below.
Do YOU want to teach ?
Then come along to one of our Open Evenings... Tuesday, 10th October & Tuesday, 1st November St Patrick’s Catholic Primary School, Wigan All open evenings will be 5:30pm - 7:30pm We are looking for graduates who have the potential to become outstanding primary or secondary school teachers of the future. Our School Direct teacher training program, accredited by Liverpool Hope University, leads to a Postgraduate Certificate in Education with Qualified Teacher Status and 60 credits toward a Liverpool Hope Masters in Education.
For further details about primary teacher training visit www.wcpsd.org.uk. For further details about secondary teacher training visit www.catholicsd.org.uk Applications for September 2017 open at the end of October 2016 and can be made via www.UCAS.com (Search for provider codes 2A4 and course code 2XT7)
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Individual
tuition
How does it feel to find a subject difficult in school? Or to feel frustrated at the lack of challenge? A difficult question for a student to answer - until you ask them to draw a picture!
all designed around each student that will help to meet those gaps in understanding and learning. Whether you choose a national franchise or a local tutor here are a few points to consider:
The results can be eye opening, for parent and teachers alike. Whatever the cause of the difficulties, whether it’s a problem with reading, spelling, writing or maths, the result is usually the same. A lack of confidence and spiralling anxiety for the child and concern for the parent/carer.
• How well you think your child would respond to tutoring
Don’t panic – there is help available in the form of fully qualified tutors and tuition programmes,
Hindley High School
• Has your child got the potential to improve his or her grades • How well you understand the National Curriculum subjects yourself and whether or not you have time to offer extra coaching
Adult Community Classes
ENROLMENT 13th & 14th September 2016, 6pm - 8pm
• Look good, feel great, make-up like a model! • Intro to counselling for stress and anxiety • Intro to web design (ideal for small businesses) • Intro to holistic therapies (a taste of reflexology, Indian head massage, crystal healing, etc.) • Intro to dress making • Higher level dress making • Intro to making your own soft furnishings • A taste for criminology • Holiday Spanish for beginners • Spanish for improvers • Guitar
• Computers for complete beginners (internet, email, word, excel, attachments, etc.) • Intro to digital photography • Digital photography & Adobe Photoshop (intermediate) • Figure modelling and sugar craft • Hatha yoga (limited spaces) • Knitting and crochet (beginners/intermediates) • Creative writing (inc: novels, memoirs, autobiographies, short stories, poetry) • Fun with flowers • Intro to floristry • ‘NEW’ Programming for beginners
Contact Julie Austin or Jo Pollitt for further details: Call: 01942 767704 or Email: community@hindleyhs.wigan.sch.uk www.hindleyhs.wigan.sch.uk Classes may be subject to change. Learners must be over the age of 19. Funding subject to availability. 3 years residency.
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sponsored by
Ashurst’s Beacon &
Dalton by David Sudworth
A
utumn is possibly the best time of year to pull on the walking boots. The leaves are turning a golden colour, the weather is mild and nature’s bounty is in full flow, with conkers, acorns and fir cones covering the ground. So it was in high spirits we headed towards Ashurst’s Beacon near Up Holland for this month’s stroll. It’s an area I know well from my days working on the local paper but perhaps, like many people, I spent my leisure time exploring places miles away rather than what was on my own doorstep, which made this walk extra special. No sooner had we parked the Local Life charabanc and Jack, as per usual, was raring to go. We chose
a car park just opposite The Beacon pub, fronting onto the golf course, which gave us a sneak preview of the views to come, as well as giving Jack a few minutes to find his ‘fetch’ stick from the undergrowth. Walking boots on and armed with copious energy-boosting chocolate bars, we crossed the road and headed toward Ashurst’s Beacon. The pathway towards the monument is just to the left of the pub and not signposted. Once at the top we had an early treat; stunning 180 degree views from Cheshire in the south to Blackpool Tower in the north. The wind was blowing quite a bit, and had a distinctive autumnal chill, but it wasn’t
41
