Photo: Rainford Parish Church by Mark Crossfield
St Helens Edition
January 2016
Local News Food & Drink Jack’s Tracks Health & Fitness What’s On Garden Diary...
www.locallife247.co.uk
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Beat the January deadline & secure upto ÂŁ20k in savings & tax free income!
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From famine to
A
feast
long with trying to plait fog and stick to a New Year resolution, compiling a magazine in January is usually one of the hardest tasks imaginable. This is purely because nothing happens and therefore there’s little to write about. Not for nothing is the third Monday in the month known as the most depressing day of the year. The festive warmth has cooled into a fading memory, and it’s now months until summer. So it’s understandable that lethergy abounds. Yet this year, I’ve noticed a distinct change, so much so that we were fighting to cram everything in to this edition. There’s plenty happening around the area. Talk about going from famine to feast! There is also, I sense, a greater feeling of positivity. Recently, I was walking through Rainford village and overheard some friends chatting about the improvements which have been made. “Yeah, it’s good - but they should have done it years ago!” said one. That’s folk for you I guess; a slither of appreciation followed by a dollop of cynicism, especially where The Man is concerned. Personally, I’ve always preferred to give unfettered praise where it’s due. So to all those who - in their own ways - have contributed to the events we are publicising in this month’s edition, (thus making my job 10 times easier than normal in the process) I’d like to express my heartfelt gratitude!
David Sudworth - Editor
Next issue - February 2016
Advertising deadline - Tuesday 26 January Published - Friday 5 February
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In this issue Harrison’s got
Forget the
talent!
faff
7
42
Going for
Jack’s Tracks
gold
Red Rock & Adlington
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50
Walk this
Test Drive
way
Mazda MX-5
36
60
Regulars 18 Planning Matters 32 Class from the past 53 Puzzle Corner
Telephone: 01744 649 722 54 What’s On
Sales: Clare Glover, Nicola Gray sales@locallife247.co.uk Editorial: David Sudworth sthelensnews@locallife247.co.uk Design: Peter Bretherton
design@locallife247.co.uk
Distribution: Sally Boon
sallyb@locallife247.co.uk
Accounts: Sam Garrahan accounts@locallife247.co.uk
Sections
Local Life is published every month and distributed into the following edition areas on an alternate monthly basis.
6 Local News 50 Leisure 28 Travel 58 Gardening 32 Children & Education 60 Motoring 42 Food & Drink 62 Home Services
This issue is delivered to over 12,000 private homes and businesses in Rainford, Billinge, Garswood, Moss Bank, Haresfinch, Carr Mill and selected areas of Haydock.
Publisher: Local Life 247 Ltd, Unit 8, Hewitt Business Park, Winstanley Road, Orrell, WN5 7XB
The next issue is delivered to over 12,500 private homes and businesses in Rainhill, Eccleston, Prescot, Eccleston Park, Windle, Prescot Road and parts of Nutgrove and Sutton Heath.
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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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Distributors wanted Local Life requires distributors aged 13 and above for this edition of our magazine. Distributors will typically work for 2/3 hours every eight weeks. The areas we currently require distributors is as follows: Haydock – Taylor Road, Moore Drive & Rose Avenue; Crank; Laffak – Bosworth Road, Paisley Avenue & Renfrew Avenue and Garswood – Smock Lane & Falkland Drive If you are interested, email your name, address, landline number and date of birth to sallyb@ locallife247.co.uk
Rail proposals Commuters and businesses have until Tuesday, January 12, to have their say over plans for Newtonle-Willows Rail Station. Proposals include a new bus interchange, a new station and ticket office, more than 400 car park spaces, step free access to both platforms, secure cycle parking and new, onplatform waiting facilities. Visit www.merseytravel. gov.uk/Newton-le-Willows or email comments@ merseytravel.gov.uk to have your say.
Lego appeal Staff at Billinge Library, on Main Street, are appealing for people to donate any spare Lego. They are also on the look out for any sport-related memorabilia from the Billinge, Moss Bank and Carr Mill areas for an exhibition. Call into the library for more details.
Competition winners Congratulations to Mary Frodsham, of Selkirk Avenue, Garswood, who is the winner of our competition in conjunction with Morpehus Glass to win a fused glass bowl. Other winners were Joan Dyson, of Hesketh Lane, Tarleton; Angela Norris from Whitecroft Road, Marus Bridge, Wigan, and Craig Lee , of Spennymoor Close in Buckshaw. In addition, some early seasonal cheer came the way of Sylvia Wilkinson (pictured) of Upholland Road in Billinge. She won a Local Life Christmas Hamper, which was one of the prizes on offer at the Orrell & Billinge Network’s Over 75s Christmas Party at St Luke’s Church Hall in Orrell. The event was funded by the proceeds from the monthly coffee mornings held by the Network on the last Friday of every month between 10am-noon at the Methodist Church on Church Drive, Orrell.
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Harrison’s got
talent!
A talented Billinge 12-year-old with an eye on West End stardom could be hitting our TV screens soon. Harrison Langham, who lives in Carr Mill Road, and goes to St Peter’s in Orrell, was selected to go straight through to the second stage of auditions for Britain’s Got Talent. He will find out in February if he has been successful in getting to the next stage. A pupil at Elizabeth Hill Dance and Drama in St Helens since he was five, he won Wigan Community Stars last June, singing a Whitney Houston solo, and has even performed at a Wigan Warriors home game. He came runner up in St Helens’ Got Talent last March at St Helens Theatre Royal, and sang at the St Helens Light Switch On in December.
Selling your home?
But before he learns about his Britain’s Got Talent fate, Harrison will be competing in the grand final of Open Mic UK in Birmingham! Proud mum Joanne said: “It’s really exciting. Harrison is extremely grounded and is focused on performing arts. His dream is to be on the West End.”
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Empty homes
falling
The number of long-term empty homes in Rainford appears to be falling. The village has, in recent years, seen higher levels of Long Term Voids. However, latest figures show there are just 30 properties which have been empty for more than six months. Haydock has 65, Moss Bank has 44, Billinge and Garswood have 39 and Blackbrook has 45. The highest number of voids, at 131, remains in St Helens town centre. The total for the whole borough stands at just over 1,000.
Lee Normal, private sector housing manager at St Helens Council, explained: “The number of empty homes in Rainford, as the others, is due to local housing market factors. This includes the demand for housing in that area, the ‘churn’ in the housing market and the time taken for sales to go through, as well as the intentions of owners who hope to return to live at their property at some future date but where this does not actually happen. “Rainford, as a percentage, amounts to 0.5% which is below the Borough average of 1.25%.”
