Local Life - St Helens - February 2019 by Local Life 247 Ltd

LocalLife St Helens Edition

February 2019

Citadel Sadness Pages 28 - 29

Branching Out Pages 35 - 38

Runshaw Walk Pages 49 - 51

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Local Life

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#wherenext Walking through Liverpool Airport at the ludicrous time of 4:45am a couple of days ago, en route (indirectly) to a city break in Seville, I walked down a corridor plastered with quality images from many of the popular European locations that you can fly to from the airport. Themed #wherenext, the selection included imagery from Barcelona, Amsterdam, Rome, Venice, Madrid and many other European city break destinations. We’ve been lucky enough to live at a time when cheap air travel has made for easy access to many European cities, and, probably like you, we’ve loved the opportunity to explore new places and experience different cultures. For us, having the occasional city break to look forward to helps to manage the day to day stress of ordinary life. How times change.

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Skipping back a generation, the caravan parks and B&B’s of Blackpool were the staple holidays of the North West’s population. Rhyl in North Wales was the nearest my family ever got to foreign travel in my formative years, though it still amazes me that a family of eight could have ever fitted into that one static caravan. With Brexit seemingly looming large on the horizon, I wonder whether this will inhibit the next generation’s European travel experiences. Will Europe still be accessible and enjoyable to all, or will the so-called ‘Project Fear’ predictions come true? Not long now, and I guess we’ll find out..

The Meadows, Ruskin Drive, St Helens, WA10 6RP

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Chris Pearce, Publisher chrisp@locallife247.co.uk

www.locallife247.co.uk

Regulars

In this issue Citadel Sadness

42 Puzzle Corner 44 Events2Go

49 Jackâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Tracks 52 Test Drive

6 Local News 18 Food 46 Health

52 Motoring 54 Gardening 56 Home Services

Sections 28 Branching Out Next issue - March 2019

Advertising deadline - Monday, 18 February Published - Friday, 1 March

LocalLife

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Jackâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Tracks: Runshaw Moor

Local Life is published every month and distributed into the following areas on an alternate monthly basis.. This issue is delivered to over 14,500 private homes and businesses in Rainhill, Eccleston, Sutton, Eccleston Park, Windle, Grange Park, Nutgrove, New Bold and Waterside Village

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My Gardening Valentine

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News & Features

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X Factor Auditions The X Factor comes to St. Helens in March for a round of preliminary auditions. Don’t miss your chance to apply to the ITV singing competition in 2019! Auditions take place at MD Productions in Units 5-8 on Barrow Street (WA10 1RX) on Friday, March 15. Slots start at 4pm or 4:30pm for anyone in full-time education. Call 07908 763496 to book your place today or just turn up on the day!

Blank Canvas New sessions in St. Helens are perfect for budding performers in the area. The sessions are open to everyone from age 5 up to adults, no matter whether you’re a singer, dancer or actor, and part of the Blank Canvas initiative. This uses creativity as a tool to inspire, increase confidence and make change in the community.

Sessions are free and take place at the Peter Street Community Centre on Peter Street (WA10 2EQ) every Wednesday from 6pm-7pm. For further information, call 07908 763496.

Artist Callout The World of Glass is once again seeking artists for its latest exhibition. ‘Full Circle’ collects submissions from across the North West, in any medium including digital art, written words, sculptures, paintings or photography. The only restriction is that the piece must be circular in shape. Submit a photograph of your work with a brief description including the piece title, its dimensions, the medium, plus display specifications via email to curator@worldofglass.com. Artists can submit a maximum of three pieces. The deadline for submissions is Thursday, February 28. For further information, call 01744 22766.

Artists Together A new artists’ hub has launched in St. Helens.

layered pieces examining landscape evolution through a combination of naturalistic and manmade influences.

The new initiative was set up to bring artists of various disciplines together to discuss their work and get inspired. Its aim is to guide conversations about art in a supportive space, encouraging new ways to network and share ideas.

The exhibition is open from 10am-4pm every day except Sunday in Gallery One. For further information, call 01744 22766 or pop into the museum.

Painters, sculptors, writers, actors, dancers and filmmakers – along with any other medium you can think of! – are invited to take part in the cultural hub, which is supported by Heart of Glass.

St. Helens 10K

For further information, email jessbowstead@ sthelens.gov.uk.

Art Exhibition The World of Glass’s latest exhibition is available to view until Friday, March 6. ‘Retrospective’ by Ulrich West features over 100 pieces of work from the artist, who specialises

The St. Helens 10K returns this March. Whether your aim for the New Year was to get fitter or whether you just want to have a go, the famous road race sets off from Langtree Park on Sunday, March 10 at 9:30am. There’ll be plenty of spectators and live musicians to cheer you along the race, which helps raise money for causes like the Steve Prescott Foundation. Entry costs £22 and all finishers receive a medal and a T-shirt. For more information, visit www. sthelens10k.com

LEADING LOCAL SPECIALISTS 25 HARDSHAW STREET, ST HELENS, WA10 1RP 2 DERBY STREET, PRESCOT, L34 3LJ

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Competition Winners Pictured on our front cover this month are Julie and Frank Mooney from Eccleston, who were the winners of our December competition for a pair of 2019 Saints Memberships. We asked readers the question ‘Who was the BETFRED Super League top try scorer in 2018?’ The answer was, of course Ben Barba, and Julie’s name was randomly picked from hundreds of readers who came up with the correct answer. The couple were elated when Local Life handed over the memberships just a few days ahead of the inaugural BETFRED Super League match of 2019 against Wigan Warriors. Thank you to all those who entered the competition, and do keep your eyes peeled for more competitions later this year in Local Life.

Rainhill Plodders If your long list of New Year’s resolutions included ‘Must Get Fit’, then you might be interested in the Rainhill Plodders Ladies Running Group! The group runs on Tuesday evenings from the Rainhill Recreation Club on Victoria Terrace (behind the Victoria pub), meeting at 6.50pm for a 7pm start. The group’s aims are to cater for those who want to enjoy a run, socialise and get fit, and all are welcome.

Cracking the Code If your young child shows aptitude in IT and you think you may have a budding Bill Gates or Tim Berners-Lee in your household, there’s a Computer Coding class for primary school children being held every month at Thatto Heath Library. Your child can learn the basic steps to coding at the class, which runs on the 1st Tuesday of the month between 3-45-4.45pm at the library on Thatto Heath road opposite the rail station. For more details, call the library on 01744 677842.

The Final

Countdown A new book by St. Helens author Ken Bold explores the history of Saints cup finals and their impact on the town. ‘Saints: The Final Countdown’ features every one of the 79 finals St. Helens R.L.F.C. have reached, from the very first Challenge Cup final in 1897 through to the present day. Through the turbulent times of the early twentieth century to the soaring post-1950s successes, the book sheds new light on St. Helens’ sporting heritage. Ken Bold was brought up in Dentons Green and Eccleston, and a lifelong Saints fan from attending his first ever game in 1960 at Knowsley Road where his dad worked as a turnstile operator. It wasn’t until the 1996 Challenge Cup final against Bradford Bulls that Ken experienced the most exciting game of his life, when Saints came back from a 12-26 down to win 40-32.

