LocalLife Leigh & District Edition
December 2017
Leigh’s lost
cinemas
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Holidays
are coming I
t’s here, the most festive time of year, and even the Scrooges among us can’t hide anymore. It’s time to pull out our Christmas jumpers, drink mulled wine, eat until our sides split, you know, before the old “New Year, New Me” mantra comes into play in January. Throughout the month, we have the usual Christmas markets here and there, the opportunity to sing carols around Christmas trees, lots of opportunities to eat and be merry, and there’ll even be a pantomime or two to enjoy. This month is all about spending quality time with friends and family, indulging a little (but we all know our festive purchases may come close to breaking the bank), and if we’re lucky, catching up on some much needed relaxing after a hectic few weeks or even months. Although ‘tis the season to be jolly, December also gives us time to reflect on the past year and think about the things we hope to achieve in the next. Whether that’s a new job, new home, the holiday of a lifetime, or living life a little better than before. From all of us at Local Life, we wish you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Let’s make 2018 a great year.
Niamh Ollerton, Deputy Editor
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In this issue Win a Christmas
hamper
15 Leigh’s lost
cinemas
Regulars 30 Class From The Past 33 Jack’s Tracks 31 Planning 37 Events2Go 32 Puzzle Corner 42 Garden Diary
Sections 6 Local News 26 Food 42 Gardening
44 Motoring 46 Home Services
Next issue - January 2018
Advertising deadline - Friday, 8 December Published - Friday, 5 January
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21 Jack’s Tracks visits
Appley Bridge 29 Test Drive
Renault Koleos 44 locallifemagazine247
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 North edition is delivered to 12,174 homes and businesses in Leigh, Atherton, Astley, Hindley Green & Tyldesley Our Leigh South edition is delivered into 12,342 homes and businesses in Leigh, Pennington, Culcheth, Lowton, Golborne and Glazebury You can also pick a copy up at Tesco in Leigh & Atherton, or you can register to receive a monthly link to the Leigh magazine at locallife247.co.uk/free-stuff/
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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 us on leighnews@locallife247.co.uk or call us on 01695 627999.
‘Crumbling infrastructure’ Leigh’s MP has slammed the government’s transport policies which she says is holding it back from another industrial revolution. Jo Platt was speaking in a debate at Westminster along with fellow MPs from thr north of England. Ms Platt told colleagues: “Although there has, since the 1980s, rightly been investment in our great northern cities, our crumbling transport infrastructure cannot cope with demand and suffers from chronic underinvestment. Great things were promised to the residents of Leigh when HS2 was announced. It would boost connectivity and the regional economy, and the disruption would be mitigated by the benefits of improved infrastructure. Instead, however, HS2 is due to split my constituency in two, uprooting residents and causing enormous disruption. Leigh will be the largest town in the north without a rail station, and I am aware of no current plans to connect Leigh with any station.”
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Call to town centre shops Businesses need to play their part in helping to rejuvenate Leigh town centre. That’s the message from Wigan Council after it was quizzed by residents who are demanding a facelift for shop fronts. Some want the authority to stop businesses from using neon lighting and instead promote grey paint and signage. However, council regeneration chief David Molyneux says the private sector needs to play its part: “The recently approved masterplan/ investment framework for Leigh Town Centre sets out objectives and aspirations for Leigh, building upon existing successes and outlining a number of ambitious growth opportunities and regeneration priorities. With such ambitions for
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new development and regeneration, we are looking for support from the private sector to help accelerate transformational change in the town centre. The public sector has invested heavily in Leigh Town Centre, however we still need to work in partnership to bring forward the other opportunities. “With regard to grey paint, neon signs etc, where proposals require planning or advertisement consent, we would adhere to the principles of our Planning policy which with particular reference to Conservation Areas, would require high quality materials.”
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Culture change
‘significant’
Wigan borough is the least culturallydiverse area in Greater Manchester... but it is undergoing ‘significant’ change. That’s the claim made in a report to local hospital bosses who say there has been a rise in black and minority ethnic patients in the past 12 months. At the same time, there has been a decrease in British white ethnicity patients. Papers presented to Wrightington, Wigan and Leigh NHS Trust bosses revealed that there’s a higher percentage of white applicants continuing to be appointed following shortlisting than those from black and minority (BME) groups. “Although Wigan is the least ethnically diverse
borough in the county, Migration has significantly changed the wealth of diversity in Wigan since the last census and there has been significant demographic change within Wigan Borough. Ethnic minority populations living in Wigan include long-term resident ethnic minority population and asylum seekers and refugees, migrants, gypsies and travellers, European Roma and overseas students. Although the numbers are small compared to the size of the total population and some only stay for a short period of time, some will have specific health needs that need to be addressed. “Polish, Mandarin, Russian, Arabic, Lithuanian, Kurdish, Cantonese, Farsi, Romanian and Sorani were the top languages requested over the last 12 months.”
