LocalLife Leigh & District Edition
Shooting from the
November 2017
hip
Jack’s Tracks visits Heath Charnock
WIN £500 to spend at Local News Food Jack’s Tracks Garden Diary Events2Go Home Services locallife247.co.uk
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Accident?
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Nearly tinsel
Y
time
ou’ve seen Christmas cards popping up in shops, decorations making appearances and to the horror of many, heard a festive song already. Yes indeed, D-day or rather, C-day is upon us. I have to admit however, I’m a huge Christmas fan. But not just December 25, it’s the run-up to Christmas I love. Families and friends get together, communities become even tighter and I think the festive cheer brings out the best in all of us. The holidays at the Ollerton household are a busy family affair, with all my favourite people under one roof, getting merry, competitive at games (yes – I’m a sore loser), and spending quality family time together while the rest of the world stands still as more families do the same. As we approach the happiest day of the year we have some festivities to get us in the mood. From Bonfire Night with crackles and sparkles, Christmas do’s galore, festive food markets, and of course tucking into our advent calendars once more. Get out and about during our rare clear, crisp winter days, eat to your heart’s content, but most importantly be sure to relax a little before the chaos of December ensues. But don’t forget, if you need something special to help you unwind, it’s nearly time for mulled wine, mince pies and lots and lots of cheese…
Niamh Ollerton, Deputy Editor
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In this issue WIN a £500
voucher
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Regulars 16 Class From The Past 36 Jack’s Tracks 30 Puzzle Corner 40 Garden Diary 32 Events2Go 46 Th’own Mon
Sections 6 Local News
42 Home Services
Shooting from the
hip Next issue - December 2017
Advertising deadline - Friday, 10 November Published - Friday, 24 November
19 Not just
William
26 Jack’s Tracks visits
Heath Charnock
LocalLife Local Life 247 Ltd, Unit 8, Hewitt Business Park, Winstanley Road, Orrell, WN5 7XB
Telephone: 01942 387 720 Publisher: Chris chrisp@locallife247.co.uk Sales: Clare sales@locallife247.co.uk Editorial: David, Niamh leighnews@locallife247.co.uk Design: Peter, Dylan design@locallife247.co.uk Distribution: Sally sallyb@locallife247.co.uk Accounts: Sam accounts@locallife247.co.uk Our Leigh South edition is delivered into 12,342 homes and businesses in Leigh, Pennington, Culcheth, Lowton, Golborne and Glazebury
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events2go
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Tell Us Your Story! Local Life is always
It’s Mayor Megan! A lucky Bedford High student experienced a day in the life of the Mayor after winning a competition. Megan Lawrence, 13, from Leigh won a £20 gift voucher and the opportunity to shadow the Mayor and Mayoress, Cllr Bill Clarke and Joan Clarke, during their official duties. Megan was picked up from school in the Mayoral car before watching a community dance club at Skils CIC in Hindley, visiting Chapter One Tea Rooms in Hindley Library and attending Standish Music Festival.
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 us on leighnews@locallife247.co.uk or call us on 01695 627999.
Could you be one of tomorrow’s outstanding teachers? We are looking for individuals who are passionate about working with younger children and have the potential to be outstanding teachers. Join us at our open evenings at; St Patrick’s Catholic Primary School, Hardybutts, Wigan WN1 3RZ Tuesday, 7th November Tuesday, 5th December Tuesday, 23rd January Tuesday, 27th February All sessions run from 4pm-6pm Accredited Study days at Liverpool Hope University will lead to a PGCE and QTS in primary teaching
For more information and updates visit
www.wcpsd.org.uk
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Christmas Competition
Macmillan thanks
WIN £500 voucher for
Culcheth Health Centre raised £335.76 at its recent Macmillan’s World’s Biggest Coffee Morning. Staff have thanked all those involved.
Just answer this question: In which town are OD’s stores located?
Great reflection
To enter the competition, visit www.locallife247/ freestuff and click on competitions. The entrant must also follow one of ODs’ social media platforms, ie Facebook, Twitter or Instagram and then share the competition post, tag 3 friends and ODs into the status. This must be done before the draw on Friday 15th December 2017. The voucher must not be used in conjunction with any other offer. The voucher must be spent in one visit before 23/12/17 at any of OD’S stores (not online). Employee or families of Local Life 247 Ltd or OD’s are not allowed to enter this competition.
LocalLife
Governors announced Wrightington, Wigan and Leigh NHS Foundation Trust has announced the results of this year’s election to Council of Governors. Alex Hilton is the new governor for ‘All Other Staff’ while Howard Gallimore is new governor for the Makerfield constituency. Dr Corinne Taylor-Smith was successfully re-elected to the Leigh constituency.