‘After Steve Prescott MBE’s death in 2013, his Foundation has continued to raise substantial amounts of money for The Christie Hopsital and Tryassist, which provides support for people who have suffered life changing injuries playing Rugby League,’ Ken explains. ‘I hope readers will enjoy reading accounts of every one of the 79 finals,’ he adds. ‘For some they will jog memories of matches they attended, for others they will provide what I intend to be an interesting insight into the long and proud history of St. Helens Rugby League Club. Let’s hope there are many more final appearances in the years to come!’ ‘Saints: The Final Countdown’ is available for £15.99 from the Saints Superstore, Wardleworths bookshop on Westfield Street, the World of Glass gift shop, A180 Darts or online from Amazon. You can also order it direct from the author at kenbold@btinternet.com

‘Rugby league is all about getting to finals and, hopefully, winning them,’ Ken says. ‘My first clear memory regarding Saints is attending the 1961 Challenge Cup final at Wembley with my parents and older brother. It was a very hot day, Saints beat Wigan, and it was definitely one of my childhood highlights!’ Inspired by the adrenalinefilled cup finals, Ken decided on the topic for his debut book, and arranged for all profits from sales to be donated to the Steve Prescott Foundation.

Ken Bold with Linzi Prescott

i-Care opticians… Providing a remarkable service where the patient is at the centre of everything we do. You’ve probably seen or walked past i-Care Opticians but do you really know about their service and compassionate ways they look after their patients? i-Care Opticians offers an eye test following the best practice guidelines of the College of Optometrists, the optometrist is a fully qualified eye health professional. Consultant eye surgeon Dr Sen, from the hospital eye clinic also works alongside Consultant Optometrist Mr Ali to look after your eyes. Dawn Bertley, a 28 year old with a severe phobia of health checks was recently referred to i-Care Opticians by her family to have a routine eye check. Dawn

explains all about her amazing experience. “The staff are fantastic and the optician remarkable. He put me at ease turning an experience I would usually dread into a happier one.” The opticians manner and professionalism was second to none. Everything was explained to me in a way I could understand and all my questions answered. An eye test not only checks your vision, it can also detect diabetes, glaucoma, cataracts and raised blood pressure, as well as other conditions which can affect general and optical health. i-Care Opticians understands the importance of your eye examination and the fact it is a vital check of both the health of your eyes and general health. i-Care Opticians have over thirty years experience in caring for the needs of people in St Helens

and the surrounding area. To ensure they provide a first-class service with guaranteed quality they have their very own i-Care lab which manufacture most of their glasses based locally in St Helens and overseen by Consultant Optometrist Mr Ali. “i-Care Opticians are currently offering an exclusive 2 for 1 offer PLUS for a limited period up to 50% OFF selected frames. Including 2 pairs of Varifocals from only £149.95, 2 pairs of Bifocals from only £120.95 and 2 pairs of single vision from only £75.95.

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T: 01744 811 890

Opening Times: Monday - Saturday 9am - 5pm

BorrowBox Success St Helens Libraries Service has welcomed the impact of a new digital service which has been used over 5,000 times in the space of just three months. BorrowBox is an online book lending service where residents, once they have joined the library service, can borrow e-books to read for free. Members are able to search the collection either from a desktop pc, a tablet or their phone and download books instantly. One of the unique features of BorrowBox is that library users don’t have to worry about incurring charges for a late return – as items will be

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automatically returned after a three-week period. Since its launch in October 2018, Borrowbox has contributed to a 59 per cent increase in the number of library members accessing a wide range of fiction and non-fiction titles, as well as audiobooks, which are available to download via Android, Apple, Kindle Fire or PC. One local resident and Borrowbox user, Tilly Hoyle from Newton-le-Willows said: “With BorrowBox you are never without a book! - It’s a brilliant resource and so easy to use once you’ve downloaded the app. It couldn’t be simpler and you have your library at your fingertips!” St Helens Council’s portfolio holder for libraries, Councillor Anthony Burns, said: “BorrowBox is a fantastic addition to our library service offer as its round the clock availability means it’s more convenient for library members whose work patterns mean it might be difficult for them to physically get down to a library. “It’s pleasing to hear that public reaction so far has been positive, and I hope it encourages our techsavvy generation to give it a go and develop a love for reading.” To join the library and start using Borrowbox, bring one form of ID showing your name and address to any St Helens library.

Learn a Language Want to learn a new language in 2019? It’s not as hard as you think! With plenty of free resources online and classes to be found locally, you can get hooked on language learning this year. New words? - You may not need to learn as many as you think! In English just 300 words make up 65% of all written material. You can buy or make decks of flash cards of these words. Cognates - These are words which are spelled almost the same in English and which have the same meaning. In French, lots of ‘ion’ words are spelled the same even though they are pronounced differently. In Spanish the same words end in ‘ción’ and in Italian ‘zione’. There are also words which are similar enough to the English word that you will

recognise them immediately. Interaction - You need to hear and speak the language consistently. Look up radio stations, YouTube channels, news websites, and blogs in the language you want to learn. Find a native speaker who would converse with you for half an hour in exchange for coffee and cake! There are groups dedicated to language exchange on Facebook too. By forcing yourself to converse you will improve very quickly. Free Resources – The Duolingo app does just what it says on the tin, with online flashcards and interactive assistance. The BBC also has introductory courses for around 40 different language. By Tracey Anderson

Food

Lemongrass & Ginger Pork Ingredients

Method

100g pork escalope

Put the pork escalope in a dish with the lemongrass, ginger and shallot. Toss the meat to coat. If you have time, place the dish in the fridge to allow the pork to marinate for up to an hour. Spray a cold, non-stick frying pan with one-calorie cooking spray and place over a medium heat. Add the pork and fry it for three to four minutes on one side. Turn over, adding more spray to the pan, if needed. Continue to cook the pork on the other side, until golden and cooked through in the middle. Set aside to rest.

1/2 lemongrass stalk, finely chopped 2cm-piece fresh root ginger, peeled and finely chopped 1/2 shallot, finely chopped 1-cal cooking spray 25g rice noodles 50g mixture of baby corn and sugar snap peas 50g broccoli florets Zest and juice of half a lime 1/2tsp sesame oil 1tsp soy sauce 1/2 red chilli, sliced

Bring a small pan of water to the boil. Add the noodles and cook for five minutes, or following the instruction on the pack. Add the baby corn and sugar snap pea mixture, as well as the broccoli florets, then turn off the heat and allow to cook in the hot water for one to two minutes. Drain the noodles and vegetables, toss well to mix, then return them to the pan. Stir in the lime zest and juice, sesame oil, soy sauce and chilli, then spoon onto a plate. Slice the pork and arrange on top, then drizzle round any of the rested juices.

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Famous Faces

Tell Us Your Story! Local Life is always on the look out

A local author has compiled a book on St. Helens’ most famous (and infamous) faces.

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!

St. Helens: The Great & the Good (and a few of the not so good!) is a journey through the town’s heritage, profiling its most notorious characters from pharmaceutical giants the Beechams family to comedy legend Johnny Vegas. Along with images, fun facts, and a foreword by Paul Sculthorpe MBE,

Simply contact us on sthelensnews@locallife247. co.uk or call us on 01695 627999.

the book is a definite must-read for any Sintelleners worth their salt. Author Brian Leyland grew up in St. Helens, attending St. Austin’s and St. Teresa’s primary schools before moving on to West Park Grammar School. St. Helens: The Great & the Good is his debut publication. The book is available online at Amazon and Waterstones, or from the Saints Superstore at the Totally Wicked Stadium. It costs £14.99.

the auction centre The leading Auctioneers and Valuers

• Modern saleroom at Manor Park, Runcorn • RICS and NAVA registered auctioneers and specialist consultants • Probate and Insurance valuation reports undertaken • Full house clearance service available • Regional valuations centres around the north-west St Helens Valuation Days

Wigan Valuation Days

4th Wednesday of Every Month St Thomas Church, Peter Street, WA10 2EB 9.30 – 12 noon Check website for Details Call 01744 881 477 for more information

2nd Tuesday Of Every Month Purposed Life Church, Turner Street, Wigan WN1 3SU 9.30 – 12 noon Check website for Details Call 01942 299 057 for more information