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Island funding agreed Plans to make improvements at Windle Island have been given the green light by senior councillors. They’ve agreed to commit £500,000 towards the £4m project, which includes a series of pedestrian crossings, lane widenings and redesign of certain parts. Regeneration experts believe the scheme will create 78 jobs and be completed by September 2017. A report highlighted how the island “acts as a barrier to vehicular, pedestrian and cyclist movements and is unable to sustain any level of future traffic growth.”
Costco filling station? A new filling station could be heading to a popular Haydock cash and carry store. Costco, on Andover Road, wants permission to build a self-service fuel stop in the corner the car park, directly to the right of the main vehicle entrance. Bosses say the success of similar stations in Liverpool (pictured) and Oldham prompted them to pinpoint Haydock as the next location for expansion. They say the
WI invite Crank Women’s Institute is looking for new members. The group meets every first Wednesday in the month at Rainford Parish Hall, Church Road. All welcome. Email pamedmunds123@btinternet. com for more details.
service will only be available to Costco members, and fully automated. A decision on whether to grant planning permission will be made by council planners soon.
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School’s skeleton laid to A skeleton used at Haydock High School for years has been laid to rest after staff discovered it was real! Named Arthur, the skeleton - which was missing both arms and a leg - was used for many years in the science and art departments and was later put in storage and replaced by a plastic version. They discovered it was likely to have been one of hundreds of skeletons bought from India in the early 20th Century in a trade that was later outlawed. A forensic pathologist found the skeleton was a male aged between 25 and 30, who died about 100 yeas ago. The burial took place at Greenacres Woodland Burials in Rainford following a service at the school
rest
organised by funeral director Bill Craddock at Haydock Funeral Services. The skeleton was buried in a bamboo coffin supplied free of charge by the funeral directors, who also provided a hearse and bearers for the service. Greenacres Woodland Burials also provided his burial plot for free. Year 9 students formed a guard of honour as the coffin was driven away from the school in the hearse with some students and staff following on in the school minibus.
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PO plan’s a
beauty
A former Garswood sub post office is set to be turned into a beauty salon. Steven Buxton, of Warrington Road, Leigh, wants permission to convert the former outlet on Station Road, which closed in December. Since then, post office services have moved to Bargain Booze on Hamilton Road. Paperwork submitted to St Helens Council states the new salon will be open 9am-8pm MondayFriday, and from 9am-4pm on Saturdays, providing treatments such as false nails, manicures, pedicures, facials and other body treatments. It’s also believed there will be two full-time staff and one part time employee.
A decision on whether to grant planning permission is due in early February.
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Helen’s Law
plea
A Billinge murderer should die in jail unless he tells the authorities where he buried his victim. That’s the view of Marie McCourt, from Standish Avenue, who has launched a petition demanding a change in the law. Marie’s daughter, Helen, an exSt John Rigby pupil, was murdered by Ian Simms, landlord of the old George & Dragon on Main Street 28 years ago. However, he has consistently refused to reveal where he disposed of Helen’s body, claiming he is innocent. Simms is currently serving life in prison, but a parole hearing is scheduled soon. And Marie fears he could be released unless a new ‘Helen’s Law’ is introduced.
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to reveal the whereabouts of Helen’s body – denying us the chance to grant her the dignity of a funeral and resting place. As it currently stands, the English legal system does not require a convicted murderer, at the end of their determined tariff, to admit guilt or reveal the location of a victim’s remains before being released. If parole is granted, my hopes of finding my daughter may never be realised. No other family should live this ordeal.” To sign the petition, visit www.change.org/p/davidcameron-mp-rt-hon-theresa-may-mp-introducehelen-s-law
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Planning Matters Billinge
Pewfall
Stork, Main Street: Erection of convenience store in existing pub car park, including bin store and all other associated works; and installation of ATM machine on land adjacent to public house. (ref: P/2015/0884/FUL) A decision is due by January 25.
Railway Bridge at Carters Fold Farm, Garswood Old Road: Prior notification to undertake works to existing bridge (ref: P/2015/0911/POH) A decision is due by February 8.
St Aidan’s Primary, London Fields: New covered play area with combined roller shutters to the northern elevation of the school. (ref: P/2015/0887/FUL) A decision is due by January 25.
Parsons Brow Farm, Parsons Brow: Conversion of existing farm annexe outbuilding into one dwelling. (ref: P/2015/0892/FUL) A decision is due by January 29.
Rainford
For more information on these plans, visit www.sthelens.gov.uk
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Free publicity for YOU! Are you in a local community group? Do you want to publicise a talk, school fair or charity fundraiser Simply contact our Editor David Sudworth with the details - what, where, when, why, who for, how much - and anything else you want to tell our readers. The earlier you can provide the information, the better the job we can do. Email sthelensnews@locallife247.co.uk
Solar farm row Planners have hit back in a row over their decision to grant permission for a solar farm in Billinge. Local resident Tom Hodgson claims further consultation should have taken place over the proposals for Crookhurst Farm on Rainford Road when it emerged there would be a commercial element to the bid. However, a spokesman said: “The original application was for a domestic installation – but this was then clarified as part of the application process. As the scale did not change, the requirement for further consultation did not arise.” The application for 48 solar panels drew nine objections and one letter of support. The council concluded that the benefits of renewable energy generation outweighed the harm to the Green Belt.
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Rainford’s going for gold Volunteers in Rainford are ensuring the village will be a riot of colour this spring. It comes after Rainford walked away from its first time as a North West In Bloom competitor with a Silver Medal Award. As part of the project the Rainford in Bloom committee acquired 19 planters which have been placed throughout the area. All have been sponsored by a local resident or business and are being watered
by people who live or work near them; The Bloom committee also organised a community litter pick which was supported by the local Cubs and Scouts and Boys’ Brigade and Girls’ Association. Rob Reynolds, chairman of Rainford Parish Council and a member of the Bloom committee said: “We’ve got even bigger plans for the future and next time we are definitely going for gold.”