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Green light for 165 new homes A bid to bring over 150 new homes to Tyldesley and Hindley Green has been given the final seal of approval. Wigan Council’s planning committee approved the reserved matters application from Redrow Homes to build 81 homes on agricultural land east of Coldalhurst Farm. The site is currently in private ownership and primarily used for agricultural activities. The development will be a mixture of detached, semi-detached and terraced properties. There will be 20 two-bedroom homes, 19 three-bedroom homes and 42 four-bedroom homes offering a range of accommodation for individuals or small
and large families. The council’s planning committee also approved an outline planning application to build 84 homes on vacant land in Hindley Green. The application, by Persimmon Homes, was originally for 124 homes on land south of 147 Alder Lane but the number of homes has been reduced after negotiations with planning officers. The site was earmarked for industrial development and is currently overgrown and not used. It will be a mixture of one, two, three and fourbedroom homes with 25 per cent affordable housing. Section 106 contributions from the developer will also be spent in the local community.
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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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Blooming great Hindley Station is the best in the north west - and that’s official! The friends group which looks after the facility walked off with the Best Station trophy at the North West in Bloom Awards recently. And Hindley Community Allotment & Garden Society won an achievement award for winning Level 5 Outstanding for five consecutive years. It capped a successful night for the area, with strong showings from a number of local groups who were recognised for their horticultural excellence. Among them were: 2-8 Brookdale Road, Hindley (Level 5 Outstanding); 13-29 Brookdale Road, Hindley (Level 5 Outstanding); Ambergate Housing, Atherton (Level 4 Thriving); Cutacre Local
Nature Reserve, Tyldesley (Level 3 Advancing); Friends of Amberswood, Hindley (Level 4 Thriving); Friends of Atherton Parks (Level 4 Thriving); Howe Bridge in Bloom (Silver Gilt); Ingleside Housing, Tyldesley (Level 4 Thriving); Selby Court, Leigh (Level 5 Outstanding); St Philips C E Primary School, Atherton (Environment Award for Schools); The Bluebell, Atherton (Level 5 Outstanding). St Philip’s also won the Trevor Leese Environment Award for Outstanding School. Cllr Chris Ready, Wigan Council’s executive member for communities, said: “We are fortunate to have so many excellent volunteers throughout the borough who dedicate an enormous amount of time.” If you are interested in joining an In Bloom group sign up at www.wigan.gov.uk/volunteering or call 01942 486578.
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Leigh’s lost
cinemas Leigh was once a hub for movie fans. David Sudworth looks back at some of the venues which became their home-from-home...
The Empire Before becoming a cinema, The Empire building was a Primitive Methodist Chapel with a graveyard on site. Before the premises could be sold to Leigh Corporation, all the graves had to be dug up and reinterred in Leigh Cemetery. It opened as a cinema in 1908. One of the best-known names at The Empire was its assistant operator George Mapleston, who was a well-known radio talent due to his ventriloquist act. The building was demolished in 1957 and later became home to Iceland.
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The Regal Situated at the corner of King Street and Spinning Jenny Street, was opened on June 25, 1938. The first film to be shown there was The Buccaneer, starring Frederick March. In January 1947, it opened a Juniors’ Club which was launched by Frank Tatton, the manager. The Regal also screened one of the first X-rated films in the area, called Murder Inc starring Humphrey Bogart. It closed in early 1969 and the building was demolished to become part of Spinning Jenny Way and the new, enlarged bus station.
Theatre Royal The Lord Street, Leigh, site had been associated with showing films since the mid 1880s, when an old wooden theatre was erected on site. The newer building was opened in 1884 and could seat around 1,700 people. The architect for the theatre was Thomas Norbury, who teamed up with J.C. Prestwich, who had been responsible for the plans for Leigh Town Hall. By all accounts, the Theatre Royal was very popular locally, and one resident - Mrs Selina Bibby, of Organ Street, - went there a reported six nights a week! It closed in 1954 and intially became The Casino Nightclub. It later became Ruebens Club.
The Sems Based on Railway Road, Leigh, The Sems’ name came from an abbreviation of Leigh Conservative Club & Public Assembly Roooms. It opened in 1878 and had a large public hall with seating for almost 600. At the beginning of April 1904, it started showing films. This lasted until April 1963, when it closed as a cinema; the final film shown being Last Of The Vikings.
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Christmas Competition
WIN £500 voucher for
Just answer this question: In which town are OD’s stores located?
The Palace Built in 1913, its directors were local dentist Alfred Ormerod, of 121 Railway Road, and Thomas Bland Cook, of the Leigh Bazaar.The first ‘talkie’ was shown on Monday, November 18, 1929. After closing in 1957, it was used by Silcock’s as an undercover fun fair, open Mondays, Fridays and Saturdays. Further uses included Sankey’s funeral directors and B&M Bargains.
The Bedford Opened on Friday, January 2, 1914, it seated around 640 people. The Bedford was noted for its advertising slogans - one stated ‘bicycles, mail cart and peramubulators free!’ It was also one of the first cinemas to install a telephone line - the number was Leigh 692. The Bedford closed in March 1959 and became a showroom for County Motors Ltd.