9 Berkeley Court, Manor Park, Runcorn, WA7 1TQ Telephone: 01928 579796 Email: enquiries@theauctioncentre.co.uk

www.theauctioncentre.co.uk

Squash Sessions A new squash session has started in St. Helens. Part of the St. Helens Community Sport initiative, these new squash sessions are aimed at complete beginners who would like to improve their fitness and learn a new sport. Just an hour of squash can burn up to 800 calories, so it’s perfect for anyone wanting to shed a few pounds! Sessions take place on Thursdays from 5:30pm6:30pm at the Capitol Squash Club on Duke Street (WA10 2JP) from Thursday, January 31 and cost £2 per session. For more information, call Chris on 07739 630365 or email chrismeadows@sthelens.gov.uk

Down the Rabbit Hole The Alice Experience comes to St. George’s Hall in Liverpool this February. From Saturday, February 9 to Saturday, February 23, experience a trip down the rabbit hole in a 90-minute walk-through production of Wonderland. Visitors follow the White Rabbit, have tea with the Mad Hatter, meet the Cheshire Cat and more! An Autism Friendly performance is available on February 18 at 7pm, while a BSL signed performance takes place on the same day at 7:30pm. Shows take place every 30 minutes from 10am to 7:30pm most days in February. Tickets range from £6 to £12 and can be booked online at www. ticketquarter.co.uk

Living Together Rainhill Garrick Society’s latest play runs from Thursday, February 14 to Saturday, February 16.

St. Helens’ biggest tribute band festival is back. Featuring bands like Kings of Lyon, The Fillers, The Marley Experience and Not The Rolling Stones, CloneFest brings an incredible music sensation to Sherdley Park on Saturday, July 20th – but given that tickets for last year’s show sold out fast, it might be a good idea to get your hands on them early. Tickets for the one-day fest start at £25 for an earlybird, to £55 for VIP, and are available from Ticketline, eventim or the Citadel on Waterloo Street. For more information, head to www.clonefest.co.uk

AC U F TU N

DIR ER

E TH MA

CloneFest 2019

T FROM

The play takes place at 7:30pm each evening at Rainhill Village Hall. Tickets are available from Rainhill Post Office or by calling 01744 813429. For more information, visit www.rainhillgarrick.co.uk

Sheds Log Cabins Workshops Wendy Houses Summer Houses Garden Offices

‘Living Together’ by Alan Ayckbourn is an exciting family drama based on Ayckbourn’s Norman Conquests trilogy. It depicts the events of one weekend from the perspective of the living room, as librarian Norman attempts to seduce the women of the house with varying results.

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Network with Saints If you have a business to promote in the St. Helens area, you can take part in a FREE monthly networking event at the Totally Wicked Stadium on Thursday 14th February from 8.30am – and get a FREE breakfast in the bargain! The St. Helens RFC Player of the Month and Networking Event, is sponsored by Stapleton Derby Estate Agents and is held in the Stapleton Derby Premier Lounge at the Totally Wicked Stadium every month of the year. The guest of honour at the February 14th event is Morgan Knowles, one of the mainstays of the Saints’ pack over the past two seasons. Morgan will be followed by an invited guest presenter and then there will be an opportunity to network and improve your contact list with around 90 businesses in the room.

You can book now to secure your FREE place at February’s event by emailing Saints Sales Manager at Gary.Wilton@saintsrlfc.com. Attendance is free and you are welcome to attend as often as you wish.

Up to 40% off Some things just never change... With over a 100 years combined experience, Bartons of Duke Street continue to serve the people of St Helens and surrounding areas with quality goods and services for their homes. Call into our Duke Street stores today and browse around our extensive range of;

Furniture & Beds Kitchens & Bathrooms Fires & Central Heating 64-80 Duke Street, St Helens, WA10 2JW 01744 22331 Bartons-furniture.co.uk Bartons-heating.co.uk Email: admin@bartons-heating.co.uk

Do Your Bit for Dementia The Alzheimer’s Society has launched a new smartphone app to aid dementia research. Led by University of Oxford, the GameChanger app offers fun, free brain training games for anyone aged 18+ without dementia. It aims to find out more about how the brain works with the view of developing new treatments. Download the app from the App Store or Google Play Store and help change the future of dementia.

Family History Meetings The St Helens Family History Society has announced their monthly meeting schedule for 2019. The first two meetings are on Thursday 28th February and

Thursday 21st March, both at the Lucem House Community Cinema + at 100 Corporation Street in St Helens, starting at 6.45pm. The theme for the first meeting is ‘The Deadly Flu’, hosted by Tony Sweeney, and the March theme is ‘Skeletons in the Cupboard’, which is hosted by Bill Taylor. The group also runs a Workshop & Help session every Tuesday from 3.45-6.45pm at Eccleston Library. For more details email townshipsfhs@ googlemail.com

RNLI Volunteers The St Helens and District RNLI is looking for volunteers to help them with their store collections at various times and places in the St Helens area. Funds raised will go towards keeping the lifeboats

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25 operational in UK waters and therefore helping to save lives. If you can spare an occasional hour or two of your time, then please call Di Collins on 01744 735147.

Mummy & Me Fitness If you’re unable to get back into shape after having children and are struggling to balance and childcare, then these Mummy & Me fitness sessions could be ideal for you. The weekly 45 minute sessions run at Peter Street Community Centre in St Helens (WA10 2EQ) on Mondays from 10am and at St Anne’s Millennium Centre (L35 0LE) on Fridays from 11.15am. It’s a great way for your child to socialise with other children, and for you to meet up with other mums in the same position. For more details visit Heart & Sole Personal Training on Facebook or call JamieLee on 07413 688455.

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New Year - New Kitchen or Bedroom?

Let’s start here...

What our customers say; Had the kitchen in my old house fitted by JC kitchens and really missed it when I moved 6 years ago. So of course I used JC again for my new kitchen, I wouldn’t use anyone else. Fantastic customer service and Jo-Anne is so lovely with brilliant ideas and superb knowledge. Helen Geogheghan Absolutely made up with our kitchen, it’s perfect. The quality is amazing we are in love. Joanne is fabulous and nothing is too much trouble. Thank you we have finally got our dream kitchen. Sarah Preston This is our second kitchen from JC Kitchens, the first one is still going strong after 14years but we recently moved house. Good advice and great service from start to finish. Highly recommend to anyone looking for the perfect kitchen.

Call in today and browse our showrooms or pick up some brochures Expert advice from a friendly family business, established in 1990

Linda Jaundrill

JC Kitchens & Bedrooms

99-101 Greenfield Road, St Helens, WA10 6SH

Tel: 01744 24406 Opening Times Monday - Friday: 09:00 - 16:30 Saturday: 10:00 - 15:00 Sunday: by appointment

JC Kitchens

Experts say that a high quality, great looking kitchen/ kitchen-diner is most likely to increase the value of a property. After all, kitchens are the new living rooms, where family members socialise, cook, and eat together. Like all home improvements though, the design, the appliances, the finish and the fitting needs to be quality to ensure that the investment into your new kitchen pays off long term. At JC Kitchens & Bedrooms, designing and fitting bespoke new kitchens (and bedrooms) is a passion and has been for almost 30 years. The company was formed back in 1990 when Jean Cutler, a designer at Beamans in St Helens, decided to form her own kitchen company. Supported by her industrial chemist husband Allan, they opened JC Kitchens at Reginaldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s in Reginald Road in Sutton. JC Kitchens quickly established a reputation for quality fits at reasonable prices, and the company moved to larger premises in Windle Street where, in 2003, daughter Jo-Anne and her husband John took the reins. The couple enhanced the quality reputation of the company and also continued the philanthropic ethic of Jean and Allan by supporting a number of local junior and senior rugby clubs, including Saints, where they sponsor Paul Wellens.