Thanks have been given to everyone who took part in the recent Lowton St Mary’s Village Show. All money raised from the day - £1,100 - is going into a fund for the repair of a stained glass window.
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Business growth Growing Business Rates will be “essential” in funding Wigan and Leigh’s public services. That’s the message from Town Hall bosses who are bracing themselves for further cuts in Government grants to local authorities. A report into Wigan Council’s budget position for 2018/19 highlighted the need to collect more Business Rates. Tony Clarke, assistant director for finance, told councillors: “Following the devolution deal for Greater Manchester. Wigan along with the other 9 Greater Manchester councils, are now part of the pilot business rates growth scheme. In effect the Council is now able to retain 100% of its business rates. This is not additional monies as the Council
‘essential’ no longer receives Revenue Support Grant or Public Health Grant. The retention of 100% business rates does not give any additional certainty over our funding as volatility remains with the number of appeals lodged and the number of successful appeals. Since 2013 the council has seen a loss of £7m on the total rateable value of businesses within the borough. “Business rate growth is therefore essential to support the financial position of the council. “Growth cannot be relied upon as a long term solution to funding as the Government initially indicated that there could be a “reset” of the system in future years. In effect this would mean our base would be revised therefore losing the benefit of any growth achieved.”
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2018 plan for new homes Specific sites for proposed new homes in Culcheth are set to be revealed early next year.
Belt allocation at present. They are hopeful that the final, approved document will be ready by the end of 2018. It will also go to the Secretary of State for sign off.
Warrington Council officers have indicated that a consultation process will start in early February. So far, officers have only consulted on numbers approximately 300 new homes in Culcheth’s Green Belt - rather than specific sites.
A report on the Local Plan says: “It will be necessary to expand existing primary schools in Lymm, Culcheth and Burtonwood.
Glazebury is earmarked for 50 new homes; as well as 60 in Croft, 90 in Winwick and 150 in Burtonwood. Lymm - at 500 new homes - is the largest Green
“The numbers are indicative at this stage. The final numbers will depend on the detailed assessment of potential development sites, including a more detailed assessment of the implications for the character of the respective settlements.”
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Sports award
winners
Leigh Genesis won the club of the year title at a recent borough sports awards. The football club, which has over 400 members, scooped the accolade at the 17th annual Believe Sports Awards held at the DW Stadium, Wigan.
Earn extra
cash!
Local Life require distributors for the following areas; Culcheth – all areas
It’s been a successful year for the club, who recently won the Lancashire FA Charter Standard Community Club of the Year and Lancashire FA Best Inclusive Project Award.
Lowton Canaan/Arlington Drive estate Slag Lane/Chester Avenue estate
World class sport was also recognised on the evening in the form of Wigan’s own Olympian Jenny Meadows, making a surprise appearance at the awards to receive her 2010 European Championships silver medal, after being upgraded from bronze in the 800m following an investigation
Leigh Green Lane, Kenwood Ave area Guest Street, Priestfields area Broadwell Drive estate Pennington Wharf Estate
into doping offences of Russian athletes. Other winners were as follows: Coach of the Year: Rick Atkinson – Wigan Wasps Swimming Club Wilf Brogan Unsung Hero Award: Mike Hack – Astley and Tyldesley Cycling Club Sports Achiever of the Year: Danni Williams – Musuko Karate Academy Volunteer of the Year: Pete Prescott – Leigh Amateur Boxing Club Disabled Sports Achiever of the Year: Daniel Dawoud – GB Wheelchair Rugby Team of the Year: Wigan St Patrick’s ARLFC U14s Magpies The Martin Lynn School Commitment to PE and Sport Award : Garrett Hall Primary School, Tyldesley Changing Lifestyle Recognition Award: Steven Johnson – Leigh Leisure Centre
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
LocalLife
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Love is in the air... Do you know a local couple who have a great story to tell? Maybe they’ve met in unusual circumstances, triumphed against the odds or just have a great story to tell. We’re on the look-out for couples to feature in a forthcoming edition. They must be prepared to share their story with readers, and have their photograph taken for publication. Send us their contact details, plus a brief summary of no more than 200 words, to leighnews@locallife247.co.uk Please only contact us if you have their permission. Anonymous suggestions will be discounted.
