Local Life - St Helens - March 2018 by Local Life 247 Ltd

LocalLife St Helens Edition

March 2018

A different

battle Pages 26 - 28

New Community Hub for Billinge? Pages 14

Lollipop Sticks in Rainford Pages 51 - 54

Win tickets to The Beatles Story Local News Motoring Jackâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Tracks Garden Diary Food Home Services locallife247.co.uk

Cover photograph of Rainford Parish Church by Ian Bonnell

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Picture this

omething strange will happen this summer; millions of people will sit down and watch telly. I realise that such predictions will never get me much in the way of clairvoyancy work, but nevertheless it is noteworthy as it is becoming increasingly uncommon. In our house, we haven’t sat down and watched scheduled, terrestrial television for years. These days, child number one will be on You Tube, number two will be on Netflix while number three will be ‘updating their streaks’ on Snap Chat (I nearly underwent cardiac arrest over the latter until it was explained what a ‘streak’ is in the context of 2018 social media). I imagine it’s the same in a good number of households. So praise be for sporting events like the World Cup or Wimbledon. I’m not a massive fan of either but, given its idiosyncrasy, I’m tempted to tune in. Because it’s the one time where watching it live is infinitely better than getting it at a later date on catch up TV. How things change... Years ago, our lives were governed by a coterie of media types in London who decided when such-and-such a programme would be aired. 7.30pm on a Monday and the National Grid would steel itself for a power surge as the nation tuned in to Corrie. These days, I couldn’t honestly tell you what day any soap opera is usually on. So this summer, I may revert to my old ways to cheer on England in the World Cup. Given how they’ve done in recent tournaments though, it’s almost guaranteed to be a short lived fad...

David Sudworth, Editor

In this issue A different

battle

26 Talking about

prostate cancer

Regulars 30 Class From The Past 52 Jackâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Tracks 40 Puzzle Corner 55 Garden Diary 46 Events2Go 58 Test Drive

Sections 6 Local News 30 Education 34 Health

42 Travel 55 Gardening 60 Home Services

Next issue - April 2018

Advertising deadline - Tuesday, 20 March

36 Win tickets to

The Beatles Story 48 Jackâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Tracks visits

Chorley

Published - Thursday, 29 March

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events2go

Junior teams wanted

Geoff passes away

Billinge FC are looking for new junior teams to join

One of Saints’ best-loved former players has passed

their new set up. The club are looking for teams from under 7s to under 18s. A spokesman said: “ It’s a chance to help us mould a new junior setup that will aim to prepare the kids for Cheshire FL and into higher leagues. Next year we will have our first under sevens and even an under sixes who we have been coaching for a year under the Little Storks banner and they will continue to play for Billinge FC youth teams with the target of playing for our senior teams.” For more information, send a message via the club’s Facebook page at facebook. com/billinge.footballclub

away aged 73. Geoff Pimblett, born on May 11, 1944, in Laffak; attended Windle CE. He was a teacher at Grange Park for more than 30 years.

All’s wells A new book on Rainford’s local history has been published. Rainford’s Wells: A Record & History is now available for £7. For more information or to buy a book, call Ray Waring on 01744 887747.

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Married to Merle for over 50 years - they met at Carr Mill Dam - he played 365 games for Saints and became the first player to win the Lance Todd and Harry Sunderland trophies as well as an impressive haul of medals. He was frequently lauded by critics for his quickthinking which, when coupled with his nimble footwork, made him a hard man to outwit. A Saints spokesman said: ““Everyone at the club is saddened by his loss and sends their sympathies to Geoff’s family and friends.”

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Crossing patrol to continue The future of Rainford’s lollipop patrol have been secured. The village’s parish council has agreed to part fund the service on Cross Pit Lane. It comes after St Helens Council decided to scrap the “discretionary” service. The move has sparked a row though with Rainford Conservative councillors accusing the Labourcontrolled St Helens Borough Council of “playing politics with children’s lives.” However, Labour have hit back, and blamed the Conservative government for forcing their hand due to budget cuts. From September of this year this service will jointly funded with 50% from the Rainford Borough Councillors’ Improvement fund and the remaining 50% by Rainford Parish Council. Chairman of the Parish Council, David Grice, said: “The fact that our Parish Council has agreed the joint funding of this vital service with our Conservative Borough Councillors, from the improvement fund, clearly demonstrates that here in Rainford, we all care for the safety of our children and community. “Within the next few weeks, Councillor Linda Mussell and her colleagues will be liaising with the relevant senior officers at St Helens Borough Council to ensure that the school crossing patrol along with their ‘Lollipop Lady’, continue in Rainford from the start of the new school year this coming September.” Cllr Mussell added: “How can you put a price on children’s safety? Given that these children are our future, they should always be at the forefront of our consideration. We will not let the actions of

this Labour council potentially put our children’s lives at risk.” Labour leader of St Helens Council, Barrie Grunewald, hit back: “I’m astounded that the Tories should attack us. “Their own government has cut £90 million from this authority - maybe they should attack them instead. No one wants to cut money but the Tories have cut us to the bone. “If the parish want to fund the school crossing patrol that is up to them. “Maybe, the people of Rainford can see their precept going towards that instead of (other) schemes. “It’s simple; they have to pay for it because their government cut the money.”

Pam’s a

winner Saints’ start to the 2018 Super League got off to a flyer for Pamela Gray of Kiln Lane in Eccleston. Pamela was the lucky winner of Local Life’s January competition and won two Saints 2018 memberships. Her husband already has a membership, so Pam plans to give the other membership to her brother in law, John Molyneux.

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Help is at hand

Awards are the business

Seneley Green Food Bank is reaching out to those in

The starting gun has been fired on the first ever St

the community. The facility, based at Seneley Green Community Centre on Newton Road, Garswood, is designed to provide short-term, emergency support with food during a crisis. It is not necessary for people to be in receipt of benefits in order to get help from the food bank. The facility is open every Monday from 11.30am-1.30pm. For more information, call 07742 590672.

Helens Business Awards. Entries are now open until midnight on Tuesday, April 3, with businesses and schools across St Helens being able to enter eight categories including: Small Business of the Year; Export Business of the Year; Best Use of Technology; High Growth Business of the Year; Education and Business Partnership Award; Excellence in Customer Service; Commitment to People Development and Apprentice of the Year.