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Look up! And get
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at home for just
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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? In truth, that space is already there. It’s just not being used to its full potential. 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 is worth thousands. In fact, it takes up a third of the floorspace in an average home. Storage space that can be quickly and easily accessed can be really valuable to homeowners who now need the spare bedroom for a new arrival, or who find getting the Christmas tree down each year just a little bit harder. So shouldn’t we be making the most of that space over our heads ? And that’s where More Than Loft Ladders (MTLL) comes in. Founded in Bolton six years ago, MTLL specialises in generating space by making our lofts easily accessible. The latest MTLL franchise to open covers the St Helens area and is run by skilled local, Paul Langley, who 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 draft-proof loft hatch if required from only £55.” The price customers are quoted is the price they will pay, with no additional call out charges. Paul provides a free guarantee on all parts and labour and the quality of the work is monitored independently by the Guild of Master Craftsmen. Already a trusted name in the North West, over 2500 homeowners have enjoyed the benefits we offer, with more having the work carried out every day. There are a range of packages available to suit all pockets – so whether you just want a ladder installing or you want ladder, boarding and light, call More
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My wife is also very impressed with how clean and tidy you all left the place too. I will have absolutely no hesitation in recommending your services to anyone!!! Darren & Jenny - Stockton Heath
Than Loft Ladders now for a free survey and quotation with no obligation. Call 0800 03 59 880 or visit the website at www.morethanloftladders.co.uk What our Customers Say; I just wanted to say a massive thanks to you and the guys from More Than Loft Ladders for the wonderful job you have made of our loft today. What had been a dirty and unusable space for the last 10 years, is now light, safe and absolutely HUGE!!
Paul and Simon have this week extended my loft opening, boarded my loft and installed a loft ladder. Just a run of the mill occurrence for some but I live in a tiny terraced cottage, over 160 years old with a really shallow loft you can only stand up in one place and with an opening that has to come into my bedroom because there is no landing area. I didn’t think it could be done, but they have and I now have a home for the suitcases, Christmas tree and decorations and any number of other items I don’t really need. I am really pleased with the outcome, with the very fair cost and I would have no hesitation in recommending them. Margaret
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Travel
Turn over a new
leaf
David Sudworth discovers there’s more to North America than the USA...
T
hink North America and many automatically assume the USA. But Canada’s natural beauty, distinctive seasons and worldrenowned destinations make it a must for any serious traveller. The main tip when planning a holiday to Maple Leaf Country is to realise just how vast Canada is, and try not to squeeze too much into one trip. To give an idea of scale; Newfoundland, off the east coast, is
closer to the UK than Vancouver! And if you’re still not convinced, bear in mind that one of the great train journeys of the world, The Canadian, which travels from Toronto to Vancouver takes five days. The most popular and perhaps spectacular area to visit is the Canadian Rockies. Striding the border between Alberta and British Columbia, these snowcapped peaks provide some of the most incredible views on earth. The resort towns of Banff and Jasper
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are the perfect place from which to explore, with a visit to Lake Louise and its world famous hotel being at the top of many people’s lists. Keep your camera ready for grizzly and black bear, moose, elk and much more when exploring this area. A wonderful way to experience these breathtaking surroundings is to take a trip on the twoday Rocky Mountaineer train journey. Described as the most spectacular train trip in the world, it offers a daylight only service with a choice between comfortable Silverleaf or luxurious Goldleaf service. It travels from Calgary, Banff or Jasper to Vancouver on the west coast and provides a once in a lifetime experience. There is also a new route that travels along the Fraser River from Jasper to Whistler and offers the same impeccable service with a different type of stunning scenery. If you are looking to get off the beaten track or experience some close up wildlife viewing, then activities such as heli-hiking or a visit to see the
Grizzly bears of Knight Inlet are a must. 1st Class Holidays’ Complete Guide brochure offers a host of ideas to this incredible country. For something a little different, board one of the Alaskan Cruises to explore some of the most spectacular and unspoilt scenery on earth. Choose from a selection of state-of-the-art ships with a wealth of facilities and offering great value for money. Canada also offers some wonderful cities. Vancouver is often rated as one of the best places in the world to live and has a vibrant feel with a stunning backdrop. Canada’s largest city, Toronto, is found in the east and is a perfect place for a shopping break. It offers a huge selection of museums, theatres, restaurants and galleries and is only two hours from the famous Niagara Falls. The French-influenced Montreal and Quebec City are perfect places to discover some of Canada’s rich history while enjoying some wonderful cuisine.
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There are excellent rail links from here to Toronto, Niagara Falls and the capital city, Ottawa. Thanks to Billinge’s Marken Travel, in conjunction with 1st Class Holidays, travelling in Canada could not be easier. They can help plan your own self-drive tour to travel at your own pace, or join an organised coach trip aimed at making the most out of the time you have in Canada. As many of the popular areas are in National Parks or in remote spots, then booking early is always recommended. 1st Class Holidays are an award winning, independent operator specialising in holidays to Canada. They are the current and 13 times winner of Operator of the Year
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at the Canada Travel Awards and have a wealth of experience in planning trips to this incredible country. And they will be on hand at Marken Travel, on Main Street, Billinge, at 6.30pm on Tuesday, January 19, when Jonathan Whiteley, of 1st Class Holidays, will give an informative presentation entitled Canada Coast To Coast.
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So if you are interested in finding out more, why not go along? Tales of a magical, unspoilt country await. And rest-assured, whichever trip you book, you will be sure to come back with some wonderful memories and plans for your next visit...
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Class from the
past This month’s Class from the Past is from St Andrew’s in Garswood. It’s believed this photo was taken in the early 1950s. Maybe you can spot a familiar face? Remember, if you have a photo you’d be willing to share, contact David Sudworth today by emailing sthelensnews@ locallife247.co.uk
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Health & Fitness
Walk this
way
By Lisa Salmon
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f you’re dreading hitting the gym after Christmas to shed those excess pounds, you may want to swap your gym membership for some good walking shoes. New research from the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) found that people over 50, and women of all ages, who regularly walked briskly for more than 30 minutes at a time, had a lower body mass index (BMI) and smaller waists than those who say they favour other forms of exercise, including gym workouts, cycling and swimming. (Men aged under 50 had similar waist sizes whether they walked or went to the gym.)
Wonder walks So what is it about walking that’s so effective? A very big factor is that people who like to walk tend to do it very regularly, so they are more active overall - compared with non-walkers who, while they may say they do other forms of exercise, are possibly doing them far less frequently. Previous studies have also found that walking can be far more effective - in terms of aiding fitness and weight loss, and warding off diseases - than people might think. And, as Dr Grace Lordan, who led the LSE research, notes, people who take up walking tend to stick with it more than other fitness regimes. “People are also more likely to get walking ‘right’, as compared to gym exercises - it’s easier to know if you’re working to a moderate level with walking than with other exercises,” Dr Lordan adds.
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She stresses that, although any exercise is better than none, to achieve significant results, walking needs to be at a decent pace, to a level where you’re perspiring and out of breath, for 30 minutes, five times a week.