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Class from the past
This month’s Class from the Past is from Culcheth High 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 leighnews@ locallife247.co.uk
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Shooting from the
hip
David Sudworth talks to ex-Wigan Tech student who returned home to capture life in post-Brexit northern Britain
E
ighty years ago, a middle class, London-dwelling creative type headed out of the metropolis to chronicle the every day lives of people in the north. George Orwell’s The Road To Wigan Pier remains hotlydebated in these parts. Did he paint an unfair picture, or was he simply holding a mirror up to society at the time? It’s a question which loomed large in Timothy Foster’s mind when he went on an Orwell-inspired journey to document life here in 2017. Armed with his trusty camera, the London-based photographer went to seek out the people and places who would give an unvarnished snapshot of life here. What made it all the more difficult is that, not only is the 44-year-old from the area originally, but some of the subject matter was really, really close to home: “There’s a photo of my mum in there, who suffers from post traumatic stress disorder, as well as a photo of my mate Dan’s grave. He died trying to medicate his mental health with alcohol until he was found dead.”
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A volunteer and ex-bin man at Astley pit head
Northern Soul at Newtown Working Men’s Club
Leigh man on his way to the shops
21 Timothy’s work is now on show at The Turnpike Gallery in Leigh. Taking around one-and-a-half years to complete, it takes the viewer on a journey through all facets of life in the locality, including in Leigh. All shades of local activity are featured in the myriad of images - although capturing ‘real’ life in the north didn’t come without its challenges. “In London, with it being a capital city, people are
“The first thing people want to do is smile” used to being on camera. There’s people taking pictures everywhere, so it’s part of everyday life. But that’s not the case here, and the first thing a lot of people want to do is pose or crack a smile, which although completely normal in itself, also looks staged. So you’ve got to get chatting with them, and then almost catch them off guard if you
Brenda sweeping leaves in Leigh
Garage owner, Leigh
End terrace, Leigh
22 like. A lot of the pictures were taken with me using the camera at hip height - so I was literally shooting from the hip. You’re basically blagging but it’s only because you’re wanting something which is an accurate a portrait as possible. “It’s a fine line because we all want to be liked, and yet I know I’m producing work which some of the subjects won’t like. So that’s a bit like a rejection, but on the other hand, it’s also the price you pay for honesty.” It’s not the first time Timothy attempted to create something like this. The germ of the idea came some 10 years ago, but he felt that, post-Brexit, it speaks more to people. “As I’ve said, I live in London which voted Remain. So there were lots of people, going round slapping each other on the back, and then the result came through.
“People thought I was mad to go to Hag Fold” “It’s still in that bubble, but what about the areas like Wigan which voted to leave the European Union? That was probably the catalyst and here we are. I’ve spent thousands of my own money on it, coming up every fortnight. But it was like an itch you need to scratch.” Timothy, who went to Winstanley College and Wigan Tech, also found that his time away from the area actually made him a better photo-journalist. “I went into Hag Fold and when I told people locally that I’d done that, they thought I was mad. But because I’m in London, I don’t know places by their reputation up here so I didn’t go there with any preconceptions. And do you know what, it was great. I guess I’m afraid of confrontation but once people knew what I was doing, they were fine.” If there’s one word Tim can use to sum up the area, it would be “defiant”. However, that doesn’t necessarily come with positive connotations.
“It’s defiant in the face of adversity. It’s a bit like ‘do you know what, we know it’s a poor area largely, but we’re going to have a laugh.’ “In some ways that’s good, in other ways it’s not. It’s an acceptance, and if people accept things, then will they ever change? “Orwell saw that in his own book, and he was also very good at self-critique. I suppose I’ve done that myself on this particular project. “I’ve been asked a good few times whether I’d turn this into a book. I’d love to so if anyone wants to help me do that, please do get in touch!” he laughs. All Roads Lead To Wigan Pier - Photographs By Timothy Foster is at the Turnpike Gallery, Leigh Library, until November 11. It’s free entry and the opening times are Tuesday-Saturday, 10am-4pm. For more information on Timothy, visit www. timothyfoster.co.uk
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Food & Drink
Not just
W
William
By Ella Walker
illiam Sitwell is adamant: “British food culture is the greatest food culture in the world.” The writer, TV presenter and food critic puts it down to the fact even the most provincial UK high street still overflows with eating options, from Chinese and Thai, to French, Italian and Indian. “We welcome food culture with open arms, we absorb it into our daily lives. What we do - which probably annoys people from overseas - is that we actually end up doing their food better than they do.” As a MasterChef judge and editor of Waitrose Kitchen magazine, he’s well placed to adjudicate. And who better to pull together The Really Quite Good British Cookbook, a new collection of recipes from “about 100 of our finest chefs, cooks, bakers and food heroes”. It features established talents (Nigella, Ottolenghi, Stein) and rising stars (Gill Meller, Rosie Birkett), as well as home cooks, restaurateurs, celebrities and innovative producers. Sitwell’s job was to “corral” the lot of them - via phone, email, Twitter and accosting them at parties - and get them to hand over recipes for dishes they make their loved ones.