Dash of colour

The Awards are open to businesses of all sizes and sectors and are free to enter. The awards will be held at the Totally Wicked Stadium on Thursday, May 17. Tickets are available at £30 plus VAT for Chamber members and £40 plus VAT for Non-Members. For more information visit www.sthelenchamber.com/ businessawards call 01744 742028 or email events@ sthelenschamber.com

Registration is now open for this year’s Willowbrook Hospice Moonlight Colour Walk. The walk on Saturday, June 9 is open to people of all ages and abilities. Entry for children under 16 is £5 and will be £15 for adults. To register, either go online at https://willowbrookhospice.charitycheckout.co.uk/ MLW or call 01744 453798.

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Voters on the move

New club proposed

Voters in part of Blackbrook will be casting their

North Ashton Village Club, on Bolton Street, Downall

ballot at a different location this year. The polling station at the infants part of St Mary’s Catholic Primary, Chain Lane, will no longer be available as the building has now closed and is due to be demolished.

Green, could soon be unrecognizable if planning permission goes ahead. Proposed plans include the erection of a single storey club, and following the completion of the new build, demolition work will commence on the existing North Ashton Village Club.

A report submitted to councillors said that although an alternative location was identified in part of the new building, there were concerns about access to the new room during the evening time while the old building is still in situ. Therefore until the old school is demolished a temporary alternative has been identified at St Paul’s Church, Chain Lane, which is directly opposite the school.

However, not everyone is happy. One local said: “The proposed new structure is too close to the fence at the rear of my property and restricts my free access in a way that the current structure does not. I do not accept the existing structure needs to be in place while the new one is being constructed. I consider the potential noise disturbance to my property wii be greatly increased.” A final decision is due soon.

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In memory of cyclist Fundraisers are taking part in a gruelling challenge in memory of exinternational cyclist.

“It’s 112 miles, starting at Grasmere before taking in climbs of Kirkstone, Honister, Newlands, Whinlatter, Hardknott and Wrynose passes. The notorious

Dave Hitchen, 42, of Haresfinch and latterly Billinge, was killed in an incident on Rivington Road, Belmont, in September 2014. His friends have now formed an eight-strong team who will take part in the gruelling Fred Whitton Challenge this May to honour the life of former international Dave Hitchen. His friend, Darren McWalters, Darren explained: “Dave was a genuinely funny guy and a wonderful father and family man. The challenge is on May 13 in the Lake District and arguably the most challenging one-day cycling event of its kind in the UK.

Hardknott pass includes a 30% gradient and greets riders at 98 miles. The total climb for the event is a few feet shy of 13,000ft.” In preparation for the challenge, Darren and the team are embarking on some ‘warm up’ spinathons at Queens Park Health and Fitness, St Helens. Linda De Sa of North West Air Ambulance said: “We are grateful that this challenge will raise generous funds for our rapid response health care service. We will be cheering the group on throughout the weeks and months of the challenge and wish them all the best of luck.” To find out more and to take part in the charity events contact Darren McWalters @ darren_mcwalters@ hotmail.com To donate www.justgiving.com/ fundraising/mark-jenkins20

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New community hub? A former church could re-open as a community hub, Local Life understands. It’s believed Billinge Parish Council wants to buy the former Methodist Church site on Main Street and use it as a focal point for local activities as well as parish council meetings. It comes after the council, following consultation with local residents, decided that it would sell its own Public Hall on the corner of Pingot Road.

The former Billinge Methodist Church

Sources close to the talks between Trustees of the former church site and the parish council believe the move could be mutually beneficial. “The Public Hall building has little value in itself, but the land would be attractive to housing developers,” said one. “The church building is not only centrally located but has its own parking, unlike at Pingot Road. It’s a winwin for all concerned.” Parish councillor Dennis McDonnell wouldn’t be drawn on whether the Methodist Church site is being looked at, but said he hoped that a new facility would be up and running within 18 months. He told Local Life: “The Public Hall is dilapidated and in another 10 years we’d have to spend £100,000 on refurbishment. We’d like to sell it and believe there are a number of people who would be interested. “Bllinge Parish Council, which is Labour-controlled, voted for a ‘zero percent’ increase in the Parish

The Public Hall on Pingot Road Precept (rates) for the ninth consecutive year at its first meeting of this year. This is a truly remarkable achievement by any standard and reaffirms its award of ‘Quality’ Parish Council, making it one of the best in the UK. At the same time as holding a firm grip on expenditure, we’ve doubled support grants to local organisations, upgraded the footpath to a Bridleway from near the Masons Arms to Carr Mill Dam, maintained barrier baskets and provided benches at the Remembrance Garden, extended children’s play equipment at Damslacks and founded Billinge Community Allotments at Eddleston Playing Fields.”

Health centre call for church site Another local church site is also being eyed up for future use. Orrell Methodist Church has announced it set to close on the final Sunday in May. Talks are now underway about it being used for a new health centre. However, Local Life understands

the project’s viability rests on whether local GPs at Orrell Surgery, which is a branch of Billinge Medical Practice, are willing to move. If they don’t, it’s been suggested that any funding set aside for the building would be lost and the site would be sold.

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Running for Becky A Crank woman who died of anorexia nervosa aged just 41 is being remembered. Richard Evans from Billinge is set to run the Liverpool Half Marathon on Sunday, March 25, in memory of his partner Corinne’s sister Becky, who passed away last August. Becky suffered from anorexia nervosa and this devastating illness made her body so frail and weak that she didn’t have the strength to fight illness.

university, later working for the NHS as a radiographer. Becky was a very kind and thoughtful person and she is greatly missed by her family and friends. “I’m raising money for the Charity MIND which provides support to people suffering from mental illness. “I have done 10ks in the past and I wanted to do

“The family is just taking each day as it comes, as it’s still quite raw.”

something that would push me. Corinne, myself, and Becky’s friends will also be taking part in Gung-ho! Manchester on Saturday, April 7. It was something Becky would have liked. Becky was a fun loving and kind person, and Corinne thought Gung-ho would encompass Becky’s character.”

“She lived in Crank growing up and attended Rainford High School before moving away to attend

To donate, please visit Richard’s JustGiving page www.justgiving.com/fundraising/richard-evans83

Richard said: “It was quite sudden. My wife Corinne and I had been away for the weekend and we came back to the news about Becky.

Walk on for a great cause this spring Everyone is invited to take part in The St Helens Autism & Asperger Society sponsored walk on Sunday, April 8, 12pm-5pm, to support the World Autism Awareness initiative. The family event is open to people, and pets, of all ages and abilities. The proceeds will go to support the day-to-day running of the St Helens Autism & Asperger Society. The walk, up to a maximum of 3km / 3 laps around Taylor Park Lake, Regents Road in St Helens, will be started by the Mayor of St. Helens and his wife at 1.50pm, and Saints players will make an appearance too.