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.
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The Hippodrome Originally used as a theatre as well, it was renamed as the Hippodrome Super Cinema in 1924. By the beginning of 1955, the Hippodrome returned to live entertainment for a while. The screen was dismantled as floodlights were all set to be installed. However, this never transpired and it returned to showing films. In 1956, it became the Odeon and eventually Cannon. It closed for good on October 5, 1989, with showings of Lethal Weapon II and Three Fugitives. The building was initially used for a Laser Quest but this venture was short-lived.
The Grand Cinema Designed by Manchester architects J. Scott & Sons, the Grand opened on Wednesday, October 28, 1914 at the corner of Leigh Road and Windermere Road. Its opening brought out the great and the good, including the Mayor of Leigh, Joseph Ashworth, and Mr R. Knowles, chairman of Grand Cinema Ltd. It has an 800 capacity with seats of red plush velvet
and a heavy green velvet curtain. Admission prices were 2d and 4d in the pit, or 6d and 9d in the circle. In 1929, it showed it is believed to be the first ‘talkie’ ever shown in the town - an American flick called Weary River starring William Holden. The cinema closed on May 29, 1961; the final film, being The Miracle which starred Carroll Baker.
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Competition
O
Win a
Christmas Hamper
ur popular Christmas hamper competition is back! Will you be the reader who takes home a luxury Christmas Hamper? Filled to the brim with luxury produce, this Christmas Hamper is perfect for an indulgent Christmas. Most of the food in the hamper is sourced from our local village farm shop, Windy Arbour in Billinge, and we thank them for supplying it at cost price. Windy Arbour carries a great range of tasty local and regional produce, particularly in the run up to Christmas. The finished contents of the hamper was still being finalised as we went to press, but we can tell you that each hamper will include Christmas cake, chocolates, mince pies, cheese, shortbread, wine, real ale, Christmas pudding, sweets and lots more besides. Even if you’re not a foodie, these expertly wrapped hampers would make a wonderful present for someone special in your life. To win one of these hampers simply visit our website (www. locallife247.co.uk), click on the ‘Free stuff’ header, then click on ‘Enter Competitions’, complete your contact details and answer the question:
Name one of Santa’s reindeer?
Your entry MUST be with us by Sunday 10th December, and the lucky winner will receive their hamper by the weekend of 16/17 December 2017. Competition Rules Only one entry per household. Entrants must be over 16 years of age. The winners will be notified within 14 days of the closing date. Local Life 247 Ltd cannot accept responsibility for entries that do not reach us. Employees of Local Life 247 Ltd or their immediate relatives are not eligible to enter this competition.
Good luck to all who enter - and a Happy Christmas to all!
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Food & Drink
Cloake’s foodie
adventures By Ella Walker
“T
o be completely honest, I’ve always been quite a greedy person,” says Felicity Cloake simply. Starting out behind the scenes in publishing, before realising she wanted to write herself, Cloake is best known for her Guardian column, ‘How to make the perfect...’. Each week, she picks a dish, tries out different recipes for it, steals the best bits and then pronounces the definitive ‘perfect’ recipe at the end. Though she already has another three books under her belt, she says working on her latest, The A-Z Of Eating, which draws on her own ideas and kitchen experiments, felt like she was “writing my own stuff for the first time”. Featuring 26 chapters divided into her favourite ingredients (rhubarb and kale rank highly), the London-based foodie explains that she set out to “explore the possibilities of the ingredients beyond the obvious”, and “shake people out of their comfort zone”. As a result, recipes for home-made Angel Delight and mini-cheese and Marmite donuts rub shoulders with Guinness jelly (“It’s so satisfying bringing it to the table and having it all wobbly”), and even a Japanese noodle version of carbonara. “I really love Angel Delight, I don’t eat it really any more but I’ve got this nostalgic fondness for it, and I thought it must be possible to recreate it without all of the weird preservatives and emulsifiers you
find on the back of the packet,” says Cloake, who went and invented her own version of the classic butterscotch flavour. “I think it might even be - I hesitate to say it, because it’s a bold claim - but more delicious than the original!” When it comes to inspiration, Cloake always reaches for Diana Henry’s books (“I think she’s brilliant, everything she’s done”), Giorgio Locatelli’s Made In Italy and “anything by Nigel Slater”. “He’s the man who got me into cooking in the first place,” she says, recalling the uninspiring recipe books her mum had in the Eighties. “Suddenly, Nigel Slater came along, and he wrote so wonderfully and made it sound fun, and the photography was beautiful. “I was like, ‘Ohh, this is a bit more interesting than I thought it was’.” Feeling adventurous? Here is a ingenious recipe from Cloake’s new book...
The A-Z Of Eating by Felicity Cloake is published in hardback by Fig Tree, priced £25.