enough to distract us. To give some perspective of distance, Dalton Parish Council’s 100 year centenary stone, just a bit further up, advises that standing at the top of the Beacon, we are five miles from Wigan Parish Church, 27 miles to the Bowland Fells and 84 miles to the Isle of Man. We started the walk from the Beacon itself, but you need to have your wits about you as the paths aren’t immediately obvious. We had to walk in a north westerly direction towards the woodland. As a rule, If you can see Blackpool Tower, basically you need to head towards that, and the informal pathway will become apparent. Once in the woods, we were greeted with a floor scattered with pine cones. Having picked up a few for my six-year-old daughter, we headed westwards and eventually hit a cobbled footpath with fields on either side. Around five minutes later, continuing eastwards, we cross a stile onto a bit of a grass clearing and an old stone house, complete with a rather large, solid wooden gate. If you turn around you should see some sort of rusted farm machinery at the boundary of the grassland. We bore left down the side of the house and carried straight on. What greeted us at the end of the path was a beautiful 17th Century stone dovecot, which as we discovered was restored by the North West Buildings Preservation Trust in 1985. Alongside this was a small pond and trees groaning with conkers and acorns. Suffice to say, being a big kid at heart, I started hoovering these up in anticipation of being able to use my haul to stage a mass conker challenge back at Local Life Towers. However, Jack being a dog and therefore having no interest in conker fights was in no mood to hang around so headed off towards the car park of the magnificent St Michael & All Angels Church. The church faces the equally impressive and historic Ashurst’s Hall, a Grade II listed building which was originally the seat of the Ashurst family. Coming out of the car park, we took a right past the primary school and down Higher Lane. Before long, the pleasing sound of acorns crunching underfoot was ringing in our ears – they were all over the place and to be honest
Ashurst’s Beacon Ashurst’s Beacon is one of the area’s most prominent landmarks. Predominantly overlooking the 1960s Liverpool overflow new town of Skelmersdale, the Beacon dates back to 1798 and is believed to be one of a chain of Lancashire beacons stretching from Liverpool up to Lancaster. Archives suggest it was built by Sir William Ashurst to serve as an early warning system against invaders ahead of the Napoleonic wars. It attained listed status in 1967 and is owned by Wigan Council. Despite being targeted by vandals and graffiti artists over the years, the Beacon remains a popular spot locally due to its views spanning as far as the Welsh Hills.
my heart sank a little when I saw the street sweeper a little further down the road. Before I became too disheartened, we peeled off rightwards onto a tree-lined Dungeon Lane, where we came across some very colourful wild, but I am advised highly poisonous, mushrooms. As a seasoned walker, Jack
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didn’t pay much attention to the various fungi on display but for a novice like myself, I couldn’t resist whipping out my lens for a quick photo op. At the end of the lane, we turned left and then around 50 yards down we turned right. Now admittedly, at first we were hesitant as it looked very much like a private driveway (signage says Blackbird’s Farm/ Lees Lane Nursery/Mobility Store) but according to our trusty Ordnance Survey map, it was a public footpath so went down it. Towards the rear of the property, we saw the all-important way markers and a stile so headed over it. Eventually we came to a field and spotted a bridge over the River Lee d& Live rpo ol C ana l
Parbold
Old Douglas Chapel Cross
Douglas in the distance. However, before that, we had a challenge we just couldn’t avoid – a field full of cows. Now, don’t get me wrong, I love animals but these cows were a bit too friendly for my liking. Jack didn’t seem to mind them and pleasantly sauntered off like he was on a Sunday stroll. I, on the other hand, hot-footed it towards the bridge. Once safely out of harm’s way, we headed off towards the Leeds-Liverpool canal. We went over ill a stile and ended up at Pawhat again, to be like rbold Hfelt, private property with some well- tended grass and A520 9 bushes adorning the landscape. Just to the right was a rather pleasant and unexpected feature of
River Do
uglas
Blackbird’s Farm
Lan
e
Le e
nge
on
sL
an
e
Du
Lower House Farm Lees Lane
Dalton Hig L her ane
ane
L eys
gH
Lon Deacon Lane
Ashurst’s Hall
De
aco
nL
ane
Ashurst’s Beacon
Start/Finish
Skelmersdale