Members are also encouraged to join together in playing Games, Jigsaws and using computers, plus lots more.

The Society provides a safe environment, and encourages members to build the confidence in socialising and making like-minded friends.

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The service is open Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday 10am-2pm.

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Spring’s

sprung!

he darkness recesses of winter are behind us, and whilst it’s great to finally go to work and come home in daylight, being able to see the state of your garden after a hard winter can come as a shock to many! As any estate agent will tell you, transforming your garden into outdoor living space that is both highly functional and very stylish can add thousands to the value of your home and make it easier to sell, which is why it’s worth ensuring that your garden ‘makeover’ is done professionally.

And that’s where TurfCoUk comes in. Established in Rainford by Andrew Ashcroft and initially focusing on the supply and fitting of artificial grass, TurfCoUk have developed their services and now have built up an extremely impressive portfolio of transformed gardens in the local area. Using inspirational design skills and expert installation techniques, TurfCoUk can justly claim to be the go-to guys for transforming gardens, whatever the budget.

21 With a strong emphasis on design and quality, TurfCoUk has quickly established itself as one of the UK’s leaders in artificial grass installation and landscape design and build. In 2016 TurfCoUk won a regional award with Marshalls and in 2017 at the Marshalls landscaping awards held at St. Georges Park (The home of English football and the FA) came national runners up in their category! TurfCoUk loves to work on all different kinds of garden designs but, as you can see from the pics, the company’s contemporary garden design service is always hugely popular. And contemporary gardens can be designed to be low maintenance and are ideal for people who struggle for time to manage their gardens, and often have to forgo the pleasure of having a pleasing and stylish garden.

Indeed TurfCoUk will ensure that your new garden is bespoke to your family’s needs whatever they may be; outdoor entertaining areas, play space for small children and they have even recently installed an artificial putting green encircled by bunkers for the golf fanatic! So if your garden is in dire need of a makeover this year, contact Andrew at TurfCoUk for friendly advice and a free quotation. Turfco, Higher Lane, Rainford www.turfcouk.co.uk 01744 88 22 44 / 07941 602 539

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Planning Matters Billinge

Rainford

23 Hollin Hey Close: Demolition of existing garage and erection of two storey side extension to include a self-contained annexe along with a single storey rear extension (ref: P/2018/0056/HHFP).

Unifrax Ltd, Mill Lane: Siting and installation of 2 bay single storey modular building for office use (ref: P/2018/0117/FUL).

Moss Bank

71 Corporation Street: Change of use from offices (B1) to chiropractic and acupuncture clinic (D1) with associated services (ref: P/2018/0088/FUL).

Land between 15 and 23 Laffak Road: Erection of two semi-detached dormer bungalows with associated off road parking and landscaping works (ref: P/2018/0011/FUL).

St Helens

For more information on these plans, visit: www.sthelens.gov.uk

Tributes to

Alan

Warm tributes have been paid to a Billinge man. Alan Swift, who grew up on Claremont Road, died last month, and was known to many for his active involvement in community life. Born and raised in Billinge, he lived on Crank Road and enjoyed sport, was involved in his local church and also in the University of the Third Age. An ex-Up Holland Grammar School pupil, he helped organise reunions. His former school friend, David Robinson, told Local Life: “Alan was in the year above me, but we only became good friends after he offered to help me organise our big 2014 reunion which was attended by over 300 expupils. Through this we raised over £1300 for the cancer charity at Clatterbridge Hospital, where Alan was receiving treatment. After that we organised several afternoon reunions and both of us became trustees on the UpHolland Grammar School Education Foundation at Winstanley College, with Alan taking on the job of treasurer. Alan was an inspiration; always wanting to help, always jovial, and had a really positive attitude to life. He loved all sports, supported Everton Football Club and loved watching horse racing. “It was a mark of the esteem in which Alan was held locally in that at his funeral on January 25, at St Aidan’s Billinge the church was full to overflowing with people standing in the aisles and rear of the church. Alan’s jovial nature, helpfulness, and love of life will always be an inspiration to me. I will greatly miss him.”

Tell Us Your Story! Local Life is always on the look out for news stories from the local communities we serve. Are you raising money for charity? Are you a member of a community group with something to shout about? Maybe you’ve got an unusual talent, or have a claim to fame? If so, let us know and you could be appearing in the next edition! Simply contact us on sthelensnews@locallife247. co.uk or call us on 01695 627999.

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A different

battle Growing up during The Troubles, Conor McGinn learned about the realities of life early on. David Sudworth reports...

ehind Conor McGinn’s office desk is a new, child’s bicycle. It’s an odd place to store such a thing at the best of times. Perhaps more so considering we’re about 200 ft high overlooking St Helens town centre. “Oh, it’s for the little one, Tomás. He’s three-and-a half and we bought it for Christmas but it’s too big for him yet, so I’m keeping it hidden here until his birthday,” laughs Conor. In a world where politicians are often accused of not being in touch with everyday life, it’s a nice touch.

27 technology-driven – just as long as there’s no change to the current arrangement, whereby people, goods, services and capital can move freely across it.”

Then again, no-one could really accuse the St Helens North MP from being shielded from the realities of life. Born in 1984, he grew up in the small village of Camlough, about 40 miles south east of Belfast during The Troubles. Camlough was also home to Raymond McCreesh, an IRA prisoner who died in the 1981 hunger strikes. Conor’s class at high school would get a few more minutes than pupils elsewhere to complete their oral examinations, because of the noise that came from the nearby British army helicopter base. When he was 13, Conor and his family were on the scene shortly after the last British soldier to die in the Troubles was killed by a sniper’s bullet at a vehicle checkpoint. “I am most certainly a child of the peace process. Where previously there were suspicion and mistrust, today there is friendship and co-operation between the UK and Ireland. There is no longer any contradiction in being Irish and British, and having feelings of loyalty and affinity to both countries.” He left Northern Ireland aged 18 but even now, Northern Ireland issues remain a concern for Conor.... particularly when it comes to Brexit. Camlough is just seven miles from the border with the Republic of Ireland, and there has been much debate about whether controls will be put in place after the UK leaves the European Union. He’s in favour of no change in movement between the two countries, telling the local paper: “I don’t care what they call it – frictionless, soft, seamless,

Meeting him in his aforementioned office overlooking St Helens Town Hall, he’s equally as fluent in face to face conversation. As our interview gets into its stride, I realise that he’s quickly gained the knack of answering questions in his own way easily batting away my leading statements. But he does it in a very friendly way, much like Tony Blair or William Hague would do. Maybe his old parttime job at university helped: “I came over here to study in London and I also took on bar work. To be honest, the bar work was great because in a sense I was a bit like a counsellor. People would come to me with problems and I’d help them as best I could.