When asked what fascinates him about his field, Sitwell is irrepressibly passionate...
He even got former Waitrose Kitchen columnist, Pippa Middleton, to contribute. “I hired her [originally] because she represents a particular style of eating and of entertaining,” says Sitwell, 47. “She’s a great cook. I like her enormously, so I’m very lucky that we’ve got one of her recipes in here.”
“Food is about politics, it’s about history, culture; it’s about entertaining, it’s about love, it’s about survival, it’s about poverty, it’s about pleasure, hedonism, it’s about staying sober, it’s about getting drunk. “It’s a subject that covers every aspect of human life.” Cheers to that.
You won’t find a recipe from Sitwell himself in it, however - he thought the idea “a bit self-regarding” though he is a keen cook.
Inspired to reacquaint yourself with proper British cooking? Try this recipe opposite...
The Really Quite Good British Cookbook, edited by William Sitwell, photography by Lizzie Mayson, is published in hardback by Nourish, priced £25.
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Overnight Roast Pork Belly with Pears & Thyme by Hardeep Singh Kohli Method Set the oven to the highest setting. Pop the kettle on. On buying your belly, have your butcher remove it from the bone. Keep the bone and bring it home. Also, have them remove the skin, having first scored it in a criss-cross fashion. Place the skin in the sink and pour boiling water over it. Carefully dry the skin, thoroughly. Rub a tablespoon of oil and then the sea salt into the scored flesh. Place the skin in an oiled roasting tin and put in the oven. It should take only 30 minutes for the skin to become crackling. Remove the crackling and allow to cool. Turn the oven down to 120C.
Serves 6-8 Ingredients 1 pork belly (2 1/2-3kg), bone and skin removed 3tbsp rapeseed oil 2tbsp sea salt 2 leeks, halved lengthways 2 carrots, halved lengthways 4 sticks celery, halved lengthways 8 peppercorns 12 bunches of thyme, of which 4 should be stripped of leaves 1 pintperry (or pear cider) 5 firm pears (4 halved and cored, 1 finely diced)
Lay the leeks, carrots and celery in the bottom of a roasting tin with the peppercorns. On top, lay the rib bones, eight sprigs of thyme and then drizzle a tablespoon of oil over. Tuck the veg in under the ribs. Lay the pork belly on top, oil and drizzle the rest of the oil, and scatter the remaining salt over. Pour 350ml of the perry into the roasting tin. Cover in tinfoil and pop into the oven for anything between nine and 11 hours. 90 minutes before the end of cooking, add the halved pears. Roast uncovered for the final hour and a half. Remove the pork from the oven. Carefully lift the pork and the pears out and keep warm. Discard the cooked veg. Add the remaining perry, deglaze the tin and reduce the liquor by half. Immediately before serving, add the remaining thyme leaves and finely diced pear.
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Puzzle Corner
SUDOKU
5 3 7 2 1 9
2
WORD SEARCH Find the hidden words in the word search grid
8 6 4 1
4 5 3
9 5 8 1 7 6 8
4
1
STEP ON IT Fill in the missing words changing just one letter at a time from the first to the last word. SPARKLER FOUNTAIN FUSE WHISTLE RAINBOW
FLARE SALVO BANG BONFIRE COMET
CLASPS
ROCKET TAPER DUD SPARKS FISH
WORD MIX UP Unscramble the letters to make a word BEANGR
YEASTS
NUG PRODEW HLEWE HOTCU PPEAR
WIGGLE WORDS CLUE: Keep schtum
LEAKRCC UYG KEWFAS DEEPLOX FASTREDLUHNH
Trace a path through all the letters to find the word or phrase that fits the clue.