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this walk, a memorial stone showing the site of the Old Douglas Chapel, which existed for 400 years before being demolished in 1875. The memorial cross is carved from the old church’s threshold stone, and erected in 1906 as a lasting memory of somewhere which was clearly an important focal point for this rural community. Once past the stone, and a cluster of old dwellings, we carried on, taking the towpath on the Dalton side heading towards Wigan. Although he maintained his usual ice-cool exterior throughout, I suspect the recent bovine drama must have caused Jack some anxiety as he decided to crouch down by the canal and take some hearty slurps to quench his very sudden thirst. Once suitably refreshed, we started to head back, over the Douglas and headed towards Keckle Hey Wood. The pathway went past a few barn conversions on the right, before emerging on to Lees Lane. Going left, it was a short walk before we turned up the track opposite Lower House Farm. We headed up through Wigan Lane Wood and started to get some lovely views towards Standish, with Winter Hill in the distance. We continued heading southwards before taking a right onto Long Heys Lane. It’s at this point the walk becomes quite steep so, in anticipation of
Puzzle
solutions
the energy sapping gradient I was about to embark upon, I cracked open one of my choccie bars and steeled myself for the challenge. I’ve no idea how Jack – at this point on his lead due to the frequency of vehicles using the road - managed it without refuelling but he did. After about 10 minutes or so, we spotted a small path off to the right and headed down it. Cross the driveway to Bradshaw Farm and Bradshaw Barn and head off again into the wooded area which adjoins the properties. Before long, the pathway comes out near the Beacon and, five miles later, the walk was complete. All in all this was a very enjoyable afternoon. Due to the informal nature of some of the pathways, and some possible confusion which can arise due to lack of signage, you do need to keep your wits about you. But the rewards are plentiful; beautiful buildings, historical points of interest, stunning views. And If that doesn’t grab you, then there’s always the lure of a pocket full of free conkers… 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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Events & Leisure
What’s
on Animal Magic
Saturday 24th & Sunday 25th September
Blackpool Illuminations Friday 2nd September – Sunday 6th November Autumn just wouldn’t be the same without a trip to Blackpool’s world famous Northern Lights. Hop aboard an open top tram for the clearest views of the lights, relax in a horse drawn carriage as a romantic treat or simply walk the 10km along the front with your bag of fish and chips! Blackpool Promenade, Lancashire, FY1 5BD www.blackpool-illuminations.net
Leigh Film Festival 2016 Saturday 24th September Come and experience an unforgettable night of new and exciting film screenings at the Turnpike Centre in Leigh. Doors open at 6pm with bar and refreshments available throughout the evening. The films will be shown between 7pm and 9pm, the evening finishes with an after show party and a live online vote for the winner of the Audience Choice Award. Tickets are £5 and available online. Turnpike Gallery, Civic Square, Leigh WN7 1EB www.leighfilmfestival.com
Martin Mere Wetland Centre in Burscough will be hosting their enormously popular Animal Magic weekend on these days. In addition to existing attractions, there will be the chance to meet an armadillo, baby crocodiles, wallabies, meerkats, chameleons, alpacas, snakes, bearded dragons, owls, eagles and vultures! Book online to save 10%. 9.30am-6pm Martin Mere Wetland Centre, Fish Lane, Burscough L40 0TA www.wwt.org.uk/wetland-centres/martin-mere/
North West Vintage Rally Saturday 24th & Sunday 25th September Free family day out for all the family at Victoria Park in Widnes. The largest event of its kind in the UK, this rally has hundreds of classic cars and bikes, plus miniature steam engines, model boats, a vintage funfair and the Spitfire Grand Display team. 10am-5pm Victoria Park, Widnes WA8 7SX www.northwestvintagerally.co.uk
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Euxton Family Festival Weekend
Chorley Live 2016
Saturday 24th & Sunday 25th September
Let your hair down with a fantastic weekend of live entertainment in the heart of Chorley. Music and comedy performances on the hour from 7pm10pm at 30 venues across the town. Entry is via a wristband that costs £5 which gets you in every venue over both nights and under 12s go free. Various venues/times Find ‘Chorley Live 2016’ on Facebook
An exciting new two day family festival being held at the Euxton Cricket Club on Southport Road, near Chorley. Featuring live bands, tribute acts, children’s entertainers, family entertainment, a food festival, stalls, a funfair and more. Saturday 12pm-10pm Sunday 12pm-8pm Balshaw Park, Southport Road, Euxton, PR7 6DD
Friday 7th & Saturday 8th October
Southport British Musical Fireworks Championship
King Lear – RSC Live
Friday, 30th Sept, Sat 1st Oct, Sun 2nd Oct
The latest in a series of plays which are performed at the Royal Shakespeare Company in Stratfordupon-Avon, and broadcast live to cinemas and theatres throughout the UK. Antony Sher returns to play King Lear, one of the greatest parts written by Shakespeare. 7pm start Arts Centre – Edge Hill University