“I’m a child of the peace process” It’s probably around then that I first thought about politics.” His next step was as an advisor to the then Labour defence spokesman, Vernon Coaker. So when Dave Watts announced he wouldn’t be standing again in St Helens North at the 2005 General Election, Conor applied for the seat and was eventually selected. Since taking over Dave Watts’ old seat almost three years ago, the 33-year-old has thrown himself into local campaigns. One of them has attracted national prominence - and it’s partly thanks to Local Life. “In late 2015, you interviewed Marie McCourt, whose daughter Helen was murdered 30 years ago but her body was never found. In the article, Marie said she was pushing for a change in the law to ensure that killers would not be eligible for parole unless they disclosed where they had buried their victims. The editor suggested to Marie that I, as the local MP, could potentially help with lobbying ministers and civil servants.

28 He’s come under fire from some quarters for what they see as sitting on the fence. It’s a charge he denies: “I’ve been very clear about but in the age of social media it is easy for your views to be misrepresented. “I’m for a brownfield first policy. I think they need to scale down the plans for Rainford because it’s about getting the balance right.”

“Rainford plans need to be scaled down”

“Shortly afterwards, Marie came to see me and we have worked on it ever since.” The campaign has generated support from victims’ families across the UK, and Conor presented a Private Members’ Bill to Parliament - the first step in getting the law changed. There’s little doubt that his childhood helped shape his politics, particularly his pragmatism: “I’m prepared to work across party lines to get things done. Opposition is frustrating because you can’t actually do anything, so if you want change, you need to be prepared to work with those who can help bring that about. “I suspect the most probable way of getting a Helen’s Law onto the statute books is by amending current legislation. The Government is looking into the legal arguments, whether it could be retrospective and so on, but I’m confident we can do it.” Conor is also acutely aware of a similarly thorny issue; of the emerging St Helens Local Plan which is looking to earmarking Green Belt for development in places such as Rainford, Billinge and Garswood.

Another area Conor is keen to ensure balance is in his family life. With a wife and two young children (the youngest, Neasa, was delivered by Conor on the living room floor at their home in Newtonle-Willows), he’s determined to be around while they’re growing up. “Yes, it’s hard on us all as I’m away all week and Kate, my wife, is here but then again lots of local families have to do that. But we make time and Friday nights are ‘our’ time. We sit down with a glass of wine and I’m currently watching The Crown on Netflix. “I take the little fella swimming during the weekend as well. And of course soon, he’ll be getting that bicycle that’s sitting behind my desk...”

Remembering Cowley’s Fallen Cowley School in St Helens will be holding a memorial service to remember fallen soldiers of World War 1.

Mr Smethurst taught at Cowley for many years and visited the families of the 402 men to make sure they had a full and accurate account of their war service, including every battle fought and where 47 of the soldiers perished.

The ‘Old Cowleians’ Facebook group is organising a short service of remembrance and celebration to mark the occasion.

The Old Cowleian’s Band will play at the service and reprints of the Roll of Honour by James Smethurst will be available for purchase.

In 1919 James Smethurst, Modern Language Master at Cowley, compiled and printed the Roll of Honour

It will be held on Saturday, May 5 at 2pm at Cowley College, Hard Lane.

and Pro Patria of World War 1. A few copies remain of his carefully-researched account of every Cowley old boy who served in the war,

For more information see ‘Old Cowleians’ on Facebook or email ritaallcock@blueyonder.co.uk or colette.cook@hotmail.co.uk

Class from the past

This month’s Class from the Past is from Gerard RC Infants’ School. It’s believed the photograph was taken in the early to mid 1960s.

Maybe you can spot a familar face? Do you have an old class photo you’d like to share? Email sthelensnews@locallife247.co.uk

Towering achievements Tower College in Rainhill is celebrating its 70th anniversary. And a garden party will be held in the school grounds, on Saturday, April 21 for current and former pupils, staff, their families and the local community to celebrate this special year. When the school first opened, there were 70 pupils, one full-time teacher and two part-time. But today, hundreds of students pass through the school gates. Current Principal Rachel Oxley’s parents, Charles and Muriel Oxley founded the school in 1948. She said: “They wanted to found an independent school that provided a happy, family environment and wasn’t just for the privileged few.” She says Tower College has always been a closeknit ‘family’ of staff and pupils who all embrace the school’s values of ‘achievement’, ‘belonging’ and ‘compassion’. Miss Oxley continued: “Every parent wants the best start for their child and I am very proud of the fact that we have always been an inclusive school, striving to support and nurture our children in whatever ambitions they may have.” The school encourages pupils to focus on their strengths and talents and to pursue their dreams. Aspiring musician Sophie Morgan (pictured above)

recently supported the Waterboys on their recent European tour; and former pupil, Beth Taylor, won a tennis scholarship to the University of Carolina. With an impressive 93% average pass rate for GCSEs, Tower College boasts well above the national average of around 60%. Several pupils and school teams have qualified for national sporting including swimming medals and academic wins at the national Young Writers competitions. Miss Oxley said: “I am very happy that I have been able to continue my parents’ legacy and see the children, who have passed through our doors, flourish and succeed.”

Library staff left spellbound! The fourth annual Harry Potter Book Night at Haydock Library was a spell-binding success. The evening involved visitors entering through Platform 9 ¾ before being sorted into their Hogwarts Houses by the library’s own Sorting Hat and receiving their own House badges. Children were then treated to an evening of crafts, games and activities including Quidditch and Harry Potter bingo, with local police community support officers dropping by to join in the fun.

hen you have an elderly parent or relative to care for, there is no one size fits all solution. Care needs differ enormously; for some a single 30 minute visit each day is enough, others need round the clock care. Care needs aren’t fixed either, with some patients needing temporary extra care after surgery or illness. Taking decisions regarding the care of an elderly parent or relative is tough; everyone looks for the best possible care for the best possible value. However, all reports point to the benefits in your loved one staying in their own home for as long as practical. Preventing, or delaying, a move into sheltered housing or a care home gives stability to your relative so they can maintain regular contact with

What you can expect from your Carer; Making meals/drinks Help getting washed/dressed Cleaning, washing & ironing Trips to visit friends, shopping etc Escorting to appointments All of your personal Care needs provided

friends and family. Although providing good quality care is paramount, there are many real financial benefits to your loved one staying in their home for as long as possible, least the eye-watering costs of care homes. According to PayingForCare, a report by healthcare specialists Laing & Buisson, residential care homes cost an average of £29,270 a year (£563 per week) and, where extra nursing is required this rises to £39,300 per year (£756 per week).