K E T H
A I O E
T T T G
E V A R
All the puzzle solutions are on page 41 of this magazine
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Upload your event for FREE at www.locallife247.co.uk/events Follow us on Facebook
events2go
Halloween Murder Mystery
Culcheth Adventure Babies
Saturday, October 28, 8pm-11.55pm
Thursday, Nov 2, to Thursday, Dec 14, 10am, 11.15am, & 12.30pm (every Thursday in between)
What better way to get in the mood for a spooky Halloween than a night of murder and mystery. You’ll enjoy a three-course meal, live entertainment, DJ and a late bar, all for £25. Find out all you need to know at www.sportinglodgeinns.co.uk The Greyhound Hotel, Warrington Road, Leigh, WN7 3XQ
Game of Thrones Quiz! Sunday, October 29, 8pm-11pm Forget winter is coming, because the questions are coming in this Game of Thrones themed quiz. Your knowledge will be tested from seasons 1-7 on all the politics, action and adultery from Westeros. All you need to bring is a smartphone or tablet to turn into a virtual buzzer. The themed quizzes are always busy, and it’s recommended to call the venue to book your table. The Parsonage, Leighbrook Way, Leigh, WN7 5AR
Grannylocks Sunday, October 29, 11.30am Join performance poet Joseph Coelho, as he unravels familiar fairytales to create fresh contemporary classics in an enchanting performance for young and old alike. The Citadel, Waterloo Street, St Helens, WA10 1PX. More details - 01744 735 436
You’re invited to go on an adventure with interactive storytelling, sensory props and messy play you don’t have to clean up, bringing much loved books to life. Adventure Babies promote the benefits of reading to little ones from birth for early literacy and communication skills and cognitive development. They also embrace the value of messy play to develop core strength, fine and gross motor skills, and to encourage inquisitiveness and exploration of the world. There are three classes; 10am for 0-12 months, 11.15am for 0-24 months and 12.30pm for 0-8 months. For tickets please visit https://bookwhen.com/ warringtonadventurebabies Adventure Babies Warrington and Frodsham, Stockton Heath Scout Centre, Parkgate Road, Warrington, WA4 2AP
Leigh Screenwriters’ Group Thursday, November 2, 7pm-9pm Writers of all abilities are welcome at the Leigh Screenwriters Group meet-up. Whether you’re a hobbyist, new screenwriting, or award winning, this screenwriting group invites all levels of practitioners into a creative space. You can read recent works and the rest of the group are then able to give thoughts and feedback. All for the greater good of the screen. Please email abigailannehenry@gmail.com for more information! Leigh Tesco, The Loom, Derby Street, Leigh, WN7 4BA
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1940s Forces Boogie Night
Back to the Future
Friday, November 3, 7pm
Friday, November 10, 7.30pm
Hosted and organised by The Leigh Lions Club. There’ll be a DJ, sing-a-long, hot pot supper, and guest star Lauren Green singing a couple of Vera Lynn numbers all for the cheap price of £10 a ticket. On arrival, you’ll be handed a song sheet and a Union Jack Flag to get you in the mood. Come one, come all and have a ball. Please dress in 1940s attire or Uniform if possible. For tickets please call, 01942 519161, 07940 344780 or 01942 510210.
Epiphany Trust’s performance of “Back to the Future” will be raising funds for Epiphany’s projects with disadvantaged children across the world. Micah Hampson, Rebecca Tickle, The LGN Ukelele Band & Footprint will be featured for guests during the evening. Tickets are £7 and can be purchased from gill@ epiphany.org.uk or 01925 220999
The New Lowton Social Club, 214 Newton Road, Lowton, WA3 2AQ. Phone: 01942 510210
Firework Spectacular 2017 Saturday, November 4, 5.30pm Golborne Sports & Social Club annual firework display is the biggest in the area, fuelled by Phenomenal Fireworks. Gates open at 5.30pm; the children’s display is at 6.30pm; followed by the main display ay 7.30pm. Tickets are available from: Golborne Sports & Social Club – Stonecross Lane, Lowton; Bargain BoozeChurch Lane, Lowton; Black & White Shop - Bank Street, Golborne; News ont Corner - Slag Lane, Lowton; Pimbletts – Heath Street, Golborne, at £3 for children (age 3-15),£6 for adults and £15 for a family of 4 (2 adults + 2 Children). Gate prices are child £5, adult £8 & Family £20.
All Saints Social Centre, Golborne, WA3 3BG. More info: www.epiphany.org.uk
Ladies Night Friday, November 17, 7.30pm-11.30pm Oh yes it’s Ladies Night all in aid of a good cause for @ youngminds.uk. If you’re in need of a girls’ night there’ll be a DJ, dance floor, raffle, auction, bingo, Deal or no Deal, a buffet and table service is included in your £10 ticket. There are tables of 10, 8, 6 and some 4’s available. Leigh Bowling Club - Subby Club, Pownall St, Leigh, WN7 2HA. Phone: 01942 673034
United v City U23’s Saturday, November 18, 1pm Manchester United U23’s take on Manchester City U23’s in a Premier League 2 fixture at Leigh Sports Village on Sunday 19th November 2017 at 13:00
Golborne Sports and Social Club, Nook Lane, Golborne, WA3 2SE. Phone: 01942 510161
Leigh Sports Village, Sale Way, WN7 4JY Leigh, Wigan, United Kingdom
Indoor Car Boot
Christmas Market
Sunday, Nov 5, 7am-12pm (set up from 6am)
Saturday, November 18, 12pm-4pm
Make all the dosh at your car boot with none of the mud. Stalls are £14 per table (full payment upon booking), with the table and two chairs provided by the Centre. But if you’re simply looking for a bargain, it’s just £1 per adult for entry with free parking on site (children and seniors are free). Hot drinks and snacks are available.