Endless benefits As well as helping with weight management, by taking up regular brisk walks, Dr Lordan points out: “Provided you don’t eat any worse, you could lower your cholesterol, blood pressure and risk of cardiovascular ill health, as well as improving your mental and physical health. “Given that regular walking is an easier habit to adopt regularly than high-impact classes or complicated exercise regimes, I would have to say that we do underestimate how a regular walking habit could modify the lifestyles of many people.
of moderate-intensity physical activity every week, there’s no guidance on which activity is the most effective - and it’s estimated that as many as 80% of the UK population aren’t meeting the recommendations anyway.
“And walking costs nothing but your time.”
It’s because of this, as well as the multiple and accessible benefits of walking, that Dr Lordan is now calling for a campaign to promote it as an effective way to tackle obesity, rather than public health messages about healthy eating.
Although Government guidelines recommend that adults should be doing 150 minutes or more
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“I would like to see a walking campaign targeted at people who currently do no activity,” she says. “It would be fantastic to see a campaign that lets people know that every brisk step counts.” Claire Francis, campaigns manager at the walking and cycling charity Sustrans, agrees, and points out: “Walking is the perfect exercise - free, simple, and easily incorporated into our daily routine and travels. But sadly, many of us are missing out. “If taking regular walks were a drug, doctors would prescribe it to absolutely everyone. It’s a silver bullet for so many of our health, economic and environmental woes.”
Walking works A recent report from The Ramblers and Macmillan Cancer Support - who run guided Walking For Health schemes in various locations across the UK (www.ramblers.org.uk/go-walking/get-healthy/ walking-for-health.aspx) - suggested that 37,000 deaths could be prevented every year, if more of us started taking regular walks.
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It pointed out that being active significantly reduces the risk of getting heart disease, stroke, Type 2 diabetes, breast and colon cancers and Alzheimer’s disease by 20-50%, as well as helping maintain a healthy weight, increasing good cholesterol, reducing blood pressure, building healthy muscles and bones, improving balance and reducing the risk of falls. Furthermore, being physically active helps people feel less stressed, sleep better, have a 30% lower risk of getting depressed, and a reduced risk of developing dementia.
Best foot forward Follow these NHS tips for getting started:
• Walk fast enough to be able to talk, but not sing.
• Start walking slowly, particularly if you’re not used to exercising, and build up to the recommended 30 minutes a day, five times a week.
• Try to walk 10,000 steps a day.
• To achieve the recommended moderate intensity aerobic activity, you need to walk fast enough to raise your heart rate and sweat.
• Towards the end of the walk, gradually slow down your pace to cool down, and finish with a few gentle stretches, which will improve your flexibility. • Make walking a habit by building it into your routine, such as walking to the shops or work.
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Solving legal
problems
S
ometimes, despite the best will in the world, legal disputes can happen. Whether it be an argument over a boundary fence, a customer refusing to pay for your services, a director putting his company into liquidation, or a loan not repaid back. Most often the best way to resolve these issues is by a frank discussion. Both parties putting their side to each other and reaching an agreement is by far the best way to deal with complex issues. However, when that does not work, you have a stark choice. Let the matter drop, or pursue legal action. Local solicitors, I E Legal Solicitors in Prescot specialise in these matters. No matter how complicated or what value your issue is, I E Legal can help. I E Legal’s expert solicitors have experience of pursuing the full range of claims on behalf of their clients. Solicitor Dominic Cooper deals with representing clients at court hearings and preparing complex cases. With over 12 years experience, Dominic is well able to represent client’s interests and has experience in dealing with everything from claims for unpaid invoices up to multi-million inheritance disputes. Always putting client’s interests first, Dominic is approachable and knowledgeable. Sian Collins assists with small claims and handling client queries. She has five years experience of
helping clients and driven to succeed.
is
Delia Leyland-Cooper, the Practice Manager at I E Legal Solicitors is a law graduate with an Delia Leylandaccounting qualification. Cooper She overseas the expert litigation team at I E Legal, ensuring that client’s interests are put first. With her background in law and accounts, Delia is very popular with clients able to explain complex legal Sian Collins issues in an straightforward way. “We really fight hard on our clients’ behalf”, said Delia, “to help them achieve the best outcomes”. Delia explained “we offer fixed fees for claims under £10,000 and the best quality of service, which means our clients can get highest quality legal service at an affordable price.” So no matter what your legal issue, call I E Legal Solicitors today for a no-obligation discussion to see how they can help you achieve the outcome you deserve!
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Food & Drink
Forget the
faff
By Gemma Dunn
S
implicity is key for Lorraine Pascale. “It’s the way I live and the way I eat,” explains the chef, discussing the essence behind her latest book, Eating Well Made Easy. “There’s no faff - just chop it up and throw it in.” It’s this understated approach to delivering uncomplicated, nutritious food that has seen the model-turned-TV-cook take the culinary world by storm; and when I turn up to play sous chef at her home in south-west London, the proof is in the pudding. Looking far younger than her 43 years, a glowing Pascale’s off-screen demeanour is as fuss-free as her recipes. Dressed in jogging bottoms and a casual T-shirt, she looks every inch the (admittedly quite glamorous) homebody - the only visible sign of her celeb status being a pair of studio lights in her kitchen, which she reveals are used to self-shoot her YouTube cooking channel. “I’ve started doing it regularly; I’m full-time now and I’m focused,” she says of her move into the vlogger sphere. “I only do two one-minute videos a week because I film and edit them myself.” Model, baker, chef, mechanic (yes, really!), fostering activist and now director/producer, Pascale is a onewoman band (“I am the team!”), and she’s marching to the beat of her own drum. Her latest venture, she tells me (while chopping tomatoes for her take on popular Mexican dish huevos rancheros) is all about providing fast, easy and affordable recipes for the busy mum/girlfriend/ student etc, who wants to uphold a nutritious diet. “I’m so passionate about it. Writing healthy recipes comes really easily to me,” explains Pascale, who reveals she pulled the book together in less than
three months by using her familiar, classic plates and giving them a healthier twist. Split across sections that include lazy brunches, weekday dinners and movie nights, the decadent book is designed to work for all budgets - and the best thing about it? You won’t have to trek to mystical heights to retrieve rare ingredients you may never use again. “I wanted to include recipes that are easy to follow. Most of the ingredients listed you can get from Tesco, Sainsbury’s - local shops. That’s what I was aiming for.”