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Lamb ‘Porchetta’ with Salsa Verde
Method Serves 6 Ingredients 2tbsp black peppercorns 1/2-1tbsp red chilli flakes 3tbsp fennel seeds 1.5kg boned lamb breast (probably 2 or 3) 6 garlic cloves, crushed 4tbsp chopped thyme and rosemary 1/2tsp bicarbonate of soda Salt For the Salsa Verde: 1 large bunch of basil 1 large bunch of flat-leaf parsley 6 anchovies (rinsed if packed in salt)
Between 16 and 48 hours before you want to eat the lamb, depending on how long you have to marinate it, put the peppercorns, chilli flakes and fennel seeds into a hot dry frying pan and toast for a minute or so, or until aromatic. Allow to cool slightly, then crush in a pestle and mortar. Lay the lamb breast or breasts out flat on a board, fat side down, and salt generously. Spread over the crushed garlic (unfortunately, fingers are the easiest thing to use - rub them with lemon juice afterwards to help neutralize the smell), followed by the crushed spices and chopped herbs. Roll up tightly from one of the short ends and tie with string in several places. Rub the skin with bicarbonate of soda and a little more salt, then refrigerate overnight, or for up to 48 hours. Take the meat out of the fridge an hour or so before you want to cook it, to bring it up to room temperature. Heat the oven to 240C/gas 9 and roast the lamb for about 30 minutes, until golden, then turn down the heat to 170C/gas 3 and roast for a further two to two-and-a-half hours, or until the meat is very tender. Rest for at least 20 minutes in a warm place.
Olive oil
To make the Salsa Verde, whiz the herbs, anchovies, capers and garlic up in a food processor (or roughly chop and then pound in a pestle and mortar if you’re feeling more energetic), then beat in the lemon juice and mustard, followed by enough olive oil to make a thick sauce - it doesn’t need to be super smooth. Taste and season or add more lemon juice if necessary.
Salt and pepper
Cut the lamb into thick slices and serve with the Salsa Verde.
2tbsp capers (rinsed if packed in salt) 1 garlic clove, crushed Juice of 1/2 a lemon 1tsp Dijon mustard
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Class from the past
This month’s Class from the Past is from St John’s, Hindley Green. It’s believed this photo was taken in the 1960s. 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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Planning Matters Astley Open land west of 162 Manchester Road : Outline application for the erection of one dwelling, seeking approval of access. All other matters reserved (ref: /17/84671/OUT). Atherton 364 North Road : Plan to extend dwellinghouse, single storey to side and rear (ref: A/17/84676/HH). Leigh Lilford Park, Elmridge: Erection of 2.4 metre high fence (ref: A/17/84736/FULL).
New Centurions kit Leigh Centurions have unveiled a new home playing kit as they prepare for their 2018 Championship campaign. The Club has again teamed up with Kukri as the countdown to the new season began in earnest with players reporting back for pre season training. Centurions commercial director Jason Huyton said: “We are delighted to continue our relationship with Kukri and equally delighted with the design of our home and away kits, the latter which will be revealed in the New Year. “The home kit features the Club’s traditional Cherry and White hoops in a modern design and is sure to be very popular with our valued supporters.”
For more information, visit www.wigan.gov.uk
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Puzzle Corner Find the hidden words in the word search grid F
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PARTY SCROOGE SANTA KING WRAPPING
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Fill in the missing words changing just one letter at a time from the first to the last word.
CLAYED
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WORD MIX UP Unscramble the letters to make a word THORN LOPE
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WIGGLE WORDS CLUE: JUST FO A MO
YETRUK REBSLUSS SOURTPS REDCATOONIS MEHLTHBEE
Trace a path through all the letters to find the word or phrase that fits the clue.
P D A F
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All the puzzle solutions are on page 48 of this magazine
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sponsored by
Appley
D
o you ever need an excuse to get out for a little while and enjoy an amble through the countryside? Myself and my colleague Peter both enjoy a good walk so heading over to Appley Bridge definitely didn’t feel like business. We booted up and parked up in Appley Lane North – which isn’t the easiest to do so keep your eyes peeled – and headed down the right hand side of the lane, made our way across the canal bridge and down towards the water. But be careful as you make your way down the bend towards the canal towpath as it’s very steep and, if there’s ice on the floor, you’ll be a goner. Keep walking along the canal towpath and admire the canal water. There were no ripples in the water; it was clear as glass, with reflections of the trees and
Bridge by Niamh Ollerton
scenery you would only find in a mirror. We really did pick the most glorious day for a walk. I love walking along canals, as you never know the kinds of people you might meet, whether that’s families, cyclists or cheery ramblers with their energetic pups bounding along the path. There was a lot of activity at one of the lock gates with a handful of builders hard at work, where we noticed the brand spanking new lock gates waiting to be assembled. Carry on towards bridge 39 where you’ll leave the canal towpath, but prepare to lean forward. But do take a second to admire the houses nestled close to the canal. These houses are dreamy if you like the peace and quiet.