In 2017 JC Kitchens & Bedrooms opened their new double fronted dual aspect showroom over two floors at 99-101 Greenfield Road, where potential customers can browse a selection of kitchens and bedrooms in comfort, with expert help on hand if needed from Jo-Anne and John. The company is as passionate today about delivering quality kitchens and bedrooms as they were when the company started in 1990. Call in today for a browse, pick up a brochure and have a chat about your new kitchen or bedroom. JC Kitchens & Bedrooms 99-101 Greenfield Road, St Helens, WA10 6SH 01744 24406 Open Mon to Fri 9am - 4.30pm, Sat 10am - 3pm Sundays by appointment only

Citadel

Sadness

A St. Helens landmark is set to close.

went on to gain national acclaim.

The Citadel, which has been part of the town since 1861, is earmarked for closure this summer.

Wallace Revill succeeded Du Val in 1884, and renovated the theatre to include new pit seats, external pointing, and interior painting. Dramatic productions such as The Silver King – led by the world famous Wilson Barret - came to the stage, and the Citadel flourished. Revill, flushed with success, went on to found a new Theatre Royal on its current site on Corporation Street.

The arts centre first existed as the Theatre Royal – not to be confused with the current venue on Corporation Street – in 1856, but the wooden barnlike building was deemed unsafe and replaced by the current building on Waterloo Street. The new building is actually based on the designs of the Liver Theatre in Liverpool. The theatre has gone through various owners since it was first opened by Messrs Johnson and Francis. Its first lessee was Charles Henry Du Val in 1872, who first introduced pantomimes like Aladdin and Sinbad the Sailor to the theatre, along with musical acts like Vesta Tilley – a male impersonator who

It was in 1889 when the Citadel building was sold to the Salvation Army. No longer recognisable as a theatre after significant refurbishment, the barracks gained its new title of the Citadel under the rule of Captain Wilshaw and his wife. It remained open for this use for a further 80 years until the early 1980s, when the building was put up for sale once more.

29 New owners the Rainford Trust intended to convert the disused building into an arts centre where young people could congregate to be creative. It was reopened in 1988, quickly becoming renowned for its live music events and for boasting so many opportunities for local youngsters. In 2000 the building underwent a £1 million refurbishment into the building it is today. In spite of massive fundraising efforts, financial constraints mean keeping the Citadel building open isn’t economically viable. The announcement of the impending closure was met largely with disbelief and sadness from St. Helens residents, as we bid a teary farewell to another iconic town monument. The Citadel charity will continue on after the closure of its headquarters, working as an agency organisation to deliver quality theatre performances for children and families in the local area. A crowdfunding page has been set up for the new charity at www.crowdfunder.co.uk/ citadel Chief Executive Fay Lamb commented: ‘There are no words to describe how it will feel to close the doors of the Citadel building for the final time. Since opening 30 years ago, it has helped to foster a real creative energy in the

Salvation Army Interior town which is now continuing with Heart of Glass, Cultural Hubs and the new Citadel Agency.’ Local comedy legend Johnny Vegas has announced he’ll play a farewell gig at the Citadel in June to mark the loss of a creative institution in the town centre - the place where he created his alias. The Citadel is set to close its doors for the final time on Sunday, June 30.

The Packed Lunch

Problem

I decided to save money and eat more healthily in 2019, so I knew I’d have to start packing my own lunches. It’s taken until now really get on board with this idea because every time I contemplated the effort of making a packed lunch every day I became bogged down by what I perceived as problems – here’s how I solved them. It takes too much time to pack a lunch. It’s such a faff...or is it? I timed how long it took to walk to the deli or drive to the garage, wait in the queue to be served and get back to work. Then I timed how long it took me to prepare a lunch the night before. Turns out making your own lunch is way faster! Who knew? I’m hungry again by mid-afternoon. So pack more food! DUH! I make sure I had a sugarfree protein bar, a banana, or a bag of nuts in reserve in case I had a mid-afternoon dip. That way I don’t

head for the bakery or start mainlining chocolates from the ever-present boxes around our office. Formulaic lunches. When I was at primary school my mum packed me a ham sandwich, an apple, some carrot sticks and a wagon wheel, pretty much every day. When I started making my own lunches, I used the same formula (minus the wagon wheel). What did I enjoy eating? I like leftover casseroles and risottos, so I made extra. I like open sandwiches, Danish style, on Rye bread so I bought the ingredients, and I arranged lunch swaps with a friend, so she caters Thursday and I do Friday. A little creative thinking keeps things interesting and I haven’t missed nipping to the deli. In fact, walking round the park instead is a much needed breath of fresh air and gets the exercise in too! By Tracey Anderson

Rainford Beer Fest Rainford Parish Council is gearing up for its fourth annual beer festival. The festival runs across three days in February – from Friday the 8th until Sunday the 10th at Rainford Village Hall on Church Road in Rainford. Enjoy local ale from local brewers with live music on Friday and Saturday nights. Friday’s session runs from 6pm-10pm, Saturday’s from 12pm-10pm and Sunday’s from 12pm-4pm, so there’s plenty of time to sample the ales on offer. For more information, please email clerk@ rainfordparishcouncil.com or call 01744 884709.

Liverpool Beer Fest Liverpool Beer Festival heads to the Crypt of the Metropolitan Cathedral in February. From Thursday, February 21 to Saturday, February 23, enjoy real ales, craft beers and ciders in a

great location, with live entertainment from the Brasswurst Bavarian Band on Friday and Saturday evenings. Guests receive a commemorative glass as part of the admission charge, and can exchange cash for beer tokens to use at the event. CAMRA members receive £3 of free tokens. Tickets are £3-£10 and can be booked on Eventbrite.

Coffee Morning If you would like to help raise funds for Clatterbridge, pop along to a coffee morning being held at the Park Road Café on Park Road in St Helens on Monday 11th February. Tea, coffee, cakes and sandwiches will be available on the morning and there will also be raffle prizes to be won. Entrance is free and the event runs from 10.30am-12.30pm.

Protect your

Home & Family The latest Crime Survey for England and Wales makes depressing and frightening reading for homeowners. This annual survey, taken from police reporting, shows that both burglaries (+ 2% to 432,267 homes) and vehicle thefts (+ 7% to 457,970 vehicles) are on the up. What’s even more disturbing is that this crime wave is happening at a time when, according to respected website www.fullfact.org, police numbers have fallen by the equivalent of 20,000 full time officers between 2010 and 2018 and are now at the lowest level since the early 1980’s. What the statistics don’t show though is the

horrifying impact that crimes like this have on homeowners and their families. The impact of burglary doesn’t just involve the financial cost of replacing stolen goods and repairing damage, it can also have a significant impact on your emotional health too, as well as your sense of feeling safe in your own home. But what is the first step in ensuring that you fit a future-proof system that will keep your home and your family safe from increasingly tech-savvy thieves?

33 The National Security Inspectorate (NSI) is recognised as the UK’s leading certification body for the security sector, and their gold standard certification of NACOSS GOLD has been awarded to

because many CCTV systems aren’t fit for their purpose. BEST Security offers a wide range of high resolution CCTV equipment tailored to meet individual and fitted and set up by qualified

just one single company in the entire St Helens area – BEST Security in Rainford.

engineers.