“Affordable care at just £13.50 per hour” This is where Care Break comes in. Care Break is an introductory agency Home Care service, covering the St Helens, Warrington and Wigan area. Care

35 Carer, and together you will create a bespoke care package tailored to suit your needs. Care Break operates a fast response service to get a care package in place as quickly as possible and also aims to ensure that the same Carer visits each time, except for holidays and sickness.

“Peace of mind at an affordable price” Break can bridge that gap in care by providing a flexible care service that works around you and your lifestyles and commitments.

And when your care needs change, Care Break are just on the end of the phone, ready to sort out any issues or provide any extra care requirements.

The cost of care at Care Break is an affordable £13.50 per hour, and all Carers are qualified, DBS registered and fully insured.

For more details about Care Break and how they can help you achieve peace of mind at an affordable price, call today on 01744 649091 or email contact@carebreak.co.uk

Upon contacting Care Break, you will be able to meet with and interview your designated regular

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Health & Fitness

Talking about

prostate cancer T

he big C. No matter what type, the word ‘cancer’ still sends a shiver down many spines, and those who have been personally affected by the disease know the difficulties and heartache that occurs at the hands of cancer. New figures released by Prostate Cancer UK in early February 2018 found prostate cancer is now a bigger killer than breast cancer – about one in eight men in the UK will get prostate cancer at some point in their lives – meaning the male-only disease is now the third most common cancer to die from, after lung and bowel cancer, with one man dying every 45 minutes.

The research from Prostate Cancer UK revealed that 11,819 men now die from prostate cancer every year in the UK, compared to 11,442 women dying from breast cancer. Only men have a prostate gland which sits underneath the bladder and surrounds the urethra, the tube men urinate and ejaculate through. It is usually the size and shape of a walnut and grows bigger as you get older. When cells in the prostate begin to grow in an uncontrolled way, prostate cancer can develop. The cancer often grows slowly to start with and may not cause problems, but in some cases the cancer

37 is more likely to spread and treatment is necessary to stop it spreading outside the prostate. If contained within the prostate (localised prostate cancer or early prostate cancer) there usually are no symptoms, but some men may suffer from urinary problems. These can be mild and happen over many years and may be a sign of a benign prostate problem, rather than prostate cancer. The risk Prostate cancer mainly affects men over 50, and the risk increases with age, and the average age for diagnosis is between 65 and 69 years. Men under 50 can get it, but it isn’t common. But, you may also have a high risk if you’re over 45 and have a family history of prostate cancer or are a black man.

compared to a man who has no relatives with prostate cancer. And the chance may be greater if your father or brother, or more than one close relative was under 60 when diagnosed. If your mother or sister had breast cancer, and were diagnosed under the age of 60 and had faults in genes called BRCA1 or BRCA2 your risk of getting prostate cancer is higher. Although your risk of getting prostate cancer may be higher due to the factors given above, it doesn’t mean you will get it. March for Men

If you’re worried about your risk, do speak to your GP.

Official fundraising events will be held across the summer months in aid of Prostate Cancer UK known as ‘March for Men.’ After last year’s amazing charity walks by Jeff Stelling and thousands of our supporters, it’s time to march again in 2018.

You are two and a half times more likely to get prostate cancer if your father or brother had it,

On Sunday, June 10, March for Men will be making its way to Wythenshawe Park, Manchester.

Walkers of all abilities are invited to take park in the short (2k), medium (5k) or long (10k) walk through one of Manchester’s finest parks. The event site opens at 10am and the walk starts at 11am. It’s £10 to register with a £50 suggested fundraising target.

So step up on Manchester’s March for Men and help raise the £120 million needed to create better testing and treatments that will halve prostate cancer deaths by 2026. There’s also the Liverpool March for Men taking place on the same day at Croxteth Hall and Country

39 Park. Again you can take on either the short, medium or long, walk making your way around one of Liverpool’s most important heritage sites. The short route on both walks are fully accessible for wheelchairs and pushchairs. So round up your loved ones and register now to help stop prostate cancer being a killer. For more details and to register for either walk visit prostatecanceruk.org Prostate Cancer UK is the largest men’s health charity and they aim to help more men survive prostate cancer and enjoy a better quality of life, so the aim in March is to raise awareness and invite the public to join the fight against prostate cancer by fundraising, campaigning and donating.

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Puzzle Corner

SUDOKU

WORD SEARCH Find the hidden words in the word search grid

NUMBER BLOCK MOTHER SON DAUGHTER CARD GIFTS

FLOWERS LOVE CARING KISSES WARM

MEMORIES HOME HUGS SUNDAY ROSES

WORD MIX UP Unscramble the letters to make a word

5 4 5

25 6 24 13 6 26 0 12

14 24 24 12 12 The numbers in each row add up to totals to the right.

THESOLOCCA

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

AMYFIL VIGGIN SPICELA

totals to the right.

WIGGLE WORDS CLUE: Eye wear

FULLPEH TIPTEAN HOTLUGFUHT TUBIFEALU

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

P S E L

A I A C

O R T C

F S P E

All the puzzle solutions are on page 64 of this magazine

Travel

NYC’s the place

ew York, New York... so good they named it twice.

Of course, that’s not strictly correct. One refers to the city, and the other refers to the state, but nevertheless it’s a place where you can double up on everything. From the food portions to sheer size of the buildings, NYC likes to go big. From its earliest days, New York was linked with power and fame. It was named after the then Duke of York, who later became King James II. It became the gateway to immigrants seeking a better life in the New World. Today, it’s a city of 8.5m people. Some experts believe there’s about 800 different languages spoken in the city. Spend even

to be

an hour in New York and you’d swear they were all being spoken at once. It wasn’t dubbed by the city’s best-known crooner, Frank Sinatra, as “the city that doesn’t sleep” for nothing... As for places to visit, New York leaves you spoilt for choice. ‘Friends’ enthusiasts from across the globe can re-enact the TV shows opening credits and frolic in the fountain found in Central Park. And while we’re on the subject of the enormous man-made open space running through Manhattan almost cutting the city in two, Central Park offers locals and tourists alike a place to get away from the hustle and bustle of the big city. Whether picnicking in the summer, or enjoying a horse-drawn carriage ride through the snow in the winter.