A festive day of fun for the whole family at Hindley High School’s Christmas Market. There’ll be a Santa’s Grotto and prizes up for grabs in the tombola and raffle. And as we all know, it’s perfectly acceptable to have sherry and a mince pie any time of day during Christmas time. And it’s all in aid of the wonderful Wigan & Leigh Hospice too!
Leigh Leisure Centre, Sale Way, Leigh Sports Village, WN7 4JY
Hindley High School, Wigan, WN2 4LG
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Christmas Shopping Night
Festive Flash Five 2017
Monday, November 20, 6pm-8.30pm
Sunday, November 26, 10am-12pm
Christmas shopping night at The Culcheth Arms. There’ll be 15 crafters and local businesses joining together to bring you the perfect selection of gifts. Grab yourself a drink and enjoy the shopping experience.
Who said five-mile runs can’t be fun? With a little extra festive cheer that is. It’ll more than likely be muddy, but there’ll be a delicious mince pie waiting for you at the finish line. How can you say no? The entry fee for Festive Flash Five is £16 for non-affiliated runners and £13 for affiliated runners, and you can buy tickets here https:// www.penningtonevents.org/enter-now
The Culcheth Arms, 1 Church Lane, Warrington, WA3 5DL
Leigh Comic Con
Pennington Flash, St Helen’s Rd, Leigh, WN7 3PA
Saturday, November 25, 10am-4pm
Sonia Leigh @ Gullivers NQ
There’ll be special guests, lots of cool traders and retro video gaming ard some of the amazing entertainment offers you won’t want to miss. And if you love dressing up, turn up in costume to take part in the cosplay competition. Early bird tickets start at £4. For more details visit www.funkyfigures.co.uk Leigh Leisure Centre, Sale Way, Leigh Sports Village, WN7 4JY
Christmas Market Saturday, November 25, 10am-5pm There’ll be gazebos, market stalls and a craft and gift fayre in the Parish and Methodist Halls, as well as entertainment and refreshments. Culcheth Choir will sing carols from 3.45 pm in the CPS car park on Jackson Avenue, followed by the Parish Council Chairman and Santa switching on the Christmas lights. Culcheth, Warrington
Mum2mum Market Sunday, November 26, 11am-1pm You can buy or sell nearly new or new baby and children’s clothes, maternity clothes, prams, stairgates, books, toys, and more! Entry is free for children, £2 for adults and there’s a 2 for 1 entry offer available www. mum2mummarket.co.uk Newchurch Parish Hall, Common Lane, Culcheth, WA3 4EH
Sunday, November 26, 7pm For a night of Country, Americana, Rock and Blues look no further than an evening at Gullivers NQ. Katy Hurt and Friends On The Road include Sonia Leigh, The Healers, Jade Helliwell, Ags Connolly plus special guests. Tickets are £10+ £1 booking fee and can be purchased at www.wegottickets.com/viewcart/fest#rtn_416890 Gullivers NQ, 109 Oldham Street, Manchester, M4 1LW
Light for a Life Tuesday, December 5, 6.30pm-8pm This special ceremony is a moving way to give thanks for those we love and have loved. Light for a Life shows the love you have for the important people in your life. You can make a personal thank you and a lasting tribute to those who mean so much. A light will be lit on the tree in dedication at the ceremony at the Hospice. Wigan & Leigh Hospice, Kildare Street, Wigan, WN2 3HZ
Pretty Vegas LIVE Sat, Dec 16, 10.30pm-Sun, Dec 17, 1.30am The Leigh Arms is proud to welcome back by popular demand Pretty Vegas a absolutely amazing 3 piece rock cover band from Skelmersdale. Leigh Arms, 34 King Street, Leigh, WN7 4LR
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Heath Charnock &
Rivington I
t’s hard to miss the television mast of Winter Hill, but Rivington’s landscape has so many hidden gems to explore. Avid walkers and enthusiastic amateurs alike will have traipsed many routes around Rivington, but my colleague Peter and I thought it was time to get our walking boots a little muddy and start off on our adventure. We parked up in Knowsley Lane by Anglezarke reservoir, and were off just before 11am on a bright and sunny October morning; headed off for the stile into the field on the west side of the reservoir, following the path round to Back Lane. Pack your wellies or walking boots if there’s been a shower as it’ll be puddles galore in the fields of that
by Niamh Ollerton
you can be certain. But whoever tends to the field made a makeshift cattle grid with wooden planks to make the muddy crossing more manageable. At Back Lane you’ll turn left then after a few yards take the public footpath on the right, where you’ll travel down a gravel path, accompanied by the serene sounds of the River Yarrow before crossing the footbridge over the water. This leads you up onto Hut Lane, passing Olde Stoneheath Court, built in the grounds of what was Heath Charnock Isolation Hospital; now home to modern stone houses. In front of the properties are miles and miles of green fields and trees as far as the eye can see, and
Limbrick
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with the sun beating down on us, we really did pick the most picturesque day.