34 Continue over the bridge across the canal and head up Chapel Lane, until you get to the railway. We recommend waiting a minute and checking both sides of the track before crossing over just in case. But then again, train tracks interest me, so maybe that’s why I like to take it all in. Once the railway is behind you, you’ll continue up towards Wood Lane and this is where the first incline hits you. It’s not too bad, but this may be when you remove one of your layers on a sunny day. When you get towards the top you’ll need to go right and follow the lane which will take you towards Gillibrand House. Along the lane you’ll see Parbold church’s steeple, but you can also admire the rolling green landscape, which is the epitome of British countryside. Further on there’s a black Shetland pony in the field on your right and I jumped, or rather cantered at the opportunity the give it a stroke. Keep your eyes peeled. Passing Gillibrand House you’ll continue through the gates marking the right of way, carry on until you come to a gate with a no access sign on it. Here, the public footpath goes to the right and over a stile. This is where your walk will start to get slippery so keep your wits about you as you head over to the next stile. Said stile, might I add, is fine if you keep your feet to the steps, but don’t put all your weight on the floating bit of wood as I did, meaning Peter could have later had a mudpie for a passenger. Once over the dreaded stile, keep to the right hand side of the field and then straight across to the next. If there has been heavy rainfall, prepare for the muddy landscape as you search for the best spot to place your foot. Another comical fact; make sure your boots are laced tightly as you may lose one. Slow and steady wins the race here.
Length of walk: 5 miles Difficulty: Medium 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.
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Please ensure you wear appropriate clothing and footwear while walking. While every care has been taken to ensure that the walk is accurate, neither the publisher or its editorial contributors can accept, and hereby disclaim, any liability to any party to loss or damage caused by errors or omissions resulting from negligence, accident or other cause.
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North Appley Lane
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These fields are used for livestock so if you have a dog with you please keep it on a lead.
and continue along the path past the top of the fall to reach Finch Lane.
On the far side of the second field, you should be able to make out a tall post marking the stile that takes you up to Fairy Glen. And if you haven’t been into Fairy Glen before, you’re in for a real treat.
Head down the lane towards the farm and see if you can spot an animal or two. At the farm entrance, take the footpath on your left as you reach the final slog of your journey.
Once you’re over the stile, follow the path going over the brook and take a minute to listen to the
Carry on walking along the footpath and cross the next two lanes. This will then bring you out at the
calming sounds as the water trickles underneath you.
top of Appley Lane North, where you’ll turn right and head down the lane until you’ve reached your starting point. Now you might want to give your shoes a good kick.
Continue to follow the path towards the main attraction of this walk – the waterfall. In such a lovely setting among the trees, this waterfall is worthy of a film location. I’m thinking the live action version of Tarzan in sunny Appley Bridge. Follow the track with the waterfall on your right and make your way up the numerous wooden stairs,
As walks go, this is a comfortable walk, and on a clear day (with a little less mud), the sights of Parbold and Appley Bridge couldn’t be nicer.
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Elf The Musical
Christmas Tree Festival
Until Sun, Jan 7, 2018, 2pm and 7.30pm showings
Friday, Dec 1, 9am-5.30pm, Saturday, Dec 2, 10am-4pm, Sunday, Dec 3, 11.30am-3pm
ELF is the hilarious tale of Buddy, who travels to the NYC from the North Pole in search of his real (human) dad. For tickets please visit: http://bit.ly/2AtnUeF The Lowry, Pier 8, The Quays, Salford, M50 3AZ. Tel: 0843 208 6000
A Christmas Carol Until Saturday, January 13, 2018, 10.30am, 11am, 2.15pm, 7pm showings
A three day celebration with a Festive market with handmade items and gifts alongside the main event on Saturday. Entry is £1, payable on the door. St. Mary the Virgin, Leigh, St. Mary’s Way, Leigh, WN7 5EQ. Tel: 01942 603603
Santa’s Post Box Friday, December 1, 10am-2pm
Charles Dickens’ cherished festive tale is brought to life in this enchanting stage adaptation full of joy, song, and magic! Tickets from £12 at https://octagonbolton.co.uk
Come and write your letter to Santa before heading off on a winter walk to Santa’s Post Box! Minimum age is 1-year-old. Tickets £5 via www.skiddle.com
Octagon Theatre Bolton, Howell Croft S, Bolton, BL1 1SB. Tel: 01204 520661
Brockholes Nature Reserve, New Road, Samlesbury, Preston, PR5 0AG. Tel: 01772 872 000
Christmas Market
Man United U23’s v Celtic
Friday, Nov 10, to Thursday, Dec 21, 10am-9pm
Saturday, December 2, 2pm
There’s nine zones including the European Christmas Market in Albert Square, and the fun fair and ice rink at Cathedral Gardens. For ice rink tickets visit ticketsource. co.uk/therinkatcathedralgardens or call 0333 666 33 66.
Manchester United U23’s take on Celtic in the third match of the Premier League International Cup at Leigh Sports Village. Free entry.