International standard displays from some of the best pyrotechnic companies in the UK over a three night period. The fireworks are synchronised and choreographed to music and a story unfolds with every 15-20 minute display. Watch the sky over Southport become an array of colours. Tickets start from £7, children under 5 go free. Victoria Park, Southport PR8 2BZ www.visitsouthport.com/whats-on/southportfireworks
Wednesday 12th October
The Family Pet Show Saturday, 1st & Sunday 2nd October The Family Pet Show (the only indoor Pet Show that you can bring your pet to) includes dog agility displays, a mini-farm, fun dog shows and lots more. With four main interactive areas of watch, play, learn & have a go, plus areas for all pets in dog world, cat world, furries world, bird world & exotic world there is something for every pet lover. 9.30am to 5.00pm Adult, £9, Child, £7 Event City, Phoenix Way, Manchester, M41 7TB www.thefamilypetshow.co.uk
Southport Comedy Festival Thursday 13th to Sunday 23rd October Headline acts from across the World of Comedy, including Russell Kane, Jason Byrne, Sean Kelly and Jo Caulfield descend on Southport for 11 days of hilarity, with over 40 events in 30 venues across the town. As well as classic stand-up, there are children’s shows and free events, squeaky clean shows and the Southport New Comedian of the Year competition. Various venues/times/prices www.southportcomedyfestival.com
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The Tinderbox Sunday 23rd October
Disney On Ice presents Frozen Thursday 13th to Sunday 16th October 2016 Enter a fantastical winter wonderland beyond imagination when Disney On Ice presents a full length production of Frozen on ice at Manchester Arena. Be magically whisked away to wintry Arendelle by dazzling special effects and astonishing skating as you sing and dance along to inspiring songs including “Let It Go.” 17:30pm Manchester Arena, Manchester, M3 1AR
Norwich Puppet Theatre Company presents the classic Hans Christian Anderson tale using puppetry animation and music. This event is suitable for children 4+ and their families. 2pm The Citadel, Waterloo Street, St Helens, WA10 1PX www.citadel.org.uk
Jimmy Carr Saturday 29 Oct 2016 Jimmy is gathering a selection of his very best jokes along with brand new material for the ultimate comedy show. 8pm Preston Guild Hall & Charter Theatre PR1 1HT Contact telephone: 01772 80 44 44 www.prestonguildhall.com
North West Food Lovers Festival Friday 21st-Sunday 23rd October 2016 Over 100 food and drink suppliers all within a massive super structure marquee set in the grounds of Tatton Park. Once you buy your tickets (kids under 12 free), you can then go to as many cooking demonstrations as you like. Your children can take in the Kids Cooking classes, you take the foraging walks, talk, try and buy from any of over 100 exhibitors and while away the time with coffee or glass of wine while enjoying some of the best foods on offer anywhere. Friday 12pm-5pm & Saturday-Sunday 10pm-5pm Tatton Park, Knutsford WA16 6QN www.nwfoodloversfestival.co.uk
Twopence to Cross The Mersey The new stage play version of Helen Forrester’s Twopence to Cross the Mersey is performed at a number of NW venues this autumn. This much loved account tells the true story of a young girl and her formerly wealthy family as they are suddenly thrown into the poverty-stricken slums of Liverpool during the Great Depression of the 1930’s. Preston Charter Theatre PR1 1HT Wednesday 19th to Saturday 22nd October Contact telephone: 01772 804444 Southport Theatre & Convention Centre PR9 ODZ Monday 24th to Thursday 27th October
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Go potty for by Angie Barker
pots!
Award Winner
P
eople often underestimate the impact that pots can have on your outside space. Whether your garden is big or small, or even a balcony, then pots can really enhance the look of it by introducing colour and style, in terms of the pots you choose and the planting. There are a few things to remember though with container gardening. First of all think big. Two or three large pots look so much better than a large collection of small ones – and they will need less watering. Then chose your style. If your garden is more of a cottage garden with lots of perennial planting in an informal style, then terracotta is the obvious choice. If however you have a contemporary, sleek garden perhaps with decking, then stainless steel or black ceramic would fit in perfectly. You also have to bear in mind that plants in containers rely on you for their water. Don’t be fooled into thinking that the rain will keep them watered. In summer especially you will need a watering regime to stop the plants drying out. Adding water retentive gel to your compost can really help preserve water content.