43 And Christmas in NYC is one like no other. Picture ice skating at the Rockefeller Centre around the beautifully dressed Christmas tree worthy of giants, window shopping (or blowing your dollars) along Fifth Avenue, scaling the heights of the Empire State Building and seeing the concrete jungle twinkling below. You never know, you may have your very own ‘Sleepless in Seattle’ moment. More than 15 years have now passed since the devastating terror attacks of 9/11 but Ground Zero still remains a place of reflection. The new World Trade Centre and 9/11 Memorial are living tributes that honour the lives lost and celebrate New York City’s resilience. Travel back in time on Ellis Island and put yourself in the shoes of 12 million immigrants from Ireland, France, Italy and beyond hoping to make a new life for themselves in the land of the free, as Lady Liberty continues to stand tall and proud on Liberty Island, watching over inhabitants as she has done for more than a century.

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Lovers of the arts must make a stop on Broadway, whether you’re catching a Musical or a play. Think London’s West End on steroids, where it’s all razzle dazzle all the time. And while you’re in the vicinity, head on down to Times Square and see for yourself how many neon and LED lights and signs the square really has. And as we all know, this is one of the most iconic locations in the world to ring in the New Year.

NYC

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44 And if it’s culture you’re after, put the Metropolitan Opera House, Radio City Music Hall and the Museum of Modern Art on your to-do list. Big kids must make a stop at FAO Schwarz – one of the oldest and most iconic toy stores in the world – where a visit feels like a trip to the theatre. And let’s not forget about the M&M’s and Hershey stores for all your candy needs. Why not walk the steps of the Metropolitan Museum of Art and imagine what your life would be like if you had a golden ticket to the annual Met Gala rubbing elbows with artists, fashionistas, and musicians alike.

NYC Checklist Language: English Currency: Dollar Time: -5 hour Beer: $7.00 Cappuccino : $4.19 3 Course Meal: $38.75

There are many landmarks in New York that are beloved not for their exterior, but what they hold inside. Take Grand Central Terminal for example, used in many films and TV shows when a dramatic exit from the city is needed, but there’s so much more to the beautiful train station. You can eat some lunch or shop till you drop, but many travellers go to take in the scenery. In a city as vast as New York, there are different things that appeal to different visitors, whether it’s visiting Brooklyn to experience the more low-key or hipster vibe the lower east side has to offer, or visiting the Chelsea of New York and strolling through the meatpacking district near the West Village, there is something for everyone.

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Upload your event for FREE at www.locallife247.co.uk/events Follow us on Facebook

events2go

Diabetes UK meeting

Heritage Meeting

Wednesday, March 7, 7.30pm

Monday, March 12, 1pm

Do you have Diabetes? Find out more about living with the condition here. Diabetes Eye Screening – the current view. Speaker Bob Wilkes: Optometrist, RD Wilkes Opticians, Rainhill. Free entry. For more info call 0151 480 0821 or visit www.st-helens-anddistrict.diabetesukgroup.org

The Friends of Cannington Shaw will be holding the first of their quarterly meetings in the Sankey Suite at the World of Glass.

United Reformed Church, King Street, St Helens, WA10 2JZ.

Higher Education Exhibition

Rochdale Town Hall Thursday, March 8, 9.30am-4pm There’ll be tea/coffee on arrival followed by an hour tour around Rochdale Town Hall including the Exchange, Great Hall and the Council Chamber. After the tour there’ll be time to visit Touchstones Rochdale. Coach pick up’s Golden Gates, Warrington and North Road, St Helens. It’s £15 for members and £18 for non-members.

Sankey Suite, World of Glass, Chalon Way E, Saint Helens, WA10 1BX. Tel: 01744 22766

Tues, March 13, 9.30am-3pm; Tues, March 13, 5pm-7pm; Wed, March 14, 9.30am-3pm There’ll be talks, application process advice, and interactive stands, as well as current students on hand to discuss their experiences, and staff from University Centre St Helens. Book your free place at http://sthelens.ac.uk/events/2186-ucasmanchester-higher-education-exhibition Manchester Central Convention Windmill Street, Manchester, M2 3GX

Complex,

St Helens & Warrington Oddfellows, 17 North Road, St Helens, WA10 2TW. Tel: 01744 453650

A Day in The Life of a Bottlehand

Luke Daniels

Set against the backdrop of St Helens life in the late 19th Century, ‘A Day in The Life of a Bottlehand’ celebrates the lives, stories and histories (real and imagined) of the people who worked in the largest glass bottle-making factory in the world. Free event.

Friday, March 9, 7.30pm-11pm The BBC award-winning singer songwriter and composer hailed by critics as “a genius” for his work with 19th century polyphon machines. He creates masterful acoustic folk music encompassing humble woodnotes to syrupy synthesized twists. Tickets are £14 from www.citadel.org.uk The Citadel Arts Centre, Waterloo Street, St Helens, WA10 1PX. Tel: 01744 735436

Thursday, March 15, 2.30pm-3.30pm

Rainford Community Library, Church Road, Saint Helens, WA11 8HA. Tel: 01744 677820

Drop in Mindfulness Sessions

1940s Night

Thursdays, Mar 15, 29, Apr 12, 19, 26, 7pm-8pm

Friday, March 23, 7.30pm-11pm

Join a small, friendly group for guided, mindfulness meditation. £5 on the day. Email louise@ mindfulness-helps.com for info.

Helen Marie Charity presents a 1940s Night with Katz Korner. There’ll be a hotpot dinner and dessert, raffle and tombola. Tickets are £12 and all proceeds go towards sick and disabled children. Cal 07724 995298 for tickets.

Rainford Village Hall, Church Road, Rainford, WA11 8HB. Tel: 01744 884709

Local History Night Thursday, March 15, 7pm-8.30pm History Talk with discussions, pictures and reminiscing about old St Helens. Hosted by Victor. Momo’s, 8 Cotham Street, St Helens, WA10 1SA. Tel: 01744 302020

Songs from the Shows

St Mary’s Club, Trent Road, Billinge, WN5 7QT. Tel: 01744 892836

Prescot Historic Society Thursday, March 22, 7.30pm Enjoy a hot pot supper and listen to Brian Halliwell speak about historical tales, myths and monologues. Tea/coffee will be served after the meeting. Everyone welcome.

Friday, March 16, 7pm-9.15pm

Parish Church Hall, Church Street, Prescot, L34 3LA. Tel: 0151 426 6719

Tickets £6 via prescotfestival@gmail.com or 07762 607618. Includes Cottom’s hot pot (vegetarian option by prior request). Bring your own drinks.