Length of walk: 5 miles
Keeping to the left of Hut lane, we ventured across the motorway bridge over the M61 and realised an excursion so lovely can be right under your nose just off the M61.
Accessibility: The route includes a number of stiles and gates. We did the walk after some prolonged rainfall and there was some very muddy sections.
From the bridge head right onto Long Lane, then first left and follow this round to the left up to Chorley Golf Club. Do keep your wits about you when walking on the public footpath through the golf course, as Peter and I were passive aggressively shooed by three keen golfers waiting to swing their clubs. Whether it was at us or the golf ball we’ll never know‌ Once past the spacious clubhouse, keep going towards the farm, going right as you enter the farm yard. When exiting the farm go left, and when the road turns right, take the farm track/bridleway on
Difficulty: Medium
OPENING TIMES Rivington Bowling Club Tea Room: 11am - 4pm daily Rivington Village Green Tea Room: 10am - 4pm daily PUBLIC TRANSPORT By Bus (Stagecoach) From Chorley, Bus Station (Stand M) Route 8A to Hut Lane Return to Chorley, Bus Station Route 8A from Hut Lane For more information visit www.stagecoachbus.com
38 the left. Continue along this route until you reach a gate marked Adlington Circular and cross the field and exit via the lane.
your weary legs at the Village Green Tea Room – bearing in mind you’ll have been on the go for close to two hours.
At this point go right to New House Farm - but if you’re a dog lover like I am, please don’t try to play with the dogs behind the gate, as I almost lost my right arm when my jumper was a little too close to the energetic pups.
But if you do stop to use the outdoor privy at the tea room, be sure to pack your thermal underwear, as you’ll get quite the shock in the chilly air. After your break, turn left out of the tea room and continue down a few hundred yards on Sheep House Lane to the gate (now on your right).
As you pass the farmhouse take the footpath on the right, and follow this through the field and into the wooded track that leads down across the stream and eventually out onto Sutton Lane. Be sure to keep your eyes peeled for the field of goats grazing en route too! Here you’ll go left until you reach Babylon Lane, where you cross over past the quaint stone houses and head up Greenhalgh Lane. When you reach the split in the road go right, as turning off onto the left won’t get you very far. Thankfully one cheery local lady directed Peter and I in the right direction. Continue to follow the path past the houses and on along the public foot path to Rothwells farm. Once out on the lane go left and head over a second motorway bridge to New Lane, and the continue to head straight across the lane into Horrobin Lane. Meander down the lane over the reservoir, and take a minute or two to appreciate the stunning landscape surrounded in water. You’ll walk past the Bowling Green which is worthy of a visit in the summer months, and continue to wander up past the church and left into Sheep House Lane. Almost as soon as you’ve started up Sheep House Lane you’ll notice a gate on your left, but if like Peter and I you fancy a pit stop, I’d recommend resting
Go through the gate and follow the path through the field, down the steps – holding on to the railing to ensure you don’t end up like Humpty Dumpty – and carry on along the side of the brook. Where the path emerges onto a narrow lane go left, then after 30 yards take the bridleway on your right. Follow this passing below Yarrow reservoir, where you and the landscape are protected by the green, grassy fortress towering above until a track splits off to the left. Take this track down the gentle slope, where you’re immersed in a tall forest with the rapid sounds of water crashing down Yarrow Reservoir Overflow Cascade to Knowsley Lane and back to your starting point. This is a thoroughly enjoyable walk which has reignited my love for the great outdoors. But with circuits galore throughout Rivington, be sure to keep your wits about you to avoid getting lost as I once did until 10.30pm on a school trip. But that’s a story for another time… 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.