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.
Whilst containers are great for summer bedding, they are also a great way of trying out new planting combinations without going to the expense of planting a whole new border. This summer I teamed Lavandula angustifolia ‘Munstead’ (English Lavender) with Heuchera ‘Plum Pudding’ and a gorgeous deep crimson Cosmos and I love it! In fact Heucheras are brilliant for teaming up with all sorts of plants and although I really like the dark purple ones (Heuchera ‘Obsidian’ is sublime) they come in a vast range of colours from oranges to lime green to almost black, one to suit all tastes. It is especially lovely to have a pot or two by your front door to cheer you up when you come home – even more so in winter when there is little happening in garden borders. And in a sunny spot, you can’t beat a scented plant. I also grow lots of veg in pots from potatoes, courgettes, peas, carrots and lettuce. Hubby is always telling me I’m potty – perhaps he’s right after all!
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
Award Winner
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Test drive
Ford
Kuga
T
1.5T Ecoboost by Tim Barnes-Clay
he Kuga came on to the scene in 2008. Built in two-wheel-drive and fourwheel-drive it was Ford’s response to SUVs, such as the Nissan Qashqai. It was also built to challenge more established 4x4s, such as the Honda CR-V.
While it is no rocket ship, the Kuga 1.5T Ecoboost, on test here, does pick up pace fairly well (0-62mph in 9.7s) and feels particularly nippy around town. Its manual six-speed gearbox has a positive, smooth, action and the Ford delivers a relaxing, yet well-ordered ride at low speeds. The steering is light and direct – and this makes city driving and parking a breeze. Alas, there is far too much din in the road and wind noise department for the Kuga to be a serious motorway vessel. Safety is first-rate, though, with side and curtain airbags helping it achieve a five-star Euro NCAP crash-test result. Inside, the Kuga is quite spacious in the front, but its plunging roofline intrudes on headroom for taller passengers in the rear. Legroom for anyone approaching six-feet tall is also limited, however it’s a fine area for kids to sit comfortably. The 406-litre boot is bigger than the Ford Focus’ 316-litre offering – making the loading of a bulky pushchair and the weekly supermarket shopping even less of a hassle. As alluded to earlier, the Kuga’s key rival is the Nissan Qashqai, with other opponents including the Kia Sportage and Volkswagen Tiguan. All of their boots are even bigger than the Ford’s by some margin.
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Fast
facts
0-62 mph: 9.7 secs Combined mpg: 45.6 Engine layout: 1498cc 4-cylinder 16v turbo petrol Max. power (ps): 150 CO2: 143 g/km Price: £20,995
In fairness, though, the Ford Kuga Zetec 1.5T EcoBoost makes a good buy. It offers a decent mix of performance and size for families looking for a school-run-mobile. It is also front-wheel-drive - and this variant is really what you should try and get, unless you are desperate for 4x4 traction and offroad ability. Front-wheel-drive Kugas are a little bit cheaper to run than the four-wheel-drive versions and, if buying used, may well have been better cared for. The current Kuga is smart enough and has a generally reliable history, although it is starting to come over as a tad dated – but at least it’s a safe
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on repairs, servicing and diagnostics at Wigan’s leading independent BMW & Mini Specialist. Our staff have over 40 years experience at the Northwest’s largest BMW dealership. Other makes and models welcome too.
184 Wallgate, Wigan, WN3 4AL (Next to Better Bathrooms) Free secure parking at rear
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car. Fortunately, we won’t have too long to wait for a fresh Kuga. The Blue Oval hopes to fight the BMW X3 with a chicer, more elegant version of the SUV at the end of this year.
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Bumper scuffs Vandal scratches Alloy wheel repairs Minor dents
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Established in 1984 as an emergency glazing service, today Dennis Goulding has grown and moved forward to offer all you need to maintain, enhance and expand your home. We continually invest in and embraced the latest changes in energy efficiency regulations, and still remain a local family business that cares and takes pride in what we do. We don’t employ pushy salesmen, but pride ourselves on working
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Dennis Goulding
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A49
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