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And one person she is hoping will make use of the book is her 19-year-old daughter Ella, who left for university this September. “She’s just interested in carbs at the moment,” says her mum, laughing. “I felt really guilty dropping her off when she’s sat there eating a bowl of - overcooked - pasta. I might make some food up and take it down to her...” In the mean time, she’s thinking bigger and working on a series of quick and easy student recipes for her YouTube channel; a go-to guide for those living on a budget. “When I was living in a model flat, it was the same story. The beginning of the month was good, but after that, it would just be pasta - apart from Friday treat night at the fish and chip shop.” Surviving - and excelling - in two of the most competitive industries, Pascale insists she has no regrets in forfeiting her catwalk career for the confines of a kitchen. But I wonder if her unorthodox career path had an effect on her relationship with food?
“I was genuinely not slim enough,” the one-time fashion muse reveals. “I went off the rails for a few months; some girls are naturally slim and it’s fine if you’re like that, but for everyone else, it’s a neverending struggle.” Open to discussing her past, as well as her day-today life, straight-talking Pascale has come a long way since embarking on a year-long course at Leiths School of Food and Wine in 2005; working in the world’s finest restaurants, presenting BBC cookery shows and selling more than a million books in the UK alone - and yet is overtly honest that her domestic halo slips from time to time. “I’m just normal. Even though I write recipes, I eat out a lot and I buy food ready to go. If I was to write a book like Nigel Slater’s A Year of Good Eating, only 100 days out of 365 would be spent cooking,” she says, grinning. If you fancy having a cooking day, here’s two recipes from Pascale’s new book...
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Huevos
rancheros with jalapenos and garlic
Method Preheat the oven to 200C/fan 180C/gas mark 6. Wrap the tortillas in a piece of tin foil, sit on a baking sheet and put them in the oven for about 10
Serves 2 Ingredients 2 soft corn tortillas 2tbsp olive oil 4 ripe tomatoes cut into cubes 3 spring onions, finely chopped 2 green jalapeno chillies or 1/2 regular green or red chilli, deseeded for less heat if preferred, finely chopped 1 garlic clove, finely chopped Good pinch of ground cumin Leaves from 1/2 bunch of fresh coriander, roughly chopped 4 free-range eggs Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
minutes or until they are heated through. Meanwhile, heat one tablespoon of oil in a large non-stick frying pan over a medium-high heat. Add the tomato, spring onion, chilli, garlic, cumin and a little salt and pepper, and cook them for about five minutes, or until the tomato begins to break down. Stir in half of the coriander, remove from the heat and keep warm. Rinse out and dry the pan and put it back on a lowmedium heat. Add the remaining tablespoon of oil and once nice and hot, crack in the eggs, spaced apart. Cook them gently for about three to four minutes, until the whites are cooked but the yolks still a little bit runny. Remove the pan from the heat. Remove the tortillas from the oven and place one on each serving plate. Divide the salsa mix between them, spreading it out with the back of the spoon. Slide two eggs on top of each one, sprinkle with the remaining coriander and serve.
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Taste test
Putting Simms Road on
the map... by David Sudworth
’ve never eaten in a place which doesn’t officially exist. Unsurprising I know, but if you look for Simms Road on a map of Garswood, you’ll draw a blank.
I
that Clare’s pudding was in fact a Bury black pud, and not the sliced version which usually comes fried. And Clare herself was gushing with praise for this most traditional of northern fayre.
However, the Simms Road Inn building, on Garswood Road, is very much in existence, and has been for the best part of 315 years.
To be honest, it was the stilton which drew me to the mushrooms. The sauce was creamy with a capital ‘c’, knocking spots off the mass-produced
One legend has it that the building is named after a local man called John Simm, who was given the building after being shot in the eye and blinded by its previous owner. Noone knows for sure, but its history can be traced back tothe Gerard and Downall families. For those who want to know more, there’s a board outside. Anyhow, on to the task in hand. I’m here to discover whether all these good things I’ve heard about the Simms’ homemade food, freshly prepared by mine host Andrew Burton himself, is true. My colleague Clare and I made the short drive from Local Life HQ to Simms Road and were welcomed by a lovely, bright interior. On this most drab of winter days, it lifted the spirits for us both. For starters, Clare chose the Free Range Black Pudding Salad while I went for the Creamy Garlic and Stilton Mushrooms. I was pleasantly surprised
watery competition you find in many places. I also liked the fact the mushroom still had a semblance of structure and hadn’t been cooked to within a millimetre of their existence. It’s only a little thing, but such attention to detail in this competitive market sorts the wheat from the chaff. On to the main courses and Clare stuck with traditional by having a handmade short-crust beef and stilton pie while I chose the Vegetable Pasta Bowl. Every customers gets the’ I wish I’d ordered that’ feeling from time to time, and that’s how I
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felt when Clare’s pie came out. Although not a natural pie fan, I can be persuaded when it’s homemade. And when Clare took one mouthful and then simply said: “Amazing” I knew she wasn’t kidding. However, my Vegetable Pasta Bowl was a fine specimen indeed, for one simple reason - it had veg in. A statement of the blindingly obvious maybe, but a lot of places wouldn’t dream of including green beans, cauliflower etc in their sauces. Such ingredients are commonplace in Europe, yet in the UK we seem reticent to include anything other than a bit of onion and maybe a carrot. Maybe it’s a lack of confidence in our own skills, but this dish is testament to the fact that if you stick your neck out, it will be rewarded. In some ways, I dread dessert courses. Maybe it was the tapioca pudding at school which did it, but for some reason there are many places which treat sweets as more as an after-thought than the icing on the cake (no pun intended) they ought to be. This is where, yet again, Simms Road comes up trumps. Clare’s Double-Layered Chocolate Fudge Cake and my Deep-Filled Bramley Apple Pie, both homemade, were devoid of the bitterness you get in the slabs of factory-produced monotony. Instead, these provided a comforting end to two very good, very honest, and very good value meals. What I like about Simms Road is that it has that word - honest - running through every fibre of its being. The owner, Andrew, who is in his second spell at Simms Road, is upfront with customers. He advises
them to book early and, if possible, pre-order to ensure he has the fresh ingredients in. There’s no simply shoving something in a microwave here, and because of that they can and do run out. But in return for that honesty, you get quality food which is freshly and thoughtfully prepared.