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Shed some light on by Angie Barker
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here is no getting away from it … Christmas is coming, and along with all the kerfuffle that comes with it (oh dear, Hubby looks depressed at the thought) – it also means we have some long, dark evenings ahead of us.
But why not use your garden at this time of year – I would recommend donning coat and scarf and lighting a fire pit and as it’s nearly Christmas, taking a flask of Gluhwein out with you (that’s mulled wine to Hubby).
But instead of closing the curtains and forgetting about your garden until next spring, consider installing some outdoor lighting in your garden to create a magical winter wonderland.
There are some things you need to consider with outside lighting:
The right kind of garden lighting can create some wonderful atmospheric effects and there are many different products available to help you achieve the effect you are looking for.
• Place up lighters carefully to make sure your lights don’t shine into a neighbours bedroom window.
Simple up lighters set on spikes in the soil are very easy to install as they sit beneath planting to light it up from beneath. Bamboo in particular looks amazing up lit this way.
lights in with the build and hide all the wiring. But even if your garden is established, it is easy to have an outside plug fitted so that you can run your lights from there.
There are some more sophisticated products which can be set into paving, decking and steps. Even if you don’t use your garden in the winter and particularly if your living area overlooks your garden, it will make your inside space seem larger as you can see beyond the windows.
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.
• Less is more – you do not want your garden to resemble a floodlit football pitch!
• If you are landscaping a garden consider lighting from the start so that an electrician can fit the
There are some companies which specialise in garden lighting – see www.moonlightdesign.co.uk to see the kind of effects you can achieve. And as the season to be jolly is fast approaching, don’t forget to include some fairy lights!
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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Th’Owd Mon Local gossip, gripes and goings-on Top that Ladies of child-bearing age, and some a few years over, were swooning recently when one-time pop and reality TV star Peter Andre swung by Leigh. The puppy-like Antipodean was in Hope Street to film an episode of 60 Minute Makeover. Mr Andre was, as my grandfather liked to say, a ‘big noise’ in 1996 thanks to his song, Mysterious Girl, which peaked at number one in the Hit Parade. After a few years of seemingly ‘downtime’, he popped up again on I’m A Celebrity, Get Me Out Of Here. An ill-fated marriage to fellow contestant and ex-pin up girl Jordan (Katie Price) followed and he’s now presenting shows on cable telly. Anyhow, I’m pleased to report that Mr Andre, who made his name by appearing in a state of partial undress in the video to the aforementioned Mysterious Girl ditty, managed to keep his clothes on during his trip to Leigh. Maybe the northern winds put him off...
Green Belt and braces It’ll soon be time to grab the popcorn as Warrington planners try to impose hundreds of homes on Culcheth’s green belt. For
disinterested parties, it’s always fun and games when two tribes (residents and planners) go to war. This is because - sure as eggs is eggs - some things always happen. It usually goes like this: council suggests a certain site is allocated for housing, community erupts with protest, placards are erected and publicity hungry politicos jump on the bandwagon. Falling house prices get a brief mention, as do wildlife. Step forward the retired local who discovers a newfound passion for planning law. Said OAP then submits a ‘dossier’ of evidence, rubbishing all the planning department’s assertions. Civil servants gently but firmly rubbish all these claims, allocate the land, and the homes get built. Fast forward five years and some of the very same people who are protesting end up living in the new homes they were fighting against in the first place.
Korea’s advice I understand that some things ought to be kept under wraps. Official secrets... the code for the nuclear button... Tom Jones’ chest hair. But I was puzzled recently when Wigan Council refused a simple request from to share their
revised process on the authority’s Flag Flying Protocol upon the death of a national senior figure. The matter has been looked at recently following guidance from central government. But apparently such details aren’t for public consumption. Indeed, Library Street’s finest say: “It is now ready to be shared on a need to know basis, bearing in mind the sensitivity of the matter.” So, let’s get this right - Wigan Council has a policy but us mere mortals - aka taxpayers - aren’t allowed to know what it is? Didn’t realise Kim Jong-Un was moonlighting as an adviser to the Metro’s Flag Flying Dept...
An unholy state And finally, I was thumbing through a book on old Golborne when I came across a section on how local roads were created. Apparently, in the early 1800s, local roads and bridges were maintained by local churches. Unsurprisingly, they weren’t up to much. On the subject of the Golborne to Leigh road in the 1700s, it had “great ruts and hollows deep enough to bury a sheep.” Funny how some things haven’t changed then.
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