Established in 1984 by the current Managing Director Paul Barnes, BEST Security are experienced specialists in the design, installation and maintenance of intruder alarms and CCTV systems – a one stop shop for security of homes and for business premises too. The company has a customer base spanning an area within four Police Constabularies across the North West (Merseyside, Lancashire, Cheshire and Greater Manchester). BEST can design a home or office security system to fit your specific needs and offers a wide range of hard wired and wire-free security solutions including pet tolerant detection and the latest SMART Alarm technology, where security alerts and imagery are sent to your phone wherever you are. All the equipment supplied conforms to the current European standards where applicable. Those on Facebook will know that there is a huge variation in the quality of CCTV images, and it’s

BEST Security’s competitively priced equipment is expertly installed and maintained by qualified engineers who are quick to provide technical support. Even if you have an existing alarm system, Best Security can offer a repair service and maintenance contracts for you too. The benefits of using BEST Security, the only NACOSS GOLD company based in St Helens, are numerous as insurers normally offer lower premiums to policyholders whose property is protected by an NSI approved company, but the major benefit is the peace of mind that your home and family are protected properly. Call Best Security on 01744 607080 to arrange a FREE security consultation for your home or business. www.best-security.co.uk

Keeping your home and family safe • CCTV – Tailored high-quality CCTV solutions for your home and/or business • Alarms - Hard wired & wire-free systems security solutions • Full installation, repairs & maintenance. The only St Helens company to reach NSI Gold standard

Call us today for a free, no obligation, security survey. Unit D, Moss Park, Dairy Farm Road, Rainford, WA11 7JR

01744 607080

enquiries@best-security.co.uk

Established 1984

www.best-security.co.uk

TAKE THE FOUR WEEK CHALLENGE St Helens and District Scouts are still going strong after more than 100 years and are now launching a new chapter of growth and development. Newly appointed District Commissioner, Chris Valentine wants the organisation in St Helens to grow and let more young people join in the fun. Chris said, “As Scouts, we believe in preparing young people with skills for life. Each week, over 1,000 young people across St Helens and Knowsley, already enjoy fun and adventure while developing the skills they need to succeed in life. We would like to offer Scouting to even more of the young people who are waiting to join us, but without additional adult volunteers, our 19 Scout Groups are unable to fulfil the demand. To help us to grow, we are launching the ‘Four Week Challenge’ which invites parents of existing Beavers,

Cubs or Scouts to volunteer for just four weeks to get a taste of what it would be like to become a Leader, to enjoy themselves and be amazed at the difference they can make.”

Week 1 See what we get up to Week 2 Start to help out Week 3 Get a little more involved Week 4 You’ll know if Scouting is for you

We have a wide range of flexible roles either supporting our young people directly or working behind the scenes. Any help you give can shape young people’s lives! If you are interested, please email Chris at – adultrecruitment@sthelensscouts.org.uk

Branching

Out

by Jess Phillips Tracing your ancestors through a family tree is a great way to learn more about the generations before you, and to discover more about yourself in the process. Though it requires dedication and a bit of hard graft, researching the people who came before you can be an incredibly gratifying process. And once you know how to get started, it can be a lot of fun too. When Local Life’s very own Design Manager, Peter Bretherton, delved into his family tree, he found a legacy which culminated in a stay at Rainhill Hospital for one of his ancestors – you really never know quite what you’ll find. Peter didn’t know his grandparents. He decided he wanted to know more about them – and the rest of his family – when other relatives began their own

Peter Bretherton

family history research, and became determined to uncover more about his ancestors. The earliest Brethertons Peter traced back lived in Ulnes Walton in Chorley. John Bretherton was born in 1793 and baptised in Leyland; in the 1851 census John was found to be a farmer of 61 acres at Runshaw Moor, two miles east of Croston. Two generations later, however, is where things began to show a tragic side to the Bretherton family tree, beginning with John Bretherton’s grandson James. Through relatives’ accounts, census records and physical documents – which are a great resource for finding concrete information such as birthplaces, home addresses and maiden names – Peter delved deeper into his family tree. James Bretherton was born in 1857 in Euxton, Chorley, one of seven children. In his childhood, James became friendly with Ann Robinson whose father ran the Plough Inn – which is still in business today - just across the road from Runshaw Farm where James lived. The couple eventually married

36 in 1879 at Euxton Chapel and moved to Chorley Lane – now Chorley Road in Standish – to begin a family, raising six children together: John, James, Elizabeth, Thomas, William and Alice. Tragedy was lurking just around the corner. Ann Robinson died in 1896 aged just 39 years old, and James remarried another Ann – Ann Churchouse from Aspull – just a few months later. The couple had one child together before Ann too died of pneumonia in 1902, and one week later James’ second eldest son died of the same disease at just 19 years old. However, it wasn’t until 1906 that young Alice suffered a horrific accident which left her disfigured and which traumatised her father for life.

‘..the last straw’ Alice was thirteen and helping out at the local vicar’s home where his wife was in labour. ‘The midwife sent Alice downstairs to bring something from the mantelpiece,’ Peter explains. ‘Unfortunately she was wearing an apron that caught fire as she reached up to grasp it. She ran upstairs for help but the midwife

ordered her out of the room, so Alice ran outside the house, where no doubt her clothes burned all the more readily.’ Alice spent the next twelve months in hospital, not expected to survive. She managed to defy the odds, but her father James was never the same again. ‘It must have been the last straw,’ Peter theorises, ‘having lost his first wife in 1896, his second wife and nineteen year old son in 1902 and then some four years later, his daughter maimed and disfigured for life.’ James’ eldest daughter Lizzy was awakened one night to suspicious noises below her bedroom, and crept downstairs to discover her father preparing to set fire to their home. On another occasion, she found him out in the garden with a loaded gun; Lizzy wrestled the weapon from him and attempted to destroy it with an axe. The gun went off, but thankfully nobody was injured. James was eventually admitted to Rainhill Hospital where he died in 1911. Meanwhile, Alice went to live with a wealthy uncle near Southport, who left her a small legacy. When Lizzy’s husband Francis went off to war, the then 24 year old Alice moved in with her sister in Haigh, taking a job at the local Post Office. Francis never returned home from war, and Lizzy died in 1928, leaving Alice to care for her children. Alice passed away in March 1976 in the hospital where she had endured countless operations to treat the burns she suffered some seventy years prior. Through a combination of sources, Peter was able to trace all the way from 1793 to the present day.

‘..discovering relatives we didn’t even know about’ It’s important to double check sources, especially from other published family trees, warns Karen Unsworth, a St. Helens resident who got involved in her own family history research after being inspired by findmypast.com. There can be inaccuracies, which is why it’s also important to check your own information is correct before making it public. It’s a good idea to file the information away privately to double-check later to avoid misleading anyone who uses your family tree as a way into their own. Karen discovered embroidered postcards sent by her great grandfather, who fought in the Great War in France. Henry Roughsedge was born in St. Helens in 1893, and enlisted in the South Lancs Regiment before he became a sergeant in the Machine Gun Corps. Her family’s military heritage led Karen to visit Étaples Military Cemetery in Boulogne after discovering that her husband Ian’s great uncle Samuel Hope was also killed in the First World War, and part of the same regiment as her great grandfather.