Putting ‘Simms Road, Garswood’ into your Sat Nav may not get you very far at all. But I guarantee that once you’ve been to this Garswood hostelry, you’ll have no trouble remembering the route for next time... Simms Road Pub 532 Garswood Road, Ashton-in-Makerfield, Wigan, WN4 0XH 01744 894246
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Mixed berry
crumble with oats and almonds
Serves 4 -6 Ingredients For the filling: 600g fresh berries 2 Medjool dates, pitted and very finely chopped 1tsp ground cinnamon 1/2tsp ground nutmeg For the crumble: 180g porridge oats 80g ground almonds 7 Medjool dates, pitted and very finely chopped 4tbsp butter 3tsp ground ginger Seeds of 1/2 a vanilla pod
Method Preheat the over to 190C/fan 170C/gas mark 5. Put the filling ingredients into a pan over a low heat and cook for about four minutes, or until the fruit just begins to soften. Tip the fruit into an ovenproof dish and set this aside. Put the porridge oats, ground almonds, dates, butter, two teaspoons of the ground ginger and the vanilla seeds into a bowl and, using your fingertips, rub this gently together to just combine, so everything is evenly mixed in. Tip the crumble topping over the fruit and then sprinkle over the remaining one teaspoon of ground ginger. Pop into the oven and cook for about 25 minutes, or until the crumble is just going golden brown. Once cooked, remove from the oven and leave to cook for a few minutes before serving.
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Eating out
guide Delph Tavern Award-winning CAMRA freehouse with a fast growing reputation for excellent quality food at reasonable prices. Traditional British classics served, plus some exotic surprises too. Food served Wed-Sun only. 01695 622239 Tontine, Orrell, WN5 8UJ facebook.com/TheDelphTavern
Quattro’s A family run Italian restaurant situated on the Rainford By-pass at Bickerstaffe. Being just off the slip road of the M58 makes this an ideal location for meeting friends and business lunches. 01695 720800 54 Rainford Road, Bickerstaffe, Ormskirk L39 0HF quattros.co.uk
Sing Faye Restaurant Dine at Sing Faye and enjoy a taste of Oriental Cuisine. Amazing Sunday banquet, Early Bird & A la Carte menu. Open 7 days a week. Book a table to avoid disappointment. 01744 738882 East Lancashire Road, Carr Mill, St Helens, WA11 9AE singfayerestaurant.co.uk
The Simms Road Inn
Houghwood
Homemade pub food classics made with locally sourced produce - featuring our award winning Steak & Ale pie, supplemented with cask ales and quality wines from around the world. Food served every lunch and dinner. 01744 894246 Garswood, WN4 0XH burtonandrew55@yahoo.com
In a perfect setting, Houghwood’s restaurant has panoramic views across the course and over to the Welsh hills. A modern British menu is served Wednesday to Sunday. Monthly tribute events and theme nights. 5 star food hygiene rating. 01744 894754 Crank Road, St Helens, WA11 8RL houghwoodgolfclub.co.uk
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sponsored by
Arley &
Adlington by David Sudworth
A
nyone embarking on a walk in this part of Wigan tends to gravitate towards Haigh Hall.
1869 structure has been tastefully restored in a way which renders it useable but doesn’t detract from its original design.
Nothing wrong with that of course; a fine destination affording the chance to see a 17th Century Earl’s lodgings, fantastic woodland and lovely views right across the Lancashire Plain. However, this month, we’re heading north west of Haigh towards Red Rock for a stroll which sees the less grand but equally as interesting outer reaches of Wigan borough.
We’re now following the old Lancashire Union Joint Railway line, Just before the bridge take the steps on the right up onto the bridge, go left and follow the road taking the sharp right hand turn that takes you through Wigan Golf Club. Peter, our fearless lensman, knows the area whereas I walked trepidatiously, especially when I could hear in the distance a Nine Iron making a fulsome connection with a freshly-purchased Pinnacle.
Starting from the Red Rock Lane car park next to the old Red Rock station follow the path past the old station building. Now a private residence, the
We follow the road straight into the club car park,
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a few yards you come to an old railway trackbed, that is now a multi-use path (Route 55). Take a right and follow this until you reach the second bridge, at which point you leave the path and take the steps up onto Arley Lane.
passing Arley Hall on the right. We continue down a track until to an opening on your right that leads into Arley Wood and over the River Douglas. Once over, go up and to the right following the path as it opens out onto farm fields. At this point, we get an unencumbered view of Winter Hill. For those who have been living on Mars, or London (same difference after all), for the past 60 years, Winter Hill is home to the region’s principle TV transmitter. It’s also a known UFOs-sighting hotspot. Are those two facts linked? Who knows, but we haven’t got time to waste as we continue along, passing Crawshaw Hall Farm, then some animal kennels and along to The Common. Just has you reach the start of residential housing take a right into Old School Lane. Keep going until you reach the old school house on the corner, at which point you leave the road and take the public footpath down to the river. Here, climb over the stile and go right, following the path along the riverside until it emerges onto a single track lane. This part of the walk can be a big boggy and, depending on the time of year, you may be fighting metres of vigorous vegetation, Go left down to the river, where you can cross over via the foot bridge alongside the ford. Continue along the road until you get to the top of the climb, then just before the farm take the path up onto the canal towpath. Go right, under the bridge and then right again to cross over the canal bridge. Within
We are now on the home straight as we go right, following the road past Abbey Farm and over the canal again. Leave the road and take the canal towpath away from the bridge. As the canal winds its way towards Red Rock you pass some properties on the opposite side of the canal with nice little summer houses on the canal side. It’s somewhere I could see myself retiring to, G&T in one hand, copy of The Beano in the other, while catching up on the latest from Ambridge via Radio 4. Keep going until just before the canal bridge at Red Rock, where you can step off the towpath and onto Arley Lane, just before the traffic lights. Here take a right down the main road until you come to the entrance of the car park where we started out. This five-mile walk took us approximately one hour and 45 minutes. This was mainly due to the fact it is uphill and down dale in parts, ranging from a low of 264ft above sea level to 339ft at the highest point. I liked this route because it does give you a more rounded overview of this part of Wigan, but also provides a peek at its neighbours in Chorley and Bolton. And given the fact that all three towns are fairly busy places, it allows you to enjoy some solace while not being too far away from civilisation.
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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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Puzzle
corner
Guess where? Wordsearch Sudoku
Chilly January Blues
Answers are on page 61 of this magazine
Blizzard Chocolate Mittens Ice Fleece Sniffles
Stove Bleak Chimney Gloves Duvet Cough
Bleak Socks Snowball
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Events & Leisure
What’s
on
Research Your Family Tree Saturday, January 16 Free taster session to be held at Central Library, St Helens town centre, from 1.30pm-3.30pm. Five week courses will start from Wednesday, January 13, February 24 and April 27. Basic computer keyboard skills are needed to enrol on the course. To reserve your place, call into your local library or call 01744 677695/677675.