Bookish

Prescot Parish Church Meeting Room, Church Street, Prescot, L34 1LA

Rainford Heritage Society Monday, March 19, 7.30pm, 7.30pm A talk entitled “How Ormskirk treated evacuees from Liverpool in WW2” by Roger Bloxall. Everyone is welcome; entry is £2 per person. Function Room, Junction pub, Rainford, WA11 7JU. Tel: 01744 882868

14-16 Academy Open Evening Wednesday March 21, 4pm-6.30pm Explore facilities; chat to teachers & students; career advice; Headteacher presentation at 6pm. Free but registration necessary http://sthelens.ac.uk/events/ St Helens College 14-16 Academy Building, Technology Campus, St Helens, WA9 1TT. Tel: 01744 623105

Thursday, March 22, 7pm-9pm Bookish is a collection of five new comedy shows from performers and comedians Laura Mugridge and Tom Adams. Plus live original music, a quiz and stories. Two shows (books) will be chosen and performed on the night. For tickets visit www. eventbrite.co.uk/e/bookish-tickets-41341710168 Billinge Library, 49 Main Street, Billinge, WN5 7HA. Tel: 01744 677535

Get Creative Festival! Saturday, March 24, 10am-4pm People can find out how to ‘get creative’ on their doorstep and try something different. Voluntary arts groups and organisations are invited to share their skills or perform at the library. Please contact Jess in the Arts Service on 01744 677076 (Thursdays and Fridays) if interested. Haydock Library, Church Road, St Helens, WA11 0LY. Tel: 01744 677801

Competition

he award-winning ‘The Beatles Story’ is the world’s largest permanent exhibition purely devoted to telling the story of The Beatles’ rise to fame and Local Life has three pairs of tickets for The Beatles Story to give away in our latest competition. Located in the Fab Four’s hometown of Liverpool on the stunning UNESCO World heritage waterfront at the Albert Dock, The Beatles Story takes visitors on an immersive journey through the lives, times, culture and music of the world’s greatest band. Join The Beatles on their journey; first conquering Liverpool, and then the world, through recreations of key locations from the band’s career including The Casbah Club, The Cavern Club, and Abbey Road Studios. Multi-media audio guides are available in ten different languages including Mandarin, Brazilian Portuguese, French and German, and are beautifully narrated by John Lennon’s sister, Julia. The FREE guide is packed with information, imagery, and features video

49 interviews with Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr, giving visitors a unique insight into the story of the Fab Four. A must for any music fan, The Beatles Story features an impressive collection of fascinating memorabilia including the band’s original instruments, John Lennon’s New York piano, Ringo Starr’s drum kit, rare album sleeves, photography and original lyrics. New items recently introduced include the original Strawberry Field Gates, the ‘Holy Grail’ record that launched The Beatles, Brian Epstein’s Jacket and to mark 50 years since the release of Sgt Pepper, a range of new memorabilia including a full set of authentic replica suits. Finish your perfect historical experience in one of two Beatles-themed Fab4 Cafes or browse through a fantastic range of products available from one of the Fab4 Stores.

In 2018, The Beatles Story celebrates 50 years since The Beatles travelled to India with the launch of a special exhibition. ‘Beatles In India’ looks at this key period in time with new memorabilia, imagery and personal accounts from people who were there with them. To win one of three pairs of tickets for The Beatles

Story, simply visit our website www.locallife247. co.uk, click on ‘free stuff’ and then on ‘competitions’. To enter the competition just input your answer to the following question; On which famous Liverpool dock is The Beatles Story located? The expiry date for the competition is Saturday 31st March 2018l. Entrants must be over 16 years of age. Only one entry per household. Local Life 247 cannot accept responsibility for entries that do not reach us. Employees of Local Life 247 Ltd and their families are not eligible to enter this competition.

For more information and to buy tickets please visit beatlesstory.com

MG NW Do Supercars of The NW

Haydock Lace Fair

Sunday, March 25, 3pm

Sunday, April 15, 10am-3.30pm

The event is held at Southport, but the group will meet at St Helens Motor Auctions first then everyone will go together.

A one day Fair for Lacemakers and craft workers with craft material suppliers. Exhibitors include: Reg Beasant; Church Meadow Crafts; Claire’s Lace; Lace Guild; Mainly Lace; Patchwork Gallery and more!. Tickets £4 on the day.

St Helens Motor Auctions, East Lancs Road, St Helens, WA11 9LE. Tel: 01744 22513

Coffee Morning Saturday, April 7, June 9, Sept 15, 10am-12pm Rainford Senior Citizens & Social Committee welcomes anyone and everyone to their coffee mornings. Contact Arthur Singford on 01744 882533 for more info. Rainford Church Hall, Church Road, Rainford, WA11 8HB. Tel: 01744 884709

Autism Awareness Day Walk Sunday, April 8, 12pm-5pm (walk starts at 1.50pm) A Walk for World Autism Awareness & to celebrate St Helens’ 150th anniversary, hosted by Autism & Asperger Society. You can walk with The Saints, and there’ll be a children’s fairground, info, awareness and fundraising. Email contact@theautismark.org or call 01744 362260 for more info. Taylor Park, Regents Road, St Helens, WA10 3HX.

Cheese & Wine Evening Friday, April 13, 7.30pm Rainford Heritage Society are hosting a Cheese & Wine evening. Tickets are £10 and included are 5 free vouchers to be used for a choice of wines or beers from George Wrights Brewery. Everyone is welcome. Buy tickets in advance from Ray Waring on 01744 885547, or pay on arrival. Junction Pub, 102 News Lane, Rainford, WA11 7JU. Tel: 01744 882868

Centenary Stand, Haydock Park Racecourse, Newton-le-Willows, WA12 0HQ.

Oasis Tribute Friday, April 27, 7.30pm-10pm Definitely Oasis are bringing their sell out show to St Helens as part of their UK tour. The band will perform hits including songs ‘Wonderwall’, ‘Live Forever’, ‘Don’t Look Back in Anger’ and more. Tickets £12.50 (inc. booking fee) www.citadel.org.uk The Citadel Arts Centre, Waterloo Street, St Helens, WA10 1PX. Tel: 01744 735436

Peter Pan the Musical Friday, April 27, 7pm; Saturday, April 28, 7pm; Sunday, April 29, 5pm Top of the Hill Productions based on the play by Sir J.M. Barrie. Tickets are £10 each, and can be bought from Elizabeth Hill School Of Dance, Eccleston, office, which is open on a Saturday. Tel: 01744 23220 Dalton Theatre, Carmel College, Prescot Road, St Helens, WA10 3AG.