Because the Machine Gun Corps was disbanded in 1922, the only records available for viewing are medal cards and grave records. Karen’s greatgrandfather’s records were lost. Karen currently has a whopping 1420 people on her family tree, and 1060 on her husband’s. Joining a family history research society can also help you along your journey into the past. Not only will you gain access to new resources and a veritable font of knowledge from experienced researchers, but you’ll meet new people who are also interested in learning more about their family trees – and who knows, maybe a distant relative! In St. Helens, the St. Helens Townships Family History Society hosts regular meetings at Lucem House Community Cinema on Corporation Street, which take places at 7pm on the third Thursday of the month. Regular help desks are also available to get you started on your family history research journey; these take place at Eccleston Community Library on Tuesdays at 3:45pm. Please check with the library to ensure that workshops are going ahead. Further information can be found at www. sthelenstownshipsfhs.org.uk

Étaples Military Cemetery

Interested in researching your own family tree? Read our top tips to get started. s The first step in beginning your family history search is to gather as much information as you can. Whether this is vague facts from your own recollections or first-hand accounts from close family members, write it all down. s It’s a good idea to start an organisation system – labelled folders, physical or electronic, are great for locating information quickly, while photo albums organised by theme or date can link you to specific periods in your family history. Find a method that works best for you, but remember to collect any and all information you find – however insignificant it first appears. s Physical documents tend to be the key to uncovering more about your ancestors – and you never know what might be lurking in the loft or at a relative’s house. Archives also hold census records or military service documents which can be incredibly useful when conducting in-depth research – head over to www.gov.co.uk/get-copymilitary-service-records for more information. s Local sources are perfect if you know where your ancestors originated. St Helens Local History and Archives Library hold a vast array of documents and a wealth of information to kick-start your research. Based out of Gamble Building in Victoria Square (WA10 1DY), you can contact the archives by calling 01744 676 952. For records in the Liverpool area, visit https://liverpool.gov.uk/ libraries/archives-family-history s Local museums like the World of Glass can also be a great method of getting inspired if you hit a block. They’ll usually go into detail about local industry, and might even mention a few surprising surnames... s Another great local resource is the Lancashire BMD Project. This website compiles birth, death

and marriage records from across the county in an accessible search tool, with accounts dating back to 1837 - the year civil registration started. s Lancashire Parish Clerks provides baptism, marriage and burial records compiled from a huge variety of sources including parish registers, churchwardens accounts, land tax records and business directories. s Never underestimate the microfiche. Usually squirrelled away at the back of a musty library room, microfiche readers allow users to search through local historical newspapers, which can be a key tool in finding specific events or incidents. Although this can be a laborious process, microfilm records are labelled by date, so it works best if you have a starting point in mind. s If browsing the archives for census records and trawling through microfilm seems like a daunting process, don’t be put off just yet – there are a lot of useful websites that can help you get started. Sites such as Ancestry.com charge you a membership fee but boast huge record collections and a family tree tool. Start by adding some family members to the electronic tree, and find new leads through the site’s suggestions. Meanwhile, free sites such as Find A Grave and Billion Graves help locate tombstones across the world, while allowing you to add personal history information to each grave. It’s worth looking around at various genealogy websites to find which is most suited to your research. s Another useful website is the National Library of Scotland (www.nls.uk/digital-resources), where you can search by area for historical maps. It’s great for envisioning where ancestors would have roamed and for finding old addresses for areas that have undergone name changes or where new roads have been built.

Look up! And get

more space at home for just

£297

+ VAT

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 eleven 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, Mark Pennington , who says the company’s no-frills approach is what most people are looking for.

“We’re not selling £15,000 loft conversions,” says Mark. “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 £297+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. Mark 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

41 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 didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;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 donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;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

Puzzle Corner

SUDOKU

WORD SEARCH - Real Bread Week Find the hidden words in the word search grid

NUMBER BLOCK SOURDOUGH PITA DAMPER SODA PRETZEL

CIABATTA BANANA RYE NAAN TIGER

BROWN BAGEL ROLL BANNOCK LOAF

WORD MIX UP - Real Bread Week Unscramble the letters to make a word

3 1 7 1 6 16 6 5 20 0 4 8 11 9 10 21 11 The numbers in each row add up to totals to the right.

TOOTAP

The numbers in each column add up to the totals along the bottom. The diagonal lines also add up the

THWIE GATTEOC OLFA MADPAUP

totals to the right.

WIGGLE WORDS CLUE: Flower power anthem

TESTOIT ACEK KIPCLUMPNEER CAFCAICO ORBNEARDC

Trace a path through all the letters to find the word or phrase that fits the clue.

L Y N E

L O U E

A O L D

E V S I

All the puzzle solutions are on page 62 of this magazine

Leisure

Upload your event for FREE at www.locallife247.co.uk/events

Motown Experience

The Little Mix Experience

Saturday, February 2, 7:30pm

Friday, February 8, 6pm-9pm

A evening of live Motown music from The Glad It’s Night, along with a disco and hot supper. Tickets £10 for guests or £8 for members, including entry to Play Your Cards right, available from the club.

Four hugely talented girls pay tribute to one of the UK’s finest girl bands. With breath-taking dance moves, replica costumes and pitch perfect vocals, enjoy Little Mix’s biggest hits including DNA, Black Magic, Love Me Like You and more. Tickets £14.50.

St. Mary’s Club, Trent Road, Billinge, WN5 7QT

Theatre Royal, Corporation St, St Helens, WA10 1LQ

Snakes & Ladders Sunday, February 3, 6:30pm Roger Jones’s Christian musical ‘Snakes and Ladders’ is a journey through Bible stories following the ups and downs of God’s people throughout history. St Nicholas Church, Windy Arbor Rd, Whiston, L35 0LU

Queens of Rock Friday, February 8, 7:30pm-11pm The world’s greatest tribute show dedicated to female rock legends and powerhouse vocals of the last 40 years. Tickets £15. The Citadel, Waterloo Street, St. Helens, WA10 1PX

Time to Talk Day Thursday, February 7, 10am-4pm Learn about the organisations that provide support for people with mental health issues in the borough, plus hear talks from personal experiences of mental health. For more info, email andy@mhfa999.co.uk Totally Wicked Stadium, McManus Drive, St. Helens, WA9 3AL

Clay Hearts Workshop Sunday, February 10, 7:30pm-8:30pm Get creative to make a clay heart in time for Valentine’s Day! No experience needed. Workshop costs £12.50 each, bookable from Positive Life Workshops CIC on Facebook. Mill Street Barracks, Mill St, St Helens, WA10 2BB

Glass Painting

Valentine’s Cupcake Workshop

Thursday, Feb 7 & Thursday, Feb 14, 10:30am

Monday, February 11, 6pm-9pm

Join in a relaxed morning creating your own stained glass effect on a 7x5 framed picture. Tickets cost £6 for Oddfellows members or £7 for guests, booked by emailing julie.webster@oddfellows.co.uk.

Make 6 romantic cupcake toppers out of sugar paste, with expert guidance on hand. £30 per person including all equipment and materials – visit the Little Cottage Cakery’s Facebook page to book.

The World of Glass, Chalon Way East, St. Helens, WA10 1BX

Rainford Guide Hut, Church Rd, Rainford, WA11 8HD

Living Together Performance

Evening with Royston Vasey

Thursday, Feb 14 – Saturday, Feb 16, 7:30pm

Friday, March 1

The Rainhill Garrick Society present Alan Ayckbourn’s play ‘Living Together’, a Victorian comic tale of family drama, romance and incompetence. Tickets available from Rainhill Post Office or the Village Hall – call 01744 813429 for details.

The man behind Roy Chubby Brown presents a candid night of comedy in support of the Daniel Fox Foundation. Tickets cost £26 – for more details or to book, call 01744 813822. Over 18s only. Sidac Club, Wheatsheaf Ave, Sutton Leach, WA9 4PJ

Rainhill Village Hall, Dane Court, Rainhill, L35 4LU

Murder Mystery Night Friday, February 15, 7:30pm

Positive WellBeing Event Sunday, March 10, 11am-6pm

Wealthy heiress Georgina Smythe’s will is read – but who will benefit most from her death? £35 per person including a 3-course meal and a drink – head to www.inglenook-farm.co.uk to book.

Experience countless beauty, wellbeing and holistic therapy treatments at this positive wellbeing event. Children’s entertainment available while adults enjoy beauty therapies, crafts and healing. For more information, contact Kelly on 07909 228102.