Manchester Town Hall, Albert Square, M60 2LA
Leigh Sports Village, Sale Way, Leigh, WN7 4JY. Tel: 01942 487830
Golborne Lights Switch On
Atherton Christmas Market
Thursday, November 30, from 5pm
Saturday, December 2, 10am-4pm
Meet at Asda from 4.30pm. There’ll be a reindeer walk at 5pm. Switch on with the cast of S.T.A.D.O.S. Refreshments available at Golborne Methodist Church.
Make the most of Atherton’s Christmas Market with the likes of The Scrabble Shop with some scrabble masterpieces to enjoy.
Peter Kane Square, Golborne
Atherton Community School, Atherton, M46 0AY. Tel: 01942 885500
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Santa’s Grotto
Hindley Christmas Lights
Sat, Dec 2, 11am-4pm; Sat, Dec 9; 11am-4pm; Sat,
Friday, December 8, 5pm-8pm
Dec 16, 11am-4pm; Sat, Dec 23, 11am-4pm
Santa’s Grotto, family rides, bouncy castles, plus lots more, not forgetting switching on the tree lights.
Visit Santa in his Grotto. £5 per child - booking essential. Each child will get a small gift. Haigh Hall Country Park, School Lane, Wigan, WN2 1PE. Tel: 01942 828280
Rock Band Monday, December 4, 7pm Tyler Bryant & The Shakedown will be putting on a show for all the rockers out there. Over 18s only. Tickets £15.40 + £2.50 transaction fee at www.seetickets.com The Ruby Lounge, 28-34 High Street, Manchester, M4 1QB. Tel: 0161 834 1392
Light for a Life Tuesday, December 5, 6.30pm-8pm Light for a Life shows the love you have for the important people in your life. A light will be lit on the tree in dedication at the ceremony at the Hospice. Wigan & Leigh Hospice, Kildare Street, Wigan, WN2 3HZ
Singalong Wed, Dec 6, 7.15pm (first Wed of each month) Come along and join Astley Christian Fellowship’s singalong. It’s free entry and no audition is necessary. Ring Janet for further details on 07773 441014. Astley Christian Fellowship, Manchester Road, Astley, M29 7BP. Tel: 07773 441014
Stand Up Comedy Thursday, December 7, 7pm-9.30pm Bring your own booze if you like. Tickets £10.15 (inc. booking fee) www.skiddle.com The Way Theatre Studio, Victoria Mill, Bolton Old Road, Atherton, , M46 9FD. Tel: 07907 331298
Hindley Market Square, Hindley, Wigan WN2 3AN
Swingtime Big Band Friday, December 8, 8pm-10.30pm Andy Prior will be performing with Swingtime Big Band alongside vocalist Emma Holcroft. Tickets are £18 from 07957 716286 or email swingtimejez@gmail.com Leigh Miners Welfare Institute, Kirby Road, Leigh, WN7 4EF. Tel: 01942 672984
Coffee, Cake & Culture Saturday, December 9, 2pm-4pm Making culture accessible and fun to people living with Dementia and their families. All ages welcome. This is a free event. To register, visit www.eventbrite.co.uk The Grand Hall, Whitworth Art Gallery, Oxford Road, Manchester, M15 6ER. Tel: 0161 275 7450
Wingates Band Saturday, December 9, 7.30pm Wingates Band is putting on a show with special guests Warrington Male Voice Choir. Tickets £10, under 16s go free. Free entry for Wingates Supporters Club (just take your membership card), contact melanie@188.co.uk. Victoria Hall, Bolton, BL1 2AS. Tel: 01204 522569 (box office). Info: www.wingatesbrassband.co.uk
Christmas Wreath Workshop Sunday, December 10, 1pm Learn how to create a fresh Christmas Wreath and decorate with a wide choice of materials. Includes mince pies and mulled wine too! Tickets £49 (+£3.43 booking fee) from https://origintickets.co.uk Leigh Golf Club, Broseley Lane, Culcheth, WA3 4BG. Tel: 01925 762943
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WOL Open Mic Poetry
Snow Ball
Tuesday, December 12, 8pm-10pm
Saturday, December 16, 7.30pm-12am
Listen to bawling, drunken, old, young, new and subtle poets. Some funny, some melancholy, some political and some absurd. Everyone is welcome.
This is a 50/50 social dance evening, and is a great way to celebrate the festive period with lots of fun, dancing and great company. It’s £10 pp (advance only) and includes a hot supper, and there’ll be spot prizes & raffle. For tickets call 07872 146896/01942 375931.
The Old Courts, Crawford Street, Wigan, WN1 1NG. Tel: 01942 834747
Forgotten Regulars Wednesday, December 13, 12.30am-2pm (second Wednesday of every month) Join the Forgotten Regulars as part of Tyldesley Dementia Friendly Communities. For more info and to book your place call 01942 870645.
Hurst Dance Studios Hindley (The Palace Ballroom), Market Street, Hindley, WN2 3AE. Tel: 01942 375931
Pretty Vegas Saturday, December December 17, 1.30am
16,
10.30pm-Sunday,
The Union Arms, 83 Castle Street, Tyldesley, M29 8EW. Tel: 01942 870645
The Leigh Arms is proud to welcome back by popular demand Pretty Vegas a absolutely amazing 3 piece rock cover band from Skelmersdale.