Lyon’s Coal Yard - 200 Years of History Monday, January 18 Talk by David Thornton as part of St Helens Historical Society’s Frank Pope Memorial Lecture evening. Starts at 7.30pm at the Friends Meeting House, Church Street, St Helens. For more details call secretary Mary Presland on 01744 23141.
Promote your class
here! Reach an estimated 75,000 readers in St Helens Ad prices start from £30 + VAT Call 01744 649722 for details
Giant Lego Animals Until Sunday, January 31 These amazing creations will bring families closer to nature at WWT Martin Mere, Fish Lane, Burscough. Visitors will be able to enjoy the trail of 10 individually-designed 4ft (1.5m) brick characters some inspired by real species at Martin Mere. Included are a large North American River Otter, a Hawaiian Goose (Ne Ne), the world’s rarest goose, and a flamingo. To find out more about the trail visit wwt.org.uk/legobrickanimals, or call Victoria Fellowes on 01704 891240.
Tea, Scones and a Quiz Thursday, January 21 The next meeting of the local members’ group of the National Trust is at 2.30pm in St Thomas’ Church, Westfield Street, St Helens. Go along and enjoy some tea and scones in the company of local historian Ken Pye, who is setting a quiz for attendees on local Merseyside history, general knowledge, old TV adverts, and a few surprises. The cost for all attendees is £5 per person. Advance booking essential – please telephone 01744 753121
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Strictly Come Dancing Tour Tuesday, February 2 An arena tour of the hit BBC1 show at Liverpool Echo Arena. As with the TV version, the show will pit celebrity dancers and their partners against the judges. Audiences at each venue will then be able to vote live from their seats via text message. Tickets for two shows, one in the morning and again in the evening, via prideofmanchester.seetickets.com
Austentatious Thursday, January 14 An Improvised Jane Austen Novel is a comedy play spun in the inimitable style of Jane Austen –and based entirely on audience suggestions. Received rave reviews The Times noting its “constant wit and verve”. Held at The Lowry Theatre in Salford from 8pm. Tickets from £18 via www.manchestertheatres. com
Burns Night Friday, January 22 Held in conjunction with Rainford Boys’ Brigade and Girls’ Association at Rainford Village Hall, Church Road, in aid of Rainford In Bloom. Tickets are £15 each including haggis supper and entertainment. Email clerk@rainfordparishcouncil.com or call 01744 884709.
Lancashire Folk Night Friday, January 22 Held at Simms Road pub, Garswood, starring Chonkinfeckle plus AD Cooke. Free entry. Telephone 01744 894 246 for any enquires.
Jack and the Beanstalk Thursday, January 14-Sunday, January 17 Rainhill Musical Theatre Company production at the village hall on Dane Court. Performances at 7.30pm each day, and 2.15pm showings at the weekend. Tickets are £7 for adults and £6 for concessions via 0151 292 4458 or sephtons@hotmail.com
Quiz Night Friday, February 5 Held at Rainford Village Hall, Church Road, in aid of Rainford in Bloom. Tickets are £6.50 including a hot pot supper. Email clerk@rainfordparishcouncil.com or call 01744 884709.
New Junior Book Club Saturday, February 6 This new initiative by Billinge Library, on Main Street, is aimed at eight to 11 year olds. The first meeting is held today from 10.30am-11.30am. Free entry.
Beer Festival Friday, February 12 and Saturday, February 13 All hail the ale for this event held at Rainford Village Hall, Church Road, in aid of Rainford in Bloom. Free entry, and vouchers for the beer can be purchased inside. Email clerk@rainfordparishcouncil.com or call 01744 884709.
Last Tango In Whitby Thursday, February 11-Saturday, February 13 Rainhill Garrick Society performance directed by Lynn Aconley at Rainhill Village Hall, Dane Court. Performances at 7.30pm - tickets cost £6 for adults and £5 for concessions via Mrs E. Swift on 01744 813429.
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Cast Thursday, February 11 Originally formed in 1992, Cast released four albums, the second was Mother Nature Calls. A decade later, and the original line-up of John Power (guitar/ vocals), Liam ‘Skin’ Tyson (lead guitar), Pete Wilkinson (bass) and Keith O’Neill (drums) have reunited, and are playing live at The Citadel, Waterloo Street, St Helens, from 7.30pm. Tickets £20, and under 18s must be accompanied by an adult. Call the Box Office on 01744 735 436.
Blithe Spirit Wednesday, February 17- Saturday, February 20 A comic play by Noel Coward, directed by Jeff Brailsford. Suave novelist Charles Condomine has re-married, but is haunted by the ghost of his first wife Elvira. As worldly and unworldly personalities clash, Charles’ present wife Ruth falls victim to an accident meant for him, “passes over”, and teams up with Elvira, allowing the two “blithe spirits” to haunt the hapless Charles into perpetuity Held at The Playhouse Theatre, Market Street, Preston, from 7.30pm-10pm. Tickets cost £7 -£9 via www. prestonplayhouse.com
Promote your class
here! Reach an estimated 75,000 readers in St Helens Ad prices start from £30 + VAT Call 01744 649722 for details
Wet Wet Wet Saturday, February 27 The iconic Scottish band Wet Wet Wet have announced they will play Echo Arena as part of their Big Picture Tour. The tour announcement coincides with the 20th anniversary of their number one album Picture This which included the hits Julia Says, Don’t Want to Forgive Me Now, Somewhere Somehow, She’s All On My Mind, Morning and of course Love is all Around. Tickets from £47.50 via www.echoarena.com
State of Mind Sport Annual Dinner Saturday, February 20 Fundraiser for the registered charity dedicated to helping sportsmen and women tackle mental health issues. Guest speakers will be ex-Saints star Paul Sculthorpe and world boxing champion contender Martin Murray. It will be held at Langtree Park Stadium from 7pm. Tickets are £35 or £330 for a table of 10. Email dsculthorpe@hotmail.co.uk or call 07850 693564.
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Billy Liar Monday, February 22--Saturday, February 27 A CADOS production held at Chorley Little Theatre, Dole Lane, from 7.30pm. This play follows a boy working in an undertakers in Yorkshire, who dreams of a life in the big city. Billy lies compulsively to everyone he comes across, whether it’s the claim that his father is a retired naval captain, or telling his parents that his best mate’s mother has broken her leg. He is engaged to two girlfriends, and in love with a third and constantly refers to a vague job offer writing scripts in London for “Danny Boon”, a comedian. Sooner or later, the lies unravel and Billy must face reality and the future. Tickets on sale now: Monday-Wednesday £6, ThursdaySaturday £8. Tickets from Malcolm’s Musicland, 01257 264362, at the store on Chapel Street, Chorley.