Twinkle Twinkle Sunday, April 29, 2.30pm-3.30pm There are melodies inside all of us, and no one knows that more than Marty the puppy, whose songs and playtime with his Dad are the best part of his day. Tickets are between £5-£7 from www. citadel.org.uk The Citadel Arts Centre, Waterloo Street, St Helens, WA10 1PX. Tel: 01744 735436

Chorley by David Sudworth

eing too young to appear on the TV show Krypton Factor, I always thought I’d missed the chance to tackle its famous assault course. Although I wouldn’t go as far as saying this walk resembled it, there are certainly some more ‘challenging’ parts to it. Not that this should deter you. Simply think of it as ‘forewarned is forearmed’. We park up at Yarrow Valley Country Park at Birkacre. From the car park head out along Birkacre Road, crossing the B5251, and continuing along to Butterworth Brow. Here go right and then cross over the road to enter the field. This is where your wellies come in, as a large part of this section is very wet and extremely muddy in places. I don’t mind mud, but after a few miles it can get tedious. Pick a day when the ground is likely to be firm and you’ve got no worries.

Continue along the footpaths, heading north between the River Yarrow and the B5251. After about three quarters of a mile you should be walking around a large meadow area, and you need to head for the northwest corner, where there’s a footbridge to carry you over the river. It can be difficult to get your bearings here, so pay close attention and you will be fine. Follow the path up the hill, past Yarrow Farm and onto the lane. I always feel a sense of unease going through farms, mostly because it feels like you’re loitering in someone’s private space. However, we got a cheery hello from someone working close by so I imagine it’s something they’re used to! You pretty much cross straight over the lane and follow the path around the field. As you go from one field to the next, make sure you keep to the right

53 of the tree line until you reach Parkers in the Fields Farm. Follow the track through the farmyard and once out and onto the lane, take the footpath on your left. Here, there’s a little more mud as you enter the field. Continue along the left of the field to the path that runs along the perimeter of Yarrow Valley 9-Hole Golf Course. The path soon takes a sharp left, leading you down into a woods and down to the river. As you make your way along this section you’ll find a few fallen trees blocking your way, and again it can be muddy. As our fearless photographer Peter said at the time, it’s kind of bordering on an assault course at this point, but that’s what makes it fun, right? Eventually you’ll emerge on to Butterworth Brow, where you go right, up the hill. Just as you’re reaching the top of the hill, cross over and into Sharratts Path. Follow the lane down and into the path, that takes you down to the B5251 and crossover the main road, going right a short distance, until you reach the footpath on your left. Take this path and follow it through the woods to Birkacre brow and back to the car park.

All in all, this is a short walk at just 3.25 miles but you do get a sense of having really explored the area. Some of these routes don’t seem particularly well used so there is a feeling of discovery as you literally beat a path through the landscape. Yarrow Valley is a beautiful part of Chorley, and even in the darkest of months, it brings enjoyment to many. So long as you’re prepared for the patches of mud, you’ll get as much enjoyment out of it as we did. Please ensure you wear appropriate clothing and footwear while walking. While every care has been taken to ensure that the walk is accurate, neither the publisher or its editorial contributors can accept, and hereby disclaim, any liability to any party to loss or damage caused by errors or omissions resulting from negligence, accident or other cause.

Length of walk: 3.25 miles Difficulty: Short but difficult in sections due to muddy sections and fallen trees. Accessibility: We did the walk after some prolonged rainfall and there was some very muddy sections.

251

Yarrow Farm

Chorley

Parker’s i’ th’ Field’s Farm

Yarrow Valley Golf Club

rth erwo Butt

Brow

row

Shar

ratts Path

ad Birkacre Ro

Charnock Richard

Postcode: PR7 3QL

Coppull

Yarrow Valley Country Park

Plan now for

summer scent by Angie Barker

hen I was a little girl (Hubby is chuckling to himself as he ponders just how long ago that was!) our garden had a large Lilac tree. The flowers were pale mauve with the most wonderful perfume and now that I have a Lilac growing in my garden, I look forward to every spring when I can breathe in its perfume and be transported back in time to my childhood. It’s funny how scent is so closely linked to memory. This is the perfect time of year to start planning for summer scent in your garden and I think these are some of the best plants: Lavender – Lavandula angustifolia ‘Hidcote’ is one of the nicest. They do like good drainage so if you garden on heavy clay, best to put them in pots with free draining compost. A line of them edging a path looks lovely and as you brush past you can take in the perfume. Sweet Peas – annuals have the best perfume and there are lots of colours to chose from. Remember with these that you can’t plant them out until the last frost has passed.

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.

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Herbs – these are a wonderfully fragrant group of plants, Thyme. Mint and Rosemary being my favourites. A word of caution, don’t plant Mint in a border as it will completely take over – keep it in a pot. And of course you can’t mention perfume without thinking of Roses. You need to be careful when selecting your Rose because not all of them are scented and some more so than others. David Austin has a wonderful selection and the website is excellent, giving lots of detail of each one’s particular perfume. One of the best is Rosa ‘Munstead Wood’ Pergolas and trellis will give you the opportunity of growing scented climbing plants. Jasminum officinale (needs a warm sheltered spot) and Lonicera periclymenum ‘Serotina’ (Honeysuckle) are fabulous. Place near a patio and before you know it you’ll be sitting in your garden on a warm summer’s evening, not only sipping a glass of wine but drinking in some heady perfume – life doesn’t get much better! (Hubby agrees).

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by Tim Barnes-Clay

itted with a 3.0 litre V6 engine, the latest Audi A4 Avant becomes almost too powerful for its own good.

You get a lot of kit for the cash, though and Audi is well-known for its upmarket, understated interiors that are both perfectly finished and intuitive.

Don’t get me wrong; the diesel lump is a real pearl, but there’s no way it returns the claimed 57.6mpg when riding on 19-inch wheels. I found the car thirsty, and mid-30s was more realistic for me when driving two-up, with no luggage, on a mix of motorways, A and B-roads.

This A4 doesn’t dissatisfy; it has upscale materials everywhere and a straightforward, intelligible dashboard arrangement. Technology is plentiful, too. It includes: a reversing camera, parking sensors, three-zone climate control, heated electric seats, and a powered, hands-free boot.

The A4 estate model that Audi sent me came in top S line trim, and starts at £38,895, but with a few thousand pounds of options thrown at it, my test car was waving a £46,395 price-tag.

The A4 Avant is among the best-looking estates on the market in Britain. It’s undeniably classy, and the large 3.0 litre diesel engine is so smooth that it feels more like a hard-hitting petrol unit.

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This practical five-up estate comes with Audi’s standard seven-speed S tronic automatic gearbox. It changes slickly, keeping the revs low except when Dynamic mode is selected. A moderate push of your

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