The Wigan Comedy Train
Leigh Arms, 34 King Street, Leigh, WN7 4LR
Thursday, December 14, 7pm
A Christmas Gala Concert
Each show will bring three guest comics sandwiched between the wit and charm, ish, of Clayton Jones. Tickets £12.84 via www.eventbrite.co.uk The Theatre, The Old Courts, Crawford Street, Wigan, WN1 1NA. Tel: 01942 834747
Local History Group talk Thursday, Dec 14, doors 7.15pm for 7.30pm start Philip Jeffs will be talking about World War 1 Charities. Second Thursday of each month. Member tickets for the year are £10 (September-May), and visitors pay £2 per session. Call Zoe Chaddock for more info on 01925 752276 or visit www.clhg.org.uk The Culcheth Centre, Jackson Avenue, Culcheth, Warrington WA3 4DZ. Tel: 01925 598242
Saturday, December 16, 7.30pm Gemini Musical Theatre Company accompanied by Manchester Opera Orchestra is presenting what will only be a Christmas extravaganza for music lovers to enjoy. Tickets are £12.50 and can be purchased via 01925 601773. Culcheth High School, Warrington Road, Culcheth, Warrington WA3 5HH. Tel: 01925 767587
Xmas Party Sunday, December 17, 1pm-4pm There’ll be a disco, games, sweet treats, a visit from Santa & a gift for every child. Tickets are available from Pimbletts Pie shop on Heath Street for £3.50pp. The party is for the children in the community and is funded by the Shaun McManus Trust. For more info, contact Yvonne on 07500 118055. All Saints Catholic Club, off High Street, Golborne, Warrington WA3 3BG. Tel: 01942 728921
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42
Make the most of your
nooks & crannies!
Award Winner
by Angie Barker
M
ost gardens have side returns, odd corners and nooks and crannies which pose problems for gardeners. These awkward spaces are usually shady and often have hard standing covering the soil. They can become a dumping ground, or merely a passage way to access the garden from the back door or the back gate. With space at a premium these days in our gardens, we should be making the most of every square inch, so whilst such spaces are challenging, they have the potential to become beautiful. You can use pots to plant up shade loving plants. The larger the pot the better as plants will have more compost to get their roots down into and will thrive and they will need less watering. Pots work better grouped together rather than dotted around and if you are looking for a contemporary look, buy all the same kind of pot and display them in a line. Staging or shelves can work really well in skinny spaces such as side returns to display planting and green up walls. Hanging baskets can also work well to bring planting to eye level and break up a dull expanse of wall or fence.
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.
Although garden centres appear to only sell Christmas decorations at this time of year , if you venture outside you will find that they still sell … plants! The following are just a few examples which will tolerate shade and do well in pots : • Ophiopogon planiscapus ‘Nigrescens’ – a small black, grass like plant, great for ground cover around the base of a larger plant • Sarcococca confusa – a small evergreen shrub with the most amazing scent in late winter – perfect near a doorway • Ferns – all lovely but a good evergreen one to look for is Cyrtomium fortunei • Euonymus fortunei ‘Emerald ‘n’ Gold’ – a small evergreen shrub which brightens dull corners with its yellow and lime green leaves • Liriope mucari ‘Big Blue’ – a small strappy leaved plant with blue spikes of flowers in autumn Finally, add a string of fairy lights to light up your new display – after all, ‘tis the season. Happy Christmas everyone from Hubby and me!
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
Renault
Koleos by Tim Barnes-Clay
he Renault Koleos won’t rock your world, but it’s a decent enough SUV. It looks a bit too like many other SUVs out there – most noticeably the Skoda Kodiaq, but it’s an impressive car, nonetheless. I got behind the wheel of the flagship trim level – the Signature Nav, which has a generous amount of Kit, comprising big 19-inch alloy wheels, a sat-nav, a touchscreen and leather-bound seats. The car’s infotainment system, accessed via the touchscreen is easy and self-explanatory to use, and the Renault is practical, offering cubby holes and four USB slots. What’s more, the Koleos is endowed with good quality soft-touch plastics and the hide wrapping the seats and steering wheel is top notch.
The layout is well thought out for driver and passengers, and room is more than respectable. The wheelbase is the same as the X-Trail’s at 2,705mm – and this equates to awesome legroom. Better still, the Koleos’ load area is 29 litres bigger than the Nissan’s – measuring 579 litres. Alas, take a tapemeasure to the similar-looking Skoda Kodiaq and the Czech-made car’s boot is 630 litres. Oh well, you can’t have everything. Strangely the Gallic car brand isn’t providing the Koleos with a sevenseat option, though. This could be a deal-breaker as Skoda’s Kodiaq does. Renault gets away with it, however, by explaining that you can always go for the Grand Scenic if you need all those seats.