Whiston Workshouse Thursday, February 25 Talk by Pauline Hurst to members of Prescot Historic Society at the parish church hall, Church Street, Prescot. Starts at 7.30pm - entry is £1.50 for non-members.
Ed Byrne Friday, March 11 Join the Irish comedian on his Outside, Looking In Tour at Warrington’s Parr Hall from 8pm. His live performances have received five-star reviews from the national media, including The Times which said: “A masterful display of the comic’s art…Comedy’s holy grail – go see!” Tickets cost from £19 and can be purchased via www.pyramidparrhall.com
Local History Display Wednesday, March 2 - Monday, May 30 Held at Billinge Library on Main Street, the theme for the display will be sport and leisure. Ahead of the display, staff are looking for memorabilia from the Billinge, Moss Bank and Carr Mill areas. Any early photographs, pictures or letters will be photocopied and return. Call into the library for more details.
Adult Poetry Session Wednesday, March 9 Here’s a chance for you to air your poetry to a wider audience, from 5.30pm-6.30pm at Billinge Library, Main Street. All welcome.
Rainford Spring Ball Saturday, March 12 A four-course dinner, entertainment and dancing awaits at Rainford Village Hall, Church Road. This event is being hosted by the chairman of Rainford Parish Council’s Fund for Rainford in Bloom. Tickets are £25. Email clerk@rainfordparishcouncil.com or call 01744 884709.
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New PJs and
Award Winner
slippers... by Angie Barker
H
appy New Year everyone! I hope that Father Christmas brought you everything you wished for? Hubby excelled himself this year in the present buying department – although I didn’t get the trip to Hampton Court Flower Show that I’d kept dropping hints about – but he did remember my pj size! At this time of year I love curling up in front of the fire - in my new pjs and slippers - and browsing through a good gardening book or magazine. It gives me some inspiration for the forthcoming year and helps to take my mind off the impending credit card bill. This is the perfect time of year for planning ahead and one of the biggest problems I hear about from clients when they are assessing their garden, is the lack of seasonal interest and colour. All garden designers have a favourite list of plants which will appear in their designed gardens time and time again. To some extent this will be down to personal preference but it will also be because those plants bring something to a planting scheme, whether this be structure, colour, movement or scent.
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.
I thought I’d give you a glimpse of my own list of plants which I simply could not be without in my own garden and which I include in many of my planting plans; Buxus sempervirens or Box – can be topiary or hedging for evergreen structure Bergenia ‘Bressingham Beauty’ – good seasonal interest, colour and texture Geranium nodosum – long season of colour and great in shade Heuchera ‘Palace Purple’ – good texture and colour Lavandula angustifolia ‘Hidcote’ – has scent and makes a lovely small hedge Rudbeckia fulgida ‘Goldsturm’ – long lasting late summer colour and fabulous for bees and butterflies Sarcococca confusa – strong scent in winter – just when our spirits need a lift These are just a handful, there are so many other brilliant plants to chose from – I feel inspired already – roll on spring!
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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SMN
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Test drive
Mazda
All-New
MX-5 by Tim Barnes-Clay
T
he all-new Mazda MX-5 rocks. It really does.
And it’s not just me that thinks it - the awesome sports car has already been named Roadster of the Year in Britain. But why does the MX-5 rock? And why is it awesome? Well, quite simply, the car is a brand icon. It is brilliant fun to drive – and that has been the case in all of its incarnations over the last 25 years. Having made its British debut at the 2015 Goodwood Festival of Speed, the all-new fourthgeneration Mazda MX-5 has an excellent power to weight ratio, rear-wheel drive, perfect 50:50 weight distribution and more comfort and tech than ever before. The MX-5 is offered with a choice of two petrol engines, and with nine models across five trim levels, the mighty yet minute Mazda looks already set to repeat the Japanese motor manufacturer’s
influence within the reasonably priced sports car sector. Maintaining the driver-focused nature that has made the MX-5 the best-selling two-seater sports car of all time, it is obvious the engineering philosophy behind the up-to-the-minute model has allowed Mazda to retain the dexterity, enjoyment and engagement that has always characterised it. The lightest MX-5 since the celebrated original, the fresh car is shorter, lower and wider than the outgoing one, with the smallest overhangs and lowest centre of gravity yet. These dynamic proportions combined with Mazda’s KODO: Soul of Motion design values ensure that the model’s styling reflects its emphasis on driving pleasure in an unmistakably contemporary and energetic way. Featuring Mazda’s award-winning SKYACTIV technology, the MX-5’s ultra-efficient lightweight petrol powered engines deliver new heights of
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performance and economy. Across the line-up the MX-5 features alloy wheels, LED headlights, a leather steering wheel, as well as a light and sleek fabric hood. SE-L models add LED daytime running lights, climate control air-conditioning, DAB radio, Bluetooth and cruise control, plus Mazda’s connectivity and infotainment system with seveninch colour touch-screen display and Multimedia Commander. SE-L models with the 2.0-litre 160ps engine are distinguished by 17-inch Gunmetal alloy wheels and piano black door mirrors, and benefit from a strut tower bar and limited slip differential. Step up to Sport trim and both the 1.5 and 2.0-litre cars feature rain sensing wipers, rear parking sensors, smart keyless entry, Premium Bose Surround-Sound and heated leather seats. With the 1.5-litre engine, Sport trim MX-5’s come with 16-inch Gunmetal alloy wheels and piano black door mirrors. Sport models with the 2.0-litre 160ps engine benefit from a dynamic set-up that includes Sports suspension featuring Bilstein dampers, a limited slip differential and strut tower bar, while visually, they are marked out by their 17-inch Bright alloy wheels and body coloured mirrors.
Puzzle
But perhaps the most amazing aspect of the MX-5 is that when the original model was launched in 1990, it cost £14,249 (equal to £31,687 in today’s money), yet quarter of a century later with far more standard equipment, the all-new Mazda MX-5 costs from £18,495. This means, more than ever, the car sets the benchmark as the one of the world’s best and most affordable sports cars. Indeed, it seems with its lightweight design, cool cabin, exquisitely engineered mechanicals and balanced handling the all-new Mazda MX-5 is ready to further boost its place in the hearts of automotive aficionados.
Fast
facts
0-62 mph: 7.3 secs Combined mpg: 40.9 Engine layout: 1998cc, 4 cylinder, 16 valve petrol Max. power (bhp): 158 Max. torque (lb.ft): 148 CO2: 161 g/km Price: £18,495 - £23,295
solutions
The photo on page 53 is of Rainford Junction
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