Inglenook Farm, Moss Nook Ln, Rainford, WA11 8AE

St Helen Hotel, Linkway West, St Helens WA10 1NG

Mayor’s Charity Ball

Comedy Night

Saturday, February 16, 7pm

Saturday, March 9, doors at 7:15pm

Dress up in your best party frocks in aid of the Steve Prescott Foundation and St. Helens Diabetes Centre. Tickets £40 from www.eventbrite.co.uk includes 3 course meal, live entertainment and DJ Terryokee

Hilarious stand-up from Ste Porter, Peter McCole, Tanya Lee Davis and Dave Twentyman, plus curry or hotpot supper. Tickets £18, all proceeds go to local sports clubs.

Totally Wicked Stadium, St. Helens, WA9 1JJ

Windle Labour Club, Dentons Green Lane, St. Helens, WA10 2QF

Tea Dance Friday, February 22, 2pm-4pm Watch some great dancing – or join in! – alongside some delicious cakes. Tickets £2 each. Newton Community Centre, Park Road South, Newton-le-Willows, WA12 8EX

Afternoon Tea Wednesday, February 27, 1pm-3pm Enjoy an afternoon with friends feasting on tea, coffee, sandwiches and cakes to raise money for Willowbrook Hospice. Tickets £7.50, available from The Living Well or on 01744 453798. The Living Well, Borough Rd, St Helens, WA10 3RN

Blue Planet II – Live Tuesday 26th March, 7.30pm A fantastical journey from icy polar seas to pulsating coral reefs, from the luminous deep sea to enormous kelp forests: immerse yourself with Blue Planet II – Live In Concert on a giant screen at the M&S Bank Arena (formerly Echo Arena). The show is hosted by BBC presenter Anita Rani with live accompaniment by the City of Prague Orchestra. This is a stunning orchestral concert experience not to be missed. M&S Bank Arena, Kings Dock, Liverpool L3 4FP

Health & Fitness

Making

Waves

Swimming is often overlooked as a workout in favour of cardio-heavy routines. But it can be just as good if not better - than hitting the gym. Here’s how. It’s a full body workout. Swimming is a great mixture of cardio and strength, improves endurance and works out all the muscle groups. It can help improve mental health. The motion of moving through water is very meditational, and requires a level of focus which can help reduce stress levels. It also boosts your mood through the release of serotonin. It’s sweat-free. The water constantly cools your body down and reduces the uncomfortable feeling that hits after a gym session.

You’re unlikely to injure yourself - swimming is nonweight-bearing, so the risk of injury is very small. It has long-term benefits. Swimming has been found to lower blood pressure, reduce joint pain, improve lung capacity and heart function, and increase bone strength. Swimming is for everyone. Whether you’re old or young, super fit or getting there, almost anyone can swim - that’s why it’s used so often in physiotherapy. Contrary to popular belief, swimming is actually a great calorie burner, and burns more calories than running! By Tracey Anderson

Tinnitus Treatment Around 1 in 5 British adults suffer from persistent buzzing, ringing or humming in their ears. Tinnitus is particularly prevalent in the elderly, affecting around 24%, but the condition can strike any age, whether temporarily or permanently. With Tinnitus Awareness week taking place from February 4th - 10th, there’s no better time to look into treatments for managing tinnitus or think about getting checked out. There’s no one unifying cause of tinnitus. Whether caused by loud music or long-term noise exposure, general hearing loss, or as a symptom of an underlying condition, getting a conclusive diagnosis can be difficult. But there are things you can do to improve quality of life with tinnitus. Speak to your GP. Sometimes tinnitus is caused by something as innocuous as earwax – removing this can decrease the symptoms and lessen the noise. Underlying vascular conditions such as high blood pressure or an aneurysm can cause pulsatile tinnitus,

which can be treated through medication or surgery. Avoiding loud noises, caffeine and nicotine means lessening the stressors associated with tinnitus. Stress management is key to managing the condition – if the sound in your ears is making you stressed, try covering it with soft music, the sound of a fan whirring, or some white noise. White noise isn’t limited to a flat hum. White noise machines can simulate an immersive habitat, such as falling rain or ocean waves, and aims to drown out background sounds. Listening to white noise can also promote a good sleep schedule and relieve stress. A white noise machine might be a worthy investment if you suffer from tinnitus, as it can help drown out the inner-ear sounds. If you suffer from constant tinnitus, support groups are out there to meet other people going through a similar experience.

Delicious Detox We typically think of January as a month of detoxing, but it often just doesn’t work out that way. Tasty treats left over from the festive period are hardest to resist once the January blues have set in – so why not make February your cleanse month instead? The British Heart Foundation’s Dechox scheme is a perfect place to start. Ditch chocolate for an entire month to get your heart feeling healthier – and get sponsored to do it. Staying out of the chocolate digestives for twenty-eight days can help raise money for research into cardiovascular conditions. There are plenty of ways to make the month go smoothly. Getting your mind out of the biscuit tin can be as simple as doing something to distract yourself – taking a walk in the fresh air, reading a book, or meeting up with friends. The BHF recommend eating something bitter to overwhelm the sweet cravings. Try a glass of lemon water or cranberry juice – works every time.

If you simply can’t resist your stomach’s cries for sweetness, eat a piece of fruit! If you usually take a chocolate bar to work or school, why not swap it out for a small fruit salad? Some people also recommend magnesium supplements. Dark chocolate especially contains a tonne of this, so try magnesium chloride water or head to a health food shop to pick up some magnesium tablets. The British Heart Foundation suggests swapping chocolate out for other snacks if you’re feeling particularly peckish throughout the day. Fruit crumbles, carrot cake or strawberry scones are cocoa-free recipes that are still bursting with flavour. For plenty of recipe inspiration and fundraising advice, head to www.bhf.org.uk/how-you-can-help/ fundraise/dechox

Health & Fitness

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Runshaw Moor by Jess Phillips It’s fair to say that most of us prefer walks under a blue sky and dappled sunshine peeking through a leafy canopy, but in winter, it simply isn’t always possible. Still, there’s something atmospheric about hiking on an overcast day, and with an air temperature of about 2 degrees, our walk on Runshaw Moor turned out to capture this perfectly - and made us appreciate our pub stop even more. We begin at Worden Park (PR25 1DJ), a Leyland icon which was home to Worden Hall until 1941 when it was destroyed in a fire. Conservation work is still ongoing to the old conservatory, but all that remains of the hall itself are the outbuildings and the walled kitchen garden, the remaining historic buildings house an Arts and Crafts Centre - worth a visit at the end of the walk.

Leaving the car park we head straight for The Avenue and follow this west going out of the park and into Shaw Brook Road. About 200 metres after leaving the park you come to a bend in the road where you’ll find a public footpath off to your left. Take this path and keep to the right of the field. Going into the next field, continue along the right hand side until you come to the path and little footbridge (well, a thick plank) on your right. Cross over this - carefully! - and then keep to the left until you reach the end of the hedgerow. From here continue straight across the field to the stile opposite. After crossing, continue to follow the right-hand side of the field over another stile. From here go straight across and along the hedgerow, over another stile and onto Altcar Lane. Take a right

50 and then a left - this leads you onto what looks like a long, private driveway, but don’t worry, you’ll find a public footpath to the immediate left of the gates at the far end.

Head left at Runshaw Lane, passing the Plough Inn - or, if like us you’re hankering for a mid-walk snack and some warmth, take advantage of the friendly hospitality and stop off for a hearty pub lunch.

This path brings you onto a farm track - head right along and continue for about 40 metres to the public footpath on your left. Climb over the stile and head along the left side of the field.

Continue along Runshaw Lane until you reach Tithe Barn Lane on your left. Follow this to its end, going over the stile at the gates to Altcar Farm and then straight on and over the next stile into the field.

Once you enter the next field, head diagonally across to the opposite corner and then straight across the next field to the far end. You’ll pick up a farm track that leads you past the side of the farm and out onto Runshaw Lane.