The top-of-the-tree 2.0 dCi 175 AWD X-Tronic Koleos I drove really is the bee’s-knees, in terms of out-and-out technology and cabin refinement.
On the road, the Renault Koleos is well-behaved and easy to like. Zero to 62mph arrives in 9.5 seconds and the top speed is 125mph, so the car has plenty of ‘go’ for motorway commutes or for overtakes on lesser roads. The Koleos
45
has 174 horses under its ample bonnet to provide such power, and this helps tug the car along, even with five-up and a fully laden boot. The auto ‘box isn’t bad, even though it’s a continuously variable transmission (CVT). This means the transmission shifts through a constant range of ratios. Alas, CVTs don’t always work as seamlessly as they should, resulting in a rather jerky driving experience. Nevertheless, I’m pleased to report Renault has stuck an advanced CVT into the Koleos that uses technology to copy a sequential ‘box. This makes the car painless to operate. The Koleos’ ride is super comfy, with its soft suspension making you all but forget the existence of potholes. But the squidgy springs don’t wreck the handling; if anything, the French SUV comes across as predictable and steady. The Koleos I drove had all-wheel-drive, so I also tested it off-road. Because the car has good ground clearance I could drive it over stones and hummocks without fear of ripping bits off the underneath of the Koleos. Furthermore,
Fast Facts • 0-62 mph: 9.5 secs • Combined mpg: 47.9 • Engine layout: 1995cc four-cylinder diesel turbo • Max. power (PS): 174 • CO2: 156 g/km • Price: £34,200
the Renault grips well in mud and anything not resembling tarmac. It’s no Land Rover, but it’s a great asset to have if you live in the sticks, or you plan on lugging a tin-tent to a grassy caravan park or suchlike. The Koleos is a car that is roomy and well-appointed. It also flies the luxury SUV flag for Renault. This means it could attract fresh customers to the brand who are looking for an SUV with a bit of French flair.
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1x Live LED GHE Bell box 1x dummy GHE bell box 1x Mains panel with battery back up 1x wireless door contact 2x Wireless PIR Motion detectors
Domestic and commercial work welcomed ~ Call us today for friendly advice and a free quote Suite 1A Kirkless Ind. Est Cale Lane Wigan
01942 836 937 or 07557 914 788
www.ghewigan.co.uk
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Th’Owd Mon Local gossip, gripes and goings-on Call The Sweeney Around 20 years ago, there was much talk about the ‘information superhighway’. Granted, such hyperbole seems a trifle daft now but there are, nevertheless, many who refused to join this orgy of automation. I doff my cap to their intransigence but fear they are now being left behind in this internet-mad world. Wigan Council is one of the worst. I’ve previously reported how its website is seemingly devoid of contact phone numbers, lest anyone would want to speak to an actual human being. That was over a year ago and things have got no better. Poor old Cllr Carl Sweeney, the ‘portfolio holder for resources and reform’, got it in the neck recently from an irate local who sent him the following brief missive: “Why can’t I actually get to speak to somebody at the Council? I have phoned three separate numbers just to get an automated service. I have also tried to e-mail just to get a server error message. It’s disgusting service.” The Sweeney’s 400-plus word response was full of blather about “savings”, “cost reduction” and of course, the obligatory mention of “The Deal”. But the
thing it was actually missing? Yes, you’ve guessed it... a phone number. You really couldn’t make it up!
So much #LOL As I was born aged 50, I’ve always found it difficult to comprehend what youngsters say. The ‘80s were bad enough, when everyone was donning those Frankie Says t-shirts, but today’s whippersnappers have got me totally befuddled. The youngest grandchild proclaimed that they were ‘on fleek’ the other day. I promptly enquired as to what ‘fleek’ actually meant, and was advised it’s something to do with looking good. That’s fine, but when they start using everyday words in a different context, it’s difficult not to look stupid. Said same grandchild mentioned how they’d ‘got beef’ and I was halfway towards getting my Delia Smith cook book out when they put me straight (for the non-plussed, ‘beef’ means moody/annoyed). And don’t get me started on acronyms. BFF? LOL? FBO? YOLO? Don’t know and to be honest, I don’t care, so long as I can BYOB, I’ll be able to get through anything...
Throwaway society It comes to something when the authorities are having to close Morley’s Lane, the Whitehead Landfill site access road in Tyldesley, each night and install CCTV cameras to stop people flytipping. Apparently, there have been numerous large fly tipping incidents in the last 12 months which has cost the landowner over £15,000 to clean up. The incidents of fly tipping have been getting progressively worse. If I’d had so much dropped my hankie as a kid, my legs would have been red raw for a week. How times have changed...
And finally... The decorations are now up at number 64. Of course, last year’s tree lights didn’t work so I had to trundle off to the shops for yet another set of firestarters. And the faux pine tree is now starting to resemble a real one insofar as it’s becoming as bald as Duncan Goodhew. At my time of life, there’s cost/benefit analysis to every purchase like this - i.e. will I be here next year to enjoy it? Knowing my luck, I probably will, Merry Christmas.
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