Keep to the right and head into the next field, then just follow the valley. It’s worth a look back at the farmhouse to view the fancy gable wall of the farm house and barn. It was supposedly built like that to look pretty from Worden Hall. After you’ve

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Length of walk: 4 miles Difficulty: Easy. Accessibility: Muddy in places with stiles to negotiate; some of which are a little wobbly. Some fields may contain livestock; if so please keep dogs on a lead.

Back in the park, turn left and make your way towards the hall. There’s a good opportunity to rest your legs in the courtyard cafe, explore the Walled Garden, or try your luck navigating the hedge maze. Worden Park is also home to the Leyland Society of Model Engineers, who will let you have a ride on their miniature trains if the weather’s clement. Don’t forget to look out for the Cedar of Lebanon at the back of the courtyard - the tree was planted in 1887 to mark Queen Victoria’s Golden Jubilee, and grows at a very strange angle indeed! For more information about Worden Park, please visit www.southribble.gov.uk/wordenpark. 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.

Motoring

Aston Martin

Vantage by Tim Barnes-Clay

The new Aston Martin Vantage is the stuff of dreams for those who love luxury sports cars. As a lad, I never thought I’d get to sit in an Aston, let alone end up being invited to test-drive one. But life sometimes has a way of working out if you’re prepared to put the graft in. I’m not necessarily talking about me; it’s Aston Martin who should be patting its own back. The company has worked like a dog to get the new Vantage right – and it’s paid off. Why? Well, let’s begin with the looks. It’s awesome from the rear, with detailed lights and a rising rear

spoiler. It’s a little less lively at the front, although the Vantage’s shark-nose is aggressively appealing. What really works, though, are the perfect proportions. The two-seater is sinuous – almost hunter-like in the way it appears poised to pounce on unsuspecting prey. Under the metal, the up-to-date Vantage is like its sibling, the elegant DB11. Both models house the Mercedes-Benz-sourced 4.0-litre V8 lump. Mind you; the twin-turbo assisted engine has been tuned so that it feels like it’s always belonged in Aston Martins. Stomp your foot on the accelerator

53 and the car will shoot you from zero to 62mph in 3.6 seconds. It will then propel you to 195mph - if you’re in a place you can do that without losing your licence, or your life.

Spool through Sport+ and Track settings, and the powertrain, damping and steering progressively alter the new Vantage’s temperament to make it angrier, wilder and noisier. Whichever mode you

Open the Aston up, and you’re greeted with low-slung sports seats, but they’re easy to get comfortable in. Behind the wheel, the Vantage is cosseting, and the overall cabin is far less clinical than a Porsche 911’s. It’s traditional, yet it’s still thrilling. What’s more, the Benz-derived switchgear is nicely incorporated, and the controls are intuitive to use.

opt for, fun is always on the menu.

As you might expect, the sports car isn’t meant to be the most practical vehicle – there’s not even a glovebox. And, as hinted at earlier, this is a motor without back seats, but you can just about get some golf clubs under the tailgate. Practicality aside, the new Vantage is as close to perfect as you can get. Pushing the Aston Martinbadged starter button brings the car to life with a roar. It’s a fulfilling sound, particularly with the four-pipe sports exhaust attached. Driving off in Sport (the most relaxed of the three settings) and letting the eight-speed automatic gearbox do its thing, discloses a smooth change that’s matched to a remarkably biddable ride.

On British tarmac, the Aston delivers confidenceinducing handling with immediate reactions - and the brakes do a top job of erasing pace. I drove the Vantage around the meandering highways and byways of the Cotswolds, and it excelled. This state-of-the-art Aston Martin Vantage is the first to be spawned under the automaker’s fresh leadership line-up – and you can tell. Yes, a 911 will give you better practicality, but the rival Porsche won’t quite give you the feeling you get from driving a legendary British model.

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Gardening

My Gardening

Valentine In the run-up to Valentine’s Day someone always asks me what they should buy for the gardener in their life. It’s a tricky question to answer. Many people think we must like cut flowers, but actually I’m not keen and most gardeners I know aren’t either. We tend to prefer our plants living and breathing in their natural environment. Infact, unless you know a bit about gardening, and the tastes of your own particular gardener you’re probably best-off avoiding plants too, because there are so many variables. Will it suit the soil? Is it too invasive? Will it poison the gardener’s dog…or children…eek? It’s a thorny issue (pardon the pun) so here is my go-to gift list guaranteed to make you the Valentine hero of your gardening amour. Don’t buy a sweatshirt which declares ‘headgardener. They are naff, and most gardeners prefer old, comfy clothes which do the job better. However, if you present your gardener with a tough tunic or gardening apron, which is thorn-proof, and which has lots of deep pockets to house secateurs and trowels, they will love you forever. Then there are wellies. Who knew wellies could be romantic? But gardening folk drool over wellies the way Supermodels drool over Jimmy Choos. And there’s so much wellie-choice now. We all prefer something with a thick sole but there are bright and colourful wellies and traditional ones. For the ultimate in warmth and breathability I can recommend a proper Gore-Tex pair...sheer luxury. Mine remain the favourite Valentine gift my husband ever bought me. A proper long-necked watering can, with a brass

rose will also earn you Valentine brownie points. Watering cans are heavy when full. I find 3-4 litres is about the right size. A bunch of long-stemmed red roses will set you back at least £40 and they might last a few days. For a similar price you can buy the gardener in your life Felco secateurs (with Valentine red handles) and they’ll last forever. I know which I’d prefer. Garden trugs are so practical. Most gardeners I know would be delighted to receive one. The trug is a great gift but even better when filled with a few gardening goodies such as packets of seed, water retaining granules, plant food etc. You could add some hand tools too, such as a trowel and a fork. Make sure they are stainless steel and have long handles. And insulated mug or a good flask will always warm the heart of your Valentine because hot drinks don’t remain hot for long outside, even on a warm day. Finally, don’t forget gardening vouchers. Often us gardeners spot the perfect plant or gardening accessory when we’re strapped for cash, so vouchers are a perfect gift to save for a rainy day...and gardeners love rainy days, Valentine’s or not. By Rachael Leverton

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www.mhroofingltd.co.uk

Fully Insured & Insurance Backed Guarantees

ou r

Call 01744 884117 or 07702 693225

fh wide range o

£35.50 per day

OPEN Mon-Fri 8AM-6PM

POP IN for a chat

Large outdoor A PLAY ARE

Present this voucher for 10% OFF your next hearing test or earwax removal.

for further information.

Terms and conditions

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Call Sarah

on 01744

886166

for more

information

or visit

Puzzle Solutions WIGGLE WORDS: ALL YOU NEED IS LOVE

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1 0 6 2

0 6 4 0

3 7 9 16 5 20 4 8

11 9 10 21 11 WORD MIX UP: POTATO, WHITE, COTTAGE LOAF, PAPADUM, STOTTIE CAKE, PUMPERNICKEL, FOCACCIA, CORNBREAD

nursery.co.

www.crank

Transform your home with a brand new driveway

20% DISCOUNT

Resin Driveways

Depending on the size of area. Offer valid 21/01/19 - 29/03/19.

Made in Lancashire

Tarmac Driveways

J.P.Surfacing www.jp-surfacing.co.uk

Established over 25 years

42, Seymour Road, Astley Bridge, Bolton, BL1 8PT

01204 590 499 Ltd

Tomorrow’s Home Improvements Today!

Quality ~ Choice ~ Value Windows

Bi-Fold Doors

Thermally-efficient conservatory roofs expertly fitted by accredited installers

Orangeries

Don’t just lock it, Rock it!

Conservatories

Manufacturers and installers since 2004

28544

Visit our showroom/factory at; Crows Nest, Ashton Road, Billinge, WN5 7XX (near Windy Arbour crossroads)